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Category: Entertainment

  • Iconic Cultural Figure Jimi Solanke Passes Away at 82

    Iconic Cultural Figure Jimi Solanke Passes Away at 82

    The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the sudden demise of the consumate story teller and iconic cultural figure, Mr. Jiminy Solanke.

    The 82-year-old dramatist, folk singer, playwright, and poet has passed away after a brief illness this Monday, February 5.
    The veteran artist who left an indelible mark on the global entertainment scene breathed his last en-route to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.

    Born on July 4, 1942, in Ipara Remo, Solanke’s artistic journey commenced with the Orisun Theatre Group, founded by the eminent Wole Soyinka in 1961. Over seven decades, his contributions resonated from Western Nigeria Television to international festivals in Senegal and Algeria during the 1970s.

    Solanke’s versatility illuminated through memorable performances like “Death and the King’s Horseman,” “Kurunmi,” “Kongi’s Harvest,” “The Divorce,” and “Ovaramwen Nogbaisi,” earning him acclaim on both local and international stages.

    Fondly known as Baba Agba, Solanke was more than an actor – he embodied the essence of a quintessential songwriter, performer, visual artist, and storytelling maestro. Praised for being “a better singer than an actor,” he seamlessly intertwined acting prowess with musical brilliance.

    His influence extended beyond the limelight as Solanke founded and directed Ibudo Asa in Ipara Remo, leaving a lasting legacy. Survived by his wife, Chief Mrs. Toyin Solanke, his departure signifies the end of a significant era in Nigerian entertainment, leaving a void that echoes globally.

    Jimi Solanke’s remarkable impact on African arts will be remembered as a profound contribution to the cultural heritage of the nation.

  • Comedian AY Bags International Appointment

    Comedian AY Bags International Appointment

    Renowned stand-up comedian and filmmaker, Ayo Makun, is set to take on a significant role as the Creative Goodwill Ambassador for the African Union Sixth Region Global and Economic Community Africa Sixth Region. 

    Makun shared the exciting news through his Instagram page, emphasizing the importance of the African diaspora, which constitutes the union’s sixth region, encompassing individuals of African heritage residing outside the continent, including African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, and Black Canadians. 

    In his post, AY Makun expressed his enthusiasm for championing creative expressions and engaging African youth in discovering their own creative voices on a global scale.

    He said: “I am happy to announce my appointment as a Creative Goodwill Ambassador for the African Union Sixth Region Global (AU6RG) and Economic Community Africa Sixth Region (ECASR).

    “The African Union has six regions: North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, and the African diaspora. The African diaspora is the sixth region and is made up of people of African descent living outside of the continent. The diaspora includes African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, and Black Canadians.

    “My appointment as a Creative Goodwill Ambassador is to champion the power of creative expressions and engage the African youth in finding their own creative voice globally.”

  • Death Rumuor: Nollywood Actress, Ngozi Ezeonu Reacts

    Death Rumuor: Nollywood Actress, Ngozi Ezeonu Reacts

    Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Ezeonu has debunked reports making the rounds online about her demise.

    The movie star left many of her followers confused and scared after sharing a cryptic social media post.

    Ngozi shared a dark image with candlelight at the centre, stating that someone had died but failed to disclose the identity of the person.

    However, rumours made rounds online that the thespian had died and it was her son who made the social media post.

    Reacting, Ngozi Ezeonu, in a video shared on her Instagram page, said she is “alive and healthy” and people should stop peddling fake news about her death.

    According to her, the previous post in which she posted a candle was a tribute to a friend she recently lost.

    She said, “I lost a very close friend of mine, I posted a candle, a half-burnt candle and they now put my picture on that candle and everybody is saying that I died.

    “It is wrong. I am alive and healthy, please.

    “In journalism, what you do when in doubt is you leave out. If you cannot get across to the person to at least confirm the story, you don’t post.

    “Don’t do that, please. Don’t try it again. This is a new year, why would anybody want to hurt each other just because they want people to follow them?

    “The calls I have been receiving have been very worrisome. I don’t know why anybody should take my post.”

  • Betta Edu: Why Youths Aren’t Fit To Lead Nigeria – Daddy Freeze

    Betta Edu: Why Youths Aren’t Fit To Lead Nigeria – Daddy Freeze

    Media icon Daddy Freeze has expressed his viewpoint that older corrupt politicians should retain power instead of transferring leadership to younger individuals. 

    He made these remarks during an Instagram live session following the suspension of Minister Betta Edu over alleged fraud, emphasizing that the lack of experience led to her involvement in corruption within a short period. 

    Freeze suggested that older politicians have a better understanding of the systems, while he criticized youths for potentially mishandling the system if in power, stating,

     “I’d rather have an experienced older individual comprehend the system than a young person who might recklessly exploit it.” 

    He further emphasized his preference for seasoned politicians like Tinubu, Atiku, or Obi over youths, suggesting some youths lack a moral compass.

    He said, “I don’t want youths to lead Nigeria. I would rather have an old thief that understands the system than a young thief that would just steal the system senselessly. You never do minister work how many months dem Don catch you already.

