The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Fans, management honour late BBNaija Star Rico Swavey on third death anniversary

    Fans, management honour late BBNaija Star Rico Swavey on third death anniversary

    As the third anniversary of the tragic passing of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) alumnus and singer, Patrick Fakoya, popularly known as Rico Swavey, is marked, his management team and fans have taken to social media to celebrate his memory and enduring legacy.

    Rico, who gained fame as a calm and creative housemate during the 2018 *Double Wahala* edition of BBNaija, died on October 13, 2022, after a fatal car accident along the Lekki-Ajah Expressway in Lagos. He was 29.

    In a post shared on Instagram on Monday, his management team paid tribute to his vibrant life, writing, “On this 3rd anniversary, we remember not just your departure, but the life you lived and the love you gave. In the hearts of those who loved you, your memory blooms like a garden of everlasting flowers.”

    The touching message, accompanied by a photo of the late star, drew an outpouring of love from fans who recalled his humility, musical talent, and advocacy for mental health.

    READ ALSO; CREDICORP wins “Consumer Credit Access Company of the Year”

    Rico’s death, which occurred two days after the crash, had sparked nationwide conversations about road safety and emergency response in Nigeria. The incident was widely reported after fellow ex-housemates, including Tobi Bakre and Alex Unusual, made emotional pleas for medical assistance during his final hours.

    His mother, Halima Hassan, in a 2024 interview with journalist Chude Jideonwo, recounted the heartbreaking experience of holding her son in his final moments, saying, “I was pleading with him to come back to me.”

    Eyewitness Sunday, Michael, an Uber driver who assisted at the crash scene, had dismissed reports suggesting Rico was intoxicated, insisting that poor road conditions caused the accident. Doren Specialist Hospital, where Rico was first treated, also denied allegations of negligence, explaining that medical staff did all they could to stabilize him before his transfer.

    Beyond his reality TV fame, Rico Swavey pursued a career in music with songs like ‘Emotions’ and later established the Rico Foundation to empower underprivileged youth.

    During BBNaija Season 10, the show organizers honored his memory alongside other departed housemates — Francisca Owumi (Season 1) and Joseph Ada (Season 4) — with an emotional tribute and a minute of silence.

    Rico’s legacy, friends say, continues to inspire hope, kindness, and creativity in the hearts of those who knew and admired him.

  • How America impacted my ‘hustle’ life – MI Abaga

    How America impacted my ‘hustle’ life – MI Abaga

    Nigerian rapper MI Abaga has revealed how his time in the United States helped shape his discipline, creativity, and approach to music.

    Speaking on the Japa Diaries podcast, MI shared that although music began as a hobby during his school days, he decided to pursue it seriously after returning home to Jos, Plateau State.

    “When I went back home, I got a job, and right behind the place I was working, there was a studio called Skynet. P-Square had just released their first project then. These were guys from Jos, and when they were still in Jos, they used to dance and mime Michael Jackson songs with a crew of about ten people. They eventually won a competition and got a record deal. Honestly, a lot of us used to envy them. But seeing their success made us believe we could also do it,” he recounted.

    He explained that Jos at the time, was buzzing with creative energy, inspiring him to start recording music with the help of his friend and producer, E-Kelly.

    READ ALSO; CREDICORP wins “Consumer Credit Access Company of the Year”

    “I think there was a lot of energy. People were going into the studio often, and the studio was right behind where I worked. E-Kelly helped me out, and I thought to myself, maybe I can do this,” he said.

    Reflecting on his early struggles, MI said the discipline and grind he learned while living in the U.S. played a crucial role in his journey to success.

    “It’s not like artists were making so much money back then. I had a job at an internet café and recorded in the studio at night. That’s the good thing about being in Yankee—it taught me how to grind. When I got back home, I was locked in. One day, I just told myself, I can actually do this. Then I started traveling to Lagos more often—and here we are,” he added.

  • Uma Ukpai’s ministry healed me of asthma, pneumonia – Frank Edwards hails late preacher

    Uma Ukpai’s ministry healed me of asthma, pneumonia – Frank Edwards hails late preacher

    As the Christian community mourns the passing of one of its most revered evangelists, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, gospel singer Frank Edwards has shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling a miraculous healing he received through the late preacher’s ministry.

    In an emotional Instagram post, the “Under the Canopy” crooner revealed that he was healed of asthma and pneumonia at the age of eight during one of Rev. Ukpai’s crusades in Enugu.

