Category: Entertainment

  • Zicsaloma advocates cosmetic enhancements for better life opportunities

    Zicsaloma advocates cosmetic enhancements for better life opportunities

    Comedian and entrepreneur Isaac Aloma popularly known as Zicsaloma, has urged individuals to pursue cosmetic surgery with reputable surgeons to enhance their appearance.

    He argued that looks significantly influence professional and social opportunities in this ‘superficial’ world.

    In a video shared on social media, Zicsaloma recounted personal experiences of rejection due to his appearance.

    “If you know you can afford cosmetic surgery with a good surgeon to enhance your looks, forge ahead and do it. I’ll give you a reason using myself as a case study. When I finished university, I remember going for a very big customer care job.

    “We were about hundred and they wanted just one person. Out of a hundred, they dropped us literally to three. Out of the three of us, they now rescheduled us to come and that one of us will be selected.

    “They rescheduled us. When they rescheduled us, we did a typing test. My mom owned the business center so I could type crazy. I was very fast in typing. We used Mavis Bacon and all these apps. We did reading tests.

    “I could, I can read eloquently. I studied English. So I was obviously the best for the job. So when they took us to the female directors? The female directors, they were telling them that this guy is the best but the female directors said they don’t want me. Why? They said my look does not work for customers and they said it. How do you think I’ll feel? Another typical example was when I auditioned for Project Same in Abuja about 10 years ago.

    “Getting to the stage, I passed several stages, getting to the stage where the judges come together, where they were now selecting the top people, the final people that will go to Lagos for the finals. Getting to the stage where the judges come together, after singing, they argued, argued. They now finally told me no.

    “I now left. A crew, like a DOP that was inside the audition venue, now came to meet me. I was like, do you know you’re the best thing I heard today? I was like, why didn’t they now select me? He said, do I know about braces? I was like, no, you know that before my teeth wasn’t all that.”He said if I can get braces to make my teeth better, it will enhance my looks. And then I had pimples very well. He now said that if there’s any beauty product I can use to clear my pimples and my black spots, I should use it.

    “And guess what, before then, I didn’t even know there was anything wrong with my teeth. Do you understand? So what I’m trying to say in essence is that the world is extremely superficial”, he said.

    The comedian emphasised that society’s obsession with aesthetics often dictates success in fields like entertainment and corporate roles.

    He pointed to reality shows like Big Brother, where contestants’ appearances spark public debates, and noted that actors are often favored for their looks over talent.

    Read Also: I’m not a crossdresser, says Zicsaloma

    “That’s why you can see maybe people will be selected for Big Brother. And the next thing you hear is that, ah, Big Brother contestants are ugly. I know they watch.

    “Why? Why would you watch? Why do people choose their favorite actors? Ah, she did get too fine. That’s why you like her as an actor, not because she’s so talented. That’s why you like him because he’s too fine with steeze”, he added.

    Zicsaloma also admitted to once denying a job to an applicant due to poor hygiene, reinforcing his point that presentation matters.

    “There’s literally a girl I did not give a job who wanted to work with me. I didn’t give her a job because she was literally very smelly. It’s not an exaggeration”, he said.

    Encouraging proactive steps, he advocated for affordable enhancements like liposuction for those unable to commit to gym routines, alongside maintaining good grooming, stylish clothing, and skincare.

    “So sometimes you do these things, you enhance your look, not just, not because you want to impress people, because of who you want to be or what you want to do. If you know you cannot do the gym, you have the funds and you have the right surgeon go for liposuction”.

    While acknowledging that less attractive individuals can succeed, he stressed they often need to work exponentially harder than those with appealing looks.

    “So anything you can do to enhance your looks, you must smell good, wear good dresses, wear good hair, good haircuts. How you look matters a lot in this world. You can succeed being less attractive but most times you have to work 10 times harder than somebody who has pretty privilege.  So anything you can do to make yourself look better, do it. Do it. Using good body products to get better skin and all that”, he concluded.

