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Category: Entertainment

  • BBNaija All Stars Gulped N5.5bn – MultiChoice

    Multichoice Nigeria on Tuesday disclosed that N5.5 billion was invested in the production of the just-concluded “All Stars” edition of the Big Brother Naija reality show.

    Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, disclosed this during the cash prize presentation to the winner of the All Stars show, Ilebaye Odiniya, in Lagos.

    Ilebaye was given a cheque of N120 million and the key to her new SUV from Innosons Motors.

    Tejumola said that over 2,000 individuals were also employed to execute the show.

    She said the show generated over 1.53 billion voters across all regions.

    “This year, we have backed this commitment up with a total investment of NGN5.5 billion, covering the costs of production, construction, fittings, technical, licensing, satellite, and marketing in the production of this season of Big Brother Naija.

    “And of course, there is the direct impact of over 2000 individuals employed to bring this project to life. 

    “As Africa’s most loved storyteller, we are proud to be part of creating opportunities for growth for the youth in their quest to build great futures.

    “This year Biggieverse was opened as Big Brother invited into it your favourite All-Stars 20 game players, four house guests, nine Jury members and 12 Wager Task Judges and the parrot who all together delivered a riveting show that kept us all entertained for 71 days,” she said.

    Tejumola described the Big Brother All Stars as a season of love rekindled, new friendships, settling scores, comedic moments, fantastic showcase of talent and a battle for dominance.

    She appreciated the lead sponsor of the show, MoniePoint Microfinance Bank and the associate sponsor, HFM Online Trading, for partnering with MultiChoice to deliver a Biggieverse of pure entertainment.

    She also appreciated other sponsors of the show.

    “In this 20th year of Africa Magic’s operations in Nigeria, we thank you for choosing to make magic with us.

    “Thank you, our loyal viewers, for your love and support that sustains the conversations around all our productions.

    “Congratulations Baye, the resident GenZ Baddie on conquering in Biggieverse and emerging the winner of the very first Big Brother Naija All-Stars Season.

    “Our commitment to showcasing the best in sporting, entertainment and telling uniquely authentic indigenous stories remains unwavering,” she said.

    Earlier, the winner of the All Stars Show, Ilebaye, who expressed excitement over her victory appreciated MultiChoice, her family, fans and fellow ex-housemates.

    “I want to thank Big Brother, my family, sponsors, host of the show, supporters and people who did not sleep to ensure the success of the show. I promise to make you all proud and make good use of the money,” she said.

    Also, Mr Chinedu Okpara, Head of Product Marketing at MoniePoint, who described the show as an exciting one expressed joy in partnering with MultiChoice to execute the All Stars show.

    “The show was an exciting one, lots of drama for us. We are happy to be a part of this.

    “We have been able to fulfil one of our dreams of empowering dreams and we will continue to look for more opportunity like this,” he said.

  • Mobhad: Justice Will Not Be Aborted, Falana Assures Nigerians

    Mrs Funmi Falana, wife of Mr Femi Falana (SAN), at the weekend expressed confidence that justice would be served concerning the death of a young musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba (a.k.a Mohbad).

    Mrs Falana is a Partner at the Falana Falana Chambers, which is a concerned party in the death of the musician.

    She is also counsel to the family of Aloba.

    She gave the assurance at the Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court, venue of a coroner’s inquest into the musician’s death.

    The musician died on September 12 and was buried the following day. He was aged 27 years.

    His death has been generating controversies, prompting Lagos State Government to direct a coroner’s inquest into the death.

    A preliminary meeting on the inquest took place on Friday at the court’s premises.

    Mrs Falana told journalists that the meeting was to discuss the modalities for the inquest including witness to bring before the court.

    “I am sure you all know that the essence of the coroner’s inquest is to inquire into the cause of the death.

    “By God’s grace, we want to assure the public that justice will definitely be served,” she said.

    She said that by October 13, witnesses would be testifying before the court, urging members of the public to be calm.

    “We want to assure the public that justice will not be aborted.

    “We are here to get to the root cause of the death of the young man to serve as deterrent,” she said.

