Jonathan Urges Nigeria To Emphasize Science & Tech-based Education System, Downplay Certificates | Independent Newspaper Nigeria
Israel’s participation in Eurovision final sparks protests
The consequences of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza have now stretched to the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Israel was the first non-European country to participate in the competition, way back in 1973, and has since won four times.
But its placement in this year’s final has incensed many previously-devoted viewers.
Labour confirms plan to scrap Rwanda asylum scheme if it wins election
The Labour Party has confirmed it will abandon the government’s scheme to send failed asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Instead it’s proposing a Border Security Command that it says will deter people smuggling and illegal migration.
Sir Keir Starner visited Dover this morning, where he promised to make Britain a “hostile territory” for those transporting people across the channel on small boats.
Ulster, Leinster, Munster, Connacht locked and loaded
Match previews in this post will be updated with match reports
All four provinces have picked near full strength sides, allowing for injuries, in preparation for their third last regular season matches in the United Rugby Championship. The table is spectacularly tight right now, and every last point could be crucial in determining who ends up in the 8 play-off places. If the Sharks beat Gloucester in the Challenge Cup final, only the top seven will qualify for next season’s European Cup in addition to the Sharks.
Scarlets vs. Ulster: 3.05pm, Premier Sports
Scarlets have announced they are letting 14 players – including 4 of the match day squad – go at the end of the season, so it is difficult to know what their morale will be like. Stuck in 14th. Place in the table, they have nothing to play for except their future careers if they want to attract the attention of another club. However, this is precisely the sort of match in which Ulster, in the past, have struggled to impose themselves on the opposition. Let’s hope it is the Ulster side we saw against Benetton rather than Cardiff, who show up for this match.
Ulster have announced the recruitment of Werner Kok from the Sharks and the promotion of Lorcan McLoughlin, James McNabney and Scott Wilson from their academy with Wilson starting this match at tight head. With Steven Kitshoff and Billy Burns off to join Stormers and Munster respectively, and Angus Curtis and Luke Marshall retiring, there are still some holes in their squad to be filled, notably at 10 and loose head. Prediction: Ulster to Win.
ULSTER: Mike Lowry; Ethan McIlroy, Will Addison, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Billy Burns, John Cooney; Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring, Scott Wilson; Kieran Treadwell, Alan O’Connor (capt); Cormac Izuchukwu, David McCann, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: Tom Stewart, Andrew Warwick, James French, Harry Sheridan, Reuben Crothers, Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore, Dave Ewers.
Match report to follow
Munster vs. Connacht: 5.15pm RTE, Premier Sports
Munster are still in with a shout of topping the regular season table and thereby gaining home advantage all the way to the final, so they will not be lacking motivation for this match. Missing only Mike Haley and long term injury absentees Dave Kilcoyne and Jean Kleyn, they have picked a particularly strong bench. For next season Munster have recruited Billy Burns from Ulster and Diarmuid Killgallen from Connacht but will be losing Joey Carbury and RG Snyman to Bordeaux and Leinster, respectively.
Connacht are still missing Mack Hansen and Santiago Cordero, and with JJ Hanrahan and Cian Prendergast added to their injury list and may not have quite the same strength in depth as Munster. Connacht have been active in the transfer market for next season and have recruited ex-Ulster player Adam McBurney from Edinburgh, Piers O’Conor from Bristol Bears, David O’Connor from Ealing Trailfinders, and Temi Lasisi and Ben Murphy from the Leinster academy. Matthew Devine and Hugh Gavin have been promoted from their own Academy. Tiernan O’Halloran is retiring after 15 seasons and 236 appearances for Connacht; he also has 6 caps for Ireland in a distinguished career.
These inter-provincials are traditionally extremely competitive and quite feisty affairs and Connacht badly need a win to secure their place in the play-offs and European Championship next season. Nevertheless, I expect Munster to win.
MUNSTER: Simon Zebo; Calvin Nash, Alex Nankivell, Seán O’Brien, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; RG Snyman, Tadhg Beirne (capt); Peter O’Mahony, Alex Kendellen, Jack O’Donoghue.
Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Mark Donnelly, Oli Jager, Tom Ahern, Gavin Coombes, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Antoine Frisch.
CONNACHT: Tiernan O’Halloran; Shane Jennings, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, Byron Ralston; Jack Carty (capt), Matthew Devine; Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham; Joe Joyce, Oisín Dowling; Shamus Hurley-Langton, Conor Oliver, Paul Boyle.
Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, Niall Murray, Sean Jansen, Caolin Blade, Cathal Forde, Jarrad Butler.
