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Obama Honors Quincy Jones as “The Man Who Was Music” in A Tribute
Former President Barack Obama paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary music producer Quincy Jones, highlighting his vast influence on music and culture.
In a post on his X handle, Obama celebrated Jones’ contributions, crediting him as a figure who was instrumental in shaping modern music and breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.
“For decades, Quincy Jones was music,” Obama wrote, reflecting on the long and remarkable career of the man behind some of history’s most celebrated music.
From producing Michael Jackson’s record-breaking Thriller album to composing the score for The Color Purple and collaborating with stars like Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles, Quincy’s impact was profound and wide-reaching.
Obama added, “It seemed like every big record—and every big film—had Quincy’s name on it.”
Quincy Jones’ reach in the music world is indeed vast.
As the mind behind Thriller, he helped create the best-selling album of all time, defining the sound of the 1980s and introducing new standards in production.
Working alongside Michael Jackson, Quincy not only produced hits like Beat It and Billie Jean but also crafted a sonic landscape that would set the bar for generations to come.
His role in shaping Jackson’s career brought him global acclaim, securing his place in music history.
However, Quincy’s influence went far beyond pop music.
His composition for the film adaptation of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple showcased his versatility, allowing him to bring his musical genius to Hollywood.
Through the film, Jones brought the struggles, resilience, and spirit of African Americans to the big screen in a profound way.
His soundtrack elevated the emotional impact of the film, earning him an Academy Award nomination and solidifying his reputation as a composer with the ability to resonate across various genres.
A pioneer in bridging racial divides, Quincy Jones’ work appealed to listeners of every background and every age.
From jazz and soul to pop and film scores, his music was universal, connecting people and defining eras.
Obama highlighted that by building a career that took him from the tough streets of Chicago to the glamorous heights of Hollywood, Quincy became a trailblazer for Black artists and executives alike.
His achievements opened doors for many in an industry that had long been challenging for Black professionals to thrive in at high levels.
Obama closed his tribute by offering comfort to Jones’ loved ones and fans, saying, “Michelle and I send our thoughts to Quincy’s friends, family, and everyone who has lived their lives to his songs.”
Quincy Jones’ legacy is seen not only in his music but in the countless artists he mentored and inspired.
His career spanned over seven decades, during which he won 28 Grammy Awards and received 80 nominations, making him one of the most decorated artists in Grammy history.
Beyond the awards, he was an advocate for social change and a visionary who used his platform to push for equality and justice.
Throughout his life, Quincy worked with music icons like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Frank Sinatra.
His collaborations with Frank Sinatra were particularly groundbreaking, bridging racial boundaries at a time when such partnerships were rare.
Together, they produced timeless hits like Fly Me to the Moon, helping Sinatra reinvent his sound and reach new audiences.
Quincy’s early work with Ray Charles also left a lasting impact on him, helping shape his understanding of music’s power to transcend racial divides and bring people together.
South Africa President, Cyril Ramaphosa announces Nigerian can now apply for Visa to the country without submitting a passport. This announcement was made on Tuesday during the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town. President Bola Tinubu was also in attendance and witnessed the announcement made.
President Cyril stated that this new process with make travelling easier for Nigerian business and tourists.
The President shared a speech during the announcement “Our efforts to create a favourable environment included simplifying the visa process for Nigerian business people travelling to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian business people were granted a five-year multiple-entry visa.”
Popular social media personality, VeryDarkBlackMan, has shared an intriguing post online. In a tweet with the hashtag #MindYouNobodyFitCancelMe and mentions of Naira Marley and Zinoleesky, he reflected on an encounter with a group he called “innocent rough men.”
He revealed that he asked the men about their situation, and they responded, “Na God hand e dey,” meaning their fate rests in God’s hands. The phrase has resonated with fans, sparking discussions about faith and resilience.
In the same post, VeryDarkBlackMan boldly declared that no one has the power to cancel him, showcasing his confidence and determination to rise above challenges. The post has drawn reactions across social media, with many admiring his fearless attitude and thought-provoking words.
The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action by directing the unfreezing of the accounts belonging to the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) within 72 hours.
This decision was reached on Tuesday after a motion was presented by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu and supported by 32 other lawmakers.
The suspension was a response to widespread allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the sector.
The lawmakers expressed concern that the continued freezing of NSIPA’s accounts is hindering critical programs aimed at reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
The NSIPA is responsible for managing key social intervention schemes, including N-Power, which provides skills and employment opportunities for Nigerian youth; the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), which offers microloans to small business owners and artisans; the Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT), designed to provide direct financial support to poor households; and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), which delivers meals to schoolchildren across the country to improve enrollment and nutrition.
During the plenary session, Ben Kalu emphasized the importance of restoring NSIPA’s financial operations, stating that doing so aligns with President Tinubu’s broader vision of eradicating poverty in Nigeria.
He stressed that unlocking the agency’s accounts would ensure that these social programs remain efficient, effective, and impactful, particularly during a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardships.
The House urged the federal government to promptly release funds to NSIPA to enable the payment of outstanding stipends owed to 395,731 N-Power beneficiaries across the country.
The delayed stipends have caused significant hardship for many young Nigerians who depend on the program to sustain themselves and their families.
In addition to addressing the financial constraints of NSIPA, lawmakers called for a comprehensive review of the agency’s operations to prevent future mismanagement and ensure transparency in the use of public funds.
They noted that resolving these issues swiftly is crucial for maintaining momentum in the administration’s poverty alleviation goals and rebuilding public trust in government-led social intervention programs.
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