The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Next Afrobeats Star: Organisers to splash N150m on winner

    Next Afrobeats Star: Organisers to splash N150m on winner

    MTN Nigeria has officially launched Next Afrobeats Star (NAS) in partnership with Ultima Studios.

    With the aim of uncovering and elevating the next generation of Afrobeats talent, the show was unveiled recently during a media event held at the MTN Rooftop Event Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    According to the organisers, a whopping $100,000 (over N150m) has been announced as the prize money for the winner of the reality cum talent show.

    The remaining four finalists will also walk away with music deals ranging from $25,000 to $75,000.

    Femi Ayeni, CEO of Ultima Studios, explained the standout quality of the show. “What makes this show different is because for the first time, we are having the producers, the beat-makers, actually recording original songs for the contestants for the show. So, the contestants will be doing covers, but at the end of the day, their original songs are the ones that will determine how well they do on the show.”

    The producers already earmarked for the talent cum reality show have been revealed as Andre Vibez, Puffy Tee, Sarz and P. Prime.

    Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, said: “Next Afrobeats Star is a bold initiative by MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, to discover and elevate the next global icon of Afrobeats. At MTN, we believe in progress, not just as a brand stance but a purpose.

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    “We believe that every Nigerian, regardless of background, location, or education, deserves a chance to be connected, seen, heard, and celebrated. That is why we are taking this message to every corner of Nigeria, from the bustling cities to the most remote villages so that no youth is left behind. Because talent knows no boundaries, and neither should opportunity. Today, Afrobeats is a global force, filling stadiums, topping charts, and inspiring millions. But the journey is far from over. The Next Afrobeats Star is our commitment to the future of this movement. It is a platform where raw talent meets real opportunity. Where the rhythm of Nigeria meets the reach of the world.”

    A partnership between MTN Nigeria, Ultima Studios, and ONErpm, one of the fastest-growing music companies in the world, Ikenna-Emeka revealed that the winner will receive a $100,000 music deal made possible by a collaboration between ONErpm and U-Records. The remaining four finalists will also walk away with music deals ranging from $25,000 to $75,000.

    This effort, Ikenna-Emeka explained, aligns with the Nigerian Government’s Destination 2030 strategy, which aims to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for creative excellence.  “Through the Destination 2030 strategy, the government is working to position Nigeria as a leading global hub for creative excellence by the year 2030. This vision is about more than economic growth, it’s about cultural pride, global influence, and national identity. It’s about creating an enabling environment for artistic brilliance, promoting diversity and creativity, and preserving the rich heritage that makes Nigeria unique.”

  • Kizz Daniel is one of Nigeria’s greatest artists, says Fido

    Kizz Daniel is one of Nigeria’s greatest artists, says Fido

    Rising Nigerian Afrobeats artist Olayemi Josiah Awosika aka Fido has named Kizz Daniel as one of Nigeria’s greatest artists.

    In a recent interview, Fido, who collaborated with Kizz Daniel on the remix of his hit single, ‘Joy,’ said the ‘Buga’ singer’s impact on the Afrobeats genre is impeccable.

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    In his words, “Kizz Daniel is one of the greatest artists in Nigeria. He has made such an impact for us in the music industry and for Afrobeat across the world.”

    On why he decided to collaborate with Kizz Daniel for the remix of his hit single, he said, “I felt he was the perfect match. Everybody has been asking when they were going to see me and Kizz do a song together. I was like, okay, I’m going to surprise my fans. I have to make sure that  whatever the fans ask from me, I have to deliver for them. I give fans what they want and I like to make sure that they’re satisfied.. I know then, that the rest is going to fall in place.”

  • 98th Oscars: Nigeria begins selection process for submission

    98th Oscars: Nigeria begins selection process for submission

    The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has officially opened submissions for Nigeria’s entry in the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category ahead of the 98th Academy Awards.

    According to a statement by the committee, Nigerian filmmakers can submit qualifying films between August 13, 2025 and September 12, 2025, via the official NOSC portal.

    According to the statement, the eligibility requirements were clearly listed for filmmakers so as to avoid submission error.

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    “The submission must be a feature-length film produced outside the United States, with at least 50% of its dialogue in a language other than English. Nigerian Pidgin English is acceptable, Must include accurate, legible English subtitles, Must meet AMPAS-approved technical specifications (35 mm, 70 mm, or Digital Cinema formats), Must have had a theatrical release for at least seven consecutive days between December 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025,” the statement reads in parts.

    The NOSC is the sole body recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to select Nigeria’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category.

    The selected film will represent Nigeria at the Oscars on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, joining the global competition for cinema’s most prestigious award. The ceremony will be broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide.

  • Kokopee releases All I Need It’s Kokopee

    Kokopee releases All I Need It’s Kokopee

    Versatile artist Ogaga Okokowa aka Kokopee has finally released his much-anticipated album, ‘All I Need It’s Kokopee,’ today Friday, August 15, 2025.

