TOP 5 CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Tis the season to be jolly; fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! For couple of weeks every year, the world takes on a magical glow. People travel around the world to exchange gifts and spend time with their loved ones. Whether you are celebrating Christmas or another holiday, you are bound to be accustomed to certain customary holiday traditions. Check out five (5) of our favourite Christmas traditions around the world. Which one is your favourite?

(5) DAY OF THE LITTLE CANDLES, COLOMBIA

Little Candles’ Day (Día de las Velitas) marks the start of the Christmas season across Colombia. In honour of the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception, people place candles and paper lanterns in their windows, balconies and front yards.

The tradition of candles has grown, and now entire towns and cities across the country are lit up with elaborate displays. Some of the best are found in Quimbaya, where neighbourhoods compete to see who can create the most impressive arrangement.

(4) CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS, TORONTO

In wintry, wonderful Toronto the annual Cavalcade of Lights marks the official start to the holiday

season. The first Cavalcade took place in 1967 to show off Toronto’s newly constructed City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square.

The Square and Christmas tree are illuminated by more than 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights that shine from dusk until 11 pm until the New Year. On top of that, you’ll get to witness spectacular fireworks shows and engage in some outdoor ice skating.

(3) ROLLER SKATE TO CHURCH ON CHRISTMAS EVE, VENEZUELA

Love Christmas, but think it could be improved by a spot of roller-blading? If the answer is yes, visit Caracas, Venezuela this year. Every Christmas Eve, the city’s residents head to church in the early morning – so far, so normal – but, for reasons known only to them, they do so on roller skates.

This unique tradition is so popular that roads across the city are closed to cars so that people can skate to church in safety, before heading home for the less-than-traditional Christmas dinner of ‘tamales’ (a wrap made out of cornmeal dough and stuffed with meat, then steamed).

(2) LIGHTING OF NATIONAL HANUKKAH MENORAH, WASHINGTON, D.C. – US

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is celebrated with much fanfare across the United States with one of

the most elaborate events taking place on a national stage. Since 1979, a giant nine-metre Menorah has been raised on the White House grounds for the eight days and nights of Hanukkah. The ceremony in Washington, D.C. is marked with speeches, music, activities for kids, and, of course, the lighting of the Menorah.

The lighting of the first candle at the White House takes place at 4pm, rain or shine, and an additional candle is lit each successive night. The event is free to attend, but tickets must be booked in advance.

(1) HIDING OF BROOMS, NORWAY

Perhaps one of the most unorthodox Christmas Eve traditions can be found in Norway, where people hide their brooms. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries to when people believed that witches and evil spirits came out on Christmas Eve looking for brooms to ride on. To this day, many people still hide their brooms in the safest place in the house to stop them from being stolen.

Source: Momondo

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CHRISTMAS EVE SPECIAL! DJ JIMMY JATT AND TIM WESTWOOD HEADLINE INDUSTRY NITE AT SPICE ROUTE

Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt is set to headline the Industry Nite Xmas Eve party holding on 24 December, 2014 at Spice Route restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos.The Industry Nite party is a monthly music concert organized by EL Carnival in Nigeria in partnership with premium radio station, The Beat 99.9 FM Lagos.The series has seen a lot of Nigerian artistes and DJs headline through 2014 and this edition is a special night to celebrate the yuletide season.

An unforgettable experience has been promised by the host of MTV's Pimp My Ride -DJ, Tim Westwood, who will be headlining beside Nigeria's own DJ Jimmy Jatt."I am super excited about this" says a delighted Jimmy Jatt. "The Industry Nite Xmas party is going to be a blast, Lagos get ready!The event is sponsored by Smirnoff.

