The Nation Newspaper

Author: Yewande Fasan

  • Burna Boy ahead of Wizkid, Davido locally, globally – 2Baba

    Burna Boy ahead of Wizkid, Davido locally, globally – 2Baba

    Global music star 2Baba has described Burna Boy as the leading Afrobeats artist, saying he currently operates on a different musical level compared to peers like Davido and Wizkid.

    Speaking on the ‘Mic On’ Podcast, 2Baba said he appreciates the work of all major Afrobeats artists but placed Burna Boy at the top of the current scene.

    “I have my favourite songs from each, from all of them. But if I must be put on the spot, I think Burna is on the top of the game right now,” he stated.

    He compared evaluating artists to comparing painters, each with a unique style, and stressed that such comparisons are inherently subjective.

    2Baba clarified that his ranking reflects his perspective on the global music landscape rather than personal achievements or rivalries.

    “Different artists have different styles. There’s nothing like this one sing pass. Different people have different tastes in what they want and what they like. I’m going into a general aspect of this. I don’t know their bank accounts.

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    “I don’t have any information about their personal successes or all that. I don’t have that. So I can’t speak on that.

    “But from what I can measure from at least common sense and understanding of the music world, I think right now Burna is at the top of this chain.

    “Not just in Nigeria, in Africa, in the world. He’s on that but everybody’s doing fantastically well,” he said.

    Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid are often considered Nigeria’s Afrobeats big three, sparking ongoing debates over which artist reigns supreme.

  • I won’t ’forcefully’ dance to promote a film – Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

    I won’t ’forcefully’ dance to promote a film – Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

    Veteran actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has shared her views on the growing trend of using dance to promote movies, saying she has no objection to it as long as it is natural and enjoyable.

    She made the remarks during a recent appearance on TVC Entertainment, where she explained that the backlash against dance-driven promotions often arises from pressure placed on actors, rather than from spontaneous or authentic expressions.

    “I’m sorry, I would not be doing the dancing. I’m very, very sorry. It’s just not me. I dance. I love to dance, I’m sure a lot of us love to dance.

    “I think the problem and the reason why a lot of people are kicking back at it is because you want to dance because you feel like it, not because you have to.

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    “There’s a difference, okay? So there’s nothing wrong with, oh, you know, you’re promoting a movie and you guys are just having fun. That’s different,” she said.

    Omotola emphasised that her job as an actor is to deliver quality performances, and marketing should be left to professionals.

    “But when it becomes a chore, when it becomes, oh, this is what you have to do to even sell a movie, it’s not professional. I already did the project, You know, I should go around, you know, talk about the project, promote the project, and then let the people whose job are to distribute and do the advertising of the project to do that,” she said.

    Her comments follows Kunle Afolayan’s stance where he recently stated that he wouldn’t dance to promote a movie, adding that he’d rather not produce a N1 billion film if his earnings are a mere N10 million.

  • 10 ways to get fit without the gym

    10 ways to get fit without the gym

    Getting in shape isn’t about punishment or drastic changes; it’s about building sustainable habits that nourish the body and mind. Experts say the goal is to move more, eat better most of the time, and create a lifestyle that can be maintained in the long run.

    Here are 10 effective ways to get in shape without a gym:

    1. Bodyweight Exercises: Squats, push-ups, lunges, planks, and burpees are great for building strength and toning muscles.

    2. Cardio: Jumping jacks, jogging in place, and dancing can get your heart rate up and burn calories.

    3. Yoga and Stretching: Improve flexibility and balance with yoga poses and stretching exercises.

    4. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): Short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest periods, like burpees or jump squats.

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    5. Daily Activities: Turn household chores into workouts, like vacuuming or gardening.

    6. Walking or Running: Explore your neighborhood or a nearby park for a low-impact exercise.

    7. Dancing: Put on your fave music and groove your way to fitness.

    8. Stair Climbing: Use your stairs for a cardio boost.

    9. Indoor Obstacle Course: Create a fun obstacle course using household items.

    10. Play with Kids/Pets: Get active with your loved ones.

  • Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” surpasses N2.4bn at Box Office

    Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” surpasses N2.4bn at Box Office

    Filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele‘s film “Behind The Scenes” has grossed N2.407 billion at the box office.

    The film has become the highest-grossing film of the year and the highest-grossing film of the weekend.

    Filmone, the film’s distributor, credited fan support for the film’s success, stating that the achievement would not have been possible without audience enthusiasm.

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    “The Queen of Box Office for a reason!! Celebrating yet another incredible milestone and we’re so sure we wouldn’t have done this without you and your love.

    “Behind The Scenes hits a whopping N2.4B making it the Highest Grossing Film of the Year and The Highest Grossing Film of the Weekend. Thank you to everyone for the love and support so far,” the caption reads.

