Category: Entertainment

  • Judith Audu Productions unveils cast EVI

    Judith Audu Productions unveils cast EVI

    Judith Audu Productions, in collaboration with Switch Visuals Productions, Signet Rings Productions, and NOI Productions, has announced the upcoming release of the compelling new musical film entitled ‘EVI’.

    Written and directed by Uyoyou Adia, and powered by CCHUB in partnership with Africa No Filter and the Gates Foundation, the movie explores themes of arrogance, addiction, humility, and the difficult road to self-discovery and second chances.

    ‘EVI’ tells the story of Evi-Oghene Donalds, a fiercely talented but notoriously arrogant rising star in the music industry. Her world shatters when her record label goes bankrupt, leaving her with nothing. Forced to trade the spotlight for a lounge stage and a waitressing job, Evi begins the painful process of rebuilding her life.

    Read Also: Five strongest currencies in Africa as of January 2026

    Her only hope lies with Kola Adeloye, a once-respected talent manager now battling severe alcohol and gambling addictions. Their desperate, complicated partnership becomes a journey of mutual redemption, testing the limits of loyalty when Evi’s career miraculously takes off once more.

    The film features a stellar cast, including Osas Okonyon, who takes on the titular role of Evi, Uzor Arukwe, Omowunmi Dada, Ibrahim Suleiman, Waje Iruobe, Tomiwa Tegbe, and Femi Branch, among others.

    Speaking on her role as lead actress, Okonyon said; “Stepping into the world of ‘EVI’ for my first feature role has been a transformative experience. Evi’s journey is a powerful reminder that talent is only half the story—humility and who you choose to bring along are just as important. It’s a privilege to debut with a character that has so much heart and an inspiring arc of redemption.”

    Also speaking, producer of the flick, Judith Audu, said that ‘EVI’ is more than just a story about the music industry; it’s a deep dive into the cost of arrogance and the profound value of loyalty and resilience.

    The film is set to start showing in cinemas across Nigeria on March 27, 2026.

  • How Airo Uche turned music, nature, and community into a movement

    How Airo Uche turned music, nature, and community into a movement

    Airo Uche recently hosted an experience session to unveil his latest single, ‘Apple of my eyes.’ The venue was Grillz by Waterside and the experience was one that would gently disrupt the ordinary and replace it with something richer, more intentional, and deeply human. Using music as both the anchor and the conversation starter, the event explored lifestyle, connection, and the possibility of sparking a new cultural rhythm rooted in authenticity.

    At the heart of the gathering was ‘Apple of My Eyes,’ Airo Uche’s latest single. Introduced in a space designed for natural connection, the song found its audience exactly where it belonged, among friends, families, and fans who were ready to receive it without pretense.

    Read Also: Senate orders fresh review of Electoral Act amendments, sets up 48-hour ad hoc panel

    A mid-tempo love theme, ‘Apple of My Eyes’ celebrates intimacy, appreciation, and the quiet power of choosing one another every day. It speaks to couples, partners, and anyone who understands that love is both tender and deliberate.

    The song’s reception was immediate and affirming. As it played, reactions unfolded in real time, smiles, nods, shared glances, and moments of reflection. For Airo Uche and his team, this was the true value of a listening session: the chance to witness honest responses, gather unfiltered feedback, and fine-tune creative decisions before taking the music to a wider audience. The experience reinforced their confidence in the project and fueled a renewed commitment to pushing Apple of My Eyes with greater energy and purpose.

    Airo Uche describes his artistry as a constant evolution. His sound grows as he grows, shaped by everyday experiences and universal emotions. Love, he believes, has no expiration date, people fall in love and are loved every single day. His music aims to represent all times, offering something listeners can return to whenever they need comfort, joy, or reassurance.

  • Dr. Wilson Joel joins Yivera board

    Dr. Wilson Joel joins Yivera board

    Yivera Co, a global music technology and digital distribution company focused on empowering independent artists and rights holders, has appointed Nigerian music executive, Dr. Wilson Joel, to its Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director.

    The appointment took effect on December 8, 2025.

    The appointment marks a strategic move by the company as it prepares to roll out Yivera 2.0, aimed at strengthening its governance structure, expanding its global outlook and deepening its influence within the international music industry.

    Dr. Joel, popularly known as MusicMagnate, is a Nigerian-born, United States–based media entrepreneur and music business leader with over 20 years of international experience.

    Read Also: Five strongest currencies in Africa as of January 2026

    He is widely respected for his creative and executive leadership, having served for nine years as Music Director of House on the Rock’s The Experience Lagos, widely regarded as the largest gospel concert in the world.

    In his new role, Dr. Joel is expected to provide strategic direction and independent oversight to Yivera’s management, contribute to board deliberations, ensure adherence to global governance and compliance standards, and support the company’s growth through his extensive international network. He will also play a key role in championing fairness, transparency and improved compensation for African creators in the global music ecosystem.

