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Exciting Performance In Abuja, Lagos As Battery Dance Returns To Nigeria

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Experience the captivating artistry of Battery Dance Company as they make a highly anticipated return to Nigeria. From July 5 to 16, this renowned international dance company will be gracing Lagos and Abuja with their enthralling choreography and breathtaking performances.

In collaboration with the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria and with the support of the U.S. Mission, Battery Dance Company is bringing the Dancing to Connect Program to Nigeria. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and artistic collaboration by providing free workshops for emerging dance artists, instructors, and stage lighting professionals. These workshops, focused on contemporary dance techniques and cultural immersion, will take place in Abuja and Lagos.

Additionally, Battery Dance instructors will engage the youth, fostering creativity and teamwork through the expressive art form of modern dance. Following these transformative workshops, the Battery Dance Company will take the stage to showcase their artistic brilliance in Lagos on July 8 and in Abuja on July 15. Prepare to be spellbound by their mesmerizing choreography and compelling narratives.

Adnan Siddiqi, the U.S. Mission Counselor for Public Affairs, emphasises that the Dance to Connect initiative not only aims to entertain but also seeks to enrich local communities and promote cultural exchange. Siddiqi explains that this tour by Battery Dance Company is a testament to the U.S. Mission’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, allowing audiences to experience the innovation and diversity of American performing arts.

“We are proud to bring Battery Dance to Nigeria, showcasing American innovation and diversity in the performing arts,” expresses Siddiqi. “The upcoming workshops and dance performances promise an exhilarating and inclusive experience, fostering dialogue and strengthening cultural ties between Nigeria and the United States.”

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Jonathan Hollander, Founder and Artistic Director of Battery Dance Company, expresses his excitement, stating, “Coming to Lagos is a dream come true for all of us. We draw immense inspiration from the talented Nigerian dancers and cultural leaders we have encountered during our previous visits in 2011 and 2013. Through our partnership with Sarah Boulos and SPAN in New York and Lagos, we have discovered a shared mission of artistic excellence and social impact. We extend our gratitude to the U.S. Consulate in Lagos and the U.S. Embassy in Abuja for their belief in the power of people-to-people engagement through the Arts.”

Established in 1976, Battery Dance Company is an innovative dance company based in the vibrant city of New York. Renowned for its artistic excellence and commitment to cultural diplomacy, Battery Dance Company has graced stages in over 70 countries and collaborated with diverse artists from around the world. Their performances, educational programs, and workshops aim to inspire, educate, and connect individuals through the universal language of dance.

Prepare to be mesmerized as Battery Dance Company sets the stage ablaze with their exceptional talent and artistic finesse. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the power of dance and immerse yourself in the magic of cultural exchange. Join us in celebrating the unifying force of the performing arts.

Subheading: The Impact Of Battery Dance Company’s Visit

Battery Dance Company’s visit to Nigeria holds significant importance, not only for the artists themselves but also for the local communities and the cultural landscape of the country. Let’s delve into the impact of their workshops and performances.

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Battery Dance Company’s Workshops: Empowering Emerging Artists And Professionals

The free workshops conducted by Battery Dance Company in Abuja and Lagos are designed to empower emerging dance artists, instructors, and stage lighting professionals. By focusing on contemporary dance techniques and cultural exchange, these workshops provide invaluable training and exposure to participants, allowing them to refine their skills and broaden their artistic horizons. Through this immersive experience, participants will gain insights into diverse dance forms and connect with fellow artists, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration.

Nurturing Creativity And Team Building Among Youth

Battery Dance Company goes beyond professional training by engaging with the younger generation. Their workshops for youth focus on nurturing creativity and fostering teamwork through the art form of modern dance. By encouraging self-expression and providing a platform for collaboration, Battery Dance Company aims to inspire the next generation of artists and instill in them the power of dance as a means of communication and personal growth.

Public Performances: A Feast For The Senses

The highlight of Battery Dance Company’s visit to Nigeria is undoubtedly their public performances in Lagos and Abuja. On July 8 and 15 respectively, audiences will have the privilege of witnessing the company’s artistic brilliance firsthand. Prepare to be transported into a world of mesmerizing choreography and compelling narratives as the dancers take the stage. These performances promise to captivate and enthrall spectators, leaving them with a profound appreciation for the universal language of dance.

Cultural Exchange And Diplomacy Through Dance

Battery Dance Company’s visit to Nigeria represents a significant aspect of the U.S. Mission’s cultural diplomacy efforts. By showcasing American innovation and diversity in the performing arts, the company fosters people-to-people engagement and strengthens cultural ties between Nigeria and the United States. Through their performances and workshops, Battery Dance Company facilitates a rich exchange of ideas, experiences, and artistic expressions, creating a bridge between cultures and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of one another.

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Battery Dance Company: A Pillar Of Artistic Excellence And Cultural Diplomacy

Founded in 1976, Battery Dance Company has established itself as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural diplomacy. Their commitment to showcasing dance as a universal language has taken them to numerous countries around the world, spreading the joy and transformative power of dance. Through their performances, educational programs, and workshops, Battery Dance Company aims to inspire, educate, and connect individuals across borders, transcending language and cultural barriers.

