The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Mary Njoku opens up on struggle with uncertainty, self-doubt

    Mary Njoku opens up on struggle with uncertainty, self-doubt

    Actress Mary Remmy Njoku has opened up about her struggles with uncertainty and self-doubt in an Instagram post.

    She shared that she was feeling stuck at a crossroads in her life, unsure of what direction to take.

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    According to her, what’s unsettling her is the realisation that people she thought she knew may not be what they seem, leaving her shaken.

    Mary, known for her strength and decisiveness,
    wrote: “I am at a point in my life where I genuinely don’t know what to do. It feels like I’m standing at a crossroads, uncertain and stuck. The people you think you know, you come to realize, maybe you don’t know them at all. And that shakes you. I usually have answers. I’m used to clarity, to direction. But this time, I don’t have any answers. I honestly don’t know what to do. Head is full. Can’t sleep”.

  • Copyright Commission warns DJs

    Copyright Commission warns DJs

    The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has read a riot act to Disc Jockeys over playing songs without license.

    In a recent statement, the NCC advised all Disc Jockeys (Deejays) who publicly perform music to obtain a license from the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) the only Collective Management Organization for music (CMO) or be prepared to go to jail for five years.

    The commission further warned all DJs who perform or communicate music to the public to obtain a licence from rights holders.

    The advisory stated that, “Under section 9 and 12 of the Copyright Act 2022, the owner of copyright in a musical work or sound recording has the exclusive right to reproduce, perform or communicate it to the public. Engaging in any of these acts without the owner’s authorization constitutes an infringement under the Act. Such infringement may constitute a civil or a criminal offence under section 44(7), punishable upon conviction by a fine of not less than N 1000,000.00 (One million naira) or imprisonment for a term of not less than five (5) years or to both.”

    The public performance of music by a DJ, whether at hotels, event centres, clubs, gardens, or recreational facilities, constitute both a public performance and a communication to the public of the musical work and sound recording as provided under the Act, the advisory further stated.

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    Accordingly, the NCC advised DJ to obtain appropriate licences and pay royalties to the approved Collective Management Organisation (CMO), prior to engaging in such performances.

    “And for the avoidance of doubt, the approved CMO for musical works and sound recording in Nigeria is the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN)” the advisory signed by the Director General of NCC stated.

    It stated that the Commission is aware that the Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN), as an umbrella body representing Deejays in Nigeria, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with MCSN. Under the arrangement, DJAN is authorized to work with MCSN to facilitate the payment of royalties by Deejays nationwide, based on the tariff that DJAN had negotiated with MCSN.

    “Take notice that the Commission will not hesitate to investigate, arrest, and prosecute any Deejay found to be in contravention of the Law. To this end, the Commission will be working with other relevant authorities to support the initiative of DJAN to ensure that Deejays carry out their trade in compliance with the Copyright Act”

  • Niyi Fagbemi soars as young docu-filmmaker

    Niyi Fagbemi soars as young docu-filmmaker

    Niyi Fagbemi, a Nigerian travel and documentary filmmaker, began documenting sights, sounds and wonders of Nigeria and Africa from his days in University.

    However, his seeming breakthrough came in 2023 when he decided to document the popular Ojude Oba festival and tell the story of the elegant festival in Ijebu land.

    His popularity skyrocketed and he became renowned for showcasing the beauty of Nigeria and Africa through his lens by combining videography, photography, and storytelling to showcase Africa’s culture, landscapes, and people.

    Since 2023, fans and celebrities look forward to his pictures and videos to savour the yearly Ojude Oba as well as other works.

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    One of his most outstanding works on the festival gathered global recognition, amassing over 100 million views across all platforms. Because of the impact of his work, he has been a catalyst in transforming the Ojude Oba Festival from a primarily local celebration into an internationally recognized cultural event. His visual storytelling and cinematic approach not only brought global attention to the festival but also elevated its significance on the world stage, attracting interest from international media, brands and sponsorships, cultural enthusiasts, and tourism stakeholders alike.