    The controversy being generated by the musician’s death also made the police command in Lagos State to set up a 19-man special team to investigate the incident.

    The body of the late musician has also been exhumed by the police for further investigation.  

  • Police Confirm Detention of Sam Larry in Connection to Mohbad’s Death

    The Lagos State Police have officially confirmed that Balogun Eletu, widely known as ‘Sam Larry,’ is currently in their custody and is actively cooperating with their ongoing investigation into the tragic demise of 27-year-old musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad.

    SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the police command, took to his verified Twitter account, @BenHundeyin, to make this announcement. However, Hundeyin did not provide specific details regarding whether Sam Larry had been apprehended by law enforcement or had voluntarily surrendered himself.

    In his statement, Hundeyin stated, “He is currently assisting with the ongoing investigation,” signifying Sam Larry’s cooperation with the authorities.

    Mohbad passed away on September 12 and was laid to rest on September 13. However, on September 21, his remains were exhumed to facilitate a thorough autopsy.

    In the wake of Mohbad’s untimely death, numerous fans and celebrities across different states took to the streets in protest.

    Their collective demand for justice underscored their suspicion that Mohbad’s passing may involve undisclosed factors yet to be uncovered.

  • Gov Sanwo-Olu Sends Delegation To Late Mohbad’s Family

    Gov Sanwo-Olu Sends Delegation To Late Mohbad’s Family

    *Pledges To Support His Child’s Upkeep

    The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sent a delegation to visit the family of late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Imole Aloba AKA Mohbad, whilst promising to support his child’s upbringing.

    The Governor said this on his X account on Tuesday, where he added that the delegation was led by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and other government officials.

    “Today I sent a delegation led by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat @drobafemihamzat, alongside my Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Commissioner for Youth, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende @bolajiogunlende, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso @gbenga_omo, and Special Adviser on Tourism, Mr. Idris Aregbe on a condolence visit to the mother of Ileri Oluwa Oladimeji Aloba aka MOHBAD,” he wrote.

    “@drobafemihamzat reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation for Mohbad. I also want to reiterate that we are indeed on top of the situation.

    “He also assured the family of our support towards the upbringing and welfare of his son, Liam Imole Aloba. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Please, let’s allow the police and DSS do their jobs, and update us as the investigation is ongoing. Let us come together as a community to support one another during this difficult period.”

    Earlier, Governor Sanwo-Olu had mourned the singer and invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the probe into the star’s death.

    “I would like to assure everyone that I am not oblivious to the sad passing of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Imole Aloba (Mohbad). We have been closely working behind the scenes with relevant authorities, and keenly following the ongoing investigations,” he wrote on his X handle Tuesday.

    “However, in order to boost the investigations, I have invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the investigation and widen the dragnet with inter-agency collaboration and use of best-in-class technology to unearth the truth.

    “I have instructed that all those who may have played any role whatsoever in any event leading to the death of MohBad be made to face the law after a thorough investigation.”

  • Youths Hold Rally, Storm Late Mohbad’s Ikorodu Home

    Numbering in their hundreds, youths on Tuesday, gathered at the Okeletu Bus-stop, Ikorodu, to demand justice over the death of singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

    The singer died on Sept.12, at 27, and the occurrence has continued to generate controversy, following which the Lagos State Police Command has set up a 19-man special investigation team to investigate the incident.

    Youths, carrying placards with photos of MohBad, chanting, “We need justice for MohBad” and singing songs, marched on streets and sought investigation to unravel any foul play, and justice on the occurrence.

    According to reports, the former residence of the popular musician in Ikorodu at Okeletu reports the youths marched from the area toward Ijede Road.

    Kazeem Ayinde, one of the youths, said that the rally was organised to show their last respect to the late musician.

    Ayinde said there would be a candlelight event for the deceased later in the day because he died a week ago.

    During the visit, Mrs Felicia Adedara, the grandmother of the deceased, said that they would not discuss any matter relating to the death with anybody until investigation was completed.

