Author: Tona.Today

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Ebo Taylor, Ghanaian highlife icon who collaborated with Fela, dies at 90

Ebo Taylor, the iconic Ghanaian guitarist and composer whose work helped define the highlife genre, has passed away at the age of 90.

His family announced the news on Sunday via his Instagram page, although the cause of death was not revealed.

Taylor died at the Saltpond Hospital, according to a statement from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).

His death came just one day after he launched the inaugural Ebo Taylor Music Festival, and exactly one month after celebrating his 90th birthday.

“The world has lost a giant. A colossus of African music,” the post reads.

“Ebo Taylor passed away yesterday; a day after the launch of Ebo Taylor Music Festival and exactly a month after his 90th birthday, leaving behind an unmatched artistry legacy. @ebo.taylor your light will never fade.”

Born Deroy Taylor in Cape Coast on January 6, 1936, he rose to prominence in the late 1950s and 1960s, an era when highlife was Ghana’s dominant musical form. Playing with leading bands like the Stargazers and the Broadway Dance Band, he gained a reputation for his distinctive guitar style and intricate arrangements.

Taylor’s six-decade career was marked by prolific innovation. He masterfully fused Ghanaian rhythms with jazz, funk, soul, and early Afrobeat, influencing generations of musicians both within Africa and beyond.

A pivotal moment came in the 1960s when he took his Black Star Highlife Band to London, leading to a historic collaboration with the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.

He later led renowned groups such as the Ghana Black Star Band and the Uhuru Dance Band in Ghana, and collaborated with greats like the Apagya Show Band, CK Mann, and Pat Thomas throughout the 1970s.

While a celebrated figure in West Africa for decades, Taylor gained broader international recognition in 2010 with the release of ‘Love and Death’ on Strut Records.

This was followed by acclaimed albums including ‘Appia Kwa Bridge’ (2012) and ‘Yen Ara’ (2018). His vast catalogue of influential songs includes ‘Heaven’, ‘Atwer Abroba’, ‘Life Stories’, ‘Ayesama’, ‘Saana’, and ‘You Need Love’.

Taylor is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Ghanaian music history. (TheCable)

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Natasha Akpoti condemns Kwara killings, says protecting lives must be non-negotiable

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has condemned the recent killings in parts of Kwara state, describing the attacks as “unacceptable and deeply troubling”.

On Tuesday, at least 75 residents were killed and several houses set ablaze when suspected terrorists attacked the Nuku and Woro communities in the Kaiama LGA of Kwara state.

On Wednesday, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, governor of Kwara, said residents of the communities were killed for refusing to bow to extremists.

In a statement on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was saddened by the loss of innocent lives and extended condolences to the families and communities affected by the attack.

She warned that the continued bloodshed poses a serious threat to national peace and stability, urging governments at all levels to take urgent and decisive action.

“The persistent killings of innocent Nigerians are unacceptable and deeply troubling. My heart goes out to the families who have been plunged into grief by these senseless acts,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said protecting lives and ensuring justice must remain a core responsibility of government.

“Protecting lives and ensuring justice must be non-negotiable. The safety of our citizens should always be the highest priority of government,” she said.

The senator called on federal and state authorities to move beyond rhetoric and implement coordinated measures to curb the rising insecurity.

She said swift and transparent investigations into the Kwara attacks are essential to ensure accountability and restore public confidence.

“Those responsible for these attacks must be identified and brought to justice without delay,” she said.

The senator called on federal and state authorities to move beyond rhetoric and implement coordinated measures to curb the rising insecurity.

She said swift and transparent investigations into the Kwara attacks are essential to ensure accountability and restore public confidence.

“Those responsible for these attacks must be identified and brought to justice without delay,” she said.

“Impunity only emboldens criminal elements and deepens the suffering of our people.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan said political leaders and security agencies have both a constitutional and moral duty to act decisively to prevent further bloodshed.

She stressed the need for proactive intelligence gathering, community engagement, and strengthened security operations.

“These killings underscore the urgent need for a more effective and people-centred security architecture,” she said. (TheCable)

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Lookman scores 100th career goal on debut for Atletico Madrid

Ademola Lookman has opened his goalscoring account on his debut as new Atletico Madrid player on Thursday.

The winger scored in the 37th-minute for his new Spanish La Liga club in its 5-0 drubbing of Real Betis in their Copa del Rey quarter-final clash. Lookman also provided an assist in the match.

The 28-year-old sealed a €35 million transfer to Atletico from Atalanta on Monday, was thrown into the fire by coach Diego Simeone, and immediately repaid the faith with the best goal of the night.

Lookman collected a cross-field pass in the box following a counter attack, expertly took out two defenders with his dribbling, and tucked in a shot at the goalkeeper’s near post to hand Atletico a 3-0 lead at halftime in Betis.

