The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • American Black Film Festival to honor Dwayne Johnson with entertainment icon award

    American Black Film Festival to honor Dwayne Johnson with entertainment icon award

    The organisers of the 8th American Black Film Festival (ABFF), have announced that actor and producer Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock will receive the Entertainment Icon Award.

    Presented by Nice Crowd, the 2026 ABFF Honors will take place on Monday, February 16, 2026 at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

    The intimate, non-televised dinner will bring together ABFF honorees and festival partners.

    The ABFF Honors Entertainment Icon Award is presented to a multitalented artist in recognition of groundbreaking commercial success in multiple entertainment disciplines including television, film, and live performance.

    As previously announced, the evening will honor powerhouse talent Jennifer Hudson, host of The Jennifer Hudson Show with the Renaissance Award, trailblazing director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield with the Evolution Award, and critically acclaimed actor Damson Idris with the Horizon Award.

    ABFF Honors will also pay a special tribute to the creative team behind the motion picture Sinners — the extraordinary cinematic achievement from acclaimed filmmakers Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian, starring Michael B. Jordan. The event will be hosted by New York Times best-selling author and award-winning comedian KevOnStage.

    READ ALSO: On Ezra Olubi’s nemesis

    “Dwayne Johnson is the very definition of an entertainment icon,” said Nice Crowd, CEO and President Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday. “From his trailblazing career in sports entertainment to his extraordinary success in film and television, he has become one of the most influential and beloved figures in global culture. His journey embodies the power of perseverance, authenticity, and charisma — values that reflect the spirit of ABFF. We are thrilled to honor him with this year’s Entertainment Icon Award and to celebrate his incredible contributions to the world of entertainment.”

    ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s annual awards season gala dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry

  • Creativity is Africa’s strongest export, says Sheye Banks

    Creativity is Africa’s strongest export, says Sheye Banks

    Media and entertainment entrepreneur, Seyebomi Ogunsanya aka  Sheye Banks, has reaffirmed the power of African creativity on the global stage, declaring creativity as Africa’s strongest export.

    Banks, founder of Hevy Hub, shared his views while speaking on a creativity and innovation panel at the Africa Blockchain Festival 2025 in Kigali. He stressed that emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI, and digital tools should serve as amplifiers for African art, culture, and storytelling.

    “AI, Blockchain, technology should be our global microphone – something that doesn’t change who we are, but makes our voice louder, clearer, and impossible to ignore,” Banks said during the session.

    Read Also: I’d have been a Maths teacher if music didn’t work – Tems

    He added that ownership, innovation, and digital access are crucial if African creators are to compete globally:

    “If we want African creativity to compete globally, we must leverage blockchain for ownership, AI for innovation, and digital tools for access,” he said.

    Highlighting the mission of Hevy Hub — his Lagos-based creative-tech incubator — Banks noted that African creators must be equipped with both artistic and technological proficiency to thrive. According to him, the continent’s creative sector holds immense value but still suffers from a lack of resources and structural support.

    “Creativity is Africa’s strongest export. But without tools, support, and proper ecosystems, our potential remains underserved,” he said. “Hevy Hub exists to ensure young African hybrid creators can thrive in a world where culture meets advanced technology. We don’t just focus on building products and stories, we also focus on building the good character behind these products and stories.”

  • Dr Bruce Nwachie set to launch Skinetics ranch in Abuja

    Dr Bruce Nwachie set to launch Skinetics ranch in Abuja

    Dr Bruce Nwachie is set to launch another branch of his popular beauty clinic, Skinetics clinics. In a recent chat with The Nation, Dr Nwachie expressed that the scheduled opening for November 29 was necessitated by the yearnings of Abuja based clientele.

    After 37 years of practice and 10 years of establishing the business on Victoria Island, Lagos, Dr Nwachie in company of his elder brother, Okey Nwachie, Dr. Mike Madukawa and Dr Chuka Imo said his beauty clinic remains the prototype model for running successful beauty clinics in Nigeria.

    Dr Nwachie also expressed the need for more training of practitioners in the beauty industry saying quacks have eroded the industry, hence, the institution of Skinetics academy, where trained beauticians can get further professional training with hands-on practicals.

    Read Also: Why I have always wanted to be a musician – Liquorose

    Mr Okey Nwachie, who handles the business front and administration of Skinetrics clinics reiterated the need for having certified and well trained aestheticians in running a beauty clinic. He said this and many other attributes stand Skinetics out of the lot.

    Dr Bruce Nwachie also expressed that he’s passionate about his job that he can’t do any other thing outside of being a certified Corrective Skincare Specialist.

    “We offer the first and best treatments in Nigeria. We are sanitizing the industry with the academy. We intend to expand to other parts of Nigeria as time goes on. We started with Skin Essence in the United States of America in 1993, while Skinetics clinics launched in Lagos, Nigeria in 2015,” Dr Bruce Nwachie said.

