Category: Entertainment

  • Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” surpasses N2.4bn at Box Office

    Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” surpasses N2.4bn at Box Office

    Filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele‘s film “Behind The Scenes” has grossed N2.407 billion at the box office.

    The film has become the highest-grossing film of the year and the highest-grossing film of the weekend.

    Filmone, the film’s distributor, credited fan support for the film’s success, stating that the achievement would not have been possible without audience enthusiasm.

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    “The Queen of Box Office for a reason!! Celebrating yet another incredible milestone and we’re so sure we wouldn’t have done this without you and your love.

    “Behind The Scenes hits a whopping N2.4B making it the Highest Grossing Film of the Year and The Highest Grossing Film of the Weekend. Thank you to everyone for the love and support so far,” the caption reads.

  • Actor Gideon Okeke slams neglect of film industry amid Afrobeats success

    Actor Gideon Okeke slams neglect of film industry amid Afrobeats success

    Actor Gideon Okeke has criticised the entertainment industry for prioritising Afrobeats stars over actors, actresses, and filmmakers.

    In a video on Instagram, Okeke questioned why musicians receive global recognition while Nollywood professionals are overlooked.

    He referenced top music stars, wondering if they would acknowledge Nollywood talents if they looked beyond their circle.

    Okeke noted that despite Afrobeat’s global attention, Nigerian films lack international exposure and endorsements, stating that influential figures aren’t promoting Nollywood.

    “You know how we carry our Afrobeat music on our head. Big three, big five, big this. We idolise and worship ourselves,” he said.

    “What’s going to happen if your big three, big five, or whoever big over there, come down to look around and see your cousins on the other side of the media hemisphere and say, ah, you see that bros over that side? He’s bad. That babe, bad” he asked.

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    “Una no dey watch Nigerian films, all of una, una know yourself. Una watch Nigerian film? Beat yourself on the chest, you know yourself,” he said in pidgin.

    Okeke urged musicians and influential figures to promote Nollywood, citing former US President Barack Obama’s annual music endorsements.

    “Since when Obama sit down for presidential seat, na every year Obama dey endorse una, every year, it will come out. He will publish his best music, una name no dey fall inside? Abi no be so?” he asked.

    “Nigerian films never, ever move like that before,” he said.

    He stressed that collective progress benefits everyone, lamenting the lack of unity within the creative industry.

    “Nobody owes you anything, and you don’t owe anybody anything,” he said, urging entertainers to support their own.

  • Do2dtun leads over 20 OAPs in championing black fab’s ‘Soundyard Vol 1’

    Do2dtun leads over 20 OAPs in championing black fab’s ‘Soundyard Vol 1’

    The Nigerian music industry witnessed a potentially historic moment as media heavyweight Do2dtun gathered over 20 of Lagos’s most influential on-air personalities for an exclusive preview of Black Fab’s debut project Soundyard Vol 1. 

    What emerged from the session was not just enthusiasm for new music but a collective commitment from Nigeria’s media gatekeepers to champion an artist they believe represents the future of Nigerian sound.

    “I’m pleading with everyone to adopt Black Fab as our own,” Do2dtun told the assembled media professionals, which included Taymi B, Moni, OTB, RnB, Louie, Arthur, Alimat, Kolade, Cheche Smith, DJ Rabbit, Chichi Ella, Grand Prince, Real Skillz, Timi, Charity, Kemismallz, Emmanuella Odiatu, Yaw, and Fola. 

    “This music is the reason I’m getting back in the music business. The sound is so refreshing. I’m excited about where this journey is headed.”

    The call to action from Do2dtun resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom have spent decades navigating Nigeria’s complex music industry. 

    After previewing tracks including “I Like Am,” “Away” (releasing January 30th), “Ufedo,” and “Keep On Moving,” the consensus was clear: Black Fab’s Soundyard Vol 1 merits extraordinary support.

    “Do2dtun’s plea wasn’t necessary—we were already sold,” revealed Beat FM’s Kemismallz. “‘I Like Am’ alone would have been enough to get my attention, but when you hear the full scope of Soundyard Vol 1, you realize you’re witnessing something special. This is the kind of project that reminds you why you got into media in the first place.”

    Attendees have begun coordinating support strategies, ensuring maximum visibility for Black Fab’s music across platforms. The collaborative approach—rare in Nigeria’s often competitive media landscape—underscores the unique impact of Soundyard Vol 1.

