The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Why we are hosting Global Music Workshop in Lagos, by AFRIMA

    Why we are hosting Global Music Workshop in Lagos, by AFRIMA

    The producers of All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, have opened up on the reason for the decision to hold the Global Music Workshop in Lagos.

    The event is being hosted in partnership with BridgeAfric, and UNESCO.

    The event, which kicked off on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 and is billed to end on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

    Adenrele Niyi, Chief Experience Officer, (CXO), AFRIMA, opined that the event aims to train young creatives, foster international collaborations, and further enhance the capabilities of creators and professionals along the value chain of music production and business.

    On partnering with BridgeAfric, Adenrele said, “As AFRIMA, part of our mission is building capacity and fostering cross-border collaborations by empowering Africa’s creative industry and by providing platforms for artists to collaborate, grow, and break boundaries. Partnering with bridgeAfric for the Showbiz101 Global Workshop & Music Creation Camp is a no-brainer. This initiative is about more than just music; it’s about equipping young creatives with the tools, knowledge, and global connections they need to thrive in the industry.”

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    According to Victoria Nkong, President of BridgeAfric who is also an Associate Producer for AFRIMA, the workshop aims to support the future of Africa’s creative industry by focusing on key areas including the need to educate and train young talents, saying, “We believe learning is essential to solving problems in the entertainment industry. This workshop will equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”

    She said the event will feature performances, training sessions, and recording opportunities for artists.

    Nkong added that the five-day event will bring top musicians together for a three-day global music camp, where they will create songs as a team. “By the end of the camp, we will have a global EP featuring top African stars from different countries,” she said.

    “Another goal of the workshop is to help artists reach new audiences by connecting them with international music executives. This will open doors for them to promote their music in different parts of the world.”

  • Chima Onyeolu on the rise

    Chima Onyeolu on the rise

    The name Chima Israel Onyeolu is on the rise on the social and entertainment scene in Asaba, Delta State.

    Though Onyeolu is neither a singer, music producer, comedian, content creator, actor or film producer, his impact on the entertainment scene and social nightlife has kept his name steadily on the rise.

    Currently a stakeholder in the construction industry in Delta State where his company, Sinocle construction firm is smiling to the bank, Onyeolu also has his hands in farming and supply.

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    At the moment, a chunk of restaurants, lounges, and bars in Asaba rely on his farm and livestock products for making various delicacies.

    In his early 30s, Onyeolu’s firm was responsible for the construction of several malls, hospitals, estates and lounges scattered across Asaba.

    It was also gathered that Onyeolu’s investment in agriculture – farming and livestock rearing – with hundreds of hectares of farmland is the most talked about in Asaba at the moment.

  • I am here to make my mark in Afrobeats, says Miss Timilehin

    I am here to make my mark in Afrobeats, says Miss Timilehin

    Nigerian-American, Timilehin Akinsola aka Miss Timilehin, has expressed why she settled for Afrobeats genre amidst the release of her sizzling single, ‘Confidence.’

    ‘Confidence,’ which is Miss Timilehin’s third single, having released ‘All my love,’ and ‘Running’ in 2024, is a soul stirring tune that reiterates the singer’s resolve to take over the world with her Afrobeats tunes.

    The single was released on all music streaming platforms on Friday, March 21, 2025.

    In a recent chat, Miss Timilehin said she enjoys Afrobeats as a genre and she’s ready to make her mark and take over the genre despite being relatively new in the game.

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    “I am here to make my mark in Afrobeats and ready to take over of course! I mean why not,” she began. “I have been singing all my life but when I made that decision to go professional, Afrobeats was my go to medium. I just like the actual beats and the heavy drums. It’s fun to dance to as it can turn any song into a dance song.”

    Continuing, she said, “Michael Jackson, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Bob Marley, who blazed the trail across genres, were my earliest influence in music. I aspire to follow their path in dedication, commitment and creativity.”

    Miss Timilehin noted that each of the songs she has created is a reflection of her personal experiences as well as cultural insights. She also revealed that though she’s yet to collaborate with any music act at the moment, she looks forward to having a duet with Mavins star, Rema.

    In her words, “I haven’t collaborated with any major musician yet, but I would love to make a song with Rema or any other Nigerian star situation permitting,” she said.

    The indie act, who is a singer and songwriter with a deep passion for crafting infectious Afrobeat rhythms, specializes in blending soulful melodies with high-energy grooves that capture the essence of the genre. Her work stands out for its ability to fuse traditional Afrobeat elements with fresh, contemporary sounds, creating music that is both authentic and forward-thinking.

