The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Music artiste, three crew members found dead in Lagos studio

    Music artiste, three crew members found dead in Lagos studio

    …police arrest one, commence probe

    A popular music artiste, Matthew Ogundele, and three of his crew members have been found dead inside a Lagos studio.

    The crew members were identified as Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and blogger Matthew Awosanya, alias JoesTv.

    The deceased were said to have been discovered on February 4, around 11 am, in the studio located at HFP Shopping Complex, Abraham Adesanya in Ajah.

    It was gathered that the artists had gone to Ajah to perform in a three-day birthday party allegedly organized by the owner of the studio, Olanireti Akinbola.

    The deceased, it was learnt, performed on February 3 and decided to sleep in the studio when they finished around midnight.

    According to sources, they were given food by the owner’s husband that night, who is said to be the one who noticed something was amiss around 11 am the next day.

    Sources alleged that a possible suffocation from a generator placed directly opposite the studio door could be responsible for their death.

    They were allegedly found unresponsive with blood coming out of their nostrils, ears, and mouth, but no violent mark seen.

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     “The convener invited some gospel artistes to minister during her three-day birthday praise, which started on Monday.

    “Segun Praise was scheduled to minister on the second day, and he came with his crew. The session started in the evening and ran late, so they decided to stay overnight in the studio.

    “It was the following morning that we heard that their bodies were found in the studio.

    “Her husband was the one who raised the alarm after knocking the studio door several times with no response coming from inside.

    “A generator was on and placed directly opposite their sleeping locations. So, it is suspected that this probably caused their death, but nothing has been concluded yet,” said a police source.

    Contacted, the Lagos Police Spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident, saying it was reported on Wednesday, February 4, at Ajah Division, adding that it was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba.

    “One suspect identified as the organizer of the event is currently in custody. Investigation is ongoing while we await the autopsy report,” said Adebisi.

  • Why musical artistes must take responsibility for poor sound at concerts — Peter David

    Why musical artistes must take responsibility for poor sound at concerts — Peter David

    Poor sound quality at live concerts is often blamed on sound engineers or equipment providers, but music production expert Peter Sunday David said the ultimate responsibility lies with artistes and their management teams.

    According to David Peter Sunday, who has handled over 2,000 professional live events across concerts and orchestral productions and has also served as a band leader for Nigerian superstar Tekno from 2016 to date, audiences interact solely with performers and are largely unaware of the technical chain behind a show. As a result, accountability naturally falls on the artiste’s camp.

    “The audience does not know the sound supplier or the engineer. They only know the artiste,” David said. “It is therefore the responsibility of the artiste and their management to engage competent professionals and supervise the entire technical process before, during, and after performances.”

    He noted that many sound-related failures at live events are rooted in poor preparation rather than technical limitations.

    According to him, event organisers and artistes often prioritise cost over competence, opting for cheaper technical teams without proper vetting or planning.

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    “Poor preparation remains the biggest issue,” he said. “Many organisers fail to assemble the right technical team or carry out proper planning, projections, and post-event reviews. Settling for the cheapest option instead of the best frequently compromises quality.”

    David also challenged the growing belief that acquiring expensive equipment automatically guarantees superior sound. He explained that sound system design plays a far more critical role in determining output quality.

    “Equipment alone does not guarantee quality,” he said. “Sound system design requires technical understanding, planning, and creativity. Without proper system integration and acoustic planning, even the most expensive equipment will underperform.”

    He added that many production companies invest heavily in branded gear without sufficient knowledge of how to deploy it effectively, resulting in distorted sound, poor balance, and unsatisfactory audience experiences.

  • Mo Abudu refutes claims of Nollywood ‘Cabal’ controlling cinema screenings

    Mo Abudu refutes claims of Nollywood ‘Cabal’ controlling cinema screenings

    Media mogul Mo Abudu has dismissed allegations that a group within Nollywood is working with cinema owners to restrict screening opportunities for certain films.

    Speaking on ARISE TV, Abudu emphasised that cinema operations are guided by business considerations and audience demand rather than personal preferences or favoritism.

    Veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who joined the discussion, noted that concerns about unfair practices in the industry have become increasingly common.

    “I have heard these things, people have been saying this. Actors themselves have come out to say this has happened to them. And there are some fans too who corroborate these stories, confirming that some people convinced them to watch one movie apart from the movie they came to see,” Omotola said.

    Responding, Abudu said, it makes no commercial sense for cinemas to restrict screenings or discourage audiences from watching particular films.

    Abudu cited EbonyLife Cinemas, which she owns, as an example, stating that the company prioritises filling seats to maximize return on investment.

    Abudu explained that screening schedules are adjusted based on performance, with cinemas balancing creative considerations with operational costs like electricity and staff salaries.

    She emphasised that decisions are not personal and apply equally to all producers, regardless of ownership or status.

    Responding, Abudu said, “I can’t speak for all the cinemas, but I can certainly speak for EbonyLife Cinemas. it’s not true. We run a professional business. Our return on investment depends very heavily on making sure that we have people sitting in every single cinema.

