The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Why I underwent weightloss journey – Ice Prince

    Why I underwent weightloss journey – Ice Prince

    In a post on X, the rapper revealed that he decided to make a change after encouragement from his close friends, Chopstix and Dami.

    “God so good inna me life… A short story!!
    I was literally about to explode… no sickness (Bless God), just bad habits and choices. But then Chopstix and Dami said, ‘let’s lose the belly, Ice,’ and that really sparked something in my brain that got me activated.

    “From that meeting, my brother Chopstix started coming to my house every day after dinner and we both walked my estate for an hour… our talks during those walks are priceless to me, as every other thing we’ve both talked about since we were kids!!! Buss a shot fa ma true fren,” he wrote.

    Read Also: Ice Prince regrets unresolved rift with late South African rapper AKA

    The rapper also shared before-and-after photos showing his physical transformation, expressing gratitude for his improved health and promising fans new music soon.

    “It’s my birthday on October 30 and I will be dropping new music in my new body. Next year na full chest lol but pls note, if nature didn’t make it, pls don’t take it… Health is wealth!! See you in 3 days #HealthyLiving,” he wrote.

  • How poverty kills curiosity, limits creativity – Korede Bello

    How poverty kills curiosity, limits creativity – Korede Bello

    Afrobeats singer Korede Bello has spoken out about the crippling effects of poverty on creativity and innovation.

    According to Bello in an Instagram post, said poverty is one of the greatest threats to curiosity, which is the driving force behind learning and innovation.

    Bello explained that many individuals with immense potential are unable to explore their creativity because they are preoccupied with survival and hunger.

    He emphasised that if African youths had access to basic needs and stable resources, the continent would experience a significant shift in innovation and development.

    Using Elon Musk as an example, Bello questioned whether the billionaire would have been able to focus on space travel if he were worried about paying rent or finding his next meal.

    Read Also: How Fatherhood changed me – Zlatan Ibile

    “Think about this, right? Is Elon Musk going to be so concerned about space travel if his rent was due or if he didn’t know what he was going to eat tomorrow?”, he questioned.

    Bello added the most successful people in the world are often self-taught, curious, and passionate about learning.

    He encouraged individuals to think about what they would learn and explore if money weren’t an issue. 

    “If money wasn’t an issue, what would you learn? What would you think about? Because the truth is, it’s a privilege to follow your curiosity when you’re not worried about surviving.

    “When you stop surv!v!ng is when you start living. If you’re still surv!v!ng, you never get to live,” he said. 

  • How Fatherhood changed me – Zlatan Ibile

    How Fatherhood changed me – Zlatan Ibile

    Rapper Omoniyi Temidayo popularly known as Zlatan Ibile has opened up on how becoming a father reshaped his life and perspective.

    Speaking on ‘Is This A Safe Space?’ podcast, the Zanku star reflected on the birth of his son five years ago, describing it as a moment that thrust him into a more serious phase of life.

    Scared of future expenses, he noted the popular prediction that his music relevance could fade within three years.

    Read Also: Zlatan Ibile proposes boxing match to end Odumodublvck, Blaqbonez feud

    To cope, Zlatan said he adopted a stricter approach to his finances, cutting unnecessary expenses and saving for essentials like diapers.

    According to him, fatherhood also prompted personal growth, leading him to regret past behaviors and shed certain habits.

    “The birth of my son changed me. It made me realise that life was getting more serious. I wasn’t prepared. I started paying house rent in London at 25. I was scared I might not be able to keep up with the bills because some people were saying I might not be relevant in the music industry for more than three years.

    “I became more serious with managing my finances. Limited spending and started saving for diapers,” he said.

  • I hated producing Psquare’s ‘Personally’, Producer Vtek opens up 

    I hated producing Psquare’s ‘Personally’, Producer Vtek opens up 

    Music producer Victor Kpoudosu popularly known as Vtek has opened up about his experience working with the iconic duo Psquare on their 2013 hit song ‘Personally’, revealing that the process took two weeks and tested his patience.

    In a recent interview with SelahMeditate on YouTube, the producer said he was frustrated by how long the recording took, describing Psquare’s process as “slow” compared to his usual fast-paced style.

    “It took a while because beyond the work, they were also traveling so they would do some parts of the beat, then go, then come back they would record two lines and go back. 

    “Their process was slow. I hated it. It took us two weeks to do Personally and I work fast so it was a very hard discipline and patience for me at that stage and it helped me till today because I’m fast still,” he said.

    Speaking further, Vtek boasted about his unmatched speed in music production, stating confidently that few can rival his work rate.

