The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Stella Damasus: How my surname changed from Ojukwu to Damasus 

    Stella Damasus: How my surname changed from Ojukwu to Damasus 

    Actress Stella Damasus has disclosed that her family’s original surname was Ojukwu, but it was changed during the Biafra war as a protective measure.

    In a conversation with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Stella explained that the name change was essential for her family’s safety, as people during that time assumed anyone with the surname Ojukwu was related to the Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and targeted them.

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    Stella also revealed that her current surname, Damasus, is actually her grandfather’s first name, which has Greek origins.

    She shared this personal story to shed light on the difficulties and dangers many families faced during the civil war.

  • Funke Akindele’s “Everybody Loves Jenifa” hits N1.6bn in box office

    Funke Akindele’s “Everybody Loves Jenifa” hits N1.6bn in box office

    Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele’s latest film, “Everybody Loves Jenifa” has become the highest-grossing film of all time in West Africa with1.6 billion ticket sales in box office.

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    Funke took to Instagram to thank to fans and supporters, giving glory to God for the achievement.

    She wrote: “Na God do am o!!!! I am so grateful to you all!!!! I no know Wetin I go write again!!!”.

  • I waited for ten years to become a father, says Adeniyi Johnson

    I waited for ten years to become a father, says Adeniyi Johnson

    Actor Adeniyi Johnson has opened up about his decade-long wait to become a father.

    In an interview with Kunle Afod, Johnson shared his emotional journey, which spanned two marriages and countless years of prayer and perseverance.

    After a three-year wait for a child in his previous marriage, Adeniyi married Oluwaseyi Edun in 2018.

    Together, they spent seven years seeking God’s blessing for a child.

    Their patience was finally rewarded in February 2023 when they welcomed a set of twins, a boy and a girl.

    Adeniyi credited his faith and patience for helping him navigate the challenging period.

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    He said: “The vigil was much. But we thank God that what one has been crying over God turned it into joy. It is a cry of 10 years. I waited for 10 years. Myself and the mother of the twins have been seeking God’s face for a child for seven years. And when it came, God said he wanted to gift me with twins. What do I do?” he said.

    “Whenever I am at home, and I see them climbing on top of me, I am always very happy. I would say thank you, God. Other people buy diapers for one child for us we buy two. We bless God for provision. They also eat well.

    “We did not allow age to tell on us. And we thank God we do not look like what we have passed through.”

  • Femi Adebayo celebrates mother’s birthday with heartfelt tribute

    Femi Adebayo celebrates mother’s birthday with heartfelt tribute

    Actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo is celebrating his mother’s birthday with a sweet tribute on Instagram.

    He shared a video of the two dancing and penned a heartfelt message expressing his gratitude for her unwavering support, prayers, and sacrifices.

    Femi described his mother, Alhaja Risikat Ejide, as the epitome of love, kindness, and grace.

    He praised her strength, compassion, and selflessness, praying for her to be blessed with many more years of good health, joy, and peace.

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    He wrote: “Happy birthday to my dearest Ejide, – Iya mi owon. You are the epitome of love, kindness, and grace. Your unwavering support, prayers, and sacrifices have shaped me into the person I am today. I am endlessly grateful for your wisdom, laughter, and the way you always put family first.

    “Today, I celebrate not just your birthday but the amazing woman you are—strong, compassionate, and endlessly loving. I pray that Almighty Allah SWT blesses you with many more years of good health, joy, and peace Maami. You deserve nothing but the best because you are simply the best!

    “I love you more than words can ever express. Happy birthday, Maami! Eeje ounje omo dale, Insha Allah”.

    Similarly, his father and veteran actor, Adebayo Salami has also celebrated his wife on Instagram, writing: “Happy birthday to my darling wife… you remain a strong pillar of our adorable family. May Allah grant you more sound health and grace to enjoy more in life”.

  • Why 2baba didn’t feature on Plantashun album ‘The Return’ – Blackface

    Why 2baba didn’t feature on Plantashun album ‘The Return’ – Blackface

    Singer Blackface has revealed that his former bandmate 2Baba declined his invitation to feature on his latest album, “The Return.” 

    Blackface disclosed this in an interview with TVC. 

    According to him, he went ahead with the project, which features 18 to 19 tracks, including a collaboration with Faze, another former member of their iconic group Plantashun Boiz.

    He stated: “I have just released the Plantashun Boiz album now called The Return and it has about 18 to 19 tracks. Faze has a feature, but 2Baba is not on the album because he is not ready to be part of it. We already had the time to go to the studio, but they didn’t want to. If somebody gives you the impression that they are not ready to do this anymore, do you keep waiting or move ahead? So I moved ahead.”

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    Blackface expressed his desire for recognition and respect, citing his significant contributions to the music industry.

    “I am not demanding anything, just my respect. I have put in so much work in this game for the people who are even benefiting from it today, for the young ones that came after. I put in a lot of work; you can’t just take me out,” he added.

  • Dele Odule set to redefine arts and culture, says Jike Kosoko

    Dele Odule set to redefine arts and culture, says Jike Kosoko

    Acting legend Prince Jide Kosoko has extolled his colleague, Dele Odule after he toured his costume warehouse in Ogun state.

