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Obituary: Wiles, Patience Grant

By Michael Wiles 

It is with profound sadness that the Wiles’ Family announces the Sudden Death of our beloved mother, Patience Grant Wiles.

This sad event took place at her 18 Bendix Lane residence in Willingboro, New Jersey, USA on October 4, 2021. The late Patience Wiles was born in Cestos City, Rivercess County, Liberia on September 29, 1955.

She leaves to mourn TEN CHILDREN, TWENTY-NINE GRAND CHILDREN, TWO GREAT GRAND CHILDREN, THREE BROTHERS and THREE SISTERS, NEPHEWS & NIECES, COUSINS, in-laws, other relatives and friends in the U.S.A, Australia, and Liberia Respectively.

Wake-keeping and Funeral services are as follow:

Wake- Keeping will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 from 4pm to 7pm and Funeral Service will be held on November 20, 2021 from 9am to 11 am, all at the St. Paul United Methodist Church, 201 Levitt Parkway, Willingboro, NJ . follow by the interment at the Odd Fellows cemetery, 4527 Route 130 Burlington NJ

Thanks

The Wiles’ family

JSlught might be heading to Victor George's Amplified Records

“Let’s Get Amplified” What’s J Slught trying to tell his fans and the rest of the world? Because he is fond of using captions to announce his next moves, look at what he did two years ago with his award winning EP Home and Beyond, also with his previous body of work King of the Jungle. Now he is posting a caption that could be creating speculations that he is heading to the former home of his rival Stunna and one of the Life Saver’s of the Liberian Entertainment Industry, Intellectual Music Executive and Serial entrepreneur Victor George. Would Stunna forgive J Slught? Because they became friends once more after years of being sworn enemies, but now J Slught might become an Amplified artist, we can’t be sure that the friendship would continue. Another school of thought might say that Victor George is trying to get his pound of flesh from Stunna because of how he walked off from Amplified records after all the heavy investments made on him. But really, Why should Victor attack Stunna with J Slught when he is still a father to the Baby O crooner even after their split?

Did you notice the Amplified logo on Stunna’s flier for his trip to Dubai with his fans? That would make us feel that he is still a part of amplified label, but no he is not. The Amplified logo is a prove that Victor George in his kind nature supports Stunna at any point of need and doesn’t have bad blood against him. We don’t know the business dealings between them for Stunna to use Victor’s company name as a backbone but from detailed observation Victor George is a very compassionate person and it won’t take him anything for him to help a son. So if Victor George signs J Slught, it wouldn’t come from the angle of trying to provoke Stunna but simply trying to take advantage of an outstanding business opportunity.

Why do you think Victor George would activate J Slught as an amplified artist? Look at it, for almost a month now J Slught has been without a record label but he has been doing so great as he released a freestyle “Out Of My Head” with a beautiful video to keep his fans happy. He didn’t stop there but has been on a radio tour granting interviews to bridge the gap and bad publicity his contract termination might have caused. To add it all up, he proudly announced through his social media platforms that he is about to drop a banger with back to back hit maker Kpanto, who is presently in the United States of America for his tour. J Slught has achieved a lot but he is still hungry for more as if he has done nothing, believe me, this is the kind of attributes professional music executives like Victor George are looking for. J Slught at Amplified would be a miracle to the Entertainment industry in Liberia, because when powerful brains meet, J Slught and Victor George, we should only expect these guys to make Liberia participate among the league of nations that controls world entertainment.

Zubin Cooper: Hosting the Miss Liberia’s pageant is a challenging task, but yet an enjoyable cultural entertainment project

Actor and media professional, Zubin Cooper is spearheading the upcoming Miss Liberia’s pageant. According to Mr. Cooper, hosting the Miss Liberia’s pageant is a challenging task, but yet an enjoyable cultural entertainment project. Check out our exclusive interview with Mr. Cooper below. 

Are you still hosting Miss Liberia?

Yes, my company XL-Entertainment is still hosting Miss Liberia. A challenging yet enjoyable cultural entertainment project

You are a man of many hats, always working on something, tell us about your current project. Is The Face the biggest movie you have done? 

Miss Liberia is one of a few projects I am working on at the moment, but it occupies the biggest block of time, due to the sheer amount of work it takes to really bring it together. It has a lot of elements that you have to bring together over time. And it’s a national project; we were recently able to crisscross Liberia conducting regional auditions. And it was a challenge. Had to ride a penpen (motorcycle) for about 12 hours at one point. All on the worst type of dirt roads possible in the middle of the rainy season. Had a deadline to be in Maryland though, so it had to be done. The show or in this case Miss Liberia must go on. 

Other than Miss Liberia I am working on a few other projects in the cultural/entertainment space, including a multimedia project – JujuAfrica under the omuahtee AFRICA media brand. Which will consist of digital and terrestrial media broadcasting original programming to Liberia and the world.  Working with an assortment on a series of programs that will cover lifestyle, entertainment, culture, history, business, dance, music, agriculture; the whole gamut except for politics. No politics at all. I think we have enough people doing that. Then there are one or two other projects under XL-Entertainment, but I will keep quiet on those for now.