Leinster vs. Ospreys: 7.35pm TG4, Premiersports
Leo Cullen has made good his pledge to field strong teams for the remainder of the URC with just five changes to the starting team that beat Northampton. Jimmy O’Brien makes his first start of the year and Jimmy O’Brien is also back from injury, but there is still no sign of Garry Ringrose or Hugo Keenan coming back from injury.
Ospreys are 10th. In the table overall and still very much in the hunt for a play-off and Champions league place. They will undoubtedly give this match a good rattle, but it is hard to see them staying with Leinster, especially when the respective benches come on. Leinster will be hoping that Glasgow come a cropper against the Bulls in Johannesburg to allow them to reclaim top spot in the table. Prediction: Leinster to win
For next season Leinster have recruited RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett (from December to the end of the season) and promoted loose head Jack Boyle, tight head Paddy McCarthy, and back row James Culhane from their academy. Michael Ala’alatoa (Clermont), Jason Jenkins (Sharks), Ross Molony (Bath), and Ed Byrne (Cardiff) will be leaving the club. A pity another Irish club couldn’t have picked them up. There is, as yet no sign of any major signing of a tight head – the most glaring weakness in the Leinster squad.
LEINSTER: Ciarán Frawley; Jordan Larmour, Jamie Osborne, Robbie Henshaw, Jimmy O’Brien; Ross Byrne, Luke McGrath; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; Ross Molony, Jason Jenkins; Ryan Baird, Will Connors, Caelan Doris (capt).
Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Michael Milne, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park, Charlie Ngatai, Tommy O’Brien.
Frank Schnittger is the author of Sovereignty 2040, a future history of how Irish re-unification might work out. He has worked in business in Dublin and London and, on a voluntary basis, for charities in community development, education, restorative justice and addiction services.
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Sounds From The Other City 2024 – Festival Review
Sounds From The Other City
5th May 2024
Salford (The Other City)
“Curiosity killed the cat but what it found brought it back.” – Iggy Pop, Curiosity (1979)
2023 was my first encounter with Sounds From The Other City festival. I had heard many tales of the festival’s legendary music status. Yet, I had never experienced it for myself. I admit, maybe I had turned my back on Salford, dismissing what the “other city” really had to offer…
The festival has been a cultural hub since 2005 and I was determined to experience the hype, lured by whispers of epic early morning after-parties fueled by the outrageous performances of the queer alt troupe, THE FVCKPIGS. The irresistible promise of a wild night out, and also stumbling upon the next big band right here in Salford, only added to the appeal.
Last year, I was there all day until the hours passed and dawn broke over the horizon with its soft city glow. By that ungodly hour, I was stumbling back to my flat. I was officially a seasoned survivor of the outrageously fun parties I was told about at Islington Mill. The experience was so exhilarating that I couldn’t resist coming back for more this year. Round 2.
That is exactly what is great about Sounds From The Other City. It isn’t just a music festival; it’s a vibrant D.I.Y community, a hands-on experience, a queer celebration. It’s a whirlwind of art, culture, and fun, where the streets become dance floors and churches become holy raves. That’s why I, and many others, love going. Manchester has long held the spotlight as the ‘music city’ but move over, venture across the River Irwell, and you’ll find the city of Salford, one with a fierce determination to forge its own path in the cultural landscape.
It was a glorious Bank Holiday weekend day, so we grabbed the tickets from the helpful workers at the desk and began the events at Salford Museum and Art Gallery to catch C Duncan at 4pm. His performance sets a wonderfully serene tone, allowing the audience to drift into the day’s festivities with his pretty electronic dreamscapes. It’s the perfect, light ‘sunny day’ soundtrack.
We came outside to wiggle our toes in the soft, warm grass on The Green, the lovely vibrant outdoor space at Peel Campus at the University of Salford. There was no shortage of street food vendors and spots to grab a refreshing beer, provided by the local brewery, Seven Brothers.
As we lay down, around us, hundreds of spectators gathered in their masses to witness the anarchic spectacle that is “FVCK PIGS: Pork Idol Pageant,” a gloriously bizarre talent contest judged for its “swine factor” for contestants to join the ensemble. It’s refreshing to encounter such a quirky antidote to traditional music festivals, offering a fun queer experience for all involved. It’s bold, vivacious, and liberating, and it certainly breaks free from any convention with its unapologetic energy. The music was filled with uplifting dance tracks and energetic mash-ups, turning the event into an insane daytime party. The fun had started, and this year’s art directors, the FVCK Pigs, represent everything great about SFTOC.
