The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Cardi B makes history with second No. 1 debut on Billboard 200

    Cardi B makes history with second No. 1 debut on Billboard 200

    American rapper Cardi B has solidified her place in music history by becoming the first female rapper to debut her first two studio albums at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

    Her latest release “Am I The Drama?”, achieved this feat with 200,000 equivalent album units in its opening week.

    In an official Instagram post, Billboard announced: “Cardi B scores her second No. 1 on the Billboard 200 as ‘Am I The Drama?’ debuts atop the tally..

    ” With 200,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S., it marks 2025’s biggest week for an R&B/hip-hop album by a woman.”

    Read Also: Cardi B sets Guinness World record with drone-powered album launch

    This mirrors the success of her 2018 debut album “Invasion of Privacy,” which also launched at No. 1.

    The strong debut was driven by heavy streaming numbers and robust physical sales, with multiple CD and vinyl editions contributing to the impressive figures.

    “Am I The Drama?” now holds the biggest first-week sales of 2025 for a female hip-hop or R&B artist.

    In a unique promotional twist, Cardi B also broke a Guinness World Record by delivering 176 signed copies of her album via drone delivery in just one hour across the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

    Cardi B is set to further build on the album’s momentum with a nationwide arena tour starting in February 2026.

    The tour will support her latest release and give fans a chance to experience her high-energy performances live.

  • Imisi, Dede, Koyin, others make Top 10 ahead BBNAIJA season 10 finale

    Imisi, Dede, Koyin, others make Top 10 ahead BBNAIJA season 10 finale

    The Big Brother Naija Season 10 top 10 finalists have been announced ahead of the grand finale on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

    The final lineup includes Sultana, Mensan, Kaybobo, Kola, Dede, Imisi, Faith, Isabella, Jason Jae, and Koyin.

    Sultana secured a spot in the finals as Head of House, while Mensan was recognised as the most influential player.

    Kaybobo won immunity through the red phone twist, although it came at a cost of N10 million deducted from the grand prize.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Rooboy evicted from BBNaija season 10

    The announcement came after a live eviction show where Mide, Zita, and Rooboy were eliminated.

    During their exit interviews, Mide expressed her surprise at making it far in the competition and revealed her newfound passion for acting.

    Zita reflected on her time in the house, thanking God for the experience and hinting at a possible reunion with Danboskid.

    Rooboy shared his plans to expand his craft, including acting and contributing to the football community.

    The remaining finalists are now set to battle it out for the coveted crown and the grand prize in Sunday’s finale.

  • BREAKING: Rooboy evicted from BBNaija season 10

    BREAKING: Rooboy evicted from BBNaija season 10

    Big Brother Naija housemate Rooboy has been evicted from the “10/10” season.

    The eviction came after a dramatic search for an immunity card, which put 10 housemates at risk of leaving the show.

    Despite the intense competition, Rooboy ultimately became the latest housemate to bid farewell to the Big Brother Naija house.

    The show has seen some notable developments recently, including Sultana being immune from this week’s eviction as the Head of House.

    Read Also: Nigeria at 65: Nation on the brink of uncertainty

    Mensan won the ‘Most Influential’ housemate title for week eight, while Kaybobo made a strategic move by picking the red telephone and buying a ticket to the finale for N10 million from the grand prize.

    With Rooboy’s eviction, 10 housemates remain in the competition, vying for the N150 million grand prize.

    The grand finale is scheduled for next Sunday, October 5, 2025.

    Fans and viewers can determine the winner by casting their votes for their favorite housemate. 

  • BREAKING: Mide evicted from BBNaija season 10

    BREAKING: Mide evicted from BBNaija season 10

    Big Brother Naija housemate, Mide, has been evicted from the ongoing “10/10” season.

    The eviction followed a tense immunity card hunt that placed 10 contestants at risk of leaving the house. Despite the fierce competition, Mide became the latest housemate to exit the reality show.

    Meanwhile, Sultana secured immunity this week as Head of House, while Mensan earned the title of ‘Most Influential’ housemate for week eight. 

    Read Also: Uzodimma urges attitude change ahead of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary

    In a bold move, Kaybobo picked the red telephone and purchased a ticket to the finale for N10 million, deducted from the N150 million grand prize.

    With Mide’s departure, 12 housemates remain in contention for the ultimate prize. 

    The grand finale is set for Sunday, October 5, 2025, with fans deciding the winner through their votes.

