The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Dr. Shaibu gets Fellow of Theatre Profession Award

    Dr. Shaibu gets Fellow of Theatre Profession Award

    The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has conferred the Fellow of Theatre Profession award on Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).

    According to NANTAP, the award of Fellow of Theatre Arts (fta) was awarded to the theatre practitioner, film journalist, culture advocate and administrator in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of theatre practice in Nigeria.

    The award ceremony took place on Sunday, February 22, at the Glover Hall, Lagos, and was attended by distinguished personalities in the Nigerian culture, theatre and film industries including the General Manager of National Theatre Tola Akerele, Culture activist and programme chairman of Coalition For Relevant Arts (CORA) Jahman Anikulapo, Chairman of the Body of Fellows of NANTAP Prof  Duro Oni, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NANTAP and Chairman of Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Norbert Young and Joke Silva Jacobs, who was also honoured at the event.

    Read Also: Yomi Fabiyi leads protest for justice over Mohbad’s death

    NANTAP had noted, in the citation read before the NFVCB ED was decorated, that Dr. Shaibu has made significant strides in promoting Nigerian dance, theatre and film, both locally and internationally. NANTAP also acknowledged that Dr. Shaibu’s recent appointment as ED/CEO NFVCB has been instrumental in shaping the country’s film industry.

    The NFVCB boss thanked NANTAP for the prestigious honour and recognition which he described as not just a personal recognition, but also a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of every individual who has contributed to the growth and development of theatre practice in Nigeria, ‘’I am grateful, honoured and proud to be part of a community that has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity, innovation and excellence. Since the reward for hard work is more work, I commit to continue working tirelessly to promote and advance the cause of theatre and film arts in Nigeria’’ the ED said.

    Others, who were inducted into the body of fellows of NANTAP alongside the NFVCB ED include Joke Silva Jacobs, Sam Uche-Anyamele and Bolanle Austen-Peters.

  • Celestine Ukwu memorial set to hold on May 7

    Celestine Ukwu memorial set to hold on May 7

    Late Nigerian musician, Celestine Ukwu’s annual memorial event is set to hold on May 7, 2025 in Enugu.

    The event in honour of the late highlife music star is tagged ‘when music meets philosophy season 2.’

    With the theme, ‘Memories & Melodies,’ the plans for the upcoming event was confirmed by the Executive Director of Celestine Ukwu Memorial Foundation, Barrister Cynthia Ukwu.

    In a statement, Ukwu noted, “Since the foundation was set up to immortalise and celebrate the musical and philosophical legacies of our beloved Celestine Ukwu, we have set out May 7 every year for a memorial event. As you know, Celestine Ukwu died on May 7, 1977 and his music continues to ring globally. We have resolved to keep the legacy alive by organising memorial events, supporting young people with skills and more  in his honour. The event will feature tributes and music as well as awards for deserving contributors to highlife music excellence.”

    Read Also: Burna Boy’s mother nominated for Manager of the Year

    Expected at the event are distinguished Nigerians brought together by their love for the renowned artist and music producer.

    Also speaking, a member of the board of organisers, Dr Ikenna Onwuegbuna noted that no honour for Celestine Ukwu is too big. According to him, the late singer cum music producer’s music is being studied by many musicologists globally.

    Music historian Fred Iwenjora, spokesperson for the organisers said that the spice in this year’s event is the showing of the film documentary of the life and times of Celestine Ukwu.

  • I go save accuses telcos of data fraud

    I go save accuses telcos of data fraud

    Popular stand-up comedian Otaghware Onodjayeke, better known as I go save, has accused Nigerian telecom companies of defrauding citizens through exorbitant data charges and poor service delivery.

    In a video shared on social media, the comedian, who is currently in the United Kingdom, expressed shock at the stark difference in data efficiency between both countries.

    He revealed that despite purchasing just 20GB of data three weeks ago, his UK provider refused to sell him more because he still had unused data—something unimaginable in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Yomi Fabiyi leads protest for justice over Mohbad’s death

    “This is the third time I’ve tried to top up my phone in the UK, and they turned me back because I still have data. I’m in shock! The data is not only lasting longer but also super fast,” he said.

    Calling on the Nigerian government, NCC, EFCC, and ICPC to investigate telecom providers, Igosave alleged that Nigerians are being ripped off.

    “20GB lasts a whole month in the UK, but in Nigeria, a 50GB monthly subscription barely survives three days. What’s the reason? Nigerian Internet providers are no different from fraudsters,” he lamented.

  • Kiekie Unscripted Experience Premieres today

    Kiekie Unscripted Experience Premieres today

    Popular Nigerian content creator and brand influencer, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori aka KieKie has premiered her new game show cum talent hunt platform, ‘KieKie Unscripted Experience.’

    The show, which was formerly known as ‘KieKie Unscripted,’ and limited to KieKie’s celebrity guests, was rebranded in 2024 for a new experience.

    The leggy mother cum wife returned for a fresh season that is set to reward talents across the shores of Nigeria.

    The premiere was held on Thursday, February 27, in Lekki with several celebrities in attendance.

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    Some of the celebrities spotted at the event include Crowd Kontoller, Alternate Sound, Brain Jotter, Mr Macaroni, Hilda Baci, Nasboi, Mc Lively, Lasisi Elenu, Bisola, Jarvis, Cute Abiola, IsBaeu, Saga, Folagade Banks, Oluwadollarz, Woos, VJ Adams, Broda Shaggi, Akah Anani, Sydney Talker, Ariyike Dimples, Peller, Veekee James, Tacha, Tennie, and Harmonhie amongst several others.

