The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Lady apologises to Priscilla Ojo for false postpartum claim

    Lady apologises to Priscilla Ojo for false postpartum claim

    A social media user, _elite_girl, has apologised to influencer Priscilla Ojo for falsely claiming she said postpartum depression is “an illusion caused by poverty”.

    The post reads: “Priscilla Ojo was asked about marriage after childbirth. She said she never experienced postpartum depression; instead, her love for her husband tripled.

    “She believes postpartum depression is an illusion caused by poverty. I believe her, do you think so?”

    The claim sparked widespread backlash, with Priscilla denying the statement and demanding evidence.

    “I never said this. What’s wrong with Twitter people? Be ready to provide evidence. What do you mean I said ‘postpartum is an illusion caused by poverty’? Insulting to mothers… very insensitive,” she wrote on Snapchat.

    _elite_girl took responsibility for the post, citing it was handled by someone on her page, and promised it won’t happen again.

    Read Also: Priscilla Ojo slams trolls over reworn wedding shoes

    She wrote: “I am deeply sorry, Priscilla. I sincerely ask for your forgiveness.
    The tweet in question was posted by someone who was handling my page at the time, and I take full responsibility for allowing that mistake to occur. Although it was not authored by me personally, I acknowledge that anything shared on my platform remains my responsibility.

    “I attempted to have the post deleted immediately because it was extreme and completely against my values—my ethics as a human being first, even before being a woman. Unfôrtunately, I was misled into leaving it up, and I deeply regret that decision.

    “I respectfully plead that you temper judgment with mercy. This situation has left me shaken and genuinely remorseful. I would never intentionally disrespect or hurt you. I have always admired you—your grace, your journey, and your beautiful family—and I hold you in the highest regard. I give you my word that this will never happen again. I am truly sorry from the depth of my heart.

    “I fully accept responsibility for what was posted on my page, and I am pleading not for what I deserve, but for mercy. Please forgive me for God’s sake, not because I am worthy, but out of compassion. I humbly ask that I not be used as a scapegoat, as this situation has already caused immense distress and would deeply tràumatize my mummy. Once again, I am truly sorry baby, please forgive me”.

  • Itele shares success secret after ‘Koleoso’ hits 100m YouTube views

    Itele shares success secret after ‘Koleoso’ hits 100m YouTube views

    Actor and filmmaker Ibrahim Yekini, popularly known as Itele, has reflected on the journey to success after his movie “Koleoso” hit 100 million views on YouTube, becoming the first Nollywood title and African movie to reach this milestone.

    In an Instagram post, Itele credited his success to discipline, consistency, and focus, stating that he chose discipline over distraction and consistency over excuses.

    He emphasised that there were no shortcuts or distractions, just pressure and faith in the process.

    The actor noted how he went from being overlooked to being overwhelmed, and how he grew from that boy from the hood that people once ignored.

    Read Also: Mercy Aigbe, Itele, other celebrities born on New Year’s Day

    “From overlooked to overwhelming. That boy from the hood they once ignored chose discipline over distraction and consistency over excuses.

    “No shortcuts. No noise. Just focus, pressure, and faith in the process. If it can rise from the hood to global impact, you can do it too.

    “Let the results speak. Let the journey inspire. This is proof that dreams respond to work,” he wrote.

  • Fela should be idolised not compared – Femi Kuti

    Fela should be idolised not compared – Femi Kuti

    Femi Kuti, son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has called for respect for his father’s legacy, dismissing comparisons to other artists.

    Speaking from Los Angeles where he will receive Fela’s posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, Femi emphasised that Fela is in a league of his own.

    The comments come amid controversy between Wizkid and Seun Kuti, with Femi expressing disappointment over the debate. 

    Wizkid sparked outrage after claiming he is “bigger” than Fela while responding to Seun Kuti’s criticisms of him and his fans over the comparison of the ‘Ojuelegba’ crooner with the Afrobeat legend.

    Femi, who maintains good relationships with Seun Kuti and Wizkid, stressed that Fela’s legacy should be celebrated, not compared to others.

