The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Why I won’t remove my tattoos despite renewed Christian faith – Tonto Dikeh

    Why I won’t remove my tattoos despite renewed Christian faith – Tonto Dikeh

    Actress Tonto Dikeh has revealed why she’d be keeping her tattoos despite recommitting to the Christian faith.

    She revealed this during an online interaction with a fan, explaining that she’s concerned about the potential damage laser removal could cause to her skin.

    Tonto emphasised faith doesn’t require her to remove the tattoos, stating, “Jesus don’t care” about the ink on her body.

    Read Also: Davido, Peller lost $50,000, $3,000 bets on Nigeria to win Morocco

    “Mama, if it was possible to take off tattoos, would you have taken yours off?” the fan asked.

    “Yes, love, I would have but I’m stuck with them and I ain’t doing no laser to spoil my good skin. And the good thing is Jesus don’t care,” she responded.

    The actress has been sharing her spiritual journey on social media, showcasing her prayers and speaking in tongues.

    Tonto also announced plans to be more discerning about her professional collaborations, prioritising respect and value for her work.

    She added that she won’t promote or support anyone showing hostility towards her, her faith, or spiritual leaders.

  • Davido, Peller lost $50,000, $3,000 bets on Nigeria to win Morocco

    Davido, Peller lost $50,000, $3,000 bets on Nigeria to win Morocco

    Music star Davido has lost a $50,000 bet after Nigeria’s Super Eagles were defeated by Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal on Wednesday.

    The team drew 0-0 after extra time, but Morocco won 4-2 in penalties.

    Davido had shared his bet slip on social media before the match, showing he’d staked $50,000 on Nigeria to win.

    Popular TikToker Peller also suffered a loss, betting $3,000 on Nigeria to win within 90 minutes.

    Read Also: Davido: It hits different performing in Lagos

    Lamenting on his loss, he said, “Thank you Super Eagles for playing very well,” he said sarcastically. “I have lost my $3,000 bet. You guys were playing well in the previous games before I decided to place a bet and watch your match.

    “Maybe, if I stop watching your games, you will start playing well again.”

  • FULL LIST: Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, others nominated for 2026 MOBO awards

    FULL LIST: Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, others nominated for 2026 MOBO awards

    Nigeria’s music stars have secured nominations for the prestigious Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards 2026.

    Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, and Shallipopi are among the Nigerian artistes shortlisted in the Best African Music Act category.

    Ayra Starr has taken the spotlight, earning a nomination in the Best International Act category, where she will rub shoulders with global superstars like Cardi B, Gunna, Kehlani, and Vybz Kartel.

    The 2026 MOBO Awards will take place on March 26, 2026, at Co-op Live in Manchester, marking a milestone 30th anniversary celebration of Black music and culture.

    Below is the full list of nominees:

    Best male act

    Central Cee

    Elmiene

    Jim Legxacy

    Nemzzz

    Odeal

    Skepta

    Best female act

    Flo

    Kwn

    Little Simz

    Olivia Dean

    Pinkpantheress

    Sasha Keable

    Album of the year

    Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness

    Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching

    Flo – Access All Areas

    Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down

    Little Simz – Lotus

    Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving

    Song of the year

    AJ Tracey Feat. Jorja Smith – Crush

    Donaeo Feat. Omar, Lemar & House Gospel Choir – Nights like This

    Fred Again, Skepta & Plaqueboymax – Victory Lap

    Jim Legxacy & Dave – 3x

    Kwn – Do What I Say

    Myles Smith – Nice To Meet You

    Olivia Dean – Man I Need

    Pinkpantheress – Illegal

    Raye – Where Is My Husband!

    Tim Duzit – Kat Slater

    Best newcomer

    DC3

    EsDeeKid

    Finessekid

    Jim Legxacy

    Kwn

    Namesbliss

    Nia Smith

    Sekou

    Skye Newman

    YT

    Video of the year

    Pozer – Shanghigh Noon

    FKA Twigs – Eusexua

    Jim Legxacy –

    Little Simz – Flood

    Raye – Where Is My Husband!