  • Actor Gideon Okeke slams neglect of film industry amid Afrobeats success

    Actor Gideon Okeke slams neglect of film industry amid Afrobeats success

    Actor Gideon Okeke has criticised the entertainment industry for prioritising Afrobeats stars over actors, actresses, and filmmakers.

    In a video on Instagram, Okeke questioned why musicians receive global recognition while Nollywood professionals are overlooked.

    He referenced top music stars, wondering if they would acknowledge Nollywood talents if they looked beyond their circle.

    Okeke noted that despite Afrobeat’s global attention, Nigerian films lack international exposure and endorsements, stating that influential figures aren’t promoting Nollywood.

    “You know how we carry our Afrobeat music on our head. Big three, big five, big this. We idolise and worship ourselves,” he said.

    “What’s going to happen if your big three, big five, or whoever big over there, come down to look around and see your cousins on the other side of the media hemisphere and say, ah, you see that bros over that side? He’s bad. That babe, bad” he asked.

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    “Una no dey watch Nigerian films, all of una, una know yourself. Una watch Nigerian film? Beat yourself on the chest, you know yourself,” he said in pidgin.

    Okeke urged musicians and influential figures to promote Nollywood, citing former US President Barack Obama’s annual music endorsements.

    “Since when Obama sit down for presidential seat, na every year Obama dey endorse una, every year, it will come out. He will publish his best music, una name no dey fall inside? Abi no be so?” he asked.

    “Nigerian films never, ever move like that before,” he said.

    He stressed that collective progress benefits everyone, lamenting the lack of unity within the creative industry.

    “Nobody owes you anything, and you don’t owe anybody anything,” he said, urging entertainers to support their own.

  • Olakunle Churchill hails Tonto Dikeh as ‘amazing mother’ amid reconciliation

    Olakunle Churchill hails Tonto Dikeh as ‘amazing mother’ amid reconciliation

    Olakunle Churchill, businessman and ex-husband of actress Tonto Dikeh, has expressed appreciation for Dikeh’s personal growth following their reconciliation.

    In an Instagram post on Sunday, Churchill acknowledged the peaceful resolution of their marital feud and thanked God for restoring their relationship.

    Churchill revealed he received a call from their son, King Andre, for the first time, describing it as a reminder of God’s power.

    He thanked Dikeh for being an “amazing mother” to their son and expressed gratitude for her growth, saying their focus is now on co-parenting with “love, care, and mutual respect”.

    He wrote, “I was pleasantly surprised when I received a call from my son, King Andre, for the first time. Hearing him call me “Daddy” was deeply touching and a reminder that what God cannot do does not exist.

    “Faith has a way of bringing clarity, humility and peace. I acknowledge the growth and grace evident in the manner in which this matter has been resolved.

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    “With God leading, healing and understanding have become possible. Forgiveness has paved the way for a new chapter and we are moving forward with a sense of peace and mutual respect. The conflict is behind us, and we are now focused on co-parenting with love, care, and a shared commitment to raising our son.

    “I am grateful for the journey we’ve been on and the growth we’ve experienced, and I look forward to a future filled with collaboration, respect, and peace trusting God to guide me.

    “I am grateful to have my son back in my life. Thank you to the amazing mother of my son Tonto Dikeh for doing a good job”.

    The development followed Dikeh’s reflection on their 10-year split, where she credited God for restoring their relationship.

  • Why most men lack ability to lead, by Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo

    Why most men lack ability to lead, by Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo

    Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has explained why many men lack the necessary qualities to effectively lead women, referencing spiritual, emotional, mental, and moral shortcomings.

    In a post on X, Okonkwo argued that removing financial provision from the equation exposes men’s inadequacies, making it challenging for them to lead.

    He criticised men who cling to traditional provider roles, stating that modern leadership requires more than financial support.

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    Okonkwo stressed the need for men to adapt to changing societal expectations, stating that true leadership encompasses various aspects beyond financial provision.

    He wrote: “If you remove money most men don’t have what it takes to lead a woman, thats why most men want to hold on to the idea that a man’s main role is ‘providing’.

    “Outside money most men don’t have the spiritual, emotional mental, morale capacity to lead a woman in today’s world, and even the money the men don’t even have it.

    “Alot of men today are carrying an outdated syllabus and archaic mindset that was developed when women weren’t educated or didnt work, being the head today is no more about paying rent and paying school fees, you must be a quality man.”

  • I received $120,000 for being Fela’s son – Seun Kuti ‘

    I received $120,000 for being Fela’s son – Seun Kuti ‘

    Afrobeats singer Seun Kuti has responded to Wizkid fans over the “Big Bird” nickname controversy, saying the name is his and Wizkid should find his own original moniker.

