A social events ecosystem, Funseekas, has launched to transform the traditional model into a community-driven platform that puts human connection at the centre of entertainment.
Its CEO and co-founder, Jide Ogunnoiki, said unlike conventional platforms that end the relationship at checkout, Funseekas creates a continuous social experience that begins with discovery and extends well beyond the event itself.
He said: “We’re not just trying to digitise events — we’re redefining what the entire event experience can be. From the moment you discover an event to weeks after it ends, Funseekas creates touchpoints that transform strangers into friends and individual experiences into shared memories. We’re building the infrastructure for serendipity.”
For Funseekas, ‘Find the Fun. Be the Fun,’ isn’t just a philosophy that recognises users aren’t just buyers, but active participants in Nigeria’s vibrant cultural ecosystem.
The platform targets Lagos as it is one of the world’s fastest-growing creative economies and with Nigerian artists dominating global charts, there’s demand for live experiences.
It said major cultural movements like Lagos Detty December and Beyond the Return Ghana have demonstrated the appetite for festival-style gatherings that celebrate African culture.
“We live in an era where we can video call someone across the world but struggle to meet the person sitting next to us at a concert. Funseekas creates those intentional moments for genuine human connection,” Chief Product Officer/co-founder, Jide Pinheiro added.
Having started penning songs at the tender age of 11, Michael Omoh aka Micho Tello is one of the fast rising music stars trying to take the Afrobeats buzz to the next level.
The young singer cum songwriter, who began listening to songs from Hip-hop greats at the age of 8, narrates how Wizkid and Davido influenced his decision to take up music as a career.
“Ever since I was 8 years old I’ve always loved listening to 50 Cent and DMX and then MI came and I fell in love with his flows and his pen-game and rhyme structuring were way different, but to bottle it all up, Wizkid and Davido were my biggest inspirations they made me do music,” he began.
Continuing, he said, “I started songwriting at 11 but was still trying to develop my pen game. Fast forward to 2016, I finally recorded my first trap/rap song titled 7 Years which was inspired by Nasty C, the music came out great and everyone in my hood loved it and boom that was how I found myself doing music. I later met the legend Eedris Abdulkareem who encouraged me to talk more about the country’s hardship at least something more realistic, that prompted me to record my second single which is also my first Afro Hip Hop track titled “E De Pain Me” and I won a competition with that track, got featured on The Big Wave Magazine in Ghana back in 2019/2020.”
Micho Tello, who is a versatile artist, sings, raps and also does poetry describes his type of music as Afro Pop Music and Conscious Hip Hop.
The rising star sheds more light on his forthcoming singles saying, “The first track to be released is ‘Why.’ It’s an Afro Pop sound, no features, just me because I want to show my audience how diverse I can be. I could be water, I could be fire, I sing and rap. The second song is a conscious Hip Hop song titled ‘Acrimony’ which means absolute bitterness, ill-feeling. This particular joint is most special to me because I expressed myself how I wanted, it’s a relatable piece and I can’t wait for my listeners to hear this one.”
All seems set for the much talked about TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF), as the organisers have announced details of the highly anticipated 2025 edition.
Set to transform Lagos into a vibrant hub of theatrical excellence between October 14, 2025 and October 17, 2025, the 025 edition of the theatre festival will be held at two different venues – Shodex Gardens, Ilupeju Bypass, and Radisson Blu Hotel.
Under the captivating theme, ‘Beyond Borders: Celebrating the Global Reach of African Theatre,’ this year’s festival promises an unparalleled exploration of African dramatic arts and their profound impact on the international stage.
According to Alayande Stephen, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Co-Founder of TheatreMania Africa, the 2025 edition of the festival will delve deeper into the global tapestry of African theatre, showcasing how its stories, techniques, and performers transcend geographical boundaries, captivating audiences and influencing artistic expressions worldwide.
“The ‘Beyond Borders’ theme is more than just a tagline; it’s a testament to the undeniable influence and expanding footprint of African theatre globally. We believe that African stories, told through the captivating medium of theatre, hold universal appeal and possess the power to connect, inspire, and provoke dialogue across cultures. This festival is an invitation to witness that power firsthand, to celebrate our shared humanity through the lens of African artistry, and to foster new collaborations that will further elevate our narratives on the world stage.”
The four-day festival is filled with pot-pouri of activities from Stakeholders Roundtable, to Street Theatres, Arts/Brand Exhibition, Free Medical Test, Generation Next Theatre, Theatre + Fashion Initiative tagged (The Metallic), #Theatre4PeaceAfrica, #Aram Advocacy, Command Performances, A Walk For Peace, Gala And Award Nite etc.
Afropop star, Mayorkun, has described his recently released third studio album, ‘Still The Mayor,’ as a bold statement of self-affirmation and continuity.
The singer, whose real name is Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, said the title is a follow-up to his earlier projects, particularly ‘The Mayor of Lagos,’ released in 2018.
In an interview, the former DMW signee explained the inspiration behind the album title, saying it was deliberately chosen to spark curiosity and conversation.
