NEWS

14 Americans test positive for coronavirus after evacuation from quarantined cruise ship

Published

7 years ago

February 17, 2020

Fourteen Americans who were among the hundreds evacuated from a quarantined cruise ship off Yokohama, Japan Sunday have tested positive for the novel coronavirus that has claimed more than 1,700 lives in a growing outbreak in China.

More than 300 U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who had been passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship were taken off the vessel and repatriated back to the U.S. on two charter flights that landed at Travis Air Force Base in California and Lackland Air Force Base in Texas overnight, according to the Associated Press.

In a statement released early Monday, the U.S. State Department spokesperson said American evacuees were all deemed asymptomatic and fit to fly before being processed for evacuation.

But during the evacuation process, after passengers had left the ship and gone to the airport, U.S. officials received notice that 14 passengers, who had been tested two to three days earlier, had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

“These individuals were moved in the most expeditious and safe manner to a specialized containment area on the evacuation aircraft to isolate them in accordance with standard protocols,” the State Department’s spokesperson said in the statement.

The spokesperson said the State Department made the decision to allow the 14 individuals, who were in isolation, separated from other passengers and continued to be asymptomatic, to remain on the aircraft to complete the evacuation process after a consultation with health officials.

The Diamond Princess been on quarantine since Feb. 3 after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong was diagnosed with the virus.

More than 1,200 people on the cruise ship, which had 3,700 passengers and crew on board, have been tested since the quarantine began — 355 of them have tested positive for the virus, including some Americans. Japan’s health ministry confirmed 70 additional coronavirus cases on board the ship Sunday.

The State Department said all passengers evacuated Sunday were closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the flight and any who become symptomatic were to be moved to a specialized containment area.

“Passengers that develop symptoms in flight and those with positive test results will remain isolated on the flights and will be transported to an appropriate location for continued isolation and care,” the department’s spokesperson said, without elaborating on what that location could be.

Hundreds of Americans were evacuated from Wuhan, the center of the epidemic in China’s Hubei province, aboard charter flights in late January and earlier this month. They were also subjected to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at military bases upon arrival in the U.S.

Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and Italy are also making efforts to evacuate their citizens from the quarantined cruise ship.

NEWS

Jubet Brings His Pen and Perspective to emPawa Publishing as “Hardest Truth” Continues Its Global Run

Published

5 days ago

September 15, 2026

Baba Blow

Jubet Brings His Pen and Perspective to emPawa Publishing as “Hardest Truth” Continues Its Global Run

Following more than four months on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and major Shazam milestones, the Nigerian singer-songwriter enters a new chapter with emPawa Publishing.

Nigerian singer-songwriter Jubet is entering a significant new phase of his career after joining the emPawa Publishing roster, marking an important step in the development and global positioning of his songwriting catalogue.

The development was announced by emPawa Publishing and emPawa Africa, who publicly welcomed the rising Nigerian artist to the publishing family while highlighting the distinctive qualities that have come to define his music: vulnerability, melody and honest storytelling.

The partnership arrives at a defining moment for Jubet, whose breakthrough single, “Hardest Truth,” has evolved from an intensely personal record into an international Afrobeats success story.

The song has maintained a sustained presence on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for more than four months, while reaching No. 1 in five African countries and securing placements on the Global Shazam Chart and Global Afrobeats Top 100.

“Hardest Truth” has also demonstrated the depth of its international reach, connecting with audiences across multiple African markets and establishing Jubet as one of the emerging voices of a new generation of Afrobeats artists.

In its announcement welcoming Jubet, emPawa described the artist as a rising Nigerian recording artist whose sound is built around vulnerability, melody and honest storytelling, qualities that have become central to his artistic identity.

The publishing company also placed emphasis on the songwriter behind the music, noting that Jubet is bringing “that pen, that perspective and that unmissable emotionality” to the emPawa Publishing catalogue.

That distinction is significant.

For Jubet, the publishing partnership represents more than recognition for a successful record. It marks a move toward developing the songwriter and the catalogue behind his growing international profile, while creating a foundation for the next phase of his career.

“Hardest Truth” has demonstrated that emotional honesty can travel. What began as a deeply personal expression has resonated with listeners across borders, turning Jubet’s vulnerability into a shared experience for audiences around the world.

For Jubet’s management, the partnership is a natural progression in an increasingly international journey.

“Jubet’s journey has always been about more than creating a successful record. At the heart of his artistry is his ability to translate real emotion and personal experiences into songs that people can see themselves in. The response to ‘Hardest Truth’ has shown us just how far that honesty can travel. Partnering with emPawa Publishing is an important step in developing Jubet not only as an artist, but as a songwriter and a catalogue with long-term global potential. We are excited about what this next chapter will make possible.”

