The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • FAMAA ’25: Lateef Adedimeji grateful as ‘Lisabi’ bags seven nominations

    FAMAA ’25: Lateef Adedimeji grateful as ‘Lisabi’ bags seven nominations

    Filmmaker and actor Lateef Adedimeji has reacted after his film ‘Lisabi’ secured seven nominations at the 2025 Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA).

    The movie is recognised in categories including Best Visual Effects, Best Director, Best Make-up, Best Nigerian Film, Best Actor, Best Film in African Language, and Best Film Overall.

    In a Instagram post, Lateef expressed overwhelming gratitude, noting how much these nominations mean to him.

    He celebrated the collective effort behind Lisabi, thanking the cast, crew, distribution partners, and collaborators like Niyi Akinmolayan and Anthillstudios for bringing the project to life.

    He also shared an inspiring message, encouraging others to persevere as recognition will come in time.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Lisabi, 3 Cold Dishes, others earn nominations at 2025 AMAA awards

    He wrote: “ALHAMDULILAH. I once again realised how much of a great work our last mega project, LISABI, is, as we bagged 7 nominations at the AMAA Awards.

    “To be nominated in seven categories alongside great movies from this continent means so much to me, and beyond words, I’m super grateful for the recognition.

    “I want to once again appreciate everyone who worked on the Lisabi project, from cast and crew to distribution partners and those who supported us one way or the other.

    “A big thank you to our wonderful partners, @niyiakinmolayan and @anthillstudios, for bringing our vision to life.

    “I hope this encourages someone to keep going, recognition will come someday. Thank you AMAA! Cc @akeemeffect etc”.

  • Cosmas Maduka slams ‘money na water’ phrase

    Cosmas Maduka slams ‘money na water’ phrase

    Billionaire and Coscharis Group founder, Dr. Cosmas Maduka has condemned the trend of extravagant spending and flaunting of wealth at social events, criticising the phrase “money na water” that justifies such actions.

    In a viral video, he called this a “dead value system” that promotes wastefulness and misguides youth.

    Maduka stressed that true wealth, as shown by figures like Tony Elumelu and Femi Otedola, is marked by humility, not ostentatious displays.

    “Tell me any wealthy man that has talked about money na water. I’ve never heard Tony Elumelu say money na water. I’ve never heard Femi Otedola say money na water and I’ve never said money na water,” Maduka said.

    He said he exits events where such behavior occurs, decrying it as a harmful cultural shift.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: African teams with 20 points, above in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

    “When I come to a function and you start those madness, start throwing money up on people, I behave like I’m going to the toilet and you will not see me again because these are dead value system, bad culture that we have learned and it became invoked in this state,” he added.

    Urging Nigerians to reject this glorification of excess, Maduka warned it negatively influences the younger generation and called for such acts to be resented, not celebrated.

    “When we are growing up, rich people don’t make noise. All these people that make noise, they never see money. Tweet it to people and say that I said so,: he said.

    “If you make money, it makes you humble, it makes you keep quiet. We have embraced very deadly bad culture and we are using it to train our children. Money na water, those things should stop.

    “You shouldn’t clap hands for people like that, you should resent it,”he added.

  • Adekunle Gold gifts BBNaija’s Imisi iPhone 17 Pro Max

    Adekunle Gold gifts BBNaija’s Imisi iPhone 17 Pro Max

    Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has gifted Imisi, the winner of Big Brother Naija season 10, a brand new iPhone 17 Pro Max.

    The ‘FUJI’ crooner, who had been rooting for Imisi and co-housemate Mensan, expressed excitement about meeting the reality TV star.

    Read Also: No cause for alarm, HIV care uninterrupted — IHVN tells Nigerians

    Imisi, who was declared the winner of BBNaija season 10 on October 5, 2025, took to her Snapchat to share the news with fans, showing gratitude for the luxurious gift.

    The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a high-end device with advanced features, and its value ranges from N2,750,000 to N3,795,000, depending on the storage capacity.

  • Singer Crayon bids emotional farewell to mother at funeral

    Singer Crayon bids emotional farewell to mother at funeral

    Afrobeats sensation Charles Chibueze Chukwu, popularly known as Crayon, has bid a tearful farewell to his mother, Evelyn Chukwu, who was laid to rest following her passing on July 4.

    Describing her death as “the darkest day of my life,” Crayon paid an emotional tribute to his late mother, whom he fondly called his “soldier, backbone, and pillar.”

    The Ngozi crooner recalled his mother’s selfless sacrifices, including selling fruits for 21 years to provide for their family.

    Read Also: Crayon opens up on mental health struggles, addiction

    He pledged to honour her memory by upholding her values and pursuing his music career — a dream she had always supported.

    “Iya Carrot, number one fruit seller. For 21 years, you sold fruits to take care of Peace, me, your sister, and everybody. You didn’t mind giving your last card — that’s who you are,” he said.

    “I promise you one thing, Mummy. I, Chibueze, will not change. I will make sure I keep everything. I love you, Mum. See you later.”

