Showbiz
Sound Sultan: The Poetic Ambassador on Migration UN Never Had
By Segun Adesokan
Motherland, referring to Nigeria in his song, at the time of its release, was timely and its messages even till the present day is rich and timeless as it could be passed off as an immigrant travel guide.
The early part of the song had reminded us about how Chinedu had borrowed some money to fund his trip to Chicago. It further adds: how Nnamdi had also sold off his car to facilitate the trip of a beloved to America. In the middle of it all is also the emotionally drained lover or spouse left behind, whose wellbeing and fragile mind is left hanging in the balance, sadly in some instances, some partners never return.
The song perhaps appears to have critically observed the obsession of many immigrants whose inordinate or misplaced quest for survival believes that immigrating to the West or other European countries is a critical means by which survival is sought, hence Sound Sultan’s Motherland came in handy: offering some counsel, suggesting that sometimes, a sojourner may have to beat a retreat by returning to his ancestral home, Motherland, given the fact that sometimes, in a bid to survive in a foreign land, the unpredictability of such adventures may unavoidably require one to do so.
As often the case with many immigrants from Nigeria and by extension many others from African countries, who had at one time or the other undertaken such adventurous trips in search of greener pasture abroad, even the period leading to their departure also comes at a great cost and sacrifices as some families sell off assets and other prized possessions to fund such trips, unsure whether the risk would eventually pay off or not.
While the craze in search of the golden fleece rage on, some Africans in their desperation may have also thrown caution in the air, leading to situations where thousands have reportedly died in the wake of risky voyages across Mediterranean or Sahara wastelands, as hundreds have also fallen prey to wild beasts, transnational armed syndicate and human traffickers who deal in drugs and séx slaves, having promised many unsuspecting victims an elusive Eldorado life, waiting for them in Europe.
Many African households have believed some of these false narratives built into their psyche for many years and it has become so difficult to undo.
The late singer was never opposed to the idea of people seeking better opportunities or greener pastures outside the country, but rather also reminds them about home and the need for them to apply cautious optimism where applicable, in their quest to travelling overseas.
Notwithstanding, the home would still be home regardless of the prevailing circumstance which may have forcibly led to one’s uneventful return.
This writer believes late Olarewaju Fasasi, fondly called Sound Sultan, as a social crusader, an iconic singer using his musical crafts as a vehicle to remind us about the need to be introspective, also feels compelled to note that Motherland, mirroring the life of most immigrants and some of the challenges often associated with it, brings to the fore also a social problem and the need for concerned international organisations like UN and its relevant agencies to do more in terms of advocacy and policies in reversing the tales of woes of many migrants.
Though UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes for the first time the contribution of migration to its sustainable development, thus, 11 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) contain targets and indicators relevant to migration or mobility for which parts of its Agenda’s core principle is to “leave no one behind,” not even migrants.
The SDGs’ central reference to migration is made in some of its major targets, which is to facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.
Other targets directly related to migration mention trafficking, remittances, international student mobility, and more. Moreover, migration is indirectly relevant to many more cross-cutting targets.
UN, more recently, through International Organization on Migration, a leading partner on the inter-governmental organisation in the field of migration works to ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.
In 2016, IOM entered into an agreement with the United Nations, becoming one of its specialized agencies.
However, the above plans and efforts of UN appear commendable but today’s realities in some part of Europe and other Asian countries, judging by their immigration policies at present largely remains a far cry from the much-advertised SDG’s policies.
While many Africans battle so hard to grapple with harsh realities and hostilities of their host countries ranging from racism, prejudice, little or too rigid legal documentation processes for immigrants, and biting chances of economic survival, many have also become susceptible to illegal drug dealings which in most cases often result in cruel fate or even avoidable deaths.
The sad news on the passing of Sound Sultan, one of Nigeria’s notable songwriter, artist, producer, and comedian, who a few weeks ago was reported to have lost the battle to a cancerous related aliment around the throat, brings with it feelings of pain, grief, and national loss.
