Tito Jackson, an original member of the iconic Jackson 5 and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has died at 70.

Known for his timeless hits like ABC and I Want You Back, Tito’s death was confirmed by his sons in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday.

An official cause of death is yet to be revealed.

The Jackson family mourns the loss of another music legend.

Tito performed in the iconic ensemble with brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, who died in 2009.

Steve Manning, a long-time Jackson family friend and former Jackson family manager, told Entertainment Tonight that Jackson died on Monday.

The news was confirmed in an Instagram post, #3tworld, by his three sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, who were themselves an R’n’B/pop trio, 3T, in the 1990s.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken.

“Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as “Coach Tito” or some know him as “Poppa T.”

“Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously. It will forever be “Tito Time” for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is “Love One Another.” We love you, Pops.

“Your boys, Taj, Taryll and TJ.”

The Jackson 5’s hits included ABC, The Love You Save and I Want You Back.

Tito Jackson was scheduled to perform alongside The Jacksons, Billy Ocean, and The Pointer Sisters in a highly anticipated concert on October 25, 2024, at Hard Rock Live, Atlantic City.

The event promised an unforgettable night of iconic pop and R&B hits. Another performance was planned for November 1, 2024, at Hard Rock Cincinnati Ballroom, Cincinnati, OH, celebrating decades of music that have defined generations.

Nollywood actress Abiola Adebayo, better known as Biola Bayo, has recalled how being a secondary school dropout changed her.

In an interview with media personality, Seun Oloketuyi for Nollywood On Radio, the movie star revealed that dropping out of school changed her perspective about life. According to the Yoruba actress, she has a love and passion for education. Unfortunately, it wasn’t easy for her, as going to school was difficult. She disclosed that she denied several admissions because she didn’t have money. However, she is the type of person who doesn’t stop, hence why she didn’t give up.

“For me, education has always been it for me. I was a secondary school dropout, so education was intentional for me. So it wasn’t easy for me going to school, so it was very difficult. I had several admissions that I denied because I didn’t have money and that was years back, so it was a tussle and struggle. I just don’t stop; I feel like there is always more to get”.

Speaking about her life lessons, Biola said that she doesn’t stop at any level of mediocrity and she always feels she can do better, regardless of the position she is in. She stated that she doesn’t feel too comfortable remaining in a position and, as such, always aspires to do better.

“My lesson is that I don’t stop at any level of mediocrity; I feel I can always do better, regardless of the position that you are in now. I don’t feel too comfortable to remain ay a position, so I am that type of person who will always aspire to do better”.

The movie star also corrected the notion that the Yoruba industry is filled with illiterates. She noted how there have always been a lot of educated actors. Unfortunately, there were more uneducated ones, which made it feel like the industry was filled with illiterates. She noted how back then, more actors had just school certificates, but that didn’t stop them from speaking English fluently.

“Even from time, there have been a lot of educated people among us. It’s probably because we had more people who were not so educated at that time, so it made it look like the industry was dominated by the illiterate but there are literates among us; there have always been. Way back, it was filled with school certificates and not university degrees and those schools certs new how to speak better, their English was so polished than what we have now”.

This online medium reported in December last year, that Biola Bayo had joined the likes of Lateef Adedimeji, Shaffy Bello, and Nancy Isime, with doctorate degrees. The mum of one was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership and Business from Georgia University. Sharing the good news on her Instagram page, she reintroduced herself and appreciated the University for the great honour.

KFN.

An online music streaming platform, Spotify, has named Afropop sensation Yemi Alade as its EQUAL Africa artist for September.

This was revealed in a statement on Friday by Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu in Lagos.

Okumu mentioned that the “Spotify EQUAL Africa program is committed to empowering female voices across the continent, highlighting artists who consistently push the boundaries of their craft.”

“Yemi Alade exemplifies the calibre of talent the programme aims to support.

“Spotify is proud to be associated with Yemi Alade and will continue to use the EQUAL Africa programme to support women in music, amplify their voices and help to showcase their incredible talents to the global audience.”

Okumu pointed out that with a career that spanned over a decade, Alade established herself as one of the most prominent and influential female artistes in the Nigerian music industry.

She said this had earned the Afropop sensation a dedicated fanbase, both at home and internationally.

She noted that the artiste’s electrifying performances and powerful voice also earned her recognition worldwide,

allowing her to represent African music on international platforms.

She said “Alade’s undeniable talent and powerful voice has captivated audiences across continents, as she collaborated with global superstars such as Beyoncé, Angélique Kidjo and Awilo Longomba.

“She has also toured the world, showcasing the rich beauty of African music, captivating audiences across continents and cultures.”

Meanwhile, Alade had described her kind of music as “a perfect blend of high-life pop, R’n’B and afrobeat.

“It is a beautiful blend that is inspired by a bit of jazz or blues here and there. If you listen closely you will pick the tones.

“I don’t like to be in a box, but I know that my music is a fusion of African sounds, and the core of my music is African rhythm.”

NAN