    Adedara said Mohbad’s father had gone to the police to help them in their investigation.

    “I am the only woman left as mother to the dad, I came in from Ekiti immediately I heard about the incident.

    “Right now, we have been instructed by the police not to talk to anybody until they complete their investigation,” she said.

    Sympathisers at the residence commended the Nigeria Police for their timely intervention and urged them to unravel the mystery behind the death without delay.

    “We will all miss MohBad in this community, just of recent he distributed palliatives to residents of this community.

    “Some of us who were not around during the period went to the dad and he gave us our packages.

    “We are calling on the police to unravel those behind his death, because everybody in this community will miss him because he is so generous,” one of the sympathisers who declined to give his name said.

  • Unpaid Royalties: Mohbad’s Team Vow To Fight Marlian Music

    The management of late Nigerian rapper and songwriter, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as “Mohbad”, has vowed to continue the fight to retrieve the singer’s catalogue and unpaid royalties from his former record label, Marlian Music.

    The management stated this in a statement posted on Mohbad’s verified instagram account, @iammohbad, on Saturday.

    The statement read, “Right now, we are focused on making sure the legacy of Mohbad lives on and he is remembered as he was in his final months; Free, strong and fighting for his future.

    “Before his passing, Mohbad was in court to retrieve the majority of his songs and unpaid royalties which were wrongfully held by Marlian Music.

    “We will continue the fight to retrieve his catalogue and unpaid royalties so that through these, those he left behind, especially his son, Liam Imole, will be provided for.

    “We want #JusticeforMohbad, and we will appreciate all the support we can get in this fight to retrieve his catalogue from Marlian Music, as this is the justice that Mohbad was working towards.”

    The management appreciated the outpouring of love from the general public following the passing of Mohbad.

    Some fans also took to the comment section of the statement to pay their tributes to the late singer.

    emini_kabex said, “Chai!!! Every single minute I just silently pray and wish in my heart MOH should just pop up on live video and say he is just pranking us…….”

    Also, harteezofficial wrote, “JUSTICE FOR MOHBAD.”

    ajimovoix_drums with the display of weeping emojis, said, “Keep resting champ, you fought so hard but God wants it another way round, I miss you Imole.”

    Mohbad left Marlian Music in 2022, citing unpaid royalties from 2019.

    He died on Tuesday, September 12 at the of age 27. 

  • Ireland Slams €345m Privacy Fine On TikTok

    TikTok has been fined 345 million euros (368 million U.S. dollars) by Irish data protection authorities following an investigation into the handling of user data from minors.

    The agency said on Friday that the investigation, which ran from the end of July 2020 to the end of December 2020, focused on some of the video app’s settings as well as the age check during registration.

    Posts such as videos by users between the ages of 13 and 17 could be published for all to see, according to a default setting.

    The commenting function in the profiles was also accessible to all other users by default.

    TikTok said the investigation’s findings primarily refered to settings that were valid three years ago.

    “Most of those results are no longer relevant due to measures we put in place before the investigation began.

    “These included setting all accounts for users under the age of 16 to private by default,” he said.

    In addition to the fine, TikTok was ordered to bring its data processing in line with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) within three months.

    In May, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission slapped Meta with a record fine of 1.2 billion euros.

    TikTok is in the process of moving European users’ data to new data centres in Ireland and Norway.

    By the end of 2024, European user data would be transferred and stored at these centres by default.

    TikTok is trying to gain trust in Europe with the plan under the name “Project Clover.”

    The video app has a difficult political standing in the West because it belongs to the Chinese corporation Bytedance.

    The European Commission and several European governments have banned the use of the app on the mobile phones of their employees.

    With “Project Clover,” TikTok says it wants to guarantee that access to personal data of European users is strictly regulated and transparent. 

  • Mohbad’s Strange Death Could Discourage Young Artistes -Blueboy

    *Says he lived a short and troubled life

     An up-and-coming music artiste, Marcel Obute, has described the life of the young 27-year-old musician, MohBad, who died on Tuesday, as “short and troubled”.