    Crayon also expressed gratitude to fans, friends, and colleagues for their support during his time of grief, noting that his mother’s passing had left an indelible mark on his heart.

  • Why I prefer to raise my kids in Nigeria – M.I Abaga

    Why I prefer to raise my kids in Nigeria – M.I Abaga

    Rapper and music executive M.I Abaga has shared his thoughts on where he might raise his future children, expressing a strong preference for Nigeria due to its rich communal values and family-oriented environment.

    Speaking in a recent interview, Abaga praised Nigeria’s strong family and community support systems, describing them as ideal for nurturing children.

    He contrasted this with the situation in the United States, where relatives are often occupied with demanding work schedules, leaving little time to offer hands-on support.

    While acknowledging the appeal of life abroad, the rapper highlighted Nigeria’s nurturing environment as vital for a child’s early development.

    He suggested a balanced approach, where children could grow up in Nigeria to establish cultural roots before moving abroad later in life for broader exposure.

    Although he noted that he was not yet making concrete family plans, Abaga said he leaned toward Nigeria because of its unique advantages in fostering a supportive and culturally grounded upbringing.

    Read Also: How America impacted my ‘hustle’ life – MI Abaga

    M.I Abaga responded, “This is a good question. Yeah, actually a really good question. There are a lot of things appealing about home, especially because we’re already ingrained in that system, because there’s a lot of support as well. I feel it’s very difficult for parents here.

    But you know, if you have family, that’s, you know, I mean, that every Okay, now you have enough people that can stay at home and support you. But it’s not easy, man. Yeah.

    “And our family over here, they’re all like professionals. You know, there are some times when you just find your nook in Nigeria. I think we sort of found a space in Nigeria, but definitely, you want your kids to have a mixture of both.

    “You know, so maybe it’s a thing like early years there and then at a certain point, you know, move, but look at me making family decisions. I think Nigeria. There are some good things about Nigeria that may be early days here”.

  • Johnny Drille urges rising artists to save wisely, plan for retirement

    Johnny Drille urges rising artists to save wisely, plan for retirement

    Singer-songwriter Johnny Drille has advised upcoming artists on the importance of financial discipline and long-term planning.

    In a recent interview on the CreativTEA podcast, Drille warned against the temptation to mimic the extravagant lifestyles of prominent musicians, urging young creatives to focus on saving and investing for long-term stability.

    Drille emphasized that an artist’s time in the spotlight is limited, with public interest eventually shifting to new talents.

    He encouraged making the most of peak earning years by building a secure financial foundation rather than indulging in fleeting luxuries.

    Reflecting on his own efforts, Drille noted he recently bought a home with his wife and is constructing another for his parents in Benin.

    He cautioned against copying the flashy displays of wealth seen in the industry, stating that some are merely for show and not reflective of true financial health.

    Drille advocated for a balanced approach, encouraging artists to enjoy the present while planning for the future.

    While admitting to owning a few high-end items, he stressed keeping spending modest compared to the excessive trends some follow.

    He said, “My retirement advice to artists is that I think it’s the same principle across. Yeah, definitely save, invest, whatever form that would take.

    “My wife and I just got a house, trying to build one for my parents back in Benin. So it’s like, I see a lot of people, a lot of artists, you know, because they see Wizkid and Burna Boy flaunting all these cars. And maybe that’s what we should be doing.

    Read Also: Johnny Drille: ‘No artist knows when a song will be a hit’

    “That’s what artists do. So let’s do that too. Be flaunting and be spending all your money on like, you know, luxury that you don’t really need, and at the end of the day, it’s like, as much as we want to believe that everybody’s going to be relevant forever, everybody will not be relevant forever. Everybody has a set amount of time where you’re going to pop and you’re going to make money.

    “And there’s going to be a time when people are not going to be interested in you. They’re going to go look for the next guy or the next new guy. That’s going to be their person.

    “I think every, every, every person, every creative has a span and you have to make the most of that span and that is saving, investing and not, not copying whatever flashy lifestyle you see out there. And sometimes a lot of those things I’ve heard some of them are not even real, like people are boring to show off, you know, and you can’t let that inspire you, you have to think for yourself and think of a future, but I think a lot of artists don’t really think about the future, just in a now. Let’s enjoy our lives.

    “Of course, enjoy your life, but also think about the future. Well, it’s crazy. I mean, I do have like one or two expensive things, but nothing, nothing, nothing crazy. Well, please advise them”.

  • Uche Ogbodo seeks prayers ahead of cosmetic surgery

    Uche Ogbodo seeks prayers ahead of cosmetic surgery

    Nollywood actress Uche Ogbodo has appealed to fans for prayers as she prepares to undergo a cosmetic procedure.

    The actress shared a video on her Instagram page showing herself in a surgical gown, revealing that she was about to have a Lipo 360 surgery.

    Read Also: Why I blocked May Edochie- Uche Ogbodo

    She captioned the post, “It’s happening today. My Lipo 360 surgery. Please say a little prayer for me. I’m not scared! I trust my doctors. It will end in praise, Amen!”

