The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Amanda David gets Blackdrum 360 appointment

    Amanda David gets Blackdrum 360 appointment

    As part of its plans to strengthen partnerships, expand content ecosystem and unlock new opportunities for collaboration across the globe, leading media, creative and cultural platform, Blackdrum 360, has appointed Amanda David as its Business and Partnership Manager.

    The appointment, according to a statement from the management, is effective from January 1, 2026.

    Dr. Emmanuel Odole, CEO, Blackdrum 360, said the appointment marks a strategic move by the company in its bid to accelerate growth across television, digital platforms, live events and international content partnerships.

    Odole described Amanda David as a proven industry professional whose experience aligns strongly with the company’s vision. “Amanda brings a rare combination of strategic thinking, industry insight, and relationship – building expertise that is critical to where Blackdrum 360 is headed. Her appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening partnerships, expanding our content ecosystem, and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration across Africa and the global market,” he stated.

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    Amanda joins Blackdrum 360 with a strong track record in business development, media partnerships, and brand collaborations across the creative and entertainment industries. Her experience spans working with content creators, broadcasters, agencies and corporate brands – driving value through strategic alliances and innovative deal structures.

    In her new role, Amanda will lead business growth initiatives, strategic partnerships, sponsorship development, and content collaborations across Blackdrum 360’s platforms, including its television properties and expanding digital footprint. She will also play a key role in scaling partnerships for live events, original programming, branded content, and emerging digital channels.

    Reacting to the appointment, Amanda David expressed enthusiasm about joining the company at a pivotal time. “Blackdrum 360 represents the energy, originality and cultural relevance of modern Africa. I’m excited to work with the team to build meaningful partnerships, create impactful content collaborations, and help position the brand as a global reference point for African stories and experiences,” she declared.

  • Tinubu congratulate creative artistes

    Tinubu congratulate creative artistes

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian artistes who emerged winners at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards.

    He described their performance as proof of the country’s growing influence in African and global music.

    According to a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the success of the artistes reflected “the depth of talent, creativity and hard work that define Nigeria’s music industry”. 

    He also added that their achievements had made the nation proud.

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    “I warmly congratulate our outstanding Nigerian artistes for their remarkable achievements at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards. Your success on this great continental stage is a proud moment for our nation and a strong reflection of the depth of talent, creativity and hard work that define Nigeria’s music industry.

    “You have not only won awards; you have projected our culture, amplified the voice of our youths and strengthened Nigeria’s creative identity across the continent and beyond. I commend each of you for your dedication and urge you to continue to use your talents to inspire hope, unity and pride, while contributing meaningfully to the growth of our creative economy and the development of our nation,” he said.

  • Wizkid signs new deal

    Wizkid signs new deal

    Wizkid has signed a major deal but is keeping the details close to his chest. On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the ‘Essence’ singer announced that he has signed the biggest deal of the New Year.

    In a terse tweet, he wrote, ‘Happy new Year! Signed the Biggest.’

    In 2025, there were reports that the singer successfully secured a significant partnership for 2026.

    However, there are tales that his decision to join headliners for Afro Nation Portugal 2026, joining Asake and Tyla, might be the big news.

    The AfroNation is the world’s largest Afrobeats celebration and is scheduled to run from July 3, 2026 to July 5, 2026 in The Algarve, Portugal.

  • Heartbeat: Love sparks few days after show’s kick off

    Heartbeat: Love sparks few days after show’s kick off

    Heartbeat wasted no time kicking off the search for love, and from the very first episode.

    The show host Seyitan Atigarin set the tone immediately by asking the singles to reveal who caught their eye before they even stepped into the Love Pad. Judging by their answers, sparks were already flying, at least in theory.

