The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Kwate releases EP, Shout Out to My Ex

    Kwate releases EP, Shout Out to My Ex

    David Idukomose aka Kwate is making waves with his latest EP, ‘Shout Out to My Ex.’

    The new body of work was released just weeks ago, and the eight-track project has since been gaining traction on music charts worldwide, while earning praise for its artistry and collaboration with industry heavyweights like Portable, Magnito, Big Smart, and Black Jerzee.

    The EP, featuring tracks such as Igho, Shout Out to My Ex, Greencard, Father Abraham, Run Lagos, Bragado, Prettiest Girl, and On Ground Remix, is a testament to Kwate’s dedication to crafting hits that resonate with fans. The project is available on all digital platforms and has quickly become a must-listen for music enthusiasts.

    Kwate’s journey in the Nigerian music industry spans nearly two decades. Known for his ability to fuse Nigerian art and culture into his music, he has successfully taken his sound to international audiences.

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    His recent performance at Davido’s concert in Atlanta, Georgia, saw him captivating the crowd with his trending hit, On Ground. The event further cemented his place as a force to be reckoned with, as fans responded enthusiastically to his performance.

    Kwate’s music career dates back to his childhood in Edo State, Nigeria, and took a professional turn after relocating to Lagos in 1998. His breakthrough came in 2010 with the hit single Party Dey Here, featuring Side One, which became a national anthem across clubs and airwaves. He followed up with another success, Baby Give Me More, featuring Jaywon in 2011.

  • Nsikan Isaac opens up on album launch

    Nsikan Isaac opens up on album launch

    By Johnny Edward

    Rising gospel artist, Nsikan Isaac, is set to release an album centered on faith, hope, and spiritual growth.

    In an exclusive interview with The Nation, the female singer discussed the inspiration behind her music and how her personal faith has been a guiding force throughout her journey.

    At the heart of her forthcoming album, Isaac hopes listeners will find encouragement and a renewed sense of purpose.

    “The central theme revolves around faith and trust in God’s power,” Isaac said.

    “Each song is crafted to remind people of God’s ability to bring victory, even in the toughest of times.”

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    One track in particular, “Mighty Man,” holds deep personal significance for the artist. Inspired by moments of personal struggle, the song emphasises God’s strength in the face of adversity.

    “The track (Mighty Man) reflects the realisation that God’s might can overcome any challenge,” she said.

    “The song came to life during a period of prayer and reflection, symbolising a deeper connection with her faith.

    As an emerging gospel artist, Isaac faces unique challenges, particularly with balancing her multifaceted career as an actress, businesswoman, and gospel minister.

    She admitted that managing her time and energy across these roles has been a challenge but credits her faith for keeping her grounded.

    “My faith helps me stay focused on the bigger picture: using my gifts to serve others,” she said.

    Throughout her career, Isaac has been influenced by gospel ministers who bring authenticity and sincerity to their music.

    While she did not specify individual artists, she said that these figures have shaped her approach to creating music that resonates deeply with listeners.

    “I strive to stay true to my faith and deliver songs that speak to the heart,” she stated.

    As anticipation builds for the album’s release, Isaac’s message is clear: music is a powerful tool to inspire spiritual growth and remind people of the strength that comes from trusting in God.

  • Aduke Odeniyi continues to spread the gospel

    Aduke Odeniyi continues to spread the gospel

    Gospel artist, singer, songwriter, and worship leader,Aduke Odeniyi has expressed her willingness to continue spreading the gospel of God through music.

    Odeniyi, an indigene of Kwara state, who was born in Kano State, Nigeria, began her journey into the world of gospel music at a young age and has since evolved into a passionate mission to spread the word of God through music.

    Aduke’s love for gospel music began in the mid-1980s, where she first joined a choir as a member and later progressed to leading several other choirs. Her desire to communicate God’s word through music became the driving force of her ministry.

    In her career, she has released musical projects that include ‘Oru Mbo (The Night Cometh),’ ‘I Dance,’ ‘Mould Me,’ ‘We Worship You,’ ‘Eru Kosi,’ ‘Nagode,’ ‘Light of Life,’ Emi A Duro,’ and ‘Mo Gbe Jesu De EP.’

    Aduke’s music blends contemporary gospel, traditional gospel, worship, and praise. She has an innate ability to create music that resonates deeply with people, encouraging them to connect with God, while embracing both traditional and modern styles of worship.

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    Speaking on her mission and vision, Odeniyi said, “I am on a divine mission to make known the heart and mind of the Lord Jesus Christ through my music. My message encompasses God’s love, salvation, evangelism, and the reminder of His second coming. Through my music and content, I seek to inspire faith, healing, hope, and empowerment in Christ Jesus. My ministry is dedicated to teaching believers to worship in spirit and truth, to grow in faith, and to yearn for transformation into the image of Christ.”