    “We’re not just talking about individual stations playing Black Fab’s music,” explained Inspiration FM’s Taymi B. “We’re discussing a coordinated ecosystem of support—interviews, features, playlist placements, social media amplification. ‘Away’ drops January 30th, and you’ll see what unified media support looks like in the Nigerian context.”

    The project’s lead single strategy has also generated discussion. While “Away” will serve as the next official single, industry insiders suggest tracks like “Keep On Moving” and “Ufedo” could receive simultaneous promotional pushes due to their distinct appeal to different audience segments.

    “‘Keep On Moving’ speaks to a more introspective audience, while ‘Ufedo’ has that celebratory energy perfect for peak radio hours,” analyzed Splash FM’s Moni. “Black Fab has created a project with multiple entry points, which is strategically brilliant. Every listener will find their favorite track, which means organic word-of-mouth will amplify whatever we do officially.”

    DJ Rabbit, whose playlist selections often predict commercial success, confirmed he’s already building mixes around Soundyard Vol 1 tracks. “I haven’t been this excited about new music in years,” he admitted. “The production quality, the songwriting, the vocal performance—everything about this project hits the mark. When ‘Away’ drops on January 30th, I’m ready.”

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    Lagos Talks’ Kolade contextualized Black Fab’s emergence within broader industry trends. “Nigerian music has achieved global recognition, but there’s always the question of what comes next,” he observed. “Black Fab represents an evolution—maintaining the Afrobeats foundation while pushing sonic boundaries. Soundyard Vol 1 feels like an answer to that ‘what’s next’ question.”

    Industry consultant Arthur suggested the listening session itself represented a new model for artist development. “Rather than the traditional approach of releasing music and hoping for media pickup, Black Fab’s team invested in relationship-building first,” he explained. “By bringing together this specific group and allowing us to experience the music together, they’ve created built-in advocates. It’s strategic brilliance.”

    With confirmed release dates—”Away” on January 30th and the full Soundyard Vol 1 project expected in Q1 2025—Black Fab enters the year with institutional support from Nigeria’s media establishment. Do2dtun’s passionate endorsement, combined with coordinated commitments from over 20 influential OAPs, positions the artist for what could be one of 2025’s most significant breakthrough stories.

    “This is what happens when genuine artistry meets strategic industry engagement,” summarized The Beat’s Fola. “Black Fab has created music that doesn’t need artificial hype—it speaks for itself. Our job now is simply to make sure Nigeria hears it.”

  • NFC congratulates Funke Akindele on box office record-breaking feat

    NFC congratulates Funke Akindele on box office record-breaking feat

    The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has congratulated Funke Akindele and the ‘Behind The Scenes’ team on achieving a historic milestone in African cinema.

    The film has grossed over N2 billion at the box office, making it the first Nollywood production in Africa to cross this threshold in ticket sales.

    NFC CEO Dr. Ali Nuhu, on Instagram, praised the film’s record-breaking commercial performance in key markets, including the UK and Ireland, where it is the top-grossing Nollywood title.

    He attributed the success to the team’s creative vision, production, and distribution strategies, as well as the dedication of the cast and crew.

    Nuhu wrote on Instagram, “The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Funke Akindele and the entire ‘Behind The Scenes’ team on achieving a historic milestone in African cinema. The film has officially grossed over ₦2 billion at the box office, making it the first Nollywood production in Africa to cross this threshold in ticket sales.

    “Behind The Scenes, released on 12 December 2025, has not only resonated with audiences nationwide but has also recorded record-breaking commercial performance in key markets, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it currently stands as the top-grossing Nollywood title.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele shares moment as Sanwo-Olu watches ‘Behind The Scenes’

    This achievement is the result of meticulous creative vision, strategic production and distribution, and the collective dedication of a strong ensemble cast alongside an experienced production crew.

    “From an industry perspective, ‘Behind The Scenes’ reflects a significant evolution in Nollywood’s commercial and artistic maturity. Milestones such as: fastest film in West Africa to cross the ₦1 billion mark within weeks of release, the highest single-day gross recorded on Boxing Day, and now the first to surpass ₦2 billion in Africa, underscore the growing strength of Nigeria’s cinema market and its capacity to compete on the global stage.

    “The Nigerian Film Corporation celebrates this milestone as a collective win for Nollywood, the creative economy, and for Nigerian storytelling worldwide. We commend the filmmaker, cast, crew, exhibitors, distributors, and, most importantly, the fans whose support turned this cinematic endeavour into a historic success.”

