The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Women are less respected in music industry – Tems

    Women are less respected in music industry – Tems

    Grammy-winning singer Tems has opened up about the gender-based challenges women face in Nigeria’s music industry, sharing her own struggles to be taken seriously as an artist.

    In an interview with the BBC, Tems said women are often disrespected in the industry, making it harder for them to gain recognition and succeed.

    To tackle the problem, she launched ‘The Leading Vibe Initiative’, a platform aimed at empowering women by providing easier access to opportunities, wider audiences, and greater success in the music business. The initiative also seeks to boost self-definition and confidence among female artists.

    Tems urged aspiring female musicians to set clear personal and professional boundaries, knowing what they are willing—and unwilling—to do for fame. She stressed the importance of staying true to oneself and refusing to compromise values for success.

    Tems said, “I just found out that people don’t really respect women a lot in the [music] industry. It was difficult to find people to take me seriously, but it didn’t mean I stopped; I just kept on going. I wanted to redefine the perspective that women have of themselves. As a woman myself, I’m the best person to start something like this, so that’s really the aim.

    Read Also: Spyro congratulates Davido, Chioma on Miami wedding

    “It is to change the way women see themselves in music. For me, it is not just artists; it is also producers, audio engineers, instrumentalists, and managers interested in managing other women. When people tell you to change your style and sound, you look at them and say so.

    “If it means me not being signed, I’m okay with that. I went to a couple of places that didn’t sign me, and I was okay with that. Like any other football fan, I never imagined myself being in ownership of any football team, but I think it is also a space where women are underrepresented.

    “I was fortunate enough to get that opportunity brought to me, and I jumped on it because I feel like women don’t see themselves in that space, and I needed it to be known that women can be in any space that they want.”

  •  I bought a burial site, wrote my will after lupus diagnosis – Kemi Afolabi

     I bought a burial site, wrote my will after lupus diagnosis – Kemi Afolabi

    Actress Kemi Afolabi has revealed the harrowing ordeal she faced while battling lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own organs and tissues.

    In an interview on Doyin Kukoyi TV, Afolabi recounted how, at the peak of her health crisis, she was unable to eat or drink, relied on oxygen to breathe, and even prepared for the worst by purchasing a burial site and writing her will.

    She credited her survival to God’s grace and the unwavering support of her family, friends, and colleagues.

    Read Also: May this birthday not be my last, says Kemi Afolabi at 46

    Afolabi said her struggle began with severe joint pain “more intense than childbirth,” which led to multiple misdiagnoses at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). It was only after seeking medical care abroad that she finally received the correct diagnosis.

    She said, “When I was down with Lupus, I thought the end had come. I couldn’t eat or drink. I was using oxygen to breathe. I already bought where I would be buried, and I wrote my Will, but God said it was not yet time to go. I survived with the power of God, the support of my family, friends and colleagues. Lupus has killed a lot of people. I had never heard of it till I experienced it. It is an autoimmune disease that will make your body’s system work against itself. The organs will not function properly

    “When it first started with me, all the joints in my body gave me intense pain. Childbirth pain is a little compared to the pain of Lupus. They were diagnosing different diseases for me at LUTH until I travelled out and was told it’s Lupus. Lupus has no cure, I am still managing it with medications. I travel abroad every now and then because of it. I get an injection every day. I can’t be under the light for a long time like I used to when acting. People were saying so many things, but the one that got to me most was when someone said I have been used spiritually.”

  • Reality star Lilo gets baptised, says it’s her ‘best decision’

    Reality star Lilo gets baptised, says it’s her ‘best decision’

    Reality TV star Lilo Aderogba has excitedly announced her baptism by immersion via her official Instagram handle.

    She shared the news, expressing her gratitude and devotion to her faith with the caption, “The most important and best decision I will ever make! Thank you, Jesus”.

    According to her, being baptised is the most important and best decision she’ll ever make.

    Lilo gained popularity after participating in Big Brother Naija Season 5 in 2020.

  • BBNAIJA S10: Biggies issues double strike to Bright Morgan

    BBNAIJA S10: Biggies issues double strike to Bright Morgan

    Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate Bright Morgan has received a double strike from Biggie due to physically violent behaviour as outlined in Section 15, Sub-section 1 of the Rule Book.

    This section states that any housemate who becomes physically violent may be removed from the house immediately.

    The forms of violence that can lead to such disciplinary action include self-inflicted violence, violence towards another person, provocation, goading, bullying, and victimisation.

    With two strikes already, Bright Morgan is on the brink of disqualification. With one more strike, he will be disqualified from the BBNaija House.

    “For your conduct, you are hereby issued a double strike; one more strike and you will be disqualified from Big Brother’s house. Do you understand?” Big Brother declared.

    Bright Morgan responded, “Yes biggie.”

    The disciplinary actions were taken after Big Brother called all the housemates into the lounge for a reckoning, emphasising the importance of adhering to the rules and maintaining a safe and respectful environment within the house.

    Read Also: BBNaija S10: 23 housemates face possible eviction

    Other housemates have also faced penalties for their actions.

    Kulture has received a final warning for openly displaying violent behaviour, serving as a caution that any further incidents could result in more severe consequences.