    The launch follows an exclusive listening party in Lagos on Thursday, August 14, that drew fans, industry stakeholders, and fellow artists.

    The seven-track project, running just over 17 minutes, chronicles the singer’s journey “from Genesis to Revelation,” blending tales of hardship, determination, and ambition into a cohesive body of work.

    “As it sounds, All I Need, I’m trying to give everybody a guideline that these are all the things you need to make it in life as a human being. These are all I needed to become Kokopee. If you follow my blueprint now, you will arrive at somewhere more productive than where you used to be before,” he said.

    Kokopee explained that the project mirrors his struggles in the music industry.

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    “From Track One to Track Seven, you will see that I’ve suffered. The album shows that I mean business and am not here to play. I’ve gone through the four corners of the industry, and it’s time for me to roll. All I need to succeed is to drop this album and take over,” he said.

    The body of work features two collaborations- Peruzzi, Don Jazzy and Jeriq. “The lead single is up to the fans. When you listen to the album, you will pick your favorite,” he added.

    However, the singer also used the platform to address a pressing challenge faced by emerging artists, the soaring cost of music promotion.

    “The cost of music promotion in Nigeria is part of what is making me advise the youth that if you like music, try to find work first. The cost of promotion is rising just like the cost of living. As bad as it sounds, as the top artists are becoming more successful, the billing is increasing. They believe they should eat your money now before you become Burna Boy. That’s why they want to extort you. It’s expensive, I won’t lie, but I cope by the grace of God,” he said.

  • Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards set to return in February 2026

    Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards set to return in February 2026

    After an 11-year hiatus, the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) is set to make a highly anticipated return in February 2026.

    According to a statement by Omogbolahan Akinwumi, the Chief Operating Officer of the award  ceremony,  the 2026 edition will once again honour excellence, innovation, and impact across Africa/Nigeria’s vibrant broadcast media industry. The host state for the 2026 edition will be announced in due course.

    The NBMA, renowned for celebrating radio and television personalities, stations, and productions that have shaped the nation’s media narrative, is re-emerging with renewed energy, exciting new categories, a new website, and a revamped digital presence.

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    “We’re thrilled to bring back the NBMA after more than a decade of reflection, restructuring, and visioning,” said Omogbolahan Akinwumi, Chief Operating Officer of the awards. “The return of the NBMA marks a new era for broadcasting recognition in Nigeria – one that embraces today’s digital media evolution while honouring the timeless values of professional excellence and audience engagement.”

    Continuing, Akinwunmi said, “Here’s what is new in 2026 as NBMA returns. Our newly launched www.nbmawards.com offers an intuitive platform for nominations, voting, partnership opportunities, and updates. It reflects a modern, transparent, and interactive approach to managing the awards. In response to the changing landscape of media, the 2026 edition will feature new categories recognizing podcasters, digital content creators, media entrepreneurs, and community broadcasters, in addition to the traditional broadcast legends and trailblazers.

    “We are calling on brands, stakeholders, and passionate individuals to partner with us in making the return historic. The Nigerian media has been at the forefront of national development,

    and it’s time we amplify the voices behind the microphones and cameras,” Akinwumi added.

  • Bella Okagbue empathises with Phyna over sister’s accident

    Bella Okagbue empathises with Phyna over sister’s accident

    Reality TV star Bella Okagbue has expressed her solidarity with her colleague Phyna over the recent accident involving the latter’s sister Ruth Otabor and a truck driver.

    The incident left Ruth’s leg amputated, with a possibility of the other leg being affected.

    Okagbue’s message conveyed her shock and sadness over the incident, describing it as heartbreaking.

    She urged the truck company to take full responsibility for the situation, citing allegations of negligence and attempts to cover it up.

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    Okagbue also offered her support to Phyna, emphasising that she stands with her in seeking justice.

    She encouraged others to rally around Phyna and her family during this challenging time.

    Okagbue wrote on X: “Nigeria has happened again!!! I haven’t found peace since hearing this news, sleepless nights and a heavy heart weigh on me. It’s truly heartbreaking.

    “Heartfelt wishes for Ruth Otabor after the accident. It’s incredibly frustrating to hear about the circumstances surrounding the incident, especially with negligence and attempts to cover it up.

    “The company needs to take full responsibility for this situation. I’m so sorry. @unusualphyna I hope justice is served and that you and yours find the strength to get through this difficult time. You’re not alone, and I am here for you. I stand with you in seeking justice! Phyna can’t fight this alone, please she needs all the support and help she can get. Remember, Nigeria can happen to anyone!!!”

  • Moyo Lawal decries malicious content sharing, calls for empathy, professionalism

    Moyo Lawal decries malicious content sharing, calls for empathy, professionalism

    Actress Moyo Lawal has expressed her disappointment over the actions of some service providers and individuals who share unauthorised explicit content.