By national loss, Nigeria just lost a voice and a social crusader reputed for his numerous campaigns against bad governance, injustice, corruption, and bad leadership a major clog in the wheel of Nigeria’s progress. He will fondly be remembered for his many statesmanly roles towards mobilizing the citizens through his several songs on how to constructively hold them accountable to their constitutional functions.
To the memory of the late singer, President Muhammadu Buhari also penned a glowing tribute to him for his contribution to basketball development in Nigeria.
He was even reported to have co-owned a basketball team. D’Tigers, the Nigerian men basketball national team, would also honour the late singer by wearing T-shirts bearing the late singer’s name and image on it, for his roles in promoting the sports.
Coincidentally, his death would also leave a lasting memory following D’Tiger’s phenomenal triumph over the US men basketball national team, a feat no African team had ever done, the same day he was said to have died.
The Motherland crooner died at age 44 in the US and his remains have since been buried in the US, same day, according to Islamic rites, leaving behind his three kids and his beloved wife.
When Pragya and Abhi’s complicated love story kept viewers glued to their screens in Kumkum Bhagya, many Nigerian homes were already familiar with the emotional rollercoaster that ZeeWorld dramas bring. From hidden identities and unexpected betrayals to family members standing in the way of love, the show became one of the many dramas that turned ordinary evenings into moments of suspense and heated conversations.
The same happened with This is Fate, where viewers followed the journey of characters like Prachi and Ranbir through love, misunderstandings and family conflicts. Every revelation, heartbreak and reunion became something audiences discussed long after the episode ended.
This is the magic ZeeWorld has created over the years. The channel has mastered a style of storytelling built around emotions Nigerians connect with.
For many Nigerian women, ZeeWorld is not just another entertainment channel. It has become part of everyday routines, family conversations and shared viewing experiences.
Here is why it continues to hold their attention.
Love Stories That Keep Viewers Invested
ZeeWorld understands the power of romance, especially when love is tested. Love is never simple in ZeeWorld’s dramas. Characters have to deal with family expectations, misunderstandings, betrayal and difficult choices before finding happiness. This emotional journey keeps viewers invested because they are not just watching a love story unfold; they are hoping for the characters to overcome every obstacle.
Family Drama That Feels Familiar
Beyond romance, ZeeWorld’s biggest strength is its focus on family. Many of its storylines explore themes Nigerians understand deeply, parental expectations, family loyalty, marriage pressures and the desire to protect loved ones. While the settings may be different, the emotions feel familiar. The mother trying to protect her child, the family fighting to preserve its name or the woman trying to find acceptance are experiences that resonate with many viewers.
Characters Who Become Part of the Conversation
A major reason ZeeWorld has built such a loyal audience is the connection viewers have with its characters. Fans celebrate their favourite characters, criticise their decisions and debate their choices like they are discussing people they know. A storyline from a ZeeWorld drama can easily become the main topic of conversation among friends, sisters or family members.
The Joy of Watching Together
In a world where streaming has made entertainment more individual, ZeeWorld still represents the traditional television experience where people gather around the same screen and share reactions together. It is the channel playing while dinner is being prepared, the show discussed during visits and the reason viewers make sure they do not miss an important episode.
Television trends may change and new streaming platforms may emerge, but stories built on love, family and human emotion rarely go out of style. As long as ZeeWorld continues to tell those stories, it will keep giving Nigerian women a reason to tune in, laugh, cry and ask the same question at the end of every episode.
Don’t miss your favorite Zee World shows on GOtv Ch 30.
To upgrade, subscribe or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen as fan favourite David bowed out in one of the most emotional episodes of the season, leaving Fads and Favy as the final two contestants standing in the race for the life-changing ₦73 million grand prize.
With the grand finale within touching distance, the Top 3 walked into the kitchen to find an elegantly laid dining table and an exquisite signature dish created by Chef Eros and Chef Stone. After savouring the meal alongside the judges, they received what would become the defining challenge of their MasterChef journey: recreating the dish with absolute precision to earn a coveted place in the finale.
There were no second chances. With Favy’s immunity pin already behind her, all three contestants stood on equal footing.