    Announcing the appointment, Yivera’s Chief Executive Officer, Martins Okonkwo, described it as a major milestone. “Dr. Wilson Joel’s experience with global institutions such as Universal Music Group and Sony Music, combined with his creative work reaching over 40 million listeners worldwide, brings exceptional depth to our Board as we expand across Africa, North America and beyond,” he said.

    Dr. Joel’s portfolio spans music production, film scoring and live concert direction. He has contributed to Nollywood productions such as Tango with Me and Hakkunde, and produced the Nigerian National Anthem for EbonyLife Television. His honours include a Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Music and Management and multiple industry awards.

  • Peller to abandon school over income

    Peller to abandon school over income

    TikTok content creator, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has announced the decision to postpone his university education, just days after celebrating his admission to study law at a private university in Lagos State.

    Peller, during a live session o TikTok, cited financial constraints for the decision, stating that attending school will affect his income.

    He expressed frustration at spending hours in class without earning money.

    Peller also said he will feel out of place among his older classmates, describing himself as the youngest person in the class.

    “Guys, I swear to God, I remember I said I am going to school… I am not going again. I am not going again,” he said.

    Read Also: Court remands NEDC’s project coordinator Mohammed, one other in prison over alleged N5b fraud

    “I just remember, I was inside class for four hours. I didn’t make any money. I will write, I will look, I will play, not making anything. God forbid. I am not doing that one again,” he said.

    “When I enter the school, I notice that everyone is old, I am the only young blood there,” he added.

    “So I need to go old. Maybe when I clock like 30, 40 years, I will now go to school. Please cancel everything. I am tired,” he said.

    The decision marks a reversal from his recent public celebration of securing admission into a law programme, where he had expressed excitement and responded to critics who mocked his educational background.

    “Everyone has been criticising me for not being educated, as if I’m the first person who didn’t attend university. Now, all of you should leave social media, because I’m in school.

    “I’m now studying law. You can see it, right? You can’t mess with me anymore. I know the law,” he added.

  • Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” surpasses N2.4bn at Box Office

    Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” surpasses N2.4bn at Box Office

    Filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele‘s film “Behind The Scenes” has grossed N2.407 billion at the box office.

    The film has become the highest-grossing film of the year and the highest-grossing film of the weekend.

    Filmone, the film’s distributor, credited fan support for the film’s success, stating that the achievement would not have been possible without audience enthusiasm.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Turkey deepen defence ties as DICON-D7G unlocks advanced Military manufacturing

    “The Queen of Box Office for a reason!! Celebrating yet another incredible milestone and we’re so sure we wouldn’t have done this without you and your love.

    “Behind The Scenes hits a whopping N2.4B making it the Highest Grossing Film of the Year and The Highest Grossing Film of the Weekend. Thank you to everyone for the love and support so far,” the caption reads.

  • Actor Gideon Okeke slams neglect of film industry amid Afrobeats success

    Actor Gideon Okeke slams neglect of film industry amid Afrobeats success

    Actor Gideon Okeke has criticised the entertainment industry for prioritising Afrobeats stars over actors, actresses, and filmmakers.

    In a video on Instagram, Okeke questioned why musicians receive global recognition while Nollywood professionals are overlooked.

    He referenced top music stars, wondering if they would acknowledge Nollywood talents if they looked beyond their circle.

    Okeke noted that despite Afrobeat’s global attention, Nigerian films lack international exposure and endorsements, stating that influential figures aren’t promoting Nollywood.

    “You know how we carry our Afrobeat music on our head. Big three, big five, big this. We idolise and worship ourselves,” he said.

    “What’s going to happen if your big three, big five, or whoever big over there, come down to look around and see your cousins on the other side of the media hemisphere and say, ah, you see that bros over that side? He’s bad. That babe, bad” he asked.

    Read Also: Tinubu opened political space for young Nigerians – City Boy Movement DG

    “Una no dey watch Nigerian films, all of una, una know yourself. Una watch Nigerian film? Beat yourself on the chest, you know yourself,” he said in pidgin.

    Okeke urged musicians and influential figures to promote Nollywood, citing former US President Barack Obama’s annual music endorsements.

    “Since when Obama sit down for presidential seat, na every year Obama dey endorse una, every year, it will come out. He will publish his best music, una name no dey fall inside? Abi no be so?” he asked.

    “Nigerian films never, ever move like that before,” he said.

    He stressed that collective progress benefits everyone, lamenting the lack of unity within the creative industry.

    “Nobody owes you anything, and you don’t owe anybody anything,” he said, urging entertainers to support their own.

