The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Global stars, music business executives grace Showbiz101 in Lagos

    Global stars, music business executives grace Showbiz101 in Lagos

    Lagos hosted top music business leaders, celebrities, business executives, and creative industry professionals from around the world at a week-long Showbiz101 Global Workshop and Music Creation Camp organised by bridgeAFRIC in collaboration with All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA and UNESCO .

    The event which featured learning, fostering collaborations, and building networks commenced with a comprehensive workshop held at Alliance Française, hosted by Juliet Ibrahim and Nigerian comedian Phronesis. The event brought together a diverse array of global luminaries and creative industry professionals representing various regions of Africa, Europe, America, and Canada.

    Sessions focused on the business side of music, brand building, publishing, distribution, copyright, and financial wellness. Speakers emphasized the need for structure, strong branding, and understanding intellectual property to build sustainable careers.

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    Notable speakers include Bizzle Osikoya (The Plug), Adaora Mbelu (Lumination Global Network), Nadia Nakai, Juma Jux, Didi B, DJ Neptune, MTN’s Osaze Ebueku, Suspect 95, Wendy Harawa, Daphne Montgomery, Eric Bellamy (Live Nation France), and Freddy Daddy.

    After the workshop, artistes joined a three-day music production camp where they collaborated with top producers and stars to create a global EP. Participants included Rexxie, Mix Master Garzy, Shado Chris, Del B, DJ Neptune, Juma Jux, Didi B, Erin Ross, EVK, Suspect 95, DJ Moh Green, and others.

    Victoria Nkong, President of bridgeAFRIC, described the event as a true convergence of the global creative industry. She praised the smooth collaborations, networking, and new connections, and said the organization looks forward to the EP release and the music born from the camp.

  • How I was scammed of $990, by Bobrisky

    How I was scammed of $990, by Bobrisky

    Socialite crossdresser, Bobrisky, has revealed how he fell victim to a romance scam, losing $990 to a scammer.

    He shared the incident on his Instagram page, expressing his surprise and disappointment.

    According to Bobrisky, the scammer had been chatting with him for months, claiming to be in the United States and regularly calling him to build a connection.

    Bobrisky said the scammer gained his trust by pretending to be a genuine person interested in his life.

    Bobrisky said he was shocked and in disbelief, stating that he never thought he would become a victim of a scam.

    He shared the chat and photo of the alleged scammer on his Instagram page, warning his followers about the incident.

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    He said: “I never thought in my life i will be a client to anybody dis guy came to my dm, and we got talking close to few months now. He cal me almost everyday he said he lived in USA but moved to Canada. 

    “Few weeks later someone in USA reach out for ads. She said she need a cashapp to pay her deposit and i asked dis guys talking to me he said he will give him his own. As soon as he got the money he block me immediately.”

  • Spotify: Nigerian, South African artistes made $58m in 2024

    Spotify: Nigerian, South African artistes made $58m in 2024

    Nigerian and South African music earned record-breaking royalties to achieve unprecedented growth on Spotify last year, the audio streaming platform said yesterday.

    Mail Online reports that African music genres, led by international superstars such as Nigerian afrobeats giants Burna Boy and Ayra Starr, and South Africa’s Grammy award-winning singer Tyla, have earned fast-rising popularity in recent years.

    In its 2024 report, the streaming giants in a statement “unveiled extraordinary growth across Sub-Saharan Africa’s music industries, with Nigerian and South African artists achieving record-breaking earnings and global reach”.

    Royalties to Nigerian artistes more than doubled compared to the previous year, reaching 58 billion naira ($37.8 million) in 2024, while South African artists generated 400 million rand ($20.9 million).

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    Nigeria’s afrobeats and South Africa’s amapiano have become some of the most notable genres worldwide, with artists from both nations collaborating and embracing each other’s styles but also competing over accolades such as the Grammys.

    Music from both countries achieved “unprecedented international reach”, Spotify said, each reaching more than one billion first-time listeners.

    But they also saw a surge in local consumption, and “royalties for music performed in indigenous languages have skyrocketed”, Spotify added.

    Launched in 2008, the streaming behemoth has more than 640 million monthly active users worldwide.