  • I became depressed after jail time experience – Ceeza Milli

    I became depressed after jail time experience – Ceeza Milli

    Singer Ifeanyi Charles Bosnah, popularly known as Ceeza Milli, has opened up about his past struggles, revealing he spent time in jail and battled depression.

    In an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, he said the experience has had a lasting impact on his mental health, stating that he is still recovering.

    “I went through a depressive stage, I went to jail. I suffered in Nigerian prison,” he stated.

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    Milli attributes his current health issues to the traumatic experience and emphasised his focus is on health-driven weight loss, dismissing claims he’s reacting to online criticism.

    He expressed appreciation for past collaborations with Wizkid, crediting the artist with helping him provide for his family.

    Milli also noted that Wizkid’s support was significant: “Wizkid tried for me, he gave me collaborations that made me feed my family.”

  • Funke Akindele shares moment as Sanwo-Olu watches ‘Behind The Scenes’

    Funke Akindele shares moment as Sanwo-Olu watches ‘Behind The Scenes’

    Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has shared her gratitude after Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu watched her film “Behind the Scenes”, calling it a humbling experience.

    The film, co-directed by Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, has grossed over N2 billion at the box office, making it one of Nollywood’s top earners.

    It stars Scarlet Gomez as a generous real estate mogul whose kindness strains family ties and prompts personal reflection.

    Akindele expressed her fulfillment, saying the movie’s message had touched many hearts.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele makes history in Canada, North America with “Behind The Scenes”

    She thanked the Governor for his time and insightful feedback, encouraging audiences to catch the film still showing in cinemas across Nigeria, the UK, the USA, and Canada.

    She wrote, “A truly humbling moment as the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, watched my movie behind the scenes.

    “Moments like this remind me that when you stay committed to your craft and remain consistent, your work will speak for you in places you never imagined. I feel so fulfilled and happy knowing this film touched many hearts and that the message I hoped to pass across was felt. Thank you, Your Excellency, for your time and thoughtful feedback.

    “If you haven’t seen BehindTheScenes, please go see it. Still showing in cinemas nationwide, and also in the UK, USA, and Canada”.

  • Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ hits N1bn, sets new Nollywood record

    Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ hits N1bn, sets new Nollywood record

    Actress and producer Toyin Abraham has set a new career milestone as her film, ‘Oversabi Aunty’, surpassed N1 billion at the Nigerian box office.

    The feat marks the first time Abraham has crossed the N1 billion earnings threshold, with the film emerging as the fourth highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time.

    Released in December 2025, Oversabi Aunty has also become the first directorial debut in Nollywood to reach the N1 billion mark.

    Film distributor FilmOne celebrated the achievement, describing it as a historic moment for the industry and commending the film’s commercial success.

    Reacting to the milestone, Abraham expressed appreciation to her supporters, cast, and production team, thanking her fans, Nigerians, and FilmOne for their role in the project’s success.

    “Thank you, everyone. I’m short of words. Oversabi Aunty to the world and still showing in cinemas near you. My first directorial debut on the big screen. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

  • Why I wasn’t successful in America – Speed Darlington

    Why I wasn’t successful in America – Speed Darlington

    Controversial singer Speed Darlington has revealed that his 23 years in the United States brought more legal trouble, arrests, and emotional distress than professional success or financial gain.

    Darlington, in a video, described the experience as isolating, marked by racial bias, and resulting in a trail of criminal records rather than a successful “American Dream.”

    He contrasted his experiences in the US with his successes in Nigeria, stating that he built his mansion with earnings from his Nigerian career.

    Darlington attributed his decision to leave the US to feelings of inadequacy and alleged racial marginalisation.

    He cited concerns about racism, difficulties interacting with women due to his accent, and feeling undervalued as a black man in the US.

    Darlington added that he feels respected and successful in Nigeria, where he has built a career and a life.

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    He said, “America did not favour me. I have access to the USA, but I don’t want to be there all the time. America has no favour for me, and I’m not ashamed to say it. The only thing I have is criminal records, arrest, arrest, arrest, arrest is all I got from the USA.

    “So, after 23 years, I told myself it’s better for me to have access to America. I can go whenever I want to see my family for maybe 10 days, one week, or 4 days, and I will turn around and return. American society is not conducive to my mental and physical well-being. In America, my self-confidence is in the gutter. I can’t even talk to girls; I lack confidence whenever I’m in America. I’m always lonely. If I spend 9 months or two years, I will be lonely throughout, which means endless masturbation. It gets tiring.

