The Nation Newspaper

Author: Yewande Fasan

  • I’m not an herbalist but learnt Yoruba proverbs – 9ice

    I’m not an herbalist but learnt Yoruba proverbs – 9ice

    Singer and songwriter Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has revealed that his indigenous Yoruba lyrics are as a result of the teachings from his late stepmother.

    Featuring on ‘Curiosity made me ask’ podcast, 9ice clarified on his in depth use of Yoruba, thereby disputing opinions that he is a trained herbalist. 

    The Ogbomoso-born said he was never an herbalist at any point in his growing up stage as a child and a young adult. 

    He credits his cultural heritage and family influence for his unique lyrical style.

    Read Also: Omawumi, Ric Hassani, 9ice replace Simi, DBanj, Asika as Nigerian Idol judges

    According to him, he instills the Yoruba language while creating a new song. 

    “I was never trained as an herbalist; I am not an herbalist. I am a Yoruba man from Oyo state, and I learnt all the proverbs from my late step mom. While trying to create songs, I decided to use all those,” he said.

  • UK music scene segregated, says Skepta

    UK music scene segregated, says Skepta

    British Grime pioneer, Joseph Adenuga, popularly known as Skepta has expressed disappointment with the UK music industry, calling it “sad” and “segregated”.

    In an X post, Skepta described the scene as label-controlled and compared it to “crabs in a barrel.”

    Adenuga, who was born to Nigerian parents, highlighted concerns about industry politics, lack of diversity, and infighting among artists.

    Read Also: Wizkid brags after encountering Davido at London Club

    “The UK music scene is sad. Smallest, most segregated, label run, crabs in a barrel scene of all scenes smh,” he wrote via his X handle.

  • Wizkid’s ‘Piece of My Heart’ hits 1m daily stream on Spotify 

    Wizkid’s ‘Piece of My Heart’ hits 1m daily stream on Spotify 

    Grammy-winning singer Wizkid has broken a record on Spotify as his latest single, “Piece of My Heart,” featuring Brent Faiyaz, achieved the biggest streaming day on the platform.

    His new release became the first to reach 1 million streams in one day.

    This milestone propelled Nigeria to become the 22nd country with over 1 million streams in a day. 

    Read Also: Wizkid blasts Davido’s entourage on social media

    Globally, the song debuted at number 90 on the Spotify Chart with 1.7 million streams and garnered 2.27 million streams on its first day of release.

    “Piece of My Heart” secured the biggest streaming debut for an African artist on Spotify, surpassing Wizkid’s own record with “MMS” featuring Asake, which had 870,577 streams on its first day.

  • Wizkid blasts Davido’s entourage on social media

    Wizkid blasts Davido’s entourage on social media

    Music star Wizkid has rekindled his feud with Davido’s camp through a series of tweets aimed at them.

    After a recent encounter at a London nightclub, where the two artists ignored each other, Wizkid directed his insults at Davido’s entourage.

    He called them foolish and broke, claiming they wouldn’t dare confront him. 

    Read Also: Davido, Wizkid snub each other at London nightclub

    Wizkid also mocked their excitement when they saw him, accusing them of being overly eager to capture his presence.

    According to Wizkid, Davido’s crew has never encountered a real superstar before.

    “Broke p#ssyboys! Una papa for try anything na! Foolish broke boys. We go use una wipe ground! P*ssyboys fan boys 4L!

  • Burna Boy explains why he won’t give millions in online giveaways

    Burna Boy explains why he won’t give millions in online giveaways

    Grammy-winning singer, Burna Boy, has explained why he won’t be giving away millions to fans online.

    In an Instagram post, he admitted he could easily part with millions and doesn’t need many of his possessions, but his dislike for social media users holds him back.

    “I don’t even need most of the shit I got. I could really give out millions of dollars right now. But I don’t like y’all”.