  • Joeboy: I just want to be that source of positivity

    Joeboy: I just want to be that source of positivity

    Nigerian singer Joseph Akinfenwa aka Joeboy has announced his decision to be the source of positivity for Nigerian youths and his fans across the world.

    In a recent interview, he said, “I just want to be that source of positivity and that’s my message, that’s my motto – that’s always been for me, even before the fame.”

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    Continuing, the 26-year-old singer further spoke about his state of mind at the moment saying, “The title of my new album, ‘Viva Lavida,’ means living free, enjoying life, good vibrations and good energy. People tell me so many times that my music is soothing and everything. One of my guys started giving me the nickname ‘Lavida Boy’ so I started building on the concept from there. I started having Lavida sessions and there’s going to be Lavida Festival soon! I feel like there’s so much negativity in the world. Everybody’s trying to be toxic, everybody’s trying to huff and puff.”

    Joeboy is a Nigerian singer and songwriter, who is signed to Warner Music Africa in partnership with his self-owned record label Young Legend.

  • Content creation, acting not for everyone, says Kiitan Bukola

    Content creation, acting not for everyone, says Kiitan Bukola

    Nollywood actress and filmmaker Kiitan Bukola has advised aspiring creatives to focus on their strengths rather than venture into fields where they lack talent. Speaking in a recent chat with The Nation Newspaper, she emphasized that not everyone is cut out for acting or content creation.

    “Everything is not meant for everybody, even filmmaking is not meant for everybody,” she stated. “Whatever you know you’re not good at, don’t waste your energy on it. But whatever you are good at, in some years to come, you will tell the story and you will be happy, saying, ‘I did my best and here I am to tell the story.’”

    Read Also: Kate Henshaw slams online trolls for resorting to insults

    Beyond her work in Nollywood, Bukola revealed that she has been running a successful liquor business, leveraging her experience from living in South Africa. According to her, the country’s drinking culture helped her develop an eye for quality, which has been crucial in maintaining the integrity of her business.

    “I’ve been selling liquor for some time now, and I lived in South Africa where people drink a lot, so I understand what liquor looks like when it is original,” she explained. “Ever since I started, no one has ever come to me to complain that I sold fake drinks to them. I’ve been buying from just one person ever s

  • 7 Showmax Nigeria originals secure AMVCA 2025 nominations

    7 Showmax Nigeria originals secure AMVCA 2025 nominations

    The nominees for the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) have been unveiled, setting the stage for one of the biggest nights for the celebration of African film and TV.

    This year, seven Showmax Nigeria Originals have earned eight nominations across six categories, cementing their place among the best in the industry.

    Here are the titles

    Princess on a Hill

    Directed by Abiola Sobo and Tolu Ajayi, Princess on a Hill tells the story of Zara Osara (Onyinye Odokoro), a young woman who is plunged into boardroom politics as she unexpectedly rises through the ranks after being named the winner of a reality show. Additionally, the series features Bimbo Manuel and Efa Iwara, who were both nominated for Best Lead Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively. Other nominations for Princess on a Hill include Best Scripted Series, Best Editing and Best Writing – TV Series

    Cheta M

    Directed by James Omokwe, Cheta M Season 2 continues to tell the story of Adanna and Nnanna, whose love is threatened by spiritual and political forces as well as personal sacrifices.

    Nominated for the Best Series (Scripted) and Best Writing – TV Series categories, the epic drama features Kingsley Nwachukwu, Oluchi Amajuoyi, and more.Cheta M Season 2 is currently streaming, with new episodes dropping weekly.

    My Fairytale Wedding

    Can a failsafe method guarantee true love? My Fairytale Wedding answers this through the lives of three friends: Moji, Tima, and Precious. Directed by Dimeji Ajibola, the four-part limited series tells a modern-day love story with a focus on Moji’s story as she tries to hasten her process to happily ever after with the use of charms, in this case, ‘kanyanmata.’

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    The limited series enlists Nollywood stars Ini Edo, Ramsey Nouah, Daniel Etim-Effiong, Carolyna Hutchings, Kanayo O Kanayo, Shaffy Bello, Ayo Mogaji, Tina Mba, Lilian Esoro, and more.

