The Nation Newspaper

Category: Celebrity

  • Obi Cubana gifts media entrepreneur Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 for Christmas  

    Obi Cubana gifts media entrepreneur Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 for Christmas  

    In the spirit of Christmas, businessman and chairman of the Cubana Group, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has gifted a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 to his friend and media entrepreneur, Mr. Victor Ikem.

    Obi Cubana expressed that the gesture was a heartfelt appreciation for Ikem’s unwavering loyalty and dependability throughout the year. “This season, I’ve chosen to celebrate individuals who exemplify passion and commitment to meaningful relationships,” Obi Cubana remarked.

    Victor Ikem expressed heartfelt thanks for the surprise, calling it a testament to Obi Cubana’s generous and thoughtful character.

    “This isn’t just a Christmas gift—it’s a statement,” Ikem said. “The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a vital tool for any executive who values innovation and efficiency. Obi Cubana’s consistent efforts to make life easier and more enjoyable for those around him is truly commendable.”

    Valued at over ₦3 million, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 represents the pinnacle of mobile technology for work, business, and leisure. Unveiled in July 2024, the foldable phone has garnered widespread acclaim for its upgraded features and premium design.

    Read Also: I was accused of ritualism when my wife fell ill – Obi Cubana

    The device boasts a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED main display with a resolution of 2160 x 1856 and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, complemented by a user-friendly 6.3-inch cover screen. Constructed with an enhanced Armor Aluminum chassis and a sturdier hinge, the Fold 6 is built for durability.

    Under the hood, it’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, delivering superior performance and heat management.

    It features a 50MP AI-enhanced main camera alongside ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, enabling exceptional photography.

    The 4,400mAh battery supports 25W wired and wireless charging, ensuring all-day power. Running on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1, the Fold 6 integrates advanced AI capabilities, including enhanced search, transcription tools, and innovative camera functionalities.

    “Available in striking colors like Navy, Pink, and exclusively Crafted in Black and White, the phone combines style and functionality. Reflecting on his new gadget, Victor Ikem added, “The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a masterpiece of design and AI-driven efficiency. It’s perfect for work, business, and play—a true game-changer in mobile technology.” With this thoughtful gift, Obi Cubana continues to set the standard for celebrating relationships and making every moment count.

  • Seven inspirational NigerianMusic Executives

    Seven inspirational NigerianMusic Executives

    In 2023, the Nigerian music industry reached unprecedented heights, captivating audiences worldwide. Yet, behind this remarkable success story lies a group of individuals whose tireless efforts drive the industry forward.

    These unsung heroes orchestrate partnerships, ignite collaborations, and secure deals that propel Nigerian music onto the global stage, opening doors to uncharted territories.

    Here, we celebrate the top 7 inspirational Nigerian music executives whose dedication and passion have shaped the industry’s landscape.

    Bizzle Osikoya

    As one-third of The Plug, a leading Nigerian Entertainment Company, Bizzle Osikoya has been instrumental in the advancement of Nigerian music, particularly in artist development. His ability to bring people together has been lauded by industry veterans like Obi Asika, who witnessed Bizzle’s early efforts in building Nigerian artists’ presence on social media platforms like Myspace.

    Through The Plug, Bizzle has not only fostered artist development but also curated live events like the Mainland Block Party franchise, nurturing talents like Bella Shmurda and Victony to success.

    Wale Ozolua

    Serving as the Audiomack Content & Artist Services Chief for Africa, Wale Ozolua has been pivotal in consolidating the global music platform’s success in Nigeria. Under his leadership, Audiomack provided extensive support to Nigerian artists through playlisting, listener monetary support channels, and street amplifications, fostering a thriving music streaming culture in Nigeria. His dedication to advancing Nigerian artists’ growth led to Asake’s debut album, “Mr. Money With The Vibe,” becoming the most-streamed album on the platform, showcasing Ozolua’s commitment to artist success.

    Ibukun “Aibee” Abidoye

    As the VP of Chocolate City, Ibukun Abidoye has been steering the label’s ship, contributing to a stellar 2023 for their artists. Described as the heartbeat of innovation by Chocolate City founder Audu Maikori, Abidoye’s innovative strategies have propelled artists like Young Jonn and Blaq Bonez to chart-topping success. Chocolate City’s roster expansion, including artists like Candy Bleakz, Major AJ, Tar1q, and Noondave, underscores Abidoye’s commitment to nurturing diverse talent to commercial success.

    Ikpon Kelvin (Baanty)

    Rising as a force in the Nigerian music industry, Baanty, founder of BNM Entertainment, embodies a multifaceted approach to artist management. Beyond his role as a music executive, Baanty’s passion for Afrobeats and Afroswing drives his label’s vision.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Africa’s most followed artists on Spotify

    His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond music into fashion and real estate, reflecting his commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem beyond the industry’s boundaries. Baanty’s recognition as the Music Executive of the Year at the Entertainment G.I.A.N.T awards in 2023 underscores his impact on the industry.