On to the bands – TTSSFU was the first watch for Now Wave’s stage, as the bedroom-pop musician opened up Maxwell Hall with a moody, introspective vibe reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers’ signature sound with a shoegaze twist. TTSSFU captures the raw essence of girlhood angst with a dainty love-heart shaped guitar and Courtney Love-esque aesthetic. Tamsin Stephens has a fantastic voice, heard in her latest EP Release, Me, Jed and Andy. The performance was enjoyable and she is certainly an upcoming artist to watch.
Next on the itinerary was Daisy Rickman at NOW WAVE’s stage, for a haunting installation of finger-picked, down-tuned folk melodies. Performing her latest album, Howl, on the edge of twilight, Rickman’s deep voice echoed out to a stunned audience. Rickman is a promising talent in the world of British folk, a genre deep with centuries of history and tradition. Drawing inspiration from her Cornish heritage, the song Falling Through the Rising Sun played out as an ode to nature in Maxwell Hall.
We made our way down to The Old Pint Pot in Salford in the blistering heat, eager to catch the art-pop sounds of Good News on the Alphaville x Fat Out x The Beauty Witch stage. Despite being relatively new to the live scene, it was evident that they had big ambitions, as reflected in their dynamic setlist to a packed-out crowd. Vocalist Bethany captivated watchers with her multi-instrumental skills (drums, clarinet, guitar – you name it) and transitions between languages, from Russian to occasional bursts of English and back to Russian. It was kooky in the best way. Their song, Kishki, immediately reminded me of ESG, with its disco-infused Factory records basslines and stabbing guitar lines.
Alphaville have succesfully run the stages at SFTOC for a few years, and chatting to Hayley Scott, the mastermind behind Alphaville, about what separates Sounds From The Other City as a festival, she said: “Sounds From The Other City is a metropolis of counterculture, it remains as the beating heart of genuine alternative culture in the city; it’s a joyous, collaborative antidote to the cliques and echo chambers of Manchester’s vast musical landscape.”
Falling downstairs at The Old Pint Pot, we watched Jellyskin, a pumping electronic duo bringing filth and chaos to the underbelly. I couldn’t help but think they should have been put on a later set, as the beaming sunshine sparking through The Old Pint Pot’s window panes didn’t do justice to the menacing techno synthesisers curated on stage. However, it was a gritty sharp set from an interesting band, but a band I’d like to see in a blacked-out Berlin basement.
We walked over to St Philip’s Church to catch Halo Maud for some deliciously dreamy prog-psych pop, and then back to catch the NOW WAVE headliner, Gruff Rhys, in The Maxwell Hall. Known as the front-man as Super Furry Animals, Rhys graced the stage to showcase his latest album, Sadness Sets Me Free, delivering a strong melancholic performance to close the evening.
I managed to catch some of Muva Of Earth‘s performance at Peel Hall for the Band On The Wall x Reform stage, shining brightly as one of the evening’s standout highlights with her mesmerising spiritual vocals set to a tranquil guitar. I hadn’t heard of this artist before but it was a soul-stirring performance that left a lasting impression, and I can’t wait to see her play again.
Nightbus was one of the final acts I caught for the evening at St Philip’s Church for Heavenly Recordings x Strange Days. Over the past year, Nightbus has garnered significant attention, having been signed by So Young Records and releasing a steady stream of singles. Witnessing their progress first hand, and the enthusiastic turnout for the band, was great. Nightbus were a perfect fit for the church, looking effortlessly cool in their monochromatic aesthetic. Evoking the minimalist vibe of The XX, their set had layers of depth and intrigue. They were a perfect close to the night.
The after-parties commenced with acid-house legend A Guy Called Gerald taking the reins, and the rest of the night blurred.
If supporting independent businesses and being part of a truly vibrant community are values close to your heart, then this festival is tailor-made for you. Every step of the journey, Sounds From The Other City is supportive and compassionate. The staff were an absolute delight, making everyone feel welcome. It feels like home. SFTOC, you’re always a pleasure. Here’s to next year – Round 3!
~
All words by Amelia Fearon, you can find her author’s archive here
Photos by Liam Maxwell
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Eminem – Stronger Than I Was
We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.
Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.
We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.
We wandered the site with other tourists
Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.
Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.
Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.
We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.
Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.
Dj Dark – Chill Vibes
We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.
Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.
We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.
We wandered the site with other tourists
Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.
Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.
Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.
We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.
Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.
Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love (Dj Dark & Adrian Funk Remix)
We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.
Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.
We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.
We wandered the site with other tourists
Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.
Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.
Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.
We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.
Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.
Silicon Valley Guru Affected by the Fulminant Slashed
We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.
Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.
We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.
We wandered the site with other tourists
Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.
Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.
Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.
We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.
Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.
Watch Awesome Kate Go Full Cooking Pro in England this Week
We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.
Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.
We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.
We wandered the site with other tourists
Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.
Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.
Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.
We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.
Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.
