The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Fans, management honour late BBNaija Star Rico Swavey on third death anniversary

    Fans, management honour late BBNaija Star Rico Swavey on third death anniversary

    As the third anniversary of the tragic passing of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) alumnus and singer, Patrick Fakoya, popularly known as Rico Swavey, is marked, his management team and fans have taken to social media to celebrate his memory and enduring legacy.

    Rico, who gained fame as a calm and creative housemate during the 2018 *Double Wahala* edition of BBNaija, died on October 13, 2022, after a fatal car accident along the Lekki-Ajah Expressway in Lagos. He was 29.

    In a post shared on Instagram on Monday, his management team paid tribute to his vibrant life, writing, “On this 3rd anniversary, we remember not just your departure, but the life you lived and the love you gave. In the hearts of those who loved you, your memory blooms like a garden of everlasting flowers.”

    The touching message, accompanied by a photo of the late star, drew an outpouring of love from fans who recalled his humility, musical talent, and advocacy for mental health.

    READ ALSO; CREDICORP wins “Consumer Credit Access Company of the Year”

    Rico’s death, which occurred two days after the crash, had sparked nationwide conversations about road safety and emergency response in Nigeria. The incident was widely reported after fellow ex-housemates, including Tobi Bakre and Alex Unusual, made emotional pleas for medical assistance during his final hours.

    His mother, Halima Hassan, in a 2024 interview with journalist Chude Jideonwo, recounted the heartbreaking experience of holding her son in his final moments, saying, “I was pleading with him to come back to me.”

    Eyewitness Sunday, Michael, an Uber driver who assisted at the crash scene, had dismissed reports suggesting Rico was intoxicated, insisting that poor road conditions caused the accident. Doren Specialist Hospital, where Rico was first treated, also denied allegations of negligence, explaining that medical staff did all they could to stabilize him before his transfer.

    Beyond his reality TV fame, Rico Swavey pursued a career in music with songs like ‘Emotions’ and later established the Rico Foundation to empower underprivileged youth.

    During BBNaija Season 10, the show organizers honored his memory alongside other departed housemates — Francisca Owumi (Season 1) and Joseph Ada (Season 4) — with an emotional tribute and a minute of silence.

    Rico’s legacy, friends say, continues to inspire hope, kindness, and creativity in the hearts of those who knew and admired him.

  • How America impacted my ‘hustle’ life – MI Abaga

    How America impacted my ‘hustle’ life – MI Abaga

    Nigerian rapper MI Abaga has revealed how his time in the United States helped shape his discipline, creativity, and approach to music.

    Speaking on the Japa Diaries podcast, MI shared that although music began as a hobby during his school days, he decided to pursue it seriously after returning home to Jos, Plateau State.

    “When I went back home, I got a job, and right behind the place I was working, there was a studio called Skynet. P-Square had just released their first project then. These were guys from Jos, and when they were still in Jos, they used to dance and mime Michael Jackson songs with a crew of about ten people. They eventually won a competition and got a record deal. Honestly, a lot of us used to envy them. But seeing their success made us believe we could also do it,” he recounted.

    He explained that Jos at the time, was buzzing with creative energy, inspiring him to start recording music with the help of his friend and producer, E-Kelly.

    READ ALSO; CREDICORP wins “Consumer Credit Access Company of the Year”

    “I think there was a lot of energy. People were going into the studio often, and the studio was right behind where I worked. E-Kelly helped me out, and I thought to myself, maybe I can do this,” he said.

    Reflecting on his early struggles, MI said the discipline and grind he learned while living in the U.S. played a crucial role in his journey to success.

    “It’s not like artists were making so much money back then. I had a job at an internet café and recorded in the studio at night. That’s the good thing about being in Yankee—it taught me how to grind. When I got back home, I was locked in. One day, I just told myself, I can actually do this. Then I started traveling to Lagos more often—and here we are,” he added.

  • Uma Ukpai’s ministry healed me of asthma, pneumonia – Frank Edwards hails late preacher

    Uma Ukpai’s ministry healed me of asthma, pneumonia – Frank Edwards hails late preacher

    As the Christian community mourns the passing of one of its most revered evangelists, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, gospel singer Frank Edwards has shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling a miraculous healing he received through the late preacher’s ministry.