About Jimmy Jatt

Jimmy Adewale Amu, popularly known as Cool Dj Jimmy Jatt is a renowned Disc Jockey who is known for setting the pace for Hip hop music in the country and beyond. An icon in the Nigerian entertainment industry, he has helped nurture many deejays amongst whom are Dj Waxxy, Dj Syl-D, Dj Funky J, Mix Master Tee, Dj Osar, Dj Hotega, Dj Tony Blaise, Dj XGee to mention a few. His first single 'Stylee' featuring Tu Face Idibia, Mode 9 and Elajoe enjoyed heavy airplay and the music video stayed on the MTV Africa countdown for weeks.

This earned him several awards like Channel O Africa Music Video Award, Hip hop World Award, SoundCity Music Video Award, Nigerian Music Video Award and Nigerian Music Award nominations. He has an album 'The Definition' which is a mix tape featuring over 50 of Nigerian's best artistes. Dj Jimmy Jatt has a T.V programme called 'Jimmy's Jump Off' currently airing on local and international stations.

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OMOLARA - GIVE ME CHRISTMAS

After a long hiatus, Omolara returns with a single titled 'Give me Christmas'. The upbeat tune will

leave you bopping your head and snapping your fingers. It's the kind of tune you should expect to hear when you walk into your favourite shopping mall this holiday season.

What better way to describe Omolara's voice than in the words of Jules Lemaître? Her voice is like a caress which strokes you like fingers. Enjoy the lyric video. Sing along and spread the word!

Animator: Raphael Kazeem
Song written and performed by: Omolara
Produced by : IBK Spaceshipboi
Mixed and mastered by: Olaitan Dada
Guitars : Jesright Pelemo
Trumpet : Victor Ademofe


 


OMOLARA - GIVE ME CHRISTMAS (LYRICS)

ohhhhhhhh

Give me family for Christmas
Give me music
Give me love
Give me happy little children
Na na na na na na na na na na

It's not about lights
It's not about bells
It's not about fancy fireworks
I don't need money to throw a big party
It's not about putting on a show
I've got friends coming home from all over the world
and we're gonna shut it down.
With the songs that we sing
Making memories evergreen

I'm not expecting something wrapped up in a box
Just hold my hand and let us sit under the stars
Listen to the stories of how Christmas came about
And we dance
Yes we dance
It doesn't get better than that

Give me family for Christmas
Give me music
Give me love
Give me happy little children
Na na na na na na na na na na 

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NOSA RELEASES CHRISTMAS SONG MERRY CHRISTMAS FT. VICTORIA KIMANI

Award winning Chocolate City artiste Nosa has released a new Christmas song titled Merry Christmas featuring fellow label mate Victoria Kimani.

Merry Christmas was written and produced by multi talented artiste, Nosa in the Chocolate City studio. 

The official video for the song was shot at an intimate Christmas dinner in Victoria Island, Lagos and  directed by Twinqle Films. 

Cameo appearances were made by Audu Maikori, MI, Ice Prince, DJ Caise, Pryse, Nosa, Victoria Kimani, Ruby Gyang, Loose Kaynon, Enzo, DJ Lamborghini and many others.

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IN HIS IMAGE & WAJE DEBUT MUSIC VIDEO FOR THEIR CHRISTMAS SINGLE, “COME & WORSHIP”

Veteran Gospel A’capella group IN HIS IMAGE and R&B/Soul Diva WAJE have joined forces in this yuletide season to bring to you the essential Christmas collaboration of the year by way of the resounding “Come & Worship” - laced with goose-bump inducing vocal harmonies and outstanding melodies from two of the best vocal powerhouses in the country - and its accompanying music video for your viewing pleasure…

Shot on the vibrant streets of Lagos and directed by Nu Kid with cameo appearances from the likes of Nikki Laoye, Gaise, Joseph Benjamin, IBK Spaceship Boi and Mix Master J among others, the music video for “Come & Worship” excellently captures the very spirit of Christmas with its infectious fun-filled atmosphere. Taken from the recently released In His Image @ Christmas album, watch and enjoy the brilliant and creatively crafted visuals below:

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YEMISAX IN CONCERT "CHRISTMAS WITH YEMI SAX"

It’s going to be Christmas like never before this season as Sax Records Entertainment in conjunction with Enigma presents to you one of the best shows of the season!! !  Christmas with Yemi Sax.

