The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Gospel Groove Talent Quest’s winner, Labisi releases Yahweh

    Gospel Groove Talent Quest’s winner, Labisi releases Yahweh

    The winner of Gospel Groove Talent Quest 2023, Esther Olabisi aka Labisi, has released a new song barely two months after the talent hunt competition organised by EeZee Conceptz.

     The gospel act released the new song entitled ‘Yahweh,’ under the imprint of EzZee Conceptz on September 29.

     The Ibadan born singer, who is in a class of her own with her unique sound, describes her sound as culturalist and local owing to her indigenous background. 

    Read Also; Actress Bukunmi Oluwasina flaunts husband, daughter in new photos

    Speaking during an interview, Labisi noted that coming from the Gospel Groove Talent Quest, the academy brushed up her ingenious gospel music style. While adding that her style is a fusion of soulful-folklore and Fuji.

     “Gospel Groove was a grooming land for me. The experience of the house would stay with me for life. The experience has built my career effortlessly,” she said.

     According to a statement by the Eezee Concept, the video of the new single was released on Sunday, October 1 after which Labisi released her EP on Tuesday, November 3.

  • Nigeria Comedy Awards honour Sam Loco, Gbenga Adeboye, others

    Nigeria Comedy Awards honour Sam Loco, Gbenga Adeboye, others

    The maiden edition of Nigeria Comedy Awards held on September 24, but the memories have refused to leave the industry.

     The event left fond memories  with the recognistion outstanding contributions of certain individuals and organisations into Nigeria‘s Comedy Industry.

     Some of those honoured include Sam Loco Efe and Gbenga Adeboye, who got posthumous awards, Lay Wasabi, who got the ‘Revelation of the Year,’ Kiriku, who got ‘Best Comedy Kid’ and Dada Adekola, who got ‘Best Comedy Cartoonist’.

     The winners of the categories each got a total of N1m in addition to their plaques.

    Read Also; American rapper 50 Cent hints on coming to Nigeria on tour

     The event, which was hosted by Kiekie, was spiced with music performances by Tuface Idibia, and 9ice while other performances were presented by Segun Adefila’s Crown Troupe of Africa, Akpororo, and Damola.

     The occasion also saw the Chairman of wapTV, Wale Adenuga MFR marking his 75th birthday while launching his biography entitled ‘The Unusual Biography of Wale Adenuga MFR; A Penal in the Hand of the Creator.’

     Speaking on the award, Wale Adenuga, co-executive producer, Nigeria Comedy Awards, said, “We appreciate the immense support from top organisations who partnered with us to ensure that the event surpassed even our highest expectations. The names of all winners, as well as several photos and videos from the event, are now on our social medium accounts.”

  • Mike Okri opens up on crush for Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett

    Mike Okri opens up on crush for Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett

    Veteran singer Mike Okri has opened up on his crush for Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett many years back.

     Recently, the ‘Omoge’ singer went back memory lane to fondly talk about his crush on the elegant and veteran film icon.

    Read Also; Actress Bukunmi Oluwasina flaunts husband, daughter in new photos

     While watching Editi Effiong’s Black Book, which featured Ajayi-Lycett, Okri fondly regaled friends and family members how he couldn’t help his crush on the actress many years back even as a young man.

     Okri smiled and told the story of how he got a chance meeting with Ajayi-Lycett, and confessed his affections and crush on her.

     He went on to narrate how his expression and confession got the film icon laughing and asking why a small boy like him would crush on her.

  • BoluCello’s melodies resound globally

    BoluCello’s melodies resound globally

    Boluwatife Akintunde aka BoluCello is fast becoming a household name outside the shores of Nigeria having honed his skills in playing the musical instrument known as Cello.

     BoluCello is fast becoming a virtuoso cellist whose music has resonated not only across the nation but has also transcended the seas to enchant audiences on the grand stages of London, England.

    BoluCello, an ABRSM certified musician who is also an instrumental teacher continues to win hearts with his performances across the world.

     From African Magic Viewers Choice Awards to the Headies, and recently the BBC Radio 1Xtra Live show in London where he shared the same stage with Dulcis Ensemble, Libianca, and Compozers band, BoluCello has proven his prowess as a maestro cellist.

    Read Also; American rapper 50 Cent hints on coming to Nigeria on tour

     Speaking about the achievements, he said, “It was a lot of excitement for me knowing I was going to be on a BBC Live show. It was a lot of fun working with these big names and together, we made live magic”. We also heard that this wasn’t your first rodeo on a big stage “Yes, I was a part of the orchestra that played with Omo Bello at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (2018) and also at the Headies Awards (2021).”

     BoluCello’s musical journey began in Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria where he first learned to play the violin at the age of 9 before learning the Cello due to a shortage of Cello players in the church and country at large.  One cannot discuss BoluCello’s journey without acknowledging the profound influence of

     Ademola Daniel Babafemi, who taught him how to play the violin, Jude Olabanji, who taught him how to play the Cello and Stjepan Hauser, the Croatian cellist, who serves as both a role model and a source of inspiration.

  • Segun Arinze: I was scared acting a pastor on the beach

    Segun Arinze: I was scared acting a pastor on the beach

    Veteran Nollywood actor, Segun Padonou Aina aka Segun Arinze has spoken of his fear during the shooting of one of Mo Abudu’s short films entitled;  Iyawo Mi (My wife)’.

     The 58-year-old thespian, who portrayed a pastor in the film, recounted his experience of playing the role of a white garment pastor in front of genuine members of Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) at a beach.

     “When we got to the beach to shoot some scenes of ‘Iyawo Mi’, we were fully dressed in our Sutana (Celestial garment) when I noticed the real Aladua (white garment) members on another side of the beach doing deliverance for someone,” he said.