“Precision is your friend. Panic is your enemy,” Chef Stone cautioned as the clock began to tick.
For Fads, the challenge became her finest hour. Calm, focused and technically brilliant, she delivered a plate that impressed the judges with its flawless execution, balanced flavours and refined presentation. Her performance earned her Dish of the Day and secured her place as the first finalist.
Favy also rose to the occasion, presenting a dish that won praise for its taste and composure under pressure.
David, however, struggled to bring his vision to life. Despite pouring everything he had into the cook—admitting he had cooked with his “last breath”—his risotto lacked the required texture, while his duck fell short on flavour. In a competition where every detail mattered, those small imperfections had enormous consequences.
Standing beside Favy in the bottom two, David waited anxiously as the judges delivered their final decision.
His MasterChef journey had come to an end.
What followed was one of the season’s most unforgettable moments. Overcome with emotion, David broke down as he reflected on how far he had come. Across the room, Favy was so consumed by the moment that she barely realised she had secured her place in the finale.
Yet even in defeat, David’s story found a remarkable new beginning.
Moved by his passion, determination and undeniable talent, the judges described him as “a diamond in the rough” and rewarded his potential with an extraordinary opportunity: a fully sponsored six-month professional training programme at Chef Stone’s Red Dish culinary school, followed by a paid six-month internship at Chef Eros’s Ile Eros restaurant.
It was a powerful reminder that while competitions may end, dreams do not.
Now, the table is set for an unforgettable finale.
Next week, Fads and Favy will go head-to-head in one last culinary showdown for the MasterChef Nigeria title and the life-changing ₦73 million prize.
Two finalists. One kitchen. One final opportunity to create the dish that changes everything.
MasterChef Nigeria airs every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, with repeat broadcasts on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Family.
What happens when one tragic event forces a family to confront secrets they’ve spent years trying to bury? In The Journal, the mysterious death of a family member brings five siblings back together, but instead of finding answers, they uncover hidden truths that threaten to change everything they thought they knew about each other. To catch The Journal, tune in on Africa Magic Showcase Ch 8 on Saturday at 7:15 PM.
Stories like this are what make Nollywood impossible to ignore. Whether you’re in the mood for emotional family drama, romance, suspense or stories packed with unexpected twists, GOtv has a lineup of Nollywood movies to keep you entertained all weekend.
If you’re looking for what to watch, here are some Nollywood movies to add to your watchlist this weekend.
Iya
Some battles don’t happen outside the home. In Iya, a mother is determined to drive a wedge between her son and his wife. She goes to great lengths to frustrate her daughter-in-law, hoping to push her back into the life she once lived, making money from her beauty. It’s an emotional story about family interference, manipulation and the lengths some people will go to get what they want.
Showing on Africa Magic Yoruba Ch 2 on Saturday at 8:25 PM.
One Man
Nkechi and Amara share a close bond as sisters, but poverty tears them apart while they are still young. Years later, fate brings them back together, but their reunion doesn’t go as expected. Instead, a shocking decision threatens to change both of their lives forever. It’s a touching story about family, sacrifice and the unexpected turns life can take.
Showing on Africa Magic Epic Ch 6 on Saturday at 11:05 AM.
Unlucky
Kenny and Nora’s relationship is already far from perfect, but things become even more complicated when Mabel, a brilliant tech enthusiast, moves in next door. What starts as a simple neighbourly connection soon turns into a complicated love triangle that leaves everyone questioning where their hearts truly belong.
Showing on Africa Magic Showcase Ch 8 on Sunday at 10:14 PM.
My Madam And I
Chief Donald and Jifeofor have spent years as rivals, but life has a funny way of changing the script. While the two men continue their feud, their children unexpectedly fall in love. Now they must decide whether love is strong enough to overcome pride, family rivalry and years of bad blood.
Showing on Africa Magic Family Ch 7 on Sunday at 11:05 PM.
Whether you’re in the mood for family drama, romance, suspense or stories packed with emotional twists, GOtv’s Nollywood lineup has you covered this weekend. So settle in and let these stories take over your screen.
To upgrade, subscribe or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
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