Category: Entertainment

  • I’m an actor and a brand, says Bolanle Ninalowo

    I’m an actor and a brand, says Bolanle Ninalowo

    Popular Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninolowo, has declared that he is more than just a familiar face on screen but a carefully built brand and a business-minded entertainer who understands the power of positioning.

    In a chat with The Nation, the actor, fondly called Makanaki by fans, emphasized that his success didn’t come by accident but through grace, intentionality, and strategic branding.

    “Yes, first is grace, and then two is positioning,” said Ninolowo

    “My brand is very important to me. I’m not just an actor, I’m a business actor.”

    Ninolowo, who has enjoyed a remarkable run in Nollywood over the past decade, noted that beyond acting talent, what truly separates him from others is how he has built an identity that transcends the screen.

    READ ALSO; Police advisory

    “Maybe you can tell me how many actors in the last decade the industry has been able to brand in a way that people call them by a name outside of their acting name,” he said. “So, when you say Maka, see how everybody reacts? That is the brand. For me, brand is key, not just jumping from set to set.”

    While many may wonder why the actor hasn’t featured in as many films recently, Ninolowo responded, “How many more films do I have to act in for you to know who I am?”

    For the actor, fame is fleeting, but a well-positioned brand lives longer. “Film comes out and it goes. So build a brand. I tell people to pursue building a brand. Do something that gives you a name you can leverage. Think about your positioning. It’s very, very key. It’s not just acting.”

  • Let’s not fight over age, money, says Remi Aluko

    Let’s not fight over age, money, says Remi Aluko

    Fuji musician Remi Aluko has urged colleagues and fans to avoid unnecessary disputes over age and financial status, describing such arguments as pointless.

    Speaking in a recent interview at an evening with his fans, the energetic performer noted that both age and bank balance are personal matters that should not become sources of public conflict.

    “There are two things we shouldn’t fight over in life, and those two things are age and your account balance,” Aluko said. “We all know the date we were given birth to, so let’s not go deep over issues like that.”

    READ ALSO; Police advisory

    Aluko, who has been a prominent figure in the Fuji music scene for over two decades, also spoke with humility about fellow Fuji act Sulaimon Adio Atawewe, acknowledging his seniority in the industry.

    “I can call Atawewe my boss because he’s been known in the industry before I hit the limelight,” he said.

    Aluko’s call for mutual respect and focus on the music rather than personal egos was applauded by many fans, who were present at the event.

  • Portable, VDM are chronic clout chasers, says Kehinde Ajose

    Portable, VDM are chronic clout chasers, says Kehinde Ajose

    Media entrepreneur and author Kehinde Ajose has weighed in on the escalating feud between controversial singer Portable and social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), labeling both individuals as chronic clout chasers, who manufacture drama for public attention.

    The long-simmering beef between the two personalities recently boiled over, with both releasing diss tracks aimed at each other. The conflict reportedly intensified after Portable accused VDM of using the tragic case of the late singer Mohbad for attention. In retaliation, VDM released a diss track, and Portable quickly fired back with his own, continuing the public spectacle.

    Reacting to the development, Ajose, a visibility strategist, stated that the feud is a calculated strategy for relevance. “Yes, VDM started on a good note, but most of what he does these days is pure clout chasing,” Ajose observed. “He understands that attention is currency and deliberately looks for issues that will keep him in the news. The same thing applies to Portable,  he is far more popular for being controversial than for his music. They are both chronic clout chasers.”

    READ ALSO; Police advisory

    Ajose elaborated that this model is built on manufactured outrage rather than talent. “This isn’t about artistic rivalry; it’s a spectacle designed for online engagement. They are masters at creating outrage to stay in the headlines because their brands are built on a foundation of controversy, which is a very volatile and unsustainable model.”

    The feud’s origins trace back several months, but the recent exchange has brought their methods into sharp focus. Ajose concluded with a warning: “The audience eventually tires of drama without substance. The real challenge for figures like them is to transition from being famous for being controversial to being respected for a tangible skill. Right now, this feud is just noise distracting from any real craft.”

  • Blessing Uzzi: Freedom Way is inspired by personal encounter with police

    Blessing Uzzi: Freedom Way is inspired by personal encounter with police

    The producer and writer of ‘Freedom Way,’ Blessing Uzzi, has revealed that the inspiration for the award-winning film came from a real-life encounter with the Nigerian police while in the company of singer Johnny Drille.

    Uzi, whose film clinched the Best Movie at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), shared the backstory during the premiere in Lagos recently.

    “There was a day I was with Johnny Drille and we were stopped by the police,” she recounted. “They asked us to come down and demanded to see the receipt of my laptop. That day stayed in my head for the longest time.”