“It’s like a sequel. I’m just trying to follow up on the titles. Maybe I’ll drop the whole ‘Mayor’ thing in my fourth album, but for now, it’s Still The Mayor,” he said.
According to him, the phrase represents resilience and presence, rather than public perception.
“Everybody likes to feel like that in their journey, that maybe at some point, you aren’t out there. But for me, I don’t feel that way. It’s just a title. I needed a title that would make people ask questions,” he added.
Mayorkun, who initially announced May 2 as the release date, later postponed the album launch to June 14. He attributed the delay to clearance issues and label procedures.
“This album has been the most challenging,” he said. “Music now is not how it used to be. It’s not like the old days where you could just make something today and drop it tomorrow. There are clearances now, and my record label likes to do things by the book, so we had to tick all the boxes.”
His music is a testament to his exceptional talent, weaving together intricate harmonies and rhythms that resonate deeply with listeners.
Whether he’s celebrating humanity’s diversity or expressing devotion and intimacy, Ifon’s songs are a reflection of his artistry and passion.
While ‘Humankind Rich In Colours’ is a vibrant celebration of humanity’s diversity, ‘Glory Hallelujah’ is a soul-stirring anthem of praise and worship and ‘Abba Father’ is a heartfelt expression of devotion and intimacy.
According to Ashny, ‘H.O.E’ is a body of work dedicated to the streets with sounds that connect with everyday people while ‘Ashny Swings Her Hips’ is a contemporary fusion of pop, highlife and Afrosoul.
Songs in ‘H.O.E’ include; ‘Komije,’ ‘Squander,’ ‘Lingerie,’ ‘Gbese,’ and ‘Karamo’ while ‘Ashny Swings Her Hips’ has songs like ‘Gbeyo,’ ‘Sekere,’ ‘Aura,’ ‘Gbogbonise,’ and ‘Jomijo.’
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Kiddwaya has responded to backlash he received after seeking donations for Benue victims through his foundation.
He clarified that his intention was genuine, driven by his connection to Benue as a native son.
Kiddwaya, the son of billionaire Terry Waya, emphasised that the crisis in Benue, which has resulted in loss of life and displacement, is the real tragedy.
He acknowledged the pain and misunderstanding caused by his donation post and chose to take it down out of respect for the voices of his critics.
However, he affirmed commitment to supporting his people, stating that he will continue to use his platform, voice, and resources to help those in need, regardless of the criticism.
His statement reads: “I’ve seen the comments. I hear the backlash. I didn’t post about Benue for clout, I posted because I genuinely care. I am a Benue indigene and a proud Benue man. What’s happening there breaks my heart, and I couldn’t just look away. I took the donation post down because I saw the pain and misunderstanding it caused, not because I’m ashamed of helping, but because I respect your voices, even the angry ones. But let’s not forget what this is really about. Right now, people in Benue are being attacked. Families are being torn apart. Lives are being lost.
Innocent children, mothers, and fathers, killed or displaced from their homes.
That’s the real tragedy here. That’s what hurts and staying silent in the face of this kind of pain didn’t feel right.
The Kiddwaya Foundation was built for moments like this, to step in where help is needed most. And like all foundations, community support is what gives it life.
I can’t fix this crisis alone. But I can, and will, do my part.
“Moving forward, I will continue on this journey of supporting my people. Nonetheless, with more of us standing together, we can do even more, for Benue, and for every Nigerian going through pain like this. Let me say this clearly: I will not stop caring. I will not stop showing up when lives are on the line.
“And I will continue to use what I have, my voice, my platform, and my resources, to help, no matter what anyone says.
This isn’t about me. It never was.
It’s about the Benue people, and i hope that when the noise fades, we’ll all remember what truly matters”.
She wrote, “One of the best decisions I’ve made in life was saying yes to my husband. Because in choosing him, I didn’t just get the most loving partner, I gave my children the best father.
“As we prepare to welcome another heartbeat into our family, I’m reminded again that this life, our life, is a gift. Happy Father’s Day, my love. We’re so blessed to have you.”
The couple, married since 2013, has three children together, including an adopted daughter, and celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary with a vow renewal ceremony in 2023.
“When you see talented singers everywhere, you notice they weren’t that rare, just the ones the music industry could manipulate…”
This perspective has sparked a mix of reactions, with some agreeing that fame doesn’t necessarily equate to greatness, while others argue that certain artists have earned their iconic status through talent and hard work.
The Ojude Oba festival has, without doubt, caught the attention of the world for many reasons. The festival, in the last three years, has been one that many look forward to annually. The Nation’s Entertainment Editor, GBENGA BADA writes on his experience.
In the beginning
Over the last ten decades or more, the Ojude Oba celebration has been an annual festival valued by indigenes of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State. The festival, which is held every year – two days after the Eid Mubrak celebrations – was created to pay homage to the paramount ruler of Ijebu Awujale of Ijebuland at his pavilion, hence the name, Ojude Oba festival (The King’s forecourt festival).