    Fagbemi’ work serves as a visual celebration of the continent’s beauty while providing authentic narratives that challenge stereotypes and amplify African perspectives.

    His works have gained commendations and accolades from Hollywood star, Gbenga Akinnagbe, to Nollywood stars including Ruth Kadiri, Ego Boyo, Michelle Dede and Amara Kanu amongst many others.

  • PMAN president Pretty Okafor cleared of all allegations

    PMAN president Pretty Okafor cleared of all allegations

    The president of the Performing Musicians Employers; Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Pretty Okafor, has been cleared of all allegations following the release of the final police investigation report.

    The report confirms that Okafor did not engage in any  financial misconduct, forgery or breach of the PMAN constitution.

    Earlier in 2024, certain members of the then National Working Committee (NWC) issued him a query and subsequently suspended Okafor indefinitely as the PMAN President over financial misconduct and other offences.

    However the action was deemed unconstitutional as only the National Executive Council (NEC) through a duly appointed Disciplinary Committee can take such actions after a fair hearing. The NWC appointed Sunny Neji to act as president.

    In a swift reaction, the NEC reversed the suspension and suspended those involved in the act.

    Making more clarification about the crisis, Okafor at a media parley in Lagos said: “This press conference is to set the record straight, clear the fog of misinformation and present the truth  backed by the highest investigative authority in our country – the Nigeria Police Force. Let me state this in the strongest terms possible, there was never any financial misconduct. There was never any forgery. There was no breach of the PMAN constitution on my part. Today we release the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Nigeria Police Investigation Report which clears me and confirms that every action taken by NEC under my leadership was constitutional, just and lawful.”

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    With copies of the investigative report made available to journalists, he further revealed that the true motive behind the crisis is not about selfless service to the union but the selfish ambition of a few who seek to illegally gain control of PMAN’s assets and deplete its growing resources.

    He added that it was because of the Abuja Monaco Project which he initiated to raise PMAN’s national and global profile that attracted internal enmity.

    The singer also accused some dismissed and suspended members of PMAN of procuring a fraudulent consent judgement. Okafor informed that since Sunny Neji, Zakky Adzay and Michael Stephen (Ruggedman) have vacated their positions, these vacancies will be filled in acting capacity pursuant to Article11 (M), pending a special national delegates conference to be convened soon.

    Reeling out his achievement of acquiring a befitting PMAN edifice and investing in state –of-the-art radio equipment to launch PMAN FM radio, Okafor gave more assurance of taking PMAN to greater heights. He said: “We are standing strong. We will rebuild. And we will pursue all legal avenues, civil and criminal, to bring every imposter, saboteur and sponsor of this evil agenda to justice.”

  • American actor Harris Yulin dies at 87

    American actor Harris Yulin dies at 87

    Veteran American actor Harris Yulin, known for his iconic roles in films and television, has passed away at 87.

    He died on June 10, 2025 due to cardiac arrest as announced by his Manager Sue Leibman on Thursday.

    Yulin’s career spanned multiple decades and included notable performances in movies such as “Scarface” and “Ghostbusters II,” as well as acclaimed television shows.

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    Sue Leibman, confirmed his death and praised Yulin’s dedication to his craft, describing his performances as a gift to his fellow actors, audiences, and the art of acting.

    A memorial service will be announced at a later date, allowing fans and loved ones to pay their respects to the beloved actor.

  • How I knew I’d be successful, by Wizkid

    How I knew I’d be successful, by Wizkid

    Award-winning singer Wizkid has spoken about his success, attributing it to his clear vision.

    In a recent interview at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, where his documentary “Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” premiered, he shared that envisioning one’s goals is crucial to achieving them.

    According to Wizkid, one must “dream it before you achieve it.”

    The interviewer asked: “Did you always know that you would make it to this point? Did you see the vision before it happened?”

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    Wizkid replied: “Yeah, absolutely, man. You have to dream it before you achieve it. So, yeah, [I’ve] always [known I would be successful].”