    Chidera had her eyes on Alvin, saying he looked like someone who could match her energy. Alvin, on the other hand, was drawn to Queen Latifa, describing her as exactly the kind of woman he would actively pursue. Attraction crisscrossed the room in every direction: Queen Latifa picked Igwe for his bad boy look, Igwe chose Hilda, and Hilda… also chose Alvin. Ken was into Hilda, too, while Toriah was intrigued by Igwe’s tattoos. Kena picked Chidera for her aesthetic, and Shekinah also chose Alvin, calling him spicy.

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    Very quickly, a pattern emerged. Alvin and Igwe were clearly the house favourites among the ladies, while Chidera was the most sought-after among the men.

    A surprise task had the housemates searching the house for a hidden Love Box in the Love Pad, containing a key with serious perks. Ken found it and earned the power to choose one person to spend the night with in a love nest. He picked Queen Latifa and not long after this, the two were seen kissing.

    For the rest of the housemates, fate took over. They were asked to draw numbers from a box, with matching numbers deciding who would pair up for the night. And the official pairings are Chidera and Kena, Igwe and Hilda, Shekinah and Alvin, Toria and Henri, and Ken and Latifah.

  • Afrobeats boom not benefiting Nigeria, says Baba Dee

    Afrobeats boom not benefiting Nigeria, says Baba Dee

    Veteran musician and cultural advocate Dare Fasasi aka Baba Dee has raised concerns over Nigeria’s ability to benefit meaningfully from the global success of Afrobeats, blaming the situation on poor structure and weak regulation within the country’s creative industry.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Nation, Baba Dee, who is also the elder brother of late music icon Sound Sultan, said despite Afrobeats enjoying unprecedented international attention, the economic returns flowing back to Nigeria remain limited.

    According to him, the major issue lies in ownership and control of music publishing, which he said is largely dominated by foreign companies.

    “Afrobeats is not paying Nigeria because Nigeria is not structured,” he said. “All these big publishing of big Afrobeats music is owned by international companies. So with everything you are hearing, it is their percentage that is coming to Nigeria instead of the publishing itself.”

    He added that the absence of strong regulatory frameworks has left the industry exposed, allowing external interests to take advantage of Nigeria’s creative output.

    “The government cannot even regulate an industry like that for us,” Baba Dee said, stressing that without proper policies and enforcement, local stakeholders will continue to lose out financially despite the genre’s global expansion.

    Reflecting on the cultural roots of Afrobeats, the musician described Nigerian music as a natural force that was always destined for global recognition, driven by deep cultural expression and talent.

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    “Nigerian music is a child of destiny that was meant to explode because the talent was there,” he said. “When you talk about black culture, the source is here.”

    Baba Dee noted that African sounds continue to resonate strongly across the diaspora, citing countries like Jamaica, where Nigerian music enjoys wide acceptance.

    “In Jamaica, they play Nigerian music everywhere because it resonates with something within them that they don’t know,” he said, explaining that cultural connections often draw global audiences back to African roots.

    While optimistic about the future growth of Afrobeats, he warned that success alone is not enough if it does not translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians and the country at large.

    “Afrobeats is going to be bigger than this,” he said. “But when it does, does it profit the people? Does it profit the nation?”

  • Niniola: The queen of Afro-House

    Niniola: The queen of Afro-House

    In an industry often propelled by fleeting trends and instant hits, Nigerian singer and songwriter, Niniola, made a different choice. She committed to a sound many once considered unsellable to Nigerian audiences, let alone the global market. More than a decade later, that decision has defined her career. Writes OLAITAN GANIU.

    Almost twelve years after releasing her debut single ‘Ibadi’, Niniola Apata has positioned herself as the ‘Queen of Afro-House’.

    “I didn’t have to change to be somebody else,” she said.

    When she chose her path, even industry insiders questioned the future of the sound. “People were not sure about the longevity of the genre,” she reflects. “But thank God, I didn’t have to change to be somebody else.”

    The 39-year-old performer faced repeated rejection at music auditions and talent competitions before her breakout.

    “I got my fair share of ‘No, you’re not good enough,’” she recalls.

