The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Kabiyesi to premiere on Showmax from today 14

    Kabiyesi to premiere on Showmax from today 14

    Showmax has released the first-look trailer for its upcoming Nigerian Original series, Kabiyesi, which premieres on February 14, 2025.

    The epic drama, which is a Nigerian original on Showmax, is a tale of tradition, personal ambition and a princess’s struggle for power amid a wave of political change inspired by the true story of the reign of Orompoto, the only female Alaafin of Oyo, who ruled the empire in the 16th Century.

    The story begins with Princess Aderiyife of Oyo-Ile, the only daughter of King Adegoke, who is engaged to be married to Prince Obabamiji of Igboho. Everything is on track for her to embrace her destiny until a devastating betrayal and a series of tragic events bring her face to face with the perils and pitfalls of being in a position of power.

    Read Also: My ultimate goal as an actor is to win and keep Winning” – Temidayo Babatunde

    Faced with agonising choices, Aderiyife embarks on a perilous path where every decision she makes is critical to secure her family’s future and the future of Oyo-Ile, while she’s surrounded by enemies – both within and outside the kingdom. She’s forced to go above and beyond what is expected of her as princess to become the leader that Oyo-Ile desperately needs.

    Sharing his excitement on the series, showrunner Seyi Babatope, said, “Creating Kabiyesi has been a deeply rewarding journey. This story isn’t just about royalty – it’s about human ambition, love, and the personal cost of leadership. We’re bringing a unique and powerful narrative that celebrates the richness of African storytelling, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”

    The series features Annetta Adebusuyi, Akin Lewis, Amokun Ibrahim, Patrick Diabuah, Oluwakemi Oladeojo, Olajide Ibitoye, Olanrewaju Ayanwale, Jibola Dabo, and Hauwa Angela Issa. 

  • Olusanya set to premiere Woven in London

    Olusanya set to premiere Woven in London

    Promising filmmaker Segun Temitope Olusanya has announced plans to premiere his latest work, ‘Woven,’ in London.

    He explained that the growing demand from international fans, particularly in London, is one of the main reasons for showcasing the film abroad.

    Read Also: Bishop Oyedepo urges Nigerians to embody change for national development

    “They are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience the film on the big screen. We’re hosting a London premiere to cater to this interest and expand our film’s global reach,” he stated.

    During a recent media event in Lagos, Olusanya, who said the film was produced in the heart of Lagos, expressed concern over the challenges facing Nollywood, despite its significant progress in high-volume production, cultural relevance, and global recognition.

    He highlighted issues such as limited funding, piracy, and regulatory hurdles as the bane of Nollywood’s worries in recent times.

  • 2baba proposes to Edo lawmaker Natasha Osawaru

    2baba proposes to Edo lawmaker Natasha Osawaru

    Mega superstar Innocent “2Baba” Idibia has proposed to Edo lawmaker Natasha Osawaru, amidst his separation drama with Annie.

    The proposal, which went viral took place during an intimate gathering, saw 2Baba presented Osawaru with a ring, sealing commitment to the politician.

    Read Also: Pinqmilz to drop new EP ‘Hard times don’t last’

    This development comes on the heels of 2Baba’s public declaration of his intention to pursue a romantic relationship with Osawaru, which sparked widespread debate and speculation on social media.

    In a video that surfaced online, 2Baba clarified his interest in Osawaru was unrelated to his separation from his wife, Annie Idibia.

  • Pinqmilz to drop new EP ‘Hard times don’t last’

    Pinqmilz to drop new EP ‘Hard times don’t last’

    Tamunoimiebam Gift Cookey, popularly known as Pinqmilz, is set to release his much-anticipated EP, Hard Times Don’t Last, next month.

    The talented Nigerian artist, who hails from the historic Opobo Kingdom, discovered his passion for music at just 13. With a unique ability to create music without writing it down, he credits his father, a musician, for passing down the gift.

