Category: Entertainment

  • 2Baba returns to social media, promote UK concert amid marital drama

    2Baba returns to social media, promote UK concert amid marital drama

    Music superstar 2Baba has made a comeback to social media, shifting focus to career after separation from wife Annie Idibia made headlines.

    The singer announced performance at the OVO Arena Wembley in London where he will headline the Afrobeats Legends Concert on July 26, 2025.

    Read Also: Nigerian youths and the get-rich-quick syndrome

    The event promises to be a historic moment for Afrobeats in the UK.

    The concert will feature an impressive lineup, including 9ice Alapomeji, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Ayo Maff and Khaid.

    Music executive Kenny Ogungbe confirmed the lineup, highlighting the concert’s role in showcasing Nigerian music globally.

  • 11 Nigerian celebrity marriages still going strong in 2025

    11 Nigerian celebrity marriages still going strong in 2025

    In a world where celebrity breakups often make headlines, some Nigerian stars continue to prove that true love can last.

    As of January 31, 2025, several famous couples have kept their marriages strong despite the pressures of fame. These love stories show that commitment, respect, and support can stand the test of time.

    Here are 11 Nigerian celebrity couples whose marriages continue to thrive in 2025:

    1. Olamide and Adebukunmi Aisha

    Popular rapper Olamide and longtime partner, Adebukunmi Aisha, have maintained a solid relationship. They have successfully balanced the demands of the entertainment industry with their personal lives.

    2. Monalisa Chinda and Victor Tonye Coker

    Actress Monalisa Chinda and husband, Victor Tonye Coker, have a loving marriage. They often express their love and support for each other in public, inspiring many fans.

    3. Timi Dakolo and Busola Dakolo

    Award-winning singer Timi Dakolo and his wife, Busola, have built a strong family life together. They frequently share heartwarming moments, showing their deep affection and commitment to each other.

    4. Dare Art Alade and Deola Ayeni

    Renowned musician Dare Art Alade and his wife, Deola Ayeni, have enjoyed a stable and loving marriage over the years. Their union is admired for its strength and mutual respect.

    5. Peter Okoye and Lola Omotayo-Okoye

    Peter Okoye, formerly of the music duo P-Square, and his wife, Lola Omotayo-Okoye, have remained strong despite the challenges of fame. Their relationship is known for its harmony and resilience.

    6. Bovi and Kris Asimonye

    Popular comedian Bovi and his wife, Kris Asimonye, share a marriage full of laughter and love. Kris often appears in Bovi’s comedy skits, showing their fun and playful dynamic. They prove that humor can strengthen a relationship.

    Read Also: Nigerian youths and the get-rich-quick syndrome

    7. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Captain Matthew Ekeinde

    Actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and her husband, Captain Matthew Ekeinde, have been married since 1996. Their marriage is one of the longest in Nollywood, and they have raised four children while navigating the demands of fame.

    8. Mercy Johnson and Prince Odianosen Okojie

    Actress Mercy Johnson and her husband, Prince Odianosen Okojie, have built a loving home with their four children. Mercy frequently shares family moments, showing how they balance fame with parenting.

    9. Adekunle Gold and Simi

    Music stars Adekunle Gold and Simi turned their secret romance into a beautiful love story. Since their 2019 wedding, they have continued to grow together, making music and raising their daughter, Deja.

    10. Banky W and Adesua Etomi-Wellington

    Singer Banky W and actress Adesua Etomi have captured fans’ hearts with their fairytale love story. From their romantic wedding to becoming parents, their relationship is built on love, faith, and mutual support.

    11. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Jumobi Adegbesan

    Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and his wife, Jumobi Adegbesan, have been together for over 20 years. RMD often praises his wife for her support, showing that mutual respect is key to their lasting marriage.

    These couples continue to inspire fans with their love stories, proving that true love can endure even under the spotlight.

  • DAYO AMUSA: I battled depression for years

    DAYO AMUSA: I battled depression for years

    For years, Dayo Amusa has been a household name in Nollywood, known for her versatility as an actress, filmmaker, and singer. However, fans noticed her absence from the screen, sparking curiosity about her break from the industry. Now, she’s back with a renewed sense of purpose, embracing her craft and personal growth.