    “At age 8, I got healed of asthma and pneumonia in one of your crusades in Enugu! Thank you for specially impacting the world! You finished well, papa. Rest on,” Edwards wrote.

    The award-winning gospel artist, who has often shared his testimony of overcoming chronic respiratory illness, described the encounter as a defining moment that liberated him from years of dependency on inhalers and allowed him to pursue his music career freely.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Lisabi, 3 Cold Dishes, others earn nominations at 2025 AMAA awards

    The family of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, confirmed his passing on Monday in a statement titled “Glorious Transition.”

    The 80-year-old evangelist, renowned for his fiery sermons, large-scale crusades, and emphasis on divine healing, died on October 6, leaving behind a legacy of faith, revival, and philanthropy anchored in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from believers, clergy, celebrities, and everyday Nigerians, who praised his lifelong devotion to spreading the gospel and empowering communities.

    Rev. Ukpai’s crusades, known for drawing massive crowds across Nigeria and beyond, were often marked by testimonies of miracles, deliverance, and salvation. His ministry’s non-denominational approach promoted unity within the Pentecostal movement, while institutions like the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic and his scholarship foundation continue to impact lives.

    As funeral arrangements are being finalized, his family has urged the public to reflect on Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

    Fans and fellow gospel artists have continued to celebrate his life and legacy, describing him as a faithful servant who “finished well.”

  • GWR: Tacha completes 145 makeovers record attempt in 24 hours

    GWR: Tacha completes 145 makeovers record attempt in 24 hours

    Reality TV star and entrepreneur, Tacha has successfully completed her Guinness World Record attempt for the most makeovers in 24 hours, achieving 145 makeovers.

    The record-breaking event took place at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture & History in Lagos, with celebrities like Alex Unusual, Toke Makinwa, Ice Prince and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Idris Aregbe in attendance.

    Despite facing technical issues, including a power outage, Tacha demonstrated remarkable resilience and speed, transforming 145 models with diverse skin tones and body types.

    Read Also: Why I picked Nigeria over UK for GWR 24-hour makeover attempt – Tacha

    Each model’s transformation was documented with professional headshots and runway showcases as part of the Tacha Beauty Festival.

    Tacha, who became a household name after participating in Big Brother Naija Season 4, is now awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Records, which will verify the attempt before declaring her an official record holder.

    Her record-breaking ambition, she said earlier, was inspired by her desire to celebrate creativity, consistency, and the strength of Nigerian women in the global beauty industry.

  • Why I picked Nigeria over UK for GWR 24-hour makeover attempt – Tacha

    Why I picked Nigeria over UK for GWR 24-hour makeover attempt – Tacha

    Reality TV star and entrepreneur Tacha has revealed why she chose to host her Guinness World Record attempt for the most makeovers done in 24 hours in Nigeria instead of the United Kingdom.

    The event, part of her Tacha Beauty Festival, aims to highlight Nigeria’s creative potential and put the country’s beauty industry on the global map.

    Tacha, in an interview with Egungun, explained that she initially planned to hold the event in London, with sponsorship from NYX, but decided to prioritise showcasing Nigerian talent and creativity.

    Read Also: BBNAIJA S10: Imisi speaks on life-changing victory, appreciates fans

    “The plan was London. We already had plans, we had a brand that wanted to sponsor us NYX.

    “But I said, London is not that country that will give me the vibe I want. Then I thought, see my people, they are here.

    “It always makes sense to carry your country along, I’m putting the Nigerian beauty industry on a freaking global map” she said.

    The influencer has been planning the feat for two years and is determined to succeed.

    She began the 24-hour record attempt on Saturday night, targeting 150 makeovers.

    By Sunday morning, she had already completed 115 makeovers in 12 hours, surpassing the previous record of 113 makeovers in 24 hours.

    Tacha dedicated her effort to her late mother, citing her drive and passion for success as a personal motivation.

    Despite minor setbacks, including power disruptions, Tacha maintained a fast-paced routine, completing each makeover in minutes.

    The event is a celebration of beauty, culture, and resilience, and a testament to Nigerian creativity.

  • BBNAIJA S10: Imisi speaks on life-changing victory, appreciates fans

    BBNAIJA S10: Imisi speaks on life-changing victory, appreciates fans

    Big Brother Naija season 10 winner, Imisioluwa Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and her supporters, saying she is still coming to terms with the magnitude of her win, a week after the life-changing victory.

    The 23-year-old reality TV star described the experience as surreal and credited her triumph to the unwavering support of her fans and the Big Brother platform.

