The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • I never imagined I will get this big, says Davido

    I never imagined I will get this big, says Davido

    Grammy nominee and multiple awards winner, David Adeleke aka Davido has explained that he didn’t imagine he was going to become a global star at the the initial stage of his career.

    Davido made this known in a recent chat with Apple Music during the promotion of his fifth album entitled ‘5ive.’

    “Never imagined it here. Forget it. I’ll be lying to you. Never imagined it. So when things were just happening over time, we were just taking in the strides like, “Damn, this is getting lit.” We sold out 1,000. We sold out 2,000. Damn, we sold out 30, 40… Yeah, so it’s never really… I feel like every successful person that attains a great level of success can’t explain the feeling. You know what I’m saying?” he said.

    Intensifying on the feeling, the father of four said, “I think just generally in life when good things are happening so quick, you don’t realize. I actually remember the first time I was sitting in front of my laptop opening Logic and sitting down like, “Damn, I want to make it. I actually want to be a musician. This is what I want to do,” he began.

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    Continuing, he said, “Watching MTV Cribs, watching people go on tour. I was a big YouTuber. I used to watch YouTube a lot. I used to watch vlogs. Tour vlogs, so it’s like Soulja Boy vlogs, just people about just being popular and being a star. I used to watch all that stuff, so I saw it transition into reality for me. Do you understand?

    “From the beginning, from showing my friends the culture, showing my friends like, “Come listen to this Nigerian music.” And then, actually falling in love with the genre, falling in love with music, knowing that my family’s not going to accept this, but I’ll still do it anyway, not knowing that I’ll be one of the ones to pioneer it.”

  • Young OG explains transition from Asha Gangali

    Young OG explains transition from Asha Gangali

    Veteran singer and music executive, YoungOG, formerly known as “Asha Gangali” has revealed reasons behind his new musical brand name, as he released a new single titled ‘Ebube.’

    YoungOG, the brain behind Roc Da Mic Africa, a popular talent hunt platform where raw talents are identified and nurtured to stardom, stated that his musical journey as an Afrobeats artist and decade-long activism in the Nigerian music copyright segment contributed to his transition into this new brand ‘YoungOG’ which is an embodiment of the Afrobeats culture.

    “You’ll know and appreciate this when you listen to my new single ‘Ebube’ and other forthcoming records,” he said.

    YoungOG, who is popular for his hit single, ‘Naija Bike,’ also revealed that his new sound and brand is tailored to appeal to the GenZ and Gen Alpha because it has been in the making for the past few years.

    “I noticed that I’ve always been years ahead of any Afrobeats dispensation, not trying to brag, but it’s the reality when you look at my musical journey, which is the reason why my sound is always fresh and dope.

    “Rebranding from Asha Gangali to YoungOG was necessary due to changes in the demographics that consume the  music and drive the culture. My new sound is eclectic and I’m really excited about  this new dispensation. I’ve actually metamorphosed from Gangali to YoungOG since 2023 but the process of rebranding is very tedious both creatively and administratively,” he noted.

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    YoungOG confided that he has not abandoned his prominent role in the Nigerian Music Copyright segment, having served as  National Treasurer of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and a member of the Board of Directors at Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria  (MCSN).

    He asserted that “I will continue to demand transparency, accountability and adherence to global standards in our music institutions, which are the administrative pillars for copyright protection and Music Royalties Management.”

    YoungOG’s current single ‘Ebube’ is a contemporary Highlife banger with catchy melodies and features newly signed artists Peppa and Tbeatshiii.

  • Labosky releases debut EP

    Labosky releases debut EP

    Qatar-based Nigerian artist, Olanrewaju Odumewu, aka Labosky, has released his debut EP entitled OHR.

    The six-track project, which means ‘light,’ opens with a voice recording of an elderly woman praying for Labosky’s success in all his endeavours. The short prayer sets the tone for the EP, which the artist says is inspired by his personal journey and cultural background.

    The tracks include ‘Aje,’ ‘Sacrifice,’ ‘Go,’ ‘Highway,’ and ‘Bio’ba,’ which features indigenous music act Terry Apala.