    “I can say this without a shadow of a doubt and I dare anyone to try to compete, we sit on this table. You see music making, I’m like the speed of light, I don’t know anyone who does it faster than I do and that’s a fact,” he added.

    The producer admitted that the long process felt like torture at the time but also helped him grow and learn to respect other artists’ creative methods.

    “Can imagine how much of a torture it could have been working on a song for two weeks but I guess they knew, they also had their process and like I said, I’m not just trying to bring people to my world, I’m also trying to experience theirs and then both planets meet, you know, and generate something that is its own unique experience, vibe. And everyone is happy. They don’t feel like ‘oh we didn’t give, we could have done more’ because they feel like you denied them their process,” he said.

    Reflecting on that period, Vtek admitted that his inexperience at the time influenced how he handled the situation.

    “All these things I’m saying, I was a lot younger, so it’s not like I could have told them, ‘Guys, after one week, it’s over,’” he said.

  • Tope Alabi marks 55th birthday with special praise session

    Tope Alabi marks 55th birthday with special praise session

    Renowned gospel singer Tope Alabi is celebrating her 55th birthday with praise and thanksgiving to God.

    The music icon, known for powerful voice and spiritually uplifting songs, expressed deep gratitude for God’s faithfulness and mercy throughout her life and career.

    In a video shared on Instagram, Alabi was seen singing and dancing in thanksgiving, surrounded by friends and well-wishers.

    Over the years, Tope Alabi’s music has touched souls across generations.

    From movie soundtracks to gospel classics like “Angeli Mi” and “Agbara Nla,” her songs continue to inspire and uplift fans worldwide.

    As she marks 55, fans and colleagues alike celebrate not just her music, but her unwavering faith and enduring influence in the gospel music scene.

    In her birthday message, Alabi reflected on her life’s journey, recalling the challenges she has faced and expressing deep appreciation for God’s guidance and faithfulness. 

    “Today, October 27th, I joyfully mark my 55th birthday! As I reflect on the journey of life, my heart overflows with gratitude to the Almighty God, the Giver of life, purpose, and grace. Every step of this journey has been a testament to His faithfulness, mercy, and unfailing love.

    “I am deeply thankful for all that He has done, all that He is doing, and all that He will yet do. The past years have been filled with lessons, blessings, and countless reasons to give Him praise. Truly, God has been good to me!”

    As part of her birthday celebration, Alabi invited fans to join her for a special worship session on youtube, where they will lift their voices in praise and thanksgiving to God.

    “As I celebrate this new chapter, I warmly invite you to join me for a CELEBRATION STUDIO SESSION, where we will lift our voices in heartfelt praise and thanksgiving to God. Let’s come together to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness over my life. Your love, prayers, and support mean so much to me,” she added.

  • Daniel Etim-Effiong: Why kissing scenes common in Nollywood

    Daniel Etim-Effiong: Why kissing scenes common in Nollywood

    Actor and Director Daniel Etim-Effiong has shed light on why kissing scenes are prevalent in Nigerian movies.

    In a recent interview on Rubbin’ Minds, he attributed their inclusion to audience demand and market trends, stating that producers use them because they sell.

    Etim-Effiong suggested that a more creative approach would be to explore alternative ways of expressing intimacy and affection on screen.

    “The average Nollywood script says, ‘kiss passionately’ or ‘hug,’ and they (producers) do it on purpose because that’s what they’re selling, especially on certain platforms. That’s what the audience wants, it’s demand and supply.

    “But I think a braver way is to explore other forms of intimacy and create new ways to express affection,” he said.

    The actor has faced controversy over his romantic roles, particularly after a passionate kissing scene with co-star Bolaji Ogunmola in a Summer Rain film promotion.

    Read Also: ‘Women supporting women’ a scam in Nollywood – Bukunmi Oluwasina

    “The fact that I play a lot of romantic roles in the industry today means that I get to have kissing scenes sometimes. People feel it’s become one too many, but the question should go to the producers. Why are they expressing affection and intimacy only a certain way?

    “There are several other ways you can show affection. There are downsides to everything, but when you’re a focused person, you don’t let naysayers get to you. You just focus on your business and do what you have to do,” he said.

    His wife, Toyosi Etim-Effiong, expressed support for his work, saying she’s unbothered by his on-screen roles.

    Etim-Effiong emphasised the importance of staying focused on his purpose as an actor and not letting criticism deter him.

    He also shared that his faith guides his career choices and that he prays before taking on roles that involve kissing scenes, stating that acting is a form of worship and a way to tell inspiring stories.

