NEWS
India Locks Down Its 1.3 Billion People To Halt Coronavirus Spread
India ordered a 21-day lockdown of its 1.3 billion people on Tuesday to try to protect the world’s second most populous country from the coronavirus spreading around the world.
Health researchers have warned that more than a million people in India could be infected with the coronavirus by mid-May, prompting the government to shut down all air and train travel, businesses and schools.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the powerful leader of the world’s biggest democracy went further, saying nobody in the world’s biggest democracy will be allowed to leave their homes for the next three weeks from midnight on Tuesday.
“The only way to save ourselves from coronavirus is if we don’t leave our homes, whatever happens, we stay at home,” Modi said in a second address in less than a week to try and rally around Indians behind the sweeping lockdown.
“Every district, every lane, every village will be under lockdown,” he said, warning the country would be set back by decades if it didn’t shut down and fight the virus.
Scores of people turned up at shops in Delhi and Mumbai and elsewhere to buy essentials before the ban orders went into effect.
India has found 482 cases of the coronavirus and 10 people have died from the COVID-19 disease it causes but alarm is growing across the region about prospects for its spread into impoverished communities and the ability of resource-starved public health sectors to cope.
Already health officials said the virus was spreading out of big Indian cities where it first appeared into the small towns that dot the landscape.
More than 377,300 people have been infected by the coronavirus globally and 16,520 have died since it emerged in China, according to a Reuters tally.
China’s Wuhan where the virus emerged imposed a two-month lockdown which is only being eased now.
Modi acted just a day after the WHO called for aggressive action by India, saying it was critical to the global fight against the disease.
India’s population is even more densely packed than China’s.
“… The future of this pandemic to a greater extent will be determined by what happens with very large, densely populated countries,” Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO’s emergencies program, said.
“So it’s really, really important that India continues to take aggressive action at the public health level and at the level of society to contain, control and suppress this disease.”
The Indian government said essential services including groceries, fuel stations and banks will remain open. The stock market, located in the financial capital Mumbai, will also operate on Wednesday.
But ahead of the shutdown starting midnight, people in Delhi and Mumbai were rushing to shops to stock up essentials and in some areas police were deployed to main order.
Modi said the government was working to reduce the difficulties for the poor who will be the hardest hit by the shuttering down of Asia’s third largest economy. But he did not provide any details.
He urged people not to crowd around shops and said there was enough stocks.
“It is a decisive decision – a difficult one, but probably the right one,” said Partha Chatterjee, professor of economics at Shiv Nadar University near New Delhi.
“The first priority is to save lives and then think of reconstruction.”
Across South Asia, home to a quarter of the world’s population, authorities are scrambling to raise their defenses as the virus spreads.
Four NATO service members in Afghanistan tested positive for coronavirus shortly after entering the country, the first confirmed cases in the mission, NATO said in a statement.
“The service members were newly arrived in country, and were in a precautionary screening facility when they became symptomatic, were moved to isolation and were tested,” the statement said.
Around 1,500 NATO service members, most of whom had recently arrived in Afghanistan, were in screening facilities as a precautionary measure, NATO said.
Afghanistan’s health ministry said that WHO had estimated that 80 percent of the war ravaged country’s 32 million population could be infected with the virus in the next five months. So far it has had 74 cases and one death.
Invoking a 56-year-old law, Nepal also ordered a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the virus after reporting a second case in the Himalayan nation of 30 million people.
Source:- Reuters
NEWS
Focox AT Officially Signs with Lucky Lisiano Records in Landmark Deal That Redefines Artist Empowerment
In a move that is already sending shockwaves through the Afrobeats and global music communities, rising force Focox AT has officially signed with Lucky Lisiano Records (LLR). The contract is being widely described as one of the most artist-favorable deals ever put on paper — a rare, heavily enriched agreement that prioritizes the artist’s long-term ownership, creative control, and financial upside in ways rarely seen in modern label partnerships.
Based in Warri, Nigeria, Focox AT brings a distinctive sound and unfiltered energy that has been building momentum across the continent. Lucky Lisiano Records, headquartered in the United States, recognized the unique opportunity and moved decisively. The resulting partnership is being called “promising and unique” by both camps — a genuine bridge between Warri’s raw creative fire and LLR’s international infrastructure.
Under the new agreement, Focox AT will begin the partnership with two singles, followed by a full EP scheduled for release in the new year. Both artist and label have expressed strong excitement about the road ahead, describing the union as a true meeting of vision rather than a standard transactional signing.
There has also been growing talk of Lucky Lisiano Records establishing a physical headquarters in Nigeria, though no official timeline has been confirmed. Industry observers note that such a move would mark a significant expansion for the U.S.-based label and further solidify its commitment to African talent. With the first single expected August 14th 2026 and the EP locked in for mid 2027, both sides are already looking ahead. The consensus is clear: this partnership is built for impact. 2027 is shaping up to be a year of serious momentum.
About Focox AT
Focox AT is an emerging Nigerian artist from Warri whose music blends street authenticity with forward-leaning Afrobeats energy. His signing to Lucky Lisiano Records marks a major new chapter.
About Lucky Lisiano Records
Lucky Lisiano Records is a U.S.-based independent label focused on developing distinctive global talent with strong emphasis on artist-first partnerships.