    At the rebranding in 2024, KieKie said the talent show is her way of giving opportunities to the younger generation and budding talents, who can sing, dance, act, or just want to play. KieKie also said that there are up to N30 million to be won in prizes and cash as well as a brand new 2023 Mikano Changan car to be won, and an all-expense paid trip to any country.

    “Here’s your opportunity to shine on KieKie Unscripted 2.0 and illuminate the world with your story. Seize the chance to share your unique journey and talents with a global audience. Let your voice be heard and your story inspires others,” KieKie hinted.

  • I need to get closer to God, says Fireboy

    I need to get closer to God, says Fireboy

    Days after his 29th birthday, Adedamola Adefolahan aka Fireboy DML has expressed his intention to get closer to God.
    In a recent tweet on X, the singer wrote that he needed to get close to God saying, “I need to get closer to God.”
    Earlier on in the year and before his birthday, the singer had lamented incessant hypocrisy in the entertainment industry.

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    “dem like oju aye gan for this our line of work,” he wrote.
    Fireboy DML, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter, who signed a record deal with Olamide owned YBNL Nation in 2018. His debut studio album, ‘Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps,’ was released in 2019. He has gone on to release three more album with the last one released in 2024.

  • Why my mother quit acting for family, by Samuel Ajirebi

    Why my mother quit acting for family, by Samuel Ajirebi

    Former child actor Samuel Olasehinde Ajirebi has revealed that his mother made the bold decision to step away from acting to focus on raising their family.

    Speaking in a recent interview on a YouTube channel, Ajirebi said that although he never saw his mother on screen, she once had a career in acting.

    He further said she willingly chose to leave the industry so her husband, veteran actor Pa James (Ajirebi), could continue his acting career while she took care of the home.

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    “As I was told, before she got married, she was an actress. But she loved the idea of her husband being in the industry while she focused on the family. She wasn’t forced to step aside; she did it for the future of her children,” he said.

    Ajirebi also credited his parents for prioritizing his education over childhood fame, a decision that shaped his future.

    “Everything was my parents’ decision. They understood that whatever I achieved as a child actor was just a rehearsal for what I could become with proper education. They were not swayed by the fame and money I had at the time,” he added.

  • My lifestyle is a reflection of my music says Seyi Vibes

    My lifestyle is a reflection of my music says Seyi Vibes

    Oluwaloseyi Afolabi Balogun aka Seyi Vibes has stated that his lifestyle is simply a reflection of his music.

    He made this known in a recent interview saying, “So I think my lifestyle is just a reflection of my music. Me having luxury cars, a luxury house… I’m coming from the streets, or the trenches—that’s my vibe. That’s my story. So I like talking about my story in my songs a lot.”

    The 25-year-old singer and record label executive stressed that as an entertainer, his only job is to entertain fans and audience every time.

    Read Also: How Oaksvale Homes is on a Mission to Blend Afro-Modern Designs with Smart Property Management in South-East Nigeria

    “It’s just happiness. At the end of the day, I think an entertainer should entertain. So the only job I have to do is to entertain everyone, both locally and internationally.”

    The songwriter got his breakthrough with the single, ‘Chance,’ from his second studio album ‘Billion Dollar Baby,’ which debuted at No. 19 on the UK Afrobeats singles chart and peaked number 7 on the TurnTable Top 100 chart.

  • Yomi Fabiyi leads protest for justice over Mohbad’s death

    Yomi Fabiyi leads protest for justice over Mohbad’s death

    Actor Yomi Fabiyi has organised a peaceful protest in Lagos, demanding justice for singer Mohbad, who died under mysterious circumstances on September 12, 2023.

    The protest, held on February 27, began in the Alausa area to the police command in Ikeja.

    Fabiyi led the group, carrying a banner that read “Justice for Mohbad 2025”.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele: “Nobody made me a star, only God”

    The protesters called for transparency in the investigation and accountability for those responsible for Mohbad’s death.

    The demonstration comes after a magistrate court dismissed charges against Mohbad’s former record label boss, Naira Marley, and two others.

    However, the Lagos Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has announced plans to pursue charges against Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad before his death and Ayobami Sadiq, one of the singer’s friends, accused of reckless and negligent acts.

  • Burna Boy’s mother nominated for Manager of the Year

    Burna Boy’s mother nominated for Manager of the Year

    Bose Ogulu, mother and manager of Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy, has been nominated for Manager of the Year at the 2025 Music Week Awards. 

    This prestigious nomination recognises her exceptional work in the music industry, particularly her role in Burna Boy’s international success.

    The Manager of the Year category celebrates outstanding management talent in the global music industry. 

    Read Also: Funke Akindele: “Nobody made me a star, only God”

    The award organisers announced this on Wednesday and Ogulu will compete against other top contenders, including Alistair Goldsmith, Neil Hughes, and Wes Banton.

    The Music Week Awards ceremony will take place on May 8 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, UK. 

    Winners will be determined through peer voting and an independent panel of judges.

  • Comedian AY urges colleagues, fans to handle business responsibly

    Comedian AY urges colleagues, fans to handle business responsibly

    Stand-up comedian and actor Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has shared a message with his colleagues and fans on the importance of managing their affairs responsibly. 

    In a post on his Instagram page, AY emphasized the need to protect one’s interests while being mindful of how words and actions impact others. 

    He pointed out that reacting negatively to others due to personal insecurities only reveals one’s weaknesses. 

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    Encouraging his followers, AY advised them to conduct their business with responsibility, avoiding actions that could harm others or damage their reputation.

    “It’s always good to protect what is ours. But sometimes, we are caught up in our insecurities without seeing or minding what we say or do to others.

    “Every time we lash out our frustrations at others who are clueless about our true situations, it shows how weak we are. Handle your business responsibly”, he wrote.