    The beef started when a Wizkid fan asked Seun on his Instagram live, to change his longtime nickname, claiming Wizkid is the “Biggest Bird” and Seun refused, citing he’s used the name longer.

    “Wizkid ‘stole’ my name. Tell your fave to be original. Why are you telling me to change my name? Sorry, I can’t change it. This name has been here since. I am the first to come up with it”, he said.

    Seun also slammed Wizkid’s team, including DJ Tunez, for not addressing comparisons between Wizkid and his late father Fela, stating that they indirectly allow fans drag Fela’s name into music disputes.

    “If I see DJ Tunez again, I’ll confront him because he and his team are enjoying the Wizkid and Fela comparison instead of debunking it. I won’t even hug him,” he said.

    In the video, Seun revealed he recently got $120,000 because he’s Fela’s son, saying his dad’s legacy still brings benefits.

    He said: “I recently received about $120,000 simply because I am Fela’s son; it is not my work. My father has died over 29 years from the grave, and I received it,” adding that his father is still blessing him from the grave.

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    “How many of your fathers from the grave can send you $120,000 from the grave? You think you can just open your mouth…No of your fathers has accomplished… You don’t know what it means to be the child of someone who accomplished something”.

    He stressed his criticism isn’t aimed at Wizkid, but at fans disrespecting history.

    “Keep Fela’s name out of your (Wizkid FC) mouths,” he said. “Why must you find a way to bring Fela always into your discussions?”

    Seun challenged Wizkid fans to do something positive, like building a school, instead of online drama.

    “I’ll use four days to drag Wizkid FC. They claim they’re over one million, so let them contribute ₦1,000 each for their fave. That’s ₦1 billion to build a school in Surulere on Wizkid’s behalf. Dragging and disrespect is your power. All they do is insult people. Who raised you?

    “You cannot come together to do something positive in the name of the young man,” he said.

    He also rejects Wizkid being called “New Fela,” saying Fela’s legacy can’t be compared.

  • My ‘choices’ led to divorce with Kristy Scott – Desmond Scott admits

    My ‘choices’ led to divorce with Kristy Scott – Desmond Scott admits

    Desmond Scott, a popular social media personality and chef, has confirmed his divorce from wife Kristy Scott, taking responsibility for the dissolution of their marriage.

    In a statement posted on Sunday via Instagram story, Desmond revealed he initiated separation talks in late 2025 and made “choices” he regretted, leading to their decision to divorce.

    Desmond apologised to Kristy, their family, and followers, stressing Kristy’s importance as the mother of their two boys and committed to co-parenting.

    The statement reads, “I want to begin by apologizing to Kristy, our family, and everyone who has been impacted by the public attention surrounding this situation. I know this news has been disappointing for many, and I’m truly sorry for the hurt it has caused.

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    “Kristy is the mother of my children, and that will always come first. I remain fully committed to being an active, present, and loving parent to our boys, as I have always been.

    “Kristy and I faced challenges and made sincere efforts to work through them. Toward the end of 2025, I wanted to separate, and I had conversations with Kristy regarding this. During this period, I made choices that I am not proud of. I took responsibility for those actions, I shared this with her directly and personally, and ultimately we decided to divorce. I ask for privacy and compassion as we navigate this difficult chapter of our lives”.

    Desmond asked for privacy and thanked supporters, vowing to continue sharing his passion for cooking.

    “Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years. I’m grateful for that support and will continue sharing my love for cooking and the things that inspire me. I hope you’ll continue that journey with me”.

  • Carter Efe opens up on ‘painful’ separation from baby mama

    Carter Efe opens up on ‘painful’ separation from baby mama

    Popular skit maker and streamer, Carter Efe, has revealed he separated from his baby mama, Emmanuella, over a year ago.

    In a series of post on Instagram, Efe shared that the relationship took a toll on his mental health, finances, and creativity, causing him to struggle with content creation and stability.

    He described the experience as painful, particularly for being apart from his child.

    Efe attributed his recent growth and increased visibility in streaming to the separation. 

    He expressed gratitude for his recovery and progress, stating he’s now in a better place emotionally and professionally.

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    He wrote, “Just to let you know guys have been single for over 1 year now. God is good!!!! I saw mad changes in my life.

    “This lady has frustrated my whole life to the extent I trend everyday for beating a lady……..For good 2 years i lost everything, I lost my mindset, I cannot think or shoot content,I got broke………….

    “Good 3 months I didn’t see my kid! CHARIS. I never let that hold me down on my grind.

    “This days you guys noticed have been happy and active it’s because I was able to move away since! !!!!!

    “GOD IS GOOD. You left me for good 5 months only to come and see that I’m the biggest streamer in Africa

    “Lmaoooo000000 you wan follow me enjoy when you nor Dey there for me…Funny b!tch”