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Actor Michael K. Williams has died

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Michael Kenneth Williams, an actor known for his roles in The Wire, Boardwalk Empire and Lovecraft Country, has died. He was 54.

The five-time Emmy Award nominee was found dead Monday afternoon at around 2 p.m. in his Brooklyn penthouse apartment, a source from the NYPD tells PEOPLE. Williams’ nephew discovered his body in the living room.

“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams,” a rep for Williams tells PEOPLE. “They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss.

Although the cause of death has not yet been determined, drug paraphernalia was found in the apartment, according to the New York Post. A separate law enforcement source tells PEOPLE that Williams died of a suspected overdose and that officials believe he may have had heroin laced with fentanyl.

Williams has been open about his struggles with drug dependency in the past. Raised in the Vanderveer Projects of the East Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn, he was exposed to crime at an early age and developed a drug addiction in his teens.

He told The New York Times in 2017 that although he’d had treatment for his addiction, he’d relapsed multiple times during his storied career. “Addiction doesn’t go away,” he said. “It’s an everyday struggle for me, but I’m fighting.”

Friends and fans shared tributes to Williams on social media after the news of his death on Monday. “The depth of my love for this brother, can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss,” his The Wire costar Wendell Pierce wrote on Twitter. “A immensely talented man with the ability to give voice to the human condition portraying the lives of those whose humanity is seldom elevated until he sings their truth.”

“Michael K Williams, in addition to being one of the most talented actors around, was also one of the kindest, sweetest, most gentle souls I’ve ever met,” wrote James Gunn. “This is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with all those who loved him.”

Williams’ breakout role came in 2002, when he portrayed Omar Little in HBO’s The Wire. The role has been lauded over the years for its complex depiction of a gay Black man with a reputation as a ruthless criminal in the streets of Baltimore.

In a statement, HBO says the network is “devastated” to learn of Williams’ death, noting that he has been “a member of the HBO family for more than 20 years.” They added, “While the world is aware of his immense talents as an artist, we knew Michael as a dear friend who was beloved by all who had the privilege to work with him. We send our deepest condolences to his family for this immeasurable loss

Over the years, he’s appeared in such shows as Law & Order, The Sopranos, Alias, Boardwalk Empire, Community and When They See Us. He’s also had roles in movies like Gone Baby Gone, The Incredible Hulk, 12 Years a Slave, Inherent Vice and Ghostbusters (2016).

Most recently, Williams delivered another acclaimed performance in HBO’s Lovecraft Country, which earned him his fifth Emmy nomination in July. (Winners will be announced on Sept. 19.) He spoke to PEOPLE about playing Montrose, a Black man discovering his sexuality in the 1950s, and how that compared to his role on The Wire.

“Montrose was different. He didn’t have the freedom Omar had or the confidence. He comes from such a broken place,” he said in October 2020. “I just had to find my own pain and my own trauma, which was a very painful experience for me. All the generational pain that had been passed down through my own personal experiences, I had to dig deep down in that for Montrose.”

I would hope that after watching Lovecraft, people walk away with this understanding of the beauty and necessity of a father-son relationship in the Black community,” Williams shared. “Black fathers have been ripped away from their sons for so many years, mine included.

That was the main thing that attracted me to this role was the opportunity to play dad to that amazing Jonathan Majors and for us to explore what father and son bonding looks like and how we can rebuild that and treasure it. There’s an absence of the Black male in our community for a lot of reasons and some of it isn’t our fault but the need is there. It’s a beautiful thing to look at. I hope Montrose will remind us how much little Black boys need their fathers.”

“We are so conditioned to mask our pain as Black men in America. We’re not allowed to cry, we’re not allowed to be vulnerable. We’re not allowed to be soft. I hope that Montrose will at least open up a conversation for Black men in America,” he added.

Source: News365

In other news – Suspect bust with 30kg copper cables belonging to City of Cape Town

Cape Town man has been arrested, after being found in possession of copper cables, belonging to the City of Cape Town, during an operation conducted by law enforcement officials.

copper cables

On Monday, members of the Law Enforcement Metal Theft Unit conducted an inspection of random vehicles conveying scrap to a scrap metal dealer, in Wetton. Learn more

Nollywood

Josh2funny Boasts: I Have No Competitor in the Comedy Industry

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Josh2funny

Ace comedian, Chibuike Josh Alfred, popularly known as Josh2Funny, has spoken on the competition in the Nigerian comedy and content-creating industry. He said those claiming that there’s no competition in the content-creating industry are only sugar-coating.

Josh2funny

Josh2Funny, however, said he has no competition in comedy industry, stressing that his skits are interpreted in foreign languages in Europe and Asia.He also frowned at the actions of some of his colleagues who copy his trends and styles without crediting him.