    Read Also: Reminisce to release upcoming album September

    One of the cast members, Femi Jacobs, who played the character of a corrupt police officer expressed deep emotional connection to the film after watching it for the first time at the premiere.

    “This country has a way of minting victims,” Jacobs said. “I was crying and laughing at the same time. It was a tough experience for me because I had a similar incident in 2012, where I was threatened with a gun and couldn’t sleep for months.”

    He continued, “They took me to the station and said they would waste me and there’s nothing anybody would do about it. It’s a complete ecosystem of wickedness.”

    Other actors who starred in the movie include Adebowale Adedayo, Bimbo Akintola, Akin Lewis, J-Flo, Mike Afolarin, Teniola Aladese among others.

  • Nickelodeon releases new series this month

    Nickelodeon releases new series this month

    Nickelodeon, will in this August holiday edition, be turning up the excitement with a month full of brand-new series, thrilling rescues, and laugh-out-loud moments!

    From epic premieres to surprise-filled specials and action-packed stunts, there’s something for everyone in the family.

    Viewers are to expect Nickelodeon animation stunts that include SpongeBob SquarePants, the  Casagrandes, The Fairly OddParents among others.

    Read Also: Queen Ephraim features in blockbuster movie with actor Mike Ezuruonye

    In a statement, Nickelodeon said, “Nickelodeon is turning up the fun with the ultimate animation showdown. It’s a back-to-back blast of your favourite animated hits, all in one epic stunt. Dive into underwater giggles with SpongeBob SquarePants, hang out with The Casagrandes, and stir up magical chaos with The Fairly OddParents: New Wish. That’s not all. Enjoy brand-new episodes of The Patrick Star Show and The Smurfs, plus the premiere of the all-new Super Duper Bunny League.”

    The binge watching kicked off Monday, June 30 and will end on Friday, August 8.

    Also to headline the binge watching are the Super Duper Bunny League, The Thundermans: Undercover, Henry Danger, Sonic, and Danger Force.

    The Thundermans: Undercover, Henry Danger, SpongeBob Squarepants, Nick Jr. PAW Patrol Special, and Danger Force.

  • Gloria Jones to headline NIBAD ’25

    Gloria Jones to headline NIBAD ’25

    The 2025 Nigeria Independence Ball and Dinner Awards, NIBAD, is set to hold in October.

    The organisers of the award have announced that legendary soul singer, producer, and philanthropist Gloria Jones.

    Jones, who is known for the iconic song, ‘Tainted Love,’ has been confirmed to be part of the 2025 event.

    According to a statement issued by Barrister Thompson Tabi, the initiator of NIBAD and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Gloria Jones was chosen to headline the 2025 edition of the event, to celebrate  the Independence of Nigeria in a special way.  He further noted that NIBAD will be hosting the celebration for the fifth year running with the latest edition.

    Read Also: Reminisce to release upcoming album September

    Tabi said there are a lot of new innovations packed into the 2025 edition of NIBAD, which according to him, would be released to the public, one after the other, before the event in October.

    Explaining the reason behind NIBAD, Tabi said NIBAD is primarily to showcase annually, Nigerians home and abroad, who have done transparently well, in their areas of life endeavors.

    He said Nigerians home and abroad are doing well but there seems to be more focus on the badly behaved ones over the numerous  Nigerians making the nation proud globally.

    NIBAD, he mentioned, is primarily to correct this anomaly by identifying and rewarding Nigerians deserving of honour, within  a calendar year. He said the award presentation is intentionally planned to be part of the celebration of Nigeria’s independence month.

  • Magixx, Blaqbonez slam alleged chart manipulation in music

    Magixx, Blaqbonez slam alleged chart manipulation in music

    Afrobeats singer Magixx has accused fellow artists of faking their numbers, stating that they are deceiving their family members and themselves.

    His tweet reads: “Y’all faking your numbers I hope you sleep well at night… keep deceiving your family members”.

    Echoing his sentiment, rapper Blaqbonez stated that the industry is damaged and that chart rankings are often a reflection of who can afford to buy their music, rather than its actual quality.

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    Blaqbonez wrote: “The irreversible damage we done to our industry, one day it’d finally come crumbling down, for now let’s keep acting like the charts mean anything more than a showcase of the people who can afford to buy it, its like itunes in the 2000s all over again. make i go hustle”.

    He also expressed frustration with the current state of the industry, citing Ayra Starr’s song “Hot Body” as an example of a deserving hit that didn’t reach the top 10 on the Nigerian charts.

    He added: “Ayra Hot body never enter top 10 NG, when we know that song should be number 1 or top 3, but how dem go let am, when she never do industry agriculture”.

  • TikTok Star Kenley Jerome rallies Haiti through music, action

    TikTok Star Kenley Jerome rallies Haiti through music, action

    In a time of profound crisis for Haiti, one of its own is stepping up to inspire hope and unity. 