    The boyishly handsome looking skincare specialist also admitted that Anti-aging is the in thing in the industry, hence, the surge in clientele across Nigeria.

  • 10 Ondo brands recreate 80s in stunning retro collaboration

    10 Ondo brands recreate 80s in stunning retro collaboration

    Ten creative brands based in Ondo City recently joined forces to recreate the magic of the 1980s in a nostalgic visual project that celebrates African culture, fashion, and style.

    From the Afrocentric hairstyles to the vintage outfits, the picture tone, and the carefully chosen locations, the collaboration captures the spirit of an era known for its bold expression and originality.

    The project brings together the talents of World Guinness Record Attempter, Ejibunu Caroline, Mercy Ejibunu-Fadoju, Kuteyi Olusola Malcolm, Orisabunmi Olasegha, Frances O. Akinkuoye,  Oyefeso Janet, Mofiyinfoluwa Oguntunsin, Fasuyi Oluwaremilekun Cyril, Peter Omikunle, and Olakanye Olanrewaju.

    Read Also: I’d have been a Maths teacher if music didn’t work – Tems

    The participating brands include Carolaura Hair, Helidiiam Couture, Kayomakeovers, Peteromikunle, Accessories by Apefolaji, Wajuloyaa Photography, Itbobfilms, Fiyinshoots, The BTS Factory, and Elementola Events.

    Together, they revived the essence of 80s fashion and art, reminding the world of the beauty of African creativity when tradition meets modern storytelling.

    According to Caroline Ejibunu, this is the first of a collection of collaborations between young Nigerians behind leading brands in Ondo.

  • Seasoned artistes often get sidelined in Nigeria – DJ Neptune

    Seasoned artistes often get sidelined in Nigeria – DJ Neptune

    Renowned DJ and producer, DJ Neptune, has expressed concern over the growing trend of sidelining veteran artistes in Nigeria’s music industry.

    He attributed the trend to a structural problem, where creatives are pushed aside once they reach certain milestones.

    Speaking on Hip TV, DJ Neptune stated that Western music industries allow veterans to thrive alongside newcomers, highlighting the need for change in Nigeria.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    “In Nigeria, once you reach a certain level they push you aside like, ‘Oya go to that corner, we’re done with you.’ It’s a structural problem. Abroad, the OGs are still as relevant as the newbies. We need to address the structural issues,” he said in a recent interview with Hip TV”, he said.

    He emphasised the importance of reinventing oneself to stay relevant, citing his own approach to adapting to industry changes.

    DJ Neptune said, “Although I don’t plan to do this all my life -when it’s time to take a bow, I will. But what I have just done over the years is that I know when it’s time to re-invent. That’s life. Things are changing so you need to move with the time.”

  • Why I left my crashed car with UK police – Don Jazzy

    Why I left my crashed car with UK police – Don Jazzy

    Music executive Don Jazzy has addressed a police case from his early career in the UK, denying claims he evaded law enforcement after a car accident.

    His former associate Bankulli had alleged Don Jazzy removed the vehicle’s plate and fled the scene, citing the incident as a reason for not including the story in an Afrobeats documentary.

    According to Bankulli, Don Jazzy was involved in an accident, abandoned the car and removed the number plate to avoid consequences.

    “I refused to put a particular story about Don Jazzy in the Afrobeats documentary. Because Don Jazzy was trying to survive in London, he had an accident and the car got destroyed. Don Jazzy abandoned the car. He was coming from a show and he fell asleep while driving and crashed his car.

    “He left the car, removed the plate number and ran away. Why? Because you would pay more to carry the car away from there than to repair it. But look at Jazzy now, he has fleets of cars,” Bankulli said.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    Reacting to Bankulli’s revelation, an X user berated him, expressing fear that the case could be reopened if Don Jazzy were to visit the UK now that his former associate had made the incident public.

    “With this reckless talk from Bankulli, I really hope Don Jazzy isn’t planning a trip to London. They can reopen a 20-year-old case,” the X user wrote.

    However, Don Jazzy refuted this claim, stating he waited for police, passed a breathalyser test and had the car impounded.

    In a response on X, Don Jazzy explained, “Lol no panic. It’s been so long, so he doesn’t remember the story exactly. I actually waited for the police. They came and gave me a breathalyser to determine if I was drunk. I wasn’t but the car was impounded. The fine to collect the car back was more than the cheap car, so I left it with them lol”.

  • Sophia Momodu slams critics over Imade’s absence from Davido’s birthday

    Sophia Momodu slams critics over Imade’s absence from Davido’s birthday

    Sophia Momodu, mother of Davido’s first child, Imade, has responded to criticism over her absence from Davido’s birthday celebration, denying claims she prevented the child from attending.

    In a Snapchat post, Sophia defended the actions, citing her protectiveness as a mother, and slammed the spread of unverified stories.