    The Caller

    In a thrilling and haunting tale, an infidelity-exposé segment on Koki Mandla’s show triggers a hostage situation where the hard-headed egoistical radio host must talk down an angry soldier from killing his wife and children live on air.

    The Caller features Nice Githinji, Brenda Mwai, and Joe Kinyua, and was nominated in the Best Indigenous M-Net Original, Best Indigenous Language (East Africa), and Best Scripted M-Net Original categories.

    Italo

    With the central theme of human trafficking, Italo tells the story of three women at three distinct stages of their lives – all trafficked but with different aftermath decisions. The Rogers Ofime series explores the greed and pain behind human trafficking through Itohan, the trafficker; Esosa, the escaped victim; and Omotola, the discontent teenager.

    Masked as a love story between Collins and Esosa, Italo pulls at every heartstring while exploring the aftermath of these women’s decisions and how they connect as victims. Nominated for the Best Scripted M-Net Original, Italo stars Angela Eguavoen, Frankincense Eche-Ben, Henry Iyobosa Legemah, and more.

    Uriri

    In Uriri, a drama set in 14th-Century Urhobo, a legendary wrestler, Ogaga, grapples with his inner darkness and a predetermined destiny as he overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The drama that weaves a tale of brotherhood and destiny explores a compelling narrative of love as Ogaga’s path intersects with that of Serome, creating a tapestry of personal and communal challenges against a backdrop of rich cultural history.

    The series starring Seun Ajayi, Osarehia Oronsaye, and Philip Asaya was nominated in the Best Scripted M-Net Original category.

    Style Magnate

    Style Magnate is a Showmax Nigeria Original fashion and design competition that featured 20 talented up-and-coming fashion designers who were handpicked through a rigorous audition process.  In competition for a life-changing prize of 100 million Naira worth of prizes, including a 10 million Naira cash prize, a three-month internship, and a one-bedroom loft apartment, the show through the guardianship of the leading Style Magnate is Nigerian fashion designer and icon Mai Atafo and fashion principal Yolanda Okereke. These designers battled it out for the ultimate Style Magnate title. Produced by Abisola Omolade, Style Magnate earned the nomination for Best Series Unscripted.

    Other shows nominated for the AMVCAs available on Showmax include:

    Best Unscripted M-Net Original: Husband Material, Overall Best, Nigerian Idol season 9, Pastor Wants A Wife

    Best Series Unscripted: Wa Milele

    Best Indigenous M-Net Original: Onye Agbata Obim, Mai Shayi, Amoanimaa’s Era, Zi M Uzo, Subterranea

    Best Writing TV Series: Untying Kantai

    Best Indigenous Language (East Africa): Wa Milele

    Best Scripted M-Net Original: Kam U Stay, All Mine

    Best MultiChoice Talent Factory: Deadbeat, Everything Light Touches, Gone

  • Made in Alimosho set to light up Lagos with Don Jay, DJ Aketz others

    Made in Alimosho set to light up Lagos with Don Jay, DJ Aketz others

    Lagos is about to experience an electrifying night of music and entertainment as Club Del and Kezzy Global Entertainment present Made in Alimosho Vol. 1. The highly anticipated event is set to take place today Friday, April 4, 2025, at Del Lagos, Isheri Idimu, with performances from some of the most exciting acts in the industry.

    Headlining the show are Don Jay and DJ Aketz, two entertainers known for their ability to keep the crowd on their feet. Other artistes billed to perform include Neo Phlames, Dre, Godillac, and many more, promising an unforgettable night for music lovers.

    Speaking about the event, Don Jay expressed his excitement, stating:

    “Alimosho is home to a lot of talent, and this is an opportunity to showcase the energy and creativity coming out of this part of Lagos. I’m ready to give my fans a show they won’t forget!”

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    DJ Aketz, who will be behind the turntables, also shared his enthusiasm:

    “This is not just another event; it’s a movement. We are bringing the best vibes, the best sound, and an experience that will keep people talking long after the night is over.”