    “My father’s behaviour towards me shaped my music a lot. It made me express my emotions through my songs,” Pinqmilz shared.

    Growing up in a musically inclined home, Pinqmilz developed a deep connection to storytelling through music.

    His creative process is spontaneous—he draws inspiration from personal experiences, nature, and other artists while experimenting with melodies and instruments.

    Read Also: Tems becomes San Diego FC owner

    The journey hasn’t been easy. Like many rising stars, he has faced criticism and self-doubt.

    However, his mother’s unwavering support keeps him going. “Not everyone will love your music, but I remind myself why I started. Music is my way of expressing myself and connecting with people,” he said.

    Pinqmilz is inspired by music heavyweights like Davido, Wizkid, and Shalipopi.

    He also admires artists like 1da Banton and Dandizzy for their unique sound. While he hasn’t explored collaborations outside the music industry yet, he remains open to new creative opportunities.

    With Hard Times Don’t Last, Pinqmilz aims to deliver a powerful message of perseverance and hope. “I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for your support! This journey has been incredible, and I truly believe Hard Times Don’t Last will connect with so many of you. No matter what challenges you face, keep pushing forward and stay hopeful,” he said.

    With his raw talent and inspiring message, Pinqmilz is on the path to making a lasting impact in the music industry. Stay tuned—Hard Times Don’t Last is set to be an unforgettable experience!

  • Tems becomes San Diego FC owner

    Tems becomes San Diego FC owner

    Two-time Grammy Award winner Temilade Openiyi also known as Tems has become a partner in San Diego FC (SDFC), joining the ownership group of the Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team through her company, The Leading Vibe.  

    Her investment is made in collaboration with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm, with Pave’s Tunde Folawiyo and Kwamena Afful also joining the ownership group.

    She said: “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community,” 

    Tems shared this in a statement. “Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego.”

    Read Also; FG to launch national scorecard to track states’ progress on open defecation-free goal

    SDFC CEO Tom Penn welcomed the partnership, stating, “Tems is an extraordinary artist and cultural force worldwide. We are honored to have her join our club and bring her visionary perspective to San Diego FC. Her passion for empowering the next generation aligns perfectly with our mission.”

    Tems has joined a diverse ownership group that includes actress and producer Issa Rae, former Spanish footballer Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and MLB star Manny Machado as part-owners of San Diego FC. This group aligns with the club’s vision, which emphasizes youth development and international talent, highlighted by its partnership with the Right to Dream Academy.  

    San Diego FC is set to make its MLS debut on Sunday, February 23, 2025, against LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park. The club will play its first home game on March 1, 2025, at Snapdragon Stadium against St. Louis CITY SC.

  • Yul Edochie, Judy Austin expecting third child

    Yul Edochie, Judy Austin expecting third child

    Controversial actor Yul Edochie has announced that he and his second wife, Judy Austin, are expecting their third child.

    Edochie shared the news on Instagram with a video of Austin showing off her baby bump, expressing his excitement.

    Read Also; FG to launch national scorecard to track states’ progress on open defecation-free goal

    In a playful remark, the actor likened his ability to father children to Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess.

    “Baby Trump is coming. Rejoice with us. Anywhere you see me, call me CR7. Baddest Striker,” Edochie captioned the post.

  • FULL LIST: Odumodublvck, Mohbad lead 2024 Headies Award nominations

    FULL LIST: Odumodublvck, Mohbad lead 2024 Headies Award nominations

    Nigeria’s most prestigious music award show, Headies has released the highly anticipated nominations list for its 17th edition.

    According to the list, which was made public on Wednesday, Odumodublvck, whose real name is Tochukwu Ojogwu, leads the pack with an impressive eight nominations.

    Ayra Starr and Shallipopi trailed closely behind with three nominations each, while the late Mohbad, who passed away on September 12, 2023, also bagged three nominations.