    The soulful singer is blessed with years of experience in both the studio and on stage, where she’s honed her craft to not just nail the Afrobeat sound, but to elevate it.

  • Mac Sarzy announces debut EP Where I Come From

    Mac Sarzy announces debut EP Where I Come From

    Nigerian Afro-fusion artist, Mac Sarzy, has released his highly anticipated debut EP, ‘Where I Come From.’

    The six-track music project was released today, March 28, 2025 on all streaming platforms.

    The project, according to Mac Sarzy, is a personal and cultural statement, blending Afrobeats, Afro-pop, and soul to create a compelling narrative of identity, resilience, gratitude, and success.

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    “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately. The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow,” says Mac Sarzy. “Each track on the EP is infused with deep storytelling, rich melodies, and rhythmic grooves that paint a vivid picture of his experiences and the African cultural heritage that shapes his sound.”

    The tracks on the EP are ‘Where I Come From,’ ‘Peace of Mind,’ ‘Ola Oluwa;’ ‘Eko,’ featuring Segunzyno and Uk Zee; ‘Almost There’ featuring Irawo and Boi Jovi; and ‘Afro Sax Riddim.’

    All the tracks are produced by Karspal Beat except for Peace of Mind, which was produced by Skillbeat.

    With a background as a producer and multi-instrumentalist, Mac Sarzy has carved a distinct niche in the Afro-fusion space.

  • Caddytunes drops new EP ‘My music my voice’

    Caddytunes drops new EP ‘My music my voice’

    Music sensation, Babatunde Raji’, popularly known as Caddytunes has dropped his new extended play (EP) titled: ‘My Music My Voice’. 

    Known for his vocal prowess and seamless blend of meaningful lyrics and unique flow, Caddytunes is bringing fresh energy to the Afropop and RnB scene with his latest unique EP. 

    ‘My Music My Voice’ EP has bold and infectious tracks that showcases Caddytunes’s versatility and confidence as an artist. With its rhythmic beats and catchy hooks, the EP is set to leave a lasting impression on music lovers.

    The EP contains six songs including: Make You Mine; Song For Mama; Kere O; Fire; Count On Me and Destination.

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    He said: “My EP is dedicated to my beloved mother and other amazing mothers and women across the globe. They are strong and amazing! 

    Since his musical debut in 2006, the Nigerian-born UK-based Singer/songwriter and record producer has proven through his music and also showed music lovers and fans a different side releasing timeless music. 

    Caddytunes has again shown why he is regarded as one of the very finest vocalist in the music scene.

    His latest body of work will go live on all streaming platforms on Friday, March 28, 2025. This will be the latest addition to his music catalogue.

  • Babalaje: Biola Adebayo, Femi Branch feature in Michael Koleosho’s biopic

    Babalaje: Biola Adebayo, Femi Branch feature in Michael Koleosho’s biopic

    Popular Nollywood stars Biola Adebayo and Femi Branch are some of the cast of ‘Babalaje,’ a biopic of late Oyo politician Chief Michael Koleosho.

    This was made known by Ultimate Communications, the production company responsible for the biopic.

    The film, it was confirmed, is set for premiere in September 2005.

    According to a statement from the production company, principal photography for ‘Babalaje,’ has been concluded and the project is going into post production.

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    The film chronicles Chief Koleosho’s remarkable journey from Saki to becoming a central figure in Oyo State politics, where he played a pivotal role for over four decades before his passing in September 2024.

    Also giving boost to the cast of ‘Babalaje’ include Joke Muyiwa, Binta Ayo Mogaji, Yemi Sodimu, and Bolaji Amusan aka Mr. Latin among others.

    The premiere of the biopic in September 2025, will coincide with Chief Koleosho’s one-year remembrance, with major events scheduled in Abuja and Ibadan.

  • Adeniyi Ifetayo gets honour from Myles Leadership University

    Adeniyi Ifetayo gets honour from Myles Leadership University

    Media personality, Adeniyi Ifetayo, has been conferred with an honorary Doctor of Media and Communication degree by Myles Leadership University (MLU).

    This, according to the institution, is in recognition of his exceptional contributions to academia and the media industry.

    The conferment ceremony, held in Ghana on March 20, celebrated Dr. Ifetayo’s scholarly dedication and impactful research in media and communication studies. 

    Dr. Ifetayo’s doctoral journey, supervised by MLU Vice-Chancellor Dr. K. Ravi Acharya, culminated in a thesis that advanced critical discourse in media studies.

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    The degree was unanimously approved by the university’s Board of Trustees, Council, and Senate, affirming his fulfillment of rigorous academic requirements.