The goal is Lookman’s 100th career goal on the night he made his first appearance for his seventh club as a professional. He also scored on his debut for his third consecutive club, following on from his fast start at RB Salzurg and Atalanta.

Lookman and Atletico Madrid advanced into the semi-final of a competition the club has not won in 12 years. The capital club will know its opponent on Friday. (TheCable)

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City sweep Newcastle aside to reach Carabao Cup final

Manchester City completed a 5-1 aggregate win over holders Newcastle to set up a Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.

Omar Marmoush scored twice early on before Tijjani Reijnders put the outcome beyond the doubt before the first half was through. Newcastle made a better fist of it after the interval, Anthony Elanga pulling one goal back, but the tie was a lost cause by then.

The Magpies were always up against it following their two-goal defeat last month and, though they were hoping for a fast start, any prospect of that was gone once Dan Burn’s clearance ricocheted off Marmoush and looped over goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

James Trafford did have to come off his line twice to smother chances for Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon but Marmoush soon made them pay with his second of the night, nodding in from Antoine Semenyo’s centre after Reijnders’ powerful run from deep.

The Netherlands international midfielder regularly found space in behind the Newcastle midfield – City outnumbering their opponents in the centre of the pitch – and it led to the third goal as well. Reijnders finished this chance himself after being fed by Semenyo.

Eddie Howe lost Anthony Gordon to injury late in the first half and made three further substitutions at the break, changing the flow of the game somewhat, albeit too late. Yoane Wissa missed a clear chance before fellow arrival Anthony Elanga fired into the bottom corner.

There were chants of, ‘We’re going to win 6-5,’ from the vocal travelling support and though Harvey Barnes had an effort rightly ruled out for offside, Elanga then missed an even better chance after his goal, a reminder of City’s own vulnerabilities at the back.

But Newcastle’s grip on the trophy that ended their 70-year wait for major domestic silverware last season has been relinquished. It is Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City who will contest the final against Premier League leaders Arsenal on March 22 at Wembley.

This was Marmoush’s third start for City since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations and the third time that his team have taken the lead inside the opening 10 minutes of those games. Two of those goals have been scored by the livewire Egyptian himself.

He scored twice in this victory over Newcastle, this time without Erling Haaland on the pitch. That Marmoush looks a viable alternative to the big Norwegian could prove very important for Guardiola as City continue to compete on four fronts this season. (SkySports)

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Disney names Josh D’Amaro as new chief executive

Walt Disney has named Josh D’Amaro, the head of its amusement park business, as its new chief executive.

D’Amaro, a 28-year veteran of the company, will replace current boss Bob Iger. He is due to start in the new role on 18 March.

In selecting D’Amaro, Disney has turned to the leader of the part of its business that has delivered the most reliable profits in recent years, as the company works to find its way in the world of streaming.

The decision ends a succession puzzle for the entertainment giant, which Iger has led for roughly two decades, except for a brief interlude that ended in 2022 when the board ousted his successor and asked Iger to return.

Iger quickly set about restructuring the firm, aiming to tackle ballooning expenses in the streaming, television and film business, regain momentum for sports-focused ESPN and expand its parks and cruise lines.

In the announcement, Iger said he was “proud to step away at a moment when Disney’s future has never been brighter”.

D’Amaro joined the company in 1998 at Disneyland Resort, before rising to his current position as chairman of the Disney Experiences division, which has 185,000 employees and generated $36bn in revenue last year.

In the role, the 54-year-old oversees 12 theme parks and 54 resorts globally.

He has handled projects such as World of Frozen and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, as well as managing digital ventures such as Disney’s collaboration with the firm behind Fortnite.

In an interview on CNBC, Disney board chair James Gorman said D’Amaro brought not just financial skills but “great creative touch”.

As chief executive, D’Amaro will be taking on the top role at a moment when media companies in the US are facing increased political pressure.

Disney itself has been a prime target, blasted in recent years by Republicans such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for promoting “woke” values.

The company most recently drew headlines when it temporarily suspended comedian Jimmy Kimmel, a decision linked to comments over the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Disney’s parks business in the US has also drawn attention for rising costs faced by visitors, while investors have been frustrated with its share price, which has lagged that of other publicly listed firms.

Shares dipped 1% in early trading after the announcement.

D’Amaro will receive a $2.5m base salary, as well as Disney shares worth at least $26.3m annually, according to company filings. The firm has also granted him a bonus award worth $9.7m this year for the new role.

Disney also named Dana Walden, currently co-chair of its entertainment business, to a new role as chief creative officer, reporting to D’Amaro.

Walden, who is known outside of work for her friendship with former Vice President Kamala Harris, had been seen as D’Amaro’s chief rival for the top job.

