ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Grammy Award-winning American jazz singer Cassandra Wilson died on Wednesday in her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi, her manager said. She was 70.

“Cassandra Wilson transitioned peacefully at home, surrounded by family, close friends, and her manager,” Robert Torre wrote in a statement, hailing her as a “legendary jazz artist.”

The statement did not disclose a cause of death. Wilson’s family and close friends asked for privacy, Torre said.

A singer-songwriter and producer, Wilson was celebrated for her rich, expressive contralto voice in a career spanning three decades.

In 1997, the singer received the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance with “New Moon Daughter,” and “Loverly” won the award for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2009.

Four Wedding Guests Killed, 50 Wounded In Fresh US Attacks Against Iran›
Oil Price Jumps As Iran Retaliates Against Latest US Attacks›
Wilson performed in a leading role in “Blood on the Fields,” a 1997 oratorio by Wynton Marsalis which became the first jazz work to win a Pulitzer Prize.

She also collaborated with saxophonists Steve Coleman, Greg Osby and hip-hop group The Roots.

“I learned so much from her, and I am so sad she has passed away,” musician Jon Batiste wrote in a tribute on social media.

“She had an unmistakable vocal tone, phrasing, and her approach of weaving folkloric, R&B, and diasporic music together with experimental and popular genres had a major impact on me.

“She sounded like the South.”

AFP

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has taken a Nigerian rapper Erhiga Agarivbie, better known as Erigga, to the dustbin following a disagreement over whether musicians from wealthy backgrounds deserve recognition for their success.

The exchange began after Erigga took to X to celebrate artistes who did not come from privileged families and had to build their careers without financial support from their parents.

The rapper wrote: “Shoutout to all the musicians who don’t come from family money and had to grind for every single dollar they earn.”

His post quickly attracted Davido’s attention, with the Afrobeats star challenging the idea that musicians from wealthy families should receive less recognition simply because they had financial support while growing up.

Davido argued that having wealthy parents does not automatically eliminate the hard work, talent and determination required to establish a successful career in the highly competitive entertainment industry.

The singer, who himself comes from a wealthy Nigerian family, appeared to take the post personally and responded with a strongly worded message.

He wrote: “No be we say make your pops no guard o. Shoutout to the ones that came from family money and still grind to the top. Comot here with that your useless motivation … imbecile.

“No worry o, I go soon leave their music for una. GO MAKE MY BILLIONS … then that shit gonna be boring AF. Deep down who like poverty? Nonsense.”

Davido’s response reflects a long-running debate within the entertainment industry about privilege, parental wealth and the extent to which an artiste’s background contributes to their success.

While some believe musicians who emerge from humble backgrounds deserve special recognition for overcoming financial challenges, others argue that coming from a wealthy family should not invalidate an artiste’s achievements.

Davido has frequently spoken about his privileged upbringing while also maintaining that he has worked to establish his own identity and career in the global music industry.

The singer’s latest reaction has consequently reignited discussions about the role of family wealth in the Nigerian entertainment industry, with fans and social media users expected to take sides over the exchange.

Social Media Debate Intensifies

The disagreement between the two artistes has generated attention because of the contrasting perspectives expressed by both musicians.

Erigga’s original message appeared to celebrate artistes who had to struggle financially before achieving success, bb while Davido interpreted it as an unnecessary attempt to diminish musicians who had the advantage of coming from wealthy families.

At the centre of the argument is whether an artiste’s background should influence how their achievements are judged.

The exchange has also revived broader conversations about privilege in Nigeria, where access to family resources, education, connections and financial support can significantly influence opportunities available to young people.

Despite their disagreement, neither artiste indicated that the exchange would develop into a broader personal conflict. However, Davido’s strongly worded response has already generated considerable discussion among music fans and social media users.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Organisers of The Headies have refuted allegations that gospel and inspirational musicians are excluded from the award’s major categories.

In a statement released on Monday via its official Instagram page, the organisers said the claim does not reflect the award’s history.

They cited previous winners such as Lara George, Kefee, Nikki Laoye and Timi Dakolo as gospel artistes who have won mainstream honours at The Headies.

The statement also noted that the Inspirational Single category was created to recognise songs that promote faith, hope and positive values.

The clarification followed an open letter from Afrogospel artiste Gaise Baba, who raised concerns about the treatment of gospel music at the awards.

Gaise Baba argued that songs should be judged on quality, sound and impact, rather than the message in the lyrics.

“A rap record is a rap record,” he wrote in part.

The singer further questioned whether commercially successful gospel songs like ‘Favour’ and his collaboration with Lawrence Oyor, ‘No Turning Back II’, receive the same consideration as mainstream Nigerian songs.

Gaise Baba also recalled his experience as a nominee, stating that the Inspirational Music category was not presented during the main ceremony at one edition.

He said nominees commit time and resources to the process and deserve proper recognition.