Gbemisola Abudu, the vice president of NBA Africa, has spoken about the significance of the ‘NBA Meets Art’ initiative, saying it was designed to celebrate art through the lens of basketball.

The initiative was part of the lineup for Art X Lagos, which took place from October 31 to November 3, 2024, at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island.

“This year’s collaboration is particularly important because Art X provides a unique opportunity to connect with fans from all backgrounds. The NBA strives to be accessible to everyone—regardless of age or social class,” Abudu, who is also the country head for NBA Nigeria, told journalists in a recent interview.

“The Art X platform allows us to showcase our commitment to Nigerian culture, deepen cultural engagement, and demonstrate how sports can drive social change. Nigeria stands as a cultural leader in Africa, and this collaboration reflects that.”

Abudu elaborated on the evolution of ‘NBA Meets Art,’ noting, “In 2022, we launched the NBA Meets Culture platform, which focuses on five cultural pillars: art, fashion, film, music, and technology. Art was the first pillar we chose to integrate with the NBA brand”.

“This year marks our third edition, featuring a collaboration with a local Nigerian artist, which is very meaningful to us. NBA Meets Art celebrates art through basketball and engages the creative community.”

She emphasized that culture is integral to the NBA’s identity and that seamlessly integrating art into basketball is crucial.

“When collaborating with artists, we seek those who understand the ethos of the NBA and represent Nigeria’s diversity,” she said.

This year’s collaboration features Nigerian artist Williams Chechet’s piece ‘Breaking Barriers,’ which embodies the diverse visions inherent in basketball. Chechet’s mixed-media installation advocates for social change and celebrates cultural diversity.

“Working with him has been incredible. I admire how he interprets basketball, particularly his insights on teamwork,” she praised Chechet.

“His art captures the various elements that contribute to a team’s success, whether in achieving victory or driving social change. Williams, who is from Kaduna, has a genuine connection to basketball, having fallen in love with the game while playing in Zaria.”

On his part, Chechet expressed his enthusiasm for the project, acknowledging its impact.

“I was thrilled to be approached for this collaboration. The NBA is making significant strides, and I’m excited to contribute. ‘Breaking Barriers’ uses basketball’s dynamics—goal-setting, strategy, movement—as a powerful metaphor for the ongoing struggle for social change,” he said.

“It’s an artwork that emphasizes collaboration, mirroring my artistic process where community involvement is key.”

“Basketball is at the heart of the NBA, but we are more than just basketball. This is why we created the platform. In the U.S. and globally, the players’ journey to the locker room is often described as one of the most glamorous walks, akin to a runway. Fashion designers recognize the influence of players on trends, and many players are also avid art collectors.”

Abudu also spoke about the role of players in societal discourse, noting the importance of merging their influence with artistic expression.

“The theme this year, ‘Breaking Barriers,’ showcases basketball as a catalyst for social change. This collaboration is truly remarkable,” she said.

The head of NBA Nigeria also launched the MyNBAMomentNG campaign, inviting fans to share their favorite NBA moments on social media.

“This campaign invites fans to share their favorite NBA moments, creating a collage that embodies our collective experiences. The reaction at last night’s preview was heartening; it shows the power of shared memories,” she said.

Abudu also highlighted the success of the NBA Africa Triple Double Accelerator, a tech initiative supporting Nigerian start-ups.

“Earlier this year, we launched the NBA Africa Triple Double Accelerator, aimed at the sports and creative industries. From over 700 applications, we selected 10 finalists, including four Nigerians, who pitched in New York. The top two winners, Festival Coins and Salubata, are also Nigerian,” she said.

“The NBA cannot be viewed in isolation from art, fashion, or music. The influence of our players extends to various fields, making it essential for us to engage with culture in Nigeria. Our mission as the NBA is to inspire and connect people worldwide.”

James Van Der Beek, the Hollywood star, says he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The 47-year-old, popular for his roles in the TV series ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and the film ‘Varsity Blues’, revealed his diagnosis in an interview with People magazine.

Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer is the development of cancer from the colon (large intestine) or rectum. Treatment depends on the size, location and how far the cancer has spread

Van Der Beek also expressed “optimism,” saying he is “feeling good”. The actor said he had been prioritising time with his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children.

“I have colorectal cancer, I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he said.

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

The movie star played Dawson Leery in the US teen drama series from 1998 to 2003. He is also due to appear in a US Fox special called The Real Full Monty, which is based on the 1997 British film and will see a group of male celebrities strip down to raise awareness for cancer awareness and research.

Cardi B, the US rapper, was left stalling on the podium of a pro-Harris rally after her teleprompter went bad.

The US presidential election is set to be held on November 5.

Donald Trump, the candidate of the Republican Party, is seeking re-election for a second non-consecutive term with the Ohio senator James David Vance as his running mate.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the Democratic Party nominee after President Joe Biden stepped down in August, has the Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her running mate.

Public figures have been taking to campaign rallies to endorse their preferred candidate.

Cardi B took the stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to deliver a speech at a campaign rally for Harris on Friday.

The rapper was, however, caught off guard when her teleprompter had a technical issue, delaying her speech.

At the podium, Cardi was forced to awkwardly stall the speech with pleasantries and by firing up the cheering crowd.

“One second, guys. One second,” the rapper told the sea of heads. “Sorry guys, I’m a little nervous!”

She added: “I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life. My whole life!”

Cardi admitted she needed “patience” as she continued waiting to make her speech.

“Are we ready to change the next eight years? We are going to make sure we have Kamala Harris in office for eight years!” she said.

After her impromptu words, Cardi was handed a phone with her official speech written on it before she was able to commence.

The incident has since generated social media discourse around the authenticity of public figure endorsements.

“Cardi B‘s teleprompter wasn’t working and there was not a sentence she could get out on her own until someone gave her a phone to read off. This goes to show the nature of fake endorsements,” one user wrote.

Another argued: “If you listen to what Cardi says, it’s very obvious she’s highly intelligent. But a lot of people, to their discredit, don’t hear it because of a bias against the argot she uses. Cardi B is like a case study in how people confuse social-class codes with intelligence.”

Notable is the criticism from billionaire businessman Elon Musk who wrote: “Another puppet who can’t even talk without being fed the words. The Kamala campaign has no authenticity or true empathy.”

Cardi’s endorsement comes after Jennifer Lopez spoke at a Harris rally in Las Vegas.