    Skepta & Fred Again.. – Back 2 Back

    Best R&B / Soul act

    Elmiene

    Flo

    Kwn

    Odeal

    Olivia Dean

    Sasha Keable

    Best alternative music act

    Alt Blk Era

    Blood Orange

    Hak Baker

    Michael Kiwanuka

    Nova Twins

    Rachel Chinouriri

    Best grime act

    Chip

    Jayahadadream

    Kasst 8

    Ruff Sqwad

    Scorcher

    Wiley

    Best hip-hop act

    Aitch

    Asco

    Catch

    Central Cee

    D-Block Europe

    Kojey Radical

    Little Simz

    Loyle Carner

    Wretch 32

    Youngs Teflon

    Best drill act

    36

    Booter Bee

    Chy Cartier

    Esdeekid

    K-Trap

    Leostaytrill

    Nemzzz

    Pozer

    Twin S

    Wohdee

    Best international act

    Ayra Starr

    Cardi B

    Clipse

    Gunna

    Kehlani

    Leon Thomas

    Mariah The Scientist

    Moliy

    Tyla

    Vybz Kartel

    Best media personality

    Bemi Orojuogun (Bus Aunty)

    Dj Ag

    In My Opinion

    Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe (Melissas Wardrobe)

    Nadia Jae

    Niko Omilana

    Pk Humble

    Remi Burgz

    Uche Natori

    Winners Talking

    Best performance in a TV Show / Film

    Aaron Pierre – Mufasa: The Lion King

    Ashley Thomas – Hostage

    Ashley Walters – Adolescence

    Cynthia Erivo – Wicked

    Damson Idris – F1

    Dayo Koleosho – Eastenders

    Lennie James – Mr Loverman

    Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Hard Truths

    Stephen Graham – Adolescence

    Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners

    Best African music act

    Adekunle Gold

    Ayra Starr

    Davido

    Joshua Baraka

    Moliy

    Rema

    Shallipopi

    Tiwa Savage

    Tyla

    Wizkid

    Best Caribbean music act

    Ayetian

    Lila Iké

    Masicka

    Shenseea

    Vybz Kartel

    Yung Bredda

    Best jazz act

    Cktrl

    Ego Ella May

    Ezra Collective

    Kokoroko

    Nubya Garcia

    Yazmin Lacey

    Best electronic act

    FKA Twigs

    Jazzy

    Kilimanjaro

    Pinkpantheress

    Salute

    Sherelle

    Best gospel act

    Annatoria

    DC3

    Faith Child

    Imrhan

    Sondae

    Still Shadey

    Best producer

    Inflo

    Jae5

    Miles Clinton James

    P2J

    Sammy Soso

    Zach Nahome

  • How my mother convinced me to date Rihanna – A$AP Rocky

    How my mother convinced me to date Rihanna – A$AP Rocky

    American rapper A$AP Rocky has revealed that his mom had always wanted him to be with global singer Rihanna.

    In an interview with The New York Times, he shared that his mom would often advise him to end his past relationships and pursue Rihanna instead.

    According to Rocky, his mom would insist Rihanna was the right one for him, even when he considered Rihanna just a friend.

    “Rihanna has always been my boo. I always f*cked with her. My mother used to say, ‘I know you like this girl that you are with right now, but I want you with Riri.’

    Read Also: Rihanna, A$AP Rocky welcome third child

    “And I would tell her that Rihanna is just a friend. But my mother would insist that Rihanna is a real one and that I should go for her. I’m telling you, mothers know best”, he said.

    He expressed gratitude that their relationship started when it did, as he wasn’t ready for commitment earlier, and Rihanna wasn’t ready for family life either.