    In the lead-up to the show, the artiste has been actively promoting the event across various platforms. Don Jay and DJ Aketz have gone live on TikTok, engaging with fans and building excitement for the big day.

    With a red carpet session starting at 6 PM and doors opening at 8 PM, Made in Alimosho promises to be a thrilling celebration of music, culture, and community.

  • I create my songs from praying, says Ugochukwu Obi

    I create my songs from praying, says Ugochukwu Obi

    Gospel singer, Ugochukwu Innocent Obi has revealed that his songs are created from praying.

    The Abia state indigene recently made this known in a recent chat with The Nation.

    He said, “My motivation into gospel music is God. I discover that when I start praying, I hear sounds of heavenly music, and I find myself singing new songs. I would like to see these heavenly songs replicated here on earth.”

    Read Also: BBNaija star JMK laments 8-hour ordeal in Lagos traffic

    Though Obi hails from Uhuolugho Ngodo Isuochi in Umunneochi L.G.A, he was born at Ibeku Umuahia before moving to Lagos where he spent the better part of his life.

    In the year 2010, Obi relocated to the United States of America where he pursued his career in government contracting and obtained several certifications.

    Obi, a contracting Professional for the US Department of Defense, a preacher, author and a gospel artist has released songs including You Alone, Holy One, Elohim let me see you, Let it flow, The light of your Presence, Arise from the Wings, Spirit of the Living God, and I give you praise. 

    When he found God, he said, “I got born-again in the year 1995 and have pastored in several capacities in different countries of the world.”

  • Voice alone not enough to thrive in music industry – Waje

    Voice alone not enough to thrive in music industry – Waje

    Singer and songwriter Waje has shared valuable insights from her music career, cautioning that talent alone is insufficient for success.

    Speaking at Funke Akindele’s Creative Blueprint Masterclass, Waje emphasised the importance of business knowledge in the music industry.

    Waje admitted that she initially believed her vocal talent would guarantee success, but she soon learned that understanding the business side was crucial.

    She explained that artists must view their music as a product and their audience as a market.

    Waje urged artists to adapt to the evolving music landscape, where creativity must be balanced with business acumen.

    She advised focusing on branding, audience engagement, and long-term financial sustainability to build a lasting career.

    Waje said: “When I started as a musician, I absolutely thought my voice was enough, but experience taught me that there were many other things I had to equip myself with. In the music business, your music is your product, and your audience is your market. Without a clear business approach, you could be leaving money and opportunities on the table.

    “The world has changed, and so has the way people consume music. As an artist, it’s not enough to rely solely on raw talent—you must also understand and engage with the business side of things. You are your brand, so how are you cultivating that to ensure you’re earning money?

    “You have to start making sure that you’re crossing your T’s and dotting your I’s with your brand and the people who form your audience.

    “As great as music is, how sustainable is it? Be smart enough to know that as you’re being creative, you’re also a smart creative—investing in other fields”.

  • Natasha Osawaru adds ‘Idibia’ to Instagram bio

    Natasha Osawaru adds ‘Idibia’ to Instagram bio

    2baba Idibia’s new lover Natasha Osawaru, has updated her name on Instagram to “Honourable Natasha Idibia.”

    Checks by The Nation on her Instagram page Sunday, March 30 shows the addition of ‘Idibia’. 

    Her name on the social media platform, now appears as ‘Honourable Natasha IDIBIA’

    In January, 2Baba announced a separation from his wife, actress Annie Idibia.

    Weeks later, 2baba was seen in a video which went viral proposing to Natasha .

    The visibly excited 2baba shared a warm hug with lover, sprayed money on her and they danced before he brought out a ring to put on her finger while friends and well-wishers who were around cheered on.

    Natasha’s addition of name comes barely a few days after Annie Idibia, the estranged wife of 2baba dropped ‘Ídibia’ and reintroduced herself as ‘Macaulay’ in an Instagram post.

    She wrote, “To my family, to my friends who came through for me, the support system I have now, all my amazing family here and all over the world. God bless you for the outpouring of love. I appreciate every single of you and I do not take any of it for granted. May the universe continue to be in your favour. God bless you all. Lots of love. Annie Uwana Macaulay”