Biggest feature film, yes it was. 

If yes, what was that experience like? 

The experience on The Last Face was basically all that you’d want of a Hollywood project, with major stars and a superstar director. Everything was big. The attention to detail was fantastic. The resources were amazing. And the cast and crew were phenomenal. Charlize Theron, Javier Bardem, Jared Harris, Jean Reno, Adele Exacharpoulos, Sibongile Mlambo, etc…. every actor and actress in that film were true followers of the craft.  Able to channel a level of emotion and meaning into every moment that you don’t see ordinarily. It helped me to grow personally and professionally in so many ways. And I made friendships that I cherish and maintain to this day. My network was also enlarged. 

Please explain to us what the Miss Liberia bidding process entails. 

The Miss Liberia bidding process from my point of view was a complex yet straight forward process. Complex in that there are so many moving parts to it that if you don’t have the imagination and flexibility to be creative and innovative, that you can’t deliver on what should be a spectacle for the enjoyment of all. Especially with the challenges of Covid-19. Straightforward in that once the project vision and proposal were outlined in a realistic framework, it was just the matter of submitting the proposal, along with my corporate documents, proof of a bank account and fees and letting the committee evaluate on its merits.

As a well-traveled individual which culture outside the Liberian culture you admire the most and why? 

I have been in many countries across the world, but I have always maintained a fascination with our African cultures and traditions. Especially our folk tales and oral traditions and histories. Yes, there are similarities within many nations of Africa, mainly due that most of the borders were arbitrarily arrived at by some colonial administrator (story for another day); but the sheer volume and richness is astounding and just staggers my imagination. Africa is a story waiting to be told and we as Africans have to tell the stories of our heroes and preserve the richness and depth of our culture, history and traditions. Liberia the republic’s story started in the 1800s, but Liberia the land, the grain coast’s, story is much older. That is the same for so many African cultures and their modern national counterparts. For example, I once went to Kumasi for the “Durbar” of the Asantehene, I spent about five days there. It was astounding and so varied and different, with northern chiefs on horses, to barefoot Akan warriors from neighboring kingdoms. It was amazing. Ivory Coast, Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and many other nations have so much to teach and share as does Liberia. The African culture revolution has yet to truly occur and ne experienced. 

What are some of the challenges you are facing on this journey to bring Miss Liberia back to live? 

Did I mention the 12-hour bike ride from Greenville to Harper? LOL. The biggest challenge out of the many challenges is getting the people to believe in Miss Liberia again. To restore the excitement and faith that we had in it. That sense of wonder and anticipation. That trust. That is what I want to bring back. Along with the creativity. The fashion, the style and faith. There are logistical challenges, but those can be overcome by scheduling, finances, and discipline. But getting our people to believe in Miss Liberia again; that’s the challenge.

What do you think about the current state of the Liberian movie industry? 

The Liberian movie industry still has a long way to go. We had a renaissance of sorts during Ebola, but the short gains made during that time in terms of audience engagement and commercial profitability have slowed. We are progressing, but it still has many obstacles to overcome and face as it tries to climb to the heights of the Nigerian and South African and Northern African and East African cinema. 

What do you think is holding the Liberian Movie industry back? 

The Liberian movie industry is lacking investment, imagination or creativity and discipline and dedication. Let’s look at creativity or imagination first. When I speak of creativity or imagination, I am speaking of not only the content of the movies/films (for expediency I am also including digital media and tv), but how those contents are delivered to the audience. Even how they are created. In other African nations people are shooting films, skits, TV programs on mobile phones.  Why aren’t we doing that?  How are we using digital platforms? We are still imitating and not innovating. Until we can conquer that hump, we wont move. We don’t have the financing or access to capital that is in other African countries, so we have to as a must, begin to innovate and be creative in how we engage in pre-production, production and post. 1xBet sponsors many Nigerian creatives, why don’t our creatives engage them or their local equivalent? Why must we have a sponsor? These are questions we need to ask ourselves. Discipline and dedication mostly goes to aspiring filmmakers, you are called aspiring for a reason. Learn and perfect your craft and put in work. Its not you turn up on set and shoot. A lot of preparation goes into shooting; improvisation is good, but you can’t improvise 24/7. When it comes to finance we need to realize that government and the private sector in Liberia , do not understand nor value the culture and entertainment industries. Some individuals might, but they can’t support the entire industry. So, we have to find new means of financing and pushing our ideas to the front. New means of distribution, news means of raising capital, new means of getting the public to watch and/or purchase our films, skits, productions.

What advice to you have for the Liberian entertainment industry as a whole?

We need to come together under the Liberian Movie Union and see how we can embrace new media and new avenues of finance and distribution to make the critical next steps in our development. It will take patience, hard work and dedication, which LIMU has in excess. We just have to stay together and make it happen.

What message do you have for your fans?