    Motolani Alake

    Renowned music journalist and media personality, Motolani Alake, took on a new challenge as the Label & Marketing Manager for Virgin Music Nigeria. Leveraging his vast knowledge of the Nigerian and African music landscape, Alake has facilitated notable partnerships between Virgin Music Nigeria and labels like Dapper Music and Jonzing World, amplifying the reach of Nigerian artists like Seyi Vibez, Shallipopi, and GDZILLA.

    Osagie Osarenkhoe

    As the Director of A&R/Operations Africa for ONErpm, Osagie Osarenkhoe’s expertise has been instrumental in building an ecosystem that facilitates artists’ global outreach. With an impressive roster including Bella Shmurda, Chike, Reminisce, and Mohbad, Osarenkhoe prioritizes creating opportunities for emerging artists, as evident in her signing of rising stars like Runda in 2023.

    Elizabeth Shobowale

    As the artist manager of Adekunle Gold, Elizabeth Sobowale played a pivotal role in the Afrobeats star’s commercial success in 2023. Her leadership extends beyond artist management as the Program Manager for Music Business for Africa Academy, where she contributes to educating and training individuals in vital music business skills.

    In conclusion, these inspirational Nigerian music executives embody resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their contributions have not only propelled Nigerian music to unprecedented heights but have also paved the way for a vibrant and sustainable industry ecosystem. As we celebrate their achievements, let us recognize the invaluable role they play in shaping the future of Nigerian music.

  • Gthree Mayami features Erigga in new single “E Sure for Me”

    Gthree Mayami features Erigga in new single “E Sure for Me”

    Nigerian Singer and Songwriter Gthree Mayami Collaborates with Nigerian’s Sensational Singer and Rapper, Erigga on New Debut single titled “E Sure for me”.

    Gthree Mayami reveals to his fans on his social media page his reasons why he was off the music scene for a while, he needed time and space to work on himself and good project.

    Mayami explains that his new single with Erigga let drop when he had nothing and he struggled in the hood with different challenges in life, fake friends came and went but he stood firm but as time flies GOD came through and everything was easy. He advises his audience to believe that God makes a way where it seams to be none and makes things sure.

    Read Also: Nnennaya Kelly announces new Single “No Wori”

    Okeke Frank Ndubuisi best known as Gthree Mayami, a Nigerian singer who has made waves with his sounds in Port harcourt city, Announces 22nd July, 2023 as official dropping of “E Sure for me” his Debut single with Erriga.

    Erigga delivered his motivational lyrics on the Craft with Mayami while fans are still anticipating “E sure for me”.

  • African Quality Achievement Award for Cubana FMCG

    African Quality Achievement Award for Cubana FMCG

    The African Quality Achievement Awards Research/ Technical Committee yesterday conferred an award on Cubana FMCG Limited’ for their standard compliance in the FMCG sector in Nigeria’.

    The event, which held at the Civic Centre in Lagos brought together top industry experts across sectors and standards practitioners.

    Cubana FMCG Ltd has business interests cutting across food, beverages, cosmetics and gadgets/tech, plus other emerging categories.

    The Managing Director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Cubana FMCG, Efosa Ogbeide expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the African Quality Achievement Awards committee which he said has thrilled and inspired the entire company with the extraordinary recognition.

    He said: “We are honored to accept the African Quality Achievements Award 2023.

    “It is a delight that we have been recognised for the impact our business has so far recorded in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry where we have continuously demonstrated our desire to provide the Nigerian consumers with quality products at a convenient price and across multiple sales channels

    “Cubana FMCG is greatly honored to accept the African Quality Achievement Award 2023

    “At Cubana FMCG, we believe that providing the highest quality products and services is not just a responsibility owed but also a commitment we will continue to reinforce for the benefit of our customers, stakeholders, and the industry as a whole.

    “Our determination to maintain the highest quality standard across all the key parameters is non-negotiable.

    Read Also: Success is a process, says Obi Cubana at UNN

    “Our commitment is making the journey from the factory to the consumer’s finger a seamless one riding on the key words of Quality. Consistency. Precision

    “To this effect, we consider this award as indeed a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team members who strive for excellence every day.”

    He noted that Cubana FMCG Ltd will contune to maintain its passion for excellence which it intends to imparted heavily in the FMCG industry in Nigeria.

    He went on: “This recognition would not be possible today without the motivation and visionary leadership of our stakeholders.

    “We can maximize the opportunities in the FMCG industry by continually thriving to improve the lives of people and that is the key drining force of Cubana FMCG Ltd. This company brings to life my dedication to serving consumers’ ever-evolving needs and wants.

