The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Daayuur breaks silence to hint at new project

    Daayuur breaks silence to hint at new project

    United Kingdom-based Nigerian artist Dapo Aiyegbusi aka Daayuur, has broken his silence having been quiet for some time on his music and career.

    Breaking the silence, the dark-skinned, lanky Daayuur, an Afropop artist, admitted his silence but assured his silence is not out of being careless about his craft and his fans but a move in the interest of his craft and his teeming fans. Daayuur dismissed all kinds of meaning that have been adduced to his temporary absence.

    The Afropop singer, during a chat, revealed he’s been doing so in order to improve on his craft to serve his fans better. He added that he’s been working on new projects, which have seen him make trips to different destinations and work with various music experts to achieve perfection with the project at hand.

    “It’s true that I have been quiet for some time, but all is for good. I have actually been working on a new project. I have a few singles that are being cooked, and the making has made me travel to different places as well as work with a number of great hands,” Daayuur said.

    READ ALSO: Quick steps to apply for NELFUND 2025/2026 student loan

    He added that he would still want to keep information about the project under wraps but hinted that the project might be announced before or by the end of Christmas and New Year period festivities.

    A model, entrepreneur, and musician, Daayuur has been among the top artists in the United Kingdom who thrill music lovers with nice tunes at major events, particularly in the Black communities for a couple of years. Some of the songs to his credit include ‘She Carry,’ ‘You Bad,’ ‘Obi,’ and ‘African Woman,’ among others.

  • National Orientation Agency splashes N22.5m on animation award

    National Orientation Agency splashes N22.5m on animation award

    The National Orientation Agency NOA, has unveiled a new animation award as well as supporting the award with a total cash prize of N22,500,000.

    The award was unveiled at the 9th Lagos International Festival of Animation, LIFANIMA.

    The project is being implemented in partnership with LIFANIMA.

    Speaking at the unveiling, the Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said the project is a unique opportunity for the creative community to engage with the Nigerian Identity Project—an initiative of the NOA aimed at promoting the ideals captured in the National Values Charter (NVC).

    According to him, “The NVC outlines seven national promises and seven citizen codes that define who we are, what we stand for, and the values that unite us as Nigerians. Through this award, we invite our animators to interpret these ideals and express them through the powerful art of storytelling and animation.”

    READ ALSO: Quick steps to apply for NELFUND 2025/2026 student loan

    Speaking further at the event, he revealed the theme for this year’s challenge as: “Who is a Real Nigerian?” a question which, according to him, goes beyond appearances or geography but invites reflection on the true spirit of the people – resilience, our optimism, our creativity, and our collective sense of responsibility.

    To participate in the award, participants are required to create a three-minute maximum animated short film, using 2D, 3D, or stop-motion techniques, that creatively explores what it means to be a Real Nigerian. The focus is not on the form of animation, but on the strength of the narrative—the story that connects with our shared identity and national values.

    “This competition is exclusive to Nigerians, designed to empower local creators and strengthen national pride. Whether you are an individual animator, a small studio, or a creative company, this platform belongs to you. It is an open invitation to use your talent to inspire others and help shape the image of our nation through your craft,” says Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

    According to Mallam Issa Onilu, the NOA Animation Award 2026 offers N10 million for the first prize, N7.5 million for the second, and N5 million for the third, making a total prize value of Twenty-Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N22,500,000).

  • Kiddwaya speaks on spending $30k on jollof rice at Whitemoney’s restaurant

    Kiddwaya speaks on spending $30k on jollof rice at Whitemoney’s restaurant

    Reality star Kiddwaya has cleared the air on the viral report that he spent $30,000 on a plate of jollof rice at Whitemoney’s restaurant.

    Speaking in a recent interview with Trend Centrl on YouTube, the reality star clarified that the viral story was misunderstood, stressing that his intention was to support a friend’s business rather than splurge that much on food.

    “First of all, I was supporting a friend’s business. That’s it. Jollof rice was the concept. I follow Whitemoney on his food -his food is great. So he makes jollof rice, chicken, and all that kind of stuff. I was supporting his brand, helping him push it. The jollof rice was just the concept of it.”

    READ ALSO: EFCC vows to prosecute corrupt politicians without bias

    He added that social media users twisted the narrative after seeing pictures of him at the restaurant.

    “You know when you post on social media, people will assume it’s that. But really, who’s spending thirty grand on one plate of jollof rice?” he asked. “So I let them run with the story. I’m on Twitter, reading everything they said – I just said okay, cool. Never try to fight it.”

    Kiddwaya concluded by saying his gesture was simply about showing love and support for Whitemoney’s growing food brand.

