Events

Hip-Hop: Chocolate City celebrates golden anniversary

Published

3 years ago

January 11, 2024

Chocolate City Music, renowned as a pioneer in the African music industry, has released the ‘Chocolate City Cypher’ to celebrate the golden anniversary of Hip-Hop.

Abuchi Ugwu, Chief Executive Officer, Chocolate City Music, said the tribute track features elite artistes including MI Abaga, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, A-Q, Loose Kaynon and Blaqbonez, marking a celebration of the genre that has shaped generations.

According to Ugwu, hip-hop has given a voice to the voiceless and brought diverse communities together and as such needs to be celebrated.

“Since its emergence in the Bronx in the early 1970s, hip-hop has grown from a local movement to a global phenomenon, influencing fashion, language, and lifestyle.

“As hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, Chocolate City honours this legacy by showcasing the best of Nigerian hip-hop through the Chocolate City Cypher.

“From the days of MI’s groundbreaking hits to the current era of Blaqbonez, we have not only witnessed but also shaped the evolution of this genre in Nigeria.

“This Cypher celebrates that legacy and our ongoing commitment to hip-hop.”

Ugwu said that Chocolate City’s impact on Nigerian hip-hop could be traced back to the late 2000s, with MI’s “Safe” remix, revolutionising the industry.

According to him, MI’s lyrical prowess and storytelling set a new standard in the Nigerian music scene, paving the way for future hip-hop artistes to thrive.

“MI went on to win the MTV Africa Music Awards as “Best New Act” in 2008 and numerous other awards for his hip-hop style.

“The introduction of the Choc Boiz, a rap ensemble made up of MI, Jesse Jagz, and Ice Prince, marked a new era in Nigerian hip-hop, blending Afro beats with contemporary hip-hop rhythms.

“It also created a unique sound that resonated across the continent,” Ugwu added.

He also said that Chocolate City had continued to shape the careers of some of the most respected names in Nigerian hip-hop culture, providing a platform for rappers like Loose Kaynon, AQ, Pryse, Candy Bleakz and Blaqbonez.

“To date, the label has produced over 25 hip-hop albums, stamping its authority as the number one hip-hop label on the African continent.”

Aibee Abidoye, Vice President, Music, Chocolate City Music, said, “we have succeeded in weaving the past, present, and future of Nigerian hip-hop around music that fans will enjoy through the Cypher.

“Chocolate City Cypher showcases our contribution to the genre and reminds us of its power to voice societal narratives. We are proud to be a driving force in this journey.”

He added that the Chocolate City Cypher blends topical conversations articulated through brilliant wordplay and effusive lyrics.

“Each artiste brings a unique style and perspective, ensuring that the Cypher resonates with a wide range of audiences.

“The track is available for download on all major digital music platforms,” Abidoye said.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

1 week ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.