    “Once again, thank the organisers for honoring us with this award and we are also very appreciative of the selection committee for the time and effort they have invested into this yearly award process.

    “We look forward to continuing our journey toward excellence and making a positive impact on the industry and the community we serve.” He concluded

    Cubana FMGC Ltd is Nigeria’s leading company with a firm commitment to providing a wide array of consumer products across various segments of the FMCG sector including food, beverages and consumer electronics.

    The company has also affirmed its commitment to applying innovation, e-commerce and technology solutions to deliver on serving the needs of its customers, suppliers and consumers as a core aspect of its business value delivery.

  • “Houseoftuyi: Superb in knitted stitches and ankara infused shirts”

    “Houseoftuyi: Superb in knitted stitches and ankara infused shirts”

    The CEO of Houseoftuyi, Onakoya Seguntuyi, says his clothing line is one that instills confidence and style through the combination of arts, culture, and tradition in its creative

    process.

    The brand which was born in 2016 has since grown to become a household name not only in Nigeria but also overseas, having delivered its product worldwide.

    Seguntuyi recalled how it all started when fellow students picked interest in his outfits while attending classes.

    “I got a lot of people asking where I got my clothes from as they really liked them. With that came an idea to start my own line. I first started with a fellow designer in Lagos and  I had no structure at that point. I just wanted to test my ideas in school and see if they would make sales.

     “I had to reach out to someone that was already established and gave my ideas for an ankara-infused design shirt and we put resources together and produced it,” said Seguntuyi during a live Instagram video with fans.

    According to him, “Houseoftuyi is a clothing line/brand that has been incorporated for the stylish modern man to look his best by instilling confidence and style through the combination of arts, culture and tradition in its creative process, achieving perfectly knitted stitches of attires, suits, and in general; Men’s wear.

    “The first batch was sent to my school where I sold about 150 shirts in one week, which further solidified my plans for establishing my own clothing brand. Fast forward to now, the brand has been doing quite well for itself, modernizing and implementing designs for its customers and attracting broad interest from other patronizers and we aim to expand further.

    Last year, the clothing line went into making wedding suits and the feedback has been really impressive. “We are finalizing plans to have a more direct wedding niche on another sub-brand under Houseoftuyi to make it more effective.

    “We currently also have foreign customers that buy our products. We’ve shipped to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Estonia, and Canada, making us attract interest from the international scene and we aim to solidify that market as well, he said.

    He admitted that the outfit is still young and striving to be the best, but holds back no stance toward its success and takes effective feedback from its clients in order to improve every production it makes.

    On what makes the brand stand out in its industry, he avowed that “Over the years, I believe what has made my brand stand out is the quality materials we use for our production. One thing we made clear when starting the clothing brand was never to compromise quality over what we get in terms of profit in our delivery of service to our clients. I have expressly made this known to my workers.”

  • Comedian Peteru loses battle with cancer

    Comedian Peteru loses battle with cancer

    Comedian, Oluwatobi Owomoyela, popularly known as Peteru, is dead.

    The Ibadan-based comic act reportedly died on Wednesday after battling cancer.

    Actor Muyiwa Ademola shared the sad news in a post via his Instagram page on Thursday.

    Expressing grief over the demise of Peteru, who he described as a jolly good fellow, Ademola said: “This is a very hard pill to swallow! 

    “How could this jolly good fellow just depart this world in this manner? Hmmm… it is well.

    Read Also: Targeting rural dwellers, group out with initiative to tackle cancer in Nigeria

    “Please be kind to one another as we don’t even know what we are individually passing through! I learnt Peteru died of cancer. 

    “You were battling such burden yet I never saw you without a smile! 

    “It is well. It is well. It is well. Journey well great guy. I am out of words tonight.”

    The deceased was well known for his unique delivery of mimicking people. 

    He was also an MC and an on-air personality in Ibadan.

  • Wizkid replaces Burna Boy on cover of Apple music

    Wizkid replaces Burna Boy on cover of Apple music

    Grammy award winner Wizkid is the newest cover of Apple Music’s African Category.

    Wizkid was recently made the cover for Apple Music’s African Category, replacing his very good friend and colleague, Burna Boy who held the spot last year.

    Big Wiz continues to achieve great feats seeing his last project, “Made In Lagos” has recorded groundbreaking success especially because of his global hit “Essence” which is off the album.

    “Made in Lagos” is the fourth studio and second major-label album by “Ojuelegba” singer which was released on October 30, 2020, by Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records

    Billboard, a music platform that records the relative weekly popularity of songs and albums in the United States and other countries depending on the genre, had recently confirmed that Wizkid’s album has been submitted for nomination in the “Best Global Music Album” category.

