The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Shakara Festival: Brymo, Johnny Drille to lead four day festival

    Shakara Festival: Brymo, Johnny Drille to lead four day festival

    Organisers of the Shakara Festival, have announced Brymo and Johnny Drille as two of the leading headliners of the four day event scheduled to kick off on Thursday, December 18, 2025 till Sunday, December 21, 2025 at the Nautica Beach Resort, Elegushi, Lekki, Lagos.

    In a recent chat with the organisers, it was revealed that Shakara Festival is poised to be Nigeria’s premier cultural and music experience billed to take place annually as one of the activities of the widely acclaimed Detty December in Lagos, Nigeria.

    During the chat with The Nation, the organisers also confirmed an electrifying “Shakara After Dark” takeover, which is in collaboration with DJ Obi’s Obi House party. The renowned nightlife brand, Obi’s House, will take over the late-night stage on December 20th, promising the ultimate rave experience. Obi’s House will bring its A-team of heavy-hitting DJs, including DJ Shawn, and Bonamax, to keep the party pulsating after the main stage concludes.

    Read Also: Lagos pop-culture commentator, Belove Olocha steps into global spotlight

    The festival’s musical curation showcases a powerful blend of established legends, Alté icons, and the fastest-rising stars in Afrobeats, Alternative, and Highlife music, guaranteeing a diverse and unforgettable sonic journey.

    Other artists billed for the event include BlaqBonez, Show Dem Camp, J’Dess, Mich Straw, Mavo, Llona, Tar1q, and Morravey, The Cavemen, Oshamo and Keys The Prince.

    The festival will climax on Sunday, December 21, with Shakara Gospel Day, an entire day dedicated to high-energy praise and worship featuring some of the biggest names in Nigerian Gospel music.

    The day will feature performances by Gbenga Akinfenwa, SMJ, Yinka Alaseyori, Bidemi Olaoba, Sinach, Kingdom, Magpsalms, Ada Ehi, and Gerald Bishung, offering a perfect, uplifting conclusion to the four-day cultural celebration.

    Shakara Festival is a comprehensive cultural experience built around four key zones: Shakara Junction, an ultimate marketplace for culture and commerce; Shakara Series, featuring deep-dive conversations and panels on the music industry and creative economy; Shakara Games Village, a dedicated space for competitive and casual gaming; and Shakara After Dark, the premier late-night party experience.

  • Olómú Festival gains strong backing

    Olómú Festival gains strong backing

    Coordinator of the Olómú Festival, Olori Ololade Oshin, has announced that traditional rulers, community leaders, and local institutions have endorsed the Olómú Festival scheduled to hold in Ito Omu, confirming its maiden 2026 edition as a major eco-cultural celebration.

    The Olómú Festival is positioned to strengthen environmental awareness, cultural preservation, and sustainable development across the Epe Division of Lagos State.

    Olori Oshin, who also doubles as the Iyalaje of Ito-Omu Kingdom, explained that the organisers intend to use the festival as a cornerstone for broader community growth. She revealed that Ito Omu plans to build a tourist village on its vast land, an initiative designed to elevate the festival’s profile and attract both local and foreign visitors.

    Read Also: Ṣọlá Allyson: Jesus needs no promotion, he’s not a brand

    She added that the community intends to expand agricultural cultivation to improve its contribution to food supply in Nigeria, while also advancing its fishing sector and harnessing the economic potential of its rich palm resources.

    She stressed that achieving these ambitions will require committed support from both government institutions and private sector partners.

    The coordinator noted that Ito Omu’s cultural heritage, natural wetlands, forested landscapes, and interconnected creek networks provide a compelling foundation for the festival.

    She stated that the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Waterways Authority, Epe Local Government, and the region’s revered monarchs have already offered strong backing.

    His Royal Majesty Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, Oloja of Epe; Oba Taiwo Yusuff Gbadamosi, Onitoomu of Ito Omu and Oba Nurudeen Ebudola Alugbin, Oniladaba of Ladaba, all described the festival as an important driver of cultural revival and sustainable tourism.

