The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Kunle Afolayan’s KAP film academy, Oyo govt produce 165 emerging filmmakers

    Kunle Afolayan’s KAP film academy, Oyo govt produce 165 emerging filmmakers

    The KAP Film & Television Academy marked a landmark moment with its Graduation Ceremony for the Filmmaking Residency Program made possible in partnership with the Oyo State Government 

    The event held on Wednesday at the picturesque KAP Film Village & Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State, showcasing exceptional creativity of 165 emerging filmmakers drawn meticulously from all 33 local government areas of Oyo State. 

    The participants completed a 10-day intensive filmmaking residency programme at the resort supported by SONY and Kontakt Pro Nigeria, the initiative provided participants with practical, hands-on training across the core aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, producing, editing, and sound design.

    A major highlight of the event was the screening of eight short films produced by the residency groups. Each film reflected storytelling, collaboration.and authentic depictions of local culture, earning heartfelt applause from guests and faculty members alike.

    At the ceremony, Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, lauded the programme as a significant economic and cultural development milestone for the state. 

    He commended Kunle Afolayan and the KAP team for establishing a creative ecosystem that promotes film, talent, and tourism in Oyo State. 

    Read Also: Tinubu’s policies making Nigeria rich again – Uzodimma

    He also congratulated the students for their dedication, passion, and craftsmanship, describing their work as “a true representation of Oyo’s cultural pride and creative excellence.”

    Founder of KAP Film & Television Academy and visionary behind the KAP Film Village & Resort, Kunle Afolayan, commended the State Government’s efforts in providing a viable platform for economic empowerment of the youth in the state, he went further to admonish the students on the importance of discipline, creativity, and cultural identity in filmmaking.

    “Attention to details and commitment to creativity are non-negotiable for great filmmakers. These students have shown that talent, when nurtured in the right environment, can flourish into excellence. I encourage them to keep making films together and continue telling our stories with pride,” he said.  

    The graduating students also received constructive feedback from the distinguished industry experts and panel of the faculty including Tunde Kelani, Joke Silva, Kemi Adesoye, Rotimi Fakunle and Lola Maja, who all commended their storytelling, teamwork, and technical growth over the course of the program.

    The Oluigbo of Igbojaye, Oba Zaccheus Olatunji Oyeleke Alobaloke III, expressed satisfaction at another exciting fulfilment of set objectives of KAP Film Village and Resort as envisaged when he gave his royal blessing for the Film Village to be established.

  • MC Mbakara, wife open up on daughter’s nine-year cerebral palsy struggle

    MC Mbakara, wife open up on daughter’s nine-year cerebral palsy struggle

    Comedian MC Mbakara and wife, Lolo Mbakara, have opened up about their daughter Eke Mama’s nine-year struggle with severe cerebral palsy, a condition stemming from a lack of oxygen at birth.

    In an emotional video on MC Mbakara TV on Saturday, the couple recounted the traumatic events of October 19, 2016 when their newborn’s fight for life began.

    Cerebral palsy is a brain disorder that emerges in early childhood, impairing movement, muscle coordination, and posture due to brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth.

    Causes include oxygen deprivation, brain bleeds, or disrupted brain development.

    For Eke Mama, the couple said the damage occurred during a delivery gone wrong.

    Lolo Mbakara described a harrowing scene in the labor room, stating: “I went into the labour room, and it was time to push. But somehow the baby was stuck”.

    According to her, the hospital lacked functional oxygen, and staff resorted to pouring water from an empty tank onto the newborn in a desperate bid to revive her. 

     “When the baby came out, she wasn’t crying, she wasn’t breathing. They said, ‘Bring oxygen!’ — but there was no oxygen in the hospital”.

    With no improvement, the family rushed Eke Mama to a teaching hospital, a journey that took over 30 minutes.

    “We had to move her ourselves to the teaching hospital. By then, over 30 minutes had passed,” she recounted.

    There, she was placed on oxygen for nearly two weeks, but doctors confirmed that the prolonged oxygen deprivation had caused irreversible brain damage, leading to severe cerebral palsy.

    Faced with a heart-wrenching decision, the couple was advised by a medical colleague to remove Eke Mama from life support for a “stress-free life.”

