Today, his sound is unmistakable. His stage presence is electric. And his influence is undeniable. But Segun Johnson’s journey didn’t begin at the front of the stage. Before the sold-out shows and viral chants, there was a drummer in Lagos, quietly studying the room.

He spent years behind the drums, playing for gospel, Fuji, and juju artists, moving from one gig to another, learning not just music, but people. In those moments, he began to notice a pattern that would later define his career. He paid attention to what worked, but more importantly, what didn’t.

At the time, live band culture, especially within Yoruba social events, followed a predictable pattern. Performances often revolved around a select few, leaving the rest of the audience as passive observers.

Segun saw a gap. And he built a career filling it.

Rather than conform to the status quo, he made a deliberate decision to create something different, a sound and performance style that pulled everyone into the experience.

His approach was simple but powerful: turn spectators into participants.

Instead of isolating attention on a single guest, he began crafting call-and-response chants that resonated across the room. A name call would quickly evolve into a shared affirmation, a rhythm the entire audience could latch onto. Whether you were in the front row or the back corner, you were part of the moment.

It was inclusive. It was energetic. And it was new.

However, innovation came at a cost. At the peak of his transition, Segun Johnson began to lose bookings, particularly high-paying events like burial ceremonies, where traditional praise-singing thrives. The pressure mounted. His band members were concerned. Financially, things became uncertain.

For a moment, the question lingered: should he return to the old way? Instead, he chose conviction.

“I told myself, you’ve built a brand. Why not build something within your style that can sustain you?”

Rather than going backwards, he refined his sound. He leaned deeper into his identity and created music that could sustain both his artistry and his income. That decision would eventually birth some of his most recognizable crowd anthems ,  organic, spontaneous creations that started on stage and spread far beyond it.

Speaking on his inspiration, Segun Johnson stands apart from many artists who retreat into studios to create. His process lives in real time. His stage is his studio, and his audience is his muse.

“I get my inspiration from people,” he says. “Once I’m on stage and I look at someone, something new comes.”

It’s this spontaneity that keeps his performances fresh, unpredictable, and deeply personal.

One of his most defining moments came during his first visit to the UK, standing before a sold-out crowd, thousands of miles away from home, watching them sing along to Yoruba lyrics. In that moment, what was once considered “local” became global. His sound, deeply rooted in culture, proved it could travel, connect, and thrive anywhere.

“It felt really good,” he says. “People paid to come and listen to my music in a different country. It made me proud.”

Today, Segun Johnson stands as more than just a performer, he is a disruptor of tradition, a student of the craft, and a creator who understood that to stand out, you must first be willing to be different.

His journey is a reminder that innovation often looks like risk before it looks like success. And sometimes, changing the game starts with a simple decision: to make everyone in the room feel like they belong.

The post Segun Johnson: The Man Who Disrupted the Rules of Live Band in Nigeria appeared first on Cosoro Radio UK.

Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient, left the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in 2013. He denies all wrongdoing, describing the allegations as “egregious” and “spiteful.” These charges follow a 2023 civil defamation judgement, which found, on the balance of probabilities, that he had killed several unarmed Afghans. The civil trial was the first in Australia’s history to examine claims of war crimes by Australian forces. Roberts-Smith had argued that the alleged killings were either lawful combat actions or did not occur, but last year lost an appeal against the Federal Court ruling.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed at a Sydney news conference that Roberts-Smith would be charged with one count of murder, one of jointly commissioning murder, and three counts of aiding, abetting, counselling, or procuring a murder. Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that the victims “will be alleged to have been shot by the accused or by subordinate members of the ADF in his presence and under his orders.”

The charges are connected to incidents between 2009 and 2012 in Afghanistan. They come in the wake of the Brereton Report of 2020, which found “credible evidence” that elite Australian soldiers had unlawfully killed 39 people and recommended investigations into 19 ADF members. The Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) was established to conduct these investigations; Roberts-Smith is the second person to face criminal charges under this inquiry. Ross Barnett, OSI’s director of investigations, called the arrest a “significant step” under “challenging circumstances.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would not comment on the case, emphasizing the need to avoid political interference while proceedings are underway. Meanwhile, the Australian War Memorial has announced it will review its exhibit on Roberts-Smith, which includes his uniform and medals, to reflect the ongoing legal developments.

