Author: The Nation

  • Fuji singer Saheed Osupa recalls early struggles

    Fuji singer Saheed Osupa recalls early struggles

    Renowned Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa has narrated the ordeals he went through before attaining stardom. 

    While he celebrating his 54th birthday on Monday, he recounted the hardship and struggles he faced before becoming a force and an household name in the traditional Yoruba music industry.

    The Fuji icon via his Instagram post on Monday, said he had a “stormy start” from his days in Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos.

    According to the singer, he kept pushing hard when things were seeming too insurmountable to crush, believing that after the storm comes the rainbow.

    He wrote:  “A tortuous journey it has been, a journey that began from my hood, Ajegunle, to the world.

    “Trust me, that coming from a stormy start, and getting to this height, have not been easy, the unpredictability of the gravity of life has always moved the son of man through many ups and downs, with life’s pendulum surprisingly swinging from back and forth to left and right. A tortuous journey it has been, a journey that began from my hood, Ajegunle, to the world.

    “At one point or the other, I have been pressed on every sides by troubles, hugged tightly by the arms of tussles while I wriggled, I was wrapped roughly with the wrappers of struggles, knocked many times, and many more times I was crushed, but I never crashed, smashed but never broken, stomped on severally, yet the jazzy Jackie always danced up to these jazz musics with resurging Fuji jives.

    “At some point, I was soaked in the perplexity of confusions as I didn’t understand why things got harder and turned tougher as I strive further to thrive higher, yet I never gave up on my dream, for I know, surely, that “growth can come only after tough times and struggle”, just like the stormy rains herald the showing of the beautiful rainbow.

    Read Also: Saheed Osupa hails Burna Boy, christened ‘Yoruba Wutang’

    “Through and through these struggles, God never forsook me, He never deserted me, He never cast me off His merciful eyes, as a matter of fact, He has always turned every situation around in my favor. Indeed, it has been nothing, but a rollercoaster ride, and I cannot not fully relish these experiences without getting emotional.

    “I am what and where I am today by God’s grace of perfervid thoughts and unwavering spirit that dominated my mind. Certainly, I have undergone some tremendous positive growth in my life. And the fact that I could make it up here is an obvious testimony that GOD IS NOT DEAD.”

    Saheed Osupa said the fact that he is successful is a testimony that “God is not dead.”

    Friends and well wishers of the singer felicitated with him.

    Celebrities such as actors Femi Adebayo, Bimpe Akintunde, amongst others also wished him well. 

  • Don’t play with me, Tonto Dikeh warns unnamed individual

    Don’t play with me, Tonto Dikeh warns unnamed individual

    Actress Tonto Dikeh has issued a stern warning to an anonymous individual who is presumed to have stepped on her toes.

    The movie star, while sharing a new photo, made an interesting revealation about herself.

    Tonto declared that she is half hood and half holy.

    Read Also: Dbanj, Ini Edo too stingy – Tonto Dikeh

    The mother of one cautioned the unidentified person not to play with her, but rather pray with her.

    “I am half hood, half holy. Pray with me, don’t play with me,” she said. 

  • Davido congratulates cousin on Osun appointment

    Davido congratulates cousin on Osun appointment

    Popular Pop artiste Davido has congratulated his cousin Tunji Adeleke on his political appointment in their native Osun State. 

    The son of the late Osun Governor, Isiaka Adeleke, Mr. Tunji Adeleke (Jnr), was named the chairman, Local Government Service Commission by Governor Ademola Adeleke on July 2023.

    To celebrate his cousin, Davido send his best wishes on his new achievement. 

    Exuding confidence on Tunji’s reign, Davido attested to his leadership ability to excel in the new role. 

    Read Also: I probably knew I’d be successful – Davido

    The DMW boss offered unflinching support, promising to stand by him throughout this exciting chapter of his journey.

    “Congrats @Tunegee on your emergence as the Chairman local government commission Osun state! Your a leader and you will do well … we Dey your back,” he said.