Josh2funny

 

Featuring in ‘The Honest Bunch’ podcast, he said, “What I won’t take is for people to be copying what I initiated without crediting me. No, I won’t take that.

Josh2funny

“Let nobody tell you that there’s no competition in the comedy industry. There’s competition. As we speak now, my comedy is interpreted in Madarin, Hindi, Russian, French, and other languages. I’m not with you guys, bro. I’m not anybody’s mate in this comedy industry.

Source: Dailyspost

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Nollywood

Emeka Ike: My Break from Acting Helped Me Build More Brands

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Emeka Ike

Renowned Nollywood actor Emeka Ike has opened up about how his hiatus from acting allowed him to diversify and build multiple successful brands. The veteran actor, who has been a household name in the Nigerian film industry for decades, took a step back from the limelight to explore other entrepreneurial ventures.

In a recent interview, Emeka Ike shared insights into his decision to take a break from acting and how it has positively impacted his career and personal growth. He explained that the time away from the film industry provided him with the opportunity to focus on establishing and expanding his business interests. My break from acting was a deliberate decision to explore other passions and business opportunities,” Emeka Ike said. “Acting has always been a significant part of my life, but I knew there was more I wanted to achieve beyond the screen.”

During his time away from acting, Emeka Ike ventured into various industries, including real estate, education, and hospitality. He successfully launched and managed several businesses, each contributing to his diverse portfolio of brands. One of his notable achievements includes the establishment of a prestigious school, which has gained recognition for its quality education and innovative approach.

“Building these brands has been an incredibly fulfilling journey,” Emeka Ike continued. “I’ve always believed in the importance of education, and starting a school was a dream come true. It’s not just about business; it’s about making a positive impact on society.”

Emeka Ike also highlighted the challenges he faced while transitioning from acting to entrepreneurship. He admitted that the shift required a significant amount of learning and adaptation, but his determination and resilience helped him overcome the obstacles.

Emeka Ike

“Venturing into new fields wasn’t easy, especially coming from an acting background,” he noted. “But I was determined to learn and grow. I surrounded myself with knowledgeable people and embraced every opportunity to expand my skill set.”

Reflecting on his journey, Emeka Ike expressed gratitude for the support he received from his fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry. He acknowledged that their encouragement played a vital role in his success and motivated him to keep pushing forward.

“My fans and colleagues have been incredibly supportive throughout this journey,” he said. “Their belief in me gave me the confidence to explore new horizons. I’m grateful for their unwavering support.”

Emeka Ike’s return to acting has been met with excitement from his fans, who eagerly anticipate his upcoming projects. He assured them that he remains passionate about acting and is looking forward to bringing new and compelling stories to the screen.

“Acting will always be a part of who I am,” Emeka Ike affirmed. “I’m excited to return and contribute to the industry that has given me so much. I have some exciting projects in the pipeline, and I can’t wait to share them with my fans.”

As Emeka Ike continues to balance his acting career with his entrepreneurial ventures, he hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions and explore new opportunities. He emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and being open to growth and change.

“My journey has taught me the value of resilience and adaptability,” he concluded. “I hope my story encourages others to follow their dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem. There is always room for growth and success if you stay committed and believe in yourself.”

Emeka Ike’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention and the limitless possibilities that come with embracing new challenges. His successful foray into various industries serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with determination and hard work, one can achieve greatness beyond their initial endeavors.

In other news – Senate and NCWS want domestic staff included in minimum wage

The Nigerian Senate and the National Council of Women Society, NCWS on Monday advocated for the inclusion of domestic servants in Nigeria in the proposed N70,000 minimum wage when it comes into effect.

Senate

The call was at the National Assembly in Abuja during a public hearing on a bill seeking an Act to provide for the Domestication and Registration of domestic workers and Employers in Nigeria Read more

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Nigerian Celebrities

Shallipopi announces break from smoking

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Nigerian singer Shallipopi has announced that he is taking a break from smoking. He shared this personal decision with his fans on social media, stating his commitment to making healthier lifestyle choices. The artist, known for his hit songs and unique style, received an outpouring of support from his followers, who commended him for prioritizing his health and well-being.

This move is seen as a positive step in his personal and professional life.

Shallipopi

Nigerian singer Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has announced he is currently taking a break from smoking. The ‘Pluto Presido’ hitmaker shared this update along with a vacation video on Snapchat. He also advised his fellow smokers to take occasional breaks from the habit. This decision highlights Shallipopi’s commitment to making healthier lifestyle choices and sets a positive example for his fans.

In other news-  I’m quitting music after my next album – Davido

Nigerian afrobeats singer David Adeleke, aka Davido, has hinted at quitting music. The ‘Unavailable’ crooner said he would quit music after his next album.

Davido

Davido disclosed this on Thursday night while reacting to the recent pictures and videos doctored against him by some blogs. He claimed that some persons desperately want him out of the music industry. Read more

 

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