  • Do2dtun leads over 20 OAPs in championing black fab’s ‘Soundyard Vol 1’

    Do2dtun leads over 20 OAPs in championing black fab’s ‘Soundyard Vol 1’

    The Nigerian music industry witnessed a potentially historic moment as media heavyweight Do2dtun gathered over 20 of Lagos’s most influential on-air personalities for an exclusive preview of Black Fab’s debut project Soundyard Vol 1. 

    What emerged from the session was not just enthusiasm for new music but a collective commitment from Nigeria’s media gatekeepers to champion an artist they believe represents the future of Nigerian sound.

    “I’m pleading with everyone to adopt Black Fab as our own,” Do2dtun told the assembled media professionals, which included Taymi B, Moni, OTB, RnB, Louie, Arthur, Alimat, Kolade, Cheche Smith, DJ Rabbit, Chichi Ella, Grand Prince, Real Skillz, Timi, Charity, Kemismallz, Emmanuella Odiatu, Yaw, and Fola. 

    “This music is the reason I’m getting back in the music business. The sound is so refreshing. I’m excited about where this journey is headed.”

    The call to action from Do2dtun resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom have spent decades navigating Nigeria’s complex music industry. 

    After previewing tracks including “I Like Am,” “Away” (releasing January 30th), “Ufedo,” and “Keep On Moving,” the consensus was clear: Black Fab’s Soundyard Vol 1 merits extraordinary support.

    “Do2dtun’s plea wasn’t necessary—we were already sold,” revealed Beat FM’s Kemismallz. “‘I Like Am’ alone would have been enough to get my attention, but when you hear the full scope of Soundyard Vol 1, you realize you’re witnessing something special. This is the kind of project that reminds you why you got into media in the first place.”

    Attendees have begun coordinating support strategies, ensuring maximum visibility for Black Fab’s music across platforms. The collaborative approach—rare in Nigeria’s often competitive media landscape—underscores the unique impact of Soundyard Vol 1.

    “We’re not just talking about individual stations playing Black Fab’s music,” explained Inspiration FM’s Taymi B. “We’re discussing a coordinated ecosystem of support—interviews, features, playlist placements, social media amplification. ‘Away’ drops January 30th, and you’ll see what unified media support looks like in the Nigerian context.”

    The project’s lead single strategy has also generated discussion. While “Away” will serve as the next official single, industry insiders suggest tracks like “Keep On Moving” and “Ufedo” could receive simultaneous promotional pushes due to their distinct appeal to different audience segments.

    “‘Keep On Moving’ speaks to a more introspective audience, while ‘Ufedo’ has that celebratory energy perfect for peak radio hours,” analyzed Splash FM’s Moni. “Black Fab has created a project with multiple entry points, which is strategically brilliant. Every listener will find their favorite track, which means organic word-of-mouth will amplify whatever we do officially.”

    DJ Rabbit, whose playlist selections often predict commercial success, confirmed he’s already building mixes around Soundyard Vol 1 tracks. “I haven’t been this excited about new music in years,” he admitted. “The production quality, the songwriting, the vocal performance—everything about this project hits the mark. When ‘Away’ drops on January 30th, I’m ready.”

    Read Also: 15 million Nigerians use drugs, says NDLEA

    Lagos Talks’ Kolade contextualized Black Fab’s emergence within broader industry trends. “Nigerian music has achieved global recognition, but there’s always the question of what comes next,” he observed. “Black Fab represents an evolution—maintaining the Afrobeats foundation while pushing sonic boundaries. Soundyard Vol 1 feels like an answer to that ‘what’s next’ question.”

    Industry consultant Arthur suggested the listening session itself represented a new model for artist development. “Rather than the traditional approach of releasing music and hoping for media pickup, Black Fab’s team invested in relationship-building first,” he explained. “By bringing together this specific group and allowing us to experience the music together, they’ve created built-in advocates. It’s strategic brilliance.”

    With confirmed release dates—”Away” on January 30th and the full Soundyard Vol 1 project expected in Q1 2025—Black Fab enters the year with institutional support from Nigeria’s media establishment. Do2dtun’s passionate endorsement, combined with coordinated commitments from over 20 influential OAPs, positions the artist for what could be one of 2025’s most significant breakthrough stories.

    “This is what happens when genuine artistry meets strategic industry engagement,” summarized The Beat’s Fola. “Black Fab has created music that doesn’t need artificial hype—it speaks for itself. Our job now is simply to make sure Nigeria hears it.”

  • Tonto Dikeh shares testimony on faith, forgiveness after reconciliation with ex-husband

    Tonto Dikeh shares testimony on faith, forgiveness after reconciliation with ex-husband

    Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has taken to social media to share a personal testimony on her spiritual journey, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness.

    Her reflection follows a recent reconciliation with her ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill, ending a decade-long public feud.