    Read Also: Femi Kuti reveals secret of longevity in music industry

    He said: “Fela is our father and all, even the younger artists respect him. The Fela vs Wizkid controversy is not an issue that should be brought up. Fela is the musical and artistic template in Nigeria.

    “So, Fela should just be put in a sector of his own and we just idolise and respect him. I don’t want to go into Seun and Wizkid’s matter because Seun is my brother and Wizkid is like a son to me. I just wished it didn’t not arose”.

  • Five Nigerians nominated for 2026 Grammy Awards

    Five Nigerians nominated for 2026 Grammy Awards

    The countdown to the 68th Grammy Awards has begun with Nigerian music once again taking center stage on the global scene.

    The ceremony is set for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where five Nigerian artists are nominated and vying for music’s most prestigious honors, highlighting the nation’s rising dominance in the international music landscape.

    1. Burna Boy: He leads the charge with two nominations, reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s most reliable Grammy contenders. He’s up for “Love” in the Best African Music Performance category and No Sign of Weakness in Best Global Music Album.

    2. Davido: He makes a return with a nod for “With You” featuring Omah Lay in Best African Music Performance. Fresh off massive international tours and collaborations, the track, a lead single from his album 5ive, shattered records with 4.98 million first-week streams on Spotify Nigeria in 2025.

    3. Ayra Starr secures another major spotlight with “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid, also in Best African Music Performance.

    4. Wizkid adds to his storied Grammy history through his feature on “Gimme Dat”.

    Read Also: 2026 Grammy Awards: Clipse and Pharrell set to duet

    5. Omah Lay joins the list via his feature on Davido’s “With You”. Known for his deeply emotional and vulnerable style, this nod shows how his music resonates far beyond Nigeria’s shores, marking a milestone in his growing recognition.

    Adding historic weight, Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award, the first African artist to earn this honor. He’ll be celebrated alongside icons like Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher, and Paul Simon at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

  • FULL LIST: Nigerians with most Grammy awards

    FULL LIST: Nigerians with most Grammy awards

    Nigerian music stars have made significant strides in the global music scene with several artists winning Grammy Awards. Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is set to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, a first for an African musician.

    This recognition highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in the music industry, leading to the creation of the Best African Music Performance category.

    Here’s a list of notable Nigerians who have won Grammy Awards:

    1. Sade Adu (4) – The British-Nigerian singer won her first Grammy in 1986 for Best New Artist. She’s known for hits like “No Ordinary Love” and “Soldier of Love”, earning her multiple awards, including Best R&B Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album in 2002.

    2. Seal (4) – Nigerian-British artist Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel, popularly known as Seal, won four Grammys, including Record of the Year in 1996 for ‘Kiss from a Rose’.

    3. Tems (2) – Nigerian singer Tems won Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023 for her feature on ‘Wait for U’ and Best African Music Performance in 2025 for ‘Love Me Jeje’, making her the first Nigerian with multiple wins.

    Read Also: What Nigerians, Africans need to know about 2026 Grammy Awards

    4. Sikiru Adepoju (1) – Won Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2009 for Global Drum Project.

    5. Burna Boy (1) – Won Best Global Music Album in 2021 for ‘Twice as Tall’.

    6. Wizkid (1) – Won Best Music Video for ‘Brown Skin Girl’, a collaboration with Beyoncé.

    7. Babatunde Olatunji (1) – Won Best World Music Album in 1991 for Planet Drum.

    8. Chamillionaire (1) – Hakeem Temidayo Seriki, better known as Chamillionaire, is an American rapper of Nigerian descent who was awarded Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2007 for ‘Ridin”.

    These artists have contributed to Nigeria’s growing global music presence, with more achievements expected in the future.

  • Nollywood stars rally support for pregnant actress battling liver disease

    Nollywood stars rally support for pregnant actress battling liver disease

    Actress Mama No Network has appealed for support for Aunty Ajara, a small-screen actress battling liver disease, saying despite money contributed so far, her condition is deteriorating.

    Ajara, who is pregnant, was placed on oxygen in the hospital sparking concerns after a viral video showed her pleading for help.