Disney is trying to avoid a repeat of 2020’s botched hand-off.

That year, it also elevated the successful head of the theme parks business, Bob Chapek, to chief executive. But within weeks, the Covid-19 pandemic had forced the company to shut its doors.

His tenure was marked by strains on the content side of the business, which saw costs rise, as well as the brand’s involvement in several high-profile public clashes, including with actress Scarlett Johansson.

Analyst Paolo Pescatore warned that, despite the profits delivered by parks, the key to Disney’s success lies in its content.

“Disney can ill afford another messy handover,” he said. “While it is a strong endorsement of D’Amaro’s abilities to elevate Experiences to the fore…. he should not lose sight of Disney’s core capabilities.” (BBC)

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Trump recognises Remi Tinubu at US national prayer breakfast

US President Donald Trump says Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady of Nigeria, attended the country’s national prayer breakfast held in Washington DC on Thursday.

Recognising the first lady at the event,Trump described Oluremi as a “very respected woman” and a “Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria”.

“We are honoured to be joined by the First Lady of Nigeria (Remi Tinubu), who also happens to be a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria, very respected woman…. it’s a great honour. Thank you very much,” Trump said in a video of the event.

The national prayer breakfast is an annual event where people of different political beliefs come together to pray.

Oluremi was ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations, in 2018.

The first lady’s presence at the event comes amid the stance of the US government on killings and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

In October 2025, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ in response to allegations of a Christian genocide in the country.

Barely a month later, Trump asked the United States department of war to prepare for “possible action” to wipe out Islamic terrorists in Nigeria.

On December 25, 2025, the US government launched a fusillade of air strikes on ISIS terrorists in the north-western Nigerian state of Sokoto.

Subsequently, the US and Nigerian governments formed a working group to address issues on counter-terrorism and religious freedom in Nigeria. (TheCable)

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Djokovic hints at retirement as time seeps away on history bid

Novak Djokovic leaves the Australian Open still stuck on 24 Grand Slam titles and with fresh doubts about how many more tries he will have at winning an outright-record 25th.

The 38-year-old has consistently dismissed talk of retirement and said he is eyeing the defense of his Olympic gold at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

But after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in four sets in the final on Sunday, the Serb suggested he may not be back in Melbourne.

“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months,” he told the crowd at Rod Laver Arena. “So it has been a great ride. I love you guys.”

Djokovic has won a record 10 Australian Opens and until Sunday had never lost a final there.

But for all his success, Djokovic has not always had an easy relationship with the Melbourne fans.

“I want to just say in the end that you guys, particularly the last couple of matches, gave me something that I have never experienced in Australia,” he said. “That much love, support, positivity. I tried to give you back with good tennis over the years.”

It had the ring of a farewell speech and did not appear to have been just an emotional response to defeat.

He said he had prepared two speeches, one for winning and the other for losing.

Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open in 2023, drawing him level with the Australian Margaret Court at the top of the all-time list.

But age and injuries, plus the emergence of world number one Alcaraz and number two Jannik Sinner, have left him unable to win another.

Before Sunday, his previous Grand Slam final had been in 2024, when he lost the Wimbledon decider, again to Alcaraz.

Last year he reached the semifinals of all four majors but got no further, with Alcaraz and Sinner sharing the spoils.

He rolled back the years to defeat Sinner — 14 years his junior — in a five-set semifinal marathon in Melbourne.

But after Djokovic won the first set, the 22-year-old Alcaraz took a stranglehold on the final to sweep to victory 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.

Underlining where Djokovic is now in the pecking order of men’s tennis, he admitted he had not expected to reach another major final.

If the former world number one was going to win that elusive 25th, he may reflect that he has seen his best remaining chance come and go.

He is the undisputed king of Melbourne Park and Rod Laver Arena is the court where he has had the most success.

The fourth seed enjoyed two big pieces of luck in reaching the semifinals.

Djokovic enjoyed free passage through the fourth round when Jakub Mensik pulled out with injury.

He was then facing defeat at two sets down to Lorenzo Musetti, only for the Italian fifth seed to retire injured.

He rolled back the years to beat Sinner and make the final, but a repeat success so soon after playing five sets was beyond him.

“Overall, for sure it’s been a fantastic tournament,” he said. “I knew that I’d probably have to beat two of them (Alcaraz and Sinner) on the way to the title.

“I beat one, which is great, so it’s a step more further than I have gone in Grand Slams than last year. Very nice, encouraging. But, you know, not enough for me.”

So what next for one of the all-time greats?

For whatever time is left, he won’t give up on that 25th Grand Slam crown, even if the odds are now stacked against him.