    “At least, other person wey dem dey catch, e dey reach like three years later. Someone who isn’t 40 yet, I’m 10 years older than her [Betta Edu]. She is a proper youth.

    “Those you saying you don’t want old people, for me, all this old people whether it’s Tinubu, Atiku or Obi, I prefer them to youths. Nigerian youths? Some of them were born deficient of a conscience.”

  • BREAKING: Tiwa Savage Files Petition Against Davido

    BREAKING: Tiwa Savage Files Petition Against Davido

    Renowned singer Tiwa Savage has filed a petition with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, accusing fellow musician Davido of threatening her with physical assault.

    The petition, dated January 9, details a series of events that allegedly led to the threats, causing her (Tiwa Savage) to fear for her safety.

    Tiwa Savage claimed that on December 23, she posted an Instagram Story featuring herself and Davido’s ex-fiancee Sophia Momodu. 

    According to the document, Davido responded by sending messages to Tiwa’s manager. These messages, which she said were “disrespectful, malicious, and derogatory,” reportedly prompted Tiwa to request Davido cease contact.

    The situation escalated, the petition claims, with Davido questioning Tiwa’s relationship with Sophia and warning her to be “careful” in Lagos. These messages allegedly led to an alleged direct threat from Davido, stating his intention to “f**k [her] up.”

    The petition reads partly: “I am writing to bring to your attention a distressing situation involving myself, Tiwatope Omolara Savage and David Adeleke,” the petition reads in part.

    “On the 23rd of December, I made a post which included myself and Sophia Momodu on my Instagram Story.

    “And MR. DAVID ADELEKE sent messages to my manager who’s also part of his management team that I shouldn’t worry and should never say a word to him and that I was taunting him, uttering very disrespectful, malicious and derogatory words to my person.

    “I responded to MR. DAVID ADELEKE’s message and told him not to reach out to me especially as I feel like I have been there for him and his daughter, Imade and more importantly when he lost his son.

    “The events of that day have also led to a barrage of calls and messages from our mutual connections, asking me what I did to MR. DAVID ADELEKE that he’s upset that I chose to maintain a relationship with Imade’s mother, Sophia Momodu who he’s having issues with.

    “And also painting the exchange to look like I was the aggressor. He has also told our mutual connections to warn me to be careful in Lagos because he was going to f**k me up.

    “This is beginning to feel like some form of online and offline harassment not just to me but also members of my team.

    “The actions of MR. DAVID ADELEKE are unethical and can be viewed as a direct threat to my rights to life, privacy and dignity of my person as guaranteed in Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),

    “And are also in contravention of Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.

    “I therefore would like to make this complaint, and to state that in the event that anything untoward or harmful were to happen to me or any member of my family, I will like the members of the Nigerian Police Force to hold MR. DAVID ADELEKE responsible.

    “I am available to answer any questions or provide any additional information regarding this matter.

    “Please find attached screenshot images of the exchange between myself and MR. DAVID ADELEKE for your perusal”.

  • Tinubu congratulates Funke Akindele as A Tribe Called Judah’ grosses N1bn

    Tinubu congratulates Funke Akindele as A Tribe Called Judah’ grosses N1bn

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated box office queen, Funke Akindele as her movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ became the first nollywood film to to gross N1bn (One Billion Naira).

    In a Statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale on Friday, the president celebrated the ingenuity, creativity, and immense artistic talents of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry. 

    He commended the thespian for her contributions to the growth of the industry.

    “The President extols the excellence of the Nigerian creative industry, acknowledging its pivotal place as a medium not only for artistic expression but also a source of enormous soft power and viable export.

    “The creative industry is one of the high-employment sectors, providing jobs for our able and talented youths. It is an industry that is crucial to my administration. I salute Nigerians for their enduring support and patronage of home-grown creative efforts. We will provide the conducive environment for the industry to thrive further,” the statement read.

  • Actor Charles Okocha Breaks Silence After Being Defeated By Portable In Celebrity Boxing Match

    Actor Charles Okocha Breaks Silence After Being Defeated By Portable In Celebrity Boxing Match

    Nollywood actor Charles Okocha has opened up on recent defeat to street-pop artist Habeeb Badmus, popularly known as Portable, in a high-profile celebrity boxing match.

    Expressing his disappointment, Okocha claimed that the fight was manipulated in Portable’s favor. 

    He cited inadequate preparations, a slippery ring, and Portable’s decision to remove his boxing gloves during the bout as factors contributing to the unexpected outcome.

    “When Portable rushed at me in the first round, I slipped due to the slippery ring. However, in the subsequent rounds, I had the upper hand until he refused to continue fighting. I expected a disqualification when he removed his gloves mid-fight,” Okocha stated.

    Despite the loss, Okocha said he remains determined and vocal about his desire for a rematch, expressing confidence in his abilities to emerge victorious under better circumstances.

    Addressing the accusations of a financial dispute leading to the fight, Okocha clarified, 

    “There was no N40 million ripoff as rumored. Our participation was solely due to the offer from the organizers and the social media hype. It was business; there are no personal issues between us.”