    According to her, the disappointment became fuel rather than a setback.

    “I wanted to be so good that nobody could question my craft,”  said Niniola, who hails from Ekiti State.

    That determination crystallised in her debut album, ‘This Is Me’ in 2017, followed by ‘Colours and Sounds’ three years after. Both projects blended deep house rhythms with soulful storytelling, carving out a distinct sonic identity at a time when Afro-pop dominated Nigeria’s airwaves.

    In 2019, she became the center of attention when American singer, Beyoncé sampled her sound in ‘Find Your Way Back,’ on ‘The Lion King: The Gift’ album .

    Niniola received songwriting and composition credits on the track and was also a contributor to the Grammy-nominated album.

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    She has since collaborated with international artists, including DJ Snake and South Africa’s DJ Fresh, reinforcing her position as one of Africa’s most globally connected dance music voices.

    “I’m glad I can be comfortable as an African and sing in my language,” she said.

    Her latest song titled, ‘Belle’ has continued to gain traction across social media platforms as the track quenches rumour of her pregnancy status.

    Over the years, Niniola, who is also the elder sister of singer Teniola, has released multiple projects including ‘6th Heaven’, ‘Lagos to Jozi’ and ‘Press Play’ which dropped in 2024.

    Beyond music, she is a free giver through her foundation, ‘Adopt a Child’s Education’. Inspired by her late father, the initiative focuses on practical, long-term impact rather than one-off donations.

    “I don’t just give to public schools. I support infrastructure and fund electricity where needed,” she explained.

  • I’d love to collaborate with Ed Sheeran, Davido – London Bus Aunty

    I’d love to collaborate with Ed Sheeran, Davido – London Bus Aunty

    Content creator Bemi Orojogun, popularly known as London Bus Aunty, has revealed that her dream TikTok collaborations would be British singer Ed Sheeran and Afrobeats singer Davido in Nigeria.

    She expressed her admiration for both artists, saying, “I’d probably say in the UK, it would definitely be Ed Sheeran. In Nigeria, I’d probably say Davido because I love Davido”.

    As a viral sensation, Bemi has already made waves with her street interviews and bus conversations, winning the Video of the Year award at the TikTok UK Awards 2025.

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    According to her, she’s open to collaborating with other creators and celebrities, embracing spontaneous interactions and community engagement.

    “I’m open to it. Anyone can come on the street and join me on the buses,” she said.

    Bemi’s rise to fame is attributed to her unique content, showcasing London’s iconic double-decker buses and spreading joy.

    She’s collaborated with major brands like Burberry, H&M, and Jacquemus.

  • Sampling Fela music doesn’t make you him – Seun Kuti

    Sampling Fela music doesn’t make you him – Seun Kuti

    Afrobeats singer Seun Kuti has cautioned Afrobeats artists against comparing themselves to his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, saying sampling his music doesn’t make them equivalent to the legend.

    Speaking on the Hits Don’t Lie podcast, Kuti criticised artists who claim to be the “New Fela” simply because they’ve sampled Fela’s songs or drawn inspiration from his style.

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    He noted this trend is peculiar to Nigeria, citing examples of artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy who’ve sampled Fela’s music and faced comparisons.

    Kuti said, “A few people have done good samples of Fela’s music. But the only critique that I have is that sampling Fela doesn’t make you Fela.

    “So, people should stop saying that they are my dad. That is crazy. It crazy when people say that they are the ‘New Fela.’ Where is the ‘Bob Marley’? It is only in Nigeria you hear such. We so wild stuff here. People are wild.”

  • Davido opens up on father’s role amid paternity claim

    Davido opens up on father’s role amid paternity claim

    Afrobeats superstar Davido has revealed that his father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, forced him to undergo a DNA test amid a paternity claim by a 12-year-old girl, Anu.

    In a recent tweet, Davido stated that the Adelekes prioritise bloodline, highlighting the family’s emphasis on heritage and clarity.