    “It is in our interest to ensure that every cinema is full. We have five cinemas in EbonyLife. We do about 30 screenings a day. That’s about 900 screenings in a month. There is plenty of space.”

    Addressing complaints about peak-hour slots, she said audience demand does not always align with expectations. “Even if you say people prefer peak hours, and they get 50% of that, that’s still about 450 screenings in a month,” she said.

    “When your film is in our cinema and it has no audience, and I am running air conditioning and paying staff, and you only have two or three people in a 100-seater cinema, by the next week we are going to have a conversation,” she said. “That time slot can no longer really work.”

    “There is no sentiment to anybody being in the cinema space,” Abudu added

    To buttress her point, she referenced a film produced by her daughter, Temidayo Abudu, which was removed from cinemas due to poor turnout, “My daughter had a film in the cinema last year. When it wasn’t performing, we had to move the film out. So there is no sentiment,” she said.

    “This is about return on investment. It does not matter who owns the film. If I, Mo Abudu, make a film and we are not able to fill up the seats, it’s going to give way to the next film that can,” she added.

    The comments come amid growing tension between filmmakers and cinema operators, with some alleging unfair practices and unfavourable screening times.

  • Burna Boy ahead of Wizkid, Davido locally, globally – 2Baba

    Burna Boy ahead of Wizkid, Davido locally, globally – 2Baba

    Global music star 2Baba has described Burna Boy as the leading Afrobeats artist, saying he currently operates on a different musical level compared to peers like Davido and Wizkid.

    Speaking on the ‘Mic On’ Podcast, 2Baba said he appreciates the work of all major Afrobeats artists but placed Burna Boy at the top of the current scene.

    “I have my favourite songs from each, from all of them. But if I must be put on the spot, I think Burna is on the top of the game right now,” he stated.

    He compared evaluating artists to comparing painters, each with a unique style, and stressed that such comparisons are inherently subjective.

    2Baba clarified that his ranking reflects his perspective on the global music landscape rather than personal achievements or rivalries.

    “Different artists have different styles. There’s nothing like this one sing pass. Different people have different tastes in what they want and what they like. I’m going into a general aspect of this. I don’t know their bank accounts.

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    “I don’t have any information about their personal successes or all that. I don’t have that. So I can’t speak on that.

    “But from what I can measure from at least common sense and understanding of the music world, I think right now Burna is at the top of this chain.

    “Not just in Nigeria, in Africa, in the world. He’s on that but everybody’s doing fantastically well,” he said.

    Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid are often considered Nigeria’s Afrobeats big three, sparking ongoing debates over which artist reigns supreme.

  • Ebuka Obi-Uchendu re-proposes to wife on 10th wedding anniversary

    Ebuka Obi-Uchendu re-proposes to wife on 10th wedding anniversary

    Media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu has marked his 10th wedding anniversary with a romantic re-proposal to his wife, Cynthia, in Rome.

    The couple, who got married on February 6, celebrated the milestone with a surprise trip to Vatican City, where Obi-Uchendu re-proposed to his wife at St. Peter’s Basilica.

    According to Obi-Uchendu, the surprise gesture was planned without Cynthia’s knowledge.

    The couple attended mass at the basilica and received a special certificate from the Pope, commemorating their 10-year anniversary.

    They concluded the day with dinner at their favourite restaurant.

    Obi-Uchendu shared the romantic moment on his Instagram page, expressing his love and gratitude for his wife.

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    He wrote, “Exactly 10 years married on Feb. 6, and we spent the most amazing day in Rome and Vatican City. Someone got a surprise re-proposal on holy grounds (thanks to @akano_diamonds for the secret project), we attended mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and got a 10th anniversary certificate from the Pope, and then ended the day with the best dinner at our favourite restaurant. Now, it’s vacation time. Where to next?

    “Big shoutout to @travelbeta for being the best travel partner”.

  • Mboma gains traction with “Street Voltage” EP

    Mboma gains traction with “Street Voltage” EP

    Nigerian artist Victor Uzochukwu Obikezie, professionally known as Mboma, is strengthening his foothold in the music scene with his EP, Street Voltage, released on December 19, 2025.

    Since its release, the project has recorded steady traction, with tracks such as “OT (Orientation),” “Mmiri,” and “No Bad Energy” drawing attention and connecting with listeners across digital platforms.

    Born and raised in Lagos, Mboma’s sound reflects the city’s intensity, diversity, and street culture. Now based in eastern Nigeria, he continues to draw creative inspiration from both regions, shaping music marked by energy and authenticity. Street Voltage captures themes of determination, resilience, and ambition.

    Beyond Nigeria, Mboma has taken his performances to audiences across East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. He has also developed creative ties with artists in Africa and Europe, experiences that have influenced a sound that fuses African street culture with broader global elements.

    Prior to the release of “Street Voltage,” Mboma collaborated with notable industry figures such as Magnito, Dremo, and Terry Apala, further establishing his credibility and versatility in the music industry.