    In an emotional Instagram post, the “Under the Canopy” crooner revealed that he was healed of asthma and pneumonia at the age of eight during one of Rev. Ukpai’s crusades in Enugu.

    “At age 8, I got healed of asthma and pneumonia in one of your crusades in Enugu! Thank you for specially impacting the world! You finished well, papa. Rest on,” Edwards wrote.

    The award-winning gospel artist, who has often shared his testimony of overcoming chronic respiratory illness, described the encounter as a defining moment that liberated him from years of dependency on inhalers and allowed him to pursue his music career freely.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Lisabi, 3 Cold Dishes, others earn nominations at 2025 AMAA awards

    The family of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, confirmed his passing on Monday in a statement titled “Glorious Transition.”

    The 80-year-old evangelist, renowned for his fiery sermons, large-scale crusades, and emphasis on divine healing, died on October 6, leaving behind a legacy of faith, revival, and philanthropy anchored in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from believers, clergy, celebrities, and everyday Nigerians, who praised his lifelong devotion to spreading the gospel and empowering communities.

    Rev. Ukpai’s crusades, known for drawing massive crowds across Nigeria and beyond, were often marked by testimonies of miracles, deliverance, and salvation. His ministry’s non-denominational approach promoted unity within the Pentecostal movement, while institutions like the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic and his scholarship foundation continue to impact lives.

    As funeral arrangements are being finalized, his family has urged the public to reflect on Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

    Fans and fellow gospel artists have continued to celebrate his life and legacy, describing him as a faithful servant who “finished well.”

  • Blaqbonez unveils tracklist for upcoming album ‘No Excuses’

    Blaqbonez unveils tracklist for upcoming album ‘No Excuses’

    Rapper Blaqbonez has unveiled the tracklist for his highly anticipated fourth studio album, “No Excuses,” set to be released October 17, 2025. 

    The album features a lineup of 15 guest artists from Africa and beyond.

    The 17-track project promises to be a dynamic and diverse sonic experience, blending UK and West African sounds.

    The album boasts of collaborations with notable artists such as UK rapper AJ Tracey on “Consistency” and Pa Salieu on “Aura 4 Aura.”

    Read Also: Blaqbonez announces date for release of new single ‘Everlasting Taker’

    Nigerian heavyweights Olamide, Phyno, and Young Jonn also make appearances on tracks like “Despacito” and “W For Wetego.”

    Other notable features include Bella Shmurda, Ayo Maff, Barry Jhay, Zinoleesky, and more.

    The production credits are equally impressive, with top producers like Jae5, Telz, Kofo Sound, and Black Culture contributing to the album.

    “No Excuses” is poised to further cement Blaqbonez’s position as one of Africa’s most creative and commercially viable artists, following the success of his previous projects “Sex Over Love” and “Young Preacher.” 

  • Kemi Afolabi urges fans to protect their lives, well-being 

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

    Nollywood actress Kemi Afolabi Adesipe has advised her fans to prioritize their peace of mind and never allow anyone to endanger their wellbeing.

    In a message shared via Instagram, the actress reminded her followers to value their lives and establish firm boundaries in all forms of relationships.

    She wrote, “Do not allow anyone to take your life. Guard it with all your being, be it marriage, friendship, courtship, or any form of relationship.”

    Afolabi’s post has since sparked wide conversations on social media about self-worth and the importance of setting healthy boundaries, with many agreeing that no relationship is worth sacrificing one’s peace or life for.

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

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

    The 21st Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) has announced its nominees, showcasing the best of African cinema.

    Burkina Faso’s “Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions” tops the list with 10 nominations, followed closely by Nigeria’s “Lisabi: The Uprising” with 7 nods.

    The nominees for Best Film include “Algiers,” “3 Cold Dishes,” “The Heart is a Muscle,” “Small Gods,” “For Love, For Land, For Power,” “Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions,” “Last Stop,” and “Lisabi: The Uprising.”

    The Best Director category features Niyi Akinmolayan for “Lisabi: The Uprising,” Imran Hamdulay for “The Heart is a Muscle,” and Asurf Oluseyi for “3 Cold Dishes,” among others.

    The acting categories are highly competitive, with talented actors and actresses vying for the top spots.

