Category: Entertainment

  • Sean Dampte: From setbacks to streams

    Sean Dampte: From setbacks to streams

    While many chase virality, Sean Dampte has built his music career brick by brick—anchored in experience, not hype. From navigating industry setbacks to touring across continents, Dampte has remained a steady hand in the world of Afrofusion.

    But beyond the chart-topping hits, international tours, and millions of streams, who really is Sean Dampte?

    “I’m just a man on a mission,” he begins with the signature charisma that has made him a fan favourite. “Music is my voice, but beyond that, I’m a businessman, a visionary… someone who believes that life is meant to be enjoyed.”

    Indeed, enjoyment is a central theme in Dampte’s life and artistry, but don’t mistake it for frivolity. The man behind the mic is also a strategist, deeply invested in not just creating vibes, but building a lasting legacy for Afrofusion and the larger Afrobeats movement.

    Not just fame, but impact

    To Dampte, success is more than accolades or applause. “Fame is just noise if there’s no substance,” he says firmly. “True success is when someone walks up to me and says, ‘Dampte, your music got me through tough times.’ That’s the real win.”

    In an industry where numbers often eclipse narratives, his focus on emotional impact over ego is both rare and refreshing.

    From shege to streams: Comeback story

    His journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Dampte recounts a time when he relocated to the UK and essentially had to start from scratch, despite having already built a name for himself in Nigeria. “There were nights I questioned everything. Bookings were low, money wasn’t flowing. But I stayed consistent.”

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    And consistent he was. Today, he’s headlining international tours and moving serious numbers on streaming platforms—proof that resilience is the hidden beat behind every great artist’s rhythm.

    President in the musician

    In typical Dampte fashion, he jokes when asked about an old quote where he claimed to be a “future president.” “Haha! That one na cruise but with small truth inside,” he laughs. While not actively chasing political office, he acknowledges the power artistes wield in shaping society. “We influence people’s thoughts every day. If that makes me a future president in my own way, then so be it.”

    Controversies, clarity

    As someone constantly in the public eye, Dampte isn’t a stranger to controversial headlines, especially those involving his private life. On rumors of being involved with multiple women despite allegedly being married, he responds with measured candor. “People like gists! I enjoy love and family. If you have people who genuinely care about you and you care about them, does it really matter what society calls it?”

    From Lagos police drama to global dreams

    No Nigerian artiste’s story is complete without a brush with law enforcement. “Omo, e no even funny,” he recalls one incident in Lagos where police harassment almost led to a night in the cell. For Dampte, these experiences only reinforce the urgent need for reform. “Young people in Nigeria deserve better. Policing works—but only when applied professionally.”

    Fame, fortune, and staying grounded

    Success can inflate egos, but Dampte remains rooted. “I keep my circle tight. I don’t forget my struggles. Fame is nothing if your foundation is weak.” It’s that humility—coupled with hustle—that keeps him level-headed and laser-focused on the mission.

    If not music, what?

    “Football!” he answers without missing a beat. A childhood dream that could have become reality, Dampte shares that he might have been a pro athlete—or perhaps the owner of a football club. Whatever the alternate path, he’s confident he’d still be a boss in his lane.

    Artist, activism

    While he believes artistes should use their voices for social good, he advocates for balance. “Not everyone has to be an activist. Some will speak, some will create, but as long as you’re contributing to moving culture forward, you’re doing your part.”

     Technology vs. talent

    For Dampte, tech is a double-edged sword. “It helps, but it can also make people lazy. Real creativity will always stand out. No machine can replace true energy and human emotion in music.”

    Biggest life lesson

    “Nobody owes you anything,” he says pointedly. “Work for what you want. Stay consistent. Never beg for respect—earn it.”

    Legacy in the making

    What does Sean Dampte want to be remembered for? “Legacy!” he exclaims. “I want to be known as one of the pioneers who took Afrofusion Global. Someone who inspired the next generation. But more importantly, I want to be known as the one who spread the gospel of Awoodah—choosing life, happiness, and wealth.”

    Not just financial wealth, he clarifies, but the kind of wealth that comes from inner strength, peace, and perseverance.

    Gospel of Awoodah

    Awoodah—his signature mantra—means more than a catchy slogan. It’s a lifestyle. A movement.  A mindset that embraces joy, ambition, and authenticity. And it’s this philosophy that underpins everything he does, from music to business, from love to leadership.

    Final words

    “Legedis to Leventis” is OUT NOW! No dull, run am!” he says with his usual fire.

    With a story that spans struggle, success, and spiritual grounding, Sean Dampte is not just another artist in the Afrobeats ecosystem. He’s a force—a living testimony that consistency, character, and culture can take you from ‘Legedis’ to Leventis.