    A lively boat regatta added colour to the announcement, giving attendees a vibrant preview of the festival’s cultural energy and community spirit.

  • Ope Banwo raises concerns over verdict on Taye Arimoro and Peggy Ovire rift, proffers solution

    Ope Banwo raises concerns over verdict on Taye Arimoro and Peggy Ovire rift, proffers solution

    Popular movie producer and public commentator, Dr, Ope Banwo has expressed concerns about the joint verdict in the conflict between Taye Arimoro and Peggy Ovire on the set of ‘Pieces of Love.’

    In a letter addressed to Dr. Queen Ebigieson, President, Association of Movie Producers (AMP) and members of the executive council with the title: Re: Formal Concerns About The Joint Guild Verdict In The Taye Arimoro Vs Peggy Ovire Matter – And Proposals For Urgent Producer-Led Reforms, Banwo highlights seven key areas of concern.

    Dr Banwo highlighted the perception of one-sided punishment, lack of condemnation of unlawful restraint, missed opportunities to reinforce producer responsibility, contradiction between ‘not culpable’ and required apologies/undertakings, negative signal to actors, crew and estates about working with producers, exposure of structural gaps – no shared, enforced on-set conduct and safety code and reputational and legal risk for AMP and its members.

    Read Also: Lagos pop-culture commentator, Belove Olocha steps into global spotlight

    However, Banwo, who is also a legal practitioner, business consultant and founder, Aixflix360 and Nollywood Fanatics, proposed seven reforms for AMP to champion and these include:

    On-Set Conduct and Safety Code: Develop and publish a clear code of conduct for producers, production managers, and security personnel.

    Unlawful Detention: Explicitly outlaw unlawful detention by production teams and impose sanctions for violations.

    Mandatory Training: Introduce compulsory training for producers and production managers on law, ethics, and conflict management.

    Independent Review Panel: Establish an independent review panel for serious incidents involving AMP members.

    Balanced Sanctions: Impose balanced sanctions for all parties involved in on-set violence.

    Standard Contracts: Champion standardized contracts with clear clauses on working hours, overtime, and welfare minimums.

    Confidential Reporting System: Establish a safe and anonymous reporting system for violence, intimidation, or unsafe practices.

    “I reiterate that I write as a committed, relatively new member who loves this industry and has invested heavily in it. My only desire is to see AMP grow in respect, credibility and moral authority, so that when we speak, the entire ecosystem knows that we stand on the side of fairness, safety and best practice,” he said.

    In all, Banwo requests that AMP leadership review their role in the joint verdict, consider a more balanced reconsideration of sanctions, and champion the proposed reforms to enhance professionalism and safety in Nollywood.

  • Lagos pop-culture commentator, Belove Olocha steps into global spotlight

    Lagos pop-culture commentator, Belove Olocha steps into global spotlight

    Nigeria’s fast-rising pop-culture commentator and digital creator, Belove Olocha, is gaining international attention after receiving a major award in Johannesburg.

     It’s a milestone that signals her transition from online sensation to global entertainment voice.

    The award, presented before thousands of guests at the live event and watched by millions online, placed Olocha in a category dominated by international creators, underscoring her growing relevance beyond Nigeria’s digital space.

    For many industry watchers, the recognition did not come as a surprise; it merely affirmed what her expanding audience already knows, Belove has become a leading interpreter of today’s entertainment culture.

    From her Lagos base, Olocha has built an influential brand through sharp commentary on movies, reality television, celebrity culture and emerging entertainment trends. 

    Unlike many viral creators who rely on theatrics or shock value, her content stands out for its clarity, humour and analysis.

    She broke down storylines with the precision of a script analyst, reads emotional beats like a trained critic, and frames pop-culture moments within broader social contexts that resonate with young audiences.

