Shalamar: NAN MD hails Jeffrey Daniel’s love for Nigeria
By Joshua Olomu
Malam Ali Muhammed Ali, the Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has commended Jeffrey Daniel, founding member of the renowned American R&B vocal group ‘Shalamar,’ for his interest and love for Nigeria.
Ali gave the commendation on Tuesday when he received the music legend on a courtesy visit to NAN headquarters in Abuja.
“Jeffrey Daniel decided to come and live here at the time a lot of Africans, especially Nigerians, are rushing to Europe, America and other places because of the ‘Japa syndrome’.
“People are actually leaving, but he decided to return and settle in the motherland, West Africa and I think that is quite commendable.”
According to Ali, Daniel not only relocated from the U.S. to live in the country, he further demonstrated his love for Nigeria by marrying a Nigerian as well.
Ali, who is also a friend of Daniel, said he has been a fan of the music maestro for over four decades.
“Before we became friends, I have always been star-struck with Jeffrey Daniel,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Jeffrey Daniel said he decided to visit NAN to see his friend and, as well, familiarise with the operations of the agency.
“I have always made friends wherever I go across the world, but in Nigeria, I made families because here is my home and I love it,” he said.
NAN reports that the American dancer, singer-songwriter and choreographer is best known as a judge on the first three seasons of the popular talent hunt show ‘Nigerian Idol’.
He is acclaimed to have sold more than 25 million records with the legendary soul funk group ‘Shalamar’, and is known as a man who taught Michael Jackson the moonwalk and introduced body-popping to Europe and the UK.
Some of the group’s timeless hits include “A Night to Remember”, “The Second Time Around”, “I Can Make You Feel Good” and “Friends”.
Others are “Make That Move”, “Take That to the Bank”, “There It Is” and “I Owe You One”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
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