    READ ALSO: Wizkid shares financial tips

    The Billboard in a post via its official website wrote: “Wizkid’s Made in Lagos is vying for a nod in the recently renamed best global music album category at the 2022 Grammys”.

    While marking one year anniversary of his massively successful album, “Made In Lagos”, the singer revealed plans for a new album titled, “More Love Less Ego”, expected to drop on the last day of his MIL tour.

    Wizkidayo wrote: “1 year already!! Thank you for riding with me. I’m just very grateful for all the love and blessings. Promised not to make you wait too long for the next one. “More Love Less Ego” dropping on the last day of tour! I love you!”

  • Don Jazzy donates N1.5 million for youths to learn coding

    Don Jazzy donates N1.5 million for youths to learn coding

    Music executive Don Jazzy has donated N1.5 million to aid in facilitating a good number of young Nigerians to learn coding.

    The Mavin records boss made the donation following an appeal by the Founder of Code Hub Africa, Chizom Echehieuka that he (Jazzy) should sponsor 100 youths for the programme at N15, 000 per person.

    ”Dear @DONJAZZY Please would you like to sponsor 100 Nigerian youths to learn how to code at our online mentorship program (Code Hub Africa Tech). It’s 15k per person. Thank you.

    “Please tag Rihanna’s boyfriend if you want to be part of this sponsorship,” he wrote.

    READ ALSO: Giving isn’t based on who has more – Don Jazzy

    The “Dorobucci” singer, post obliged the appeal of the Tech boss and did a transfer after which he replied: “Ok boss. Just sent N1.5million to your Vbank account.”

    He further requested only serious minded individuals should be picked for the programme while he shared proof of payment. “Please pick serious students. Here is the N1.5m,” Don Jazzy wrote.

    Acknowledging receipt of the funds, Chizom expressed gratitude to music producer noting the selected students will make the country proud.

    ”Baba Don Jazzy, God bless you. The mentees go make Nigeria proud. History will not forget you baba,” he wrote.

  • Who is afraid of E-Money?

    Who is afraid of E-Money?

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    If you are having a soiree and the compere mentions the name Emeka Okonkwo popularly known as E-Money, every attendee’s attention would be diverted to catch a glimpse of his fashion combinations, gait, and his dandy looks. Emeka connotes respect among all and sundry, most especially, for his financial war chest and philanthropic deeds.

    The sophisticated music label executive has his hands across many business chains from music to agriculture, maritime, cargo, hospitality, procurement, transport, and oil and gas. Anywhere he saunters into, his exotic automobiles and security details are always flashy.

    A few weeks ago, the Five Star Group boss was thrown off balance as the Inspector General of Police received a petition questioning E-Money’s source of income, flamboyant lifestyle, and unofficial use of Police security details.

    While the investigation was ongoing, the police escort details attached to him were immediately withdrawn as he was invited for questioning. This generated mixed reactions among his fans and friends.

    Immediately after the questioning, which proved him innocent, his security details were restored. Taking a new leaf, the socialite deleted all pictures showing his security details opening his car door for him on his Instagram page. He also vowed to stop posting pictures of his security details on social media.

    An insider however insisted that E-Money is a law-abiding citizen and not the only one flaunting his wealth on social media as well as his security details. The insider insists that it has a political undertone.

    “Some people think he would be contesting for a political post in his native state. They want to clip his growing influence before it gets out of hand.

    Since he threw the doors of his palatial country home in Imo open, he has become a threat to many people. The truth is that Emeka is not even delving into politics anytime soon,” the insider insisted.

  • Olu Kosoko’s large heart

    Olu Kosoko’s large heart

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Prince Olu Kosoko, a Principal Consultant of Alpha Gravida Consulting Limited, is an expert in brand management and destination branding.

    With years of experience in selling tourism using Badagry as a point of view, he has canvassed several bodies to invest heavily in Badagry which possesses an aquatic endowment for water sports, leisure, and commercial activities.

    The Aremo of Iworo Kingdom, Badagry in Lagos, during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, joined several organisations by extending his hand of benevolence to both states and the federal governments using his Olu Kosoko Foundation, to carter for the people at the grassroots level.

    On April 28, the foundation had reached out to widows, the aged, vulnerable, youths and people of Badagry with cash.

    READ ALSO: There has been no challenge for me to return to music, says Naeto C

    Celebrating his birthday on Wednesday, May 20, in the United Kingdom, the philanthropist’s NGO reached out to the less privileged doling out cash and meal packages to Muslim faithful who observed the just-concluded Ramadan fasting.

    Kosoko averred that” Africa will be greatly affected by this economic harshness and recession but I believe the best way to celebrate life is to give back to life.

    The grassroots communities are naturally exposed to these difficult times. OK Foundation is motivated by the community spirit and love that exists within them. I want to be grateful for lives and give support to people in these challenging times.”