  • Davido meets French President Macron

    Davido meets French President Macron

    Grammy-nominated singer David Adeleke popularly known as Davido has met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday.

    The singer announced the high-profile encounter on his verified Instagram page, sharing photos of the event.

    Accompanying Davido were close associates, including businessman Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, and manager, Asika.

    READ ALSO: EFCC vows to prosecute corrupt politicians without bias

    The images captured a warm exchange, highlighting the significance of the moment.

    In his post, Davido expressed gratitude for the opportunity, writing, “It was an honor meeting @emmanuelmacron and sharing our visions for a better world.”Davido meets French President Macron

  • Kiddwaya slams critics over online donation backlash

    Kiddwaya slams critics over online donation backlash

    Reality star Kiddwaya has criticised the mindset of some Africans following backlash he received after asking for donations online.

    Speaking in a recent interview with Trend Centrl on YouTube, he addressed the controversy, saying that Africans often misunderstand the concept of fundraising.

    He said: “Two things – Bill Gates Foundation asks for donations all the time amongst their rich friends and to people. It’s just an African mentality. That’s the problem with Africans -our level of thinking sometimes is very suppressed and very minimal. We don’t like to think properly and intellectually.”

    He went on to explain that requesting donations is a normal practice globally.

    READ ALSO: EFCC vows to prosecute corrupt politicians without bias

    “It’s not a ‘wow’ thing to ask for money. That’s how you sustain yourself,” he added.

    When asked about how the public perceives him compared to organisations like UNICEF, Kiddwaya said he wasn’t bothered.

    “All I care about is that kid’s life I’m saving in hospital. In fact,  I shouldn’t have responded to them when I had that backlash. I shouldn’t have even responded to be honest with you but my team said just respond because you know whatever. But deep down I didn’t actually care because they’re not going to hospitals with me seeing people thanking me for saving their lives and stuff and putting people through school who need education,” he said.

  • Why Nigerian artists demand high performance fees – Bella Shmurda

    Why Nigerian artists demand high performance fees – Bella Shmurda

    Afrobeats singer Bella Shmurda has defended the high performance fees charged by artistes, citing significant expenditures incurred during music production and promotion.

    In a recent interview with Naija FM Lagos, Shmurda explained that musicians have substantial expenses, including payments to producers, songwriters and engineers, as well as music video and promotion costs.

    He revealed that he spent $100,000 (over N100 million) on his ‘Sanity’ album, emphasising that these costs necessitate high performance fees.

    He said: “Speaking from the perspective of an artiste, making music is expensive. I don’t repeat clothes because I’m a public figure. I spent $100,000 to pay producers, songwriters and engineers that worked on my album. That’s over N100 million. Not to mention music videos and promotion costs. That’s a lot”.

    Bella Shmurda emphasised that these fees are not about greed, but about recovering production costs and sustaining a career in the music industry.

    He argued that artistes should charge fees that reflect their level of investment, allowing them to recover costs and potentially generate profit.

    “So, I go for a show, I would charge what would equate my investments. Even if I don’t make profit, I should at least be able to recover the cost of production. So, we are not overcharging. If you look at it from our own perspective, you will agree that we are not overcharging,” he added.

  • Fans gifts BBNaija’s Dede N30 million, luxury gifts on 24th birthday

    Fans gifts BBNaija’s Dede N30 million, luxury gifts on 24th birthday

    Big Brother Naija season 10 runner-up Ifechukwude Ashiogwu popularly known as Dede, has received N30 million from her fans dubbed the “Devass” as she turns 24 today, October 23.

    At an intimate gathering, the reality TV sensation received other luxury items, marking a memorable milestone in her rising career.

    Footage shared across social media captured Dede’s emotional reaction as fans presented the multimillion-naira cheque with luxury items, including high-end wigs, fashion pieces, premium shoes, a camera worth approximately N3 million, spa vouchers for herself and her mother, grocery vouchers, and ornate money boxes.

    Read Also: Dede opens up about BBNAIJA experience

    Dede expressed deep gratitude, calling the gesture “a blessing beyond imagination.”

  • Laycon returns with first single ‘Everyday Anthem’ in two years

    Laycon returns with first single ‘Everyday Anthem’ in two years

    Former Big Brother Naija winner and rapper Olamilekan Agbeleshe popularly known as Laycon has announced his musical comeback with the release of his first single in two years, titled “Everyday Anthem.”

    The announcement marks a significant moment for the artist, who has been absent from the music scene during a period he tagged deep personal reflection.

    In a statement on X, Laycon revealed that the past few months have been a transformative journey, as he grappled with questions about his purpose and life choices.