    No Network said: “Good evening everyone. I’m here because of Ajara. It was you guys who advised us that the way we posted RIP is too much. Please, for God’s sake, I’m pleading with you. Ajara is in critical condition.

    Read Also: AGN honours Junior Pope with Nollywood City project in Enugu

    “This is not content. We need financial support from the public and serious prayers. It’s not that Ajara has not been working, but she has been using most of her earnings to care for her mother, who is suffering from a stroke. The funniest part is that she’s pregnant. I’m also surprised to now hear that she’s also battling a liver-related illness”.

    Several Nollywood stars, including Wumi Toriola, Mide Martins, Afeez Owo and Ronke Oshodi Oke, have solicited financial assistance for Ajara, who has been caring for her mother with a stroke.

    However, some netizens have criticised the celebrities for seeking public help while they spend lavishly at parties.

    Other celebrities who have appealed for support for Ajara include actress Kemity, actor Jamiu Azeez, actress Bimpe Oyebade, and singer Lanre Alewilese.

  • What Nigerians, Africans need to know about 2026 Grammy Awards

    What Nigerians, Africans need to know about 2026 Grammy Awards

    Music lovers across the world are counting down to one of the biggest nights in entertainment — the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, scheduled to hold on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The ceremony celebrates the best music released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025, and highlights creativity across genres including pop, rap, global music, jazz, and R&B.

    For Nigerians and Africans, this year’s Grammys are especially meaningful. Several standout stars from the continent have earned nominations, marking another moment of global recognition for African music and creativity.

    Nigeria Leads the African Representation

    This year, five major Nigerian artists secured nominations — an indication of the country’s influence on the global music scene. Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, and Omah Lay all received nods ahead of the February awards.

    Burna Boy, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists, earned a double nomination:

    • Best African Music Performance for “Love”
    • Best Global Music Album for No Sign of Weakness

    Davido and Omah Lay’s collaboration “With You” was nominated in the Best African Music Performance category, showcasing the power of Nigerian collaboration on the world stage.

    Ayra Starr and Wizkid also shine with their track “Gimme Dat”, which is up for Best African Music Performance.

    Read Also: 2026 Grammy Awards: Clipse and Pharrell set to duet

    More African Voices in the Mix

    Beyond Nigeria, other African artists also made waves. South African star Tyla’s song “Push 2 Start” is a strong contender in the same category, and Ugandan artist Eddy Kenzo collaborated with Mehran Matin on “Hope & Love,” earning international recognition as well.

    African representation at the Grammys reflects a broader shift: the continent’s music is no longer a regional influence but a global cultural force. Artists are not only nominated — they’re shaping sound, trends, and audiences worldwide.

    What to Expect at the Ceremony

    The 2026 Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ for international audiences. While global superstars like Kendrick Lamar lead the full nominations list overall, the African contingent adds a distinct flavour to this year’s show, representing a blend of roots and innovation.

    For fans in Nigeria and across Africa, all eyes will be on February 1, not just to celebrate the nominees, but to cheer on a generation of artists who have elevated African sound on the world stage.

  • I wished Wizkid, Seun dispute never happened – Femi Kuti

    I wished Wizkid, Seun dispute never happened – Femi Kuti

    Femi Kuti, son of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has expressed regret over comparisons between contemporary artist, Wizkid and his late father.

    In an interview on Arise Television, Femi described the debate as unnecessary and unhelpful, emphasising that Nigeria faces more pressing issues.

    The controversy arose after Wizkid claimed he was “bigger” than Fela, after bein triggered by Seun Kuti. 

    Femi declined to participate, stating Fela’s influence should be respected and not compared to others.

    “Wizkid is like a son to me, and seun is my brother, I just wished the whole thing between them didn’t happen and I really hope everyone would calm down soon. Fela is our father and every artiste respects him”, he said.

    Read Also: Femi Kuti reveals secret of longevity in music industry

    He emphasised Fela’s foundational role in Nigeria’s music industry, saying, “Fela is the template musically and artistically in Nigeria. He should be put in a sector of his own and respected.”