    “You guys don’t know my father… he’s even the one that forced me to go… Adeleke’s we don’t play about Blood on this side,” he wrote.

    Read Also: Mother, daughter slam Davido for bullying over paternity controversy

    The Nation reported that Anu and her mother, Ayo Labinjoh, have publicly claimed that Davido is the girl’s father and have requested a DNA test to establish her identity.

    However, Davido has denied being Anu’s father, citing five negative DNA tests conducted at reputable hospitals.

  • Mother, daughter slam Davido for bullying over paternity controversy

    Mother, daughter slam Davido for bullying over paternity controversy

    A paternity dispute between Afrobeats star Davido and a 12-year-old girl, Anuoluwapo Mitchelle, has escalated, with the girl and her mother, Ayo Labinjoh, accusing the singer of bullying, threats and spreading false information.

    Anuoluwapo and Labinjoh disputed Davido’s claim of conducting five DNA tests, insisting only one test was done and alleging it was fraudulent.

    They also accused Davido of bullying and threatening to lock Labinjoh up, saying the controversy has affected Anuoluwapo’s mental health.

    She reads: “Dear Nigerians: My dad Mr David Adeleke replied me earlier this evening. I was devastated on the way he cursed me out, bullied me and threatened to lock my mother up simply because I want to establish my identity.

    “He also tweeted to the WORLD calling my mom a “bitch” he never met yet claiming he now had 5 (FIVE) DNA tests with me. First it was two, now it’s 5. He even said the last one was on my 10th birthday.

    “According to my mom, we only went for one test which Chief Dr Deji Adeleke took us to which was FAKE as posted on her statement pinned on top of this page. Please read that statement above. I thank everyone who supported me emotionally this morning including the media”.

    Labinjoh rejected Davido’s comments, saying she’s not his “baby mama” and is protecting her daughter.

    She challenged Davido’s DNA claims, alleging the test was compromised, and said she’d seek international oversight for another test.

    “First things first, my name is Ayo Labinjoh. I’m NOT Davido’s baby mama or a bitch. I am very protective of my daughter’s mental health after the level of bullying she went through for years. My daughter cried for days, fainted in school and went through psychotherapy.

    “I realise this story has now gone global again and we have largely moved on. David Adeleke has largely ignored me for years because he thought he picked up a prostitute from GQClub in Ibadan. I was a waitress and not picked up on the streets. I come from a good home. My late father was a good man who worked more for the betterment of Nigeria before he was poisoned. My daughter is a very tech savvy intelligent achiever.

    Read Also: Davido denies teenage girl’s paternity claims, threatens legal action

    “I have no friends, I keep no friends and nobody in school is allowed to discuss her family with her. To my shock she was trending on X because her dad needed to call me a bitch that he’s never met yet he subjected himself to a DNA test 5X? Last time it was his lawyer Bobo Ajudua who brainwashed Nigerians that there were 2 tests done and I chose the hospital. Dr Deji Adeleke took us to a LAB not a hospital where Anu’s blood was drawn in 2014 then discarded behind our backs and fake result was printed.

    “Wale Sobola was the lab technician who masked as “Dr Alex” and a brother to Sotayo Gaga a Nollywood actress was the one who wrote an epistle on his page 3 years ago that he never did a test for Anu and discarded the blood drawn blaming the wickedness for his life’s travails. We wasted our time, disrupted Anu’s mental health then they lied that we did two tests, now 5 and then he’s never met me. I’m not fighting for my daughter. My daughter is fighting for her identity.

    “David chatted my daughter tonight threatening to lock me up, cursing Anu and repeatedly bullying her. David is a US citizen. I will request the US State Department to contact the Embassy in Lagos or Abuja to help us supervise and witness a clean independent DNA test. I will not say much for now. The language used was awful. My daughter did not beg to be here. Saying you’ve never met me or telling your family that I was a prostitute is wrong. Bullying my daughter is WRONG”.