The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Do2dtun urges DJs, Hypemen to adjust rate cards ahead of ‘Detty December’

    Do2dtun urges DJs, Hypemen to adjust rate cards ahead of ‘Detty December’

    Media personality Do2dtun has issued a public service announcement to DJs and hypemen, advising them to review and adjust their rates ahead of the festive season.

    In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Do2dtun noted that many musicians tend to charge exorbitant fees during the period, which could make them unaffordable for some brands and individuals.

    He suggested that DJs and hypemen should take advantage of this by offering more flexible pricing to fill entertainment slots that might otherwise remain vacant due to budget constraints.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    He wrote, “This is a public service announcement to all Hypeman & DJs yet again. We are getting close to that time of the season where our beloved musicians will charge ridiculously, & maybe some brands & individuals can’t afford it. So, pls adjust your rate cards so you can fill in for them. Hype is alive.”

    Similarly, comedian Mr. Jollof recently criticised the high performance fees charged by Nigerian artists, describing them as “unrealistic.” He warned that the trend could dampen the festive season’s celebrations and urged musicians to reconsider their rates in consideration of fans and event organisers facing rising costs.

  • Zlatan Ibile explains inspiration behind upcoming album ‘Symbol of Hope’

    Zlatan Ibile explains inspiration behind upcoming album ‘Symbol of Hope’

    Afrobeats star Zlatan Ibile has revealed the inspiration behind his soon-to-be-released third studio album, “Symbol of Hope.”

    In an interview featuring his son, Shiloh, the rapper explained that the album reflects his journey from humble beginnings to success. He said the title represents the resilience and determination that shaped his rise from hardship to prominence.

    “When I was growing up, I used to have people I looked up to. I saw people who made it from nothing to something. They used their talent, they hustled right, and got to the top,” Zlatan said.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    “They were symbols that gave me hope. And now, a lot of people look up to me too — including you. I’ve become a symbol of hope to many.”

    Zlatan added that his childhood struggles, including the challenge of affording three meals a day, deeply influenced the themes and message of the new album.

     “When I was young, it was really hard to eat three times a day. The life experience influenced this album. It was like a process. I had to work hard. When others were sleeping, I had to motivate myself and tell myself that I want to be great,” he added.

    The album, set to release on October 17, 2025, is titled “Symbol of Hope”, and the album took two years to complete, involving a meticulous process of recording and refining tracks.

  • Tiwa Savage denies sabotaging fellow female artists

    Tiwa Savage denies sabotaging fellow female artists

    Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has refuted allegations that she sabotages other female artists in the music industry, daring her accusers to provide evidence or name anyone she has wronged.

    Speaking on the ‘Off Air’ podcast, the award-winning singer suggested that some promoters might be using her name as an excuse to limit the number of female acts booked for shows.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    “If you’ve heard from anybody that I tried to block your bag, mention names,” Tiwa said. “Maybe the promoters are lying and using me. Maybe they just don’t want to book three or four girls, so they claim I’m the one blocking others.”

    This came after the singer previously expressed feeling underappreciated in the industry despite her major contributions to the growth of Afrobeats.

  • Mercy Johnson celebrates god-daughter Regina Daniels on birthday

    Mercy Johnson celebrates god-daughter Regina Daniels on birthday

    Actress Mercy Johnson has penned a touching tribute to her goddaughter, actress Regina Daniels, in celebration of her birthday.

    In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Johnson expressed how emotional she becomes whenever she tries to put her love and admiration for Regina into words.

    She described Regina as one of her own children and expressed deep affection and pride.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    “You already know how overwhelmed I get when it comes to you. I have no words as I always get emotional each time I need to talk about you. You and my kids own my heart,” she wrote.

    “I truly understand love and sacrifice since all five of you came into my life and gave it meaning. I love you so much. Heaven knows I wish you well. I love you with every fiber in me, Gina—you are my very own flesh. Happy Birthday, child. Love you always.”

  • US Judge dismisses Drake’s case in Kendrick Lamar feud

    US Judge dismisses Drake’s case in Kendrick Lamar feud

    Canadian rapper Drake has suffered a legal setback after a U.S. judge dismissed his defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s viral diss track “Not Like Us.”

    Drake had filed the case in January 2025, accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) of promoting and profiting from the track, which he argued falsely portrayed him as a pedophile and damaged his reputation.

    However, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled that the lyrics amounted to “nonactionable opinion,” stressing that the heated nature of rap battles often includes hyperbole, insults, and figurative language that reasonable listeners would not take as literal truth.

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    UMG welcomed the ruling, calling it a win for creative expression and warning against attempts to use the courts to censor artists.

    The case stems from the long-running feud between Drake and Lamar, which escalated in 2024 when both rappers exchanged diss tracks, culminating in Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” a hit that dominated charts and conversations worldwide.

  • Tim Godfrey backs gospel artists charging fees

    Tim Godfrey backs gospel artists charging fees

    Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has defended gospel artists who charge fees for their performances, insisting that ministry and professionalism are not mutually exclusive.

    In a recent social media post, Godfrey stressed that fair compensation is vital for sustaining a ministry, adding that charging for performances does not make an artist less spiritual.

    Recalling his early experiences, the singer said there were times he was paid with food items such as tubers of yam and a live chicken after performances. 

    He noted, however, that times have changed and artists deserve fair financial recognition for their work and contributions to the ministry.