    Imisi also thanked MultiChoice, DStv Nigeria, and GOtv Nigeria for providing the platform that propelled her into the public eye.

    “Exactly one week ago today, y’all changed my life for good forever. I am grateful to God and to all of you. I am struggling to understand what has truly hit me, most of you can see that in some of the clips that made it to the internet from the Winner’s party last night.

    Read Also: Why I’m not married to my baby’s father – Seyi Shay

    “It is my prayer that we will all win together in life, because this journey is forever. To @MultiChoice @DStvNg and @GOtvNg, thank you for the opportunity. I will forever be grateful. Sincerely Yours, Imisioluwa, S10 Winner”, she wrote on X.

    The victory came with a grand prize package worth N150 million, including N80 million in cash, a brand-new Innoson SUV and endorsement opportunities.

    Imisi’s journey in the Big Brother house was marked by her humor, authenticity, and emotional depth, capturing viewers’ hearts with her relatability and resilience.

    As one of the youngest winners in the show’s history, Imisi has received massive public support, with fans celebrating her humility and originality.

    Her victory has been described as a story of perseverance and grace.

  • Why I’m not married to my baby’s father – Seyi Shay

    Why I’m not married to my baby’s father – Seyi Shay

    Singer Seyi Shay has revealed why she isn’t married to the father of her daughter, despite maintaining a close and respectful relationship with him.

    Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, the singer addressed long-standing speculations about her marital status, explaining that their bond remains strong.

    Read Also: Tiwa Savage addresses feud with Seyi Shay

    “It’s a technical issue, you understand? But he’s great, he’s cool, he’s around. He’s Nigerian, he’s in the UK at the moment, and he’s also in the music industry on the corporate side of things. We just work together, raising our child and we are great friends,” she said.

    Seyi Shay further described their relationship as one built on mutual respect, saying, “We are really brilliant friends now. We co-parent really well.”

    Seyi Shay welcomed her daughter in 2022 and has since attributed motherhood for transforming her outlook on love, family, and career

  • How I almost lost my life in June, by Adesua Etomi

    How I almost lost my life in June, by Adesua Etomi

    Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi has opened up about a near-death experience she had in June, revealing that she underwent an unplanned surgery while in the United Kingdom with her husband, Banky W, and their two sons.

    In an emotional Instagram post, the actress expressed deep gratitude to God for sparing her life, describing the ordeal as one that profoundly strengthened her faith.

    “I could have lost my life in June of this year,” she wrote. “I went through a horrific incident that landed me in unplanned surgery. The surgery was ironically the least dramatic part of what I went through.”

    Etomi said she and her family were in the UK for two speaking engagements when the incident occurred. “If even one single detail of that day were different, I wouldn’t be here today. I shudder when I think about it,” she added.

    Reflecting on the experience, she said it renewed her awareness of God’s presence and grace. “Like a map, I can literally look back over that day and trace how His hands were all over that situation. There is nothing anyone can tell me — God is real!”

    Read Also: What Nigeria need to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

    She urged her followers to live with kindness and gratitude, adding, “Let’s be softer, kinder, gentler, forgiving, patient, loving, and peaceful. I will never take another day for granted. Neither should you.”

    Adesua, known for being open about her personal struggles, had earlier this year shared how she battled hyperemesis during pregnancy, supported her husband through surgery for a cancerous tumor, and underwent an emergency C-section in 2024.

    Despite her challenges, she said she remains thankful, using her story to inspire others to hold on to faith and hope.

  • Tiwa Savage addresses feud with Seyi Shay

    Tiwa Savage addresses feud with Seyi Shay

    Music star Tiwa Savage has revisited her long-standing rift with fellow singer Seyi Shay, offering new insight into their much-publicised 2021 salon confrontation.

    Speaking in an interview on Off Air with Gbemi O and Toolz on YouTube, Tiwa explained that the conflict stemmed from a diss track and false allegations that she had attempted to sabotage the careers of other female artists.

    She dismissed the claims as baseless, stressing that she has always been committed to uplifting and supporting women in the Nigerian music industry.

     “I would never do that — I’m so pro-women,” Tiwa said.

    “If you do something to me, I will let you know. I don’t have to let you know online. Like the whole shade thing, I’m not going to pretend like you and I are cool in a salon when you did a diss track,” she stated, referencing the tension sparked by Seyi Shay’s verse in the 2017 *Fvck You* Challenge by Kizz Daniel.

