NEWS

Why coronavirus is killing more people in Italy than elsewhere

Published

7 years ago

March 23, 2020

Italy has been the hardest-hit country since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Europe, with the highest mortality rate and the most confirmed cases in the region. Local medical analysts said there are multiple factors behind the tragic data.

Last week Thursday 427 people died in the country. On Friday, 627 patients died, the highest leap in fatalities in a single day in the country, bringing its COVID-19 death toll to 4,032, according to official statistics from Italy’s Civil Protection Department.

The fatalities were worse the day after, with 793 dying and death toll jumping to a record 4,825, out of an estimated 53,578 cases.

The current COVID-19 morality rate in Italy stands at about 8 percent, which is higher than the global average.

According to the World Health Organisation, as of Sunday , there were 318,410 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 13,671 deaths worldwide, with the global average mortality rate standing at some 4 percent.

Local medical experts told Xinhua that factors such as untested mild cases and a high proportion of the elderly population are among the factors behind the high mortality rate in Italy.

Fabrizio Pregliasco, a researcher at Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health at the University of Milan, said that many mild or non-symptomatic cases have not been confirmed due to the insufficient diagnostic capacity in the early stage of the coronavirus outbreak.

He said that if the number of unconfirmed cases is included in the cumulative number of confirmed cases, the mortality rate in Italy may be close to that of elsewhere.

Currently, Italy has been intensifying its testing capacity steadily. According to the Italian Ministry of Health, the country had performed more than 180,000 tests nationwide as of Thursday, which are among the highest in the world.

Silvio Paone, a viral disease researcher at Rome’s La Sapienza University, agreed with Pregliasco, saying another factor is the larger elderly population in Italy.

According to a report released by the Italian National Bureau of Statistics in February 2019, Italy’s total population was about 60.39 million as of January 2019, and the population aged over 65 was 13.8 million, accounting for 22.8 percent of the total population.

Italy ranks the second in the world in terms of ageing, only behind Japan, according to the World Bank data for 2018.

Italy’s Civil Protection Department chief Angelo Borrelli repeatedly stressed at regular press conferences held in Italy that the majority of deaths were among the elderly. He provided a report on March 9, saying that about 31 percent of the deaths were aged 70-79, about 44 percent aged 80-89, and about 14 percent aged over 90.

In another report published by Italy’s Superior Institute of Health (ISS) on March 13, the statistics on deaths from the coronavirus showed that the average age of deaths in Italy was 80. If considered by age, the mortality rate of Italian patients infected with coronavirus would not be higher than that of other countries.

In addition, the ISS report said that 46 percent to 47 percent of those deaths had two to three or more other diseases. The institute pointed out that among those deaths, most cases had suffered hypertension, ischemic heart disease or diabetes before.

Director of the ISS Silvio Brusaferro said that research confirmed that the elderly and the people with other diseases are more vulnerable to COVID-19, and should be the focus of the coronavirus prevention and control effort.

Entertainment

G Sound Studio Presents Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt 2026

Published

3 days ago

October 12, 2026

Baba Blow

The Nigerian entertainment scene is set for another exciting celebration of music and emerging talent as G Sound Studio presents the Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt 2026, an event designed to discover, showcase, and support the next generation of music stars.

With its focus on discovering talent and providing practical creative opportunities, the Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt 2026 invites aspiring musicians to step forward and showcase what they can offer.

For artists seeking a platform to perform, build connections, and pursue greater recognition, the event could be an opportunity to put their talent in the spotlight.

Interested participants and attendees should contact the organizers directly to confirm registration requirements, prize conditions, and other event details ahead of the festival.

Organized under the theme “Where Talent Meets the Spotlight,” the festival aims to provide aspiring musicians with an opportunity to showcase their abilities, connect with the entertainment community, and take a step toward greater visibility in the Nigerian music industry.

One of the major highlights of the Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt is its talent competition, which offers opportunities for participants to compete for first, second, and third-place prizes.

According to the event promotional materials, winners can look forward to valuable career-support opportunities, including free studio sessions, free music production, free music promotion, and a free video shoot.

These opportunities could help upcoming artists improve their sound, strengthen their musical identity, and gain exposure as they work toward building sustainable music careers.

The event also encourages aspiring performers to take advantage of the platform to demonstrate their creativity, stage presence, originality, and musical potential.

Registration Details and Participationd 👇

Interested talents are invited to register for the competition. The advertised registration fee is ₦10,000.

Prospective participants are encouraged to contact the organizers through the official social media handles or the WhatsApp contact provided on the event flyer to obtain the registration form and confirm the participation requirements.

