The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Not attending Hallelujah Challenge doesn’t make you less Christian – Nathaniel Bassey

    Not attending Hallelujah Challenge doesn’t make you less Christian – Nathaniel Bassey

    Renowned gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey has cautioned followers against turning their passion into “unholy obsession.”

    Bassey emphasised that not knowing him or other young servants of God does not make anyone less of a Christian. 

    He quoted Romans 12:3, reminding his followers not to think more highly of themselves than they ought to.

    He also addressed the Hallelujah Challenge, stating that not participating in it does not make someone less of a Christian. 

    Bassey encouraged his followers to respect each other’s choices and not judge one another, referencing Romans 14:3.

    Bassey wrote on X: “My dear Brothers and Sisters, you are blessed. Just a note of caution.

    “Please let’s be careful and guided so we don’t turn our passion to unholy obsession.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s foreign reserves hit $40bn as CBN strengthens forex market 

    Not knowing Nathaniel Bassey or any of the young vibrant servants of God being used does not make you any less a Christian. In fact, there are so many Christians who have never heard of me nor my music. It doesn’t make them any less christians. They don’t have to know me. I’m not the best thing after slice bread.

    I do not even see myself in that manner. I would be thinking of myself more highly than I ought doing so. 

    “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

    Romans 12:3

    “Also, not joining the Hallelujah challenge does not make you less a Christian. People are free to connect with what’s best for them.

    “I describe it in this way. Apples don’t grow everywhere. It doesn’t mean the places apples don’t grow are bad. It may just not be apples’ environment.

    “Those of us joining should never look down on those joining. Those who are not joining should also not look down on those joining. 

    “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Romans 14:3.

    “Let every man where in He is called abide. 1 Cor 7:24

    “Sharing this due to the various tags I’ve been mentioned. And normally would not comment on such. 

    But felt a need to enlighten a few of us. 

    “Having said this, HC is back tonight after a short break, with Day 7. So let’s gather, before our Father, at the altar, to offer, hallelujah, together !NO WAHALA! ONLY HALLELUJAH”

  • Ned Nwoko denies plans to marry Chika Ike

    Ned Nwoko denies plans to marry Chika Ike

    Senator Ned Nwoko has officially denied rumors that he is planning to marry actress Chika Ike as his seventh wife.

    In a statement released on Monday, his office described the claims as “entirely baseless and a product of malicious speculation.”

    The rumours appear to have stemmed from Regina Daniels’ recent deactivation of her Instagram account, which sparked speculation about marital issues, including allegations that Chika Ike is pregnant with Nwoko’s child.

    Additionally, Nwoko’s office refuted reports suggesting he made comments about Tuface and polygamy, calling them “completely untrue.”

    Read Also: Alaafin’s coronation in jeopardy over unknown whereabouts of Osun monarch

    The statement emphasized that, as a public figure and with his wife being an actress, it is not unusual for bloggers to fabricate stories for attention.

    Nwoko’s office urged the public to disregard the rumors and rely only on official statements while cautioning media practitioners about the consequences of spreading false information.

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the recent false rumors alleging that Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko is planning to marry Nollywood actress Chika Ike as his seventh wife and that she is pregnant for him. We categorically state that these claims are entirely baseless and a product of malicious speculation. 

    “Similarly, reports claiming he made statements about Tuface and polygamy are completely untrue. As a public figure and with his wife also being an actress, it is not unusual for bloggers seeking attention to fabricate such stories. 

    “However, Senator Nwoko is currently on a national assignment, focused on delivering on his political mandate, and has no time for distractions. 

    “This office remains available to journalists for verification of information, and we remind media practitioners of the consequences of spreading fake news. The public is advised to disregard these rumors and rely only on official statements from his office.”

  • Regina Daniels deactivates Instagram account 

    Regina Daniels deactivates Instagram account 

    Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has deactivated her Instagram account, raising speculation about possible issues in her marriage to billionaire husband Ned Nwoko.

    Read Also: Alaafin’s coronation in jeopardy over unknown whereabouts of Osun monarch

    The sudden move has left fans and followers puzzled, with many taking to social media to express their concerns and theories about her decision.

    As observed by The Nation, Regina’s account, which boasted a massive following, is no longer active. It remains uncertain if or when she will reactivate it.