    The ‘All Over’ hit maker expressed shock at hearing rumors that she had allegedly “blocked bags” for Seyi Shay and Victoria Kimani.

    She said, “That was painful, and I didn’t know where it was coming from. Till today, maybe I need to have a conversation with Shay.

    Read Also: Akpabio urges youths not to despair about Nigeria

    “I heard that they thought I blocked their bag. How? If you’ve heard from anybody that I tried to block your bag, mention the person so I can address it”.

    Tiwa also debunked the sabotage narrative by recounting how she lost a major Pepsi endorsement deal to Seyi Shay during her pregnancy with her son, Jamil.

    “When I got pregnant and had Jamil, I was taken off a Pepsi campaign, Longer Throat, and Shay was booked on it.

    “Go back and check it, Shay was a brand ambassador; I wasn’t.

    “I was taken off because I couldn’t snap back in time. So how am I stopping other people’s bags? I wasn’t even mad. I got in the gym and got my body back,” she added.

    The 2021 salon altercation, which became a viral moment, saw Tiwa confronting Seyi Shay over their strained relationship.

    While Seyi Shay previously claimed she attempted to mend fences, Tiwa’s recent comments signal the feud was fuelled by deeper industry misunderstandings and rumours.

    The tension between the two artists, which began in 2017, has simmered for years, marked by subtle jabs and public drama.

  • PodFest Naija 2025 debuts, unite creators, others in Lagos

    PodFest Naija 2025 debuts, unite creators, others in Lagos

    Nigeria’s first-ever podcast and storytelling festival, PodFest Naija – A Festival of Stories, made a landmark debut on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, drawing over 1,500 creators, storytellers, brands, and policymakers for a day of powerful conversations, cultural showcases, and innovation.

    Curated by The Muvmnt Studio in partnership with Eventful, the festival delivered on its promise to bring Nigeria’s most influential voices together to celebrate storytelling, collaborate across industries, innovate new formats, and learn from leading voices shaping the future. From live podcast recordings to interactive brand activations, six themed stages, and a major masterclass on monetization, the festival became the cultural and creative heartbeat of Lagos for a day.

    In her keynote address, Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, emphasised the growing importance of podcasting in amplifying Nigeria’s creative voice globally.

    “Podcasting has become one of the most powerful tools for projecting our soft power and amplifying Nigerian creativity to the world,” the Minister stated. “It is a veritable medium that transcends borders, democratising how stories are told and who gets to tell them.”

    She further highlighted podcasting as a strategic tool for youth engagement and job creation.

    “Our young people are not just listeners. They are creators. They are hosts. They are writers. They are sound engineers, researchers, and digital entrepreneurs. Everything that speaks to that value chain from the bottom to the top. I think podcasting covers everything. Mr. President is really committed to looking at how we can fortify the future of the young people. And the only way that we can do that is by absorbing as many young people into the job market as possible.”

    Read Also: One million streams in Nigeria lesser than UK streams – Johnny Drille

    Tosin Adefeko, Curator of PodFest Naija and CEO of AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency, reflected on the festival’s journey and purpose:

    “When we started this journey, our vision was simple: to tell better stories. Over time, we realized that everyone was working in silos, and there was no platform bringing the tribe together. We knew something had to change.”

    “Podfest Naija was born out of that realization. It’s a festival of stories, a creative convergence designed to celebrate our voices, collaborate across communities, innovate in how stories are told, and learn from one another. Whether we like it or not, the podcast ecosystem is here to stay, and we intend to stand at the forefront of that movement.”

    The festival’s lineup featured over 40 storytellers and cultural icons, including Chude Jideonwo, Tunde Onakoya, Adaora Mbelu, Rufai Oseni, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Masoyinbo, and many others, who led conversations that cut across generations, genres, and industries. Major brands, including Coca-Cola, Sterling Bank, UAC Foods, Bet9ja, Crown Flour Mills, and others, powered immersive activations throughout the venue, reinforcing the intersection between storytelling, culture, and brands.

    One of the day’s most anticipated moments was the unveiling of “The Next Big Podcaster,” an initiative by The Muvmnt Studio to spotlight emerging talent set to redefine the podcast space. Pearllie Hart was announced live on stage as the winner, positioning her as a podcaster to watch under The Muvmnt Studio’s spotlight.

    As Nigeria cements its place in the global creative landscape, PodFest Naija stands as a rallying point for creators, policymakers, and brands to celebrate creativity, collaborate on ideas, innovate formats, and learn from shared experiences, shaping narratives that travel beyond borders.