Nigerian percussionist, singer and songwriter Abiodun Oke aka Wura Samba and his Afro Percussion band have released their third album, ‘Ajo Rebirth’.
‘Ajo Rebirth,’ according to Oke, which is a follow up to ‘Onala,’ is a 12 track album which captures the essence of Yoruba fusion music in a high intensity that captivates the listeners from beginning to the end.
The tracks in the album include ‘Iba,’ ‘Eledua’, ‘Eleboto’, ‘Ashe’, ‘Otito’, ‘Igba’, ‘Ijo Wura’, ‘Ogbo Lala’s, ‘Alutere’, ‘Agba meta’, ‘Ajo’, ‘Samba’ and ‘Osupa.’
In a recent chat, Wura Samba said that the album released in February 2025 is a deluxe edition of the band’s first album entitled ‘Ajo.’
“The first album contains only percussion while ‘Ajo Rebirth’ is a mixture of percussion blended with bass guitar, horns and other musical instruments.
Wura Samba also said the video for the lead song on the album will be out soon on all streaming platforms.
The 9-man afro drumming and percussion band that brings the electrifying vibrations of Africa combines African drumming, folk songs and costumes in an innovative showcase. It performs contemporary African music using expired modernized Sambabe, an 8-piece traditional square wooden percussion instrument which is influenced mainly by the Yoruba culture of West Africa.
Having worked professionally in the Nigerian music industry for over 20 years, the multi-talented artist and percussionist, Abiodun Oke, has performed a wide range of events across Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Africa Magic, in partnership with Multichoice Nigeria, will honor and celebrate the top African film talent at a prestigious event later this year.
Cognac brand Martell will collaborate with the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for its 11th edition in 2025.
‘The award celebrates talents, bodies of work, across Africa and that is why there are various nominations that are spread across the continent. We have certain categories that cut across Southern, Eastern and Northern Africa. It is currently held in Nigeria,” the Head of Content and Channels West Africa, MultiChoice, Dr. Busola Tejumola, said.
Tejumola expressed that the AMVCAs remain dedicated to celebrating the incredible talent in the African film and television industry. She highlighted the amazing people who contribute both in front of and behind the cameras, as well as the viewers who continue to support the hard work of the industry. She thanked everyone for being an integral part of the AMVCA journey. She also mentioned that a new category, “Best Music Score,” would be introduced for this year’s awards.
The categories for the award will be announced on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
The event was also attended by notable celebrities, including Ireti Doyle, Efa Iwara, Deolu Saga, Liquorose, and others.
Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Whitemoney, Crowdkronteller, Dr. Kaffy Shafau, are some of the dignitaries that attended the opening of Boutique Cafe, a highbrow restaurant by Mhamad Chaarani on Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The restaurant, which offers a cozy haven that dazzles the senses, offers a journey through time. Upon entering the Boutique Cafe, guests were greeted by a décor that artfully balanced rich green and burgundy tones, whisking them away to a bygone era of elegance and refinement. Other attendees at the launch include Dr Samuel Jacobs, Benedicta Ogar, Chief Abiola Dosunmu, Barr. Bimbola Salu Hundeyin, and Idris Aregbe.
Attendees sipped on exquisitely crafted mocktails while sampling an array of delectable canapes, each bite a tale told by the expert hands of chefs with a passion for crafting memories.
Speaking on the new venture, Chaarani, a co-founder of Boutique Café said, “We dreamt of creating a sanctuary, a space where Lagosians could step back from the hustle and bustle to enjoy food and ambience wrapped in history’s embrace.”
Gesturing towards the carefully curated antique furnishings, he adds, “These are treasures gathered from the 60s through the 90s, each piece whispering stories of the past.”
According to Chaarani, the place was designed to feel like home away from home as all delicacies are home made. “Boutique Cafe isn’t just another restaurant, it’s unique, no barriers or intimidating, the structure is just a welcoming space” said Chaarani.
Singer Teni has schooled TikTok star Peller on misconceptions about pregnancy and women’s reproductive health.
During a livestream, Peller claimed that women can’t conceive after 40, prompting Teni to address the misunderstanding.
The 32-year-old singer explained that medical advancements like egg freezing and IVF enable women to have children later in life.
She urged Peller to learn more about women’s bodies before making uninformed remarks, cautioning against spreading misinformation.
Teni emphasised the importance of education, science, and respect for women’s bodies.
She encouraged Peller to read about women’s reproductive health and appreciate the role of science in enabling women to make informed choices about their bodies.
Teni said: “Are you educated at all? Are you in tune with science? Do you know about freezing your eggs? You sound like an illiterate and I need to educate you.