    The nominations list features a diverse range of local and international artists who have made significant contributions to the music scene in the past year.

    Some of the notable categories and nominees include Best Recording of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Best R&B Singles, and Best Collaboration.

    Read Also; FG to launch national scorecard to track states’ progress on open defecation-free goal

    The 17th Headies Awards is scheduled to take place on April 5, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.

    Full List of nominees:

    Music Video of the Year

    Charm – Rema, Oerlinks and Folarin Oludare

    Metaverse – Jyde Ajala

    Like Ice Spice – Perlinks and Emeka Shine Shine

    Ojapiano – Mattmax

    Egwu – Director Pink

    Showa – TG Omori

    Na Money – Dammy Twitch

    Best Vocal Performance (Female)

    Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song

    Niniola – Level

    Simi – Stranger

    Liya – I’m Done

    Yemi Alade – Tomorrow

    Best Rap Single

    Cast – Odumodu Blvck and Shallipopi

    Blood on the dance floor – Bloody Civilian, Wale and Odumodu Blvck

    Hallelujah – Ladipoe, Rozzz, and Morello

    Canada – Magnito

    Ije Nwoke – Jeriq

    Rookie of the year

    Zerry DL

    Taves

    Kaestyles

    Llona

    Best R&B single

    Qing Madi – Vision

    Johnny Drille – For You

    Simi – Stranger

    Tems – Burning

    Ayra Star – Last Heartbreak Song ft Giveon

    Songwriter of the year

    Simisola Kosoko – Stranger (Simi)

    Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma – Vision (Qing Madi)

    Michael Ajuma Attah – Can’t Breathe (Llona)

    Emoseh Khamofu – Family Meeting (Bloody Civilian)

    Fuayefika Maxwell – Stages of Life (Wizard Chan)

    Producer of the year

    Sarz – Happiness

    London – Ozeba

    Magicsticks – Basquiat

    Rema/Producer X/Cubeats/Deatz/Klimperboy – Hehehe

    Dibs – Different Pattern

    Best Recording of the year

    Tems – Burning

    Seyi Vibez – Different Pattern

    Burna Boy – Higher

    Ayra Star and Giveon – Last Heartbreak Song

    Sarz and Lojay – Billions

    Best Collaboration

    Emotions – Tiwa Savage ft Asa

    Blood on the dance floor – Odumodu Blvck, Bloody Civilian, and Wale

    Cast – Shallipopi ft Odumodu Blvck

    Egwu – Chike ft Mohbad

    Ole – Qing Madi ft Bnxn

    Twe Twe remix – Kizz Daniel ft Davido

    IDK – Wizkid ft Zlatan

    Best Street-hop artiste

    Seyi Vibez – Different Patterns

    Ayo Maff – Dealer ft (Fire Boy)

    Shallipopi – Cast ft (Odumodu Blvck)

    Zhus Jdo – Johnbull

    Mohbad – Ask About me

    Afrobeats Single of the Year

    Big Big Things – Young John ft Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez

    Twe Twe remix – Kizz Daniel ft Davido

    Egwu – Chike ft Mohbad

    Remember – Asake

    Ogechi remix – Hyce, Boypee and Brown Joel ft Davido

    Big Baller – Flavour

    Best Inspirational Single

    Gratitude – Anendlessocean

    Worthy of my praise – Dunsin Oyekan ft. Lawrence Oyor

    Good God 2 – Limoblaze ft. Naomi Raine

    particularly – Gaise Baba ft. Tope Alabi

    You Do This One – Mercy Chinwo

    Lyricist on the Roll

    Mogadishu – A-Q

    Chocolate City Cypher – M.I Abaga

    Chocolate City Cypher – Blaqbonez

    Hallelujah – Ladipoe

    Efeleme – Alpha Ojini

    Headies’ Viewers’ Choice

    Big Big Things ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez – Young Jonn