Roberts-Smith was once celebrated as a national hero for his extraordinary bravery, including single-handedly overcoming Taliban fighters attacking his SAS platoon. The allegations first surfaced in 2018, when Nine newspapers reported on his alleged actions. In response, he engaged in a high-profile legal battle lasting seven years and costing millions, widely described as Australia’s “trial of the century.”

Federal Court judge Anthony Besanko found that Roberts-Smith had twice ordered unarmed men to be shot to “blood” rookie soldiers and had been involved in the deaths of a handcuffed farmer he pushed off a cliff and a captured Taliban fighter whose prosthetic leg was taken as a trophy and later used by troops as a drinking vessel. These incidents, the court ruled, formed the basis of the civil case, and now underpin the criminal charges Roberts-Smith faces.

The trial marks a historic moment for accountability in the Australian military, raising serious questions about conduct in combat and the responsibilities of highly decorated personnel.

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The United Kingdom is experiencing a notable surge in temperatures this week, with forecasters predicting the warmest conditions of the year so far across many parts of the country. The brief spell of warmth, driven by air flowing in from mainland Europe, is set to bring sunshine and unusually high temperatures before a shift back to cooler, more typical April weather later in the week.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the high teens and low twenties across much of the UK, with southeastern England potentially reaching highs of 24°C. This marks a significant rise above the seasonal average, with conditions running between 6°C and 10°C higher than is typical for early April.

Wednesday is likely to be the peak of the warm spell, with the Midlands, East Anglia, and southeast England expected to record the highest temperatures. Areas such as the south Midlands and parts of Wales have already seen readings near 22°C, making it the warmest period of the year to date. The previous high for the year stood at 20.9°C, recorded at the end of March in Pershore, Worcestershire.

Much of England, Wales, and large parts of Scotland are enjoying clear skies and sunshine, although cloud cover is expected to increase in Northern Ireland and western Scotland, where isolated showers may develop. Any overnight rain in Scotland is forecast to clear by morning, with brighter conditions returning by the afternoon.

The warm, sunny weather is also having an impact on pollen levels. Across England and Wales, as well as parts of Scotland, pollen counts are currently very high, largely driven by tree pollen, particularly from birch. This is the first major phase of the UK’s pollen season and typically affects up to a third of hay fever sufferers.

Despite the pleasant conditions, the warm spell is expected to be short-lived. Changes will begin overnight on Wednesday as a band of rain moves southeast across the country. This will be followed by a shift in wind direction to a northwesterly flow, introducing cooler air and bringing temperatures back down to between 10°C and 14°C across most regions.

Ahead of the rain, some southeastern areas may still experience temperatures close to 20°C, but the overall trend will be downward as the week progresses. By Friday, high pressure is expected to return, bringing renewed sunshine and dry conditions to England and Wales, while Scotland and Northern Ireland are likely to see increased cloud and further rain, signaling a more unsettled and changeable pattern.

The week’s weather highlights the variability of the UK’s spring climate, with rapid shifts between warm, settled conditions and cooler, unsettled weather remaining a defining feature of the season.

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British diplomat, Albertus Gerhardus Janse van Rensburg has been ordered to leave Russia immediately after authorities accused him of engaging in economic espionage. According to Russian officials, the diplomat allegedly sought to obtain “sensitive information” through informal meetings with Russian economic experts and was even accused of providing false information during his entry into the country.

These claims were swiftly rejected by the United Kingdom. A Foreign Office spokesperson dismissed the allegations as “complete nonsense,” framing the expulsion as part of what it described as an “aggressive and coordinated campaign of harassment” against British diplomats operating in Russia.