    Read Also: Nigeria records 500 building collapses in 14 years, says NIA

    Burna boy is known for discreet charitable efforts, including paying hospital bills, donating to students, and renovating an orphanage.

    Burna Boy clarified his approach in an Instagram Live, stating he doesn’t chase clout with online giveaways, believing those in dire need aren’t on social media. 

    According to him, he prefers offline donations to places and people requiring assistance.

  • I lost movie role for refusing director’s kiss – Omoni Oboli 

    I lost movie role for refusing director’s kiss – Omoni Oboli 

    Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli has disclosed how she lost a movie role due to her refusal to kiss a film director.

    In an interview on AY Makun’s Glasshouse show, Omoni revered the incident, which occurred when she returned to Nigeria after taking a break to raise her children.

    She revealed that a director proposed she give him a lip-to-lip kiss in exchange for the role. 

    Read Also: Omoni Oboli plans return to cinema after 5-year vacation

    Despite being comfortable with scripted kissing scenes, Omoni said she turned down the offer, making it clear she wouldn’t kiss him unless it was part of the script.

    She said her refusal cost her the role, which equally defeated the purpose for her returning to Nigeria at the time.

  • Ini Dima-Okojie sends prayers to husband amid hard times

    Ini Dima-Okojie sends prayers to husband amid hard times

    Actress Ini Dima-Okojie has written a heartfelt tribute to her husband, Abasi, as he navigates challenging times.

    On Instagram, she shared a photo of Abasi and expressed pride in his resilience and vision.

    Ini Dima-Okojie reflected on his past three years, marked by adversity, including losing his company, facing false accusations, and coping with the loss of his father.

    Despite the struggles, she said he remained silent and strong, prioritising protecting his staff, investors, and company over defending himself.

    She quoted Martin Luther King Jr., emphasising that true character shines in times of challenge.

    Ini Dima-Okojie expressed her desire for him to clear his name but understood his decision to maintain silence.

    Now, as Abasi rebuilds, Ini Dima-Okojie finds solace in Psalm 23:5, promising God’s favour and success.

    She wrote: “I’m so proud of this man—my husband, a true visionary. The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

    “Abasi, I have witnessed you endure the most challenging of times these past three years. From losing a company you founded and loved, to facing countless falsehoods—even outright lies—spread about you, to the heartbreak of losing your father. As I write this, it’s hard not to feel the weight of all those days, weeks, and months when you fought to stay strong.

    Read Also: Ini Dima-Okojie shares positive update on fibroid journey

    “I know the decision to step down as CEO of the company you founded was one of the hardest choices you’ve had to make. Even as they dragged your name through the mud, your focus never wavered. You weren’t concerned with defending yourself; instead, you fought to protect your staff, your investors, and the company. I wished you would speak out, to clear your name, but you chose silence, enduring it all to preserve the company’s reputation. And while it was difficult, I understood and trusted you completely.

    “Now, as the truth unfolds and you take steps to rebuild, I hold tight to the promise of Psalm 23:5:

    “He prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies; He anoints your head with oil; your cup overflows.”

    “You will stand before kings, Abasi. God will crown your hard work, resilience, and sacrifice with success beyond anything you could imagine. Here’s to new beginnings, my love. I believe in you always”.

  • How my parent’s upbringing style shaped my life – Vector

    How my parent’s upbringing style shaped my life – Vector

    Rapper Vector has shared insights into his childhood and how it has contributed to his resilience as an artist.

    In an interview with Chude Jideonwo on the “With Chude” show, Vector acknowledged his parents for their balanced parenting style.

    He reflected on how his upbringing instilled in him a sense of determination and focus, fostering a mindset that propels him to chase his goals despite challenges.

    Describing himself as both detached and stubborn, Vector often found himself questioning traditional values.

    He expressed gratitude for his parents’ fair treatment of all their children, even though one of his sisters has sickle cell anemia.

    Vector emphasized that his parents encouraged self-reflection, allowing each child the space to grow and develop on their terms.