  • Joining the kids’ choir shaped my voice, music – Ayra Starr

    Joining the kids’ choir shaped my voice, music – Ayra Starr

    Afrobeat singer, Ayra Starr, has reflected on her early musical beginnings in the kids’ choir.

    In a recent interview, she shared that her musical journey started at the tender age of 10 when she joined her local church’s children’s choir.

    Read Also: Alaafin’s coronation in jeopardy over unknown whereabouts of Osun monarch

    As a singer in the choir, Ayra Starr said she developed her vocal skills and discovered her passion for music.

    She cherished the experience, recalling how it helped shape her artistry.

    “I love being in the choir, I was like the loudest child, it was a kids choir actually and everybody was little, it really helped me shape my voice and music”, she said.

  • Six African creators featured on TikTok’s 2025 Global Discover list

    Six African creators featured on TikTok’s 2025 Global Discover list

    TikTok has announced its 2025 Global Discover List, recognizing six content creators from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) among 50 standout personalities worldwide.

    For the third consecutive time, the annual list highlights creators across five categories: Icons, Innovators, Foodies, Educators, and Originators.

    The selected African creators represent a diverse range of content, from educational and culinary storytelling to sports commentary and trendsetting music.

    Here are six African Creators on the 2025 Discover List

    Educators: Creators who simplify complex topics and encourage learning through engaging content.

    1. Roy Kanyi (Kenya): A tech enthusiast known for breaking down gadgets and electronics, and helping users make informed choices on smartphones, televisions, and accessories.

    Foodies: Culinary content creators who share recipes and showcase diverse food cultures.

    Read Also: Alaafin’s coronation in jeopardy over unknown whereabouts of Osun monarch

    2. Tosin Samuel (Nigeria): Known as Tspicekitchen, he merges culture and creativity with engaging food storytelling, featuring both Nigerian and international dishes.

    3. Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye (Ghana): Also known as Chefabby, she highlights Ghanaian cuisine, blending traditional flavours with modern interpretations.

    Icons: Influential figures shaping trends on and beyond TikTok.

    4. Charity Ekezie (Nigeria): A content creator who uses humour to challenge misconceptions about Africa. With over three million followers, her comedic skits and collaborations, including one with Bill Gates, have gained global attention.

    Innovators: Creators pushing creative boundaries and redefining digital content

    5. Fanuel Masamaki (Tanzania): Also known as Zerobrainer0, he has gained recognition for his unique approach to sports content, combining football analysis with humor. He was recently named Sports Creator of the Year at the TikTok Creator Awards in South Africa.

    Originators: Creators behind viral trends, sounds, and challenges.

    6. Thato Seth Mathobela (TitoM) & Bongani Kenneth Sibanyoni (Yuppe) (South Africa): The duo has played a key role in taking South African music to a global audience, with several viral hits extending their influence beyond Africa.

  • Why I switched career path – Actress Teniola Aladese

    Why I switched career path – Actress Teniola Aladese

    Actress Teniola Aladese has shared the inspiring journey of how she discovered her passion for acting. 

    Speaking on the WithChude podcast, Aladese revealed that she initially aspired to become a lawyer.

    However, after reading a book by Christopher Darden, a prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson case, she realized the legal profession wasn’t for her. 

    She then turned to her backup plan—acting—drawing inspiration from Nigerian movie icons Genevieve Nnaji and Regina Askia.

    Read Also: I survived six gunshots, says Charles Okocha

    To secure an alternative career path, she pursued a degree in Mass Communication, considering a future as a news anchor if acting didn’t work out. 

    Aladese admitted that she only fully embraced acting during her secondary school years when she actively began exploring her passion for the craft.

    She said, “To be honest, I am not sure I knew I wanted to act up until SS2. I wanted to be a lawyer at first, and then I read this book by Christopher Darden, one of the prosecutors in OJ Simpson’s case.”

    “He just chronicled the entire case, I finished this book and I said I am not cut out to be a lawyer. First of all, I do not know what I would do if I lost a case for a client and I saw the point of view of these two lawyers and how they felt about losing the case.

    “So I was like what else can I do? My plan B was that I kind of like acting, I used to watch films, especially Genevieve and Regina Askia. But it was now in SS2 that I was like, I am not sure if I want to go to school to study acting just in case it does not work out for me. What else can I study?

    “And I was like my plan B is to be a news anchor and that was why I studied Mass Communication. I asked my parents and they were like if I wanted to study Theater Arts, I should. But I was like just in case, let me just study Mass Com and I would try acting.”

