Author Archives: Prisca Oh

British Song Writer, Paul McCartney Makes Interesting Revelation About Legendary Artist, Fela Kuti’s Smoking Habit.

For his 1973 album Band on the Run, former Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney chose to record in Lagos after his EMI label suggested the city. When McCartney arrived in Nigeria, he discovered newspaper headlines about Fela Kuti, accusing him of “coming to steal a black man’s music.” To remedy the situation, McCartney invites Fela to his studio so that the Afrobeat pioneer can hear his songs. McCartney shared this in a candid interview with Marc Maron for the WTF podcast, where he also discussed other memories from his time with The Beatles and his solo career.…

Intriguing Story of The Peaceful Ijebu Igbo

Prince Oshimore and his wife Adorake are said to have migrated from Ife Island to Ijebu Ode in the 15th century, where he became king and ruled over Ijebu Oda. From time to time, envoys were sent from Ile Ife to inquire about the welfare of King Oshimore. This is because there was chaos and war during their reign and since he (Oshimore) was descended from the ruling king of Ife, he may have needed warriors to help him in his empire by incorporating the…

Meet Solomon Osagie Alonge, Most Renowned Photographer in Africa during the Early 20th Century

Solomon Osagie Alonge (1911-1994) was born in Benin, Nigeria. He learned English at the Benin Baptist Primary School and in 1925, at the age of 14, moved to Lagos, where he lived with an uncle to learn a trade. He quickly became interested in photography and began professional practice to expand his knowledge and skills. For Alonge, photography proves to be a lucrative and respected profession. In 1930 he returned to Benin and began photography in his home on Rue Ugbague. He often traveled outside Benin by bicycle, taking annual portraits at schools and gathering at social…

Creation of Katsina State in Northern Nigeria

Katsina is one of the oldest states in Nigeria, emerging from the former Kaduna State and located in the northwest geopolitical zone of the country. It is a state that emerged from the ancient Hausa/Fulani kingdoms, particularly the two ancient kingdoms “Katsina and Daura”. According to research, the other ancient Hausa kingdoms included Kano, Gobir, Zazzau, Rano and Biram (Garun Gabas), forming the beginning of the Hausa country. Therefore, at the time of publication of this article, the state capital Katsina and the city of Daura are considered bastions of political activity in the country. The Kingdom of Katsina, one of the Bakwai Hausa, called the “seven true Hausa states,” is…

Fela Drives a Battered Volkswagen Beetle to Protest FESTAC 77

Festac ’77, also known as the Second World Festival of Black and African Arts and Culture, was held in Lagos in 1977. The cost of the event, $400 million (US$2 billion today), and the way the funds were used caused confusion. In order to draw attention to the plight of the masses, Fela drove a damaged VW Beetle to the event in protest. Nigeria rose to the top of the international charts after successfully hosting Festac ’77, also known as the Second World Festival of Black and African Arts and Culture. The international festival, which took place in Lagos from January 15, 1977, to February 12, 1977, was attended by approximately 16,000 participants from 56 African nations and countries of the African diaspora.The event’s 12-year planning saw…

First-Ever with Wedding in Ekiti region of Nigeria.

This is Mr and Mrs John Oke Agbede on January 11, 1940 First white wedding in the western Igede Ekiti region of Nigeria.

A Photo of the University College Ibadan Hospital in 1958

A valuable photograph showing the interior of the University Hospital of Ibadan (UCH) in 1958.