  • Alayo Melody Singer: From street to gospel stage

    Alayo Melody Singer: From street to gospel stage

    For many, the Alayo Melody singer is just a breakout star who has not paid his dues. Even his keen fans and colleagues in the gospel music circle are unfamiliar with his humble beginning. Many don’t know that the singer was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He worked his way up from the street to the church podium, writes OLAITAN GANIU.

    Born into a poor family in the bustling street of Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, Akinola Ayoola Michael Atanda, alias Alayo, had a tough childhood experience. As a teenager, he was known across the streets in the area as ‘Lapa:’ the fearless street fighter.

    “As a teenager back in the mid-90s, I saw myself as a street fighter. I believed the only thing I was good at was fighting.  I was a well-known street fighter at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, and my nickname was ‘Lapa’,” the Alayo Melody singer narrated with raw honesty.

    But on April 4, 1998, the death of his father turned things around for him. It changed his lifestyle as a troublemaker and smoker. “His death became a turning point in my life. I quit smoking and gave up my stubborn ways,” he said. The transformation shocked even his family. “My mother couldn’t believe it when I told her I was relocating to our hometown in Abeokuta. She knew I never liked going there, not even during holidays.”

    Alayo began to reinvent himself. He decided to take up an apprenticeship at a pharmacy in the Lafiaji area of the town. But his boss treated him like a mother, serving as a spiritual mentor. “She introduced me to prayer and fasting. She helped me build my spiritual foundation,” the Gospel Juju Tungba inventor said.

    That foundation made him a church-goer. He worshipped at Celestial Church and joined the choir where his musical talents began to shine. When a local parish needed a choirmaster, his name was the first to come up. “They offered to place me on salary but I refused. I accepted the role for free. Fortunately for me, the church always showers me with gifts. They even sponsored my education since my parents couldn’t afford my school fees. One day, I received a divine message that I should take my music talent seriously.”

    To kick-start his gospel musical career, Alayo officially launched his band on November 1, 1999 and the rest is history.

    In an industry often dominated by fame and fortune, the artiste remains grounded. In 2000, he released his self-funded debut album titled, ‘Ileri Oluwa’ but the body of work didn’t fly. He said, “I produced 200 copies, but I couldn’t even sell up to ten copies,” he says with a smile. “It was that bad but I give glory to God.”

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    Undeterred, he pressed on with a follow-up album, ‘Mysterious Glory ‘ in 2002 which became a fan-favorite album. Other albums include ‘Ayo Aiye Raiye’ (2006), ‘Ire Gbogbo’, ‘Joy in Praise’, and ‘Appreciation Night’ among others.

    As he turns 50 this year, he is set to celebrate not just a birthday, but a journey from chaos to calling, from fists to faith.

    The celebration is scheduled for April 12 at the Obasanjo Presidential Library in Ogun State – a fitting location for a man whose life story reads like a tale of redemption and grace. “I never imagined this life back when I was on the streets but God had other plans,” Alayo reflected.

    Over two decades later, Alayo has risen from a street boy to a respected voice on the Nigerian gospel scene. He has earned numerous awards and accolades both in Nigeria and abroad.

    “So many things have happened about many years ago. In those years, there was a time all the band members said they were no more interested, but God didn’t leave us. We have gone to shows that people still owe us till date. We have done shows and people start fighting because they want to collect money, but we thank God for the grace of God.

    “Over the years, I have people who have given me a car gift.  The first person that gave me a car was Prince Adebayo in Ota. I went to play for him and there was traffic and the bus we hired didn’t come on time. When we finished the show and I explained to him, he gave me a car key. It was a space bus.

    So far, so good, we have built houses, and music has taken us to different countries, like London, South Africa, Dubai, Cairo, Nairobi, and many more. I am not calling myself the king of music, but today we have so many people singing Alayo style, in Abeokuta, Ibadan, Ijebu, Abuja even in the north.”

  • People still want good music, says Yaw

    People still want good music, says Yaw

    Actor, On- Air Personality (OAP), and events producer, Yaw, has dismissed the growing perception that artistes must make raunchy or explicit music to achieve commercial success in the entertainment industry.

    In a recent interview with The Nation, the media figure stressed that quality music still has a place in the hearts of many Nigerians, citing evergreen artistes like Cobhams Asuquo and Timi Dakolo as examples.

    “Some people will tell you that if you don’t sing dirty songs, you won’t sell. A lot of people believe that way, but I’m more of a different opinion,” Yaw said. “There are lots of people who still want to listen to the likes of Cobhams and Timi Dakolo. Whether you like it or not, that’s what they want to listen to.”

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    Yaw also recalled the massive turnout at his December event, ‘Rewind! A flashback, which was dedicated to old-school music. According to him, the experience proved that good, clean music can still draw a crowd.