    The post has since attracted numerous reactions from fans and colleagues, with many offering words of encouragement and prayers for a successful surgery.

  • Dede opens up about BBNAIJA experience

    Dede opens up about BBNAIJA experience

    First runner-up of Big Brother Naija Season 10, Dede Ashiogwu, has shared insights into her journey on the reality show, describing the experience as transformative and deeply fulfilling.

    Speaking in Guinness Africa’s “The Dip” series, Dede reflected on her time in the Big Brother house, her personal development, and her relationships with fellow housemates.

    She said reaching the final felt like a blessing, expressing gratitude for the support she received throughout the competition.

    “At that time, I actually felt way more grateful than anything. I felt blessed. I’d always rooted for the winner, Imisi, so being the first runner-up was a huge thank-you moment to God,” she said.

    Dede credited the show for broadening her perspective and helping her grow emotionally and mentally. She described Imisi as the funniest housemate, while naming Jason and Koyin as the most competitive. She added that she was the most unpredictable among them.

    Addressing her earlier remarks about Jason, Kola, and Koyin being her “fishes,” Dede clarified that her statement had been taken out of context, though she understood why fans might have misinterpreted it.

    Looking ahead, the reality star revealed that she has several exciting projects in the works and promised fans fresh, stylish, and engaging content. She also expressed her eagerness to explore new opportunities and continue improving her craft.

    When asked how Guinness would describe her personality, Dede smiled and replied, “All smooth, charm, and rich energy.”

  • Davido announces ‘5IVE’ tour across Nigeria

    Davido announces ‘5IVE’ tour across Nigeria

    Grammy-nominated Afrobeats singer Davido is set to bring the ‘5IVE’ tour to Nigeria, promising a cultural homecoming that celebrates his roots and the genre he’s helped globalise.

    Following a successful North American tour, the artist, born David Adeleke, shared his excitement on social media, stating that while he carries Nigeria’s spirit worldwide, this leg is about bringing that energy back home.

    Describing the tour as “for the culture”, Davido aims to deliver an unforgettable experience for Nigerian fans.

    He wrote, “I’m blessed to perform all around the world, and everywhere I go, Nigeria goes with me. But this time… I’m bringing it HOME.

    Read Also: Davido, Chioma celebrate twins’ second birthday in Atlanta

    “After an unforgettable North American tour, it’s only right that we bring that energy back where it all began. 5IVE TOUR NIGERIA, y’all ready??!! This one’s for the culture. This one’s personal. This one’s for US”.

    The tour, tied to his fifth studio album, 5ive, released in April 2025, kicks off on October 26 in Akwa Ibom, with subsequent stops in Adamawa on October 29, Enugu on November 1, Ibadan on November 9, and a grand finale in Lagos on Christmas Day, December 25.

    The album, featuring collaborations with artists like Odumodublvck, Becky G, and Shenseea, has already amassed significant global streams.

    His international run included a landmark performance at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium alongside 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige, followed by sold-out shows across North America with rising Nigerian stars Victony and Morravey.

    The Nigerian leg promises high-energy performances blending fan favorites with new hits, tailored to each city’s unique vibe.

    From Akwa Ibom’s vibrant South-South energy to Lagos’s festive Christmas crescendo, Davido’s homecoming is set to unite fans across regions.

  • Why record labels attempted to change my sound – Johnny Drille

    Why record labels attempted to change my sound – Johnny Drille

    Singer John Ighodaro, popularly known as Johnny Drille, has shared insights into the challenges he faced at the beginning of his career while pursuing a recording deal.

    Speaking on the CreativTea podcast, the alternative music star revealed that his distinctive sound initially made it difficult to secure a deal with major record labels.

    He said many record labels pressured him to switch to a more commercial and danceable style to suit Nigeria’s mainstream market.

    Drille disclosed that two prominent Nigerian labels had shown interest in signing him but insisted on changing his musical approach to make it faster and more marketable.

    READ ALSO: Why we left PDP for APC — Mbah

    He said his career, however, took a positive turn when Mavin Records CEO Don Jazzy took a chance on him, signing him purely out of admiration for his music rather than commercial prospects.

    Describing the move as bold and unconventional, Drille noted that many industry observers were surprised that Mavin Records — known primarily for its pop and Afrobeats artists — would embrace an alternative musician like him.

    He said, “People could never have imagined that Mavin Records under Don Jazzy would sign an alternative artist like myself. It was weird for a lot of people.

    “There were two other major labels in Nigeria that wanted to sign me, but the conversation was always around, ‘How do we change your sound? How do we make it faster? How do we make it danceable?’

    “However, when I met Don Jazzy, there were no conversations like that. He was just really a fan of the music…that was a big risk to take, but he pulled it off.”

    The singer’s journey to prominence began with his participation in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013, which put him in the spotlight.

    His debut single, “Wait For Me,” released in 2015, showcased his soulful, folk-inspired sound and quickly resonated with fans.

    Joining Mavin Records in 2017 marked a turning point, culminating in the release of his debut album, Before We Fall Asleep, in 2021, which solidified his place in Nigeria’s music industry.