    Looking ahead to the rematch, Okocha emphasized his readiness and determination to secure a win, promising to leverage his strengths and exploit his opponent’s weaknesses.

    The rematch, anticipated to be better organized and fairer, is set to take place at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, with both fighters expected to bring their A-game for a definitive conclusion.

  • Singer Fave Calls Out Davido For Performing Edited Version Of Song She Featured In

    Singer Fave Calls Out Davido For Performing Edited Version Of Song She Featured In

    23-year-old Nigerian singer, Chidozie Godsfavour better known as Fave
    has taken to X formerly Twitter to express her disappointment after witnessing Davido perform an altered rendition of their collaborative track, “Kante,” with her verse omitted from the performance.

    The singer, who was looking forward to sharing the stage with Davido, revealed her initial excitement at the event, only to be taken aback when the song was performed in a modified form.

    “Begun my new year with such a huge gag lol hugging Davido backstage as he’s about to perform, to watching him perform Kante in a new version with my verse taken off. Performing with you would have been a good way to start my year but I guess life happens. Happy nu year🤞💋,” Fave posted on Monday.

    The public response was divided, with some suggesting that she should have privately addressed the issue with Davido rather than airing it publicly on Twitter. 

    Acknowledging this, Fave later admitted her oversight in handling the matter publicly.

    “I guess I should’ve just texted him how I felt instead of tweeting it. I forget how the internet can be sometimes,” she added in a subsequent tweet.

    Amidst calls for an apology and deletion of the tweet, Fave’s post remained on her Twitter profile, as of the time of this report.

  • Bongos Ikwue: Ofu K’Idoma, Abuja Celebrates the Legend

    Intended to be another party to celebrate the end of what was for many Nigerians a difficulty year, the members Ofu K’Idoma Development Association, Abuja and their families got the value of two for the price of one as the gathering assumed a different charge upon the arrival of music icon and living legend, Mr. Bongos Ikwue.

    Sensing the mood of the reveling crowd the Disc Jockey (DJ) played several memorable tunes of the music icon that is noted for his soul searching and nostalgic classics.

    In a magical transfiguration, the once noisy and busy crowd of families exchanging pleasantries and banter coalesced into a dance troupe of some sort miming, dancing and milling around Mr. Ikwue who was seated at the centre of the large crowd of dancers.
    Ofu K’Idoma Development Association is a socio-cultural group comprising the crème de la crème of Idoma sons and daughters domicile in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    Apart from gathering to create a bond of unity and taking care of members in need, the association focuses more on in indigent members of the Idoma community in the entire Benue South or Zone ‘C’.

    The 2023 end of year party was chaired by Mr. Sonny T. Echono, the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TERTFUND).

    The fun atmosphere notwithstanding, the organisers of the party did not fail to take advantage of the large gathering of both the young and old to pass a message or two about life opportunities and challenges.

    In a brief remark, the Chairman appreciated Mr. Ikwue for accepting the invitation to grace the occasion. He also advised young Nigerians to always have a clear vision about their purpose in life. He urged the young adults at the event to emulate the good example of the music legend by daring to dream and living their dreams.

    He also enjoined members with the means, to grant others a helping hand at their times of need. He also made a token donation as seed money for a capacity building initiative in support of the youth.

    Now 81, Bongos Ikwue, in his custom soft, soothing velvet voice advised the audience to always be prayerful in all of life’s quest.

    Apart from the members, who are accomplished professionals in the private sector and public service, the armed forces, business and academia, the gathering witnessed a deluge of other notable Idoma people who came as invited guests.

    The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Emmanuel Abechi in an address of welcome informed the gathering that the Ofu K’Idoma end of year party holds every other year, in alternate sequence with the community development year.

    During the latter period, the association selects a number of projects for intervention at the home front. The Association had intervened in the areas of healthcare delivery, oil palm plantation, provisioning for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), social mobilization and political awareness; just to mention a few.

  • How Abuja Singer And Crew Were Kidnapped While Traveling For Performance

    An incident has occured involving the abduction of renowned Juju artiste Omoba De Jumbo Beats and multiple members of his band while en route from Abuja to Kogi State for a scheduled performance.

    The distressing news came to public attention following an Instagram post by fellow musician Adeyinka Adeboye, popularly known as Boyebest.

    Expressing deep concern, Adeboye took to social media, urging for prayers for the safe return of the abducted persons.In his Instagram update, Boyebest revealed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of N10 million for each captive.He wrote:”

    A whole full band members kidnapped, Naija is f**k up I swear my prayers are with you guys. You all would come out alive. May God in His infinite mercy bring you guys back home in peace in Jesus name. GOD pls, bring these your children back home. This is so so scary. God have mercy.

    @omobadejumbobeats and his band men were kidnapped on their way to Kogi from Abuja for the performance yesterday (Sunday). Please, we need help as the kidnappers are demanding #10m ransom on each person.

    “The music community and concerned citizens are rallying support and efforts to ensure the safe release of Omoba De Jumbo Beats and his band members.Some have also urged the authorities to intervene promptly.