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Trump doesn’t want to go to war, he just wants to look tough, even if it puts US troops in danger

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President Donald Trump’s desire to look tough pushed the US and Iran to the brink of war and placed US service members in danger, top experts and former US officials say.

Early on January 3 Iraqi time, Trump ordered the drone strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, widely considered the second most important figure in Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Soleimani strike raised fears of a new war in the Middle East and was the most stunning use of a decapitation strike of a senior foreign military leader by the US military since World War II. It sparked the only direct attack on US forces or allies that Iran has openly claimed since the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979.

“For Trump, everything is political — even this profoundly dangerous escalation,” Ned Price, a former National Security Council official under the Obama administration, explained that;

It’s an election year and Trump, a former reality TV star who’s perpetually conscious of his public image, has already sought to use the deadly strike to raise money for his 2020 reelection campaign via Facebook ads, emails, and text messages. “ANOTHER dead terrorist,” the subject line of one such email to supporters said, per ABC News.

“This operation wasn’t a strategic or even a tactical maneuver; it was in large part a political act disguised as a military operation,” Price said. “That’s why it’s not at all surprising that the Trump campaign has fundraised off the strike.”

Echoing this perception, Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told Insider, “Trump is a unique president insofar as he only does politics, and never policy … He strikes me as someone who makes decisions based entirely on how he thinks something is going to look to his base on a 12-hour news cycle, if not less. So it’s all, always politics, to the exclusion of policy altogether.”

Less than 24 hours after Soleimani was killed, Trump was touting the drone strike at an “Evangelicals for Trump” rally in Florida.

“Qassem Soleimani has been killed and his bloody rampage is now forever gone,” Trump said to an audience at a Miami megachurch.

Former Secretary of State John Kerry has apparently not been impressed with Trump’s handling of this, telling CNN on Friday that Trump has been “reckless” and “impulsive.”

Kerry added that Trump “likes to think it makes him look tough,” but said his approach to Iran has actually shut the door to any chance at diplomacy.

‘Despite the attack on Soleimani, he likely would prefer to avoid escalation that led to a general war’
After a week of tensions and threats following the strike, the US and Iran backed off from entering a wider conflict.

“To the people and leaders of Iran: We want you to have a future and a great future — one that you deserve, one of prosperity at home, and harmony with the nations of the world,” Trump said in a speech on Thursday. “The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it.”

I'm Baba Blow | Music Promoter | Blogger & OnlinePR | Music Producer | Broadcaster | CEO Blow Naija | +2348133032933

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Focox AT Officially Signs with Lucky Lisiano Records in Landmark Deal That Redefines Artist Empowerment

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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.

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Agwu Taiwo Uchechi “Babypearl” Emerges Winner of AFROMAICA 3.0 July Edition Reggae Dancehall Queen

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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.

(more…)

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SOUNDOUTTV in Collaboration with COBYL CITY – Unveils SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2 with Over ₦900,000+ in Career-Boosting Prizes for emerging artists.

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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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