    “However, I am thankful that my relationship with Rihanna started when it did. Because at any time prior to that, I don’t think I was ready for something like that. I don’t think she was, either,” he added.

    The rapper and Rihanna began their romance, and they now have three children together.

  • Tacha condemns officiating in Super Eagles’ AFCON semi-final defeat

    Tacha condemns officiating in Super Eagles’ AFCON semi-final defeat

    Media personality Tacha has criticised the officiating in the AFCON semi-final clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Morocco.

    The Nation reported that Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties after a tense 0–0 draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday.

    Reacting on X, Tacha said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should have opposed the appointment of referees from Ghana and South Africa, citing long standing football rivalries with Nigeria.

    She wrote, “The @thenff is a very unserious organization. Two referees from rival countries — Ghana and South Africa — how?

    “The moment those referees were announced, the NFF should have petitioned CAF. And even if CAF refused to change them, the petition alone would have put the referees on check.

    Read Also: Tacha rejects ‘Na Man Dey Do Man’ narrative, says men benefit more from other men

    “But instead, silence. And what did we get? One of the worst officiated games in the history of football.”

    “The referee disrupted the rhythm of the match nonstop. Fouls were given that made no sense. Even Moroccan players sometimes looked unsure what the whistle was for. That’s how bad it was.

    “This wasn’t ‘home advantage.” This was shambolic officiating. If the @thenff has any sense, they will petition CAF, demand a review, and question whether that referee should be handling games at this level at all. CAUSE performances like that damage the credibility of African football. FR.”

    Many Nigerian fans who have aired their grievances also felt the refereeing was biased and poor, impacting the game’s outcome. 

  • DeeOne calls for investigation into Nigerian NGOs

    DeeOne calls for investigation into Nigerian NGOs

    Comedian and reality TV star DeeOne has called on the government to probe all Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the country.

    He alleged that some NGOs are involved in illicit activities, including funding terrorism, kidnapping, and human trafficking.

    DeeOne made the call in an Instagram video, stating that the government should investigate all NGOs’ accounts and ensure their activities are legitimate and not harmful to others.

    Read Also: Seyi Law hails Deeone for completing 52-hour stand-up comedy marathon

    “Federal government of Nigeria, please investigate all the NGOs’ accounts in the country. A lot of them are being used to sponsor terrorism, for kidnappers, child trafficking sponsorship, and a lot of them are being used for human harvesting sponsorship.

    “Please do a thorough investigation on all these NGO accounts. In Nigeria today, if somebody rescues somebody, the next thing the people will do is open an NGO, and the next thing they become a multi-millionaire. We’re not saying you should not make money, but it has to be legit, not at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

  • ‘Delta is in very good hands’ — Obi Cubana hails Oborevwori

    ‘Delta is in very good hands’ — Obi Cubana hails Oborevwori

    • …confirms December 2026 delivery of Millennium City

    Business mogul and Cubana Group Chairman, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has hailed Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, describing his leadership as God-fearing, people-focused, and development-driven, and declared that “Delta is in very good hands.”

    Obi Cubana spoke during a visit to the Government House, Asaba, alongside Pastor Jerry Eze, Founder of Streams of Joy International, who was in the state to dedicate the Cubana Millennium City project.

    The visit highlighted the growing partnership between the Delta State Government and private investors in accelerating urban development and boosting economic growth.

    Obi Cubana reaffirmed confidence in Governor Oborevwori’s leadership and assured him that the Millennium City project would be completed by December 2026.

    He said, “When the righteous is on the throne, the state rejoices! Delta State is indeed blessed to have a God-fearing and development-oriented Governor. Delta State is in very good hands,” he said.

    Read Also: Obi Cubana crowned Okpataozueora I of Oba

    He also expressed appreciation to the Governor for his openness and accessibility, adding: “Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State, thanks for access always! We are bringing magic to Delta State.”