  • DJ Big N bemoans loss of celebrity status in digital era

    DJ Big N bemoans loss of celebrity status in digital era

    Disc jockey Nonso Temisan Ajufo popularly known as DJ Big N has expressed concerns over the diminishing exclusivity of fame during a recent interview on the Echo Room podcast.

    He argued that the barrier to becoming a celebrity has drastically lowered, allowing almost anyone to achieve stardom through minimal effort in today’s decentralised digital landscape.

    “Fame has been decentralised. The barrier to entry for fame is very low. Before, celebrities were real celebrities. Right now, anybody can become a celebrity.

    “I can say stupid shit on the Internet five times. I get verified and I start doing adverts. That’s celebrity,” he said.

    Read Also: Afrobeats experiencing its worst decline in 20 years – DJ Big N

    Reflecting on the past, DJ Big N highlighted the commanding presence of artists like Phyno and Olamide, who carried a distinct “wow factor” and aura that defined true celebrity status.

    He added: “Before, when I’m talking about before you become a celebrity, Phyno, Olamide, there was a wow factor. There was a celebrity.

    “There was an aura that they used to command. But now you have to understand that everybody and first of all, everybody’s attention is, everything is decentralized”.

    He contrasted this with the current era, where individuals can gain fame by posting controversial or attention-grabbing content online, quickly earning verification and advertisement deals. 

    He attributed this shift to the democratisation of attention, where audiences seamlessly switch from global stars like Davido, Rema, Burna Boy, and Wizkid to viral personalities like Cater Efe or Peller.

    “So the same person that is listening to Davido, Rema, Burna, Wizkid, can switch to Cater Efe live of Peller,” he concluded.

  • Why I embrace Muslim, Christian identities – Nasboi

    Why I embrace Muslim, Christian identities – Nasboi

    Skit maker and musician Lawal Nasiru popularly known as Nasboi has declared himself a Muslim and a Christian, citing his diverse upbringing as the reason for his neutral stance on tribal and religious divides.

    In a post on X, the comedian shared that his Yoruba Muslim father and Christian mother from Warri, coupled with his life experiences in Port Harcourt and studies at the University of Uyo, shaped his inclusive worldview.

    Nasboi explained that his mixed heritage and exposure to different cultures made it impossible for him to align with tribalism or religious extremism.

    Read Also: AyoMaff, Nasboi, shoday, others storm Abuja as Mallam Yankee brings Joeboy live to city

    “My papa Yoruba, my mama Warri. My papa Muslim, my mama Christian. I was born and raised in Port Harcourt. I studied at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom. This is why I can never relate to tribalism or all the religious agendas,” he wrote.

    The statement triggered varied reactions online, with some netizens praising his open-mindedness while others labeled him “confused” for not choosing a single religious identity. 

  • Toyin Abraham to donate bags of rice after golden medal win

    Toyin Abraham to donate bags of rice after golden medal win

    Actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has been honored with the Golden Legends Honour Medal at the Allstar Charity event.

    The award recognises individuals who positively impact the lives of others.

    To celebrate this achievement, Toyin Abraham has pledged to donate five bags of rice to support a good cause, embodying the spirit of giving and kindness.

    Read Also: Why I can’t speak my native Edo dialect – Toyin Abraham

    She wrote on Instagram: “Honoured to receive the Golden Legends Honour Medal at this year’s @allstarscharity — awarded any ally to individuals who continue to uplift and impact the lives of others positively.

    “To keep the spirit alive, I’m donating 5 bags of rice towards the cause. Together, we say #GameOnHungerOff. Grateful. Always an honour. OversabiAunty”.

  • Social media now ‘begging sites’ for some users – Yhemolee

    Social media now ‘begging sites’ for some users – Yhemolee

    Media personality Idowu Adeyemi popularly known as Yhemolee, has expressed dismay over the rising wave of online begging across social media platforms.

    The father of one lamented their transformation from spaces of creativity and connection into hubs for financial solicitations.

    In an Instagram post, he criticised users who flood comment sections with bank account details, seeking money from near-strangers, distinguishing them from street beggars only by their access to internet data.

