Nigerian rapper LADIPOE joins LootLove via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest track, “Running (feat. Fireboy DML).” He also discusses his new EP, Providence, how becoming a father changed his life, and what he’s working on next.

The Big 5
LootLove shares the 5 hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Timaya feat. Buju, Gaz Mawete feat. Vegedream, Reekado Banks, Karyendasoul feat. Nana Atta & Zakes Bantwini, and Slade feat. Sino Msolo, Tweezy & Yumbs.

Africa Rising 
Nigerian singer-songwriter AV is the latest artist featured from the Africa Rising playlist, a campaign which shines a light on the next generation of African superstars, and this week’s show features his two singles “Confession” and “Big Thug Boys.” Listen HERE.

Loot Loves
Each week, LootLove chooses her favourite track, taken from one of Apple Music’s African playlists. This week she features South African soul singer Marcus Harvey and his single, “Don’t Think About It Too Much”, from Apple Music’s Mood. playlist. Listen HERE, and find a roundup of all LootLove’s selections on Apple Music’s LootLoves playlist, HERE.

Tune in and listen to the full episode this Sunday, October 24th at 2p Lagos/London / 3p Johannesburg/Paris / 6a LA / 9a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow or on Cool FM in Nigeria every Sunday at 6pm.

LADIPOE on the Providence EP

LADIPOE on keeping his fans waiting for music and what they’ll be surprised about on the EP

LADIPOE on his hesitation to follow a career in music

LADIPOE on connecting with Fireboy DML and making Running

LADIPOE on fatherhood

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LADIPOE ON HOW HE’S FEELING IN THE BUILD-UP TO HIS EP RELEASE

“Feeling” genuinely describes how I feel. It’s two things. It’s humbling, but it’s very, very motivating because I can taste it now and once I can taste it, I can’t let go. So yeah, it was a good year and we can make it better.

LADIPOE ON “PROVIDENCE”

One of the most important things to me about the project is the definition of the word “providence.” It means timely preparation for future eventualities. And it also means the protection and the guidance of God. So really that’s how I feel like my career has been. It’s been one where once I accepted this is what I wanted to do. I feel like all the things that have happened are preparing me for moments such as this and the ones that are to come.
While I can say I feel humbled and motivated, I don’t feel like I don’t belong. I feel like I’m right where I need to be, so that’s the energy and the attitude behind the project. I started it in 2019. The idea of releasing it came when I put out a song, I did this thing called ‘Revival Sunday,’ releasing a song every Sunday for the fans.
And there was a particular track I had called “Providence.” And that track, it meant a lot to me. And it just birthed the idea that it’s time for another body of work, but the pandemic hit, which was good and bad for a lot of reasons.

LADIPOE ON ACCEPTING HIS PATH AS AN ARTIST AND WHY HE WAS RESISTANT TO INVEST HIMSELF FULLY INTO MAKING MUSIC

First of all, I’m Nigerian, so being Nigerian and the kind of parents I had and the kind of upbringing… this was not what I was expected to do. I am definitely going against the things that I was shown and the examples I was given. I feel like that was the major resistance. There was also resistance within myself. Was I meant to be doing this kind of thing? Am I good enough to be at the level I would like to go? I call it the identity crisis. Once I got through that, that’s what started this path. And that’s why I feel like this Providence project is important. We came through fire for this. We lost a lot in 2020. 2021 is the year to take it back.

LADIPOE ON WHAT HE THINKS WILL SURPRISE FANS THE MOST ABOUT THE PROJECT

I feel like some of the features they might not see coming. And then also this won’t be surprise, but there’s growth and do you know what I really think will surprise them the most?
I think what will surprise them the most is the fact that I’m dropping a body of work because I take so long. I take a long time to drop music. The last one I dropped was 2018, so I think that’s the biggest surprise. Everything’s really coming out.

LADIPOE ON KEEPING HIS FANS WAITING FOR MUSIC

This is the last time. Dinner will be served promptly from now on.

LADIPOE ON HIS NERVES BEFORE RELEASING “FEELING”

The anxiety and the nervousness and the uncertainty was, I would say about five seconds.
It was like, “Wow, man, I’ve been sure about this. I’m very sure about this, but what happens if they don’t like it? So what’s the next move?” But those thoughts, you swallow them or you spit them out. This is the only time you’re allowed to spit in public, when you are spitting out these bad vibes. So it had to go. It had to go and “Feeling” has become what it was but I feel like I’m ready for another song. And “Running” to me is the continuation of that story we started in “Feeling,” people understand when they hear it.