    Dikeh credited God for healing their relationship and restoring peace between them.

    Describing herself as a vessel for God’s love and mercy, the actress expressed gratitude for the inner peace and joy she now experiences.

    She also spoke on the process of spiritual growth, noting that God often breaks and rebuilds individuals, removing negative traits and reshaping their character for a higher purpose.

    Dikeh wrote, “I am that woman the Lord has shown mercy. I am that woman who stands as living proof that God never fails. I am that woman who knows who she is and whose she is.

    Read Also: 2026 Grammy Awards: Clipse and Pharrell set to duet

    “I am a living, breathing incubated prophecy of God. I am that woman who carries a peace that defies logic and understanding. I’ve got joy that makes no sense. I am that woman who has tasted the weight of God’s love; nothing compares to it. His power, His beauty, His anointing.

    “I am that woman called and fashioned as an Esther-mandated vessel, set apart for such a time as this. I am that woman whose greatest pursuit is to know her God more and more.

    “I have learned that there is no true salvation without God first breaking you, then rebuilding you in His image. In the process, He cleanses you, purges you, and strips away hate, bitterness, pride, and unforgiveness until only His nature remains.

    “And if my life speaks at all, it is a canvas of God’s unending love, mercy, and faithfulness”.

    Dikeh encouraged those struggling to forgive to seek God’s help, emphasising forgiveness as a path to freedom and healing.

    “To anyone seeking a forgiving spirit: Be encouraged. Forgiveness is not weakness. It is freedom. It is God’s gift to heal your heart before He heals your story. What you release, God restores. What you surrender, He redeems”.

    The mother of one concluded with a prayer for the restoration of broken relationships and the reignition of love in hearts.

    “Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for every heart longing to forgive but struggling to let go. Pour Your grace where wounds still ache. Soften hardened places and replace bitterness with healing.

    “I pray for the restoration of broken family relationships where love was lost, breathe life again; where communication died, restore understanding; where division took root, plant peace and unity.

    “Rebuild homes, restore trust, and let Your love reign in every heart. Do what only You can do, Lord, because when You rebuild, it is always better than before. Amen,” she added.

  • Bidemi Kosoko welcomes new child, family celebrates

    Bidemi Kosoko welcomes new child, family celebrates

    Actress Bidemi Kosoko, daughter of veteran actor Jide Kosoko, has welcomed a new child.

    The announcement was made on Instagram by her sister and colleague, Sola Kosoko.

    Sola praised God for the addition to the family, describing Him as “The author and finisher of our faith”.

    Read Also: Olakunle Churchill hails Tonto Dikeh as ‘amazing mother’ amid reconciliation

    She wrote, “Praiseeee God. Awesome God. The author and finisher of our faith

    “Join us to welcome our newest baby in the family to @bidemi_kosoko. Congratulations to the Bankole and Kosoko Family”.

    The announcement sparked widespread congratulations from Nollywood stars, entertainers, and fans, who took to the comment section to celebrate the Kosoko and Bankole families.

  • Olakunle Churchill hails Tonto Dikeh as ‘amazing mother’ amid reconciliation

    Olakunle Churchill hails Tonto Dikeh as ‘amazing mother’ amid reconciliation

    Olakunle Churchill, businessman and ex-husband of actress Tonto Dikeh, has expressed appreciation for Dikeh’s personal growth following their reconciliation.

    In an Instagram post on Sunday, Churchill acknowledged the peaceful resolution of their marital feud and thanked God for restoring their relationship.

    Churchill revealed he received a call from their son, King Andre, for the first time, describing it as a reminder of God’s power.

    He thanked Dikeh for being an “amazing mother” to their son and expressed gratitude for her growth, saying their focus is now on co-parenting with “love, care, and mutual respect”.

    He wrote, “I was pleasantly surprised when I received a call from my son, King Andre, for the first time. Hearing him call me “Daddy” was deeply touching and a reminder that what God cannot do does not exist.

    “Faith has a way of bringing clarity, humility and peace. I acknowledge the growth and grace evident in the manner in which this matter has been resolved.

    Read Also: Reaching the Unreached: How local pharmacists and vendors are solving Nigeria’s family planning crisis

    “With God leading, healing and understanding have become possible. Forgiveness has paved the way for a new chapter and we are moving forward with a sense of peace and mutual respect. The conflict is behind us, and we are now focused on co-parenting with love, care, and a shared commitment to raising our son.

    “I am grateful for the journey we’ve been on and the growth we’ve experienced, and I look forward to a future filled with collaboration, respect, and peace trusting God to guide me.

    “I am grateful to have my son back in my life. Thank you to the amazing mother of my son Tonto Dikeh for doing a good job”.

    The development followed Dikeh’s reflection on their 10-year split, where she credited God for restoring their relationship.