    Kosoko made a tour to the theatrical site ahead of the shooting of his forthcoming production, ‘Esugbayi Eleko – The Movie.’

    Impressed by the costumes, the 70-year-old thespian lauded Odule for being a promoter of African culture.

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    “Yesterday, I and my team visited Oru Ijebu to inspect some of the costumes to be used for Esugbayi Eleko – The Movie! Dele Odule, who is the owner of the costumes, took me around his Ile Asa complex, a beautiful and proudly African culture complex that is set to redefine the arts and culture sub-sector,” he said.

    Kosoko hailed Odule’s artistic prowess saying, “His experience and training as an artist also came handy, as he designed the complex himself and the arts materials. Dele Odule, I am proud of you and can’t wait to see that complex completed and in full operation.”

    The veteran actor and producer had announced the commencement of shooting the film earlier.

  • Bolaji Ogunmola opens upon career

    Bolaji Ogunmola opens upon career

    Nollywood actress and producer Bolaji Ogunmola has opened up on her blossoming career.

    In an exclusive chat with The Nation, she dismissed the misconception that YouTube movies are of low quality, asserting that the platform has become a significant outlet for diverse and high-standard storytelling in Nigeria’s film industry.

    “People’s misconception about YouTube movies is that they are low standard, but they are not. The platform has given a lot of filmmakers the opportunity to tell great stories and showcase their work to a global audience,” Ogunmola explained.

    The actress, known for her versatility and dedication, also shared insights into her upcoming cinema release, ‘Summer Rain,’ which she described as her most challenging role to date.

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    “Summer Rain is definitely my most challenging role so far. You’ll get to see it in cinemas come February 7, 2025, and you’ll understand why. It pushed me in ways I’ve never experienced before,” she said.

    As a producer Ogunmola revealed the joy of watching her ideas come to life.

    “As a producer, there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing your idea or story come to life. It’s an incredible experience to create something meaningful,” she noted.

    Despite her demanding schedule, Ogunmola emphasized the importance of taking breaks and trusting her journey.

    “I take time off from time to time. I trust God and the vision He has given to me. Like I always say: always a lesson, never a failure,” she said.

  • Timini Egbuson, Kayode Kasum to release ‘Reel Love’

    Timini Egbuson, Kayode Kasum to release ‘Reel Love’

    Ahead of Valentine’s Day 2025, talented actor Timini Egbuson and filmmaker Kayode Kasum have teamed up to release their jointly owned film, ‘Reel Love.’

    The premiere of the highly anticipated movie is scheduled for February 9, 2025, in Lagos before hitting the cinemas on February 14.

    Produced and featuring Timini Egbuson, Reel Love tells the moving story of a love triangle, resilience, and the beauty of embracing life’s unexpected journeys.

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    The film boasts a remarkable ensemble cast, including Funke Akindele, Dakore Akande, Muyiwa Ademola, Shaffy Bello, Bimbo Ademoye, Efa Iwara, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, Hermes Iyele, Lillian Afegbai, and T.J. Omusuku, who makes her debut in the lead female role.

    Speaking on the theatrical project, Timini said it aimed to celebrate the complexities of love and how it can flourish in unexpected ways.

    “This project is deeply personal to me, marking an exciting new chapter in my career. I’m incredibly proud to bring this story to life with such a talented team. Reel Love is more than just a film; it’s an experience that celebrates the complexities of love and how it can flourish in unexpected ways,” he said.

  • Ayo Adesanya shows off dancing skills

    Ayo Adesanya shows off dancing skills

    Elegant Nollywood actress and producer, Ayo Adesanya has thrilled fans with her impressive dance steps.

    In a short video shared on her social media, the 55-year-old filmmaker showed off her playful side as she danced to the trending song titled, Oblee, leaving fans in awe. 

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    Fans bombarded the comment section with praise messages and thumbs up icons while many expressed that her bop mirrored her vibrant on-screen presence.

    Adesanya, who made her first appearance in ‘Living in Bondage’ in the 1990s, is currently on a short vacation to London, United Kingdom.

    Known for her acting talent and versatility, the actress has featured, produced and directed several films, both Yoruba and English-speaking projects.

  • Esther Igbekele: I inherited singing from my father

    Esther Igbekele: I inherited singing from my father

    Popular Alujo Gospel singer and minister, Esther Igbekele, has revealed that she inherited the gift from singing from her father, who comes from a family of singers.

    Igbekele, who made the revelation, said that although she learned the craft from her father, she took it a notch higher with God’s wisdom and knowledge.

    “I inherited music from my father’s background. He is so talented with all his siblings and his parents, they are all musicians. So it’s an inborn talent for me and I took the craft to another dimension with God’s wisdom and knowledge.

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    ” I believe whatever anyone chooses to do must be done well. So I use all my energy in any of my performances. And I also love what I do.”

    While speaking on what influences her lyrics she said, ” There are lots of things that bring out what I sing in me. Some lyrics can be seen in my personality and some from the immediate occurrence around me and some through biblical history and environment.

    On stardom, the singer said, “Stardom has deprived me of so many things ooo. As I can’t just enter a public bus without people trying to call you or seek your attention. I can’t go to the market the way I used to do before attaining this level. I can’t just do a normal street workout. I can’t just go to a general restaurant to eat. So many things to mention but a few.”