– Louiza Williams –

Jubet’s emergence comes at a time when Afrobeats continues to expand its global footprint, with artists possessing distinctive voices and emotionally resonant songwriting finding increasingly receptive audiences beyond Nigeria.

From his beginnings in Ilora, Oyo State, to international chart recognition, Jubet’s trajectory has been shaped by an increasingly intentional approach to artistry, audience building and long-term career development.

The emPawa Publishing partnership now adds another important layer to that trajectory.

With “Hardest Truth” continuing to demonstrate staying power and a growing catalogue ahead of him, Jubet enters this next chapter not simply as a breakout artist, but as a songwriter whose voice and perspective are beginning to command international attention.

The breakthrough may have started with “Hardest Truth.” The next chapter is about what comes after it.

About Jubet

Jubet, born Akanbi Oluwa Jubelo, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and recording artist whose music is defined by vulnerability, melody and emotionally honest storytelling. His breakthrough single, “Hardest Truth,” propelled him onto international charts and introduced his distinctive sound to audiences beyond Nigeria.

About emPawa Publishing

emPawa Publishing is part of the wider emPawa Africa ecosystem, supporting songwriters and artists while developing and expanding the value of African music catalogues and creative works.

Media Contact:

Info@louikempire.com

+2348063815440

Entertainment

Nigerian Duo KIEZ x MUSTI Set to Release New Afro-Fusion & Soul Track on September 23 Under Our Own Music Worldwide

Published

1 week ago

September 11, 2026

Baba Blow

Nigerian artists Oke Gift Godspower (stage name KIEZ, also known as D Kiez) and Mustapha Audu (stage name MUSTI) are set to release a new collaborative track on September 23 under the record label “Our Own Music Worldwide”. The project, credited as KIEZ x MUSTI, is produced and mixed by Kokomani.

D Kiez is a Nigerian musician driven by passion, creativity, and a desire to connect with people through music. His sound blends Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, and soulful melodies, creating music that reflects real-life experiences, emotions, ambition, and the journey of chasing dreams. The upcoming release falls squarely in the Afro-Fusion & Soul genre, combining rhythmic energy with emotional depth.

The collaboration brings together KIEZ’s expressive, experience-driven songwriting and Musti’s complementary artistry, guided by Kokomani’s production and mixing. Released through Our Own Music Worldwide The September 23 project marks a fresh addition to the growing wave of Nigerian Afro-fusion that prioritizes authentic storytelling and melodic soul.

Fans of Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, and contemporary African soul can expect a track that balances groove with heartfelt emotion. Full details on the song title, streaming platforms, and official artwork will follow closer to the release date.

Stay tuned for KIEZ x MUSTI on September 23, presented by Our Own Music Worldwide with Digital PR by **Viral9ja Distribution & Marketing

Entertainment

Gold Coast (Coast Omonofewho) Releases Promo Photos, Named Lascurt Hotels International Enterprise Ambassador

Published

2 weeks ago

September 5, 2026

Baba Blow

Rising artist Gold Coast (born Coast Omonofewho) has released a fresh set of promo photos as he continues to build momentum following the official drop of his single Thank You Lord. The new visuals arrive as the singer is also announced as the official Ambassador for Lascurt Hotels International Enterprise.

The promo photos showcase Gold Coast in a polished and confident light, capturing the energy and gratitude that define this chapter of his career. The images are expected to accompany ongoing promotions for Thank You Lord, which is now available on all major streaming platforms along with its official music video.

In a significant career development, Gold Coast has been named Ambassador for Lascurt Hotels International Enterprise. The partnership links the artist with a respected hospitality brand known for excellence and premium service. As ambassador, he will represent the group across key platforms and engagements.

“This season is full of blessings,” Gold Coast shared. “Releasing new promo photos, seeing Thank You Lord out in the world with its video, and stepping into the role of Lascurt Hotels International Enterprise Ambassador all feel like perfect timing. I’m grateful and ready for what’s next.”

The combination of new promo visuals, a freshly released single, and a high-profile ambassadorship positions Gold Coast (Coast Omonofewho) as a rising force to watch. Fans are encouraged to stream Thank You Lord, watch the official video, and follow his journey with Lascurt Hotels International Enterprise.
Stay connected to Gold Coast’s official channels for more updates and exclusive content.
Contact & Socials:
WhatsApp: 08140260839
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