    Kenley Jerome, better known as TikTok sensation Uncle Kendji, is leveraging his massive platform to ignite a movement for change, urging his fellow Haitians to reflect, unite, and act.

    His powerful new single, “FEL POU AYITI”—meaning “Do It for Haiti”—is resonating deeply with Haitians worldwide. 

    Released on YouTube two weeks ago, the song is a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s resilience and a passionate call for justice, dignity, and national solidarity. 

    Against a backdrop of ongoing unrest, “FEL POU AYITI” delivers a clear message: true change begins with its people. Kendji’s lyrics bravely confront Haiti’s challenges, from civil instability to economic hardship, and implore everyone to commit to building a more inclusive and united society.

    “It’s not just a song, it’s a message,” Kendji emphasized in a recent livestream. “We all have something we can do for Haiti, whether it’s using our voice, our art, our hands, or simply standing beside someone who’s trying to make a difference.”

    This isn’t Uncle Kendji’s first foray into purposeful public engagement. In March 2025, he became the first prominent public figure to openly endorse chef Leenchée “Leen” Excellent in her ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest solo cooking marathon. 

    Read Also: Poverty, climate crisis, insecurity threaten half of Nigerians — Speaker Abbas

    Leen’s incredible feat saw her cook continuously for over 215 hours across eight days.

    During a TikTok live, Kendji pledged $500 to support the project and promised to assist in any way he could. He made good on that promise, joining a team of fellow influencers—including Tatie Mendel, Winchristoo, Buske, and Trapalman—who offered unwavering encouragement and presence throughout the marathon from April 7 to 16.

    While Guinness’ certification is still pending, the event itself became a powerful cultural moment, symbolizing perseverance and national pride. Kendji’s visible support was a subtle yet potent reminder that solidarity can transcend differences in identity, orientation, or background.

    Digital Influence, Real-World Impact

    With over 496,000 followers on TikTok, @unclekendjistar continues to expertly blend digital influence with impactful grassroots advocacy.

     His work exemplifies a growing trend among young Haitians who are harnessing social media not just for self-expression, but for driving collective progress.

    “We may not all agree on everything,” Kendji recently commented, “but we can all agree that Haiti deserves better. And that begins when we each do our part—‘Fèl pou Ayiti’—do it for Haiti.”

    As “FEL POU AYITI” gains momentum online and Leen’s world record bid awaits confirmation, Uncle Kendji’s message rings clear: unity, compassion, and representation are paramount, especially during times of national uncertainty.

  • Ushbebe storms Abuja with “National Assembly Edition” of comedy concert

    Ushbebe storms Abuja with “National Assembly Edition” of comedy concert

    Popular comedian Ushbebe is set to storm the city of Abuja with comedy package where he will thrill the residents of the nation’s capital to endless laughter.

    Schedule for August 3, the “National Assembly Edition” of Ushbebe Live in Abuja will x-ray also the elected representatives performances in the Nigerian legislative system,

    This is the 27th edition of the comedy show tagged “Yadadi 27”

    Ushbebe and his gang of comedians have a reputation for dishing out jokes that get his guests rolling on the floor throughout every show.

    Previous editions of his Ushbebe Live in Abuja have been a banger as guests had quality value for their money and time.

    Read Also: How Bigjohny Da Talkative rose to stardom in Nigeria’s comedy scene

    Known for his witty humour and hilarious anecdotes, Ushbebe has always maintained a record of having fun seekers in stitches from start to finish.

    This upcoming live show promises an evening filled with side-splitting comedy, fantastic vibes, and memorable moments.

    Perfect for a fun night out with friends or a date night, Abuja residents are urged to book their tickets now and get ready to laugh.

    Top comedians and musicians from across the country are also expected to be present and put up excellent performances.

  • Tosin Bee shares update on land dispute with estate firm

    Tosin Bee shares update on land dispute with estate firm

    Gospel singer Tosin Bee has expressed gratitude to fans for the overwhelming support he received after posting about an issue with real estate company.

    Providing an update to his earlier outburst on Instagram, Tosin Bee said a representative from then company has reached out to him and promised to take swift action to resolve the matter in a timely manner.

    Read Also: How Bigjohny Da Talkative rose to stardom in Nigeria’s comedy scene

    He announced plans to continue working with the company to find a solution and hopes that incidents like this will decrease in Nigerian markets.

    He wrote via Instagram: “Hello My People! Thank you so much for ALL the love I’ve received from my post related to real estate company. It’s sad to see things like this happen around us. For now, their representative has reached out to me, and has promised SWIFT action in a TIMELY manner. I will continue to work with them and their team to reach a solution. Hopefully, things like these begin to reduce within the marketplace in Nigeria. One Love, Tosin Bee”.