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World Champion captures Nigerian spirit, tenacity in new TVC

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BY: Sandra Ani

It hit the media landscape like a thunderbolt on the first day of February 2019. A black-faced, handsome athlete working out in a gym. “Inner strength that comes from the hard knocks that life throws at us, and we Nigerians we know all about that,”

Cut! Another scene, same well-built dude in a boxing ring; knocks out his opponent easily, then he gloats – “Glo I hail o!”

That is World Boxing Champion Anthony Oluwafemi, Olaseni Joshua in a new television commercial released by Globacom celebrating his Nigerian-ness. The commercial which sits trending on the internet proved to be one of the few things that has uplifted the hearts of Nigerians together. Released at a time when perhaps hopes and illusions about the future of Nigeria were at very low ebbs, especially in the younger generation, the video clip reignited the fire of national pride and hope in the hearts of Nigerians all over the world. 

The sights of the black dude punching the brains out of his opponent and the well-crafted motivational speech of the Nigerian boxer did the trick. Words like “you don’t stay down, you get up and fight” went a long way to revive the hearts of many downtrodden Nigerians.

It is well known that tenacity is the middle name for Nigerians. Often, it is called the Nigerian never-say-die spirit or the Nigerian can-do spirit, but when Joshua said, “We have the same tenacity, the Nigerian fighting spirit that makes us game changers” Nigerians could identify with that. That touched a chord. It resonated across the black world.

The sequel to the TVC does even more, showing the awesome reactions of Nigerians to the inspirational message contained in the commercial.

 The sequel TVC opens with a University of Lagos female student relishing the Anthony Joshua commercial. A teenage boy is seen also watching the TVC in his home. The scene shifts to fishermen on Lagos lagoon.

A local tailor in Aba also watches followed by a female basketball team in Port Harcourt while a lady executive in Abuja was also shown soaking in the Glo-Joshua message on her phone.

Then the scene cuts to classroom of pupils in Sokoto where they gathered to watch Joshua on a laptop.

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 The effects: breathtaking and heart touching!  Nigerians of all walks of life are inspired, motivated and moved to achieve more after watching the Joshua story.  Especially driving the message home is the young Nigerian, from Joshua’s constituency, a boxer who saw the inspirational film, took lessons from Joshua’s motivational and went on to win his bout.

 Again, the locations where the commercials were watched pointed at the nationwide coverage of the Glo 4G which is seen as Number 1 in the country in view of its spread.

 The TVC itself is seen as a masterpiece. The pay off line of “always in your corner” is a boxing metaphor for the comfort boxers get from their corners where they get tips and treatment.

 It is evident what Glo wants everyone to take home after seeing the TVC, Glo 4G is in everyone’s corner and with Glo all their data related communication needs are met, allowing them to breathe easy with data, widely regarded as the new oxygen of life in a digitalized world.

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

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The LOGIC Church Debuts “Jesus + Nothing Worship” on Good Friday

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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LOGIC Church
LOGIC Church

The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. In commemoration of this, the Love of God in Christ (LOGIC) Church is hosting the first edition of the Jesus + Nothing Worship, an uplifting evening dedicated to expressing the message of the death, burial and resurrection in music.

This event will be held on, Friday, April 18, 2025, by 4PM, at The LOGIC Church headquarters in Lekki, Lagos.

LOGIC Church
LOGIC Church

The event offers worshippers an opportunity to connect with the essence of the Gospel in worship.

The Lead Pastor and Apostolic Head of the LOGIC Church, Apostle Flourish Peters, asserts that worship is a significant part of the New Testament believers’ experience in Christ.

“As a Christocentric faith community, this event is a great way to celebrate the gift of Christ, who laid down his life for our redemption. Good Friday is a great time to have a worship celebration like this,” notes Peters.

On the context for the event, he notes, “Nothing speaks to the culture of a people like the music they listen to.

Jesus + Nothing Worship will contribute to shaping and mainstreaming a culture of christocentric worship, where the Gospel of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection is platformed through worship. 

With Nigeria’s young demography heavily influenced by the music and the arts, Christocentric music is a powerful tool in pointing this generation to Christ,”

Guest ministers expected include; Ministers Neon Adejo, Greatman Takit, Victor Thompson, Timi Dakolo, Samuel Giveson (SMJ), Noble G, Steve Hills, and Lily Perez. Others include Ministers Joxie, Anderson Qozan, Pastor Victor Paul, EmekaSongz, Flo, Dorcas Moore, Magpsalms, Mera Owili, Gerald Bishung, Phebe Lion, and the vibrant Evolution Children’s Choir.