    ‘Aje,’ meaning “blessings” in Yoruba, is a prayerful song that expresses the artist’s desire for divine favour. ‘Sacrifice,’ on the other hand, is a love song where Labosky declares his willingness to go the extra mile for the woman he loves. “I’ll make sacrifices for your love,” he sings in the chorus.

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    On the project, Labosky worked with three producers, Daihard Beatz, Junkieismad, and Xtrapro.

    Already, two music videos have been released for ‘Aje’ and ‘Sacrifice’ with both reflecting the themes of the songs. While ‘Aje’ takes a spiritual tone, ‘Sacrifice’ focuses on love and devotion.

    Speaking about the project, Labosky said: “OHR is a reflection of where I’m from and where I’m headed. It’s about growth, faith, and staying real to myself.”

    The artist, known for his presence in Qatar’s entertainment scene, continues to grow his fanbase both in the Middle East and back home in Nigeria.

  • United Nations honors Laide Bakare as Ambassador for Peace

    United Nations honors Laide Bakare as Ambassador for Peace

    The United Nations International Peace and Governing Council has honoured popular Nollywood actress, Laide Bakare, with the  Ambassador for Peace.

    The recognition, according to the UN council, is a testament to Bakare’s tireless efforts in promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation globally.

    Expressing her appreciation, Bakare said, “I’m deeply humbled to receive this recognition. I believe that peace is the foundation for progress and prosperity. I’ll continue to work tirelessly towards promoting understanding and cooperation among nations and communities.”

    The Nollywood actress  also emphasized the need for greater inclusion of women in politics. She believes that women’s participation is crucial for achieving true representation and progress in society.

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    “Women make up a significant portion of our population, and their voices deserve to be heard. We need more women in leadership positions to bring diverse perspectives and ideas to the table.”

    Bakare, who is Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Entertainment, Arts, Culture and Tourism, promises to promote peace in more communities.

    The Ambassador for Peace Award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to fostering peace, tolerance, and mutual respect. Ms Bakare’s dedication to these ideals has earned her this distinguished honor.

  • TSAX showcases musical depth with High Altitude EP

    TSAX showcases musical depth with High Altitude EP

    UK-based Nigerian saxophonist Oluwatosin Ajayi aka TSAX has released a new instrumental EP entitled ‘High Altitude,’ which offers listeners a fresh take on contemporary jazz.

    The three-track project blends melody, emotion, and structure in a way that reflects TSAX’s growing presence in the UK’s creative scene. Rather than relying on complex arrangements, the EP focuses on clear themes and thoughtful execution.

    The opening track, ‘Encore,’ sets the tone with gentle saxophone leads, ambient harmonies, and soft piano touches that create a calm and reflective atmosphere. The song introduces a sense of growth and aspiration that runs through the entire project.

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    ‘Resonance,’ the second track, shifts slightly in rhythm and intensity. TSAX uses tone and phrasing to express deeper emotions, allowing the saxophone to speak in place of words. The piece carries a steady flow, giving listeners a glimpse into personal expression through instrumental music.

    The final track, ‘Amen (Prayer Without Words),’ serves as a spiritual closer. Stripped of heavy instrumentation, the piece relies almost entirely on the raw sound of the saxophone. It offers a moment of stillness and reflection, with a tone that suggests affirmation and hope.

    Speaking through his work, TSAX joins a wave of instrumental musicians creating original jazz that pushes beyond commercial boundaries. High Altitude highlights his commitment to contributing to the jazz tradition while engaging with new audiences both in the UK and internationally.

  • Shina Akanni set to release another album after three years

    Shina Akanni set to release another album after three years

    Three years after the release of his last album entitled ‘ABCD,’ Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido is set for another album.

    Akanni, who has been rehearsing in a private studio with three top music producers, will be heading to the studio for the recording of his forthcoming album.

    Speaking about the upcoming album, the man with a sonorous voice said that the album is another masterpiece like ‘ABCD’ but he did not disclose the title.

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    “I don’t want to disclose the title for security reasons,” he confirmed plans to release another album.

    Akanni, who recently returned from a trip to Canada, said that the reason it took him three years to release another album is because his fans are still enjoying the last album.