    Aduke’s content also emphasizes the importance of fellowship with the Lord while drawing many to the Lord with a  vision of unity in Christ saying, “Together We Rise in Christ.”

  • Davido’s babymama makes appearance as Real Housewives of Lagos breaks streaming record

    Davido’s babymama makes appearance as Real Housewives of Lagos breaks streaming record

    Davido’s babymama, Sophie Momodu and Carolyn Hutchings have made appearances on the first episode of the Real Housewives of Lagos season three.

    The first episode of the reality show’s Season three is officially the most streamed title in Nigeria and Ghana within 24 hours of its release.

    Ranking number 3 on the Top 10 list across Africa including Kenya and SA, the first episode set a new Showmax record for the most first-day views in Nigeria and Ghana, breaking its own record set in Season 2.

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    In the same vein, social media conversations on the reality TV show also saw the hashtag #RHOLagos peak at number one on the X trends list in Nigeria.

    “This reaffirms our audience’s love for local content and authentic representation!”, said Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria. Tejumola added: “The Real Housewives of Lagos continues to drive meaningful engagement in Nigeria and across Africa due to its relatable storytelling, rich cultural display and engaging cast. We are absolutely thrilled to present this third season and look forward to an exciting run.”

  • Lateef Adedimeji says free jobs hurts Nollywood

    Lateef Adedimeji says free jobs hurts Nollywood

    Prominent actor and filmmaker, Lateef Adedimeji, has expressed his disapproval of the growing trend of actors taking on roles without compensation, stating that it undermines the industry and demotivates practitioners.

    In a chat with The Nation, Adedimeji reacted to a recent outburst by one of his colleagues on social media regarding the practice.

    He emphasized that he neither seeks free jobs nor participates in productions without remuneration.

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    “I’m not a fan of such, I don’t do it, and I don’t think I’ll ever do it no matter what,” Adedimeji stated firmly. “I may not be able to pay someone as much as they expect, but not paying at all is something I will never do and would never advise anyone to do.”

    The actor further explained how unpaid jobs negatively impact the entertainment industry. According to him, the lack of financial motivation stifles creativity and discourages talent development.

    “It will definitely affect the industry,” he said. “You’re killing the motivation. Everyone with a talent that works needs to be encouraged, and money is that motivation. It assures the individual that if they keep improving, there is financial reward for their effort.”

  • Sex-for-roles should never be an option for an actress, says Adebowale Kehinde

    Sex-for-roles should never be an option for an actress, says Adebowale Kehinde

    Beautiful Nollywood actress and young entrepreneur, Adebowale Kehinde aka MassKennyD, has opined that sex for roles should never be an option for any actress.

    The rising star and graduate of Accounting from the Esa-Oke College of Technology, Osun state, made this known in a recent chat with The Nation.

    MassKennyD said, “it should never be an option for any aspiring actress in the industry and it’s a dangerous path to thread.”

    Speaking further, the actress opened up on bullying in the industry saying, “I have never liked the feeling of being bullied. This is something almost every last child can relate with. For this reason, I have a strong aversion to bullying. So, I try not to overstep my boundaries so as not to create issues with senior colleagues because I like to fight for what’s right and just. There was a certain time I was spoken to rudely by someone I didn’t recognize while at a shoot location. I didn’t respond in the same manner I was treated. I was quite calm about it, not until one of our coordinators heard about it and had to reprimand the fellow.”

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    Explaining how she got into the world of make believe, MassKennyD said, “Right from when I was in primary school, I always enjoyed performing with the Drama & Cultural Group and this continued even in secondary school. After my O’Level education, I met with Aunty Laide Bakare who I looked up to while growing up. I used to call her Aunty Idowu, I told her about my passion to do what she does and officially, she started taking me along with her to film locations. Working with Aunty Laide was so fun and it really fueled my passion to act more. However, she didn’t have a formal training academy. I shared my desire to be trained formally with her, then she took me to Late Dejo Tunfulu who had an academy then”, she added.

    She has featured in movies like Owo Ma Go, Inu Ji, Omoge Jemila, Ago Kan Oru, Omo Meji, Temilade Oniyepe, Secretary, Iwa, Akuko Oru, Itele, Oga Google, Kakaki, Jomiloju among others. She’s currently working on “Okinni” which is her own production.

  • Lord Lamba transitions from comedy to lifestyle influencing

    Lord Lamba transitions from comedy to lifestyle influencing

    Promise Kelvin Anagbogu aka Lord Lamba, has evolved from a Nigerian comedy sensation into a prominent lifestyle influencer.