The Jesus + Nothing Worship is a free event and attendees are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

For more information, visit the official website: https://thelogicchurch.org/en/ and follow on YouTube at @TheLOGICChurch and on Instagram at @thelogicchurch.

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Spotify’s ‘Detty December’ Hub and Spotify’s ‘Songs of December’ now live

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Spotify Africa TopCharts

Spotify today announced the launch of its ‘Detty December’ hub with playlists for December, a celebration of the vibrant festive season in West Africa and South Africa. The hub is a one-stop shop for all things Detty December, with curated playlists featuring the biggest hits and emerging sounds of the season. Users can find everything from Afrobeats and Amapiano anthems to chilled-out vibes for those much-needed recovery days.  

“Detty December is a special time for our users in West Africa and ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration,” said Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa. “We’re excited to be part of their celebrations with this dedicated hub and playlists, bringing them the best music to soundtrack their festive moments.”

This unapologetic season of street jams, back-to-back concerts, and endless summer fun has developed its own culture that draws diaspora and local fans alike. The curated sounds of Spotify’s Detty December hub will pay homage to the Lagos rooftop lounges, Accra’s beachside festivals, and South Africa’s township tunes that keep people grooving.   

In addition to the hub, Spotify has also launched a new playlist called ‘Songs of Detty December’. This playlist is a curated list from Spotify Africa’s editors on the songs predicted to dominate this year’s Detty December. From DJ Skelm’s Afro Tech sounds to Flytime Fest’s tour of songs that tell Africa’s aspirational stories, the hub will be the home of takeover playlists that display Africa’s diverse talent. Barrier-breaking Amapiano talent Kamo_ww has taken over a South African Summer playlist too.    

Spotify is also supporting Jerk x Jollof, a popular event making its way to Africa for the first time, through its Frequency program. Held at The Ostrich event space, the Jerk x Jollof Cape Town takeover will feature DJs and artists such as TxC, DBN Gogo, Spinall, Sarz and Odeal, merging the spirit of Detty December and ke Dezemba experiences and bringing South and West African cultures and artists together.  

“We’re committed to supporting African music and culture,” said Okumu. “We believe that music is a powerful way to bring people together, and we’re excited to be part of the Detty December celebrations.”

You can keep the good vibes going as you make your way to the hotel, beach or next Detty December party with Spotify’s curated and immersive sound selection. Discover something new or run the year’s best party anthems back on your app today. 

The ‘Detty December’ hub is available now on Spotify.

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New Edition of the ‘I Just Saw Jesus’ Book Extends 40-Year Legacy of Media Ministry

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I Just Saw Jesus

Forty years after the release of the original JESUS film, Jesus Film Project is releasing an updated edition of founder Paul Eshleman’s book, I Just Saw Jesus. 

The new edition features a heartfelt foreword written by Eshleman’s daughter, Jenn Huff, as well as refreshed cover art. The book was officially released in October 2024.

Originally published in 1985, I Just Saw Jesus chronicles Eshleman’s journey to create the JESUS film, the most translated and viewed film in history. Translated into more than 2,100 languages and counting, the film has been a significant resource in spreading the gospel to millions across the globe. 

The release of this updated edition comes at a critical juncture as Jesus Film Project reimagines the 1979 film for today’s generation.

In her foreword to the new edition of I Just Saw Jesus, Huff reflects on her father’s vision and passion for the project. She writes, ”The JESUS film, meticulously crafted to depict the life of Jesus with unprecedented accuracy, stood as a beacon of attention to detail. Behind the scenes, my father’s equally meticulous storytelling mirrored the attention that was paid to every aspect of the film’s creation.” She added, “I Just Saw Jesus is not just a book; it is a testament to the miraculous change Jesus makes in people’s lives.”

Paul Eshleman’s work on the JESUS film was inspired by the mission to share the gospel message in every corner of the world.I Just Saw Jesus tells the stories of the faithful volunteer film teams, missionaries and pastors who ventured into remote tribes to show the JESUS film. They carried generators and projectors across jungles, stood before influential leaders, and overcame threats, curses and deadly diseases – all to share the story of Jesus in the heart language of those who might not otherwise hear the gospel.

This new edition of I Just Saw Jesus is a tribute to Paul Eshleman’s legacy. It marks a new chapter in the ongoing mission to innovate and reach people with today’s tools, ensuring that the gospel remains accessible to new generations.

Purchase I Just Saw Jesus on Amazon or the Cru store, and join the ongoing conversation about how media can inspire the next generation.

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