Nigeria’s leading Saxophonist “Yemi Sax” also known as No.1 Naija SaxBoss  and Sax Oracle will be celebrating the Christmas this year with his beloved fans and music lovers in an emphatic style at the Ember Creek, No. 32, Awolowo road, Ikoyi Lagos on the 19^th of December, 2012.

The event tagged “Christmas with Yemi Sax” will be hosted by the multi-functional entertainment diva “Toni Payne” and will feature your top Nigeria celebrities as guest artistes. 

Red Carpet starts at 5pm, while the event kicks off at 7pm to 10pm. Christmas With YemiSax is proudly supported by Beat FM, Smooth FM, Wazobia FM, Muziqglobe World, Jumia.com and Enigma. Follow @grugged  @enigmavn & @yemisaxboss for more details and ticket reservation. Christmas just got better....

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Ovation Red Carol Theme Song 2011

Ovation Red Carol Theme Song 2011 by Yemi Alade, Ice Prince Zamani, Waje, YQ, Wizkid, Segun Obe, Chidinma, IBK, Eva, Jaywon, Malaika, Shayne, Ugly, Karate Kid, Dipp, Kefee and Sir Shina Peters

It’s that beautiful season of the year when the good people at Ovation International bring love, joy and hope to Africa through the annual Ovation Red Carol event described as the largest Pan-African Carol Concert.

In this brand new Ovation Red Carol theme song, seventeen (17) of Nigeria’s finest voices from the old to the new generation, declare in unison; “Near or far, no matter where you are, love is in the air, Ovation Red Carol is here!”

The song which features Yemi Alade, Ice Prince Zamani, Waje, YQ, Wizkid, Segun Obe, Chidinma, IBK, Eva, Jaywon, Malaika, Shayne, Ugly, Karate Kid, Dipp, Kefee, and Sir Shina Peters can easily pass for a Quincy Jones production for famine in Somalia or for peace in Sudan. The unique blend and fusions of style to deliver a trado-medley effect can best be described with one word, awesome!

And who would have thought that OJB produced this great work while critically ill on his hospital bed? Who could have imagined that he actually gave directions to his production assistant on what to do to finish the song should he die suddenly? But such is the passion and devotion that distinguishes great men like OJB and all the artistes who have contributed their time and talent to this noble cause.

What’s more? The voices you hear on the chorus of this song were assembled by OJB from raw talents in the streets of Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Epic!

Download track (here)

Story by: 360nobs

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BRAND NEW VISUALS TO “MUKULU” by E.M.E SOLIDER SKALES

Brand new video to “Mukulu” the recently released single by E.M.E Rap Star Skales. “Mukulu” is an infectious crowd pleaser, and this video which features a cameo by GOOD Music’s own Don Jazzy and EME’s R &B superstar Banky W is sure to have everyone on their feet.“Mukulu” is produced by SARZ and this very fun, clean video was directed by none other than the renowned Clarence Peters.

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"Xmas =Jolification", sings Waje & Omawumi

WAJE and OMAWUMI are proud to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS, and as we all know "Christmas=2 Jollification"... After What has been tagged a Successful Year for Both Artistes, there is no better way to show appreciation to their fans.

XMAS=JOLLIFICATION is a fast tempo/groovy song produced by Del B, and is sure to get you all dancing this christmas...LETS ENJOY!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Waje & Omawumi - Xmas = Jolification

Download track (here)

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Mo'Cheddah sings 'Keresimesi'

Guess who's feeling this xmas? It's none other than your favorite diva!!

Mocheddah is a rising star/brand who is certainly going to hold down our attention for a long time. She is very passionate about Nigeria and being Nigerian and believes that Nigeria has a lot to offer the world. She sees herself as the Nigerian entertainment ambassador to the international community and her vision is to take Nigerian entertainment to the world stage and to showcase the wealth of talent and cultural richness of 'Naija'.