LADIPOE ON CONNECTING WITH FIREBOY DML AND RECORDING “FEELING”

It started in 2020. I was in a conversation with Fireboy on Twitter. I really liked his music since before. Even how he presents himself, I felt compelled to reach out to tell him like, “Bro, look, man, I think that you’re doing this and I think it’s really dope. Just for you to know”. And he responded back in kind and there was this mutual respect. And from there, I wouldn’t say we kept in touch, but every once in a while there was a chance to speak where I would say something, he’ll say something back.
And it turned into “Let’s work, let’s work.” I like Fire’s energy. We came to the studio, we recorded the first song and I was like, “Okay, we’re at a good place, let’s keep going.” Recorded another song. And I said, “Okay, this is nice. I like how this is sounding.” Recorded a third one, the third one was “Running.”
He’s not joking when he was singing “sweet white wine” in the song, that’s all that was in the studio at the time. So it was a collaboration born out of mutual respect. That’s how you make timeless music. It’s good timing.

LADIPOE ON BECOMING A PARENT

It reveals another side to you that you didn’t really know existed. As soon as it happened, I knew that, “Okay the rest of my life is dedicated to protecting this person.” So that’s just it. There was no big moment that happened in my mind. It’s a flip of a switch, but really at the end of the day, I’m proud. My private life is like what I used to feel my public life was. So I really limit, except for this moment, the amount of it that I share.

LADIPOE ON HIS PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR AND WORKING ON THE ALBUM

For me it’s a struggle to think about that because I’m so used to trying to bring this project out for people to hear that I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself when it’s out. But all I will say is that album mode sounds like the best thing to put myself back in since I have all of this energy. So to start creating for the album, no time to waste.

Ladies and gentlemen, lunch is served!

Showmax premiers its first comedy-drama series in West Africa, Ghana Jollof, which premieres on the African streaming service on Friday, 22 October 2021.

Ghana Jollof tells the sizzling story of two young Nigerians, Jasper (Funnybone) and Romanus (Akah Nnani), who move to Ghana in search of greener pastures.

In the trailer, things start up with a first-time meeting between Nnamdi (Uzor Arukwe, who starred as dreaded crime boss Knight in Sugar Rush), Jasper (AMVCA-winning actor/comedian Funnybone), Kweku (heartthrob James Gardiner from Ghana’s popular telenovela Dede) and Romanus (AMAA nominee/Youtuber Akah Nnani). Subsequently, Jasper and Romanus head out to Ghana to jollof, kicking off a series of adventures… and misadventures.

Executive produced by Nigeria’s King of Comedy, Basketmouth, Ghana Jollof serves up a delicious ensemble cast from both Nigeria and Ghana. This includes the likes of AMAA nominee Joselyn Dumas, leading comedienne Jacinta Ocansey, Mawuli Gavor (Chief Daddy), popular reality star Portia Freelove, model and actress Brihanna Kinte, veteran actor Jackson Albert Davies (Beasts of No Nation), actress Korkor Oyeba Mensah, and multiple award-winning comedian/actor, Kalybos, not to mention Basketmouth himself.

“I’ve always wanted to create something that would be a collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana, and Ghana Jollof is a realization of that dream,” says Basketmouth. “From the cast to the crew, everyone gave of themselves to create a show deserving to be Showmax’s first comedy-drama from West Africa. We all can’t wait for the fans to see what we’ve cooked up.”

Ghana Jollof is directed by AMVCA nominee Diji Aderogba, whose debut feature film About A Boy won the Audience Choice Award at Nollywood Film Week in Paris, France.

Ghana Jollof will be available for streaming across Africa and in the UK. The show will have 13 episodes to devour, with new episodes dropping every Friday from 22 October 2021.

Watch and embed the trailer:

• Main screen: This screen includes a special form of superfeed that highlights the main special cameras included in the broadcast. The base feed will be the view from the master camera, complemented by views from the rest of the cameras, drone shots, graphics and live stats.
• Following the ball: Aerial camera combined with detailed shots. These cameras are always focused on the ball and the player in possession, providing a closer image to follow the player’s actions in detail.
• Around the goal area: This window shows all the action around the goal area where viewers see the very best shots from every attack on goal as well as highlights of each and every intervention from the keepers.
• Camera on the bench: This feed alternates between shots of the home and visitors’ benches. The viewer will be able to follow the coaches’ instructions, reactions to key moments in the match and also keep a close eye on the subs.
• Stats window: The four-image feed leaves space at the bottom of the screen for a layer of dynamic graphics and visuals featuring stats from the match.

