The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

Harrysong responds to ex-wife’s custody claims, reaffirms commitment to children

Singer Harrysong has reacted to his ex-wife, Alexer Peres, following her emotional announcement about relinquishing custody of their two children.

Alexer had earlier alleged harassment and interference in an Instagram post, claiming the singer is rarely present and leaves the children in the care of domestic staff.

In response, Harrysong denied restricting her access to the children, describing himself as an involved and responsible father who actively provides for their needs.

He said he has chosen to avoid prolonged public exchanges to protect the children’s image and future career prospects, adding that he is hurt by the narrative being circulated.

The singer stressed that his primary focus remains the well-being, safety, and overall development of their children.

He wrote, “I’ve chosen restraint to protect the mother of my children and, most importantly, our kids because what’s said online lives forever. I previously made the mistake of speaking from emotion and learnt the hard way.

Read Also: Harrysong’s ex-wife gives up custody of children temporarily

I never said she couldn’t have access to them.

“They’ve been in my custody is a decision made for reasons u can’t put out on the internet. I’ve remained active, present father and have continued to provide for our children, even while they were in her care. The current narrative online is deeply hurtful and risks damaging the very image and career that supports our children. Is it worth it?

“I won’t engage in public back-and-forth that could one day harm them. My focus remains their well-being”.

January 30, 2026
Being a celebrity affected my love life – Iyanya

Afrobeats singer Iyanya has spoken about his difficulty committing to relationships, attributing it to negative past experiences and the demands of his music career.

In an interview on the Afropolitan podcast, the 39-year-old revealed that previous relationships left a lasting impact, recalling instances where former partners allegedly threatened to harm his reputation during conflicts.

He admitted that these experiences, combined with the pressures of life in the entertainment industry, have shaped his current reluctance to commit.

Iyanya said he is not mentally prepared for a serious relationship or marriage at this stage, noting that he is focused on emotional healing and personal growth.

“I’m not thinking of a serious relationship or marriage because I’m not mentally ready yet. If you are patient and stick around until I get to a convenient space, then we can do it.

“But for now, to be committed is one of the hardest things for me to do. Because I have been committed several times as a celebrity, and each time, I got hurt.

“You know, when you are famous, you always have girlfriends who can’t wait to go to the blogs when you have misunderstandings.

“I’m human, too. It’s not possible for me to be in the music industry for 17 years, and all I have been doing is playing games with women.

“Of course, I have emotions, so I’ve met people and fallen in love with them genuinely. But they always threatened me with going to the blogs whenever we have issues. That kind of made me develop commitment issues because it has happened several times,” he explained.

Iyanya has also adopted celibacy but confessed that maintaining it consistently is a struggle. “My celibacy fluctuates; it goes up and down,” he said, acknowledging the difficulties of staying true to his decision.

January 30, 2026
AGN honours Junior Pope with Nollywood City project in Enugu

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), under the leadership of outgoing President Emeka Rollas, has launched a project to immortalise the late icon Junior Pope, who tragically passed away in April 2024 following a boat accident during a film shoot.

In the announcement posted on Instagram, Rollas described the project as his “last legacy” before stepping down.

The guild held the official groundbreaking ceremony for ‘Junior Pope Nollywood City’ in Ako Nike, Enugu State.

This landmark development spans approximately 150 plots of land and is designed to honor Junior Pope’s memory while delivering real, lasting support to the Nollywood community and his family.

As a gesture of support, three plots were also allocated to Junior Pope’s three sons (one each), presented to his wife during the event.

Rollas praised the unity and vision of the AGN Enugu State chapter, the Enugu State Government, the Ako Nike community, and development partners for making the initiative possible.

He stressed that the project transcends mere land and buildings; it’s about dignity, unity, and securing a brighter future for Nigerian actors.

Rollas wrote: “My last legacy before handover: Yesterday, in Ako Nike, Enugu State, we officially had the ground-breaking ceremony for Junior Pope Nollywoodwood City, a legacy project established in honour of our late colleague and friend, Junior Pope Odowodudu.

Read Also: Junior Pope’s wife remembers late actor on 11th wedding anniversary

“This initiative reflects the strong commitment of the Actors Guild of Nigeria to the welfare of its members and to the sustainable growth of Nollywood as a key part of Nigeria’s creative economy.

“Junior Pope Nollywood City will provide affordable land for Nollywood practitioners and will also host the Junior Pope Creative Hub as well as the AGN Zonal and Enugu State Secretariat, creating a permanent home for creativity, training, and administration in Enugu State.

