The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Ope Banwo raises concerns over verdict on Taye Arimoro and Peggy Ovire rift, proffers solution

    Ope Banwo raises concerns over verdict on Taye Arimoro and Peggy Ovire rift, proffers solution

    Popular movie producer and public commentator, Dr, Ope Banwo has expressed concerns about the joint verdict in the conflict between Taye Arimoro and Peggy Ovire on the set of ‘Pieces of Love.’

    In a letter addressed to Dr. Queen Ebigieson, President, Association of Movie Producers (AMP) and members of the executive council with the title: Re: Formal Concerns About The Joint Guild Verdict In The Taye Arimoro Vs Peggy Ovire Matter – And Proposals For Urgent Producer-Led Reforms, Banwo highlights seven key areas of concern.

    Dr Banwo highlighted the perception of one-sided punishment, lack of condemnation of unlawful restraint, missed opportunities to reinforce producer responsibility, contradiction between ‘not culpable’ and required apologies/undertakings, negative signal to actors, crew and estates about working with producers, exposure of structural gaps – no shared, enforced on-set conduct and safety code and reputational and legal risk for AMP and its members.

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    However, Banwo, who is also a legal practitioner, business consultant and founder, Aixflix360 and Nollywood Fanatics, proposed seven reforms for AMP to champion and these include:

    On-Set Conduct and Safety Code: Develop and publish a clear code of conduct for producers, production managers, and security personnel.

    Unlawful Detention: Explicitly outlaw unlawful detention by production teams and impose sanctions for violations.

    Mandatory Training: Introduce compulsory training for producers and production managers on law, ethics, and conflict management.

    Independent Review Panel: Establish an independent review panel for serious incidents involving AMP members.

    Balanced Sanctions: Impose balanced sanctions for all parties involved in on-set violence.

    Standard Contracts: Champion standardized contracts with clear clauses on working hours, overtime, and welfare minimums.

    Confidential Reporting System: Establish a safe and anonymous reporting system for violence, intimidation, or unsafe practices.

    “I reiterate that I write as a committed, relatively new member who loves this industry and has invested heavily in it. My only desire is to see AMP grow in respect, credibility and moral authority, so that when we speak, the entire ecosystem knows that we stand on the side of fairness, safety and best practice,” he said.

    In all, Banwo requests that AMP leadership review their role in the joint verdict, consider a more balanced reconsideration of sanctions, and champion the proposed reforms to enhance professionalism and safety in Nollywood.

  • Papaya Ex debuts in Nollywood with The night market, salutes fans

    Papaya Ex debuts in Nollywood with The night market, salutes fans

    Digital land influencer, Papaya Ex, has lauded fans for powering her rise and helping her projects attain massive visibility, including her debut Nollywood film, The Night Market, which is now streaming on YouTube.

    Featuring a star-studded cast like Tony Umeh, Tina Mba, Chidi Dike, Sydney Talker, Sexy Steel, Chichi (BBN), MC Lively, Pinki Debbie, James Brown, Hermes, Akeem Ogara, and Rosemary Afuwape, The Night Market marks a watershed moment in the riveting, entertaining and evolving creative odyssey of Papaya Ex.

    Speaking on when she initially realised she had the gift for acting, Papaya Ex said that the desire had been silently growing for years.

    “Honestly, acting has been something I’ve wanted for a long time. I just kept it to myself because I didn’t want to rush it,” she said.

    Papaya Ex further said audience reactions to her skits encouraged her: “Anytime I played small characters online, people would say, ‘You actually act well o’, and it made me pay attention to that side of me.”

    The turning point, she recalled, came on her first real film set: “The day I stepped on a real set and felt completely at home, I said, ‘Okay, this thing is really in me.’ That was when I knew.”

    Moving from fast-paced content creation to the depth of acting, she said, has reshaped her creativity in unexpected ways.

    “It has stretched me a lot. Content creation is quick — you get an idea, film it, move on. Acting is deeper. You have to understand the character, feel their emotions, and carry their story,” she explained.

    According to her, the process has made her slow down, connect more deeply, and unlock “a new level of creativity.” As she defines her path in Nollywood, Papaya Ex says she is most drawn to emotional and culturally rich stories.

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    “I love roles that have depth. Stories that carry emotion, culture, mystery — something people will watch and say, ‘This one touched me.’ I enjoy characters that challenge me and show a different side of me. Anything that pushes me to grow, I’m excited for it.