    He also offered valuable advice to young people, emphasising the importance of staying true to oneself, working hard, and maintaining faith.

    The singer’s words of wisdom come as no surprise, given his own journey to success.

  • Nigerian-British afrobeat sensation, Tiyo Kay drops new single

    Nigerian-British afrobeat sensation, Tiyo Kay drops new single

    Nigerian-British afrobeat music artiste, Akintayo Abolaji Adeboyejo, otherwise known as ‘Tiyo Kay’ has dropped a new single titled: ‘Gbe’.

    He said it was a special song written while he was recovering from an injury.

    Speaking on the motivation behind the release of the new song, he said: “I had an ACL reconstruction surgery in August of 2024 and while I was recovering from my surgery, I hit up my producer Tyemmy and we made the record and it was just off pure vibes.

    “I believe it is got a very infectious rhythm and a catchy hook that every music lover can definitely sing along to.”

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    Sharing details of his journey into music, Tiyo Kay said,: “I realised my love for music at a very young age as I started singing since I was probably 8 years old. I’d sing along to Backstreet boys and Westlife songs. I then started to write songs playfully only taking it more seriously when I wrote and recorded my first ever single “Love You” in 2014 under my initial stage name Ty P.”

    Dwelling on the uniqueness of his music sound, Tiyo Kay said: “I will say my sound is unique and I am really looking to set my style and sound apart from every other one out there. I want people to hear my song and say that’s a Tiyo Kay record and not say oh he sounds like so and so. 

    “I think just the way I compose and deliver my songs is quite different from your everyday afrobeats records. I will urge people to listen to my songs and tell for themselves.”

    He however said music lovers should look forward for more singles after ‘Gbe’ as he has more to drop, adding that he is working on an EP as well as a lot to look forward to.

  • Ojude Oba returns with vibrant colours, glamour

    Ojude Oba returns with vibrant colours, glamour

    The 2025 Ojude Oba festival has kicked off in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, bringing together people from all walks of life. 

    This annual celebration, which dates back to the 19th century, is a revered tradition where the people of Ijebu pay homage to their monarch, the Awujale of Ijebuland. 

    The festival’s origins are rooted in the Muslim community’s gratitude to the Awujale for allowing them to practice their faith freely.

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    During the festival, various age groups, known as ‘regberegbe’, showcase vibrant displays of traditional attire, while horse-riding competitions and rich cultural performances add to the excitement. 

    The event showcases the community’s heritage and unity, highlighting the beauty of Yoruba culture through music, dance, and art.

  • MC Oluomo didn’t give me a car – Actress Aisha Lawal

    MC Oluomo didn’t give me a car – Actress Aisha Lawal

    Actress Aisha Lawal has denied she received a Venza car from MC Oluomo, the national president of the NURTW. 

    In an interview on Biola Bayo’s podcast, she claimed the allegation might be a setup. Though she expressed respect for MC Oluomo, she didn’t receive any car from him. 

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    She said: “I wonder if it was a setup or if the man smoked weed to claim that MC Oluomo collected Venza from him and gifted me. I have regard for MC Oluomo because he has done so much for people that I know. But I did not collect any car from him.

    “Common, you have to add some respect to my name because I suffered before I make money, I did not drive Venza, it’s not a car I like. I drive a GX 460”.

    Aisha Lawal reveals her wealth source, citing her success during the COVID-19 period when she made N10 million in a week

  • Charles Okocha grateful after friend survives collapsed ceiling POP

    Charles Okocha grateful after friend survives collapsed ceiling POP

    Actor Charles Okocha has called for prayers after his close friend, Rico popularly known as “Billionaire Gateman”, got trapped under a fallen. POP.

    Rico’s POP ceiling suddenly collapsed, trapping him underneath.

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    Fortunately, he survived and was seen rushed to the hospital.

    Charles Okocha took to Instagram to express gratitude to God for his friend’s safety, saying, “Prayers up for my boy Rico #billionaire_gateman_ POP just fell on him. To God be the glory”.