The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Gyakie drops After Midnight

    Gyakie drops After Midnight

    Ghanaian Afropop and RnB singer, Gyakie, is stepping into the spotlight with her long-awaited debut album titled After Midnight.

    The 17-track project showcases her versatility, weaving together Afrobeats, RnB and highlife to deliver a rich and layered body of work.

    The 24-year-old songstress, who has steadily built her reputation across Ghana, Nigeria, and beyond, believes this album has the power to cement her place as one of Africa’s most magnetic young voices.

    “In the past, I used to hold back when writing about my personal experiences,” she revealed.

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    “But at this point in my career, I’m extremely real about what I say. There are things I might never feel comfortable saying in an interview or in public, but in a song, I can say them, and that’s quite glaring on the record.”

    With After Midnight, Gyakie is aiming for more than just commercial success. The daughter of highlife icon Nana Acheampong said her focus is on creating impact and legacy.

    “I want this record to be remembered. I want it to be legendary. I know my fans pay attention to the lyrics, so that is where I get to have the most vulnerable conversations with them,” she enthused.

    Over the years, Gyakie has collaborated with some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Davido, Omah Lay, Shatta Wale, among others.

  • Erica Stephen releases ‘I Am Africa’ for Little Mr. & Miss Africa

    Erica Stephen releases ‘I Am Africa’ for Little Mr. & Miss Africa

    The Nigerian entertainment industry has welcomed a new milestone from Erica Ihotu Stephen, the award-winning actor, singer, and model, who has officially released her debut single; I Am Africa.

    The debut single, Erica informed, also doubles as the theme song for the recently held ‘Little Mr. & Miss Africa Nigeria’ pageant.

    At just eight years old, Erica has established herself as one of the country’s most promising young talents. She began her career as a child actress at the age of one and has since built an impressive résumé spanning film, television commercials, high-profile campaigns, and social media content.

    She also created and produced her own programme, ‘Welcome to Africa’, further demonstrating her versatility.

    Described as a celebration of youth, culture, and African identity, ‘I Am Africa’ is more than a debut single—it is positioned as an anthem that aligns with the vision of the pageant it represents.

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    “Erica is not just a performer; she is a movement,” said Queen Ene Adakole, CEO of EIS World and National Director for Little Mr. And Miss Africa Nigeria. “Her brilliance, dedication, and ability to inspire through her craft make her the perfect voice for this year’s pageant theme.”

    The release of the single marks Erica’s formal entry into the music industry, adding to her achievements as an actress and model. Industry watchers have described her as a “triple-threat talent” whose work continues to draw admiration.

    With a growing list of accomplishments at such a young age, Erica Ihotu Stephen has been hailed as proof that dreams have no age limit. Her debut in music, industry observers note, signals the beginning of another promising chapter in an already remarkable career.

  • Regal Film Festival and Awards 2025: Call for entries now open

    Regal Film Festival and Awards 2025: Call for entries now open

    The Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) has officially opened its call for entries for the 2025 edition of its annual film festival, scheduled to take place from December 10–13, 2025 in Accra, Ghana.

    Now in its highly anticipated maiden edition, REFFA invites filmmakers across Africa to submit their original and inspiring works that reflect the richness and diversity of African cinema. The festival will showcase a wide range of genres including narrative features, documentaries, indigenous films, short films, animations, and experimental films.

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    “We are excited to open submissions for REFFA 2025 and cannot wait to experience the powerful stories filmmakers have to offer. This festival is not just an event, it’s a bold idea to spotlight African talent on a global stage,” said Maxwell Justice Kpekpo, Head of Media and Communications.

    Details of eligibility stipulate that films must have been completed within the last three years and the categories include Best Feature, Best Short Film, Best Documentary, among others. Final submission deadline is October 15, 2025.

    Alongside film screenings, the festival will offer industry panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, providing a space for filmmakers and creatives to connect, learn, and grow.

    The event will close with an awards ceremony honouring outstanding achievements in directing, acting, writing, and technical excellence.

  • Yakubu vies for AGN’s presidency

    Yakubu vies for AGN’s presidency

    Veteran actor and administrator, Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu has thrown his hat in the ring to contest the highest office of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN)

    Formally declaring his intention to contest for the office of the President of the AGN, Yakubu has unveiled a bold vision to reposition the guild for greater impact.

    Pledging to build on the achievements of past leaders while introducing fresh initiatives to strengthen the guild’s relevance and capacity, his agenda focuses on unionising the guild, creating empowerment opportunities for members, establishing strong institutional structures, and promoting unity among actors nationwide.

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    He said: “The time has come for the AGN to stand as a stronger, more inclusive, and people-oriented body that not only protects the interests of its members but also maximises the vast opportunities within Nollywood to empower actors and project Nigerian culture globally.”

    Yakubu emphasised his commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration with key stakeholders in government and the private sector, noting that these partnerships would be critical in unlocking new opportunities for members.

    Already, his declaration has stirred conversations within the motion picture industry circles, with many actors expressing optimism that his vision will bring renewed energy and direction to the AGN.

  • It’s gullible to believe my death rumour, says Chiwetalu Agu

    It’s gullible to believe my death rumour, says Chiwetalu Agu

    Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has dismissed widespread rumours of his death, describing those who believed the false reports as gullible.

    The thespian became a trending topic earlier in the week after social media was flooded with condolence messages from fans who had been misled by the fake news.

    Reacting on Friday via his Instagram page, Agu urged his fans to ignore the fake news and rebuke those spreading it.

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    “What baffles me is that in this 21st century,2025, a lot of people are still gullible to believe such things without confirming whether it is true or not,” he said.

    The 68-year-old actor added, “Fans and families, disregard any rumours or rebuke anyone spreading such diabolical news about me. I am very much alive by God’s grace. I am yet to carry my grandchildren and I must carry them in good health when my children are ready,” he said.