    Ogechi remix ft. Davido – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel

    Egwu – Chike & Mohbad

    Showa – Kizz Daniel

    Different Pattern – Seyi Vibez

    Ozeba – Rema

    Love Me Jeje – Tems

    Cast ft. Odumodublvck – Shallipopi

    Dealer ft. Fireboy DML- Ayo Maff

    Big Baller – Flavour 

    West African Artiste of the Year

    Black Sherif (Ghana)

    King Promise (Ghana)

    Himra (Ivory Coast)

    Josey (Ivory Coast)

    Toofan (Togo)

    Best East African Artiste of the Year

    Bien (Kenya)

    Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

    Juma Jux (Tanzania)

    Bruce Melody (Rwanda)

    Azawi (Uganda)

    Best North African Artiste of the Year

    Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)

    ElGrande Toto (Morocco)

    Soolking (Algeria)

    Balti (Tunisia)

    Abu (Egypt)

    Best Southern African Artiste of the Year

    Titom (South Africa)​

    Yuppe (South Africa)

    Tyla (South Africa)

    Kelly Kay (Malawi)

    Plutonio (Mozambique)

    Zee Nxumalo (South Africa)

    Best Rap Album

    Sideh Kai – Illbliss

    Eziokwu – Odumodublvck

    Alaye Toh Se Gogo Vol. 1 – Reminisce

    Family Time – Erigga

    Shiny Object Syndro​me – Modenine

    Full Time Job – Phyno

    ​Soundtrack of the Year

    Eledumare – Teledalese (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)

    Lose to Gain – Kaline (Breath of Life)

    Kill Boro – Native Filmworks & Wizard Chan (Kill Boro)

    Orisa – Beriolla (Orisa)

    “Emotions” – Tiwa Savage & Asa (Water and Garri)

    “Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ & Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah)

    Best Central African Artiste of the Year

    Innoss’B (DRC)

    Gaz Mawete (DRC)

    Emma’A (Gabon)

    Ebokolo (Gabon)

    Singulila (Central African Republic)

    Koceé (Cameroon)

    Next Rated

    Qing Madi

    Shallipopi

    Odumodublvck

    Ayo Maff

    Nasboi

    Afrobeat Album of the Year

    Stubborn – Victony

    Work of Art – Asake

    The Year I Turn 21 – Ayra Starr

    Heis – Rema

    Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn

    Best Performer (Live)

    Rema – Ravage Uprising: Rema Live from The O2, London

    Omah Lay – Live at L’Olympia Paris

    Flavour – Celebrating You 2023

    Wizard Chan – Live in Concert Port Harcourt

    Burna Boy – African Giant Live from London

    Femi Kuti & The Positive Force – Nuits de Fourvière (ARTE Concert)

    Song of the Year

    Showa – Kizz Daniel

    Commas – Ayra Starr

    Egwu – Chike and Mohbad

    Lonely at the Top – Asake

    Ozeba – Rema

    Big Baller – Flavour

    Album of the Year

    Born in the Wild – Tems

    Heis – Rema

    The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr

    Stubborn – Victony

    Work of Art – Asake

    International Artiste of the Year

    Wale – Blood on the Dance Floor (Odumodublvck)

    Skepta – Tony Montana (ft. Portable)

    Chris Brown – Hmmm (ft. Davido)

    Travis Scott – Active (Asake)

    Chloe Bailey – Vision Remix (Qing Madi)

    Artiste of the Year

    Davido

    Ayra Starr

    Asake

    Rema

    Tems

    Burna Boy

    Digital Artiste of the Year

    Ayra Starr

    Rema

    Shallipopi

    Tems

    Davido

    Kizz Daniel

    Asake

    Best Vocal Performance (Male)

    Lojay – Billions

    Omah Lay – Moving

    AnendlessOcean – Gratitude

    Johnny Drille – For You

    Timi Dakolo – Ke Na Ke So



  • Toyin Lawani warns expectant mothers about epidural risks after personal ordeal

    Toyin Lawani warns expectant mothers about epidural risks after personal ordeal

    Celebrity designer Toyin Lawani has opened up about her painful experience with epidural anesthesia, cautioning expectant and new mothers about its potential risks.

