The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Taaooma, Agatha Amata, Emeka Ossai to speak at NEMCEA 2025

    Taaooma, Agatha Amata, Emeka Ossai to speak at NEMCEA 2025

    Maryam Apaokagi-Green aka Taaooma, Agatha Amata and Emeka Ossai have been confirmed as some of the panelists for sessions at the 2025 edition of the Nigeria Electronic Media Content Exhibitions and Awards.

    This was made known during a media parley in Lagos on Tuesday, August 19.

    As part of this year’s edition of the exhibition and awards ceremony, which is produced by the Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria, there will be training for EMCOAN members on how to leverage artificial intelligence to save time in content creation.

    The President of EMCOAN, Adeniji Omirin, stated this while announcing plans for NEMCEA 2025 with the theme “Sustainable Content Creation in a Fragmented Media Landscape.”

    Omirin also revealed that the event will be held between September 16, 2025 and September 17, 2025.

    “We are privileged to have as our lead facilitator, Mr John Orakwe, an award-winning AI strategist and one of the world’s top AI educators, who has trained thousands of business leaders across several countries. With him, we will explore both the opportunities and ethical considerations of AI in media production.

    “This is a bold step forward. It is evidence of our belief that Nigeria’s creative and electronic content industry must not be left behind in the global digital transformation.

    “By equipping our professionals, students, and emerging creators with these skills, we position Nigeria not just as a consumer of global media technology, but as a producer of content and innovation that can stand on any stage in the world,” Omirin highlighted.

    Read Also: Actor Odunlade Adekola buries father in Ekiti

    Also, the Project Director, NEMCEA 2025, Stephen Alayande, who is also the association’s general secretary, stated that the theme of the conference addressed the critical challenge facing the content creation industry today, which is how to create and monetise high-quality content when audiences are scattered across countless platforms and devices.

    “The conference will feature thought-provoking panel sessions and discussions on audience engagement, cross-sector collaboration, content monetisation, and technology-driven storytelling.

    “Director-general roundtable: A first-of-its-kind gathering that will bring together heads of regulatory bodies and key industry players to discuss policies and initiatives that will foster growth and innovation within the electronic media ecosystem. This exclusive session aims to bridge the gap between content creators, advertisers, broadcasters, exhibitors, content owners and regulators, paving the way for a more streamlined and profitable industry,” he added.

    He noted that individuals and organisations who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and creativity in the electronic media content space would be honoured and celebrated at the NEMCEA awards night. This year’s event marks the fourth edition of NEMCEA, organised by the association.

    Alayande also listed other expected panelists confirmed for the event includingDr Olalekan Fadolapo, Somnath Malakar, Franklin Ozekhome, Adheke Ada, Lanre Adisa, Osamede Uwubanwen, Ijeoma Onah, Jonadebegbowon, Jibe Ologeh, Nneka Isaac-Moses,Hajia Amina Mohammed, dr. Evelyn Nwosu, Dr Ayobami Olugbenga Wyse, Ehi Ohiani, John Orakwe, and Claude Mwamba.

  • Young film producer Precious Otun rallies support for Park 2.0 festival

    Young film producer Precious Otun rallies support for Park 2.0 festival

    Budding film producer, Tomiwa Precious Otun, is preparing for the second Film in the Park (FLIP) billed for September 21 at Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos Island.

    This followed the success of her maiden outing last year.

    On what to expect, Tomiwa said:”This year’s festival will feature over 10 film screenings, live performances, storytelling, and community engagement.”

    She also said FLIP creates a space where emerging African filmmakers share authentic stories that reflect our realities, resilience, and creativity.

    She promised to make his one bigger, bolder and even more impactful. “With meet and greet with the film producers, business networking, musical performances by upcoming artistes, relax and watch and fun games.

    Read Also: Priscilla Ojo, Juma Jux unveil baby’s gender

    ‘’Remember when you went to the cinema for the first time, the flickering lights, darkness, do you remember the awe you felt and the sense of togetherness you felt with the other viewers as you watched the scenes play across the screen and how you left the cinema feeling like you just returned from another world and how that feeling and glow followed you into the week?.’’ 

    The festival seeks to reignite that magic, showcasing the works of emerging filmmakers who want to share your love for cinema and storytelling.

    “This festival promises again a showcase of cinematic brilliance, where the art of film is celebrated and harnessed as a powerful tool for cultural documentation and social change.