Its El Clasico time again and SuperSport viewers can look forward to a classic La Liga rivalry, as Barcelona  host Real Madrid at Camp Nou on the afternoon of Sunday 24 October 2021. SuperSportis also the only place to get English commentary on the legendary La Liga, where ‘El Clasico’, the most famous rivalry in all of club football, takes centre stage as Barcelona take on hated rivals Real Madrid.

While the Blaugrana have endured a difficult start to the season both domestically and in Europe, Los Blancos have also flattered to deceive at times, though they have shown some encouraging signs of promise under Carlo Ancelotti.

However, the Italian is wary of his team’s “wrong attitude”, which sprung up in defeats to Sherriff and Espanyol just prior to the international break, and he will be determined to ensure that no such shortcomings are on show for the Clasico.

Barca, meanwhile, desperately need a big victory to boost morale and belief, with the Blaugrana already looking in danger of becoming an ‘also ran’ in La Liga this season. “It is a complicated situation. We’re suffering, I have to be honest about that,” said veteran defender Gerard Pique. “These are difficult times; we have not experienced them before. The atmosphere in the dressing room is very good and we want to turn it around.”

Barcelona look like they will have to make do without Pedri, Ronald Araujo, and Ousmane Dembele for Sunday’s Clasico against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou.

The trio will also sit out Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev and will not be rushed back for the visit of Los Blancos, according to multiple reports from Spain.

Key players

Memphis Depay – The Dutch attacker has looked at home in a Barcelona shirt and has taken on the mantle of being a talisman in attack. Depay’s movement, touch and intelligence will be crucial if the Blaugrana are to claim a win over Los Blancos.

Luka Modric – The veteran Croatian midfielder continues to be the heartbeat of Real Madrid, with his ability to orchestrate play from anywhere on the field virtually unmatched. Modric will look to pull the strings for another Real Madrid triumph in the Clasico.

Head-to-head stats

In head-to-head stats, Barcelona and Real Madrid have met in 246 competitive matches, dating back to 1902. Los Blancos have 98 wins compared to 96 for the Blaugrana, while 52 games have been drawn.

Real completed a league ‘double’ over Barca last season, winning 3-1 at the Camp Nou in October 2020 and 2-1 in Madrid in April 2021. Los Blancos have put together a four-match unbeaten streak against their arch-rivals.

Battles to watch

Gerard Pique v Karim Benzema – A classic battle of two veterans who are masters of their craft and represent the ‘old school’ at their current clubs. Pique and Benzema’s clash could well decide which team comes out on top on Sunday afternoon.

Frenkie de Jong v Eduardo Camavinga – De Jong has taken on greater responsibility for Barcelona and looks to be maturing nicely, but he’ll have a tough test against the all-action Camavinga, whose energy, passing and tackling have helped Real dominate the ‘engine room’ in recent matches.

Ansu Fati v Eder Militao – Barca’s African-born forward may not start the match, but he’s sure to appear at some point in their attack, which will be a ‘red alert’ moment for centre-back Eder Militao as he aims to quell Fati’s potent threat.

No rival can compete with SuperSport’s coverage. Our viewers on DStv and GOtv enjoy an unrivalled selection of football from around the world!

Don’t miss the New Football Season on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com to subscribe or upgrade, and join in on the excitement. And while you’re on the move, you can stream matches on the DStv App.

Match broadcast details

All times GMT

Sunday 24 October

2:15pm Barcelona v Real Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport GOtv La Liga

Nigerian company, Africa Network Entertainment Limited (ANEL) has announced plans for the premiere of its much-awaited reality TV Show; The Residence Afrika. The first season of the Show tagged The Quest Edition will debut in March 2022 with 24 contestants from Anglophone countries in Africa competing for the grand prize of $500,000.

Chairman of Africa Network Entertainment Limited (ANEL) and Executive Producer of The Residence Afrika; Mr Kelechi Freeman Ukadike speaking to guests and pressmen at the launch party of the Reality TV Show in Lagos, Nigeria.

Chairman of ANEL and Executive Producer of The Residence Afrika; Mr Kelechi Freeman Ukadike made this known at the launch party of the reality TV Show held on Saturday in Lagos, Nigeria. He stated that,

“There is a possibility for the contestants to win more than $500,000 because they will all have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, talents and business skills throughout the Show especially during brand tasks”.

L-R: Vice-Chairman and Director, The Residence Afrika; Jim Iyke, Chairman of Africa Network Entertainment Limited (ANEL) and Executive Producer of The Residence Afrika; Mr Kelechi Freeman Ukadike, Project Director, ANEL and The Residence Afrika; Melvin Oduah, Project Manager, The Residence Afrika; Mr Chuks Anyaduba and Business Man, Mr Fidelis Ofili on the red carpet at the launch party of the Reality TV Show in Lagos, Nigeria.

