The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • How I felt when I met Rihanna – Ayra Starr shares emotional moment

    How I felt when I met Rihanna – Ayra Starr shares emotional moment

    Award-winning singer Ayra Starr has opened up about her thrilling encounter with her idol, global superstar Rihanna.

    Speaking in a recent interview with ETalk TV, the Mavin Records sensation revealed that meeting Rihanna left a lasting impression on her.

    Describing the music icon as an amazing person and role model, the ‘Rush’ hitmaker said she was overjoyed to learn that Rihanna is actually a fan of her music.

    “I’m my favourite artist’s favorite artist,” she said with excitement, adding that the moment was both humbling and surreal.

    Ayra praised Rihanna’s personality and artistry, calling her “an amazing artist, woman, and person in general.”

    She also confessed to feeling nervous in Rihanna’s presence, often making jokes to ease her anxiety.

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    She said, “She [Rihanna] is such an amazing person. To be honest, it [meeting her] still feels like a dream. I love her so much. People always say, ‘never meet your idols’, but I’m so glad I met mine because she’s just an amazing person. And the fact that she loves my music; I’m my favourite artist’s favourite artist.

    “She’s such an amazing artist, an amazing woman, an amazing person in general; somebody to look up to. I know I chose a great role model, and being able to be around her, I usually don’t know what to do with myself. When I get nervous around her, I try to make unnecessary jokes.”

    Ayra Starr said she’s looking forward to collaborating with Rihanna in the future.

  • Why men may dislike girlfriends’ frequent clubbing, by Reality star Tuoyo

    Why men may dislike girlfriends’ frequent clubbing, by Reality star Tuoyo

    Reality TV star Tuoyo has shed light on why some men may feel uneasy about their girlfriends frequently going out to clubs or parties.

    In a post shared on Instagram, Tuoyo clarified that the concern isn’t always rooted in insecurity but often in a desire to avoid unnecessary drama.

    He explained that he’s witnessed numerous cases where men ended up taking home other people’s girlfriends after a night out, often due to situations involving intoxication or financial vulnerability.

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    According to him, when a man genuinely values or loves a woman, his discomfort with her constant partying comes from a place of protection and caution, not control.

    “I have lost count of people’s girlfriends that have been taken home after clubbing or partying just because they got high or needed money. That’s why when a guy loves or rates a girl high, he feels some type of way of her going out everytime. Not that he is insecure, he just doesn’t want problem”, he wrote.

  • Major Kay teams up with Rybeena for new single ‘Gbon Gbon’

    Major Kay teams up with Rybeena for new single ‘Gbon Gbon’

    After the successful run of his last single Hallelujah, Afro-fusion artiste, Major Kay, has returned with a fresh offering titled Gbon Gbon, featuring fast-rising star, Rybeena.

    The new track, released across digital platforms today, blends catchy street-inspired rhythms with Afro-pop melodies, a sound Major Kay says represents “a new beginning” in his career.

    Speaking on the inspiration behind Gbon Gbon, Major Kay said: “This song means a lot to me because it marks a new chapter, not just musically but personally. Working with Rybeena brought a different kind of energy to the project. It’s a street anthem, but it still carries my message and my style.”

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    Rybeena, who has continued to attract attention for his unique vocals and street credibility, delivers a brilliant verse on the track, further positioning Gbon Gbon as a potential hit among young listeners.

    Major Kay, who has been steadily building his fanbase with consistent releases and collaborations, expressed optimism about the future of his music. “I’m taking my time to grow and evolve. With each release, I want people to feel the progress, and Gbon Gbon is just the start of that journey,” he added.

  • It’s hard to find a decent man in Nigeria – Uriel Oputa

    It’s hard to find a decent man in Nigeria – Uriel Oputa

    Fitness enthusiast and reality star Uriel Oputa has expressed frustration with dating Nigerian men. 

    Oputa referenced their complexity and the culture of always seeking something better.