Her hit singles 'ko maa roll' and 'if you want me' are still topping charts around the nation. Enjoy this xmas single by the diva; it's a little bit of this and thing, something you can relate to.

Something about this track reminds me of DOn Jazzy.

Download track (here)

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Kadija Kamara - the Christmas Song

UK songstress Kadija Kamara spends a lot of her free time in live music bars, and music shops observing all aspects of music, in order to perfect her fine art as a Singer-Songwriter and Composer. Mainly Soul orientated, Kadija adopted the love for world music, incorporating her passion for Jazz, Folk and Rock in all aspects of her creativity.

Her influences stem from Aretha Franklin, Billy Holiday, Stevie Wonder, The Carpenters, Skunk Anansie and many more.

Kadija Kamara - the Christmas song

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Onos ft. Eric - Silent Night

Pictures of ONOS' performance with Chevelle Franklyn (Kingston, Jamaica) at The Experience + her brand new Christmas Single - SILENT NIGHT featuring Eric of West African Idols. The official Launch date is on the 15th of Dec and this single would be available for free download on that day. Enjoy!

click to enlarge image(s)

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FLO - the Christmas Project

A gift for you! Christmas carols like you've never heard them BEFORE . 6 awesome tracks featured on the Christmas project by FLO.

Not only is FLO giving this album to you for free, he felt we (@OlamildEnt) should let you know what inspired each track on this album. Listen, Enjoy, Download & Share with all!

"I had always wanted to interprete Christmas my own way. I grew up listening to the 'keresimesi' as a kid from my grandmother. It always brought me good memories. Now i'm all grown up and having my own kids i decided it was time for me to give back the legacy of the song..my own way. The essence of Christmas is really joy and so i decided to make it a dance-able track with a twist of European flavor without losing the African-ness!"

Keresimesi - FLO




"We all sing Christmas hymns during the yuletide season and its always fun. Whilst growing up i remember listening to this song. Tradition had us listening to the same version year in year out. I got bored with the same thing every year and prayed for a time when i would never have to play that version again. Besides, i've always heard it from white peeps and no black folks. Whilst compiling the album, i decided to sing the song to my daughter and thought to myself.."won't i bore her to death with the same melodies i've listened to over the years as well?". I then decided i was gonna change the 'feel' to the song without spoiling the intent of the writer. I see the song like a worship song and asked myself how i would minister the song personally. Thats the reason for the 'Yoruba' flip in the middle of the song! "

Oh come all ye faithful - FLO




My mum gave us treats during Christmas. We were always travelling during
Christmas. Whilst shopping you could hear all sorts of Christmas songs being played through the shopping malls. Yet, they were all white folks!!! this time, i decided i was gonna remix the song with a movie feel to it. I thought to myself.."How would Jay Z arrange this song?". I called a Rap Artist friend of mine to come to the studio to write a rap to the song. He came along with another friend of his (who happened to also be a rapper!) and i thought to myself..'the more the merrier!'. So they both came up bursting with lyrics and i recorded every nuance of it! I played the classical whilst they played the contemporary! Great fun it was i tell you! Notice the 'Mission Impossible' tune during the second rap did you?

God rest ye merry gentlemen - FLO ft. XL and Gameman




All through this recording i felt i needed to duet with a lady. I called a friend of mine (Dubem) who had just finished a series of concerts. She agreed to come duet the song with me. There was only one problem..her voice was cracked from prolonged singing!!! Being the (slave driver that i was) i told her to come to the studio all the same. We rehearsed the song and i realized that the soreness added some juice to the song! We recorded the song and no-one could tell if her voice was cracked! Except for now..(don't tell her i told you!)

Hark the herald- FLO ft. Dubem




I felt the album was getting to serious and then i decided to sing a dreamy song. White Christmas readily came to mind! So, without rehearsal, i got into the vocal boot and sang the song in one take! Notice me laughing in the middle of the verse?