    Speaking on the Cubana Millennium City (CMC) Asaba project, the Cubana Group Chairman described it as a landmark development, referring to it as “the Jewel on the Niger.” 

    He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to timely delivery, assuring prospective homeowners and investors that the first phase of the estate would be ready for occupation by December 2026.

    Cubana Millennium City Asaba is envisioned as a premium mixed-use development expected to further enhance Asaba’s status as a fast-growing urban and investment hub, in line with the Oborevwori administration’s MORE Agenda of accelerated development, economic growth and improved quality of life for Deltans.

  • FirstBank takes centre stage at 9th AFRIMA

    FirstBank takes centre stage at 9th AFRIMA

    As part of its Yuletide activities, FirstBank sponsored the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), concluding its DecemberIssaVybe campaign.

    The week-long event, held in Lagos from January 7 to 11, 2026, brought together artistes, delegates and music industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries, reaffirming AFRIMA’s status as Africa’s leading music awards platform. Artists from West, East, North, Central and Southern Africa, as well as the diaspora, were recognised across several categories, reflecting the diversity of African music.

    As part of the programme, the AFRIMA Music Business Summit attracted key industry players, including the Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Sipho Dlamini, and Karima Damir of Universal Music Morocco. Other participants included Francis Doku, Mustapha Ettouil, Georg Heritlitz and Olisa Adibua, alongside prominent artistes such as Koffi Olomide, ID Cabassa, Innoss’B, Juma Jux, Stonebwoy and Didi B.

    The celebrations continued on January 9 with the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, which drew a large crowd of music lovers. Performances at the event featured Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti, as well as Wande Coal, Diamond Platnumz, Yemi Alade, Stonebwoy, Innoss’B, Kcee, 9ice, Obesere, Jeriq, Skales, Moliy, Mavo and Ayuba.

    The main awards ceremony was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites Convention Centre. Activities began with a red-carpet session at 3:30pm, hosted by social media influencer Enioluwa, while the main ceremony commenced at 7pm. Nigerian rapper FalzTheBahdGuy and French-Senegalese actress and media personality Liliane Maroune hosted the event. The ceremony also featured performances by Mr P, Seyi Vibez, Bright Chimezie and Fuse ODG, as well as tributes to late African music legends.

    Speaking at the event, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the bank’s sponsorship of AFRIMA reflects its long-standing commitment to promoting African arts, culture and entertainment. He said the DecemberIssaVybe campaign was designed to deepen customer engagement through music while supporting creatives across the continent.

    The awards recognised excellence across multiple categories. Burna Boy won Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness, while Rema emerged Artiste of the Year. Chella clinched African Fans’ Favourite, Folex won Best African Video of the Year, and Qing Madi was named Most Promising Artiste of the Year. Other winners included Phyno, Takana Zion, Didi B, Moh Green, Team Paiya, Veronica Adane, Morijah and Milo.

    The 9th AFRIMA celebrated African musical excellence while promoting unity, cultural pride and the growing global influence of the continent’s creative industry.

    Here is a full list of winners

    Album of the Year: Burna Boy – “No Sign of Weakness” (Winner, Nigeria)

    Artiste of the Year: Rema (Winner, Nigeria)

    African Fans’ Favourite: Chella (Winner, Nigeria)

    Best African Video of the Year: Folex (Winner, Tanzania)

    Song of the Year: “Laho” by Shalipoppi (Winner, Nigeria)

    Most Promising Artiste of the Year: Qing Madi (Winner, Nigeria)

    Producer of the Year: Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson (Winner, Rwanda)

    Songwriter of the Year: Bakhaw Dioum for “Choix” (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) (Winner, Senegal)

    Best African Artiste in African Contemporary: Axel Merryl (Winner, Benin)

    Best African Artiste in Reggae, Ragga, Dancehall: Takana Zion (Winner, Guinea)

    Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop: Phyno (Winner, Nigeria)

    Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Jazz: Haddinqo (Winner, Ethiopia)