    Vector said: “My childhood has put me in that ‘whatever the weather, what I want to do is what I do’ mindset. Plus, I was detached and stubborn, like my mum and grandma would say. I was the one that would always ask, ‘Why do the Yoruba people always say the elders are always right?’ and I’d be like, ‘That’s a lie.

    Read Also: Portable blasts Vector Tha Viper over unreleased snippet

    “I learnt how to self-reflect. You know, African parents are usually on the default mode of parenting, so they like everyone. I think they did their best not to show who their favourite was because, in my house, my sister is a sickle cell warrior. You’d have thought she got the most care because she’s a warrior, and to show you how dope the care is, she has 2 children now. They had no favorites, and they dealt with us as we were.

    “At a point in the house, they even started calling me Vector the viper because that’s what I identified with. Even my brother is a DJ and they’d call him that. So my parents were kind of free but they made you work for what you believed in and what you needed or wanted to do. I felt loved regardless and I think I grew up sheltered, not sheltered in the sense of a silver spoon though,” he concluded.

  • Femi Adebayo’s ‘Jagun Jagun’ bags 12 BON nominations 

    Femi Adebayo’s ‘Jagun Jagun’ bags 12 BON nominations 

    Femi Adebayo‘s Netflix original Yoruba movie, ‘Jagun Jagun’, has bagged 12 nominations in the 2024 Best of Nollywood Awards.

    The categories include Best Indigenous, Best Supporting Actor, Director of the Year, Best Use of Makeup, Best Cinematography, Best Costume, Best Actor, Best Sound, Best Soundtrack, Best Production Design, Best Special Effect and Best Actress.

    Femi wrote: “Wow Guys! We’ve done it Again !! Delighted to announce that JAGUN JAGUN – THE WARRIOR (a Netflix Original Movie) has been nominated for Twelve (12) Awards at the 2024 BON Awards.”

    Read Also: Femi Adebayo celebrates veteran ‘Ojopagogo’ on birthday

    This exciting news comes on the heels of ‘Jagun Jagun’ receiving seven nominations in the 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

    The film was released in August 2023 on Netflix and it began trending in the UK and 17 other countries within 48 hours and earned 2.1 million views in its first three days.

  • Jaywon pays tribute to Sound Sultan at graveside

    Jaywon pays tribute to Sound Sultan at graveside

    Singer Jaywon has paid a heartfelt tribute to late music icon Sound Sultan with a visit to his graveside.

    On social media, Jaywon shared photos from the visit, celebrating Sound Sultan’s enduring legacy.

    Remembering Sound Sultan, he called him a wise and guiding mentor who inspired countless individuals.

    Jaywon reflected on the lasting impact of Sound Sultan’s life and music, affirming that his spirit lives on despite his passing.

    He wrote: “At the resting place of a mentor, where wisdom, guidance, and inspiration now lay in eternal peace. Gone, but forever a part of us.

    Keep resting, soundsultan @soundsultan, forever.

    Read Also: You’re stepping on toes, Jaywon tells Odumodublvck after public jab

    Jay wana wana in your voice.

    “Thank you @jaymoh1 and @blacharanks”.

    Sound Sultan died in 2021 at 44. 

    According to a statement by his sibling Kayode Fasasi, Sultan suffered from “a hard-fought battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma”.

    Sound Sultan burst onto the music scene in the early 2000s with his debut single “Jagbajantis,” which quickly became a nationwide hit.

    His subsequent independent releases and collaborations with other artists garnered significant attention, leading to a record deal with Kennis Music.

    Under Kennis Music, Sound Sultan released four of his seven total albums, cementing his position as a leading figure in Nigerian music.

    Beyond music, Sound Sultan showcased his versatility in different areas. 

    In 2014, he produced and acted in the comedy film “Head Gone” and in 2018, he produced the stage musical “Jungle Story.”

    The late singer is survived by a wife and three children.