     This transition, according to him, is a strategic decision to stay relevant in the fast-changing digital world.

    Lord Lamba, who rose to fame in 2019 with witty skits humorously exposing the lies told in relationships, quickly became a household name in Nigerian comedy.

    His creativity earned him notable awards, including the DENSA Award for Social Media Comedian of the Year in 2021 and the Nigeria Choice Award for Best Content Creator.

    With over 3 million followers on Instagram as of January 2025, his status as one of Nigeria’s most popular digital personalities remains unshaken.

    However, a noticeable shift in his content over the past year has sparked conversations about his evolving identity.

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    Once known exclusively for his comedy, Lord Lamba has begun sharing glimpses of a more luxurious lifestyle, featuring trips to exclusive events in North America and Europe, as well as snippets of his daily routines, such as his mornings as a bachelor.

    While some see this as a departure from his comedy roots, others view it as a calculated move to broaden his appeal and sustain his relevance. This transformation is part of a growing trend among content creators who diversify their brands as they grow.

    For Lord Lamba, moving from niche comedy content to lifestyle and travel allows him to connect with a wider audience.

    It also opens doors to new opportunities, such as collaborations with international influencers and brands, particularly during his tours to cities like Atlanta and Las Vegas. Though comedy remains a core aspect of his identity, Lord Lamba’s new approach reflects a desire to showcase a more holistic image of himself. By sharing his travel experiences, luxury moments, and personal routines, he aims to attract followers who are interested in more than just humor.

    This evolution not only helps maintain his relevance but also positions him as a multifaceted digital personality capable of thriving in a competitive online space. As Lord Lamba navigates this new phase, his fans and followers eagerly watch to see how he balances his comedic roots with his newfound role as a lifestyle influencer.

    For now, his ability to adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape ensures he remains a force to be reckoned with in Nigeria and beyond.

  • We need to encourage people to see films in cinemas, says Ogunmola

    We need to encourage people to see films in cinemas, says Ogunmola

    Nollywood actress and producer Bolaji Ogunmola has given her opinion on the challenges of the current economic climate for filmmakers.

    The actress encouraged filmmakers to focus on local audiences and improve the cinema-going culture in Nigeria.

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    “To be honest, the current situation hasn’t affected my career that much yet, but it’s time to look inwards. We need to encourage more people to go to the cinemas instead of relying solely on streaming platforms,” she advised.

    Ogunmola also shared a few words of advice for aspiring actors and producers.

    “Work hard, work smart, have a vision for your life, and collaborate with your peers. There’s no shortcut to wealth—you need to work very hard and pray for grace,” she said.

  • Faithia Williams thanks friends, family for son’s graduation celebration

    Faithia Williams thanks friends, family for son’s graduation celebration

    Actress Faithia Williams has expressed her gratitude to the public for the overwhelming love and support she received on her son’s graduation.

    Faithia’s son, Khalid Balogun, recently graduated with a first-class degree from the University of Lagos.

    On her Instagram, the proud mother appreciated the kind words, prayers, gifts, and presence of colleagues, family, friends, and fans that made the occasion unforgettable.

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    She wrote: “In the whirlwind of emotions, I find myself deeply reflecting on the overwhelming love and support we received for my son’s @khalidgram__convocation. Your kind words, prayers, thoughtful gifts, and heartfelt presence turned this special moment into a memory we will treasure forever.

    “To my dear colleagues, friends, family, and fans, thank you for making it all so meaningful. Your love reminds me how blessed we are to have such an incredible community around us.

    “May we all continue to have reasons to celebrate and reap the rewards of our hard work, Insha Allah. Thank you from the bottom of my heart”.

  • Why premature deaths rampant – Yul Edochie

    Why premature deaths rampant – Yul Edochie

    Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has shared his thoughts on the rising number of premature deaths, attributing the phenomenon to the abandonment of traditional practices and the embrace of foreign worship. 

    In a recent Instagram post, Edochie suggested that this shift has angered ancestral spirits, leading to the premature deaths of individuals.

    He emphasised the importance of returning to traditional ways, highlighting their purity and power. 

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    Edochie urged people to reconnect with their ancestral practices, stressing that doing so is crucial for restoring balance and harmony.

    Edochie wrote: “Too many premature deaths these days. Young people dying in their twenties, thirties, and forties. It is not normal.

    “It is happening because we have abandoned our traditional ways and embraced the ways of the Oyinbo people. The spirits that protect many of us and our lands are angry because they have been relegated. We must go back to our traditional ways, which are very pure and powerful.”