    The winners will be announced at the 2025 AMAA ceremony on November 9 at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

    Below is the full list of nominations:

    EFERE OZAKO AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM

    The Missing Piece – Kenya

    Vandals – Mozambique

    Echoes From The Past- Nigeria/UK

    Abu Judy -Egypt

    Chikha-Queen – Morrocco

    MIA – Burkina Faso

    Stigma – Tunisia

    LEES WAXUL – Senegal

    The last Harvest – Cape Verde

    JUBRIL MALAFIA AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST ANIMATION

    Dawn – Cameroun

    My Brother, My Brother- Egypt/France/Germany

    The Travails of Ajadi – Nigeria

    Nkizzi’s First Day – Uganda

    Amara and the Spirit of Nyamagunda – Uganda

    Monologue – Nigeria/UK

    Read Also: 2025 AMVCA: Lateef Adedimeji, wife win ‘Best Indigenous Movie’ with “Lisabi: The Uprising”.

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY

    The Journey East – DRC

    Double Minority – Nigeria

    The Empty Grave – Tanzania/UK

    Khartoum – Sudan/UK

    Ancestral Visions of the Future -Lesotho/France/Germany

    OUSMANE SEMBENE AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST FILM IN AN AFRICAN LANGUAGE

    Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions -B/Faso

    Small Gods – Uganda/UK

    Lukas: Namibia

    Lobola Man – South Africa

    Lisabi: The Uprising

    The Heart is a Muscle: South Africa

    MICHAEL ANYIAM OSIGWE AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST FILM BY AN AFRICAN LIVING ABROAD

    Lemohang Jeremiah – Ancestral Visions of the

    Future – Lesotho/France/Germany

    Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions – Dany Kouyate (B/Faso)