    They refused, stating, “One of my husband’s medical friends said, ‘If you want a stress-free life, take off the oxygen mask and let her rest,’ but as parents, we couldn’t bring ourselves to do it.”

    Now nine years old, Eke Mama remains in a vegetative state, spending, as Lolo tearfully noted, “95 percent of her life sleeping.”

    Read Also: Nigeria’s economic reforms yielding visible results – Cardoso

    The Mbakaras have endured not only the emotional and financial toll of their daughter’s condition but also public scrutiny.

     “People said we were ashamed of her,” MC Mbakara said, addressing years of online trolling. “But human beings can be mean. We didn’t want pity or ridicule”.

    Turning pain into purpose, the couple has launched the Aya Kanu Aya Foundation to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and support affected families. “People call these children bewitched or possessed instead of understanding it’s brain damage,” Lolo said.

    The foundation aims to educate Nigerians and provide emotional and financial assistance to parents navigating similar challenges.

    “We know the stress it takes. We want to use our story to encourage others. You are not alone”, they said.

    The couple expressed deep gratitude to MC Mbakara’s mother, who has been a pillar of support in caring for Eke Mama. “If not for her, we would have been drained,” MC Mbakara said. “We thank God every day for her and for our daughter’s life.”

  • Lege Miami blames ‘bad english’ for exclusion from Seyi Tinubu’s 40th birthday tribute

    Lege Miami blames ‘bad english’ for exclusion from Seyi Tinubu’s 40th birthday tribute

    Actor Lege Miami has revealed that he was edited out of a video tribute to Seyi Tinubu’s 40th birthday due to his limited English vocabularies.

    Lege, in a video, expressed disappointment, stating that his inability to speak fluent English led to his segment being removed from the documentary.

    He emphasised that Seyi Tinubu isn’t responsible for the situation, stressing that he’s friends with him and urged fans to stop tagging him on social media over the issue.

    According to Lege Miami, Seyi’s team had recorded his birthday message at his house but it wasn’t included in the final video. 

    Miami said: “I am responsible for my predicament, because I am the one who doesn’t speak good English. If I speak good English, Seyi Tinubu will include me among people who speak good English and are rich.

    Read Also: EFCC orders arrest of dismissed officer spotted on Lege Miami’s matchmaking show

    “They brought a camera to my house, they recorded me, and I wished Seyi Tinubu a happy birthday. Seyi’s aides, we know ourselves in the same group, and Seyi removed me from the documentary, but it’s not Seyi’s fault, don’t blame him. Seyi is a good friend, however, if I were to be a good English speaker or I package myself well on social media, they will include me.

    “Seyi is my friend, my paddy, our President’s son, he is my friend.

    “Stop tagging me, it’s unbearable. Is it Seyi that’s responsible for my inability to speak good English? Because I couldn’t speak good English, Seyi refused to add my video to the post. Seyi is not responsible, I caused it myself.”

  • Why I can no longer marry for love – Tacha

    Why I can no longer marry for love – Tacha

    Reality TV star Natacha Akide popularly known as Tacha has said she prioritises financial status over love following her experience as a former BBNaija housemate.

    In an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, the self-described millionaire declared that she can no longer marry solely for love, insisting her future husband must be a billionaire.

    “I can’t marry just because of love. I’m looking for a billionaire. I’m a millionaire, so my potential husband should be richer than me. I’m certain I can’t marry for love. If I was before Big Brother Naija, maybe, it would have been an option. But right now, it’s a No,” she stated.

    The 2019 BBNaija star, known for bold persona and thriving media career, emphasised that marriage is not currently a priority.

    Read Also: GWR: Tacha completes 145 makeovers record attempt in 24 hours

    According to her, she is focused on advancing her professional endeavors, leveraging her platform to solidify her brand.

    Tacha completed an ambitious Guinness World Record attempt for the most cosmetic makeovers by an individual in 24 hours during her inaugural Tacha Beauty Festival in Lagos, finishing 145 makeovers and surpassing the previous record of 113.

    Following her attempt, Tacha now awaits official verification from Guinness World Record.

  • Sarah Martins admits roadside cooking error, slams KAI for seizing food

    Sarah Martins admits roadside cooking error, slams KAI for seizing food

    Actress Sarah Martins has accused Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) operatives of maltreating her while cooking for the less privileged in Lagos.