While presenting the vision of the Show to pressmen and special guests, the Project Manager of the Reality TV Show; Mr Chuks Anyaduba, said that the goal is to curb political upheavals and misunderstandings created by cultural diversity. This will be achieved by showcasing and harmonizing the value systems of different ethnic groups in Africa on the Show.

Also representing ANEL as a Vice-Chairman and Director of the Show, Popular Movie Producer; Jim Iyke said,

“After two years of planning and preparation, the Show’s first season will be aired in Africa and around the world including the United States and the United Kingdom.”

According to the group, preparations are being made to drive engagement and publicity via digital platforms globally. Organisers are also working on ensuring viewers can vote for their favourite contestants by purchasing credits via digital solutions like Paypal, Flutterwave and Bitcoin.”

Viewers will be able to watch the Show on The Residence Afrika app which will be available on Google Playstore and the App Store. They can also have direct conversations with the contestants and choose their Star contestant of the week, every week of the Show.

Auditions will be open to Africans irrespective of status, gender and background. All contestants will apply online through a transparent audition process. Visit https://theresidenceafrika.com/ for more information on the Show.

The Residence Afrika which will have 2 Mansions in an undisclosed location, is a much-anticipated reality TV Show for Africans aimed at empowering talents from the continent with more business opportunities.

Hosted by Cee Classic, the Launch Party had in attendance notable personalities, celebrities, comedians and tastemakers like Solomon Oyekunle, Uti Nwachukwu, Melvin Oduah, DJinee, Jay One, Wilma, Hero Daniels, Moses Inwang, and a host of others.

Fans of the WWE can gear up for another thrilling Pay-Per-View event, Crown Jewel, which will be held on the evening of Thursday 21 October 2021 at the Mohammed Abdu Arena on the Boulevard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia live and exclusive to SuperSport on DStv the #HomeOfSport.

This will be the third edition of Crown Jewel, which was first held in 2018. The card of matches includes a thrilling Triple Threat match between Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

“I don’t care that I don’t have a champion’s advantage for this match,” said Lynch. “I don’t care that Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks are convinced they’re gonna be walking away with this title. There is no world in which I lose and those two b****es better get ready, because ‘The Man’ is coming their way!”

Other clashes to look forward to include a No Holds Barred match between Bobby Lashley and Goldberg, with the latter looking to avenge his defeat at SummerSlam; the team of Riddle and Randy Orton (RK-Bro) defending their Raw Tag Team titles against ‘The Phenomenal’ AJ Styles and the giant Omos; and Drew McIntyre will look to become a three-time WWE Champion when he battles Big E.

But the main event everyone is talking about is a match for the Universal Championship between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. Reigns with help from council Paul Heyman and his cousins, The Usos’, which together form ‘The Bloodline’ has dominated WWE for well over a year now.

However, a potent threat emerged at the SummerSlam event when Brock Lesnar returned to WWE in shocking style. ‘The Beast’ is one of the all-time greats and certainly has the power and skill to take down Reigns, while his past relationship with Heyman who served Lesnar in a similar role to his position in ‘The Bloodline’ now adds a layer of complexity to this showdown.

“Roman Reigns… You call yourself the ‘Head of the Table’. You want to be acknowledged,” said Lesnar. “Well, at Crown Jewel, your time as WWE’s ‘Big Dog’ comes to an end. Brock Lesnar is back, and that’s bad, bad news for you.”

Crown Jewel will also feature a Hell in a Cell match between hated rivals Edge and Seth Rollins, as well as the finals for the King of the Ring and Queen’s Crown tournaments.

Now GOtv viewers can also enjoy some world-class WWE action every Wednesday evening on SuperSport GOtv Select3, with a past Pay-Per-View (3:00pm), WWE 205 (7:00pm) and a documentary (7:30pm).

Don’t miss out on all the WWE content on DStv. Visit www.dstv.com to subscribe or upgrade, and join in on the excitement. And while you’re on the move, you can stream the action on the DStv App.

Crown Jewel confirmed matches

– Singles Match for the WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns v Brock Lesnar

– Triple Threat Match for the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch v Sasha Banks v Bianca Belair

– Tag Team Match for the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship: RK-Bro v AJ Styles & Omos

– Singles Match for the WWE Championship: Big E v Drew McIntyre

– No Holds Barred Match: Goldberg v Bobby Lashley

– Hell in a Cell Match: Edge v Seth Rollins

– King of the Ring tournament final

– Queen’s Crown tournament final

WWE Crown Jewel broadcast details

All times GMTT

Thursday 21 October

4:00pm WWE Crown Jewel – LIVE on WWE Channel 128