    On her inspiration, Tomiwa said: “The vision is firmly rooted in purpose. The FLIP festival was borne out of a need to document and illuminate our life and times through the creativity of film. Unlike music, which is another beloved form of artistic expression, films have a unique and lasting impact, etching themselves into our collective memories.

  • Actor Odunlade Adekola buries father in Ekiti

    Actor Odunlade Adekola buries father in Ekiti

    Actor Odunlade Adekola bid a final farewell to his father, Pastor N.A. Adekola, in a grand burial ceremony held in Otun Ekiti, Ekiti State.

    The cleric passed away in July at the age of 84.

    The funeral activities began with a Service of Songs on August 18 at Christ Apostolic Church in Abeokuta, followed by a wake-keeping service and lying-in-state in Otun Ekiti.

    The interment took place on Thursday, August 21, and was attended by several Nollywood stars, including Ibrahim Chatta, Muyiwa Ademola, Eniola Ajao, and Ireti Osayemi.

    Read Also: Odunlade Adekola congratulates FPPRO Adejobi on promotion as DCP

    The ceremony was well-attended, with fans and colleagues paying their last respects to the late cleric.

    Odunlade Adekola had announced his father’s passing on Instagram in July and has since received condolences from fans and industry colleagues.

  • Priscilla Ojo, Juma Jux unveil baby’s gender ‎

    Priscilla Ojo, Juma Jux unveil baby’s gender ‎

    ‎Media personality Priscilla Ojo and Tanzanian musician Juma Jux are expecting a baby boy.

    ‎The couple, who announced in a vibrant Instagram video, revealed this on Thursday.

    ‎The video was captioned with “Our little God’s design is a……”

    ‎The couple got married in a lavish multi-city ceremony earlier this year and shared their pregnancy news in July.

    Read Also: Priscilla Ojo, Juma Jux release baby bump pictures

    ‎ The gender reveal has gone viral with fans on X and Instagram congratulating the couple.

    ‎ Priscilla and Juma are reportedly preparing to welcome their son in Canada.

  • Individual’s choices shape Nigeria’s future – Brymo

    Individual’s choices shape Nigeria’s future – Brymo

    Singer Brymo has described Nigeria as a geographical space lacking a defined sociable identity, arguing that its foundation was laid by the British, who arbitrarily named its people “Nigerians.”

    According to him, the country’s future rests on the individual choices of its citizens, stressing that personal responsibility is crucial to nation-building.

    Brymo further noted that Nigeria may never naturally develop a strong drive for self-improvement, insisting that progress will depend on deliberate decisions by individuals to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth and development.

    Read Also: Remixes by A-list artists a quest for relevance – Brymo

    ‎”Nigeria is clearly a geographical space with no sociable personality of ‘her own’, and the people (by the happenstance of the British who named us) are called Nigerians, and I am publishing this to remind us all that the country may ever have no conscious reason to help self, and that the quality of the choices we settle for Individually culminate in the outcome we all live in the aftermath”, he wrote on Instagram.

  • Adekunle Gold celebrates five years of ‘Afro Pop Vol. 1’

    Adekunle Gold celebrates five years of ‘Afro Pop Vol. 1’

    Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold is celebrating the fifth anniversary of his groundbreaking album “Afro Pop Vol. 1”.

    Released in 2020, Adekunle said the album marked a significant turning point in his career, showcasing his bold experimentation with Afro-pop, R&B, and dancehall sounds.

    The album featured hit tracks like “AG Baby” and “Something Different”, which contributed to its massive success, garnering over 100 million streams on Spotify.

    Adekunle Gold described the album as a “leap of faith” that reshaped his career and opened new doors.

    Read Also: Adekunle Gold gifts noodle vendor 50 cartons of Indomie

    He expressed gratitude for the album’s impact, stating that it gave him the courage to pursue his musical vision, leading to new opportunities and growth.

    “This album was my leap of faith. 5 years ago, I chose freedom because I knew I was bigger than the labels around me. That decision changed everything. Fear became courage, and doors I never imagined started to open. I’m forever grateful for what this album did for me and everyone who embraced it. Nothing has been the same since then”, he wrote.

  • Shatta Wale granted bail amid Lamborghini purchase saga

    Shatta Wale granted bail amid Lamborghini purchase saga

    Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢10 million with two sureties by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

    The bail came after Shatta Wale was invited on Wednesday to assist in investigations into the purchase of a 2019 Lamborghini Urus, which was seized from his home in June.

    The vehicle is allegedly linked to proceeds of a $4 million crime involving Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian currently serving an 86-month jail term in the US.