    -Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop: Manamba Kante (Winner, Guinea)

    Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul: Rema for “Baby Is It A Crime” (Winner, Nigeria)

    Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Rock: Izlan (Winner, Algeria)

    Best African Collaboration:Shallipopi feat. Burna Boy (Winner)

    Best African Dance/Choreography:Weeha for “Dimama” (Winner, Ethiopia)

    Best African DJ: Moh Green (Winner, Algeria)

    Best African Duo Group/Band: Team Paiya (Winner, Côte d’Ivoire)

    Best African Lyricist/Rapper: Didi B (Winner, Côte d’Ivoire)

    Best African Duo or Group in African Traditional: Veronica Adane (Winner, Ethiopia)

    Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music: Morijah (Winner, Côte d’Ivoire)

    Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music: Milo (Winner, Côte d’Ivoire)

  • Reality star Adekunle blasts referee, says Nigeria was robbed

    Reality star Adekunle blasts referee, says Nigeria was robbed

    Reality TV star Adekunle Olopade has spoken out about the Super Eagles’ semi-final loss to Morocco, shifting the blame from the players to the match officials.

    In a tweet on X, Adekunle claimed Nigeria was robbed of a win due to poor officiating by Ghana’s Daniel Laryea, citing several questionable decisions, including a yellow card to Calvin Bassey and ignored fouls on Nigerian players.

    Olopade defended the Super Eagles’ performance, stating they had the upper hand and created many scoring opportunities.

    He urged fans to consider the entire match, not just the penalty shootout, and called out CAF for not addressing the officiating issues.

    He wrote: “While Chukwueze’s performance was absolutely terrible, we simply cannot reduce the entire match to just a penalty shoot out.

    “First of all, the game WASN’T EVEN SUPPOSED TO GET TO PENALTIES. If you didn’t watch the match from start to finish, please don’t involve yourself in this. Nigeria had so many chances, yes it was a tough game but we had the upper hand. The Super Eagles player were ready. Probably even the best form they’ve all been in a while and we were ready. The country was ready.

    “But Daniel Laryea with his intentional and terrible officiating robbed us of that match. The ref was whistle-happy, Calvin Bassey did not deserve the yellow card, he stopped a lot of our plays that killed the momentum, ignored Morocco’s one too many fouls on the Nigerian players, and it was clear to see that they played favoritism to the host country.

    “This isn’t about country or banter, maybe it influenced his decisions but THERE WERE TOO MANY WRONG CALLS ON THE SUPER EAGLES PART AND CAF SHOUDLN’T BE QUIET ABOUT IT.

    “Yesterday’s match felt like it was Nigeria against the whole of Africa and sentiments aside, Nigeria was robbed off the win”.

  • Kemi Afolabi seeks help in locating lost school friend

    Kemi Afolabi seeks help in locating lost school friend

    Actress Kemi Afolabi has reached out to the public for help as she begins the search for long-lost friend, Maria Stephen Seun.

    In a social media post, Kemi revealed that she has been having recurring dreams about Maria, prompting concerns for her friend’s safety and well-being.

    The actress has provided some details about Maria, including her attendance at Our Lady of Apostles, Yaba, Lagos (OLASS 98 set), in the hopes that someone will come forward with information about her whereabouts.

    Read Also: Kemi Afolabi urges fans to protect their lives, well-being 

    She wrote: “Looking for my lost loved one (friend) Maria Stephen Seun. Our Lady of Apostles, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. (OLASS 98 set).

    “I keep seeing Maria in my dreams, and I just want to be sure she is okay and not in any trouble whatsoever.

    “Our common friend is Ebun, but I don’t remember Ebun’s last name right now.
    I remember we communicated sometime here on this platform, but I don’t remember her handle anymore.

    “Pls leave a message in my comment section or DM if you have information that can help locate my best friend in secondary school. lookingformylosslovedone”.