NEWS
Agwu Taiwo Uchechi “Babypearl” Emerges Winner of AFROMAICA 3.0 July Edition Reggae Dancehall Queen
Agwu Taiwo Uchechi “Babypearl” Emerges Winner of AFROMAICA 3.0 July Edition Reggae Dancehall Queen
Nigeria’s vibrant dancehall scene has recorded another remarkable milestone as Agwu Taiwo Uchechi, popularly known as Babypearl, emerged the winner of the highly anticipated AFROMAICA 3.0 July Edition Dancehall Queen Competition.
Representing Nigeria with confidence, charisma, and electrifying stage presence, Babypearl outshined other contestants from different backgrounds to clinch the prestigious Reggae Dancehall Queen crown at the just-concluded edition of AFROMAICA, Nigeria’s leading monthly urban reggae and dancehall party.
Her exceptional performance captivated both the judges and the audience, showcasing impressive dance skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of reggae and urban dancehall culture. Her victory not only earned her the coveted title but also further established her as one of Nigeria’s fast-rising reggae dancehall entertainers.
AFROMAICA 3.0 once again lived up to its reputation as a premier platform dedicated to celebrating urban reggae and dancehall music, culture, fashion, and dance while discovering and empowering emerging talents across Africa. The success of the July edition was further strengthened by the invaluable support of TM Luxury Apartments and Cove Apartments, whose partnership played a vital role in delivering another memorable and well-organized event. Their commitment to supporting entertainment and youth-driven initiatives contributed significantly to the overall success of the event.
Babypearl’s triumph marks a proud moment for Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in the African urban reggae and dancehall community. Her success is expected to open new opportunities for collaborations, performances, and greater recognition within the entertainment industry.
As congratulations continue to pour in from fans, colleagues, and industry stakeholders, Babypearl’s victory stands as an inspiration to aspiring dancers and performers, proving that dedication, consistency, and passion remain the keys to success.
AFROMAICA continues to cement its status as Nigeria’s foremost platform for urban reggae and dancehall culture, bringing together outstanding talents and passionate supporters to elevate the genre across the continent.
See Exclusive photos below
For sponsorship, partnership, and brand collaboration opportunities with AFROMAICA, interested organizations and individuals are encouraged to get in touch with the organizers on +2347067054190 +2348178599854 +2348023241089 to become part of Nigeria’s fastest-growing reggae and dancehall movement.
NEWS
SOUNDOUTTV in Collaboration with COBYL CITY – Unveils SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2 with Over ₦900,000+ in Career-Boosting Prizes for emerging artists.
Aspiring artists across Delta State have another opportunity to showcase their talent as SOUNDOUTTV officially unveils SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2, the second edition of its online music talent competition.
With over ₦900,000+ in career-boosting prizes, industry exposure, and artist development opportunities up for grabs, this year’s edition is set to spotlight some of the state’s most promising emerging talents.
COBYL CITY joins this second edition as the official production partner behind the competition beat and select artist development rewards. The official competition beat, produced by Berry IV for COBYL CITY LTD, will be released on August 1, 2026, officially opening the competition.
Known for its growing commitment to talent development and creative excellence, COBYL CITY’s contribution extends beyond the competition itself, giving contestants access to professional production opportunities that reward not only performance but also artistic potential.
A Platform for Emerging Talent
Participants are invited to record either a freestyle or an original song using the official competition beat, giving artists a platform to showcase their creativity, originality, and performance skills before a wider audience.
Prize Packages
The SOUNDOUT LIVE Champion will receive an outstanding artist development package, including:
• Official Champion Award
• Professional Performance Session
• Artist Interview and Introduction Video
• Professional Photo Session
• Short Visualizer by P-YoungsMedia
• Exclusive Beat License by COBYL CITY LTD
• Professional Studio Recording Session by COBYL CITY
• Free 24-Hour Hotel Accommodation
• Customized Champion Merchandise
• Additional Gifts from Sponsors
The second-place winner will receive a professional performance package, customized merchandise, and an official Certificate of Achievement, while the third-place winner will receive a performance session and featured artist interview.
How to Participate
Eligible artists in Delta State can enter by:
• Downloading the official competition beat on August 1, 2026
• Recording a freestyle or original song
• Creating a performance video
• Posting the video on Instagram or TikTok, tagging @soundouttv
• Submitting the same entry through the official SOUNDOUT WhatsApp Group
Only one official entry is permitted per contestant.
Fair Competition. Real Opportunities.
Voting will be conducted exclusively through the official SOUNDOUT LIVE voting platform. Each supporter may cast up to 33 votes per contestant, while any attempt to manipulate votes or violate the competition rules will result in immediate disqualification.
More than just a competition, SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2 is designed to spotlight emerging talent and create genuine pathways into the music industry. As part of its collaboration, COBYL CITY powers the official competition beat, produced by Berry IV, and contributes exclusive production rewards for the competition’s eventual winner.
Important Dates
• Official Beat Release: August 1, 2026
• Submission Deadline: To Be Announced
• Public Voting: Opens After Submissions
With the official beat dropping on August 1, anticipation is building for another exciting edition of SOUNDOUT LIVE. Artists are encouraged to follow @soundouttv, prepare their entries, and seize the opportunity to gain valuable exposure, professional development, and industry recognition.
Let the Talent Shine. Let the Fans Decide.
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