    She emphasised that her daughter’s privacy is a top priority and warned against sharing false information about Imade’s well-being.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    “You people have been doing this false narrative thing for over 10 years now. And while I try to be as graceful as I can, I’m also a very protective mother. Say whatever you want about me, it’s ok. But leave my child alone. This is non-negotiable. Imade is not a bargaining chip for her mother to conform.”

    Sophia also threatened legal action against those responsible for spreading fake news about her child.

    This comes after Imade was absent during Davido’s 33rd birthday, which took place in Atlanta with family and friends, including his daughter from another baby mama, Hailey.

  • Why I don’t get discouraged by struggle for hit songs – Kcee

    Why I don’t get discouraged by struggle for hit songs – Kcee

    Afrobeats singer Kingsley Okonkwo popularly known as Kcee has stated his secret to success in the industry lies in unrelenting consistency and unwavering positivity.

    In an appearance on Selah Meditate podcast, the Limpopo crooner explained that unlike his peers, he refuses to be deterred by setbacks, instead choosing to focus on producing more music.

    According to Kcee, releasing multiple songs increases the likelihood of creating a hit, stating, “I can drop 22 songs, maybe it is the 25th one that will become a hit. I don’t care because consistency is key”.

    The singer also emphasised the impact of positive manifestation on his life, recalling a time when he and E-Money would envision a brighter future, even in the face of adversity.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    “When me and E-Money were living in Ajegunle, if you asked us where we are living, we would say Ikeja. And we were not lying or pretending, we were dreaming, prophesying into the future.

    “And that was where we eventually moved to. And we dominated it,” he said.

    He added that staying positive and focusing on the future has been instrumental in his success, allowing him to overcome challenges and achieve his goals.

  • ÀKÀTÈ: Ino Moses unveils a new age of Edo cinema culture

    ÀKÀTÈ: Ino Moses unveils a new age of Edo cinema culture

    The Edo film landscape is experiencing a cultural and cinematic rebirth as _ÀKÀTÈ_, directed by celebrated filmmaker Ino Moses, continues to make waves across Nigerian cinemas.

    The film, which boasts one of the most culturally blended casts in recent years, is being hailed as a defining moment for Edo‑based filmmaking and a catalyst for the growing cinema culture within the state.

    Speaking on the vision behind the movie, Moses described _ÀKÀTÈ_ as “a creative bridge between the mainstream Nollywood veterans and the rising Edo creative force,” noting that the production intentionally brought together Nollywood legends, Edo‑based actors, viral content creators, and national stand‑up comedy giants — all united to tell an authentic Edo story with global appeal. “We wanted a film that feels like home, looks like home, and sounds like home,” he said. “_ÀKÀTÈ_ is not just a movie; it is a movement — a revitalization of the Edo creative identity.

    Read Also: Nigerian local beverages to get international recognition, meet global standards – Prof Adebayo

    Working with such a star‑studded cast allowed us to merge experience, raw talent, culture, and humor into one powerful narrative.”

    The film’s diverse ensemble includes mainstream Nollywood icons such as Charles Inojie, Edo‑born film stars like King Zina, and a lineup of popular comedic and content‑creation personalities who bring contemporary relatability to the project.

    “One of our biggest goals was to show the world the strength and talent we have here in Edo,” he said.

  • Black Fab unveils new album  ‘I Like Am’

    Black Fab unveils new album  ‘I Like Am’

    Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Black Fab has returned with “I Like Am”, a house-infused, feel-good track crafted for Lagos living rooms, rooftop speakers and late-night party scenes.

    The song draws inspiration from his favourite kind of downtime—relaxing at home with endless house playlists, slipping into a calm creative zone and absorbing the raw, pulsating energy of Lagos house parties. It is this blend of serenity, rhythm and communal vibe that fuels “I Like Am.”

    In the past year, Black Fab has emerged as a strong cultural voice for the Igala people, weaving his heritage into Afrobeats through records like “Ukpokpu,” the vibrant “Egwu,” and his 2025 project Big Masquerade, which houses fan favourites such as “Ready” (feat. Ycee) and “Oyoyo” (feat. TML Vibez).

    Read Also: DJ Brightstar set to stage Christmas youth tournament in Akwa Ibom

    With “I Like Am,” he takes a deliberate step toward a broader global audience. The production leans heavily into house and dance textures, offering a more club-ready sound, while the lyrics favour universally resonant melodies and phrases—yet still rooted in the authenticity of his identity.

    This time, there are no star-studded features—and by choice. Black Fab says he is “still waxing it with my own family,” keeping collaborations close-knit and organic, allowing the natural chemistry within his core team to shape the record.

    For listeners, Black Fab wants three takeaways: “His music is limitless. I Like Am” is a gift to the world—present and future. Everyone should find their own chakra and be a blessing.

    “I Like Am” marks the next chapter in Black Fab’s evolution—from Igala storyteller to a rising force on global dancefloors.