    In a video shared on Instagram, Lawani revealed that she has been struggling with severe back pain, spine degeneration, and even paralysis since receiving the injection during childbirth.

    The mother of three expressed frustration over the lack of awareness, stating that doctors often fail to fully inform women about the possible long-term side effects, leaving them unprepared for the consequences.

    Read Also; Motherhood has stretched, refined me – Tonto Dikeh

    She said: “When you hear ‘epidural,’ run. Doctors tell you about the side effects but do not tell you about the long-term effects on your body. I have about three friends having the same issues that I am having.

    “Like, I am just 42, how did I end up with spine issues? I have a degenerating spine. I have implants in my spine. I go paralyzed. I can’t stand for a long time. I can’t even breathe properly sometimes because it affected so many things in my body when I had the surgery.

    “They will not tell you because you just want the pain to go away. I have had two epidurals. I had my first as a natural birth. The last two were epidural. The last one I had an epidural because I had to undergo surgery and I had no choice.

    “See, the pain does not stop. My back is killing me and my spine is degenerating.”

  • Joshua Mike-Bamiloye, others mourn Abattoir actress Flora’s death

    Joshua Mike-Bamiloye, others mourn Abattoir actress Flora’s death

    The Nigerian gospel film industry is reeling from the loss of talented actress, Toluwalope Adegboyega-Alagbe, popularly known as Flora, who passed away on February 4, 2025.

    Flora, known for her captivating performances, particularly in the acclaimed movie series Abattoir, died following a car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in December.

    The news of her passing sent shockwaves through social media, with fans and colleagues paying tributes to the late actress.

    Joshua Mike-Bamiloye, son of the founder of the Mount Zion Faith Drama Ministry, Mike Bamiloye, confirmed her death on X, describing Flora as “a fellow drama minister and a light in this world.”

    Read Also; Motherhood has stretched, refined me – Tonto Dikeh

    He wrote: “It’s been a few quiet days for me here, still struggling to process the passing of Toluwalope—a fellow drama minister and a light in this world. It’s heartbreaking and difficult to understand but even in our pain, we continue to trust Him. It was a short run but with a lasting impact.

    “My heart goes out to her family. I pray the Lord Himself will comfort them beyond what words can express. May His presence strengthen in this season of grief? May God uphold us all till the very end”.

    Fellow actors and colleagues, including Oluwaseun Adejumobi and Tomiwa Samson, have also paid tribute to Flora, remembering her as a dedicated and passionate individual who lived to impact others.

    Tomiwa wrote: “It is a privilege to have shared beautiful moments with you in this life. You have fought your good fight of faith, and you have finished your race! I love and celebrate you now and always, ‘sis mi’, as you fondly called me. Hmm! See you in heaven, our flower. You will always be our flower.”

    Her death comes just months after the passing of another prominent figure in the Nigerian gospel film industry, Moses Korede Are, popularly known as Baba Gbenro in the Abattoir series.

  • Kendrick Lamar breaks rap record for most Spotify listeners

    Kendrick Lamar breaks rap record for most Spotify listeners

    American rapper Kendrick Lamar has made history by breaking the record for the most Spotify monthly listeners ever for a rapper, with 88.8 million listeners.

    The massive surge in popularity comes on the heels of Lamar’s electrifying headline performance at the Super Bowl halftime show, which drew in a record-breaking 133 million viewers.

    Read Also; Motherhood has stretched, refined me – Tonto Dikeh

    The performance featured songs from his latest album, GNX, as well as his hit track “Not Like Us.”

    Lamar’s achievement surpasses that of fellow rapper Drake, who previously held the record with 86.6 million monthly listeners.