    “My online community has helped me a lot. When I post a project, the support is always loud — people share it, talk about it, hype it, and give it life. It brings attention to whatever I’m working on and helps the project grow faster. It’s not just followers; it’s real support, and I don’t take it for granted,” she expressed with gratitude.

    Addressing critics who believe influencers often bypass traditional acting routes, the social media influencer responded:

    “People will always talk. But one thing about me is that I’m putting in the work. I’m learning, training, and taking this career seriously. I didn’t enter acting because of fame — I entered because it’s something I truly love. So instead of arguing or explaining myself everywhere, I prefer to let the work speak for me.

    “Sacrifice. Acting takes time, energy, emotions — sometimes even your peace. You give up comfort, you give up sleep, you push yourself in ways you didn’t expect,” she said. Still, she insists the journey is meaningful: “Starting something new also comes with fear, but I still chose it because the dream means so much to me. And honestly, it’s worth it,” added Papaya Ex.

  • Entertainment promoter Obio Oloyejulius rewards recipients in Abuja

    Entertainment promoter Obio Oloyejulius rewards recipients in Abuja

    Abuja came alive on Monday, December 1st, as High Chief Obio Oloyejulius, an entrepreneur, entertainment promoter, and real estate investor, awarded recipients with plots of land during a star-studded ceremony in the nation’s capital.

    The event, described by attendees as unusually vibrant for a weekday, brought together notable figures from Nigeria’s entertainment and cultural scene. Nollywood stars Mercy Aigbe, Toyin Abraham, Sarah Martins, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Saheed Balogun, Jaiye Kuti, and Femi Branch attended, alongside music veteran Eedris Abdulkareem, filmmaker Samuel (Bigsam) Olatunji, and Commissioner DJ Wysei, who curated the night’s music.

    The highlight of the evening was the presentation of special awards to selected individuals, with each award accompanied by a plot of land—a gesture observers described as uncommon in Nigeria’s award culture.

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    Speaking to guests, High Chief Oloyejulius explained his rationale for the initiative. “Awards should not end as something people hang on their shelves,” he said. “If we say someone has contributed value, then the reward should equally carry value. For me, giving land is symbolic—it represents stability, legacy, and a foundation people can build their dreams on. I want to honour Nigerians in a way that genuinely empowers them. My goal has always been impact, not noise, and this is one of the ways I hope to contribute to the growth of those doing meaningful work.”

    He added that his activities in real estate and entertainment are rooted in creating long-term opportunities. “I believe influence should be used for the good of others. Whatever platform I have, I want to use it to uplift, inspire, and give people something tangible to hold on to,” Oloyejulius said.

    Operating from Karu, Abuja, High Chief Obio Oloyejulius has built a reputation as a real estate mogul, mediapreneur, and entertainment promoter. Monday’s ceremony appears to mark his most ambitious public initiative to date.

  • Desperados set to launch December campaign across Nigeria

    Desperados set to launch December campaign across Nigeria

    Nigerian Breweries has launched its Christmas campaign with Desperados taking the frontline in delivering entertainment and festive experiences to young audiences nationwide.

    The campaign, themed Clock the Vibe, kicked off with the Homecoming Party, setting the pace for a month filled with concerts and cultural events targeted at Gen Z consumers.

    Desperados is slated to feature at major December activities, including the month-long Detty December Fest in Lagos.

    The brand will also join Davido’s 5 Alive Nationwide Tour scheduled for December 14 at Eagle Square, Abuja.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele appeals to UK fans to protect ‘Behind The Scenes’ from piracy

    Later in the month, Desperados will participate in Flytime Fest 2025, holding in Lagos from December 22 to 25.

    The festival will host prominent Afrobeats stars such as Olamide, Davido, Asake, and Flavour, and is expected to attract thousands to the Eko Convention Centre.

    Senior Brand Manager, Onyebuchi Allanah, said the campaign aims to offer innovative, immersive experiences that reflect youth culture.

    She noted that Desperados intends to connect young Nigerians through music, nightlife, and cultural expressions, adding that the Clock the Vibe campaign is designed to bring more colour, creativity, and energy to the festive season.

