Recent controversy sparked off following an exhibition of painting that depicts the genital of South African President, Jacob Zuma at Goodman Gallery , South Africa, has again brought to the fore the power of art as both an instrument of debate, criticism, commentary and social control.

IT was not the usual yuletide season for songs. But the Shell Hall, Muson centre venue of last week’s choir extravaganza event was decorated with brilliant colours that foreshadowed the season with lights dimming on and off. But it was not the season; rather it was another created moment for relaxation put together by the Musical Society of Nigeria, MUSON as part of its 2012 New Era Artistes concerts which have been running since January 2012.

AFTER several months of tinkering, altering and reconfiguration to develop into new forms in the exploration of materiality and the extant possibilities of working in various media in very creative ways, Auchi trained painter and one of Nigeria’s most talented colourists, will present his new body of works in a solo exhibition titled Authenticity of Thought, an exhibition of artworks in a mixed media .

Judging by the decency and simplicity that graced Femi Onasanya’s book presentation recently at the Function Hall of the MUSON Centre Lagos, it will only be fair to describe the launch as unique. The organisers, chief host and guests especially, the Chairman of the occasion and former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Minister for Industry, Chief Mrs Nike Akande; former President of ICAN and Chief launcher, Mrs Adenike Adeniran and many others must be commended for sticking to time.

During these years, we saw the gradual transition and the build-up of the nation’s entertainment industry.

NAMIBIAN High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selma Ashipala- Musavyi has disclosed that her country would welcome corporation with Nigeria on areas of literary and cultural exchange, noting that such gesture would be of immense benefit to Namibia.

That evening at the Kolanut Conference and Event Centre, Barrack’s Road , Calabar, was blessed with heavy downpour. But it didn’t dampen the spirit. The spirit of conviviality, of recognition and appreciation, which the people’s paradise city of Calabar wanted to shower on its governor. That was exactly what the evening represented as quality citizens and admirers of Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River State, was being honoured.

Some books can simply overwhelm one. I guess I do have a well-earned reputation as a devourer of books and the written word, but I have to confess from the very beginning that Chuks Iloegbunam’s General of the People’s Army was quite overpowering to me. It is a book that contains multitudes. The well-annotated volume deserves a dissertation for due justice to be done to it, not a short newspaper review!

In advancing the slogan of “Language, Literature and the decolonization of Nigeria’s political culture,” we are merely saying that we don’t wish any longer to adapt ourselves to the special features of white colonial and post-colonial rule.

Judging by the decency and simplicity that graced Femi Onasanya’s book presentation recently at the Function Hall of the MUSON Centre Lagos, it will only be fair to describe the launch as unique. The organisers, chief host and guests especially, the Chairman of the occasion and former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Minister for Industry, Chief Mrs Nike Akande; former President of ICAN and Chief launcher, Mrs Adenike Adeniran and many others must be commended for sticking to time.