    Khartoum – Ibrahim Snoopy – Sudan

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA SHORT

    Cartes – USA

    Superman Doesn’t steal – USA

    Harvest – USA

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA DOCUMENTARY

    The Billy Preston Story – USA

    Carnival: ‘They Cant Steal Our Joy – Canada

    Missing Rio Doce – Brazil/France

    Rediscovering Fenon – USA/Algeria/Martinique

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA NARRATIVE FEATURE

    Sisters Maid – Brazil

    Romeo N Juliet 4EVA – Jamaica

    The Model, The Mannequin and Me – USA

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN

    Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions

    The Heart is a Muscle

    3 Cold Dishes

    Last Stop

    Red Circle

    AMAA 2025 ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN

    Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions

    The Lost Days

    The Masked King

    The Serpent Gift

    Hunting Jessica Brok

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKEUP

    Spelonk

    Lisabi: The Uprising

    Amanayanbo

    The Masked King

    The Heart is a Muscle

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUNDTRACK

    Recall

    Freedom Way

    Old Righteous Blues

    Kites

    Le Point- The Bridge

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECT

    For Land, For Love, For Power

    Lisabi

    Spelonk

    Hunting Jessica Brok

    Amanayanbo: The Eagle King

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND

    Algiers

    Old Righteous Blues

    Le Point – The Bridge

    Hunting Jessica Brok

    Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions -B/Faso

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

    3 cold dishes

    Old Righteous Blues

    Spelonk

    Small gods

    For love, for land, for power

    The Heart is a muscle

    Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions -B/Faso

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING

    For Love, For Land, For power

    Spelonk

    The Heart is a Muscle

    3 Cold Dishes

    Algiers

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SCREENPLAY

    Old Righteous Blues

    Le Point – The Bridge

    For Love, For Land, For Power

    Small Gods

    Red circle

    Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions -B/Faso

    AMAA 2025 – NATIONAL FILM AND VIDEO CENSORS BOARD (NFVCB) AWARD FOR BEST NIGERIAN FILM

    Lisabi: The Uprising

    Recall

    Freedom Way

    The Serpent Gift

    Amanayanbo

    3 Cold Dishes

    Red Circle

    The Masked King

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG/ PROMISING ACTOR

    Alejandro Cooper- Lukas

    Turinayo Jatham – Small gods

    Tiwalola Adebola-Walter – Freedom Way

    Kisi Ogborueche – Kill Boro

    Ruby Akubueze – 3 Cold Dishes

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

    Kojo Boakye – Two of a Kind

    Femi Jacobs – Freedom Way

    Clemento Ashietey – Last Stop

    Abdulai Saidu Kamara – Code of Honor

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

    Zohra Chetioui – Le Point- The Bridge

    Tina Mba – The Serpent Gift

    Fadela Brown – Old Righteous Blues

    Bukky Wright – Red Circle

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

    Keenan Arrison – The Heart is a Muscle

    KalkidanTessema – For love, for land, for power Adjetey Anang – Last Stop

    Lateef Adedimeji – Lisabi: The Uprising

    Ayden Croy- Old Righteous Blues

    Bizimana Hussain – Small Gods

    Mahamadi Nana – Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions -B/Faso

    Nabil Asli – Algiers

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

    Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman – The Serpent Gift

    Analisa Munyana – Mucoma: The Battle of the Couple

    Shaffy Bello – The Masked King

    Danica De La Ray Jones- Hunting Jessica Brok

    Tsigereda Bekele – For Love, For Land, For Power

    Florence Mariserena – Small gods

    Meriem Medjkane – Algiers

    Osas Ighodaro, Fat Toure and Maud Guerard – 3 Cold Dishes

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST DEBUT FEATURE FILM BY A DIRECTOR

    The Lost Days – Wingonia Ikpi

    Small Gods- Asher Rosen

    Algiers- Chakib Taleb-Bendiab

    Kill Boro- Obayuwana Courage

    The Heart is a Muscle – Imran Hamdulay

    Freedom Way – Afolabi Olalekan

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR

    Niyi Akinmolayan- Lisabi: The Uprising (Nigeria)

    The Heart is a Muscle – Imran Hamdulay (South Africa)

    Asurf Oluseyi – 3 Cold Dishes (Nigeria)

    Asher Rosen- Small Gods – (Uganda)

    Theodros Teshome -For Love, For Land, For Power (Ethiopia)

    Dany Kouyate – Katanga:

    Dance of The Scorpions -B/Faso

    Kwabena Gwansah – Last Stop (Ghana)

    Chakib Taleb-Bendiab – Algiers (Algeria)

    AMAA 2025 AWARD FOR BEST FILM

    Algiers – Algeria

    3 Cold Dishes – Nigeria

    The Heart is a Muscle – South Africa

    Small Gods – Uganda

    For Love, For Land, For Power -Ethiopia

    Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions -B/Faso

    Last Stop – Ghana

    Lisabi: The Uprising (Nigeria)

    The AMAA, founded in 2005, is one of Africa’s most prestigious film honours, spotlighting creativity and storytelling from across the continent and the diaspora.

  • Why I no longer create binge-eating contents – Asherkine

    Why I no longer create binge-eating contents – Asherkine

    Popular content creator Asherkine has revealed that he stopped producing binge-eating videos because it negatively impacted his health and well-being.

    According to him, creating such content led to gluttony and health issues, including general discomfort, heart palpitations, excess weight gain, irregular sleep patterns, high blood pressure, and constant fatigue.

    He said he realised he had lost the concept of moderation, often eating mindlessly and excessively, even when not creating content.

    Asherkine said he struggled with compulsive eating disorder and emphasised the importance of taking the condition seriously.

    He shared his personal experience to raise awareness and encourage others to pay attention to their eating habits.

    He wrote, “I never answered to why i paused making this type of food content; i genuinely enjoyed clearing up over 5 different meals regularly until my body told me.

    “Even though i had an active lifestyle at the time and tried to stay fit , i lost the concept of moderation as mindless binge eating became the OOTD even when i wasn’t creating content. i wouldn’t stop eating until i started to feel abdominal discomfort.

    “Despite being full asl , i always wanted to keep eating! gluttony had made its way. asides the general discomfort , heart palpitations, excess weight gain , irregular sleep , sneaky high blood pressure count, constant fatigue and so on… the mental battle to beat gluttony is probably the hardest thing to deal with.

    Read Also: How Closeup, its influencers are sparking a confidence movement

    “I can’t express how disrespectful gluttony is and how much power it holds but it’s mad underrated. It’s 2 years after and i still chat to the pit in my tummy.

    “If you struggle with COMPULSIVE EATING DISORDER , shout out you. pay attention, i’m no health practitioner but don’t underplay it.