Stay tuned for JujuAfrica and you will be enthralled by what we will bring to the culture and entertainment space soon. If you have any creative ideas or want to collab reach out. I am always open. The Internet and social media have given every one of us the opportunity to be a star in our own space. Use it. Sign up to my fanpage zubincooper on FB and follow me on IG as omuahtee and twitter as omuahtee. 

Well, we look forward to seeing what Mr. Cooper has in store for us. 

Benji Cavalli: we should focus on the bigger picture

Ever since he first emerged onto the scene with his hit song “Slow It Down”, Benji Cavalli has continuously proven himself as an award winner. Priding himself as a singer and dancer, he has kept himself booked over the years. Check out my interview with Benji below. 

What has been the best performance of your career so far?

- My first time performing at the LEA in 2016. I received a lot of support from the fans, the energy from the crowd was great, and it is also the same year I won Best Music Video for “Slow It Down.”

Who inspired you to make music?

- My uncle Zack Roberts was one of Liberia’s legendary performers. He and Liberia’s Coast Guard band exposed me to different sounds at an early age and my passion for music still exists today.

What is your creative process like?

- I like to be in a place of peace and quiet because I write best when I’m relaxed. I always begin with prayer, then I draw from my experiences and what I observe around me.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

- I’m open to working with any artist who would like to work with me. I’m all about pushing Liberia forward through arts and would like to partner with anyone who also shares that vision.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

- If Michael Jackson were alive, it’d be him.

 Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

- Of course. I sing my own songs and try to create some also.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

- It has made music accessible to more listeners and has increased my ability to leave a global impact. 

What is your favourite song to perform?

- “Lazy” for sure because the fans love it, and I love to see the smiles on their faces. 

What do you think about the current state of the Liberian music industry? 

- Right now the industry is growing compared to years back. We have a lot of talent, and our music is reaching across borders through collaborations with artists from other markets. We are moving in the right direction.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

- When I was very young, I snuck into the building where the Coast Guard band used to rehearse. When they were done I hid in the closet, and after they left and locked the doors, I stayed there playing the drums all night. My parents were looking for me. A janitor ended up finding me, and when I got home I was in a lot of trouble for missing dinner and causing my family to panic. 

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

- I wish we would collaborate more. We are all trying to change our narrative and push Liberia forward, so we should focus on the bigger picture behind what we are doing.

What’s next for you?

- I’m actually working on my first album and preparing for a U.S. tour in addition to connecting more closely with my fan base in Liberia. I’m excited about putting out a complete project, and I’m trusting God for the rest.

Chiefs’ Tamba Hali to be inducted in Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will soon celebrate football with the induction of Kansas City Chiefs pass rusher Tamba Hali, University of Missouri running back Devin West, Kickapoo High School & University of Central Missouri quarterback Scott Loveland, Salem High School coach Bill Schuchardt, and Lebanon radio broadcaster Kevin Stubblefield, as well as the Harrisonville High School Football Program and Cassville High School’s 2008 and 2009 state championship teams.

CEO & Executive Director Jerald Andrews on Wednesday announced the upcoming inductees, who will be enshrined during the annual Football Luncheon presented by the Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company. It’s set for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 13 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Additionally, the Hall of Fame will honor the Elite 11, which recognizes former high school and college standouts, or those who have made positive contributions to the game.

Tamba Hali – Kansas City Chiefs

Hali was among the best pass rushers in Kansas City Chiefs history, doing so years after escaping the war-torn West African country of Liberia at age 10 and making a new home in the United States. A first-round draft pick in 2006 out of Penn State University, he spent his entire National Football League career with the Chiefs, covering 12 seasons (2006-2017) and helping the team to six playoff berths. He is second only to the legendary Derrick Thomas (126.5) in career sacks (89.5) and ahead of Neil Smith’s 85.5 and Justin Houston’s 78.5. Thomas (MSHOF 2021) and Smith (MSHOF 2008) have been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. A six-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro, Hali also forced 33 fumbles, second only to Thomas’ 45 and four more than Smith’s 29. Additionally, Hali started at least 15 games every season from 2006 to 2014 and started 14 in 2015. At Penn State, Hali was a consensus NCAA All-American in 2005 and was part of the Orange Bowl team that beat Florida State 26-23 in three overtimes.

After seizing the Norwegian Embassy, the Taliban smashed wine bottles and destroyed children's books.

The Taliban have taken over the Norwegian embassy in Kabul and took to smashing wine bottles and destroying children's books at the establishment.

"Guns apparently are less dangerous"

Norwegian ambassador to Iran Ambassador Sigvald Hauge wrote on Twitter on Wednesday that the Taliban “say they will return it to us later” and added “but first wine bottles are to be smashed and children's books destroyed.”

Norway vacated its diplomatic post in the Afghan capital with the help of fellow Scandinavian neighbour Denmark before the Taliban took over the city.

Earlier, the Taliban had said that they would not interfere with the diplomatic establishments of foreign nations, including embassies.

The Taliban are now forming the government in Afghanistan that is likely to be led by Hibatullah Akhundzada. Taliban's hardline interim government includes specially designated global terrorist Sirajuddin Haqqani as the acting interior minister.