    Femi urged Nigerians to focus on unity and nation-building, leveraging global recognition of Afrobeat to address issues like corruption, insecurity, and tribalism.

    “This recognition is good for Nigeria and Africa. We should use it to build the country, build our music industry, and come together,” he added.

    He noted that many problems Fela sang about decades ago remain unresolved, saying, “For 29 years, he has been gone, yet we are still discussing the same issues.”

  • AGN appoints BBNaija’s Tega Dominic as special adviser on s3xual harassment

    AGN appoints BBNaija’s Tega Dominic as special adviser on s3xual harassment

    The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has created a new advisory role focused on tackling sexual harassment within the film industry and has named reality TV star and actress Tega Dominic to fill the position.

    Dominic, a former Big Brother Naija housemate, was appointed special adviser on sexual harassment to the national president-elect of the guild.

    She confirmed the development on Thursday after sharing the official appointment letter on her Instagram page and formally accepting the role.

    A portion of the letter she posted stated, “This is to gladly inform you of your appointment as Special Adviser (SA) on Sexual Harassment to the National President-Elect, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).”

    According to AGN, the newly established office is designed to strengthen internal protections and uphold ethical conduct across Nollywood.

    Read Also: How I got healed during Nathaniel Bassey’s ‘Hallelujah Challenge’ programme, by Tega Dominic

    The Guild outlined the scope of the position in detail, noting that “The office of the Special Adviser on Sexual Harassment is responsible for developing and implementing policies that protect members from harassment, advocating for safe and ethical working environments, and establishing mechanisms for reporting, investigation, and resolution of incidents within the Guild”.

    The Guild emphasised the importance of the role in promoting professionalism and accountability in the industry, adding that Dominic’s appointment followed a careful evaluation of her background and capabilities.

    “Your role is critical in fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and professional integrity.

    “Your appointment is in recognition of your proven professional competence, sound judgment, and extensive experience,” the letter read.

    The letter also made clear that the appointment comes with expectations of discipline and adherence to the Guild’s constitution, stating that: “This appointment is subject to termination for acts of insubordination, disobedience, indiscipline, or any conduct contrary to the Constitution of the Actors Guild of Nigeria,” it added.

    Reacting to the announcement, Dominic expressed appreciation to the leadership of AGN, describing her new responsibility as a call to service and a commitment to protecting members of the industry.

    “Honoured and deeply grateful to accept my appointment as Special Adviser on Sexual Harassment to the President, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN),” she wrote.

    She pledged to promote safety, accountability, and respect within the industry.

    “My commitment is clear: zero tolerance for sexual harassment, safe and confidential reporting systems, protection and support for survivors, and a culture where respect is non-negotiable. Together, we will build an industry where talent thrives without fear, and dignity is never compromised,” she added.

  • Why I wasn’t surprised by my mother’s death – Omije Ojumi’s son

    Why I wasn’t surprised by my mother’s death – Omije Ojumi’s son

    Bobby Williams Adeoye, son of late gospel singer Omije Ojumi, has revealed that he wasn’t entirely surprised by his mother’s passing, recalling she often spoke about death while alive.

    He paid an emotional tribute to his mother during her service of songs, describing his mother as a loving, caring, and strong woman who dedicated her life to his success.

    In his tribute, he recalled Omije Ojumi’s cheerful nature and jokes that made their home a happy place, stating that her humour is one of the things he misses the most since her passing.

    “My mother was a very loving, beautiful, and caring person to me, actually. So she was very, very strong. She will do anything to see me come first in anything, or even in class. Anytime I come back from school, she always wants to know what happened. So, that is the loving part about mommy. She’s the best mother in the world to me.

    “When I heard she was dead, I was not that surprised because she had always been saying it. She has always been saying it. She cracked jokes to make everyone lively, and that’s the main reason why I also miss Mommy. I know you’re dead right now, but you will always be alive in my heart and in my dreams. I love you mommy. May your soul rest in peace.”

    Omije Ojumi, whose real name is Bunmi Akinaanu Adeoye, passed away on January 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of gospel music, sacrifices, and dedication as a mother.