    Read Also; Actress Bukunmi Oluwasina flaunts husband, daughter in new photos

     Continuing, the singer, actor and voice-over star said, “They were throwing fruits like oranges, pineapple and bananas into the water. As the production crew was setting up, I was so afraid that I started making a silent prayer. As if Mo Abudu read my mind, she just said: ‘You guys are acting here. They are going to be there. Nobody is disturbing each other.”

     The Badagry-born actor, who delivered his role in the Yoruba language, urged actors to be multilingual, saying language should not be a barrier for any professional actors. “As an actor, you must be ready for all the challenges – Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba – you must be ready for it,” he said.

  • STOMusic releases sophomore EP

    STOMusic releases sophomore EP

    Rising Gospel artist, Olusegun Odeyemi aka STOMusic, is set to stake his claim in the Nigerian music industry with the release of his sophomore project entitled: ‘Xpression’.

     According to the outstanding producer, the four-track EP captures his mission to take the gospel of Christ around the world while exhibiting the expression of his heart to God.

     This perhaps explains why the artist chose his birthday, September, 29 to release the project to his teeming audience.

    Read Also; Actress Bukunmi Oluwasina flaunts husband, daughter in new photos

     Speaking on the latest project, STOMusic said that the tracks were carefully selected as they speak to the times we are living in. According to him, in today’s present world, humanity cannot survive without embracing God.

     “We live in very trying times with crime rate going ever increasing, world politics taking a subversive turn every now and then, humanity losing its touch even as empathy has been thrown out of the window. In the midst of all these, ‘Xpression’ acts as a sounding board for people to turn from their ways and embrace the teachings of Christ. The songs are soothing and a reminder that God’s love is the ultimate,” he said.

     Tracks in the EP are ‘Real’, ‘I Do’, ‘My Papa’, and ‘Forever’. The tracks were preceded by earlier releases including ‘I’ll Be There’ and ‘One More Time’.

  • Shizzypee’s debut song No Limitations makes wave

    Shizzypee’s debut song No Limitations makes wave

    Fast-rising Nigerian artist, Peter Oluwadare aka Shizzypee’s debut single entitled, ‘No Limitations’ is currently making waves.

     The song was released on  September 22.

     The Ekiti-born singer, who had worked with popular entertainers in the music including Zlatan Ibile and Daryl, said the song has left listeners feeling determined and inspired for success.

    Read Also; American rapper 50 Cent hints on coming to Nigeria on tour

     On the inspiration behind the single, the Dancehall artiste said it is based on his growth and past struggles.

     “Firstly it’s God. Also my life, music and academy journey also inspired me to write the song. I’ve been through a lot of things like setbacks and failures,” he said. “Through it all, I achieve success in my academic career, so all I just desire and want right now is success in all I do. I realised I failed in the past due to lack of seriousness and right now my determination for success is top notch and I know I’ll get to the top because that’s where I really belong. And no matter what may come my way, there’s no limitations.”

  • You stood by me despite my shortcomings, Ilebaye thanks fans

    You stood by me despite my shortcomings, Ilebaye thanks fans

    Ilebaye, winner of the just concluded BBNaija All Stars show winner, has taken a moment to thank her fans.

    She appreciated supporters for their unwavering support throughout her stay on the show.

    The Nation reported that on October 1st, Ilebaye became the youngest housemate to win the show, she had a difficult time getting along with the other housemates as she got two strikes but eventually won.

    In a post she also extended appreciation to reality show stars like Phyna and Tacha amongst others.

    Ilebaye posted a video on Instagram thanking everyone for their support despite her imperfections and errors as a way to show her gratitude.

    Read Also; Reprisal attack and fleeing Imo communities

    She said: “I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who stood by my side, especially during those times when I stumbled and showed my imperfections.

    “Your support, your votes, and your belief in me mean more to me than words can convey.

    “None of us are perfect, and I am no exception.

    “But your loyalty, forgiveness, and understanding have shown me the true power of a United tribe, Your faith in me, despite my flaws and mistakes, has touched me deeply.

    “To all the incredible celebrities who used their platforms to champion my cause, I am forever indebted to you.”

  • Pere Egbi denies knowing colleague Alex unusual

    Pere Egbi denies knowing colleague Alex unusual

    Former BBNaija All-Stars housemate, Pere abruptly cut short a question and answer video at the mention of his colleague, Alex’s name while denying to knowing her.

    Pere, during the reality show, had an intense altercation with his colleague, Doyin and expressed anger by punching through a wall.

    Read Also; ‘Tinubu committed to developing Northeast’

    The ‘General’ as he is fondly called also fought Alex Unusual over a bed space and he had flipped the mattress while Alex was on it.

    Speaking in a recent video that surfaced online, he addressed his punching through a wall.

    Pere maintained that what he did was perfectly normal behavior, since people occasionally break things.

    When asked about his second fight with Alex, he feigned ignorance and denied knowing who Alex is.

    “Who’s Alex? I’m not talking about her,” he said.

  • I didn’t win BBNaijaAllStars out of pity, I was genuinely loved – Ilebaye

    I didn’t win BBNaijaAllStars out of pity, I was genuinely loved – Ilebaye

    Big Brother Naija All-Stars winner Ilebaye has spoken about the misconceptions that she won the show out of pity by supportive fans.

    The housemates speculated that the youngest housemate played on their emotions and that of viewers to secure pity votes.

    Read Also; Reprisal attack and fleeing Imo communities

    In a recent interview with Lagos Talks 91.3 radio, Ilebaye refuted claims of being pitied stating that she was supported because it’s her time.

    “To me, I feel it’s because they have this love for me; not because I am an underdog. They have this genuine love for me and they know I should be the one to win the money and it’s my time,” she said.