    “When I did my concert in December for the OGs, do you know what Daddy Showkey told me? He said, ‘Yaw, I no know say people go come out like this for us.’ It was strictly old-school, and the crowd was something else.”

    Yaw concluded by urging creatives to focus on substance over shock value. “These days, people think that if they don’t talk dirty, it won’t sell, but if you come out with a good product, people will go for it. That’s what I believe in.”

  • NFVCB pledges strategic support for Benue State’s film industry

    NFVCB pledges strategic support for Benue State’s film industry

    The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has pledged full support for the Benue State Government’s efforts to develop a comprehensive film policy and strengthen the state’s creative ecosystem.

    The commitment was made by the Executive Director, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, during a visit by a delegation from Benue State, led by Ambassador David Allgreen Eiase, Consultant on Film Development, to the NFVCB headquarters in Abuja.

    Receiving the delegation, Shaibu, who is also the chief executive of the Board, commended Benue State for its intentional shift toward film development, especially with the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Creativity.

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    He described the move as a forward-thinking step in recognizing the value of the creative economy, particularly for youth engagement and empowerment.

    Dr. Husseini emphasized the importance of building a clear, functional film policy that will serve as a roadmap for the growth of the industry in Benue State. He assured the delegation of the Board’s readiness to provide technical support and guidance in policy formulation, regulatory framework, and institutional strengthening.

    As part of the broader collaboration, Husseini proposed the establishment of a Benue State Film Office—a strategic hub that would facilitate production support, access to grants, local talent sourcing, and regulatory services.

    He noted that such offices have proven successful in other states by attracting investments, reducing production costs, and fostering a thriving film environment.

    He further expressed the Board’s commitment to capacity building, particularly for emerging producers and distributors.

  • Biodun Stephen: New actors deserve chance too

    Biodun Stephen: New actors deserve chance too

    Award-Winning filmmaker Biodun Stephen has stressed the importance of allowing new and up-and-coming actors to shine in Nollywood productions.

    Speaking during a recent chat with The Nation, Stephen noted that art should not be restricted to a particular group of people, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in casting, especially across streaming platforms.

    “For me, art cannot be limited to a particular scope of people. People need to be given opportunities. If they cannot get that opportunity in cinema, they should be able to get it on streaming platforms like YouTube,” she said.

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    She expressed concern about the growing trend of using already popular faces across all platforms—including YouTube—rather than using such spaces to discover fresh talent.

    “If again we are still taking the cinema faces, Netflix faces to YouTube, how then do we open the door for new actors? How do we, then, discover new people? That was what my rant was about,” she explained.

    Stephen called on audiences to keep an open mind when watching movies with unfamiliar faces, urging them to focus on the story and the performance rather than just the star power.

    “The audience should be a bit more accommodating when they see a face that they don’t know, trusting that if the story is good and they give that actor a chance. There are many actors who became superstars from one scene, but that won’t happen if they don’t give the film a chance.”

    Known for her ability to tell relatable and emotional stories, Biodun Stephen continues to be a vocal advocate for talent development and opportunities within the Nigerian film industry.

  • Johnny Drille set for UK tour with Finstainment

    Johnny Drille set for UK tour with Finstainment

    Nigerian alternative music sensation Johnny Drille is set to embark on his much-anticipated UK tour tagged Johnny’s Room Live, with dates locked in across four major cities.

    The tour is packaged by UK-based entertainment company Finstainment and promises fans an unforgettable, soul-stirring experience that reflects the depth of the artist’s music and storytelling.

    According to Finstainment founder and promoter, the tour will kick off on April 20 at Koko Camden, London, followed by stops at Secret Space, Birmingham on April 26, Glasgow on May 2, and Lighthouse, Manchester on May 3.

    “Johnny Drille is an artiste who connects deeply with his fans, and Johnny’s Room Live is a reflection of that,” said the Finstainment boss during an exclusive chat with The Nation. “This tour is more than just a series of concerts – it’s an intimate, emotional journey. Fans can expect breathtaking performances, raw emotions, and live renditions of both fan favourites and unreleased gems.”

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    Finstainment, known for delivering top-tier Nigerian music experiences in the UK, is behind several successful concerts featuring acts like Iyanya, Terry G, and Portable. With Johnny’s Room Live, the promoter says they are not only maintaining their tradition of excellence but also raising the bar by spotlighting a unique voice in Nigerian music.

    “Johnny Drille’s music transcends genres. His authenticity and storytelling are unmatched, and bringing him to the UK felt like a natural fit for what Finstainment stands for,” he added.

    Though organizing Nigerian concerts in the UK comes with challenges—ranging from logistics to visa hurdles—Finstainment’s strong network and experience in both Nigerian and UK entertainment scenes have helped streamline the process.