“I always believe I can,” Djokovic said about finally eclipsing Court. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be competing.” (JapanToday)

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Kwara: Nigeria won’t surrender citizens to terrorism masquerading as faith – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has, for the umpteenth time, vowed that Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith.

The President’s vow came on the heels of the recent attack in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State by gunmen that led to the death of about 100 people.

President Tinubu condemned in the strongest terms “the cowardly and beastly attack”, describing the gunmen as “heartless for choosing soft targets in their campaign of terror.”

He said the actions of the gunmen offended humanity and Nigeria’s shared values as a nation.

The President, in a statement he personally signed on Thursday night after meeting with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that perpetrators of the dastardly act will not go scot-free.

The statement read: “Today, I met with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq @RealAARahman, to be debriefed on the incident in Kaiama LGA.

“I condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and beastly attack. The gunmen are heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror. Their actions offend our humanity, our faith, and our shared values as a nation.

“Yesterday, I directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following the horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro.

“This new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities.

“It is particularly disturbing that the victims were killed because they rejected an attempt at forced indoctrination. As I said, it is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue. Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith.

“I have further directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to the affected community and to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity are pursued and brought to justice, just like other terrorists before them. They will not go scot-free.

“I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. I also sympathise with the people and government of Kwara State.

“The Federal Government stands with you. We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror.” (Vanguard)

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Arsenal beat Chelsea to reach League Cup final

Arsenal reached the League Cup final for the first time in eight years as Kai Havertz sealed a 1-0 win against Chelsea in the semi-final second leg on Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side had put themselves in pole position in the first leg and Havertz came off the bench to finish the job in the closing moments at the Emirates Stadium.

It was a cathartic triumph for the Gunners, who had lost their previous four semi-finals in the 2025 Champions League and League Cup, the 2022 League Cup and the 2021 Europa League.

In their first final for six years, Arsenal will face Manchester City or Newcastle at Wembley on March 22.

City hold a 2-0 lead over Newcastle ahead of Wednesday’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal haven’t won the League Cup since 1993, losing in their last three final appearances.

Now they have the chance to end that drought by winning the club’s first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup.

That remains the sole silverware won by Arteta since he was hired in December 2019.

It is shaping up to be a memorable season for Arsenal, who are six points clear at the top of the Premier League and reached the Champions League last 16 by winning all eight of their group matches.

Despite their success, Arsenal have attracted criticism for their reliance on goals from corners and set-pieces.

Arteta launched a passionate defence of Arsenal’s style of play this week, revealing he has a “massive book of people” who feel his side are the “most exciting in Europe”.

Tuesday’s war of attrition will hardly silence Arsenal’s critics, but Arteta won’t care about that after leading his team to Wembley.

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior had won six of his seven matches in all competitions since arriving from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca.

But Rosenior was unable to solve his Arsenal conundrum, with the Gunners handing him the only two defeats of his brief reign.

Without captain Martin Odegaard, sidelined by a muscle problem, and winger Bukayo Saka, who was injured in the pre-match warm-up at Leeds on Saturday, Arsenal weren’t at their best but still ground out the win.

Rosenior left England forward Cole Palmer on the bench as he switched to a three-man central defence for the first time in his reign.

Rosenior’s tactics allowed Chelsea to stifle Arsenal in a scrappy first half.

The Gunners briefly shook off their shackles as Piero Hincapie’s curler from just inside the area was palmed away by Robert Sanchez. (Channels)

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FIFA president Infantino defends giving peace prize to Trump

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino defended his controversial decision to award a peace prize to U.S. President Donald Trump as he dismissed calls for a World Cup boycott.

Infantino was widely criticized for giving Trump the honor on behalf of his governing body at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC in December.

The move drew further scrutiny after U.S. forces seized Venezuelan president Miguel Maduro, while Trump caused more controversy with his desire to acquire Greenland for national security reasons.

However, Infantino insisted Trump was deserving of FIFA’s inaugural peace prize, telling Sky News on Monday: “Objectively, he deserves it.

“Whatever we can do to help peace in the world, we should be doing it, and for this reason, for some time we were thinking we should do something to reward people who do something.”

Infantino rejected suggestions there might be a boycott of this year’s World Cup — to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 — due to policies adopted at home and abroad by the Trump administration.

There has been unrest in a number of U.S. cities, most notably Minneapolis, over the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.

But Infantino said there were never calls for businesses to boycott a country, “so why football?”

The 55-year-old added: “In our divided world, in our aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come, can meet around the passion (for football).”

Infantino also said FIFA and UEFA — European football’s governing body — would “have to” look at allowing Russia back into international action.

Russia has been banned since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but the International Olympic Committee has now recommended sports federations allow Russian teams to compete at youth level.

“We have to(look at readmitting Russia. Definitely,” Infantino said. “This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.

“Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help.” (JapanToday)