  • Fireboy DML expresses desire to strengthen his bond with God 

    Fireboy DML expresses desire to strengthen his bond with God 

    Nigerian music star Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, has publicly shared his desire to deepen his spiritual connection with God. 

    In a recent post on his X page, the ‘Playboy’ hitmaker expressed his heartfelt longing for a stronger relationship with God, simply stating, “I need to get closer to God.” 

    Read Also: South African authorities arrest Chidimma Adetshina’s mother

    The singer’s declaration has sparked reactions from fans and followers, with many offering words of encouragement and support.

  • Timini Egbuson calls out musicians for lack of support for Nollywood

    Timini Egbuson calls out musicians for lack of support for Nollywood

    Actor and producer Timini Egbuson has expressed frustration over what he sees as a lack of support from musicians for the Nigerian film industry.

    He pointed out that while Nollywood consistently promotes and uplifts the music industry, the same level of support is rarely extended in return.

    Read Also: South African authorities arrest Chidimma Adetshina’s mother

    Egbuson wrote on X: “Really wish musicians supported Nollywood the way we support their music but that’s a conversation for another day.”

  • I used Nedu’s podcast to get to VeryDarkMan – BBNaija’s Deeone 

    I used Nedu’s podcast to get to VeryDarkMan – BBNaija’s Deeone 

    Big Brother Naija reality star, Deeone, has confessed that he deliberately used his appearance on Nedu Wazobia’s ‘Honest Bunch’ podcast to expose VeryDarkMan.

    In a recent interview on TVC’s ‘Breakfast Show’, Deeone revealed that he had been studying VeryDarkMan for months and wanted to test his authenticity.

    He claimed that he planned the whole thing without Nedu’s knowledge, using him as “bait” to get a reaction from VeryDarkMan.

    Deeone expressed regret over Nedu’s subsequent exit from the show, stating that he didn’t intend for that to happen. 

    Read Also: South African authorities arrest Chidimma Adetshina’s mother

    He acknowledged that Nedu was shocked by the revelation and that their friendship was affected by the controversy.

    He said: “I planned the whole thing alone, but Nedu did not know, because If I had said it on social media, they would accuse me of trying to make money, but I needed a platform. I had been studying VeryDarkMan for months; and I wanted to know if he was real or just using Nigerians. Some things he gets right, but most times, he jumps to conclusions and manipulates everyone.

    “Even Nedu is shocked, as he wouldn’t have agreed if I had told him about it because I know he is VeryDarkMan’s friend. I didn’t know Nedu’s job was going to get affected. I feel really bad and sorry about that. I used Nedu as the bait to get the fish (VeryDarkMan), and it worked perfectly.”

  • South African authorities arrest Chidimma Adetshina’s mother

    South African authorities arrest Chidimma Adetshina’s mother

    Anabela Rungo, the mother of Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Universe Nigeria, has been arrested by South African authorities for allegedly obtaining a South African identity document through fraudulent means.

    Rungo, a Mozambican national, was apprehended in Cape Town in a joint operation by Home Affairs investigators and the South African Police Service.

    According to the spokesperson of Department of Home Affairs, Siya Qoza,  Rungo had been declared persona non grata in September 2024, after officials discovered irregularities in her residency status. 

    “Investigators from the department, assisted by SAPS, detained Anabela Rungo at a property in Cape Town. The Department withdrew Rungo’s South African documentation in September 2024 after finding that it had been fraudulently obtained, rendering her ineligible to continue residing in South Africa,” Qoza said

    He said that despite this, Rungo continued to reside in South Africa, allegedly using her Mozambican passport to defy her “undesirable” status.

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    “It appears that Rungo has defied her ‘undesirable’ status through her Mozambican passport. Investigations are ongoing into further potential misrepresentation and fraudulent conduct.

    “After being processed by Home Affairs over her illegal continued residence in South Africa, she will be handed over to SAPS, as she is also the subject of an ongoing Hawks investigation,” he added.

    The arrest came after Rungo’s daughter, Chidimma Adetshina, was found ineligible to participate in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant due to her non-South African citizenship. 

    Adetshina later won the Miss Universe Nigeria title and finished as the first runner-up at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.

    At the time of her arrest, Rungo was with Adetshina’s minor child, prompting authorities to engage social services to ensure the child’s welfare. 

    Rungo will face further action, including an ongoing investigation by the Hawks.