  • Newcastle sign Southampton’s Livramento for £40m

    Newcastle sign Southampton’s Livramento for £40m

    Newcastle United have signed Southampton defender Tino Livramento in a deal worth up to £40m.

    The deal is worth an initial £32m and the 20-year-old Englishman has signed a five-year contract.

    Livramento, who joined Southampton from Chelsea for £5m in 2021, is Newcastle’s third summer signing.

    “Tino is a very talented young player with an exciting future ahead of him so we are delighted to sign him,” said manager Eddie Howe.

    “At 20, he already has lots of attributes that I admire, but he also has the potential and drive to really grow with this team.

    “I’m looking forward to working with him and to seeing him develop in a Newcastle shirt.”

    “The way the manager plays football is really attractive and I feel like it suits me as a player,” said Livramento.

    “With how well the team did last season, the trajectory that we’re on now, I’m just looking forward to being a part of that.

    “To be able to learn from Kieran Trippier is another big thing for me. Hopefully he teaches me how to become a better player and a better full-back.”

    Read Also: Newcastle sign Tonali for £55m

    Livramento made only two Southampton appearances last season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April 2022.

    He came on as a substitute in their final two Premier League games against Brighton and Liverpool.

    Livramento played 32 matches in 2021-22, including 28 in the Premier League.

    Newcastle, who finished fourth in the table last season, have signed Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali and England winger Harvey Barnes this summer.

    They host Aston Villa on Saturday in their first game of the season.

  • Troniq music welcomes singer KOHDEE

    Troniq music welcomes singer KOHDEE

    Lagos and New York-based record label Troniq music has unveiled Afro-Pop singer KOHDEE as its new signee. 

    The announcement was made via Instagram yesterday with a warm welcome message:

    “We are thrilled to introduce our latest musical sensation, KOHDEE to the Troniq Music family. Straight from Nigeria, this dynamo is bringing an irresistible blend of Afrobeats, Pop and R’n’B that would have grooving non-stop,” the form said. 

    Born Ogechukwu Otu on 31 March, KOHDEE is a talented singer, songwriter and producer. 

    The 26-year-old schooled in Abuja before going on to study Information Technology in Cyprus. 

    His love for music began at a young age, as he was raised by a mother who was a gospel artist.

     KOHDEE further developed his musical passion in secondary school where he met a friend who was a rapper and producer. 

    This inspired him to start writing his own songs whilst learning how to produce, mix, master and record himself.

    Read Also: Our winning formula, by Troniq Music record label boss

    KOHDEE’s music is a reflection of his life experiences: love, heartbreak and inspiration. With a unique sound and exceptional songwriting skills, KOHDEE is poised for great success. Influenced by Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Usher, Drake, Flavour and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, KOHDEE officially launched his music career in 2017. In 2020, he released his 7-track EP ‘The Link’ with a cameo appearance from 1da Banton. KOHDEE also collaborated with the award-winning hi-life band, The Cavemen, on his 2021 single, ‘Mexebu’.

    For the artist, things can only get better as Troniq Music provides a springboard to success being strategically situated in two entertainment hubs of the world, Lagos and New York.

    KOHDEE is expected to release his first single under Troniq shortly.

  • West Ham set to make Alvarez first summer signing

    West Ham set to make Alvarez first summer signing

    Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez will have a medical today ahead of becoming West Ham’s first signing of the summer.

    Alvarez has been the subject of interest from the Hammers for some time and an agreement has been reached with Ajax over a deal thought to be worth around £35m.

    A central figure in the Mexico side that won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States this summer, the 25-year-old is viewed as a replacement for Declan Rice, although his attributes are mainly as a defensive midfielder.

    Read Also: Arsenal complete £105m Rice transfer from West Ham

    Providing there are no issues, formal confirmation of the transfer is expected on Wednesday.

    Alvarez has just returned to Ajax for the start of pre-season training.

    The news of Alvarez’s impending arrival will come as a relief to Hammers manager David Moyes, who has struggled to bring in reinforcements this summer since Rice’s transfer to Arsenal.