    In an interview on ‘Outside The Box’ podcast, she shared her personal experience of desperation for marriage, which led her to encounter a problematic individual.

    Uriel also highlighted the issue of age shaming, where women in their 30s and 40s feel devalued and perceived as “expired milk.”

    She noted that many women in this age group remain single despite being attractive and capable. 

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    She said: “Age shaming is such a real thing in Nigeria, and I have been so vocal about it. Because a lot of women in their 30s and their 40s feel like they’re expired milk.

    “It is hard to date a Nigerian man. I don’t understand why they’re so complicated.

    “Two years ago, I was desperate to get married, and then I met somebody, and that guy showed me pepper—crocodile pepper.

    “If you see a woman in Nigeria now, she will be 35. Some of them are even 40, 41, 42. They’re still single, fine girls. It’s hard to find a decent man in Nigeria, and it boils down to the fact that we have a culture of “there’s always something better. There’s nothing better.”

  • Adekunle Gold releases new single ‘Coco money’

    Adekunle Gold releases new single ‘Coco money’

    Singer-songwriter Adekunle Gold has released the highly anticipated new single, “Coco Money”, his second official single for the year.

    The track, which was first teased at an exclusive dinner event in May, is a vibrant and catchy blend of Afro-pop, Afrobeats, and highlife, reflecting Adekunle Gold’s signature style and smooth vocals.

    Notably, “Coco Money” features a creative sampling approach, interpolating Rihanna’s hit song “BBHMM” and capturing its electrifying energy.

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    Produced by Niphkeys, “Coco Money’s”  lyrics, which explore themes of wealth, luxury, and confidence, align with Adekunle Gold’s recent embrace of a “soft life” aesthetic.

    The single marks Adekunle Gold’s first major release since his February 2025 track “Obimo”, and continues his artistic evolution following the success of his fifth studio album, “Tequila Ever After”, released in 2023.

  • Kunmie elevates ‘Arike’ with Simi, Mabel collaboration

    Kunmie elevates ‘Arike’ with Simi, Mabel collaboration

    Rising artist Kunmie has unveiled a surprise remix of his hit single “Arike”, featuring multi-award-winning star Simi and international UK singer-songwriter Mabel.

    The remix brings a new level of emotional depth to the song, which originally captured listeners’ hearts with its sensual and vulnerable perspective on romantic relationships.

    Simi brings her signature warmth and strength to the track, balancing softness with firmness, while Mabel’s smooth and calm delivery adds a touch of London cool to the Lagos-inspired beat.

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    Kunmie’s pleading tone remains at the center, but the remix elevates the emotional stakes, transforming the song into a shared reflection on the costs and requirements of love.

    “Arike” was originally released on February 15, 2025 and it marked a significant milestone in Kunmie’s career, achieving viral success on TikTok with over 186,000 user-generated videos and reaching number 2 on the Spotify Global Viral Chart.

    It also debuted at number 1 on the Spotify Nigeria Viral 50 chart and has since garnered over 6.25 million streams. 

  • Reekado Banks a ‘powerhouse’ of talent – Eniola Badmus

    Reekado Banks a ‘powerhouse’ of talent – Eniola Badmus

    Actress Eniola Badmus has expressed excitement for singer Reekado Banks’ concert scheduled to take place today, July 18th in Abuja.

    Following his courtesy visit to her office, Badmus, on Instagram hailed the talented artist, describing him as a “powerhouse of talent, charisma, and stage magic.”

    According to her, Abuja will be “on lockdown” during the concert, stressing Reekado’s ability to deliver electrifying performances and unforgettable experiences. 

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    She wrote: “What a pleasure it was to receive the incredibly talented @reekadobanks in my office today! In anticipation of his upcoming concert on the 18th of July, we had a great time discussing what promises to be an unforgettable night of music, energy, and pure vibes. If you know Reekado Banks, you know it’s never a dull moment. He’s a powerhouse of talent, charisma, and stage magic.