” You don’t just open your mouth and talk about women stuff like that. There’s something called time, there’s something called not just having kids when you’re not ready.
“You have to have kids when you’re ready so you can spend time with them. It’s not just money, it’s not just to get a nanny for them to be at home. They have to feel loved so when I’m ready. Don’t worry about the 40 and 45-year-old women, there’s something called science.
“They can freeze their eggs, they can do IVF, go and read about it. You don’t just open your mouth and say rubbish. Be educated and learn about women, you were born by a woman, don’t just open your mouth and talk anyhow.”
Actress and filmmaker Wumi Toriola has expressed disappointment with popular YouTuber and food blogger, Chef T, after her request for collaboration was allegedly ignored.
“Chef T @diaryofakitchenlover feels she doesn’t need anyone again. Na only she grow her grow. Shey na December me sef come out????” she wrote.
In a post on Instagram, Toriola shared a screenshot of the unread message she sent to Chef T, in which she proposed a collaboration for her upcoming cinema debut in 2024.
The actress expressed her admiration for Chef T’s work and suggested featuring on one of her cooking episodes.
“Good morning sis. I have been a lover of your page for a while. I don’t know if any of your cooking episodes are coming soon. Would love to feature as my cinema debut is coming in September—me wearing a t-shirt of it while cooking on one of your episodes. I don’t know if and how it works with you,”the message reads.
As of the time of filing this report, Chef T had not publicly responded to Toriola’s accusations.
For Odigbo Chinecherem Valentine, better known as Vallyboybundles, music is more than just a career, it’s a calling.
The rising rapper revealed that his passion for music and encouragement from those around him pushed him to take the industry seriously.
“When I create music, solitude and the early morning quietness help me focus. That’s when my best ideas come to life,” he shared.
Born in Anambra and raised in Lagos, Vallyboybundles’ musical journey started at Command Secondary School, Ipaja, and gained momentum at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he refined his distinctive trap sound.
His fusion of rap, melody, and raw storytelling has made him one of the most promising new voices in Nigeria’s hip-hop scene.
Despite his steady rise, Vallyboybundles admits that trust remains a significant challenge in the industry. However, he has been able to work with various artists, an experience he describes as “amazing” and something he looks forward to doing again.
“The music industry can be tough, especially when it comes to trust, but I’ve been lucky to collaborate with talented people,” he said.
His influences include top-tier Nigerian rappers such as Erigga, Phyno, Olamide, Psycho YP, and Alpha Ogini, whose styles and lyrical depth have shaped his music.
Among his growing discography, Black Skin Miles stands out as his proudest project.
He describes it as an “amazing body of work” that anyone can connect with, regardless of background.
“With Black Skin Miles, I wanted to create something real, something people can feel deeply. I think I achieved that,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Vallyboybundles promises even greater music, saying, “I’m here to rescore life lyrically. Expect nothing but fire.”
With more music on the way and a growing fan base, the young rapper is proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with in Nigeria’s evolving hip-hop landscape.
In an era where originality defines success, Sizzy Benjamin is emerging as a game-changer in the music industry. With a sound that blends multiple genres and a vision that transcends borders, the young artist is reshaping the narrative of contemporary music.
Since making his mark on Project Fame in 2016, Sizzy Benjamin has steadily built a reputation for his dynamic artistry. His cover of Mad Over You alongside Cobhams Asuquo turned heads, signaling the arrival of a fresh talent with a unique musical identity. Over the years, he has continued to refine his craft, dropping hits like “Pepper” and collaborating with artists such as B-Red, Magic Boi, and Cobhams Asuquo.
Now signed to Red Nation Records, Sizzy Benjamin is not just making music—he is setting a new standard for artistic expression. His ability to blend styles effortlessly, drawing from influences like Michael Jackson, Drake, and Bob Marley, positions him as a voice of innovation in the industry.
As he pushes boundaries with each release, Sizzy Benjamin is proving that he is more than just an artist—he is a force redefining the industry’s sound and direction. With an ever-growing fan base and a commitment to impact through music, he is well on his way to leaving a lasting mark on the global stage.
Omoni Oboli’s latest movie, Love In Every Word has been removed from the Nollywood actress and producer’s official YouTube channel.
The film released on Friday, March 7, 2025, gained significant traction early on, racking up over 2 million views within the first 24 hours on YouTube.
As of the time of report, the movie has gathered over six million views.
Produced by Omoni Oboli and written by Mfon-Abasi Micheal Inyang, Love In Every Word is a heartfelt romantic drama that explores love, emotional resilience, and the power of communication in relationships.
The movie stars Bam Bam alongside Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe, and other cast.