    The 25-year-old music artiste popularly known as Blueboy, said in Lagos on Wednesday, that the death of Mohbad could scare young artistes in the industry.

    “Mohbad lived a short and troubled life; his journey to fame was fast and troubled, he revealed that he got into a lot of troubles with his former record label.

    “He even came on live video to say that his life was being threatened and that if anything happened to him, that the record label should be held responsible.

    “He made really disturbing videos as of 2022 but this year, he was just giving hit songs and according to sources, he was going through depression after leaving his former record label,” he said.

    According to Blueboy, Mohbad, who he followed regularly on his social media handles, struggled with depression and threats to his life in his last days.

    Blueboy, who is a graduate of music from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, also a song writer, instrumentalist and dancer, said the death of MohBad would affect young artists.

    “His death would affect young artistes in the industry because he exposed the negative aspects of being a celebrity, especially as a young artiste.

    “This is telling us to be careful before going into contract with a record label as all that glitters is not gold and it’s mostly the more you look, the less you see.

    “Though not all music labels have these traits but the bad ones get to use and dump young artistes on some occasions.

    “MohBad came across some information more like secrets and couldn’t handle it, this became a threat to his life of which he once attempted suicide,” he said.

    Blueboy, noted that the late Nigerian singer made numerous achievements in the industry within his short existence.

    “Our late young artiste had achieved fame and wealth, he is well known in the industry, he started his own record label after he left Marlian records and had good hit songs.

    “Currently, some of his songs are still trending like feel good, kpomo, Ronaldo, Shina Peters and several others,” he said.

    27-year-old Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as MohBad was confirmed dead on Tuesday by a music executive, Ovie, on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

    The actual cause of his death is yet to be confirmed but fans have continued to sympathise with the family who also called for privacy during their difficult moment.

  • Rema’s Hit Single, ‘Calm Down’, Reaches 1bn Streams On Spotify

    Rema’s Hit Single, ‘Calm Down’, Reaches 1bn Streams On Spotify

    Spotify, a global online streaming platform, says Nigeria’s fast rising star, Rema, has achieved a remarkable milestone with his hit single ,”Calm Down”, reaching one billion streams on its platform.

    Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artiste and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

    According to Okpala, this is in a clear testament to Rema’s artistry and global appeal.

    He said according to data shared as part of Spotify’s afrobeats, ‘Journey to a Billion Streams’ project, Rema ranked among the top 10 most streamed Aarobeats artistes on the platform.

    He said it was no surprise that the song had reached this milestone.

    “Rema has achieved a remarkable milestone with his hit single, Calm Down, featuring Selena Gomez, reaching one billion streams on Spotify. This is the first African artist-led track to join the Billions Club on Spotify.

    “The achievement not only highlights Rema’s growing influence in the music industry but also stresses the power of cross-cultural musical fusion in today’s interconnected world.

    “Rema, a Nigerian artiste featured an American artiste, Selena Gomez, in a remix that took the world by storm.

    “This milestone is absolutely remarkable for Rema, marking a pivotal moment for this talented artiste and the entire afrobeats community.

    “It is clear that the genre is making a significant impact and gaining substantial influence on the global music stage, and we are excited to continue supporting it at Spotify,” he said.

    Okpala noted that ‘Calm Down’ quickly became a worldwide favourite because of its catchy mix of afrobeats rhythms, blended with afro-fusion melodies, Rema’s unique and soulful singing as well as the unexpected addition of Selena Gomez on an Afrobeats song.

    He said the song production was made with a combination of modern and traditional elements, showing how African music is changing and growing.

    According to him, the billion-stream milestone on Spotify is no small feat, as it signifies  the popularity of Calm Down and Rema’s ability to create music that transcends borders and resonates with a diverse audience.

    He explained that Rema’s unique sound had propelled him to the forefront of the global music stage, with the song having its highest streams from  USA, India, Mexico, Brazil and the United Kingdom.

    “The song’s infectious chorus and relatable lyrics have made it a go-to track for both dancefloors and personal playlists, with data showing that Calm Down has been added to over a million Spotify playlists.