    Read Also: Yhemolee slam women for undermining men’s efforts in relationships

    Yhemolee, known for his 2020 hit “Mon Cheri” alongside Chinko Ekun and Asake, and roles in Nollywood films like Gangs of Lagos and Alakada: Bad and Boujee, called out those skilled in what he termed the “art of begging,” urging them to bypass his posts.

    He decried the shift in social media’s purpose, noting it has become a virtual begging site rather than a platform for meaningful engagement.

    “It’s no longer news that social media isn’t social media anymore. It’s now a begging site. The only difference is that unlike the beggars on the road, the beggars on the internet have data.

    “These days, when you post a picture, the first ten comments are account numbers. My major problem is those who have a PhD in begging. Please omit all those begging from my own picture,” he said.

  • Chiwetalu Agu: Hard work, not just prayers, ends poverty

    Chiwetalu Agu: Hard work, not just prayers, ends poverty

    Veteran actor Chiwetalu Agu has argued hard work and diligence are key to overcoming poverty.

    Agu, in a video, maintained that only the aforementioned can yield lasting prosperity, challenging the widespread belief among some Nigerians that spiritual devotion alone was enough for financial success.

    He acknowledged the power of prayer, noting its ability to connect individuals to divine wisdom and favor.

    However, he stressed that without corresponding effort, such prayers are futile.

    Read Also: Chiwetalu Agu debunks death rumour, says he is alive, healthy

    He urged Nigerians to shed the “manna mentality” of expecting blessings without action, asserting that divine favor requires human participation through work.

    He said: “Poverty does not die by fire. I repeat, poverty cannot die by fire, pray from now to tomorrow if you don’t work hard, poverty will deal with you.

    “Yes, prayer is powerful, it connects you to divine wisdom and favor, but work is a channel through which blessings manifest. You can pray all day for success, but if you refuse to work, plan or act, you will still remain poor. God blesses effort, not idleness.”

  • Mama Rainbow celebrates 83rd birthday, 60 years on stage

    Mama Rainbow celebrates 83rd birthday, 60 years on stage

    Veteran actress Idowu Phillips popularly known as Mama Rainbow celebrated her 83rd birthday and 60th anniversary in the entertainment industry on Thursday, October 16.

    In a Instagram post, the actress expressed profound gratitude to God, her family, fans, and colleagues for their unwavering support throughout her illustrious six-decade career.

    Reflecting on her journey, Mama Rainbow described her time in the industry as one filled with music, memories, and love.

    She credited divine strength for sustaining her through countless performances since joining her late husband’s theatre troupe in the 1960s.

    The actress paid special tribute to son and manager, Femi Phillips, calling him her pillar and joy, whose dedication has kept her legacy vibrant.

    Mama Rainbow also extended appreciation to her global fanbase, friends, and creative team for their loyalty, noting that their love and prayers have been her foundation across every season.

    At 83, she conveyed a sense of grace and joy, vowing that her journey on stage would continue.

    She wrote: “Happy 83rd Birthday & 60 Years on Stage to myself. Today, I celebrate 83 years of life and 60 unforgettable years on stage! What a journey it has been filled with music, memories, love, and endless gratitude.

    “I thank God Almighty for the gift of life, strength, and purpose. Every day, every song, every stage has been a blessing. 

    Read Also: Mama Rainbow celebrates 60 years on stage

    “To my family your love has been my foundation. To my fans, friends, and lovers at home and abroad you are my heartbeat. Your love, support, and prayers have carried me through every season. 

    “A special thank you to my son, my manager, my baby, and my close friend you are my pillar, my daily joy, and the reason I keep shining. Your dedication keeps my legacy alive. @officialfemiphillips.

    “To my team, thank you for walking this journey with me for your loyalty, creativity, and care through the years.

    “As I turn 83, I’m filled with nothing but gratitude, grace, and joy. 60 years on stage and still counting the show goes on, and the love continues! From my heart to all of you — thank you for making my life this beautiful”.

    Renowned for her dynamic maternal roles in Yoruba cinema, Mama Rainbow has starred in numerous acclaimed productions, including Yemi My Love, Abeni, Oga Bolaji, Sugar Rush, Becoming Abi, Madami, Mewa N Sele, Taiwo Taiwo, The Narrow Path, Lagidigba, Agbefo, and Okun Ife. 