    “If I want to talk to a girl, firstly, I’m worried about my accent. Is she going to laugh at me? Am I adequate? American society has an atmosphere where a black man is nothing, and he has to overprove himself before he can get any respect. This is not how I want to live my life. While here, I amount to something. Everybody is black and dark-skinned. All these things are what I’m thinking.

    “I love having access to the US anytime I want, but my mansion money with a swimming pool on top came from Nigerians. That fight I had with Portable was how I finished my mansion decking. That money helped me very well. That fight did not take place in Las Vegas; it took place in Lagos, Nigeria. It is better to be in a forest, climbing trees and be free, than to be in the centre of everything and be caged. I did not leave America with money.”

  • Teniola Aladese urges women to live independently before marriage

    Teniola Aladese urges women to live independently before marriage

    Actress Teniola Aladese has underscored the importance of women achieving independence before marriage, describing it as a critical foundation for a successful union.

    Speaking on a recent episode of the That’s What She Said podcast, Aladese said women who experience living alone prior to marriage are better prepared for its demands, as they gain a deeper understanding of their personal preferences, boundaries, and responsibilities.

    She noted that many women move directly from their family homes into their husbands’ residences without first experiencing independent living, a transition she warned can lead to culture shock, emotional strain, and, in some cases, regret.

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    According to Aladese, personal independence before marriage fosters maturity, self-awareness, and resilience, qualities she believes are essential for building healthy and sustainable relationships.

    “A lot of women just go from their family’s houses to their husband’s house. But they don’t particularly know what they like; they don’t know what kind of trait their husband-to-be has. So they are shocked when they enter the home, and they see some mannerisms that they haven’t experienced before.

    “But I feel like when you live alone before getting married, you get to know yourself, you get to know what you like, you get to know the nonsense you would take and the nonsense you would not take.

    “But when you just enter into marriage without any experience of living on your own, that is when everything starts shocking you, and regrets creep in,” she said.

  • Bimbo Ademoye celebrates victory in YouTube copyright dispute

    Bimbo Ademoye celebrates victory in YouTube copyright dispute

    Actress and filmmaker Bimbo Ademoye has expressed deep gratitude and relief after a prolonged copyright dispute over her YouTube film Where Love Lives was resolved in her favour.

    In an Instagram post on Monday, Ademoye thanked her mother, friends, creative team, and especially her loyal online supporters, whom she fondly refers to as her “cyber family,” for their role in helping to take down the infringing content.

    She wrote: “God don’t play about me, that’s how I know he’s real. I want to say a very big thank you to my mother @uduakisong1 for not resting till the issue was resolved. I love you forever mom. To @ugoccie and her team, thank you for standing by me and helping out. @sir.fela thank you for always helping to make sure things are resolved.

    “And most importantly! to my Amazing cyber family! Haa you guys, una no dey carry me play o. You guys reported Emmanuel Davies till the song got taken down on all platforms. I’m kicking my feet in the air like a little child . It’s giving play with her and you’d incure the watch of her cyber family. I love you guys so much”.

    The issue stemmed from an individual using a fake alias Emmanuel Davies, who falsely claimed copyright over a song featured in the film.

    The track, fully owned by Ademoye with the artist’s approval, was allegedly uploaded to platforms like Spotify under Davies’ name as composer.

    Read Also: Bimbo Ademoye cries out over copyright claim on YouTube movie song

    This led to a false copyright strike on her YouTube upload of Where Love Lives, a December 2025 release starring Uzor Arukwe, Chioma Nwosu, and Osas Ighodaro that amassed millions of views, resulting in demonetisation and diverted earnings.

    Ademoye initially voiced her distress publicly, vowing legal action and demanding the claim’s immediate removal.

    She described the ordeal as deeply upsetting, noting it left her in tears and unable to engage normally with supporters. 

    “Pls if you encountered me yesterday and I wasn’t smiling ,no vex abeg ,life and emmanuel Davies tried me. Anyways we’re still working on getting Emmanuel Davies( it’s a fake name by the way) Thank you sooooo much guys.

    “I love you guys! A very huge thank you to everyone who reached out to me and tried to help. If I didn’t pick your calls, pls don’t be offended, just the word “hello ” had me In tears ,and my head was banging from crying . I love and appreciate you guys deeply”, she added.