     In this exclusive interview with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN, Dayo Amusa opens up about her time away, the challenges she faced, and her plans for the future. She speaks candidly about her struggles with depression, the joy of motherhood, and her unwavering passion for storytelling—both in film and music.

    As Nollywood continues to evolve, she shares her thoughts on the industry’s transformation and her strategy for staying relevant. From her upcoming projects to her entrepreneurial ventures and advocacy work, Dayo Amusa proves that she’s not just making a comeback—she’s reclaiming her space in a way that’s personal, purposeful, and powerful.

    You’ve been off the screen for a while now, what informed that decision to take a break? 

    My break was for a good reason. I was off the screen as I needed to attend to nature’s call. I needed the rejuvenating break to fulfil all righteousness.

     Now that you’re back, what are you doing differently?

     I’m fully back to work, to show my unwavering commitment to my craft, working with producers, directors and the corporate world at large. As it has been established, we at Amzadol Productions bring on quality storylines and creative content and we are not relenting on that as my return is a testament to my resilience and determination.

     In one of your posts on IG, you said this come back is personal, do you feel left out at any point?

    How can I feel left out when my break was intentional? Of course not. I was dealing with personal issues then and yes I lost interest in everything that mattered. My career suffered the most as I gradually lost focus and interest in my passion. I ran into my shell and battled with depression for many years.

     Some of your colleagues have gone to make really wonderful cinema movies while some release on streaming platforms, are you also looking towards that route?

    Definitely! It’s a thing of joy knowing some of my colleagues are winning.

     When you welcomed your son, you got a lot of love from friends, fans and colleagues, how did it make you feel?

    I felt completely fulfilled. I have done so many wrong things in life but one thing I have done absolutely right is having my son. 

    How is motherhood treating you? 

    It’s been a beautiful experience.

    You’ve released a lot of songs in the past one or two years, what is your mission with music? 

    I love music. I love to write songs. It’s another way of passing messages across, and expressing myself and my deeper thoughts. I am not giving up on music. 

    Read Also: Tinubu working hard to reposition Nigeria – Sen Nwoko

    How are your fans accepting your music knowing fully well that you are an actress?

     I am an entertainer! Not just an actor. I work for a cause, not for applause. Therefore, I do music to express myself, not to impress. 

    We’ve seen a lot of actors who tried music and failed, does that scare you at all?

     I’m never afraid to fail! So, I’m not scared of failure or disappointment. I think not making an effort, not trying, is a major failure. 

    Do you see yourself balancing both careers equally, or will one take precedence over the other?

     To the best of my knowledge, I think I have been able to balance both. Maybe not equally though. 

    The Nigerian movie industry has evolved significantly in the past few years. What changes have you noticed, and how do you plan to adapt to the new Nollywood?

     I agree with you that the game has changed over the years. A lot of efforts have been made to improve our cinematic elements in general and of course, I am looking forward to adapting to the new Nollywood. 

    You have built a strong brand over the years. What do you think has been the secret to your longevity and relevance in the entertainment industry?

     I would say my unwavering commitment and resilience to my craft are filled with hard work, dedication and determination.

     You’ve been an advocate for several social causes in the past. Are there any new initiatives or projects you’re currently working on outside of entertainment?

     My foundation “Dayo Amusa Foundation” has been and is still active in helping to give a better life to the children, women and elderly. I run other businesses as an entrepreneur. A production company @amzadolproductionstv. A kiddies store @paydabkiddiesworld. A Lash line @dalashpro etc. 

    Social media has become a major tool for celebrities. Will you also be engaging in a trending marketing style like we’ve seen your colleagues do recently?

     Seeing some very outstanding creative content from my colleagues, I definitely will infuse some of theirs while exploring mine.

     What should your fans expect from you in 2025—any upcoming movies, music projects, or personal milestones you’d like to share?

     I guess I would just leave it here and let’s see how it all plays out.

