A new tribute album honoring the late Shane MacGowan is set to bring together some of music’s biggest names, three years after his passing. Titled “20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan”, the album was announced on Thursday, with the first single being Bruce Springsteen’s rendition of “A Rainy Night in Soho”.
Springsteen, in an essay accompanying the announcement, praised MacGowan’s songwriting as “raw, hilarious, no apologies and profound,” calling him a writer in the lineage of legends like Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Dylan. He described MacGowan as possessing “naked bottomless humanity” and a voice “so deeply real, profane and honest” that it challenged listeners to live authentically.
The album, scheduled for release in November, features a star-studded lineup including:
- Bruce Springsteen
- Hozier & Jessie Buckley
- Tom Waits
- Primal Scream
- Steve Earle
- David Gray
- Actor Johnny Depp duets with Imelda May
- The Jesus and Mary Chain
- The Libertines
- Model Kate Moss
…and many more artists spanning multiple generations and genres.
MacGowan, who died in November 2023 at age 65 after a period of ill health, was known for his work with The Pogues, capturing the lives of working-class Irish immigrants in songs rich with literary, mythological, and biblical references.
His widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, oversaw the tribute project and said the family is “humbled and thankful to each and every one of the musicians involved.” Half of the artist royalties will benefit the Dublin Simon Community, a charity supporting the city’s homeless population, reflecting MacGowan’s lifelong empathy for marginalized individuals.
About the author
Trump urges allies to secure Strait of Hormuz
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified after Donald Trump called on several countries to deploy naval forces to secure the strategic shipping corridor linking the Persian Gulf to global markets. The US president urged nations including United Kingdom, China, France, Japan, and South Korea to send warships to the region. According to him, a multinational naval presence would help guarantee the safety of commercial vessels navigating the route, which carries a significant portion of the world’s oil supply. In a message posted on the social platform Truth Social, Trump said many countries were expected to cooperate with the United States to ensure that the passage remains open. He warned that despite recent military operations against Iran, Tehran could still pose threats to ships through drones, mines, or short-range missile attacks. The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of […]
CODITOGO critique la session du Cadre de concertation
La Coalition togolaise pour l’alternance et la démocratie (CODITOGO) a publié le 4 mars 2026 un communiqué dans lequel elle critique l’ouverture de la nouvelle session du Cadre permanent de concertation (CPC) au Togo. L’organisation d’opposition estime que cette initiative s’inscrit dans une stratégie politique du pouvoir en place. Selon CODITOGO, la première session de l’année 2026 du CPC s’est tenue le 19 février lors de sa 25ᵉ réunion. Les discussions auraient porté sur plusieurs sujets, notamment la Commission électorale nationale indépendante (CENI), le fonctionnement du CPC ainsi que la participation de candidats indépendants dans le nouveau contexte institutionnel marqué par l’évolution vers un régime parlementaire. À l’issue de la rencontre, trois commissions auraient été créées pour approfondir ces questions et proposer des recommandations d’ici la fin du mois de mars. Les promoteurs de ces travaux affirment que cette démarche […]
Déguerpissements et occupations illégales à Lomé
Une opération de déguerpissement menée à la fin de l’année 2025 autour des voies ferrées de Lomé a fortement perturbé l’activité de nombreux petits commerçants installés le long des rails. Plusieurs étals et installations ont été retirés, suscitant l’inquiétude des riverains et des vendeurs concernés. Selon plusieurs sources, cette opération serait liée à une décision de l’Agence Nationale d’Assainissement et de Salubrité Publique visant à libérer les emprises ferroviaires et à améliorer l’environnement urbain. Dans ce contexte, une note attribuée au directeur général du Port Autonome de Lomé, le contre-amiral Fogan Adégnon, demandait le démantèlement immédiat des installations situées sur ces zones. Le document invitait les occupants à quitter les lieux avant le 30 novembre 2025. Les secteurs concernés comprenaient notamment la voie ferrée située sous le pont menant à la ligne Lomé–Aného, la zone de la gare routière ainsi […]
Togo–États-Unis : un partenariat aux enjeux stratégiques
Depuis plusieurs décennies, la relation diplomatique entre les États-Unis et le Togo est souvent présentée comme un partenariat stratégique. Pourtant, pour de nombreux observateurs, cette coopération reflète surtout une relation où les intérêts des deux pays ne pèsent pas de la même manière. Sur la scène internationale, les grandes puissances entretiennent fréquemment des liens avec des États plus modestes afin de consolider leur présence dans certaines régions. Dans ce contexte, Washington considère Lomé comme un partenaire utile, notamment pour maintenir une influence diplomatique en Afrique de l’Ouest. La position géographique du Togo, un pays relativement petit situé entre plusieurs États de la région, limite toutefois son poids dans les équilibres internationaux. Malgré cela, les autorités togolaises cherchent à renforcer leur visibilité et à jouer un rôle plus actif dans les affaires régionales et internationales. Depuis son arrivée au pouvoir en […]
Le Togo participera à l’Expo universelle Belgrade 2027
Le Togo prendra part à l’Exposition universelle de Belgrade 2027. L’accord officialisant cette participation a été signé entre Alexandre de Souza, commissaire général du Togo pour l’événement, et Jagoda Lazarević, ministre serbe du Commerce. À travers cette présence, le Togo entend mettre en avant ses atouts culturels, le potentiel de sa jeunesse ainsi que le dynamisme de son économie. Selon Alexandre de Souza, le pays souhaite apporter une contribution significative à cet événement international en valorisant la richesse de son patrimoine et ses perspectives de développement. L’exposition se déroulera du 15 mai au 15 août 2027 à Belgrade, en Serbie, autour du thème : « Jouons pour l’humanité – Sport et musique pour tous ». Placée sous l’égide du Bureau International des Expositions, la manifestation mettra en avant des valeurs universelles telles que la solidarité, la créativité et le dialogue […]