  • Why I’ll choose money over fame – Nasboi

    Why I’ll choose money over fame – Nasboi

    Skitmaker and singer Nasiru Lawal, popularly known as Nasboi, has revealed his intention to prioritise wealth over fame, stating that he will choose financial stability over popularity any day.

    In a recent tweet, Nasboi expressed his desire to step away from the entertainment scene once he hits a personal financial target of N5 billion, citing the stress of fame as a major factor in his decision.

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    He explained that he plans to leave skits, music, and acting behind, wanting his mind to rest after years of working across different creative fields.

    He wrote, “I will choose having money over being famous… I no fit try this kind thing for my next life again.

    “Once my money completes 5 billion, I don’t disembark. I no do again…. No skit, no music, no acting. Make the brain rest.”

  • Bimbo Akintola reveals nine-year ordeal with stalker

    Bimbo Akintola reveals nine-year ordeal with stalker

    Actress Bimbo Akintola has recounted a frightening chapter of her life, revealing that she was stalked by a man for more than nine years, receiving up to 50 phone calls a day along with persistent, disturbing messages.

    In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Akintola explained that she concealed the ordeal from her family out of concern that her mother would be overwhelmed with worry.

    She described the harassment as relentless, with unsettling messages arriving daily or every other day, causing significant fear and emotional distress.

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    She said, “I had some guy who stalked me for a long time. It was bad. I don’t know how it ended. I just noticed one day that he had stopped sending messages. This was over 9 years. He was stalking me for over 9 years. And he would send me messages about the things that he wanted to do or the things that he would do; it was bad.

    “He made me miserable. He would call 50 times a day. He would send messages, graphic, right? How he loved me and how I was for him and how he would do. I never told my parents about it because my mom would have just panicked. But it was for a long period, constant, every day or every other day.”

  • Don Jazzy warns online ‘giveaway’ impersonator

    Don Jazzy warns online ‘giveaway’ impersonator

    Music executive Don Jazzy has issued a warning to a user impersonating him on X, saying the fake account’s actions are “dodgy” and could lead to legal consequences.

    The impersonator had posted a message inviting users to join a supposed giveaway, using Don Jazzy’s name and image, which misled many followers.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele appeals to UK fans to protect ‘Behind The Scenes’ from piracy

    Don Jazzy addressed the issue from his verified account, advising the impersonator to stop using his identity and conduct any giveaways under their own name and photo.

    “Good evening sir/ma. Don’t you see how using my name and image on this account looks dodgy? You can do your giveaways with your own name and pic if you really want to help people. Don’t say they are bullying you if you get arrested. I come in peace,” Don Jazzy wrote.

  • Why ‘japa’ is not necessary if you’re earning well in Nigeria, by Ms DSF

    Why ‘japa’ is not necessary if you’re earning well in Nigeria, by Ms DSF

    Media personality Dorcas Shola Fapson, popularly known as Ms DSF, has cautioned Nigerians earning a decent salary at home to think carefully before moving abroad for work, saying overseas jobs are not always as rewarding as they seem.

    Speaking on a podcast with Jay On Air, Ms DSF pointed out that many people assume working in the UK automatically means earning more, but the high cost of living, including rent and transport, can make it hard to save.

    She shared her father’s struggle when he first moved abroad, working multiple jobs to support his family but barely earning enough.

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    Ms DSF advised Nigerians to weigh the challenges and rewards carefully before deciding to leave the country for work, saying a good salary in Nigeria might actually offer better opportunities and comfort than an unfamiliar, unenjoyable job abroad.

    She said, “People think you’re abroad and you’re making pounds. They could be abroad doing a cleaner job, making however much per hour. You probably have better opportunities here in Nigeria.

    “Do you know how much rent is in the UK? Do you know how much public transport there is? Before you even make your salary, let’s say you’re doing cleaner work or driving a taxi.

    “When my dad first went, he was a taxi driver. Imagine what he was making while trying to take care of his whole family, me, my brother, all my siblings, and my mum. He was working 9 to 5, then 5 to 9… taxi driver, security, accountant, just to make a little money.

    “I get it, like if you make it in the UK, it’s great because pounds are stronger and it’s nice to make pounds, but it’s not like that you really have to hustle to build your way up.”