  • Ibrahim Yekini: I’ve lost count of movies I produced

    Ibrahim Yekini: I’ve lost count of movies I produced

    Filmmaker and actor, Ibrahim Yekini has revealed that he has lost count of the movies he has produced in his career.

    According to him, he made so many films that he is ashamed to put a figure to it.

    Yekini accepted that he handled his filmmaking and marketing immaturely due to a lack of master and contract agreements.

    “What I needed then was not the money but for people to see what I was capable of so I didn’t pay attention to certain things.

    Read Also: Abdulsalami Abubakar: Nigerian democracy has survived reactionary forces

     “I don’t have a master to any of the films I produced in the past and that’s because I didn’t have the mind to tell the marketers that we should sign a contract that this film belongs to me after six months because I was scared that they might throw out my film even though I produced the movie with my money,” said Yekini.

    Speaking on how he transitioned to film directing he said: “Don Richard used to be my director back in the days but we had a misunderstanding when I shot a certain movie, the marketers requested for Part Two, I couldn’t reach out to him, so I took up the courage to direct the part two myself.”

  • Music makes me feel really good,– 1da Banton

    Music makes me feel really good,– 1da Banton

    Nigerian Afro-dancehall star, 1da Banton, has said music makes him feel really good.

    In a chat with Apple Music 1, the singer, whose EP, ‘Walk with me,’ is currently buzzing, said he has been intentional with every one of his moves.

    Read Also: JP Morgan delegation arrives Nigeria to explore investment opportunities

    1da Banton, who was brought up in Port Harcourt said, “Intentionality is a big part of my moves because it’s a natural thing for me. I’ve always been laid back and humble. I’m just chilled; I like peace a lot. I’m always just chilling and making music. I really love to make music; the business aside. That’s why I learned how to produce music because I’m always in the studio making amazing music. It makes me feel really good.”

    1da Banton is popular for his hit song, ‘No Wahala,’ which also featured Tiwa Savage on the remix.

  • I can’t have true friendship with Carolyna, says Laura Ikeji

    I can’t have true friendship with Carolyna, says Laura Ikeji

    On a recent episode of The Real Housewives of Lagos, Season 3, Laura Ikeji shed light on her strained relationship with fellow cast member Carolyna Hutchings.

    At a spa, Laura told Mariam Timmer that she can’t have a true friendship with Carolyna saying, “I don’t have anything against Carolyna. But we can’t have a true friendship.”

    Despite her acknowledgement of Carolyna’s apology and her desire for a conversation, the statement suggests that Laura may still harbour reservations about their relationship.

    During a visit to Adeola Adeyemi Diiadem’s Beauty Store, Beauty By AD, Mariam Timmer asked about Laura’s stance on apologising, considering Carolyna’s public apology.

    Read Also: Pomegranate Nigeria supports road safety

    Laura, while appreciative of Carolyna’s gesture, candidly stated, “I’m not quick to apologise.” She emphasised her preference for direct, in-person conversations, explaining that she and Carolyna were yet to have an opportunity to properly address their Season Two conflicts.

    “Now that she has apologised in public, I would rather have this conversation with Carolyna. That’s the first time I have seen her in three years. We have not had time to reflect. We were also in a bad place,” she said.

  • Obesere’s band boys get land, house

    Obesere’s band boys get land, house

    Renowned Fuji musician, Abass Akande Obesere, has fulfilled his promise by gifting one of his longtime band members, Sarafadeen Salaudeen, a brand-new house.

    The veteran singer made a generous gesture during his 60th birthday celebration in Lagos, marking the occasion with an act of gratitude toward his loyal team.

    Read Also: Nigerian women key to Africa’s projected $29tn economy by 2050 – Shettima

    Obesere had previously announced his intention to reward his band members with landed properties and gift a mansion to one of them. “I will be commissioning two houses in Lekki, while three are located in Ibadan,” he revealed. “I’ll also be giving landed property to all my backup singers and surprising someone with a mansion.”

    True to his word, the music icon named Salaudeen as the lucky recipient of the house during his birthday speech, fulfilling a promise that underscores his appreciation for those who have contributed to his success.