    With “Street Voltage,” Mboma confidently

  • Priscilla, Juma Jux recreate Tupac’s iconic pictures for first wedding anniversary

    Priscilla, Juma Jux recreate Tupac’s iconic pictures for first wedding anniversary

    Priscilla, daughter of actress Iyabo Ojo, and her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, are celebrating their first wedding anniversary with a romantic throwback photo shoot, recreating iconic images of Tupac Shakur and Janet Jackson from the 1993 film Poetic Justice.

    “One year down, forever to go,” Priscilla captioned the post on Instagram, which garnered congratulatory messages from friends, family, and celebrities.

    Social media influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa and actress Iyabo Ojo, Priscilla’s mother, were among those who wished the couple well.

    The couple, who tied the knot in a glamorous Islamic ceremony in Tanzania in February 2025, followed by events in Nigeria and a destination wedding in May, welcomed their first child, Rakeem Ayomide Mkambala, in August 2025.

    The anniversary celebration has sparked an outpouring of love and best wishes for the young family.

  • Fathia Balogun dismisses rumours of rift with Funke Akindele

    Fathia Balogun dismisses rumours of rift with Funke Akindele

    Actress and filmmaker Fathia Balogun has criticised a blogger for spreading false claims about a supposed rift between her and fellow actress Funke Akindele.

    The controversy began after Fathia marked her birthday on February 5, when Funke sent her a warm message. Fathia responded with a polite “Ose Iya Ibeji” in Yoruba.

    A blogger later suggested on social media that the exchange appeared awkward, fuelling speculation about tension between the two actresses.

    Fathia has since dismissed the claims, insisting there is no bad blood between them and accusing bloggers of creating unnecessary drama and false narratives online.

    Speaking during a live video session, she warned bloggers to stop interfering in her personal and professional relationships, stressing that Funke’s message was genuine and her response had been misinterpreted.

    Recall that Fathia and Funke have been linked to drama when Funke reportedly unfollowed and blocked Fathia over alleged unreciprocated event appearances. 

  • Funke Akindele honours late mother’s memory on third anniversary

    Funke Akindele honours late mother’s memory on third anniversary

    Filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has paid a tribute to her late mother, marking three years since her passing.

    In an Instagram post, she remembered her mother as a selfless queen who instilled values and discipline in her children, giving them the best education and teaching them to believe in themselves.

    Funke hailed her mother for shaping her into who she is today, citing her teachings, knowledge, and discipline as the foundation of her success.

    She said her mother’s legacy lives on through her, her siblings, and grandkids, and that she will continue to be remembered and celebrated.

    With love and gratitude, Funke expressed that her mother’s kind soul will rest in peace, and that her family will keep making her proud.

    Akindele wrote, “My darling Mother, today marks 3 years since you left us. Mummy,you were a selfless queen who gave us the best education, taught us to believe in ourselves, and raised strong Children. Your legacy lives on in me, my siblings and your grandchildren.

    “Your teachings, knowledge, and discipline shaped me into who I am today. I celebrate you, mummy. May your kind soul continue to rest in peace. We love you, miss you, and will keep making you proud.”

  • Touring Europe, US was easier than Africa – Mr Eazi

    Touring Europe, US was easier than Africa – Mr Eazi

    Afrobeats singer and entrepreneur Mr Eazi has revealed that touring Africa was tougher than performing in Europe and the US early in his career.

    Speaking at the 2026 Africa Prosperity Dialogue, he highlighted the challenges African artists face due to border and regulatory hurdles.

    “In the last ten years, I have spent six of those years as a singer touring the world and four of those years doing a lot of entrepreneurship. Two things stand out to me.

    “In the first six years of my rise, particularly the first two years of me blowing up, it was easier to tour America and Europe than it was to tour Africa, even though I had some of the biggest songs… once I had the number one song in Africa, touring here became even harder.”

    He recalled being stopped at the Kenyan border despite being booked for a show, while his band members were allowed in. 

    “I remember two occasions, one of me going into Kenya with my band. Even though I had been paid to perform, I was stopped at the border.

    “My band, which included members of other nationalities, were allowed to enter, but I — the lead artist who was being paid the most — had to wait,” he added.

    He said the incident reflected broader challenges in cross-border movement.

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    “That incident speaks to the reality of the friction that is being put in place — friction that stops us from uniting, stops us from being stronger, and prevents us from developing,” he said.

    Mr Eazi emphasised that Africa needs to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost business growth. “Borders as they currently function create friction in movements, in payments, in regulation and in the abilities of small and medium-scale enterprises to scale,” he said.

    Drawing from his business experience, he said he has invested in companies operating in 19 African countries.

    “One of which I’m really proud of is a company that is live in 19 African countries and processes four million transactions a day,” he said.

    With companies operating in 19 African countries, Mr Eazi stressed that easing cross-border movement will support SMEs and young people. “A more connected Africa is how SMEs grow into continental champions,” he said. 

    He concluded by urging Africans to remove barriers holding the continent back. “When Africa moves together, we do not lose strength. We multiply it… If we make Africa borderless, Africa becomes unstoppable,” he said.