“The three sons of our brother already have three plots of land, as you can see in the picture during the presentation to the wife of our late colleague. Also, I presented papers for five plots of land to the AGN Enugu state chapter chairman, Prince Brown Ene, and the vice President state, South East Mr Anigbo Clement AB Cowboy, for the proposed AGN Enugu secretariat and South East zonal offices.

“I commend the leadership and members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, for this vision, unity, and determination in bringing this project to life. I also appreciate the Enugu State Government, the Ako Nike Community, and our development partners, young minds and cool brains, and real estate management, for their support and cooperation.

“This project is not just about land and buildings; it is about dignity, unity, and the future of the Nigerian actor.

“Expression of interest begins on 5th February 2026 and ends on 20th February 2026. Please note that allocation starts on 27th February 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

“May the memory of Junior Pope Odowodudu continue to inspire us to build lasting legacies.”

January 30, 2026
Why I struggle to stay celibate – Iyanya

Afrobeats singer Iyanya has spoken on ongoing struggle with maintaining celibacy, admitting that his resolve often weakens in the presence of attractive women.

The ‘Ur Waist’ crooner, in an interview on Afropolitan podcast, explained that his attempts at celibacy are inconsistent, often leading to regret.

“My celibacy fluctuates; it goes up and down. Sometimes you are trying to stay celibate and you run into a girl who gives you all the reasons not to be celibate. You do what you have to do, you now start missing the celibacy again,” he explained.

Read Also: Iyanya announces new album, reveals America tour 2025

The singer also stated that he is not considering marriage, citing mental unreadiness.

He emphasised commitment to honesty, informing potential partners of his emotional state and limitations.

“I am not thinking of getting married… So, I am very honest when I meet people now. I think that is what has helped me a lot. When I meet you I don’t go, ‘Oh! I’m crazy about you.’ When I meet you I go, ‘Listen, I’m healing. Don’t expect so much from me.’

“Maybe, when I was younger, I wouldn’t mind, I would just say what you want to hear. But now what has really helped me a lot is just saying, ‘I’m not in that space and I’m not going to lie to you or play with your emotions’,” he added.

January 30, 2026
Wizkid, Burna Boy, Asake to headline Afro Nation 2026 in Portugal

Afrobeats singers Wizkid, Burna Boy and Asake are set to headline the Afro Nation 2026 festival in Portugal.

The organisers revealed the lineup in a post on X, featuring leading Afrobeats, R&B, dancehall and amapiano stars.

“PHASE 3 IS HERE. Legacy energy meets Afro Nation debuts. This is the sound of a summer taking shape,” the organisers wrote in the caption accompanying the lineup poster.

The three-day event will take place from July 3 to July 5, 2026, at Praia da Rocha Beach in Portimão, Portugal.

Read Also: Fela’s legacy: Kunle Kuti breaks silence on Wizkid-Seun feud

Burna Boy will open the festival on July 3, performing with South African star Tyla, followed by Asake on July 4, and Wizkid closing out on July 5.

The festival will also feature American R&B singer Kehlani and rapper Gunna as special guests.

Other Nigerian artistes on the lineup include Olamide, Young Jonn, Darkoo, Wande Coal, and Mavo.

Early Access tickets will go on sale on February 5, at 10 AM GMT.

Afro Nation is a major annual festival celebrating African music and culture, and the 2026 edition promises to be huge.

The 2025 edition featured top Nigerian stars like Burna Boy, Davido, Tems, and Qing Madi.

January 30, 2026
Harrysong’s ex-wife gives up custody of children temporarily

Alexer Peres, ex-wife of singer Harrysong, has announced she’s temporarily giving up custody of their two kids, aged four and three.

In an emotional video, Alexer said she’s been shouldering responsibilities alone since their separation with the kids visiting their dad occasionally.

“I didn’t plan to come on here but I want this to serve as evidence that I’m making the hardest decision of my life. At this point, I have no option. I’ve been doing my best for my kids. They visit their dad and school from my place. It’s been two years,” she said.

She accused Harrysong of constant harassment and interference, saying she’s “tired” and needs a break.

Alexer claimed Harrysong shows up unannounced at her place, frustrating efforts to care for the kids.

“This man has not let me rest. He frustrates my efforts and harasses me everywhere,” she said.

“I’m tired. There are many allegations in the petition he brought. I will respond in good time, but for now, the emotional pressure is too much.

“I’m giving him custody for now. That doesn’t mean I won’t come back for my children,” she said.

According to her, leaving her kids with the father’s domestic staff in his absence is worrisome, saying their dad is rarely around.

“They are just four and three years old. You want them to live with house help because I refused to come back,” she said.