For the last six decades, the festival was popularised by the RegbeRegbe (social associations of peer groups), and the prominent families, who rode horses to the parade ground, which is now known as the Ojude Oba pavilion. And for every year, HRM Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II had attended the event, which is characterised with so much pomp and glee.
As widely claimed, the patriarch of the Balogun Kuku dynasty glamourised the festival many decades back and gave it a twist with which society bigwigs and dignitaries sneak into Ijebu Ode annually to attend.
The festival soon became popular in social circles as other Ijebu indigenes from Remo, Ikenne, Ososa, Epe, Ikorodu, and even other Yoruba socialites, who weren’t from Ijebu or Ogun State struggled to become a member of any of the RegbeRegbes in Ijebu Ode all in a bid to attend and celebrate the Ojude Oba festival.
The prominence, glitz and glamour
Three years back, a young travel cum documentary filmmaker, Niyi Fagbemi decided to spotlight the festival after attending, documenting and giving the festival the needed push using the new media.The momentum for a world class festival from Nigerian began building.
In 2024, Farooq Oreagba and glowing pictures of gaily dressed Nigerian women and men took the festival’s popularity through the roof. Oreagba was in the spotlight in an unexpected turn of events. Initially just enjoying the festivities, Oreagba’s life changed dramatically when a stunning video showcasing his fashionable style and charisma was captured by a photographer and shared online. The picture and video instantly went viral spreading across the internet like a wildfire.
Oreagba’s passion, fashion and grace as he rode on a horse to the parade earned him the title of ‘Mr. Steeze,’ a street parlance that celebrates sartorial elegance, charm, and a distinguished presence.
Without doubt, this increasing prominence and acceptance of the festival by other parts of Nigeria, it became clear that the Ijebus and Ogun State government had a burgeoning goldmine at their behest.
The 2025 edition
With so much attention from different parts of the world, the Ojude Oba has grown to symbolise pride, unity and identity among all the Ijebu people regardless of religion.
The rich culture of Yoruba and Ijebus were in full display with the women from Regberegbe and horse riding dynasties elegantly turned-out in colourful traditional iro and buba, along with the gele, or head wrap and men dressed in traditional Yoruba agbada.
Despite the blistering sun of Sunday, June 8, hundreds gathered at the pavilion to celebrate the Ojude Oba and pay homage to the Awujale of Ijebu land.
Although the Awujale was physically absent at the event, he was represented by his wife, Olori Kemi Adetona alongside other dignitaries include Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Honourable minister for Arts, Culture, Tourism, and creative economy, Barrister Hanatu Musawa, and Olorogun Sunny Kuku.
According to the coordinator for the 2025 Ojude Oba festival, Dr. Fassy Yusuff, the Awujale was absent at the annual festival because he was recuperating at home after being discharged from a Lagos hospital.
At count, over 70 Regberegbe with each having at least 30 members, were spotted at the 2025 Ojude Oba looking regal and colourful. Several brands took over the venue as well as the streets of Ijebu Ode to catch a bite in the burgeoning goldmine in Ijebu Ode.
Drones flew and cameras kept shuttering away.
Two dynasties – Balogun Kuku and Balogun Adesoye dynasties – stood out during the colourful parade that also had Farooq Oreagba returning to the parade ground with his uncommon steeze.
A woman from the Kasali family, whose name was not given, reportedly purchased a horse for a whopping N5.5m a few days before the festival. Such was the excitement of the festival.
The parade ground was a spectacle and every attendees including several foreigners, Nigerians in diaspora and more enjoyed the festival.
Film and music stars made the 2025 edition more special with Lil Kesh, Ibrahim Chatta, Lateef Adedimeji and Femi Branch all giving credence to the popular festival.
The Ugly
For a festival that has caught the attention of the world in the last three years with the help of social media, one would have expected the organisation to be much better – especially with vehicular and human movement.
The pavilion and parade ground might be full of various activities but outside the pavilion gate was a road filled with so many more people and seemed close to a stampede.
As the parade began the streets leading to the pavilion were in total chaos. The horses and riders with their families filled the two sides of the road without a clearly defined path for going in and coming out. It was a near stampede at some point with many trying to gain exit while others tried to gain entrance.
Many attendees had expected a clear and specific path for way in and way out but it was all in a disorganised manner.
Narrating his ordeal, an attendee, who gave his name as Abidoun said, “I can’t remember the last time I was in such a chaotic situation! The pictures I took look very scintillating, hence, what many have described as his experience and other pictures from City People, Bella Naija, Abiola Olusile and several others in attendance and currently trending on social media. From my experience, it was the most chaotic event I have attended in the last decade! I was drenched in my own sweat, pushing, shoving, almost ran down by horses as horsemen refused to stop for people to pass. There should be a channel where houses with horses pass into the parade ground, where attendees pass to the parade ground and where people will pass to and fro the parade ground.”
Another attendee narrated how some people fainted in the pavilion due to the intensity of the sun and heat as the venue has obviously become too small for the size of the attendees the publicity has drawn to the festival. It took the help of a brand serving beverages to help revive the individuals, who fainted.