    “This moment symbolises the power of music to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries and serves as a beacon for aspiring artistes to create authentic, boundary-pushing music that resonates with audiences around the world.

    “With this milestone, Rema cements his place as a true musical trailblazer and sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in his career,” he said.

    In his reaction, Rema said, “It is a blessing. It is not just a big win for me, my team and family, it is also a big one for the culture.

    “I feel really happy and I’m really proud of the fans as well for going back to the song and putting people on the song. Shout out to the DJs and everyone who made this possible.” 

  • 2023 Headies: Rema, Asake, Burna Boy win big at 16th Awards

     Nigerian musician Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema’s most popular single, Calm Down won several awards on Sunday night at the 16th Headies in Atlanta, Georgia.

    The event, tagged “Celebrating African Renaissance,” was hosted by Nollywood actress, Osas Ighodaro and American media personality, Terrence J.

    Rema won Best Male artist, African Artist of the Year and Digital artist of the year.

    Also, Ahmed Ololade, known professionally as Asake, walked home with a brand-new car after winning the highly coveted Next Rated category while Damini Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy’s Last Last won Afrobeats single of the year and Song of the Year.

    Other winners of the night include Seyi Vibez, Spyro, Odumodublvck, Rexxie, Blaq Bonez and others.

    Meanwhile, the organisers didn’t present some of the categories, including Best Recording of The Year, Songwriter of The Year, Best RnB Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Headies Viewers’ Choice, Best East African artiste of the year, and Best North African Artiste of The Year.

    Others are Best Southern African Artiste of The Year, Best Central African Artiste of The Year, International Artiste Of The Year, Best Alternative Album, and Best RnB Album.

    ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Odumodublvck – (Winner)

    PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Rexxie (Abracadabra) – (Winner)

    SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR “Loyal” Simi – (Winner)

    BEST R&B SINGLE “For My Hand” by Bruna Boy ft ED Sheeran – (Winner)

    BEST RAP SINGLE “Declan Rice” by Odumodublvck – (Winner)

    BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE) “In Between” Waje – (Winner)

    BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE) “Kpe Paso” Wande Coal – (Winner)

    BEST ALTERNATIVE SONG “Earth Song” by Wizard Chan – (Winner)

    BEST MUSIC VIDEO “Calm Down (Remix)” by Director K – (Winner)

    BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR “Soweto” by Victony and Tempoe – (Winner)

    BEST COLLABORATION Spyro ft. Tiwa Savage– “Who’s Your Guy Remix” – (Winner)

    BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE Seyi Vibez – “Chance (Na Ham)” – (Winner)

    AFROBEATS SINGLE OF THE YEAR “Last Last” – Burna Boy – (Winner)

    HEADIES’ VIEWERS’ CHOICE Victony & Tempoe – “Soweto” – (Winner)

    BEST R&B ALBUM The Brother’s Keeper – Chike – (Winner)

    BEST ALTERNATIVE ALBUM Gbagada Express – Boj – (Winner)

    BEST RAP ALBUM Young Preacher – Blaqbonez – (Winner)

    ALBUM OF THE YEAR Mr Money With The Vibe – Asake – (Winner)

    SONG OF THE YEAR “Last Last” – Burna Boy – (Winner)

    BEST FEMALE ARTISTE Ayra Starr – (Winner)

    BEST MALE ARTISTE Rema – (Winner)

    NEXT RATED Asake – (Winner)

    AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Rema (Nigeria) – (Winner)

    LYRICIST ON THE ROLL Payper Corleone – “Fly Talk Only” – (Winner)

    BEST INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE “Eze Ebube” – Neon Adejo – (Winner)

    DIGITAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Rema – (Winner)

    BEST WEST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Black Sherif (Ghana) – (Winner)

    BEST EAST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Diamond Platnumz – (Winner)

    BEST NORTH AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR El Grande Toto – Morocco – (Winner)

    BEST SOUTHERN AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Focalistic – South Africa – (Winner)

    HALL OF FAME Youssou N’dour

    SPECIAL RECOGNITION SOUND SULTAN