    In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ifetayo, who is the president of the Society of Digital Newspaper Owners of Nigeria, emphasized his commitment to driving societal change through education. “My mantra, inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s timeless words, is to ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” he stated.

    The ceremony also featured a keynote address by Dr. Mark Darko, President of the Africa International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who underscored the urgency of visionary leadership across the continent. Among fellow honorees were Dr. Chidinma Anne Ojeh (Business Development Manager, Sovereign Finance Limited); Dr. Remi Olumuyiwa (Chairman, First Tricon Limited); Amb. Dr. Princess Caroline Ene (Founder, Unique Global Peace Initiative of Nigeria); and Dr. Nick Wedge Wento (Chairman, Wento Group of Companies).

  • Osuji: Vivian is winner of Irish Mixers Club

    Osuji: Vivian is winner of Irish Mixers Club

    Osuji Chika Vivian has emerged as the winner of season 4 of the ‘Irish Mixers Club.’

    Osuji was crowned by The Irish food board, Bord Bia, at the grand finale of the 2025 mixology contest, which was held at the Irish Pub in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

    Vivian walked away with a portable bar, a mixology kit, and additional prizes from the present partner Irish brands, including Jameson, Tullamore DEW, Teeling, Hyde, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin, West Cork, Grace O’Malley, The Whistler, and Davinci Gourmet Syrup.

    In the same vein, Chinua Joshua Nwachukwu and Oyigbe Scofield Kelvin secured the first and second runner-up positions and received exciting awards.

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    Six finalists were selected from the Naija Irish Mix4 social media entries after which a screening process commenced before the battle for the title.

    The competitors were evaluated by a panel of four seasoned judges namely Sughter Debora Chichi, Founder, SVRD Beverages Co; Marie Louise Sassine, Co-founder, Noir Restaurant; Emmanuel Oyira, President, Bartenders Guild of Nigeria; Berg Robert Baboyan, Renowned Mixologist; who assessed their cocktails on authenticity, technique, mouth-feel, taste, and overall presentation.

    Bord Bia’s West Africa Regional Manager, Ese Okpomo, congratulated the top six mixologists and emphasized that the contest celebrated St. Patrick’s Day and also offered a unique opportunity to put Ireland on the global stage.

  • Lumay: says Paradise EP is a reflection of versatility

    Lumay: says Paradise EP is a reflection of versatility

    Nigerian artist Lumay has released his debut EP, ‘Paradise.’

    The project, according to the singer, blends Afro-pop with various influences to showcase his versatility.

    “More than just a collection of songs, Paradise reflects years of musical growth, personal experiences, and a deep appreciation for women. If you look at how God created the world, you’ll see the special place women hold,” Lumay shared. “This also applies to men too, but women inspire so much in life and music.”

    The EP’s themes revolve around love, relationships, and emotions, with Lumay drawing from real-life experiences to craft each track.

    “If you listen to the EP, it’s basically about women—from Jojolo to Paradise,” he explained.

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    “Each song carries a different emotion and story, but the essence remains the same.”

    Lumay also took the opportunity to experiment with different sounds, blending various genres to create a unique listening experience. “I had to infuse other genres to show my versatility,” he said. “This is one of my first compiled bodies of work, and I wanted it to reflect my range as an artist.”

    The lead single, Paradise, sets the tone for the EP with its infectious rhythm and lyrical depth. “Expect very good sound, good songwriting, and some deep messages,” Lumay said. “The songs revolve around love—just experiencing it in my own paradise. Expect something energetic, vibey, and soothing to the ears.”

    Beyond its melodies, Paradise also represents Lumay’s evolution as an artist. “I’ve been making music for about 13 to 15 years, and this project reflects my journey,” he shared. “The span of years has helped me get better at what I do. This is the right time to share my sound with the world.”

  • Joeboy urges youths to stay strong during difficult times

    Joeboy urges youths to stay strong during difficult times

    Nigerian singer Joseph Akinfenwa aka Joeboy has urged Nigerian youths to stay strong during difficult times.

    The 26-year-old singer recently made this known in an interview where he urged the youths not to let problems overwhelm them or mess with their self esteem and self belief.

    In his words, “One thing I’d want to say to every young person going through a difficult time is stay strong! – I try to not let problems overwhelm me. Don’t let it mess with your self-esteem or your self-belief.”

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    Continuing, Joeboy encouraged the youths to keep going on and keep striving for more.

    “Just keep going and keep striving for more. Don’t see challenges as the end of the world and don’t see challenges as things that are not normal. Everybody goes through challenges, no matter how fun or happy they appear on the internet or how cool they look. If you can fix it, fix it. If you can’t, just chill – and love yourself!”

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