    He said, “I don’t like coming. Okay, Coming to Nigeria became difficult because of how artists are being treated so badly.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    “And I want to say it’s all of those stories of why they’re charging? Why are they collecting money? Why are they doing this? It got me so, so mad. I said why are people wicked?

    “What sense does it make that people work so hard, and you are saying they should take… I have collected tubers of yams as honorarium. I have collected a full, alive, living, working, breathing chicken as honorarium.

    “And that is what I’m going to use to pay school fees, pay house rent, and buy property? No. That is so unfair. That is absolutely unfair.”

  • I’ll get a tribal mark at 50 – 9ice

    I’ll get a tribal mark at 50 – 9ice

    Indigenous singer Abolore Adegbola Akande popularly known as 9ice has announced plans to get a tribal mark at 50, inspired by his father who bears the same mark.

    In a video shared on TikTok page, the Ogbomosho-born singer revealed that he wants to honor his heritage and family tradition.

    “By the time I’m 50, I will get the same mark as my dad. That’s what I want to do for my birthday. A lot of my boys said I won’t do that, but, you will see,” he stated.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    9ice is known for incorporating Yoruba language and proverbs into his music and his decision comes as part of his journey to reconnect with his traditional beliefs.

    Tribal marks are a symbol of identity, beauty, and cultural affiliation.

    In an interview with Nancy Isime in August 2025, 9ice shared that he is a traditional worshipper, having turned to Ifa priesthood after a life-threatening illness.

    He expressed regret for not embracing traditional practices earlier, referencing the significance of cultural heritage in his life.

  • Why I hid featured artists on ‘FUJI’ album – Adekunle Gold

    Why I hid featured artists on ‘FUJI’ album – Adekunle Gold

    Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has spoken about his decision to keep the featured artists on his album ‘FUJI’ a secret.

    In an interview on Cool FM, Adekunle said he wanted listeners to focus on the music rather than getting caught up in the hype surrounding the guest appearances.

    Adekunle Gold emphasised that the music itself was the priority, stating, “The only thing that mattered was music, the song, not the optics of it, not who’s on it.”

    By keeping the features under wraps, Adekunle Gold aimed to create a more immersive experience for his fans, encouraging them to enjoy the album from start to finish without distractions.

    According to him, people have become too focused on the artists featured on a track rather than appreciating the music as a whole.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    He said: “Because I feel like I feel like we’re so spoiled now that we just don’t even understand how to enjoy music anymore.

    “When I made my first album, I had only one feature. And was it my one of my greatest work? Yes. So I’m like, you know, I need to go back to simpler times when what matters to me is the music, not okay, who’s on it? Yeah, I need you to enjoy the music.

    “Whoever voice you hear on it and all of that. Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll reveal it later to you.

    “But first, before fixating on Oh, I need to listen to this one because somebody’s on it. Yeah, enjoy the journey. Yeah, I crafted this album intentionally.

    “That’s why I said, listen to it from top to bottom. Because that’s the only way normal people should listen to music. 

    “Why would you want to skip just because there’s a feature there and then it makes no sense. I mean, because I make music and I am very intentional about how I make my music as well. So I hid the feature intentionally because I want to enjoy the music or do all the guesswork you want to do and all of that just enjoy the music. And then you can find out”. 

  • I don’t get appreciated enough – Tiwa Savage

    I don’t get appreciated enough – Tiwa Savage

    Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has stated she feels underappreciated in the music industry despite her significant contributions. 

    In an interview on the Off Air Show, she stated that Nigerians and the industry don’t give her enough accolades, despite being one of the most-awarded female artists in Africa.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    When asked if she felt she had received her flowers from the industry, Tiwa replied, “No. I’m sorry, I don’t”.

    This sentiment comes after she praised colleagues, including Ayra Starr, Tems, and Diamond Platnumz, for their talents and contributions to the industry.

  • Regina Daniels to gift fans N10m on birthday

    Regina Daniels to gift fans N10m on birthday

    Actress Regina Daniels is spreading joy to fans by giving away N10 million to 10 lucky winners for her birthday. 

    In an Instagram post, the mother of two expressed excitement about marking another year of life, claiming she hasn’t felt this enthusiastic about her birthday in six years.

    Regina attributed the renewed enthusiasm to her newfound appreciation for life, motherhood, and her loving family.

    She reflected on how her perspective on birthdays changed after joining her husband’s family, which didn’t prioritise celebrations.

    However, she said she’s now embracing the joy of celebrating life and giving to others.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    She said: “Guys, I know this might turn into a long one, but let’s just call it a little self-reflection note. Believe it or not, I haven’t felt this much excitement about celebrating my birthday in the last six years. Funny thing is, I used to absolutely love birthdays back in the day—until I joined my beautiful family that didn’t really care for celebrations.

    “But I’m happy everyone now sees the need to celebrate life and ofcourse with motherhood and wifey duties that energy slowly shifted. You know this past year has made me realize God has so much in store for me because tell me why a girl as young as I am yet so old in soul is carrying generations while building hers. You see why I say even God Dey do partial.

    “Here’s the icing on the cake. There’s something I’ve been enjoying doing for a while now and that is gifting my online fam… so since 10/10 is my code, let’s make 10 people millionaires. That’s to say A million each. I don’t even know how to go about it, I guess pick randomly”.