Don’t Miss This Extraordinary Experience

Battery Dance Company’s return to Nigeria is an extraordinary opportunity for dance enthusiasts, artists, and the general public alike. Mark your calendars for the workshops and performances in Abuja and Lagos, and prepare to be enthralled by the sheer talent, artistry, and cultural exchange that Battery Dance Company brings to the stage. Immerse yourself in the beauty of dance and witness the unifying force that transcends borders and languages. It’s an experience not to be missed.

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Concerns grow over 2baba’s new song, public conduct

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Pop star, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, is at the centre of intense public scrutiny following his performance at a recent concert.

Rendering a song which he titled, ‘Toto Mechanic’, the ‘African Queen’ crooner sang, “Baby, no panic eh/I be toto mechanic eh/no panic eh/I be toto mechanic eh/I just wan dey make your puna flenjo/I want to make your puna flenjo/When I finish with you/I go be your vibrator vendor/Gentleness/Ruggedness/Anyhow that you want it/Girl, I got it/Come and take it/Don’t be shy..”

“Toto” is a slang that is often used to mean “vagina”.

However, the performance was greeted with mixed reactions, with many people stating that the singer seemed to be in a downward spiral.

So This Happened (EP 258)

A TikTok user, Sharon Wasem, wrote, “We never loved him because he was singing this rubbish; we did because he always made sense, and always respected himself, but what is this, pls?

“2baba, learn from your big brother, the legendary Bongos Ikwe. When his name is mentioned, the youth go on bended knees. How do you rubbish all that you worked so hard for? Where’s the sense pls.”

Another fan, Ifeoma, wrote, “I’ve been following 2baba for years. This new song doesn’t feel like him. It’s disjointed, like he’s going through something and just threw it out there.”

Echoing Ifeoma’s thoughts, yet another fan, Michael, stated that the lyrics of the song appear erratic and incoherent, “lacking the depth and poetic resonance that once defined his music”. He added that it seemed to be more a rushed attempt to stay relevant amid personal turmoil, rather than a true artistic expression.

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In a similar vein, a concertgoer alleged that at a recent event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, “the singer appeared late on stage, looking tired, unkempt, and at times visibly disoriented”.

“He was slurring his words and forgot the lyrics to ‘African Queen’. It was painful to watch,” he alleged.

In January 2025, 2baba had announced that he had separated from his estranged wife, Annie Idibia (nee Macaulay). Soon after, he informed the public that he was now engaged to a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Natasha Osawaru.

Since he announced their engagement, the couple has been seen together shopping, partying and visiting different places, including the Edo Assembly.

This led many of the singer’s fans, including controversial social media personality— Very Dark Man— to state that he was losing his star power. According to VDM, by being in places where he ordinarily shouldn’t be, many people had started to look down on him.

Indeed, the once-beloved crooner, who has long been admired for his soulful lyrics and calm persona, has given many of his fans growing cause for concern.

A Facebook fan, Isaac Alare, was also of the opinion that since his separation from Annie, the singer usually looked dishevelled and withdrawn.

Meanwhile, the singer’s mum had also made a video calling on Natasha to “release” her son. She said, “I’m calling on all mothers in Nigeria to help me beg Natasha to free my son. My son is going through a divorce process, and he is clearly not in his right senses now. I know my son, and this is not him. Please Natasha, the bead you put on his hand and neck, remove them.”

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However, making a joke in apparent reference to his mum’s pleas, the singer recently stated that he was trying to make enough money to pay his “kidnappers”, so he could be released to go home.

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Davido Reveals Date for White Wedding with Chioma

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Nigerian music icon David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has officially disclosed the date for his White Wedding with his spouse, Chioma Rowland-Adeleke.

This announcement comes ten months following their glamorous traditional wedding, which took place in Lagos.

ELANZANEWS recalls that their opulent traditional ceremony was celebrated with great fanfare in June 2024 at Eko Hotels, Lagos.

In a recent interview with Breakfast Club, Davido shared that the eagerly awaited White Wedding is scheduled for August 2025.

“I’m hosting my White Wedding in Miami this August,” he revealed.

“Our traditional marriage made headlines across Nigeria because our relationship has been highly publicized, and we’ve faced many challenges, including the loss of our child,” Davido added.

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Nollywood actress decries new criteria of landing roles in films

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Nollywood Actress Jemima Osunde has condemned the act of pressurising actors to become an active social media content creators as a criteria for landing roles in films.

Osunde, who took to her social media platforms in a video clip to voice her frustration over the industry’s shift, said their aim of forcing actors to become online content creators was to promote their work.

According to her, acting should be based on talent and performance, but not forcing someone to be a social media online content creators.

The actress noted that Hollywood star Keanu Reeves had continued to thrive in the industry based solely on his craft, in spite of his minimal social media presence.

“Now they are forcing actors to be social media content creators. It is now like, ‘You see that dance? You must dance on the internet.’ Why?.

“It is like they are forcing everyone; so if you are not an actor with a social media presence, you are not going to be cast because you need to sell the film.

“That should not be my job! Like, how many times do you see Keanu Reeves when he is not on your screen as an actor?,” she wrote.

Osunde is a Nigerian actress, model, and presenter, who gained exposure after playing Leila in the television series ‘Shuga’.

She was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 15th Africa Movie Academy Awards for her performance in ‘ The Delivery Boy’ (2018).

The actress recently debunked the rumour of undergoing a BBL surgery, where she clearly stated her personality and advocacy for natural beauty.

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She also used the opportunity to question the validity of the user’s statement, subtly pushing back against the narrative that she had altered her body surgically.(NAN)

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