    Her consistent engagement with Big Brother Naija, where her insights, predictions and character analyses have become almost compulsory viewing for fans, has further legitimised her authority.

    Many within her community describe her as their “compass,” waiting for her breakdowns to understand what the entertainment moment truly means.

    Analysts say Olocha represents a new generation of Nigerian digital creators who treat content production as a craft, not an afterthought. Her growing visibility also reflects a broader cultural shift: African entertainment voices are no longer confined to the continent; they are shaping global conversations.

    As she charts her next chapter, Olocha is eyeing opportunities in film, acting, television hosting, international speaking engagements and cross-border digital collaborations. Those close to her describe her current trajectory as the beginning of a deliberate push to build a full-fledged media brand with global relevance.

    Her ethos, “Everything you want is on the other side of shamelessness”, has become a rallying point for young creators who see in her story a blend of courage, clarity and ambition.

    With her latest global recognition, Belove Olocha is no longer just a Lagos pop-culture commentator. She is emerging as one of Africa’s defining entertainment voices — and the world is beginning to listen.

  • Why I dropped music for comedy – Klint Da Drunk

    Why I dropped music for comedy – Klint Da Drunk

    Comedian Afamefuna Klint Igwemba, popularly known as Klint Da Drunk, has opened up about his career shift from music to comedy.

    In a recent interview with Naija FM Lagos, the comedian revealed that he initially pursued music while studying at the Institute of Management Technology, IMT, Enugu, but gave up after being inspired by 2baba’s performance on campus.

    According to him, watching 2baba perform made him realise music wasn’t his thing.

    He said, “I used to be a musician until 2Face got admitted to my school, IMT. One day, when he got on stage to perform at an event on campus, I left the hall. The organisers pleaded with me to stay back and perform when he is done.

    “I accepted, but after hearing him sing just two lines, I went home. I didn’t know that my style and 2Face’s style were different. If I had known, I would have continued making music. But thank God I didn’t continue. I like where I am.”

  • Ṣọlá Allyson: Jesus needs no promotion, he’s not a brand

    Ṣọlá Allyson: Jesus needs no promotion, he’s not a brand

    Singer Ṣọlá Allyson has spoken on her faith and approach to spirituality in a post on X.

    She emphasised that Jesus’ teachings are about love, truth, and compassion, rather than image management or superficial religiosity.

    Ṣọlá Allyson expressed her commitment to living a life that reflects the essence of Jesus’ teachings, stating that she will not be swayed by criticism or negativity.

    She emphasised the importance of personal conviction and genuine spirituality, rather than seeking validation from others.

    She wrote, “My name is ṢọláAllyson. I am a Singer. Jesus did not ask us to do PR for him. He is not a brand. He needs no PR. He just is. “Go ye” is a mandate.

    “PR is an offshoot of the superficiality of religion which needs ‘tactics’…Convincing anyone to believe anything brings no true convictions. See us! Our “preach the gospel” is in all we are and do

    “I have never denied Him. I always make my own efforts to DO as He Taught and Did. His ESSENCE, which is spread over all religions. Consecration. Love. Truth. He is my perfect example. Hence, I look up to NOBODY but Him

    “He didn’t make himself the centre of honour. As much as he’s worthy of honour. He directed all to his father in heaven. Whom I know to be God Almighty: OLÚWA ỌLỌ́RUN OLÓDÙMARÈ. That ESSENCE all humans sense in some way but recognise differently, depending on their different understandings. Every language, culture, every spirit, every soul…

    “My soul is not wrapped in the superficiality of religion. I do NOT apologize for that. I am just a being of love, light, and hope. And that’s ok for me, for Jesus. The Essence of Him, which I was led to and recognized by a deeper sensing, holds me on. And that’s my forever go-to! I will not be wrapped in the manipulation of religion. Jesus didn’t ignore or keep silent about His own purpose. So, re-introduction yí ma máa w’áyé l’óórèkóòrè.