Faure Gnassingbé reçoit un responsable américain
Le président du Conseil, Faure Gnassingbé, a reçu vendredi à Lomé Christian Jové Ehrhardt, sous-secrétaire d’État adjoint au Bureau de la population, des réfugiés et des migrations des États-Unis, en visite de travail au Togo. Les discussions ont principalement porté sur le renforcement du partenariat entre Washington et Lomé. Cette coopération couvre plusieurs domaines stratégiques, notamment la sécurité, le développement et la stabilité régionale. Dans le domaine sécuritaire, les deux parties ont évoqué les actions menées dans la région des Savanes pour lutter contre le terrorisme. Ces initiatives s’inscrivent dans le cadre du Programme d’urgence pour la région des Savanes (PURS) et du Mécanisme de stabilité des États côtiers (MSEC), mis en place pour faire face aux menaces sécuritaires dans le nord du pays. La coopération militaire constitue également un volet important de ce partenariat, avec des actions menées sous […]
Related
Veteran gospel singer Toun Soetan dies at 73
Veteran Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter Toun Soetan has died at the age of 73, leaving the Christian music community in deep mourning.Her death was confirmed in a family statement and by close associates on Friday, March 13, 2026. Toun Soetan, also known as Evangelist Shouet, was widely celebrated as the original composer of the popular Christian chorus Darling Jesus, a song that has been sung in churches across Nigeria and beyond for decades.Through this and many other songs, she built a strong legacy of worship music that touched generations of believers. Reports indicate that news of her passing was first shared on social media by family members and fellow ministers of the gospel.Tributes quickly began to pour in from fans, church leaders, gospel artistes, and colleagues who described her as a devoted minister and a consistent voice in gospel […]
Asake filmed struggling to touch Black Stone in Mecca
Afrobeats star Asake has been seen in a viral video struggling to touch the revered Black Stone at the Kaaba in Mecca during a religious visit.The singer, who recently shared clips of himself performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia, was surrounded by a large crowd of worshippers as he tried to reach the sacred spot. In the video, Asake is guided through the crowd toward the corner of the Kaaba where the Black Stone is located, but the heavy human traffic makes access difficult.At one point, he appears to gesture and speak with security personnel as he struggles to get closer, drawing mixed reactions from viewers online. The clip has sparked conversations on social media, with some fans expressing excitement at seeing the singer on pilgrimage and others debating his conduct in such a sacred and tightly controlled area.Many users also […]
Toyin Abraham opens up on impact of her political choice
Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has spoken about how her open political support during the 2023 elections has affected her life and career.She explained that her public stance, especially her support for President Bola Tinubu, attracted heavy criticism and online bullying from some Nigerians. According to her, many social media users have repeatedly attacked her over the state of the country and demanded that she reveal the promises she said were made to her about good governance.She noted that the backlash sometimes extends to her family, particularly her children, which she described as painful and unfair. Toyin Abraham stressed that she is an actress and filmmaker, not a politician or government official, and should not be held responsible for government actions.She added that, like every other citizen, she only exercised her right to support a candidate and make a personal political […]
Top five films to watch in Nigerian cinemas this weekend
Movie lovers in Nigeria have a rich mix of action, drama, comedy, and romance to enjoy in cinemas this weekend.From new Nollywood releases to gripping thrillers and emotional stories, there is something for every type of viewer. One of the key highlights is Onobiren, a Nollywood drama that follows Roli, a young woman from Warri whose move to Lagos forces her to confront tradition and expectations.The film explores themes of resilience, identity, and womanhood and features performances from Ruby Akubueze, Patience Ozokwor, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bisola Aiyeola, Norbert Young, and others. Headless is another strong option for viewers who enjoy thrillers with social commentary.The movie follows a film producer who is arrested after a human head is found in his car, leading to an investigation that raises questions about crime, influence, and hidden power networks. For fans of emotional family stories, […]
2026 Oscars: full list of key nominees
The 98th Academy Awards will hold on March 15, with courtroom drama “Sinners” leading this year’s Oscars race on a record 16 nominations, followed by war epic “One Battle After Another” with 13. The main categories are dominated by a mix of studio blockbusters and acclaimed international titles, including “Hamnet”, “Frankenstein”, “Bugonia” and Brazilian thriller “The Secret Agent”. Below is the full list of nominees in the key categories: Best Picture Sinners One Battle After Another Bugonia F1 Frankenstein Hamnet Marty Supreme Sentimental Value The Secret Agent Train Dreams Best Director Ryan Coogler – Sinners Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another Yorgos Lanthimos – Bugonia Chloé Zhao – Hamnet Guillermo del Toro – Frankenstein Best Actor Michael B. Jordan – Sinners Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon […]
Omolara: My music is a call to worship and miracles
Gospel singer Omolara has described her songs as a call to deep worship and a channel through which God works miracles in people’s lives. She says her entire music ministry is centred on ushering listeners into God’s presence, where they can experience healing, restoration and answered prayers. Omolara explains that many of her songs come as “divine downloads” through dreams and direct encounters with the word of God. According to her, this makes her compositions more than entertainment, turning them into tools for preaching the gospel, strengthening faith and pointing people to the power of Jesus. The singer, who has released worship projects such as “Ise Oluwa” and other Yoruba and multilingual gospel songs, says she deliberately blends African rhythms with global gospel sounds to reach a wider audience. She believes that when people truly focus on God in worship, miracles naturally […]
Be the first to leave a comment