    Sultana, on the other hand, has been banned from alcohol intake for a week, after she peed on Dede’s property in a drunk state. 

    “Sultana alcohol is not an acceptable excuse. In your drunken state, you almost damaged Big Brother’s floor and the property of your fellow housemate. You are hereby banned from consuming alcohol for one week, including the parties,” Biggie said.

  • I pay £5,000 rent monthly in UK – Tacha

    I pay £5,000 rent monthly in UK – Tacha

    Reality TV star Tacha Akide has shed light on the challenges of living abroad, describing the UK as an expensive and demanding environment.

    Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Tacha revealed that rent in her neighbourhood costs up to £5,000 per month, adding that many Nigerians living abroad work multiple shifts just to maintain their standard of living.

    This, she noted, leaves little time for socialising or supporting one another.

    She also highlighted the difficulty of adjusting to life in the UK, where busy lifestyles often hinder social connections.

    Tacha pointed out the striking contrast between the country’s wealth and the reality of people living on the streets, many of whom beg for money and lack proper support systems.

    Read Also: Prioritise Nigeria’s development over ‘Japa’ – Tacha tells youths

    “I’ve been called different types of names. The people you call your friends are not like; when you travel, they’re not really your friends anymore. And you also have to understand, because they probably have like three shifts. Like it literally was just me like living in one of the most expensive neighbourhoods abroad. We’re talking five thousand pounds a month, like, before you sleep. I wake up, it’s been 30 days already. You’re like Okay, I have to start calculating. I know people who want me to travel abroad, like to move to the UK.

    “And when I came, they were too busy to even see me. And I understand because there, do you understand? You’re going to St. Louis, you’re going to Tesco, you’re going to like a superstore. You see someone lying down on the floor, helplessly asking for cash. Like, can you give me one pound? Like, you’re seeing it happen for real. It’s such a hard place where you don’t have uncles or aunties or parents or anybody understanding where you’re coming from because they also have a lot going on for them as well,” she said.

  • Mary Njoku condemns Ibom Air’s treatment of Comfort Emmanson

    Mary Njoku condemns Ibom Air’s treatment of Comfort Emmanson

    Actress Mary Njoku has condemned the treatment of Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air officials.

    Emmanson was removed from a flight and later arraigned and remanded in prison after a viral video showed her being dragged off the plane with her breasts exposed.

    Njoku expressed her outrage on Instagram, stating that while she understands the airline’s decision to offload Emmanson if necessary, the alleged act of stripping her and circulating the footage online is a gross violation of her dignity.

    According to Njoku, airline staff are trained professionals, and dehumanising someone, stripping a woman naked, and broadcasting it online cannot be justified, regardless of the circumstances.

    She pointed out the hypocrisy, noting that even the police ensure that criminals and alleged murderers are dressed and their private parts are covered during parades.

    Njoku emphasised that airline officials should be held to a similar standard, and treating passengers with dignity is essential.

    According to her, Emmanson deserves compensation for the damage done to her life and dignity.

    She stressed that the incident is unacceptable and that Emmanson should not be left to face the consequences alone.

    Njoku wrote, “I understand removing her from the plane, that’s not the issue. What I cannot understand is stripping her while doing so and then putting it all over the internet,” she said.

    Read Also: Mary Njoku raises alarm over suspected fake drugs in Nigeria, seeks NAFDAC’s probe

    “Airline or airport staff are trained professionals, and I refuse to believe that dehumanising someone, stripping a woman naked, and broadcasting it online is part of that training, no matter what crime she may have committed.

    “I’ve seen police parade even criminals and alleged murderers, and they still ensure those people are dressed and their private parts are covered. Authorities do not parade people naked. How much more should we expect from airline officials? They are not thugs!!!

    “While she is being penalised or sent to jail for her actions, she should not be walking away from this alone. She deserves compensation for the damage done to her life and the dignity of every Nigerian woman. Because this is NOT acceptable!!!! Absolutely NOT acceptable!!!”

  • Israel DMW unveils newly-built house in Edo

    Israel DMW unveils newly-built house in Edo

    Israel DMW, Davido’s logistics manager, has unveiled his newly built house with gratitude to his boss and Chioma for their unwavering support.

    In a recent Instagram post, Israel shared a video showcasing the house he is building in his village in Edo State, Nigeria.

    He revealed that owning two houses in his state was one of his prayers and he is thrilled that his dream has come true.

    Israel attributed his success to God’s favor and the support of Davido and wife, Chioma.

    He thanked them for their kindness and generosity, which has enabled him to achieve his goals.

    Read Also: Davido gifts Israel DMW multimillion Rolex wristwatch

    “My seven-month village project is soon to be commissioned by God’s grace. One of my prayers is to own two houses in my life, in Edo State. Thank you, God Almighty. Thanks to Oga and Madam,” he wrote.

    In the past, he has thanked his boss for various opportunities, including securing visas to the US, UK, and Canada.

    Israel has also praised Davido for introducing him to a luxurious lifestyle, sharing photos and videos of himself traveling on private jets and visiting exotic locations like France.