  • Phyna speaks on backlash over viral Abuja hotel clash

    Phyna speaks on backlash over viral Abuja hotel clash

    Reality TV star Phyna has addressed the widely circulated video capturing her in a physical altercation at an Abuja hotel on Tuesday.

    The confrontation, reportedly sparked by a dispute over an unpaid N200,000 debt, began in Phyna’s hotel room and escalated into a chaotic brawl in the hotel lobby, involving associates of both parties.

    The 20-second viral clip, shared across platforms like X and Instagram, shows an unidentified woman engaging Phyna physically while bystanders attempt to intervene.

    Read Also: Star DJ Fizzy out with new single ‘Vibration’

    On Wednesday night, Phyna, on Instagram denied claims that she was overpowered and acted in self-defense against an orchestrated attack.

    “Who I beat dey hospital, dem carry touts come fight and people to record,” she posted in Pidgin English, alleging the video was selectively edited to distort the narrative.

    Claiming the woman involved was hospitalised, she added: “I was attacked from behind on my way out. Dem even crop the video just to twist story say dem beat me. Make una rest!

    “The girl wey l beat never even regain consciousness. Una dey mad! Pray for me make who I beat no die abeg.”

    Phyna attributed the clash to ongoing theft by the individual, stating, “I no get joy for anybody when I know say dem dey thief from me.”

    The incident followed Phyna’s recent loss of her sister, Ruth Otabor, in a truck accident in August 2025.

  • Why I can’t speak my native Edo dialect – Toyin Abraham

    Why I can’t speak my native Edo dialect – Toyin Abraham

    Actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has revealed why she cannot speak her native Edo language despite being from Auchi, Edo State.

    Speaking with TikToker Jarvis at the premiere of the movie Ginger, Toyin revealed that her fluency in Yoruba stems from being born and raised in Yoruba land and marrying a Yoruba man.

    “I can’t speak Edo. You know I was born and brought up in Yoruba land. And I married a Yoruba man. So I’m practically Yoruba. I can’t even speak Edo. One bit. But there’s no Yoruba I can’t speak,” she explained.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham reunite at premiere, put feud rumours to rest

    Born in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, to Edo parents, Toyin grew up immersed in Yoruba culture in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    She attended Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, and later Ibadan Polytechnic before pursuing her acting career full-time.

  • Afrobeats experiencing its worst decline in 20 years – DJ Big N

    Afrobeats experiencing its worst decline in 20 years – DJ Big N

    Disc jockey Nonso Temisan Ajufo, popularly known as DJ Big N, has expressed concern over what he described as the worst decline in Afrobeats’ global influence in two decades.

    Speaking in a recent interview with Echo Room, DJ Big N blamed both artists and music executives for compromising the genre’s quality in their quest to appeal to international audiences.

    He criticised the increasing dilution of Afrobeats’ original sound, saying it has resulted in less authentic and lower-quality music that fails to connect with global listeners.

    “The uniqueness of Afrobeats is what made the world fall in love with it,” he said, stressing the need to preserve the genre’s authenticity.

    Read Also: How I survived a robbery attack in South Africa – DJ Big N

    Citing journalist Joey Akan’s views, DJ Big N argued that exporting an inauthentic product is unsustainable, noting that “no one can beat Americans at being American or making hip-hop.”

    He also highlighted the issue of rising performance fees among Afrobeats artists, which he said have made many acts unaffordable even within Nigeria.

    DJ Big N urged Nigerian artists to re-evaluate their creative direction and pricing models, warning that without a shift in approach, Afrobeats risks losing its hard-won global prominence.

    “Afrobeats right now is at its worst position in the last 20 years. And everyone, from musicians to music executives, has a part to play. The quality of music…you have to understand that the quality of the product is important in every way.

    “Joey Akan said they wanted us for our originality. Always remember that whatever you want to export has to be original, first and foremost. If you tried to export something else, it’s only a matter of time. You can’t sell Hip-Hop to Americans, that’s their genre. We have to embrace our originality,” he expressed.