    “I’m personally looking forward to this show, and I can confidently say: Abuja is going on lockdown come July 18th! You don’t want to miss out on the electrifying performance, the surprises, and the unforgettable experience that only @reekadobanks knows how to deliver!”

  • BBNaija 10: We are celebrating a legacy, says Dr Tejumola

    BBNaija 10: We are celebrating a legacy, says Dr Tejumola

    Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, General Entertainment, MultiChoice Group, has expressed excitement with the highly anticipated 10th edition of Big Brother Naija.

    In her words, “Today we are not just announcing another season, we are celebrating a legacy. BBNaija has become more than just a television show; it is a living, breathing cultural force. It has given voice to a new generation of talent, creatives, entertainers, and the influencer community, and it has refined what homegrown entertainment can achieve when it is done at scale with intention and ambition.”

    Read Also: Guchi to release new EP ‘No Skips, Just Feelings’ July 25

    Continuing, she said, “We are not just announcing another season, we are celebrating a legacy. From the very first time we introduced Big Brother Naija in 2017, we had an inkling that we had something special. What we couldn’t fully imagine then is how deeply the show would resonate not only in Nigeria but across Africa and in the global diaspora, where our stories continue to connect people to home.”

    The highly anticipated season 10 will premiere over two nights on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, 2025 with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returning as host, guiding viewers through every twist and turn of the season.

  • Maureen Tamuno reinforces support for creative economy at Sin premiere

    Maureen Tamuno reinforces support for creative economy at Sin premiere

    The Group Managing Director of Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, has reinforced support for the creative economy when she attended the premiere of the movie SIN as the Special Guest of Honour.

    The event was held at the Silverbird Cinemas, Jabi Lake Mall, last Saturday and drew industry stakeholders, creative talents, investors, and cinema enthusiasts to celebrate Nigeria’s evolving film industry.

    Ambassador Tamuno’s presence underscored AICL’s ongoing commitment to positioning Abuja as a leading destination for film, culture, and creative enterprise with the Abuja Film Village project, which is a visionary initiative and subsidiary of AICL.

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    Delivering the vote of thanks, Tamuno expressed excitement over the premiere of the film describing it as a compelling and socially relevant production that reflects the power of storytelling in shaping public awareness.

    “This is an international-standard film, and we’re truly excited to see this level of work being produced” she said. “SIN is not just a movie — it’s a message. These are the kinds of stories we need to tell, especially to our young people, to help them understand the risks of getting involved in things they don’t fully comprehend.”

    SIN, written and produced by Jim Iyke, explores the dark realities of drug use and trafficking, shedding light on the devastating impact of substance abuse on individuals, families, and communities. It showcases the depth of Nigerian storytelling and the growing potential of Abuja as a cinematic backdrop for socially conscious films.

  • How Ade Love died, by Moji Afolayan

    How Ade Love died, by Moji Afolayan

    Veteran actress Moji Afolayan has opened up about the circumstances surrounding the death of her father, legendary actor and filmmaker Adeyemi Afolayan aka Ade Love, as the family marks 29 years since his passing.

    In an emotional reflection, Moji revealed that her father’s death came as a shock to the family, especially because he showed no signs of illness before the family’s trip to their hometown in Kwara State during the 1996 Christmas season.

    “My father wasn’t sick before we left Lagos,” she recounted. “We had gone to our hometown for Christmas, and one of his father’s co-wives was also celebrating an event. It was there that he suddenly became ill.”

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    According to Moji, Ade Love was initially taken to Ilorin for treatment but insisted on being moved to Lagos to see his personal doctor. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, and he passed away on December 30, 1996.

    “He was taken from Ilorin to Lagos. While leaving, he asked his youngest wife to follow him, but she said she wanted to stay back and take care of things. Then he said, ‘What if we don’t meet again?’ We didn’t understand what he meant at the time. My father was a very good man. I pray that I come through him in my next life. He was good and caring to the core.”