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has framed these expulsions as necessary measures to counter foreign intelligence operations, warning its citizens against engaging with British diplomats without official approval.  Such statements reflect the Kremlin’s growing narrative that Western countries—particularly the UK—are actively attempting to destabilize Russia through covert means.

From the British perspective, however, the expulsions are seen less as legitimate counterintelligence actions and more as political signaling. UK officials argue that Moscow is using espionage accusations as a pretext to intimidate foreign diplomats and restrict diplomatic engagement, especially as Britain continues to support Ukraine politically, financially, and militarily.

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Born on July 3, 1941, in the eastern Algerian city of Batna, Zeroual’s life was deeply intertwined with the story of Algeria itself. As a teenager, he joined the National Liberation Army and fought in the struggle against French colonial rule, an experience that would shape his worldview and leadership style. His military career continued long after independence, eventually elevating him to senior command positions and establishing his reputation as a disciplined and pragmatic leader.

Zeroual assumed power in 1994 at a time when Algeria was engulfed in a brutal civil conflict. The country faced widespread violence, political instability, and a fractured national identity. Tasked with steering the nation through this crisis, he led a transitional government and sought to restore legitimacy to state institutions. One of his most notable achievements was organizing Algeria’s first multi-party presidential election in 1995, which he won decisively.

His presidency was marked by a careful balancing act between security measures and attempts at political reconciliation. While he initially supported dialogue with opposition groups, including Islamist factions, escalating violence and failed negotiations forced a shift toward a tougher stance. Despite these challenges, Zeroual was widely regarded as a leader who prioritized national unity over personal power.

In a move that surprised many, Zeroual voluntarily cut short his presidential term in 1998, paving the way for new elections and ultimately handing over power to Abdelaziz Bouteflika in 1999. His decision to step down—rare in regional politics—cemented his image as a reluctant leader more committed to stability than to political longevity.

After leaving office, Zeroual largely withdrew from public life, though he remained a respected figure in Algerian society. Over the years, he declined multiple calls to return to politics, reinforcing his reputation as a man of principle who avoided the trappings of power.

Following his death, Algerian authorities declared three days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast across the country. The African Union also paid tribute, describing him as a statesman whose leadership embodied “sacrifice, dignity, and an unwavering commitment” to Algeria’s sovereignty and unity.

Zeroual’s legacy is inseparable from the difficult era he helped navigate. Though his presidency unfolded amid conflict and uncertainty, his efforts to restore order, initiate political reform, and ultimately relinquish power peacefully continue to resonate. In a region often marked by prolonged rule, his tenure stands out as a reminder that leadership can be defined not only by authority, but by restraint.

As Algeria reflects on his life, Liamine Zeroual is remembered not just as a former president, but as a steady hand during one of the nation’s most critical moments—a leader shaped by war, tested by crisis, and ultimately defined by his choice to step aside.

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More than four decades after its last official population count, the Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing for a landmark national census, an ambitious effort that could redefine governance, development planning, and political representation in one of Africa’s largest and most complex nations.

The last census in the Democratic Republic of Congo was conducted in 1984, when the population stood at roughly 30 million. Today, that figure is estimated to have surged past 110 million, reflecting decades of high birth rates, urban migration, and prolonged instability.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, President Félix Tshisekedi has elevated the census to a national priority. Speaking at a high-level donor roundtable in Kinshasa, he emphasized that governing without accurate data is akin to “governing without visibility.” His administration is now rallying international partners and financial institutions to support the initiative, which is expected to cost around $192 million.

Encouragingly, early signs suggest strong backing for the project. Pledges from donors have already reached approximately $210 million, surpassing the estimated budget.  These funds will not only finance the census itself but also strengthen the country’s National Statistics Institute and support related processes, including electoral planning. This broader investment underscores the census’s significance beyond mere data collection; it is seen as a foundational step toward institutional reform and improved governance.

The census process is expected to begin with a mapping phase as early as July 2026, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive count of the population and housing conditions across the country.