  • Tayo Faniran: I once sold Okrika clothes

    Tayo Faniran: I once sold Okrika clothes

    Akintayo John Faniran is simply known as Tayo and a former Big Brother Africa housemate, represented Nigeria during the ninth season of the show, where he became the runner-up on Day 63.

    The actor cum model and fashionista has opened up on how he once bought and sold Okrika clothes, second-hand or used clothing, often imported from Europe and other countries.

    In a radio interview with the Nollywood on Radio crew, Faniran revealed that he had to buy and sell second-hand clothes during his humble beginning.

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    “I remember those days when I used to go to Kantangua to buy Okrika and re-sell. I remember how I used to get clothing materials; take them to a tailor to give me a great design when I couldn’t afford designers. I am a thorough Oyo born. I don’t lie and pretend about that. I’m a Yoruba boy first and foremost, and I don’t hide that fact; neither am I ashamed of my origin. I speak a lot of Yoruba, but people don’t know,” he said.

    Faniran further noted that he’s gifted to always spot opportunities that most people meet, and when he does, he takes charge and makes good use of the opportunity.

    The 6ft hunk also said though he’s the least educated in his family with just a Higher National Diploma in Maritime Studies, he was a very brilliant young man while in school. He said he was so good in his academics that his teachers always told his parents how proud they were of him.

  • I stay hungry to remain on top –IK Osakioduwa

    I stay hungry to remain on top –IK Osakioduwa

    Ikponmwosa Osakioduwa aka IK Osakioduwa has explained the reason behind his stay at the top over the years.

    In a recent chat, he said, “I stay hungry. Hungry is not a state of lack but a state of mind. I work the hours, put in the work, lift the brand, meet the brand, the talent and I’m here from the start to the end and I try to be the most knowledgeable person about any show I am hosting.”

    IK, who was a popular Nigerian radio and television on-air personality, was widely known to his fans on the ,radio as Wildchild.

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    The 45-year-old master of ceremony and show host has been reputable for hosting some of the biggest shows in Nigeria including the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Big Brother Titan and Nigerian Idol. Recently, IK Osakioduwa returned for the fifth season in a row.

    In a chat, IK said he sees the show as an impactful platform more than a music show. He said he is privileged to how the talent cum reality show has impacted the lives of young Nigerians and helped them achieve their dreams.

  • Atere: I get compliments about my nice figure

    Atere: I get compliments about my nice figure

    Young Nollywood actress, Aderonke Atere has expressed that she gets compliments about her nice figure.

    The film producer debutante made this known in a recent chat with The Nation.

    When asked about the part of her body she considers as a selling point, Aderonke says, “I believe it’s my shape. I have a nice figure, and I’m also busty. I get a lot of compliments about my body mostly.”

    The actress, who has featured in films like ‘Bruno And The Law,’ ‘Wifey,’ ‘PJ,’ ‘Jamal,’ ‘Ewo Ilara,’ ‘The Ghost and the Tout Too,’ said her return to the industry after a brief hiatus is with a bang.

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    In her words, “I have been away from the industry for a while now. My other businesses were taking more of my time. Also, I needed to take some time off to re-strategize for a strong comeback, and produce a movie that will be appreciated by people because the stakes are now very high in the industry. Producers are now much conscious about the quality of movies they are bringing out.”

    Atere hinted about her first and latest production, saying, “My new movie is ‘Love Loop,’ which is actually my first production. It is a story based on a complicated love triangle, obsession, and how far people are willing to go for who they love.

  • Skales, DJ Tough collaborate in ‘Shima’

    Skales, DJ Tough collaborate in ‘Shima’

    Afrobeats sensation Skales has teamed up with fast-rising DJ and producer DJ Tough to deliver ‘Shima’, a track built on smooth Afrobeats grooves and dancefloor-ready energy.

    With a career built on crowd-pleasing mixes and an innate ability to read the energy of any room, DJ Tough has steadily carved out a name for himself. As Wande Coal’s official DJ and the mastermind behind the Moclist mixtape series, he has demonstrated a knack for curating and delivering top-tier sound experiences. ‘Shima’ is a testament to his musical evolution, showcasing his versatility not just as a DJ but also as an artist shaping the sound of the new generation.

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    “Shima is a celebration of good vibes, rhythm, and the unique fusion of Afrobeats and dance elements,” says DJ Tough. He added, “Skales brought the perfect energy to the track, and together, we’ve created something special for the fans.”

    The collaboration with Skales adds an exciting dynamic to the track, blending DJ Tough’s signature sound with Skales’ seasoned artistry. Known for his chart-topping hits and versatility, Skales complements the song’s pulsating beat with an effortlessly catchy delivery, making ‘Shima’ a must-listen.

    “Working with DJ Tough was a vibe. His energy, creativity, and vision for this track made it an instant hit,” says Skales.