    According to her, those in the service industry should maintain a professional attitude without emotional outbursts.

    Lawal also condemned the sharing of unauthorised nude content, particularly for clickbait or to humiliate the individual in the material.

    According to her, such behavior shows a lack of empathy and human decency.

    She questioned the upbringing of people who engage in this kind of malicious behavior and criticised those who justify such acts based on how a person dresses.

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    Moyo Lawal emphasised the need for better values and training at home, as well as anger management, to prevent hurt and angry individuals from lashing out.

    She also pointed out the hypocrisy of being both malicious and religious, highlighting the need for a more empathetic and professional society. 

    Lawal wrote, “What is it about some service providers not understanding that if you are in the service industry, you have to actually serve and not be so prone to emotional displays?

    “Then the set of people who are so comfortable sharing nuudity that was not authorised just for clickbait and to humiliate the party in the material. Who are the people raising this kind of malicious person? Let’s not even talk about the sick people who share and save such materials. Those ones are not loved at home.

    “Like I promise you, it doesn’t matter what someone has done to you don’t you have human decency? don’t you have empathy? Then the set of people who try to justify how a person dresses or was dressed as justification for such an act, whew, the majority of us are not getting trained at home.

    “We honestly need to find a way to include anger management in our lives, so many hurt and angry people just waiting to explode.”

    “If you easily get provoked, please do not do a service job. How are we generally so malicious yet so religious?”

  • BBNaija: Big Soso reacts after Faith’s age-shaming comments

    BBNaija: Big Soso reacts after Faith’s age-shaming comments

    Big Brother Naija housemate Big Soso has broken her silence following a heated argument with fellow housemate Faith. 

    According to Big Soso, Faith age-shamed her, claiming she was old and followed boys around, which she found deeply insulting. 

    She emphasised during her diary session on Thursday that she believes herself to be one of the most respected ladies in the house, attributing her respected status to how she carries herself.

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    Big Soso highlighted that the boys in the house view her as a mother figure, affectionately calling her “Mama Soso”. 

    She stressed that she has never had any s3xual interactions with the boys and noted that even Faith had previously expressed respect for her, saying he’d like to be one of her sons. 

    She said, “Faith age shamed me, he said I was old and that I follow boys around, that is an insult to me because I feel in this house I am one of the ladies that are well respected.

    “All the boys see me as a mother because of how I carry myself, they even call me Mama Soso.

    “I never asked to be branded with such name but they just respect me and have never been sexual with me. Even Faith himself has told me earlier that he respects me and he would like to be one of my sons.”

  • Priscilla Ojo, Juma Jux release baby bump pictures

    Priscilla Ojo, Juma Jux release baby bump pictures

    Media personality Priscilla Ojo has shared stunning maternity photos with her Tanzanian husband and singer Juma Jux.

    ‎Priscilla Ojo and Juma Jux tied the knot in a grand ceremony that showcased the rich cultural heritage of both Nigeria and Tanzania.

    Read Also: Priscilla Ojo, Juma Jux expecting first child

    ‎Their union began with a Nikkah and civil wedding in Tanzania in February, followed by a traditional Yoruba wedding in Lagos on April 17, which drew a crowd of top dignitaries, celebrities, and familiar faces from Big Brother Naija.

    ‎Two days later, they exchanged vows in a beautiful white wedding ceremony.

    ‎The couple announced their pregnancy on July 25, sharing adorable photos of Priscilla’s baby bump. 

  • Actress Temitope Osoba returns to entertainment industry after cancer battle

    Actress Temitope Osoba returns to entertainment industry after cancer battle

    Actress Temitope Osoba has announced her return to the entertainment industry after a brief break to battle cancer.

    In an emotional Instagram post, Osoba expressed deep gratitude to her fans and management team, revealing she has been working on rebranding and rebuilding her career.

    With a renewed sense of purpose, she pledged to use her platform to promote cancer awareness and support others who have faced similar challenges.

    She added that her new management team will guide her in exploring fresh opportunities, including endorsements, acting roles, and event collaborations.

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    She captioned the video: “Dear beloved fans, supporters, and loved ones, “I’m Temitope Osoba, and after my cancer experience, I’m excited to announce my reintroduction. This journey has been a turning point, leading to my rebranding, reshaping, and rebuilding. I’m emerging stronger, more resilient, and more passionate about sharing my story and inspiring others.

    “This new chapter is about healing, growth, and empowerment. I’m committed to using my platform to support cancer awareness and help others who may be walking a similar path.

    “I’d like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my new management team for their incredible support and vision. I’m thrilled to be working with them to take my career to the next level!

    “I’m also open to exciting opportunities, including endorsements, roles, and event-related collaborations. If you’d like to discuss potential partnerships or opportunities, please feel free to reach out to my management team. Thank you for your unwavering support. I’m looking forward to this new journey with all of you! With gratitude and love, Temitope Osoba”.