    West Ham have also made bids for Manchester United pair Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay, although there is no guarantee they will be able to conclude a deal for either player.

  • How I was treated in a church I visited – Actress Destiny Etiko

    How I was treated in a church I visited – Actress Destiny Etiko

    Actress Destiny Etiko has narrated the sweet moment she had after visiting a church on Sunday.

    Etiko shared her video in church and how members reacted after seeing her in their midst.

    She said she was surrounded by church members who took turns to take pictures with her while also exchanging pleasantries.

    She wrote  “Worshiped today with my beloved sisters @ekene_umenwa @chioma_chijioke_ @ada_uli 

    Captioning the clip: Destiny noted that she had a very good time in the house of God.      

    Read Also: Movie stars should learn to be punctual- Destiny Etiko

    It was quite a beautiful service 

    We all enjoyed and danced happily in the house of GOD 

    thanks for bringing me to this CENTER SIS @ekene_umenwa

    I enjoyed every bit of it”.

  • You go explain tire, no evidence – Rita Edochie tells Yul Edochie

    You go explain tire, no evidence – Rita Edochie tells Yul Edochie

    Actress Rita Edochie has berated her nephew, Yul Edochie over the video he posted as evidence against his father, Pete Edochie.

    Pete Edochie, in an interview with media personality Chude, revealed that his son, Yul, had married Judy as a second wife without his consent. 

    Reacting to his statement, Yul on Monday morning, shocked netizens with a new video on his Facebook page in a bid to probably counter his father claims in viral interview.

    In the video, Judy was seen playing a pregnant daughter of his father, Pete.                

    He revealed that the video depict how his affair with Judy started and added that the real story would be out soon.

    Rita Edochie, in a counter response, via her Instagram page, took a jab at him, playfully mocking his inability to provide evidence, while teasing that he and Judy would have to keep explaining their actions.

    Read Also: Yul Edochie vows to ‘expose’ dad with real story of second marriage

    She remained resolute in her stance, reaffirming that Judy Austin was picked with the assistance of hired Ogbommanu workers in Onitsha.

    Rita Edochie, known for her unwavering loyalty to May Edochie, wrote: “No evidence, una go explain tire.

    “Drama Devil was picked through the help of hired Ogbommanu workers in Onitsha. So bikonu since when picture don turn, una go see evidence,” she said.

  • Liverpool’s third Lavia bid rejected by Southampton

    Liverpool’s third Lavia bid rejected by Southampton

    Liverpool have had a third bid rejected for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

    The latest offer for the 19-year-old Belgian is believed to have been about £46m including add-ons, with Southampton reportedly wanting £50m.

    Lavia was an unused substitute when Southampton started their Championship campaign with a 2-1 win against Sheffield Wednesday on Friday.

    He joined Saints from Manchester City last summer for £10.5m.

    Lavia made 34 appearances in all competitions for Southampton in 2022-23 but was unable to help them avoid relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.

    Read Also: Departing Olayinka expresses gratitude to Slavia Prague

    Liverpool are looking to reinforce their midfield with a third signing in that area of the pitch following Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all leaving the club this summer.

    Manager Jurgen Klopp has acquired World Cup-winning Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton in June for an initial £35m, while Dominik Szoboszlai joined the Reds in a £60m deal from RB Leipzig in July.

  • I probably knew I’d be successful – Davido

    I probably knew I’d be successful – Davido

    Afrobeats super star Davido has gone down memory lanes suggesting he most probably knew he would turn out successful.

    O.B.O shared a throwback photo of himself as a toddler brandishing his denticulation in a captivating smile.

    Spotting a black short and a multicoloured collar t-shirt with a face cap and wrist watch, the young David sat resting one of the sofa’s arms.

    Known for his signature wide dimpled smile, little Davido finished off his pose with the same, exuding absolute bliss.

    Read Also: Davido’s music video: Four times entertainers raised religious eyebrows

    Settling for a fitting caption for the photo, the much loved songster explained the reason for his smile in the photo.

    He tweeted: “E be like I been know say I go blow.”