    She shared a video of her bruised hand on Instagram, expressing heartbreak over the incident.

    Sarah admitted she was wrong to cook on the walkway but criticised KAI officials for taking away food meant for poor street children without empathy.

    She questioned the lack of empathy, stressing the trauma caused to vulnerable kids who were excited about a meal.

    In response, the Lagos State Government issued a statement on Friday defending the KAI operatives’ actions.

    Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, clarified that Martins’ roadside cooking violated environmental and sanitation laws, posing risks to public safety and infrastructure.

    According to her, she cooked on the street to bond with street kids, making them feel loved and valued, adding that her social media platforms aren’t monetised, and she does this to create a connection with them.

    Sarah argued that she should’ve been allowed to finish the meal and be advised instead of being treated poorly.

    She’s advocating for humanity and peace, supporting the government through her outreach work.

    She wrote: “Yes I was wrong to cook on the walkway but KAI operatives were mean enough to carry away food meant for poor street children without empathy!

    “What happens to empathy??? Not for me but for the vulnerable people i was cooking for. These are people that were already excited about having a taste of good meal for that day, these were children that probably haven’t eaten the entire day and the meal I was making for them was their only hope for the day.

    “You cut their hopes short! You traumatized them! You took away a big cooler of rice meant for 200 street kids. I wasn’t crying because you took all my cooking utensils including the entire food meant for poor people, I cried because hungry children depended on that meal for dinner.

    “And I ask again, what happens to empathy??? I do not cook on the street for content or for financial benefits because my social media platforms are NOT even monetized.

    “I cook on the street in order to bond with the street kids, making them feel loved, appreciated, valued and cared for by watching me cook for them with so much love and care.

    Read Also: Friends donated N20 million to Sarah Martins’ charity, Seyi Tinubu clarifies

    “They watch me cook from starting to finish and they see the amount of love I pour into each meal I make for them and that’s what makes my own style of charity different.

    “There’s a difference between watching a loved one cook for you with so much love and admiration and seeing someone bringing food just to share to you.

    “The bond I’ve created with the street kids is what has kept me going since the past 7yrs in this outreach.

    “For the fact that I wasn’t cooking to sell, I feel I should have been allowed to finish the particular meal, share to the kids and then advise to discontinue for safety reasons instead of being treated like an animal.

    “I chose not to wail at government and blame them for everything but rather support the government by feeding the poor from my hard earned money as an advocate of peace and humanity that I am.

    “This is our Nigeria, and together we shall make it great again by impacting into one another in our own little way. The tiny voices of those poor kids with the tears in their eyes still echoes in my head. It is well. It can only get better”.

  • Fans reacts as Tim Godfrey features Oxlade on new single ‘Infinity’

    Fans reacts as Tim Godfrey features Oxlade on new single ‘Infinity’

    Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has released a new song, “Infinity,” featuring Afrobeats superstar Oxlade, sparking controversy among fans and the Christian community. 

    The collaboration combines Godfrey’s spiritual intensity with Oxlade’s smooth vocals, blending gospel lyrics with Afrobeats rhythm.

    “With God, Nothing is impossible. My God is capable. Call am, He’s reachable . Who remembers where and what year the second picture was taken?

    “INFINITY X @oxladeofficial OUT NOW! RUN IT UP”, he wrote.

    Oxlade’s involvement in a s3x tape scandal in 2022 has led to mixed reactions, with some questioning the decision to collaborate with him. 

    Despite this, Godfrey’s bold move reflects his willingness to push creative boundaries and redefine gospel music.

    The song’s release has generated buzz on social media, with fans sharing their thoughts on the collaboration. 

    Godfrey’s announcement on Instagram showcased a snippet of the song’s video, directed by Ella Raaye, and encouraged fans to “RUN IT UP”.

    While some praise the musical fusion, others express concerns about Oxlade’s past controversy. 

    Calebtheplugg questions the decision to work with Oxlade, suggesting that other artists like Moses Bliss could have delivered better results. 

    He emphasised that gospel music should be inspired by God and that Oxlade’s involvement compromises the spirituality of the genre.