Read Also: Harrysong leads Delta Peace Concert

She acknowledged that her ex-husband might challenge her claims publicly, saying, “He will come out to counter everything. I’m not doing this because I’m weak. I need to live.”

She further requested for the safety of her children, adding that she’ll come back for them, saying, “No mother wants to live without her children, But I don’t know what else to do. I’ll always come back. I want you in my life.”

The couple got married in 2021 and have been open about their marital struggles.

Harrysong had requested privacy during their challenging time, and Alexer announced she was “officially done” in January 2024.

January 30, 2026
Jesu Loba ignites breakthrough for Lesh twins

Following the release of their first single, ‘Jesu Loba,’ in 2025, Taiwo and Kehinde Leshaodo aka Lesh twins have witnessed a significant breakthrough in their career as emerging artists.

Following the song’s release in late October 2025, the twins have been getting commendations from far and near as the single was met with positive reception from listeners and the gospel music industry.

‘Jesu Loba,’ which was critically reviewed before its release by industry eggheads, reflects the Lesh twins’ strength in infusing different styles of music and contributing positively to the growing gospel music industry.

The single has also helped the Lesh twins expand their reach across the UK and Nigeria and gained considerable streaming numbers.

Read Also: Five reasons mosquitos bite some but leave others

The song has also led to new opportunities for the Lesh Twins including collaborations with new producers, other gospel music stars and invitations to perform in multiple events in 2026.

Jesu Loba also positioned the sisters as the pioneers of a fresh gospel sound that the Nigerian and international music industry have been yearning for.

The twins have continued to get accolades and commendations from fans, who actively engaged with the song across all digital platforms and praised the twins for the catchy melody and inspiring lyrics of the song, ‘Jesu Loba.’

The single recorded early engagement on streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube and Audiomack indicating a strong interest from fans both in the UK and Nigeria.

Listeners also responded positively to the genre of the sound as it infused highlife, Afrobeats and gospel.

The single is considered significant for the emerging stars as it reignited the blend of traditional and modern sounds to give gospel music a fresh feel.

January 30, 2026
Stephen Akintayo hosts 4-hour gospel praise marathon

In celebration of his 40th birthday, Stephen Akintayo, founder of Gtext Holdings, held a four-hour praise celebration held at the Oriental Hotel.

To commemorate the milestone, Akintayo hosted a marathon praise event, featuring an intense worship session led by Steve Hills and Tkeyz. The atmosphere was further energized with dance ministrations from Blessing Lopez and gospel singer Onos Ariyo.

One of the notable goodwill messages at the event came from Cosmas Maduka, founder and chairman of the Coscharis Group, who described Akintayo as a rare individual with an exceptional heart.

“Dr. Stephen Akintayo is a young man who scares his fears. I am shocked he is 40; one would think he is much older. He walks with seasoned and established people. He has washed his hands with the elders and can eat with them. Considering what he has achieved at this age, I am convinced that there is much more ahead,” Maduka said.

Also speaking at the celebration, former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, reflected on his early encounters with Akintayo in the industry, describing him as humble and deeply rooted despite his success.

“I have known Dr. Stephen for a very long time, and I am grateful to see how far God has brought him. Many people get to this height and forget their roots, but Dr. Stephen is different. He constantly acknowledges his source, and that is why we are all gathered here to celebrate God in his life,” Okiro said.

Mrs. Godfrey Ogbechie, wife of the Group Managing Director, Rain Oil lauded Stephen for his strides in real estate.

Read Also: Abundant Life hosts Christmas Praise Experience

“Dr. Stephen is a great man. I have watched and read about him afar. Then we became close, I am grateful for that. He is a very focused and industrious young man,” she added.

From the Bahamas, Dr. Dave Burrows, Lead Pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, also sent his goodwill message to the celebrant.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Pastor Godman Akinlabi, Global Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church; Pastor Seun Osigbesan and Seun Osigbesan; Tope Mark-Odigie, entrepreneur and Co-host of TVC’s Your View, Zaaki Azzay, a renowned Nigerian singer, among others.

Born in the Gonge area of Maiduguri, Borno State, Akintayo began his entrepreneurial journey with Gilead Balm Group, a company that initially provided database-driven marketing solutions, helping Nigerians reach prospects through curated phone-number databases. The business later evolved into what is now known as Gtext Holdings.

January 30, 2026
I want to use my music to promote international peace, says Emperor Joe

A budding Nigerian artist, Joseph Olubayo Osupala aka Emperor Joe, has expressed his desire to use his music as a platform to promote international peace, social harmony and cultural integration.