    Obesere’s gesture upholds his legacy as a leader who values loyalty and dedication.

  • Teju Ajayi opens up on ‘Discover Lagos’ documentary

    Teju Ajayi opens up on ‘Discover Lagos’ documentary

    Teju Ajayi, a highflying architect has opened up on his recent project, ‘Discover Lagos.’

    In a recent chat, Ajayi shed more light on the forthcoming six-part documentary titled ‘Discover Lagos.’

    Having painstakingly curated an entertaining, yet enlightening documentary drama, Ajayi is set to showcase the exciting attractions that make Lagos one of the most dynamic cities in Africa.

    Ajayi revealed how far the project has come and why the highly anticipated initiative, which was announced almost a year ago, took such a long time to build following the initial announcement.

    On what the project is all about, he said, “This initiative serves as a documentary to give the world insight into Lagos’s developments, providing potential visitors with an idea of what to expect. Whether you’re coming for ‘Detty December,’ summer, or any other holiday, ‘Discover Lagos,’ offers a preview of the vibrant experiences that await, with a variety of attractions that cater to different interests. From historical landmarks, and entertainment to natural wonders, the city has something for everyone.”

    Read Also: ‘Underage mothers, diseases, delayed healthcare access contributing to maternal mortality in Nigeria’

    Continuing, Ajayi said, “The objective of ‘Discover Lagos,’ is to serve as a platform to showcase the city’s vibrant culture, rich history, and exciting attractions, promoting tourism and attracting visitors from around the world. It also aims to inform Lagosians, Africans, and the rest of the world about what the state government is doing to promote the city. Discover Lagos has been to Europe, Canada, United Kingdom and America, engaging Diasporans and highlighting Lagos’s developments.”

    Many people are unaware of the advancements they’ve left behind for instance, the Lagos metro lines, the use of a cowry cards similar to London’s Oyster card, and the ease of payments with the Lagos Resident card which serves as a wallet and could be used as a credit card for cash withdrawals at Automated Teller Machines (ATM).”

  • Mr. Dolor aims to shatter Guinness World Record with 50-hour comedy

    Mr. Dolor aims to shatter Guinness World Record with 50-hour comedy

    Stand-Up comedian, Dolor Kevwe Obarkere aka Mr. Dolor is set to attempt a historic feat by performing a non-stop comedy show for 50 hours.

    The three-day event, scheduled for February 27 to March 1, 2025, will take place at Pepperoni Fast Food in Ajah, Lagos.

    Mr. Dolor is appealing for public support to help him break the current record, held by an American since 2013.

    Read Also: Nigerian women key to Africa’s projected $29tn economy by 2050 – Shettima

    The event, according to Mr Dolor, would be free, and donations would be appreciated to cover logistics.

    “I’m calling on all media houses, blogs, companies, government, and individuals to support this historic event. Join the Mr Dolor Guinness World Record Marathon Comedy Show and be a part of this record-breaking attempt. I will be the next breaker from Nigeria come March 1, 2025, said Mr. Dolor,” he said.

  • TIFF celebrates 50th anniversary with 50 films

    TIFF celebrates 50th anniversary with 50 films

    The Toronto International Film Festival is set to mark a major milestone in 2025 as it celebrates the 50th edition of its Festival with a once-in-a-lifetime marquee series titled The TIFF Story in 50 Films.

    Curated by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, with input and insight from TIFF programmers past and present, this series will showcase 50 landmark films from around the world that played a significant role in connecting with audiences, and reflect the story of TIFF.

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    “The TIFF Story in 50 Films is more than a retrospective — it’s a celebration of the landmark moments that have defined our Festival’s legacy,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF.

    “Curating this series has been a labour of love, poring over decades of Festival programme books to select 50 films that reflect five decades of TIFF’s taste, eye for new talent, and passion for bringing groundbreaking cinema to our audience. While so many more films have been integral to TIFF’s story and illustrate our current narrative, I’m excited to share the full list in the months ahead and to revisit the memories and enduring impact these films have had on all of us.”