    “The past few months for me have been about the ‘why’ — why I do what I do and why I’ve made the choices I’ve made. Trust me, the search for these answers took me into the craziest phase of my life,” he wrote.

    The rapper promised to share more details of this introspective experience with his audience, but not before unveiling the results through his new music.

    “I will share this experience with you. I promise you I will. But not before I show you the result of what that experience brings”, he added.

    Read Also: How BBNaija transformed our lives- Ex-housemates Ebuka, Laycon, others

    “Everyday Anthem” is poised to offer listeners a glimpse into the personal evolution that has reshaped his sound and perspective.

    Laycon described the track as his “Everyday Anthem,” hinting at its universal appeal and personal significance.

    While teasing additional projects in the pipeline, Laycon urged fans to focus on the present moment, saying, “Let’s take it one day at a time.”

    “My first single in two years is Everyday Anthem, and Everyday Anthem is a glimpse of what that experience gave me. There’s more to come, but for now let’s not worry about that, let’s take it one day at a time… this is my Everyday Anthem”, he concluded.

    The single’s release signals the start of what could be a revitalised era in his career, following his rise to fame after winning Big Brother Naija in 2020 and the success of his debut album, Shall We Begin, in 2021.

  • Bella Shmurda confirms Fola’s signing to Dangbana Republik

    Bella Shmurda confirms Fola’s signing to Dangbana Republik

    Afrobeats singer Bella Shmurda has confirmed that fast-rising artist Fola has officially joined his record label, Dangbana Republik. 

    The Cash App crooner made the announcement during an interview with Naija 102 FM, clearing the air on rumours surrounding Fola’s status with the label.

    “Fola is signed under Dangbana Republik; he’s with us, we’re family,” he said.

    According to Bella, Fola’s signing is a reward to their long-standing connection, which dates back several years.

    He revealed that Fola has been working with Dangbana Republik for over four years, and the decision to make the partnership official was driven by a desire to support Fola’s career growth.

    “I’ve known Fola for over four years. He’s been with Dangbana Republik, always working with us.

    Read Also: Kunmie hails Bella Shmurda after collaboration on new song ‘Sanity’

    “One day, I just decided with my team that it was time to support this boy in our own way. And to God be the glory, that little support turned into something big,” he said.

    Under Dangbana Republik, Fola will maintain creative freedom while receiving professional guidance.

    Bella emphasised that the label’s priority is to put Fola on the right path, protect his craft, and ensure he has liberty with his creativity.

    “It’s about putting him on the right path, protecting his craft, and making sure he has liberty with his creativity,” he noted.

    Fola has already gained recognition for his collaboration with Bella Shmurda on Dangbana Riddim and his hit track Alone featuring Bhadboi OML. 

    Bella expressed his gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead, stating that he, the team, and Fola are all happy about the development.

    “I thank God for giving me that instinct to move forward with what I believe in. I’m happy, the team is happy, and Fola himself is happy, everybody’s happy,” he added.

  • Why healing is key to rising – Tonto Dikeh

    Why healing is key to rising – Tonto Dikeh

    Actress Tonto Dikeh has spoken on the importance of healing and how necessary it is to the human body and soul. 

    In a post on Instagram, Dikeh acknowledged that healing is a painful and messy journey that forces us to confront our deepest wounds.

    However, she emphasised that staying broken is a far worse fate, as unresolved pain can seep into every aspect of our lives and drain our joy.

    Dikeh encouraged followers to face their pain head-on, trusting in God’s plan and timing.

    She reminded them that they don’t need to understand every step of the journey, but simply keep moving forward, believing, and showing up for the future God has prepared.

    Read Also: How God rescued me from attempted suicide -Tonto Dikeh

    She wrote: “Be brave enough to heal, even when the healing feels like a war within. Healing isn’t easy, it’s messy, painful, and uncomfortable. Restoration is rarely gentle,It exposes wounds we tried to bury and asks us to confront what once broke us. But staying broken is far worse.

    “Pain doesn’t go away when ignored. It seeps into everything, draining your joy, and leaving you stuck in survival mode. Healing means facing that pain, letting yourself feel, and choosing to grow through it. (Psalm 147:3). Healing is God’s invitation to trust Him with the places we tried to fix alone.

    “You don’t need to understand every step. All Heaven asks is that you keep moving. Keep believing. Keep showing up for the future God has prepared. You are worth the miracle that is coming.

    “One day, you will look back with holy awe, realizing the fire was temporary, but the strength forged in it became eternal. What was meant to break you will become the testimony that sets others free.

    “STAYING BROKEN WAS NEVER AN OPTION. You were always meant to heal
    You were chosen to heal. You were Anointed to rise”.