The emerging musician, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English Language) from the University of Ado-Ekiti, said his artistic vision goes beyond entertainment, focusing on spreading messages that encourage unity across cultures, ethnicities and religious backgrounds.

Emperor Joe explained that music remains one of the strongest universal languages, capable of bridging divides and fostering understanding among people from different parts of the world.

Through his songs, he seeks to promote a culture of peace while projecting gospel values that emphasise love, tolerance and coexistence.

Read Also: Austine Onuoha serenades theatre with The Bride musical play

Some of his songs include ‘Sound of Victory,’ ‘Sure Mercy,’ ‘Lifted Soul,’ and ‘Iro Didun,’ which are currently available on major streaming platforms. The tracks reflect his commitment to using music as a tool for inspiration, spiritual upliftment and positive social messaging.

This fusion of education and creativity has helped shape his identity as an artist with a strong message and purpose.

In an era marked by rising global tensions and social fragmentation, the artist believes musicians have a responsibility to influence positive change.

He hopes to emerge as a global voice advocating peace culture and social responsibility through music.

January 30, 2026
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: Afrobeat legend to get prestigious Grammy award

Twenty Nine years after the death of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the Afrobeat progenitor will be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award by the Recording Academy, producers of the global music award, Grammy.

For the 68th edition of the awards ceremony, which takes place on January 31, 2026, Fela will be honoured with the lifetime achievement awards ahead of his 88th posthumous birthday on October 15, 2026. The award will be received in Los Angeles, United States of America by Yeni Kuti, Femi Kuti and Kunle Kuti, representing the family and the wider Afrobeat community.

The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 1962, honours performers with outstanding creative contributions to recording, and who, during their lifetimes, made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording. The first recipient of the award was Bing Crosby in 1963.

The Academy credits the late Fela with shaping modern Nigerian Afrobeats, influencing global artists such as Beyoncé, Paul McCartney and Thom Yorke, and leaving a legacy that lives on through his family, the Kalakuta Museum and the New Afrika Shrine. As the creator of Afrobeat, he composed, recorded and performed over 200 songs.

In 2025, Fela’s 1976 album ‘Zombie’ was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The honour was accepted by his sons Femi and Seun Kuti. Although Fela never received a Grammy nomination while alive, he has now been rewarded for his inestimable contributions to the world of music with the posthumous honour and Lifetime Achievement Awards. His sons and grandson have earned multiple Grammy nominations. Between the sons and grandson, the Kuti family has a total of eight Grammy nominations with Femi Kuti receiving six across the World Music and Global Music categories, Seun Kuti receiving one nomination in the Best World Music Album category and Made Kuti receiving a nomination.

Read Also: Fela, Wizkid comparison: A storm in a teacup?

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, a Nigerian musician, bandleader and activist who pioneered Afrobeat lived between October 15, 1938 and August 2, 1997. He became one of the most influential cultural figures in modern African history.

He studied classical music at Trinity College of Music, London – now known as Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance – from 1959, playing in jazz and rock bands and experimenting with styles that later shaped Afrobeat.

Fela developed and created an uncommon sound by fusing highlife, jazz, funk, and traditional Yoruba music with extended grooves, horn arrangements and politically charged lyrics. He christened it Afrobeat. This genre, Afrobeat, became the sonic foundation for modern Nigerian and African popular music widely known as Afrobeats. Many Nigerian and African artists draw their influences from Fela’s sounds and songs. Fela on Broadway, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, Felabration art exhibitions and more are all part of Fela’s ever lasting legacy.

Fela’s activism saw him attacking military rule, corruption and social injustice in Nigeria, which led to repeated harassment, raids and imprisonment by successive military regimes through his reign as a musician.

Although Fela died two years before the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria, his children have preserved and grown his legacy. Yeni, Femi and Seun Kuti have become custodians of their father’s work while also extending and adapting his vision to contemporary African struggles and global platforms.

Yeni Kuti conceived Felabration, a festival in honour of the life of the musician and activist; The New Afrika Shrine, a living cultural hub that presents live Afrobeat performances, debates, and art rooted in Fela’s ethos is run by Femi and Yeni Kuti; and the Kalakuta Museum, Fela’s former residence in Ikeja, which functions as an archive and tourist site that keeps his story accessible to new audiences is managed by Kunle Kuti.

In the same vein, Yeni, Femi and Kunle Kuti have been formally recognised by courts as the administrators of Fela’s Estate, to which they collectively make key decisions about the use of Fela’s name, image, likeness and other intellectual property, ensuring that projects align with his values and the family’s long-term vision.

January 30, 2026