    He has consistently credited Davido for making his dreams a reality and has promised to remain loyal to him. 

  • Yetunde Barnabas slams critics over three-year-old daughter’s stroller use

    Yetunde Barnabas slams critics over three-year-old daughter’s stroller use

    Actress Yetunde Barnabas has responded to criticism for using a stroller for her 3-year-old daughter while on vacation in Europe.

    Some followers questioned why a child of that age still needed a stroller, prompting Yetunde to defend her parenting decision.

    In a statement on her Instagram page, Yetunde expressed disappointment that people were bullying her child and questioned the critics’ own parenting styles.

    She sarcastically stated that they should carry their children on their heads if they didn’t approve of using strollers.

    Yetunde emphasised that she wouldn’t tolerate such negativity and would block anyone making hurtful comments.

    The actress pointed out the practicality of using a stroller, especially when planning to shop for over three hours.

    Read Also: Yetunde Barnabas debunks rumours of second child with footballer husband

    She challenged her critics, telling them not to hide behind emojis to make negative comments, as she would respond in a way they wouldn’t like. 

    She wrote: “You fools bullying a 3-years-old on why she still using a stroller are really shameless. I am not that gentle when it comes to my child o,
    I will rubbish you. And some will even comment as if they’re helping you train?
    When is it a crime for a toddler to use a stroller?

    “I’m so pissed off, y’all will just sit in your dirty houses and think you can type rubbish on everybody’s page,.I will block you off when you travel with your own child, carry them on your head Since poverty has eaten you deep, when is it a crime for a toddler to use strollers ???? I will be going out to shop by myself for over three hours here in Europe, and you expect me not to carry her inside the stroller, keh, Awon Ode, Oponu. Don’t hide under emojis and drop silly comments on my page, I will respond to you in a way u won’t like ooo ehn ehnnn. Bye Felicia. Peace and Love”.

  • Ibom Air: Simi slams exposure of Emmanson’s indecent parts, demands sanctions

    Ibom Air: Simi slams exposure of Emmanson’s indecent parts, demands sanctions

    Singer Simi has called for sanctions against the individual who released a video of Comfort Emmanson being dragged off an Ibom Air plane with her breasts exposed.

    According to the singer, it’s unfair to punish Emmanson for her behavior while ignoring the actions of those who recorded and shared the video without editing out the indecent parts.

    She stated that sharing the video without blurring out Emmanson’s private parts was an invasion of her privacy and deserves punishment.

    The mother of one questioned why the person who posted the video isn’t being held accountable, emphasising that they should face the law.

    She wrote on Instagram: “Someone recorded her being dragged off the plane, recorded her being exposed like that, and then posted it without editing out this exposure or blurring it out. I personally want to know who posted that video and why no one is holding him/her accountable. Because they will face the law.

    Read Also: AON slams lifetime ‘No-Fly’ ban on Ibom Air passenger over in-flight assault

    “But voluntarily posting her half-naked for millions of people to see when less than 10 people actually witnessed it in the first place deserves punishment too because you cannot condemn one madness and leave another one”.

    The incident involved Comfort Emmanson being removed from an Ibom Air flight after a scuffle with staff over refusing to switch off her phone during takeoff.

    A video of the incident went viral, showing Emmanson being dragged off the plane with her breasts exposed.

  • Industry rumours caused two-year rift with Destiny Etiko – Actress Lizzy Gold

    Industry rumours caused two-year rift with Destiny Etiko – Actress Lizzy Gold

    Actress Lizzy Gold has celebrated colleague Destiny Etiko’s birthday, recalling how rumours once drove a wedge between them, causing them to drift apart for two years.

    However, they’ve since reconnected, and according to Lizzy, she is grateful for their renewed bond.

    Lizzy, on Instagram, admired Destiny’s ability to connect with others, noting that she’s always been fascinated by how easily Etiko mingles with people.

    Addressing rumuor carriers, Lizzy said she has become immune to the gossip, stating that everyone has grown and no longer has the energy to listen to negativity.

    In her birthday message, Lizzy praised Destiny for having a beautiful soul and being one of the few people who truly understands her.

    She expressed her love and appreciation for Etiko, imperfections and all, and prayed for more blessings and protection in her life. 

    Read Also: My marriage will never break, actress Lizzy Gold vows

    Lizzy wrote: “Two years ago, we separated as friends because of too many ‘them say ‘in Nollywood. I became lonely because I don’t make friends easily like you do.

    So I channeled all the energy into my craft but missed you. Sometimes I would watch how you mingle so easily and wonder how you do it, but I realised it’s your nature. Thank God you realised you were deceived and came back to me.

    Some people are still trying to resume “them say, “ but trust me, when you start with them say again, we will discuss and laugh over you. Everyone has grown; nobody has the energy to listen to gossip anymore.

    “Destiny, you have a beautiful soul and are one of the few people who understand me. I love you for who you are. I love your imperfections.

    I pray today that God will open His heavens and release more blessings for you and your household. Please do not let any weapon in the form of humans separate us again. You already know I do not give rooms for gossip. I love you, Baby. Happy birthday to my friend, my hardworking colleague, my love”.