    He wrote: “There’s nothing Oxlade did here that Moses Bliss or others won’t execute even better! And don’t tell me it’s about audience reach,Moses Bliss has more or as much audience! This na just pure busy body,or trying to use unnecessary controversy to push your career”

    He added: “Music is spiritual,gospel music is most spiritual. The Inspirations should be from God,the artists are called ministers,their songs should be ministrations. Ministrations from God CANNOT come through a vessel that’s not grounded in Christ,you can’t hear God if you’re not grounded in his words. Whatever oxlade delivered ARE NOT inspirations from God,whIch takes away the spirituality and the whole idea behind gospel music. And you as a minister who knows this and still goes ahead to collab,is just wrong. Call it judgement,but trust me that’s what our dear minister is looking for from this controversy”.

    _brownsteph expresses skepticism about Tim Godfrey’s motives, alleging that he’s using gospel music as a disguise for personal gain. 

    The user wrote: “Y’all still see this one as a gospel minister??? Lol person wey dey disguise under gospel dey run him business. So you want to tell me you were led by the Holy Spirit on this one too? Lmao”.

    In contrast, thegospelmentality urges caution, emphasising that only God knows the intentions and approvals behind the collaboration.

    He wrote: “Let us don’t judge in case like this o, because you aren’t there when God told him to do this collabo. If God approved it, who are you to say no? And if God don’t approve, no do Wetin God no send you oo…As music minsters prioritize doing the will of God”.

  • ‘Women supporting women’ a scam in Nollywood – Bukunmi Oluwasina

    ‘Women supporting women’ a scam in Nollywood – Bukunmi Oluwasina

    Actress and filmmaker Bukunmi Oluwasina has labelled the popular phrase “women supporting women” as a facade in the Nigerian film industry. 

    In an interview with BBC Pidgin, the mother of one expressed skepticism about the authenticity of female solidarity, asserting that such support is often fleeting or insincere.

    She said: “You know say women supporting women for Nollywood na scam. “E no dey always long. Even if they support each other, we know how e dey, but we dey see the men and dem dey do am. Everybody know say woman enemy na fellow woman.

    “No be only for Nollywood. Women supporting women at some point, you go just see am. Even if dem talk say e dey happen, you go feel am say na scam.

    “E no dey happen, and even if e happen, sometimes e no dey genuine”.

    Oluwasina highlighted a troubling trend in Nollywood, where women are more likely to offer financial or professional assistance to men than to their female counterparts. 

    “If you follow one woman talk, you go hear them talk say dem fit borrow man money make e start business, but to borrow fellow woman money make she start business e dey always hard. I no know how the thing dey like that. I no fault anybody, but e just dey,” she said.

    She noted that while many women achieve success through hard work and talent, their efforts are often overshadowed by stereotypes implying that every successful woman relies on a sponsor. 

    “Women dey industry wey no get sponsor, dem dey do the work, the work dey show, we know dem, we see dem and their work. But na other people wey dey under their shadow dey use am run their thing, dey water down those women effort, making it look like everybody get sponsor,” she added.

  • Blaqbonez slams Odumodublvck in ‘ACL’ diss track

    Blaqbonez slams Odumodublvck in ‘ACL’ diss track

    Rapper Blaqbonez has unleashed a scathing diss track, “ACL,” targeting fellow rapper Odumodublvck. 

    Listen to full tracks on Hypexclusive https://hypexclusive.ng

    The track, from Blaqbonez’s newly released album “No Excuses,” is a fiery declaration of lyrical war, with Blaqbonez delivering biting verses that accuse Odumodublvck of chasing clout, faking support, and prioritising social media drama over music.

    Blaqbonez pulls no punches, labeling Odumodublvck a “failed rapper turned internet gangster” and questioning his relevance in the rap scene. 

    The song’s title, “ACL,” serves as a metaphor for Odumodublvck’s failed attempt to match Blaqbonez’s artistry, referencing a football injury sustained while imitating another player’s movement.

    Throughout the track, Blaqbonez’s lyrics are laced with venom, painting Odumodublvck as attention-starved and desperate for clout. 

    The diss track has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with fans dissecting each verse and eagerly awaiting Odumodublvck’s response. 

    While Odumodublvck has yet to reply, many are calling for him to step into the studio and address Blaqbonez’s accusations, rather than responding online.