    “My pure soul just believed “ṣèbí I’m not troubling anybody, just shining GOD’S Light as I know. But strongholds will always find available souls to use to overwhelm a soul as mine. Even from close. See, I have just begun. No “finish” here. A new always! Olùgbéniró Ńbẹ l’óòró!”

    The singer also announced that she has turned off comments on her social media platforms, citing the need to protect herself from dark energies and criticism.

    “I turned off comments. It has become too draining to have a conversation with ‘us’. I am not a super being. I need my energy for my own “just becoming good” life.

    “I need to protect myself from dark darts being hurled at me, hidden behind comments. Darts from hearts which were not already comfortable with my “audacity” so far and were waiting for anything, “she denied Jesus,” she added.

  • Diiadem unveils multimillion-naira mansion in style

    Diiadem unveils multimillion-naira mansion in style

    Beauty entrepreneur Adeola Adeyemi, popularly known as Diiadem, has unveiled her stunning multimillion naira new home.

    The mother of one shared on Instagram the journey of building her dream home, from conception in January 2023 to completion.

    Diiadem cited her growing daughter and desire for a better space as inspirations for the project.

    Despite encountering challenges, Diiadem said she remained determined and patient, crediting her faith and team for their support.

    The newly unveiled home, dubbed “CASA DEE,” features exquisite design and attention to detail, a reflection of Diiadem’s passion and commitment to excellence.

    In her Instagram post, she wrote, “Take me back to January 2023 when I got tired of my apartment and of course because my baby was making some demands that needed to be dealt with so I decided I want to take on a building project to satisfy our new home cravings honestly I just wanted to have fun with this and a few years later, we’re here …

    “I BUILT a safe space for myself and my daughter. when I tell you this masterpiece taught me so much. It reminded me again of the time, effort and resources I pour into everything I do especially my business @beautybyad.

    “The attention to detail, the passion, the patience… I got stuck so many times. I cried. I got excited. I even said “who send me message o” more times than I can count. At some point my daughter started saying “this our house is taking forever to finish mama.”

    “The pressure and everything. But I stayed determined. I trusted God. I took my sweet time. We started well so we had to finish well. And honestly working with a perfectionist like the highly skilled @serdamolinteriors did not help. Girl you’re an amazing!!! Thank you for giving us our dream home.

    “I used to think I was not a patient person but this project showed me how calm I actually am, how I refuse to give in to pressure and how I always find my peace again. I am grateful to God because I am literally living in my answered prayers and my daughter is the happiest right now. I did everything she wanted and more through Christ who has never left me for one second.

    “At this age and time if you see anyone building from scratch, man or woman, please squeeze some dollars into their hands o. They are going through a lot.

    “But enough of the plenty gist. Special thank you to my amazing videographer @oluvistas for sticking with me through it all. Welcome to CASA DEE”.

  • CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ becomes first Nigerian solo song to hit one billion Spotify streams

    CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ becomes first Nigerian solo song to hit one billion Spotify streams

    Singer and songwriter CKay has reached a historic milestone, surpassing one billion streams on Spotify with his global hit “Love Nwantiti”.

    This feat made him the first Nigerian artist to achieve 1 billion streams with a solo song on the platform.

    Released in 2019, “Love Nwantiti” gained massive popularity, dominating TikTok trends and charting across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East.

    The song’s success has solidified CKay’s position among the most streamed African artists of all time.

    This achievement marks a significant moment for Nigerian music, showcasing its growing influence on the international music scene.

    CKay’s success paves the way for more African artists to break into the global market, and “Love Nwantiti” is now one of the biggest Afrobeats songs ever released.

    CKay joins an elite group of global stars whose songs have crossed the billion-stream threshold, cementing his place in music history.

  • Gaise Baba beats Wizkid, Davido on Nigeria’s 2025 YouTube chart

    Gaise Baba beats Wizkid, Davido on Nigeria’s 2025 YouTube chart

    YouTube has released its 2025 Nigeria Year-in-Review, highlighting the most-watched music videos, digital creators, and entertainment content in Nigeria.