Checks by The Nation shows that movie is no longer available on YouTube due to copyright infringement claim by Chinonso Obiora.
Reacting, an X user, Sayo Opajimi said: “Omoni oboli movie is no longer on YouTube
Someone else has uploaded it claiming it belong to them. They said they sold the script to them after it has been sold to another first”
Another user, @Bighotbaby1 said: “I wanted to watch Love in Every Word on YouTube but it got removed due to a copyright claim by Chinonso Obiora (Skyberry) YouTube took it down.
“I’m confused oo did anyone sell someone else storyline to OMONI OBOLI. Please What’s going on?? You claimed copyright on the “Love in Every Word” 7m views, causing the YouTube takedown. This is wickedness, I know some people are jealous of her progress on YouTube”
The 2025 Nollywood in Hollywood showcase successfully concluded on March 1, 2025, leaving an indelible mark on the global film industry.
The event, which took place at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood and the Norris Cinema Theatre at the University of Southern California (USC), celebrated the best of Nigerian cinema with screenings of “The Man Died,” “Mai Martaba,” and “The Weekend.”
The series of events kicked off on February 28 with the red carpet opening night screening of “The Man Died” at American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre.
Directed by Awam Amkpa, the film, based on Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s harrowing prison memoir, follows his unjust imprisonment by a ruthless military regime determined to silence his voice.
After the screening, a Q&A panel was held, moderated by USC Professor and actor Bayo Akinfemi (Bob Hearts Abishola), with actor Abraham Amkpa representing the film.
Day Two of the showcase took place at USC’s Norris Cinema Theatre and began with a screening of director Prince Daniel’s “Mai Martaba,” a historical epic set in an ancient African kingdom, exploring love, greed, and power while showcasing rich cultural heritage.
As Nigeria’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, the film has received critical acclaim. An insightful Q&A with the filmmaker followed, moderated by Alessandro Ago, USC’s Executive Director of Film Programming.
Day Two concluded with a closing night screening of director Daniel Oriahi’s “The Weekend,” a riveting thriller about Nikiya, an orphan seeking family connections, who pushes her fiancé Luke to reconcile with his estranged family. As secrets emerge, disturbing truths lead to shocking twists. The film premiered at the Tribeca Festival. A Q&A session with the film’s lead actress, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, followed, moderated by filmmaker Akin Omotosho (“Rise”, “The Ghost and the House of Truth”).
Founded in 2018 by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, Nollywood in Hollywood has continued its mission of cultural diplomacy by bringing the vibrancy of Nigerian storytelling to an international audience. In collaboration with American Cinematheque and the USC School of Cinematic Arts, the showcase once again highlighted the artistic excellence and global influence of Nollywood.
Programme manager Unoma Ononye reflected on the event’s success, stating, “This has been one of our best showcases yet! The energy, the enthusiasm, and the reception from Hollywood and beyond reaffirm the growing importance of Nollywood on the global stage.”
Attendees included industry professionals, film enthusiasts, and key Hollywood players who engaged in insightful discussions and networking opportunities with Nigerian filmmakers. Since its inception, Nollywood in Hollywood has served as a bridge for Nigerian filmmakers to connect with top Hollywood agencies, management firms, casting agents, networks, and studios.
Past showcases have featured works from some of Nigeria’s most celebrated filmmakers, and this year was no exception.
The 2025 event further solidified Nollywood’s presence in Hollywood, fostering meaningful collaborations and opening doors for Nigerian cinema on an international scale.
As the curtains close on this year’s event, the impact of Nollywood in Hollywood continues to resonate, paving the way for future collaborations and a deeper appreciation of Nigerian storytelling worldwide.
Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli has lambasted Ghanaian television stations for airing her movies without permission.
In a statement posted on her Instagram page, Oboli threatened to take legal action against the stations, accusing them of copyright infringement.
She also criticised the Ghana National Film Authority for failing to take action against the unauthorised broadcasts.
Oboli wrote: “I love my Ghanaian besties, colleagues, and friends, but you see those TV stations in Ghana, I’m coming for you! The guts to show my movies without licensing! If dem no arrest one of una, you won’t learn! Watch out! Coming for every one of you!
“You have no idea how much work goes into these projects. The sleepless nights I have! I’m coming for it all! You will pay for every one of my movies you have shown without permission! In 2025, you don’t understand that’s IP theft?!!!
“Maybe you don’t have a television authority in Ghana, but that is not my concern! Coming for you all! Clowns! Thanks to my Ghanaian besties for always sending me screenshots.”
Oboli’s movies are popular across West Africa, and the unauthorised broadcasts are a significant infringement on her intellectual property rights.