  • About Kehinde Dawodu-Avoseh’s day of honour

    For High Chief Kehinde Abimbola Dawodu-Avoseh, the esteemed Akogun of Oto-Awori Kingdom, one day will forever linger on in his memory till death.

    The reason for this is not far- fetched as he was recently confirmed as a gazetted White Cap Chief in Lagos State.

    After achieving so much for himself as an astute businessman and community leader, High Chief Dawodu-Avoseh’s day of honour also became a proud moment for the entire Oto-Awori Kingdom.

    Following his historic confirmation as a gazetted White Cap Chief in Lagos State, High Chief Dawodu-Avoseh is now set to take the Oto-Awori Kngdom of Ojo Local Government to another level with his community building abilities.

    The confirmation ceremony, held at Iba LCDA on Tuesday, October 2025, according to those close to the monarchs of the kingdom, was a testament to Dawodu-Avoseh’s dedication, hard work, and commitment not only to the Oto-Awori Kingdom, Ojo Local Government but also to Lagos State as a whole.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    The ceremony was graced by esteemed traditional rulers from Badagry and Lagos Island, including HRM Oba Sulaimon Adeshina Raji, the Oniba Ekun of Iba Kingdom; HRM Oba Dr. Josiah Olanrewaju Ilemobade Aina, Ikuyamiku I, the Oloto of Oto-Awori Kingdom; HRM Oba Momodu Afolabi Asafa MFR, FNMC, JP, the Aladi Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom;  – HRM Oba Galib Adeniyi-Rufai, Adeife I, the Olojo of Ojo Kingdom; HRM Oba Abideen Adekanbi Durosimi, the Osolu of Irewe Kingdom; and HRM Oba Nofiu Dauda Odu-Owo Iya Adaraloye 1, Elete of Ete Kingdom.

    The presence of the royal fathers underscores the significance of Dawodu-Avoseh’s importance and the respect accorded to him by all and sundry as a community builder.

    The remarkable achievement reflects in Dawodu-Avoseh’s outstanding leadership, integrity, and service to the community and his confirmation as a Lagos White Cap chief is a badge of honor not only to himself but also to his family, the Oto-Awori Kingdom, and the entire community.

    Several friends and associates of the newly gazetted White Cap chief took time to celebrate his success.

  • Ooni Ogunwusi turns 51

    Ooni Ogunwusi turns 51

    Every October 17 has become a day that fills the sacred city of Ile-Ife, cradle of the Yoruba race and spiritual heart of an ancient civilization, with celebration and reflection as it marks the birthday ceremony of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

    Though Ooni Ogunwusi isn’t one that is particular about birthdays, his subjects, family and people of Ile Ife always use the opportunity to celebrate the monarch whose journey is defined by purpose, peace, and profound cultural rebirth.

    As the esteemed monarch marked his 51st birthday, October 17 didn’t just come like another year, it afforded several individuals the opportunity to express gratitude and display affection for the Ooni since his reign began in 2015.

    Ooni Ogunwusi has stood tall as a unifier of peoples and traditions, breathing new life into the ancient institution he represents. His reign has become a shining testament to the power of cultural diplomacy restoring dignity to Yoruba heritage while building bridges across Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    At 51, Ooni Ogunwusi embodies the renaissance spirit, a modern monarch rooted deeply in ancestral wisdom, yet forward-looking in thought and action. His reign has been marked by efforts to demystify traditional leadership and make the palace an epicenter of development, dialogue, and youth empowerment. For him, royalty is not just about crowns and rituals; it is about service, vision, and impact.

    Under his watch, Ile-Ife has evolved into more than a historical city; it has become a living hub of innovation, tourism, and interfaith harmony. The Ooni has consistently emphasized peace and tolerance, preaching unity among ethnic and religious groups, and urging Nigerians to rediscover the values that bind them as one family under God.

    Ooni Ogunwusi’s 51 years on earth and nearly a decade on the throne tells a story of grace and responsibility. From his early entrepreneurial success to his ascension as the Arole Oduduwa, he has navigated life’s turns with courage and vision. His reign continues to inspire a new generation of Africans to believe in their culture, embrace innovation, and lead with compassion.