    “I get all my inspiration from God. I go on my knees and pray before I go to set and kiss.

    “My family is my garden, then my work. It becomes a purpose to me, and that’s why I had the courage to quit engineering, a well-paying job, to go into storytelling. It felt like a calling. I have no problem acting and telling stories that inspire people; it’s a form of worship,” the actor added.

  • Wizkid’s son Boluwatife teases debut single

    Wizkid’s son Boluwatife teases debut single

    Boluwatife Balogun, the teenage son of music sensation Wizkid, has sparked online reactions after releasing a snippet of what appears to be a debut single.  

    The 14-year-old artist has been teasing fans with snippets of his upcoming single, which promises to showcase his budding talent.

    In an Instagram post, Boluwatife shared a video of himself hard at work in the studio, sparking widespread speculation about his debut release.

    Read Also: Wizkid declares self number one’ amid top three debate

    The video, captioned “Champion’s Arrival,” has generated significant attention on social media with over 168,000 likes and more than 15,000 comments at the time of reporting.

    Boluwatife’s foray into music comes as no surprise, given his father’s illustrious career.

    Wizkid, a multiple award-winning artiste, has been a dominant force in the Nigerian music scene for over a decade.

    The upcoming single is expected to mark a significant milestone in Boluwatife’s musical journey.

  • Polygamy key to marital stability – Ned Nwoko

    Polygamy key to marital stability – Ned Nwoko

    Senator Ned Nwoko has defended polygamy, stating that having multiple wives brings balance and stability to a man’s life.

    He revealed this in an interview on Channels TV on Politics today.

    The lawmaker representing Delta North, who has four wives, expressed sympathy for men with only one wife, likening their situation to standing on one leg.

    He said: “Yes, all men should do that. For instance, just imagine standing on one foot or leg. You know how difficult it is. But to stand on 2, 3 or 4 is more balanced. So, I feel sorry for those who have one wife ‘cos it’s difficult to stand on one leg.”

    Read Also: Ned Nwoko denies taking another wife amid viral photo

    Nwoko’s comments come amid reports of tension in his household after his last wife, Regina Daniels, unveiled a new mansion.

    He also denied allegations of domestic violence involving Daniels, describing them as baseless.

    “I am not a violent person. I respect my wives and love them and my kids,” he added.

    The senator maintained that he has no regrets about his marital decisions and emphasised love and respect for his wives and children.

  • Reality star Ike prays for Tuoyo amid NDLEA arrest

    Reality star Ike prays for Tuoyo amid NDLEA arrest

    Former Big Brother Naija housemate Ike Onyema has defended Tuoyo Ideh, praying for divine intervention and justice in the wake of his arrest during the NDLEA‘s raid on Proxy Nightclub.

    In a prayer shared on social media, Ike called upon God to defend Tuoyo, surround him with peace, and expose any injustice or evil surrounding his arrest.

    Read Also: Wealthy Nigerians turn to Chinese solar panels as grid falters

    He also prayed for Tuoyo’s freedom, healing, and restoration, both physically and spiritually.

    Onyema wrote: “Heavenly Father, We lift up Tuoyo who has been wronged and mistreated by those meant to protect. You are the God of justice rise and defend the innocent. Surround him with your peace in this storm, with your strength in his pain, and with Your light in the darkness of injustice.

    “Lord, expose the truth let every lie crumble and every hidden evil be revealed. Bring him freedom, healing, and restoration body, mind, and spirit. May Your mercy always shine through so that those who abuse power may be humbled and transformed. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen”.

  • Priscilla Ojo slams trolls over reworn wedding shoes

    Priscilla Ojo slams trolls over reworn wedding shoes

    Actress Iyabo Ojo’s daughter, Priscilla Ojo, has hit back at critics who slammed her for wearing her wedding shoes to a recent event.

    Priscilla stated that her life will go the way she wants and as long as her family, friends, and honest fans are happy, the opinions of others are just noise.

    She expressed concerns that many young girls feel pressured to maintain an unrealistic standard on social media, often due to financial means they don’t have.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Dangote Refinery for listing on Nigerian Stock Exchange

    According to her: “My generation girls are living in delusion, thinking I should only wear Jimmy Choos once just because my fanbase is bigger now.
    This is exactly why many girls feel pressured by social media to fit an unrealistic standard, saying, ‘I need to be a big girl,’ but often they lack the financial means to support that lifestyle.

    “Note: My life will go however I want it to go. As long as my family, friends, and honest fans are happy, every other person’s opinion is just noise”.

    Priscilla emphasised independence and confidence in her choices, refusing to be swayed by public opinion.