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Ghana is leading a significant international push at the United Nations to formally recognize the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity, marking a pivotal moment in the global conversation on historical justice. The proposed resolution, expected to be tabled before the UN General Assembly, seeks not only acknowledgment of one of history’s greatest atrocities but also to open the door to meaningful discussions on reparations and long-term accountability.

The initiative is being championed by Ghana in its role as the African Union’s lead on reparations, with strong backing from regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and a coalition of Global South nations. The resolution is strategically timed to coincide with the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, underscoring its symbolic and historical importance.

At the heart of the proposal is a demand for the global community to move beyond acknowledgment toward concrete action. While the United Nations previously recognized the slave trade as a crime against humanity in the 2001 Durban Declaration, Ghana’s latest effort aims to establish a more comprehensive and binding framework that addresses the enduring consequences of slavery. These include persistent economic inequality, racial injustice, and structural disadvantages that continue to affect people of African descent worldwide.

The transatlantic slave trade, which spanned several centuries, forcibly displaced millions of Africans and reshaped global economic and social systems. Its legacy remains deeply embedded in modern inequalities, making the call for reparatory justice increasingly urgent. Ghana’s proposal reflects decades of advocacy from African and Caribbean nations, which have consistently argued that the scale, duration, and brutality of slavery demand formal recognition and redress at the highest international level.

However, the push is not without controversy. Some countries, particularly in Europe, have expressed reluctance to support reparations, arguing that present-day governments should not be held accountable for historical actions. Despite this, momentum is building, with growing international support and renewed efforts by the African Union to coordinate a unified reparations strategy.

Ultimately, Ghana’s initiative represents more than a diplomatic effort—it is a moral appeal to the world. By seeking formal recognition of the slave trade as a crime against humanity, the country is urging the international community to confront the past honestly and take meaningful steps toward healing, justice, and a more equitable future.

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The capital, Nairobi, has been among the hardest hit areas, accounting for a significant portion of the fatalities. Entire neighborhoods have been submerged, with floodwaters turning roads into rivers and sweeping away vehicles, homes, and livelihoods. Authorities report that thousands of families have been forced to flee, while essential services such as electricity, water supply, and transportation have been severely disrupted.

The disaster has affected more than 20 counties nationwide, with widespread damage to farms, schools, and businesses. Infrastructure losses have compounded the humanitarian crisis, raising concerns about food security and economic stability in already vulnerable communities. Emergency teams, including government agencies and humanitarian organizations, are working to rescue stranded residents and provide relief, but ongoing rainfall continues to hamper response efforts.

These floods come as part of Kenya’s long rainy season, which typically runs from March to May, but experts warn that climate change is intensifying both the frequency and severity of such events. Rapid urbanization, poor drainage systems, and settlement in flood-prone areas have further worsened the impact, particularly in densely populated cities like Nairobi.

As weather forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall, authorities have urged residents in high-risk areas to evacuate and exercise extreme caution. The unfolding crisis highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure, better urban planning, and stronger disaster preparedness, as Kenya grapples with the human and economic toll of increasingly unpredictable climate patterns.

The post Over 80 Killed And Thousands Displaced As Deadly Floods Ravage Kenya appeared first on Cosoro Radio UK.

The proposed towns, including sites such as Tempsford in Bedfordshire, Leeds South Bank, Thamesmead,  Milton Keynes, Crews Hill and Chase Park, Manchester Victoria North and, Brabazon and West Innovation Arc are expected to provide at least 10,000 homes each, with some developments reaching up to 40,000.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government noted that the new towns will feature neighbourhoods that people can easily get around without a car, shared green spaces and vibrant high streets. The government also assessed six further new town locations but decided they will not be taken forward.

This initiative is part of a wider government commitment to deliver 1.5 million homes by the end of the decade, a target driven by rising house prices, population growth, and increasing pressure on urban infrastructure. Ministers say these new towns will not just provide housing but also create jobs and stimulate regional economies, ensuring that development is balanced and sustainable rather than concentrated in already overstretched cities.

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