    Although he no longer creates binge-eating content, Asherkine continues to produce food-related videos, but in moderation.

    “I’ll still make food content but definitely not in such volume”, he added.

  • Mistreating wives could ruin men – Rita Edochie

    Mistreating wives could ruin men – Rita Edochie

    Actress Rita Edochie has argued women are spiritual, virtuous, and substantial individuals who work with God’s heart and have the power to make or break a man.

    Edochie, on Instagram, warned men that mistreating women can lead to severe consequences, including the loss of their success and happiness.

    She cautioned men against causing pain and frustration to women, stating that their lives as men can be jeopardised.

    She emphasised that every right-thinking woman is a strong vessel and not as weak as societal labels may suggest.

    Read Also: Rita Edochie mourns loss of loved one, seeks solace in faith 

    Edochie wrote: “A good woman is the engine of every home. Argue with your keypads, na me talk am and na out of experience. Behind every successful man, there’s a good spiritual woman. Believe it or not, women are spiritual, virtuous, and substantial.

    “Women work with God’s heart, They have the power to make and unmake you, you could be doing well today with one woman you care about, but the very moment you stop showing her love, start hitting her, talking down on her, cheating on her, sleeping outside, rejecting her food and frolicking with ladies on the night street, your glory as a man starts dropping drastically.
    By the time she gets fed up and decides to walk away, trust me, your life will be in misery, and you will begin eating your own tears.”

    “It’s simple: do not cause someone’s daughter pain and frustration, because your life as a man can be jeopardised. Every right-thinking woman is a strong vessel. And she is not as weak as the saying has labelled her to be. The heart of a woman plays a vital role in the success or failure of her man. Treat your woman well and enjoy your home in peace”.

  • How gym member escaped death, by Kate Henshaw

    How gym member escaped death, by Kate Henshaw

    Actress Kate Henshaw has shared a harrowing account of a gym member who narrowly escaped death after a bullet was fired into her bedroom.

    According to Kate, the woman had returned from a trip and retired to bed, exhausted.

    Detailing the incident, Henshaw said the woman discovered by morning that her bedroom window had been shattered and a lone bullet lay on the floor.

    Read Also: Birthday message to Kate Henshaw, sincere, not flirtatious – Jim Iyke

    “Imagine coming back from a trip the night before, bone tired & exhausted. You fall asleep & wake up the next morning, pull up your blinds & see your bedroom window shattered. You look around, wondering what had happened, then you sight a lone bullet on your bedroom floor.

    “This is the account from a gym member to me this morning. God gave her one more day… Only He could have given her sleep when the enemy wanted to carry out evil. One bullet away from the grave. One more day, each day, blessed Lord. Thank you, Elohim. Alleluia to your holy name,” she tweeted.

  • AMAA ‘25: Bukky Wright bags ‘Best Supporting Actress’ nomination

    AMAA ‘25: Bukky Wright bags ‘Best Supporting Actress’ nomination

    Seasoned actress Bukky Wright has received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the upcoming Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) 2025.

    This nomination marks a significant milestone in Wright’s comeback journey after a long hiatus.

    The actress, on Instagram, expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her return to Nollywood, saying their love and encouragement mean the world to her.

    She wrote: “We’re back! My heart is so full.
    After some time away from the screen, stepping back into storytelling feels like rediscovering a piece of myself I truly missed. To be nominated as Best Supporting Actress for this film is beyond humbling.

    “To everyone who believed in me, supported me, and welcomed me back with so much love — thank you from the depths of my heart. Your support means more than words can say”.

    Read Also: Bukky Wright celebrates son Eniola’s wedding, prays for blessed union

    Wright also congratulated Nora Awolowo on her nomination-worthy project, “Red Circle”, and thanked her for choosing her for the role.

    “I also want to say Congratulations, @noraawolowo. You deserve your flowers for the effort and hard work you put into it! Thank you for choosing me.

    “This is for every dream that took a pause but never died”, she added.

    The actress’s return to Nollywood has been widely celebrated, with fans and colleagues alike praising her versatility, elegance, and enduring talent.

    The AMAA 2025 ceremony promises to be an exciting event, with talented actors and filmmakers from across Africa in attendance.