    Gospel singer Gaise Baba’s “No Turning Back II” featuring Lawrence Oyor is the top music video, with over 41 million views in six months.

    The song has resonated deeply with Nigerians, showcasing the power of faith-based music.

    Omoni Oboli’s channel, Omoni Oboli TV, leads the list of top creators, followed by Ibrahim Yekini’s Itelediconstudio and Uchenna Mbunabo’s Uchenna Mbunabo TV.

    Other popular creators include Aminu Saira, Maurice Sam, and Ruth Kadiri.

    The top music videos also include Shallipopi’s “Laho”, Davido’s “With You” featuring Omah Lay, and Olamide’s “Ninety Nine”.

    YouTube’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa notes that Nigerian content reaches global audiences, with 70% of watch time coming from outside the country.

    Most-Watched YouTube Music Videos in Nigeria

    Gaise Baba – “No Turning Back II” featuring Lawrence Oyor

    Shallipopi – “Laho”

    Davido – “With You” featuring Omah Lay

    Olamide, Seyi Vibez, Asake and Young John – “Ninety Nine” featuring Daecolm

    Asake – “Why Love”

    Rema – “Baby Is It a Crime”

    Chella – “My Darling”

    Wizkid – “Kese (Dance)”

    Shallipopi featuring Burna Boy – “Laho II”

    Davido – “With You” featuring Omah Lay (Visualizer)

    Leading YouTube Creators in Nigeria

    Omoni Oboli – Omoni Oboli TV finished as the top content creator on the platform.

    Other prominent creators who made the list include:

    Ibrahim Yekini – Itelediconstudio

    Uchenna Mbunabo – Uchenna Mbunabo TV

    Aminu Saira – Saira Movies

    Maurice Sam – Maurice Sam TV

    Ruth Kadiri – RuthKadiri Two Four Seven

    ApataTV Plus

    Uche Montana – Uche Montana TV

    Sonia Uche – Sonia Uche TV

    Brain Jotter – Brain Jotter

  • Tiktok honours GWR holder Brian Nwana as ‘Storyteller of the Year’

    Tiktok honours GWR holder Brian Nwana as ‘Storyteller of the Year’

    Guinness World Record holder and content creator, Brian Nwana, has been named TikTok Africa’s Storyteller of the Year.

    Known for his energetic reviews and deep passion for Nigeria’s food culture, Brian has built his brand around the idea of telling stories of everyday food spots, especially the hidden culinary gems across Abuja.

    Brian, who expressed delight receiving the award said: “Every single creator is a storyteller. We all tell stories that help drive our local communities, our cities, and our countries. When we do that, we change how the world sees us.”

    While reflecting on the modest beginnings of his journey, he explained that his content was never driven by awards or global recognition.

    “When I started creating content, I just wanted to show people what Abuja had to offer, the amazing food, the creativity, and the places people often overlook,” he said. “Breaking the Guinness World Record by visiting 150 restaurants in one day helped shine a big light on that. Now this TikTok award is doing the same. I’m honestly just grateful.”

    Brian first gained national and international attention after setting the Guinness World Record for the Most Fast-Food Restaurant Visits in 24 Hours, a physically demanding but spirited challenge that underscored his commitment to promoting local businesses and celebrating Nigerian cuisine.

    He noted that sharing the nomination news with a close circle of friends and family made the moment even more meaningful, appreciating the consistent support he has received since the early days of his career. He also acknowledged the role of his manager, Rhoda Kusimo Iloba, in helping shape his journey.

    With the latest recognition, Brian continues to establish himself as one of Abuja’s most influential creative voices praised for his humour, authenticity, and deep love for the city.

    From filming casual food reviews with a camera to earning global recognition on one of the world’s biggest social media platforms, his story is a testament to how passion, consistency, and community-focused storytelling can open unexpected doors.