White Christmas - FLO




My albums will be coming out pretty soon and its so eclectic in nature that i think my Mum might feel i'm on some cheap drug of the sort! So i slipped in a worship song as a bonus track..just for her sake.

You are Lord -FLO

Related Post:FLO -gospel rock sensation
DOWNLOAD THE CHRISTMAS PROJECT

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Yemi Alade - Xmas In The Air

Yemi Alade is back!

After dropping the eLDee-produced first single Fimisile, and in the spirit of the Christmas season, the singer is back on the scene with Xmas In The Air, a single available for free download on every internet portal.

Being born to do music is a cliché that can be associated with most singers. Singer and songwriter Yemi Alade is no different. And yet she seems to break the norm innocuously in a way that is truly hers. According to her, music is something that comes as naturally to her as breathing; she says “I’ve been doing music since I was old enough to string a melody together.”

She began to do music professionally only five years ago on the prodding of family and friends. She moved from just humming melodies with her daily chores to actually sitting to write songs from deep within her soul. Singing in the choir from the age of twelve helped her develop a method and structure to her singing as well as songwriting.

“I don’t know what I’d be doing if I weren’t doing music. It is the very essence of my being” says the 300 level Geography student of the University of Lagos, with passion burning deep in her eyes. She sees singing as her very own outlet for the urgent need to express herself. For her, the stories her songs tell are from her personal experiences and those of people around her.

Yemi Alade - Xmas in the Air


Her biggest milestone so far has been winning a talent competition. She describes the process as an invigorating one that gave her the required impetus to truly want to pursue a career in music actively. She had gone into the competition as a raw talent who needed an avenue to showcase her talent. The competition more than challenged her to respect her art as a lot of hard work rather than just talent.

“Before the talent show, I’d always relied on the fact that I think I can sing. However, now that I have gone through a competition and done some professional training, I realize that I have a lot more to learn about the art and the business. I’m more convinced now more than ever that this is the reason I am here.”

Yemi Alade’s first single Fimisile, which features singer/ songwriter eLDee, is now playing on the radio. Yemi Alade is signed to Jus’ Kiddin’ Entertainment.

Download track (here)

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Introducing SoulUfo in 'Christmas Time.'

Ufuoma aka SoulUfo is a singer, songwriter and IT professional. She hails from Delta state Nigeria. Born in the early 80s, she began singing at the young age of 7 in her church choir at Christ Embassy Benin and over the years in various live concerts, and crusades. She has done back ground vocals for various artistes in music circles in Nigeria.

Widely read, Ufuoma has a degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria, and is currently working on a dual Masters degree in Information Systems from Baylor University in Texas and an MBA as well.

She loves reading, modelling, photography, travelling and site-seeing, board games and games on a wii,youth motivation and development are very important to her as well. Strongly influenced by greats as India Arie, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Sinach, Brandy, Darlene Zchech, Cindy Cruise, and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, you cant miss her mature, powerful and sultry vocals.

Too Hot to handle? This multi talented diva is currently working on her long awaited debut album...Here’s a taste of what’s to come with a soulful R n’ B track titled “Christmas Time” produced by E-trackz and very appropriate for taking a cool evening drive during this festive season…...Hark the herald angels sing… Enjoy

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Keresimesi - FLO

Here's an early Christmas present from gospel rock sensation - FLO

FLO is a multi-talented Rock artist as well as a seasoned Music Producer and Prolific Songwriter. He is currently working on a 6 track xmas album, here's one of the tracks off of the upcoming album. You like? Let me see you dance, show your character!

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SLK - Xmas Song

Echoes of singing
Filling the air
Joyfully ringing
All is fair.

It sure is nice to hear something other than jingle bell & deck the halls for xmas. SLK's hit single 'Darlin' gained massive airplays on various 9ja sites and TV/Radio stations.

Christmas is in the air and we've got a brand new track from SLK. Enjoy!!

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