  • Yaw joins advisory board of Canadian comedy film festival

    Yaw joins advisory board of Canadian comedy film festival

    Multitalented actor, comedian and broadcaster, Steve Onu, popularly known as Yaw, has been appointed as the first Advisory Board Member of the International Comedy Arts Film Festival (TICAFF) in Canada.

    The festival, a subsidiary of the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), described Yaw as a celebrated figure whose experience in comedy, film, theatre, sitcoms, and show production will help shape its vision and success.

    Yaw, who has built a career spanning comedy, stage plays, radio and television, is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge to the platform as it seeks to elevate the art of comedy on a global stage.

    Reacting to the appointment, Yaw expressed delight at the recognition.

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    “This means a lot to me because it shows comedy from our side of the world is being taken seriously on an international stage. I look forward to working with the team at TICAFF to push the boundaries of creativity and to show that comedy is not just about laughter, but also about culture, storytelling and impact,” he said.

    The organisers noted that his appointment underscores TICAFF’s commitment to drawing from Africa’s pool of talent and ensuring that voices from diverse cultures contribute to the future of comedy filmmaking.

    The new role adds to Yaw’s growing list of achievements as one of Nigeria’s most versatile entertainers with influence extending beyond the country’s borders.

  • Omotola Jalade premieres directorial debut at TIFF 2025

    Omotola Jalade premieres directorial debut at TIFF 2025

    Nigerian screen siren, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has premiered her directorial debut, ‘A Mother’s Love,’ at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival.

    The film premiered to a mix of international audiences at the Cinema 5 of the TIFF Lightbox on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

    The event had in attendance the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr Shuaibu Husseini, filmmakers, including Obi Emelonye, Victor Akande, and Ramsey Nouah.

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    This milestone marks Omotola’s transition from her celebrated on-screen career to introducing her distinct storytelling voice to the global stage. ‘Mother’s Love,’ is a deeply moving debut that explores themes of self-discovery, mother–daughter bonds, unresolved grief, resilience, and healing.

    In a brief chat, the 47-year-old actress, who said the milestone was to mark her 30-year-old career, revealed that she had featured in over 300 movies and had co-directed and written a couple of films.

  • I could only go into acting after my father’s death – Rose Odika

    I could only go into acting after my father’s death – Rose Odika

    Veteran Nollywood actress Rose Odika, has revealed that her father’s strong opposition delayed her journey into acting until after his death.

    Odika, who shared her story in a recent chat, said her father had insisted she study linguistics instead of theatre arts.

    “My father wanted me to be a linguist or study German,” she recalled. “I went briefly to the University of Ibadan to study Theatre Arts but my father denied me. He said, ‘no, you won’t be an actor – those lazy people who usually drop out of school. Go and study linguistics.’

    The former Governor of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), disclosed that she struggled with meeting university admission requirements despite repeated efforts. “I wrote JAMB three times but didn’t meet the cut-off mark. Somehow, I got admitted into Ivan Ikoku College of Education to read Health Education,” she said.

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    Her turning point came after the loss of her father. “Unfortunately, I lost my dad the year I changed from the University of Ibadan to Ivan Ikoku. So I was the one that saw myself through school with the help of one Honorable Linda Chuba and some aunties,” she explained.

    Looking back, Odika admitted she would have made different choices if she had known what was ahead. “If I had known that I’d lose my father, I would have stayed put in UI, but I went to Ivan Ikoku College of Education just to please my dad,” she said.

    Despite the initial setback, Odika eventually pursued her passion for acting and has since built a successful career in the Nigerian film industry.

  • Jealousy, proof of genuine love – Apala

    Jealousy, proof of genuine love – Apala

    Apala Fusion singer, Terry Apala, has opened up on his views about love, jealousy and trust in relationships, saying men are often more vulnerable than they appear.

    Speaking recently, the singer explained that jealousy is proof of genuine love, insisting that no man can claim to be in love and not feel protective of his partner.

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    “I’m not a jealous lover if I don’t love the person I’m dating. If I love you, I have to be jealous. The only reason you won’t be jealous in a relationship is if you don’t love your partner. As for trust, it comes naturally; it comes with love. The moment you start having a doubting mind towards your partner then there is a problem. Men like to act strong but we are jealous when in love,” he said.

    The singer also shared a personal experience, stating that while he would not stop his woman from going to the gym, his attitude would change if he noticed unusual attachment.

    “I won’t stop my woman from going to the gym, but when it gets to a point where she talks about a particular guy twice, then there’s a problem. If she’s my wife, then I will ask her to stop going to the gym,” he added.

    The Apala Disco crooner has, in recent times, been vocal about balancing music with personal experiences, often reflecting on relationships and emotions in his interviews.

  • Fame took away many things from me – Ogungbe

    Fame took away many things from me – Ogungbe

    Filmmaker and actor, Segun Ogungbe has opened up about the price of stardom, revealing how fame has forced him to handle situations differently from ordinary people.

    “Fame took away so many things from me,” Ogungbe said during a recent interview. “For instance, someone hit my vehicle from the back and when I confronted him, people that were present at the time started blaming me that I shouldn’t be the one in such a situation.”

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    The actor recalled another similar incident that made him decide against engaging in public confrontations. “Another similar incident happened some time ago in Ketu, Lagos. Another person hit my car from the back and seriously damaged the back side of the car, but I didn’t bother to wait or confront the person; I just zoomed off straight to Abeokuta, where I went to fix the vehicle,” he recounted.

    Ogungbe explained that experiences like these have shaped how he now reacts to issues both in public and online. “So, there are many things people expect me to react to, even on social media, but I won’t because of past experiences,” he added.