  • Selena Gomez weds Benny Blanco in stunning California ceremony

    Selena Gomez weds Benny Blanco in stunning California ceremony

    American actress and singer Selena Gomez married music producer Benny Blanco in a romantic ceremony held in Santa Barbara, California.

    The intimate wedding, which took place on Saturday, was attended by about 170 guests, including close friends and family such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Paris Hilton, Steve Martin, and Martin Short.

    Gomez shared photos of the occasion on Instagram, stunning in her elegant Ralph Lauren gown, while beaming beside her new husband. Her caption simply read, “9.27.25,” flanked by two white heart emojis. Blanco responded in the comments, writing: “My wife in real life.”

    Blanco, dressed in a sharp Ralph Lauren tuxedo, was seen embracing and kissing his bride in the photos.

    The ceremony was held at Sea Crest Nursery in Santa Barbara County, a picturesque venue that provided a breathtaking backdrop for the couple’s vows.

    Read Also: Selena Gomez announces engagement to Benny Blanco

    With family and friends present, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco exchanged promises, officially beginning their new life together.

    The couple first worked together on Gomez’s album Revival in 2015, producing hits like “Same Old Love” and “Kill Em with Kindness.”

    They went public with their relationship in December 2023 and announced their engagement a year later.

    Earlier this year, they released their joint album “I Said I Love You First,” chronicling their love story.

  • How motherhood healed my childhood trauma – Toke Makinwa

    How motherhood healed my childhood trauma – Toke Makinwa

    Media personality Toke Makinwa has revealed how motherhood healed her from deep-seated childhood trauma and grief.

    Makinwa, who lost her parents in a fire incident during childhood, admitted she thought she had long dealt with the pain, but becoming a mother to her daughter, Yakira Eliana, has uncovered wounds she never realized were still there.

    In a recent social media post, the first-time mother wrote, “My daughter brought me healing; she is daily healing parts of me I didn’t even know needed healing from my childhood trauma, from grief I thought I had dealt with a long time ago.”

    Read Also: Toke Makinwa reflects on past marriage, opens up on survival, strength

    The Nation reported that Makinwa welcomed her daughter in August 2025, announcing the news on Instagram with a touching photo of her newborn’s hand clasped in hers. She described her baby girl as “my miracle” and “evidence” of God’s faithfulness.

    Makinwa had first shared her pregnancy news on August 13, 2025, calling it the “biggest project” and “highest calling” of her life.

    Her announcement and the eventual birth of Yakira Eliana drew an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fans and colleagues.

  • Kaartoon.k releases new single “Jowo”

    Kaartoon.k releases new single “Jowo”

    Afrobeat rising star Kaartoon.k is back with a brand-new single titled “Jowo,” a soulful Afro-fusion track that explores the emotional side of love, vulnerability, and connection.

    Currently based in Cyprus, Kaartoon.k has been making waves in the Afrobeat scene both locally and internationally, captivating audiences with his fresh sound and heartfelt storytelling.

    “Jowo,” which means “please” in Yoruba, is a beautifully crafted Afrobeat tune that blends rhythmic percussion, smooth vocals, and emotional lyrics into a universal message about love and understanding.

    Read Also: Bryni drops new single “Omo Oba” ft. Kabex

    The record showcases Kaartoon.k’s ability to combine authenticity with global appeal — a sound that’s fast becoming his signature.

    “This song is special to me,” Kaartoon.k shares. “It’s a song for anyone who’s ever loved deeply and wanted to be understood. I poured my real emotions into it.”

    Following successful releases like “Tokyo,” “Loading,” and “No Know,” Kaartoon.k continues to prove himself as one of the new faces shaping the modern Afrobeat movement. His growing popularity in Cyprus, alongside a loyal fanbase in Nigeria, highlights his international influence and the universal nature of his sound.

    “Jowo” is more than just a love song — it’s a reminder that Afrobeat continues to evolve, connecting cultures across continents through rhythm and emotion.

    The single is available now on all major streaming platforms.

  • I’m not wicked in real life – Actress Lola Idije

    I’m not wicked in real life – Actress Lola Idije

    Veteran actress Toyin Afolayan popularly known as Lola Idije has debunked the misconception that her on-screen persona reflects her real-life personality.

    Idije, often being cast as a harsh mother-in-law in Yoruba films, emphasised that her real-life demeanor is different from the roles she portrays.

    In an interview with Ayo Adesanya, Lola said her strong performances are rooted in her faith in God and she leads a modest lifestyle, abstaining from substances like alcohol and cigarettes.