Registration and enquiries:

Instagram: @dmartin_opchial
Instagram: @gsoundoftheyearstudio
WhatsApp: +234 902 195 7914
Email: Dmartinprobeat@gmail.com

Beyond the talent hunt, the festival is expected to bring together music lovers, performers, creatives, and entertainment enthusiasts for an evening of live performances and networking.

The event flyer lists several performing artists, including Ovuemax, Mohyen, Sanny Gee, Kushflow 15, Diago, Evron Diver, Milli Moree, Pehgy, Sherico, Egbebomo, Younglucki, and Dmartinpro.

The red carpet is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM, while the main show is scheduled for 8:00 PM.

With a combination of emerging performers, a competitive talent showcase, and music industry opportunities, the festival is positioning itself as a platform for aspiring artists looking to take their next step.

Event Details At A Glance 👇

Event: Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt 2026
Presented by: G Sound Studio
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Red carpet: 6:00 PM
Main show: 8:00 PM
Venue: De City Lounge, 108 Badore Road, opposite Regal Star School, Badore, Ajah, Lagos
Registration fee: ₦10,000, as advertised
Talent hunt prizes: First, second and third-place prizes, with additional creative opportunities advertised for winners

Stay connected to Blow Naija Media for more entertainment news, music updates, artist features, and events from across Nigeria.

Entertainment

Emersonnoni Unveils Bold Promo Shots as He Prepares Next Musical Chapter

Published

2 weeks ago

September 30, 2026

Baba Blow

Rising Nigerian Afro-Pop artist Emmanuel Oghenekevwe, widely known as Emerson and now requesting to be addressed as Emersonnoni, has released a fresh set of promotional photographs ahead of his next musical project.

The visuals mark a confident step forward for the Ughelli South, Delta State native, who has been steadily building momentum since the February 2026 release of his single Ask Of Emerson (featuring Snazzygrin).

That track, produced by Gluck Beatz and written by Oghene Kevwe Emmanuel, showcased his blend of Afro-Pop energy, storytelling, and contemporary Nigerian sound.
With the new promo images, Emersonnoni appears to be setting the tone for a more defined personal brand.

Entertainment

MAIDEN MOEISHA CREATIVE EXPERIENCE HOLDS THIS FRIDAY

Published

3 weeks ago

September 25, 2026

Baba Blow

MAIDEN MOEISHA CREATIVE EXPERIENCE HOLDS THIS FRIDAY

Utibe Utuk

All is set to host a gathering of artists,innovators,creative entrepreneurs,young talents,students and industry professionals as the MOEISHA Creative Experience 2026 takes center stage.

The event, which brings together diverse voices and ideas around art,technology,culture and the future of the creative economy is scheduled for Friday,September 25th from 4pm,toprovide a platform for participants to connect,share ideas,showcase their creativity and explore emerging opportunities at the intersection of art,innovation and technology at Ibom LED Centre.

A major feature of the gathering will be the official launch of The Moeisha Foundation,an initiative focused on empowering young women and fresh school leavers with creative skills and opportunities in digital entrepreneurship.

The foundation is expected to provide opportunities for young people to develop practical skills,discover their creative potential and explore sustainable pathways within the growing digital economy.

Beyond the celebration of creative expression,the MOEISHA Creative Experience is designed to promote networking,collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants from different areas of the creative industry.

The event will take place at Ibom LED,Ibom E-Library,Ibb Way,Uyo,Akwa Ibom State,with free entry for participants. Artists,students,young entrepreneurs,industry professionals and lovers of culture are expected to attend the gathering.

Some of the speakers and panelists to grace the event are Mandu Akpekong (Public Speaker), Sukmama Akpanusong (Tech Entrepreneur),Utonne Ekefre (CEO Latonne Signature) and Emmanuel Udosen (CEO Coddatech Nigeria Ltd), with performances by Udo Mariam, Psc Ben, Ferric Wondaz, Carlos Umoh and Evelyn Praiz to spice up the evening.

The convener,Mekmfonabasi Essien,an artist,creative visionary and curator,said in a chat with this reporter penultimate week that the event was conceived as an avenue to bring people together and create opportunities for meaningful connections within the creative space.

According to her,for a creative community like Uyo,which continues to explore new ways of turning talent and ideas into opportunities,the MOEISHA Creative Experience 2026 provides an avenue for participants to connect,create and discover new possibilities.

She called on young people in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring cities to take advantage of the gathering,describing it as a networking hub capable of opening doors for greater collaboration and creative partnerships.