  • Queen Mercy addresses misconception amid marriage collapse

    Queen Mercy addresses misconception amid marriage collapse

    Reality TV star Queen Mercy has responded to the backlash trailing her recent marriage crisis with David Oyekanmi, rejecting allegations that she is a prostitute and expressing frustration over the online attacks.

    In a statement shared on Instagram, the former beauty queen criticised those spreading rumours about her, questioning how she could have been labelled a prostitute over events that occurred before she became known.

    The Big Brother Naija ex-star also addressed claims that she flaunted her marriage to spite her baby daddy, Lord Lamba, insisting she was simply excited about her union and had no ulterior motive.

    Queen Mercy maintained that she is proud of who she is and will not allow others to define her.

    She wrote, “USA mommy @glogele.fashion, please don’t be upset. The last time I was in the United States was in 2017/2018, back when I was still a pageant girl. I stayed at my aunt’s house in Houston, @mermer_dolly, for a few weeks before going to Florida for my pageant. I wasn’t even famous then, ma.

    Read Also: Why I refused to sign Flavour years ago – Kcee

    “So where exactly did your “USA people” see me and decide I was a prostitute????? I know my family will be upset that I’m responding. I’m sorry, family.

    “Back to what I’m saying: there’s no name I haven’t been called since I left BBN. In fact, the question people ask the most is, “Didn’t you watch Queen in BBN? Wetin I do for bbn??? Dear bbn @bigbronaija, if all stars are coming anytime soon. I’m all in. Talk all you want to talk. If my crime is going to a reality TV show that most of you want to be on, but will never have the opportunity to, my dear hug transformer.

    “I heard someone saying I was posting to pepper my baby daddy. Did you ever see me post my baby daddy??? When I posted my marriage, I was excited, like every other bride. I posted with no bad intentions, contrary to what people are claiming now. If he didn’t post, I would’ve shared my marriage pictures and moved on without anyone even knowing who my baby daddy was. So how exactly was I posting to pepper him??????

    “Some said the Queen isn’t ready for marriage, she still wants to be in the street. Some said the kind of movies Queen act? A married woman, for that matter. Etc. I can count how many movies I’ve featured in. Mommy Toyin’s movie @toyin_abraham, my boss @babarex0’s movie, and a few others.

    And I can tell you all, I’ve never acted in a deep kissing role or an over romantic scene. Pls, if you’ve a movie, I overkissed. pls, y’all bring it. Me sef want to watch the movie. It’s easy to point fingers at me because I’m in the spotlight.

    “Some said I twerk on TikTok, my dear, dancing makes me happy. So twerking makes me a bad person???? Biko, let me head to TikTok and drop another then.

    “Say whatever you want. Because in 2026, I am blocking all the noses in advance. Being a “good girl” didn’t pay. F*ck love. I’m Queen. I’m Gemini. I talk my truth without fear of no one. I don’t have time to fake it or pretend”.

  • Why I refused to sign Flavour years ago – Kcee

    Why I refused to sign Flavour years ago – Kcee

    Singer Kcee has shed light on his long-rumoured rift with fellow artiste Flavour, revealing that he once declined an opportunity to sign the highlife star early in his career because he did not see enough potential at the time.

    Speaking during an interview on Yanga FM Lagos, Kcee said that the perceived tension between them may stem from what he described as a superiority complex, noting that his humility and unwillingness to boast about his achievements are often misunderstood.

    The “Limpopo” crooner insisted that his consistency and dedication to his craft would eventually dispel any doubts about his talent. He added that he had been in the music industry long before Flavour and had already attained success prior to Flavour’s move to Lagos.

    “Till now, I don’t understand the reason for his beef with me, especially that incident where he alleged that someone was copying him. The truth is that when some people had written you off, hoping that you would be stagnant, and you work hard and get to a level they don’t expect you to reach, that was what happened.

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    “I came into the music industry before Flavour. Soso Soberekon brought him to me years ago to sign to my record label. I was already driving exotic cars and balling before he came to Lagos. I told Soso I can’t sign Flavour because I didn’t see potential in him at that time. It wasn’t because I have something against him.

    “I don’t think that was why he is holding a grudge against me. But time shall tell. A lot of my colleagues underrate my talent, and my humility also contributed to that. Because I don’t brag. I don’t need it. But as I always say, time will always prove them wrong. My work always proves every doubter wrong. Some of those who doubted me in the past have come to apologise to me and admitted that they were wrong about me,” Kcee said.