    Read Also: Why I turned down marriage proposals – Bimbo Akintola

    She credited her late ‘brother’, Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade Love), a Nollywood pioneer, for influencing her disciplined approach to acting.

    Her big break came in 1995 when she starred as Madam Adisa in the film Deadly Affair.

    Over the years, she has not only become a household name but also the originator of popular catchphrases such as “Soro Soke Werey” and “Pele My Dear,” which have gained traction on social media.Online movie streaming services.

  • How I discovered, signed Ayra Starr – Don Jazzy

    How I discovered, signed Ayra Starr – Don Jazzy

    Music executive Don Jazzy has revealed how he discovered and approached his signee Ayra Starr.

    In an interview, Don Jazzy said he stumbled on Ayra Starr’s Instagram posts and was impressed by her potential.

    According to him, he reached out to a young Gen Z contact, asking if they knew anyone with singing talent in their school or friend circle and the contact sent him several Instagram pages, including Ayra Starr’s page.

    He stated that what caught his attention was a freestyle video Ayra Starr posted where she discussed themes relevant to Gen Z experiences.

    Don Jazzy said he was drawn to her youthful energy and the freshness she brought to Afrobeat music and he slid into her DM, introducing himself and expressing interest in working with her.

    Although she didn’t respond immediately, he said he also reached out to her brother to facilitate communication.

    He said: “I don’t know whether it’s a genius idea or not. It just felt like the industry needed it, you know what I’m saying. For somebody like Ayra, there was a space for a young teenage Afrobeat superstar from Nigeria that we want to make sure becomes global. So it was very intentional.

    Read Also: UK court drops terrorism charge against Kneecap rapper Mo Chara

    “I saw her, she posted on Instagram and I saw it. For her actually, I reached out to one of these young GenZ Ladies that I follow on the internet that everybody said I like to follow people but anyway, I reached out to one of them.

    “I said, hello. I might not be able to come to like you people schools and things like that to Find some of the talents that people have. In your school or in your circle of friends You don’t have somebody, people that can sing that you know All your friends know that the person can sing and this one, this one, this one, this one You say, in my school we have some people, this one, this one, this one.

    “She sent a couple of Instagram pages of some people That oh look at them and you say I look at them. I said, okay fine. They’re not bad I’ll keep watching them to see how they will move on the social media space And luckily for me, one of those days She now saw a video where I was freestyling and sent it to me.

    “I didn’t respond to her before I went to go and approach. Because I saw that video, the context Yeah, the context, what she was talking about in the video was why did you make me to do this? Why did you make me to, why did you give me the drug that I took? I was like, this girl looks young Yeah, I was like we don’t have any Afrobeat song That talks, that talks about this Gen Z What do you call it, experience or whatever. So I went to her and I entered her DM I said, hello, how are you? Whatever.

    “She didn’t answer me first. I saw her brother. I saw a post that she posted with her brother as well I sent a message as well to her brother”.

  • UK court drops terrorism charge against Kneecap rapper Mo Chara

    UK court drops terrorism charge against Kneecap rapper Mo Chara

    The terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh was dismissed by a UK court on Friday due to a technical error.

    Liam Og O hAnnaidh was charged in May for allegedly displaying a flag in support of the banned organisation Hezbollah at a gig in London in November of last year.

    The 27-year-old rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, denied the charge and has described it as political since then.

    During Friday’s trial, Judge Paul Goldspring told Woolwich Crown Court that the charge against O hAnnaidh was “unlawful” and “null”, as the charge was not brought within the six-month time limit.

    In his ruling, the judge outlined that permission was not given to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to consent to the prosecution until May 22, a day after O hAnnaidh was charged.

    If May 22 was considered to be the date of the charge, that was six months and a day after the London gig where the offence allegedly happened, the BBC reported.

    The police failed to ask the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in time to charge him.

    “I find that these proceedings were not instituted in the correct form, lacking the necessary DPP and AG (Attorney General) consent within the six-month statutory time limit,” he said.

    The court had “no jurisdiction to try the charge”, he added as the court erupted in cheers from his supporters.

    In his message, shared by Kneecap, O hAnnaidh said this entire process was “never about me, never about any threat to the public, and never about ‘terrorism’, a word used by your government to discredit people you oppress”.

    “It was always about Gaza. About what happens if you dare to speak up. As people from Ireland we know oppression, colonialism, famine and genocide,” he said in the message shared on X.

    O hAnnaidh added: “If anyone on this planet is guilty of terrorism, it is the British state. Free Palestine!”

    Newsnow