    “My fans are still enjoying the ABCD album and I want it to get matured before dropping another one,” he said.

    He added that the new album will contain good songs and danceable beats saying, “it’s another Fuji music at its best.”

  • Salawa Abeni remains my wife forever – Kollington

    Salawa Abeni remains my wife forever – Kollington

    Veteran Fuji musician, Ayinla Kollington, has reignited public interest in the relationship with Queen Salawa Abeni, his former partner.

    In an interview with Tejubabyface, Kollington said despite their separation and Abeni’s current relationship with another man, she remains his wife in his eyes, emphasising their enduring bond through their three children.

    “That is how God wants it to be. She has three children with me; she is more than just a concubine. She is my wife for life,” he declared.

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    Kollington also touched on the challenges of maintaining relationships in the public eye, noting that the attention female celebrities receive from admirers can strain partnerships. 

    “She is a celebrity. And just like women chase after male stars, male fans also throw themselves at female stars. But a woman’s understanding is limited,” he stated.

    He stated their connection endures despite external factors.

    “No matter what I am doing, she always turns up. She’s still my wife. The person she is currently with is only loaning her,” he added.

  • KWAM 1 is my son, I can’t fight him – Kollington

    KWAM 1 is my son, I can’t fight him – Kollington

    Veteran Fuji musician General Ayinla Kollington has denied rumours of a long-standing feud with King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate). 

    Kollington in an interview on Tejubabyface show, affectionately refers to K1 as his “son” and emphasised that their bond is stronger than any material wealth or fame. 

    He dismissed speculation that their relationship soured when he didn’t visit K1 after his mother’s passing, calling it baseless.

    He said: “I often hear rumoyrs about a supposed fight between K1 and me. How can I be fighting with my own son?” Kollington responded. “Even if he has more wealth than I do, I am still his father.”

    Kollington also shared a heartwarming story about how K1 helped mend his relationship with the late Fuji pioneer Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister after Barrister’s mother passed away. 

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    According to Kollington, K1 encouraged him to reach out to Barrister, reminding him of the support Barrister had shown during Kollington’s own mother’s passing. 

    “When things were tense between Barrister and me, K1 called me after my mother died. He said, ‘Have you called your friend yet?’ I admitted I hadn’t because of our feud.

    “He urged me to call him, reminding me that when his own mother passed, I brought a huge cow as a gesture of support,” he said.

  • Davido calls for the release of VeryDarkMan

    Davido calls for the release of VeryDarkMan

    Afrobeats star Davido has expressed solidarity with social media activist VeryDarkMan, who is currently detained.

    The arrest reportedly occurred shortly after he visited a branch of a new generation bank to complain about alleged unauthorised transactions from his mother’s account.

    In a tweet, Davido highlighted the positive impact VDM has had on people’s lives, despite the controversies surrounding him.

    The Grammy nominee noted that the outpouring of support for VDM is encouraging and motivates him to do more for the masses.

    “Outside all the noise, it’s good to see that the good one does impact lives, and people appreciate it! The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging, making one want to do more for the masses.

    “Free my guy”, he said.

  • Lil Kesh opens up about mental health struggles, anxiety, ADHD 

    Lil Kesh opens up about mental health struggles, anxiety, ADHD 

    Afrobeat star Lil Kesh has shared insights into his long-standing mental health journey, revealing his experiences with anxiety and suspected ADHD. 

    In an interview, the artist disclosed that he believes he has ADHD, despite never receiving a formal diagnosis.

    He reflected on how his symptoms have been present since childhood, shaping his personal and professional life. 

    Lil Kesh also attributed his anxiety to the pressures of fame and personal challenges, acknowledging that uncertainty has been a major trigger for his struggles.

    He said, “I don’t like to identify as ADHD, but I have ADHD. I diagnosed myself, but trust me, I know.

    “Everybody has a particular level of ADHD to them. But it’s bad when it is a disorder. I’ve had my fair share of that disorder right from when I was a kid.

    “I feel like not knowing, lack of clarity… that’s one thing that can give me anxiety. Once I know what it is that I’m dealing with or what type of emotion I’m actually feeling or what my problem really is, that is half solved,” he added.