    During questioning, Shatta Wale claimed he bought the vehicle from someone named “Zak” on WhatsApp, but couldn’t provide any receipts or transfer documents to prove ownership.

    Read Also: Shatta Wale blasts colleagues for calling for reduction of Nigerian music on Ghana airwaves

    The statement partly read, “So far, Charles Nii Armah Mensah has been unable to identify the person from whom he purchased the said Lamborghini Urus vehicle except to say that he purchased it from the ‘Street’ and from someone possibly called ‘ZAK’ who may have contacted him on WhatsApp but whose identity he does not know and whose contact he has thrown away,”

    According to EOCO, in a statement on Thursday, Shatta Wale will remain in custody until the two sureties provide properties that can be verified to match the bail conditions.

    The investigation is ongoing, and both Shatta Wale and a former senior officer of Ghana’s National Signal Bureau are considered persons of interest.

    US investigators are pushing for the repatriation of the seized vehicle as part of Amuah’s restitution of nearly $4.7 million.

  • Actress Biola Bayo condoles Bose Alao over husband’s passing

    Actress Biola Bayo condoles Bose Alao over husband’s passing

    ‎Actress Biola Bayo has expressed her condolences to her colleague, Bose Alao, following the death of her footballer husband.

    ‎The former Benin Republic footballer, Razak Omotoyossi, died on August 19, 2025, at age 39

    ‎In an Instagram post, Biola shared a video clip with Bose, captioning it as, “The Lord is strength Abike mi. Be comforted, my lady, God is with you and your family. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

    Omotoyossi is fondly remembered for his performance during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he netted all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 victory over Togo and finished as joint top scorer of the campaign alongside Samuel Eto’o.

    Read Also: Why I publicised my failed marriage – Biola Bayo

    He also made history as the first player to score for Benin at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

    At the club level, Omotoyossi had a career spanning Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with stints in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France.

    He particularly excelled at Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, where he featured in the UEFA Champions League before moving to French side FC Metz.

  • Gospel, Afrobeats artists copy ‘This Year’ template – Jaywon

    Gospel, Afrobeats artists copy ‘This Year’ template – Jaywon

    Singer Jaywon has claimed that both gospel and afrobeats artists have been copying the template of “This Year” since its release, which he believes is proof of the song’s enduring influence.

    His claim came after Billboard’s recent list of the Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time, claiming that his 2012 hit song “This Year” had a greater cultural impact than some of the tracks that made the list.

    Jaywon expressed his sentiments, stating that “This Year” has been trending for over a decade and has had more viral moments than some of the songs that were included.

    Read Also: Jaywon denies taking sides in Wizkid-Davido feud

    He emphasised that no song on Billboard’s list has had more cultural impact than “This Year”.

    “Trending since 2012 and still going strong. Tell me, who else has pulled that off? ‍Hate is inevitable. Year after year, both gospel and Afrobeats acts copy the same vibe, yet we remain unshaken. Cry harder, I said it before, and I’ll say it again…. No song on that list has more cultural impact than #Thisyear by Jaywon”, he wrote on X.

    The Billboard list, which was recently released, features popular Afrobeats tracks such as 2Face’s “African Queen”, Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba”, Flavour’s “Nwa Baby”, Rema’s “Calm Down”, and CKay’s “Love Nwantiti” in the top 5.

  • Blaqbonez announces date for release of new single ‘Everlasting Taker’

    Blaqbonez announces date for release of new single ‘Everlasting Taker’

    Rapper Blaqbonez is gearing up to release his new single, “Everlasting Taker”, this Friday, August 22, 2025.

    He announced the upcoming track on social media, sharing a short video snippet that gives fans a glimpse into the song’s aural and visual aesthetic.

    In the clip, Blaqbonez is seen sporting a stylish varsity jacket and a custom headpiece, delivering a confident and lyrical flow against the backdrop of a modern house and lush greenery.

    The song’s lyrics touch on themes of career longevity, resilience, and artistic dominance, showcasing Blaqbonez’s distinctive style and sharp wordplay.

    With lines like “This no be quick fame, this is a career” and “Let the record show say we dominated”, Blaqbonez emphasises his commitment to his craft and ambition.

    Read Also: GinjaBet debuts in Lagos with Blaqbonez as brand ambassador, promises bold betting experience

    The track’s beat blends elements of classic hip-hop with a contemporary, high-energy feel, promising to be another bold statement from the self-proclaimed Best Rapper in Africa.

    “Everlasting Taker” is expected to be a powerful addition to his growing discography, reflecting his continued evolution as an artist.