The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Stephen Akintayo hosts 4-hour gospel praise marathon

    Stephen Akintayo hosts 4-hour gospel praise marathon

    In celebration of his 40th birthday, Stephen Akintayo, founder of Gtext Holdings, held a four-hour praise celebration held at the Oriental Hotel.

    To commemorate the milestone, Akintayo hosted a marathon praise event, featuring an intense worship session led by Steve Hills and Tkeyz. The atmosphere was further energized with dance ministrations from Blessing Lopez and gospel singer Onos Ariyo.

    One of the notable goodwill messages at the event came from Cosmas Maduka, founder and chairman of the Coscharis Group, who described Akintayo as a rare individual with an exceptional heart.

    “Dr. Stephen Akintayo is a young man who scares his fears. I am shocked he is 40; one would think he is much older. He walks with seasoned and established people. He has washed his hands with the elders and can eat with them. Considering what he has achieved at this age, I am convinced that there is much more ahead,” Maduka said.

    Also speaking at the celebration, former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, reflected on his early encounters with Akintayo in the industry, describing him as humble and deeply rooted despite his success.

    “I have known Dr. Stephen for a very long time, and I am grateful to see how far God has brought him. Many people get to this height and forget their roots, but Dr. Stephen is different. He constantly acknowledges his source, and that is why we are all gathered here to celebrate God in his life,” Okiro said.

    Mrs. Godfrey Ogbechie, wife of the Group Managing Director, Rain Oil lauded Stephen for his strides in real estate.

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    “Dr. Stephen is a great man. I have watched and read about him afar. Then we became close, I am grateful for that. He is a very focused and industrious young man,” she added.

    From the Bahamas, Dr. Dave Burrows, Lead Pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, also sent his goodwill message to the celebrant.

    The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Pastor Godman Akinlabi, Global Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church; Pastor Seun Osigbesan and Seun Osigbesan; Tope Mark-Odigie, entrepreneur and Co-host of TVC’s Your View, Zaaki Azzay, a renowned Nigerian singer, among others.

    Born in the Gonge area of Maiduguri, Borno State, Akintayo began his entrepreneurial journey with Gilead Balm Group, a company that initially provided database-driven marketing solutions, helping Nigerians reach prospects through curated phone-number databases. The business later evolved into what is now known as Gtext Holdings.

  • I want to use my music to promote international peace, says Emperor Joe

    I want to use my music to promote international peace, says Emperor Joe

    A budding Nigerian artist, Joseph Olubayo Osupala aka Emperor Joe, has expressed his desire to use his music as a platform to promote international peace, social harmony and cultural integration.

    The emerging musician, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English Language) from the University of Ado-Ekiti, said his artistic vision goes beyond entertainment, focusing on spreading messages that encourage unity across cultures, ethnicities and religious backgrounds.

    Emperor Joe explained that music remains one of the strongest universal languages, capable of bridging divides and fostering understanding among people from different parts of the world.

    Through his songs, he seeks to promote a culture of peace while projecting gospel values that emphasise love, tolerance and coexistence.

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    Some of his songs include ‘Sound of Victory,’ ‘Sure Mercy,’ ‘Lifted Soul,’ and ‘Iro Didun,’ which are currently available on major streaming platforms. The tracks reflect his commitment to using music as a tool for inspiration, spiritual upliftment and positive social messaging.

    This fusion of education and creativity has helped shape his identity as an artist with a strong message and purpose.

    In an era marked by rising global tensions and social fragmentation, the artist believes musicians have a responsibility to influence positive change.

    He hopes to emerge as a global voice advocating peace culture and social responsibility through music.

  • Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: Afrobeat legend to get prestigious Grammy award

    Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: Afrobeat legend to get prestigious Grammy award

    Twenty Nine years after the death of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the Afrobeat progenitor will be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award by the Recording Academy, producers of the global music award, Grammy.

    For the 68th edition of the awards ceremony, which takes place on January 31, 2026, Fela will be honoured with the lifetime achievement awards ahead of his 88th posthumous birthday on October 15, 2026. The award will be received in Los Angeles, United States of America by Yeni Kuti, Femi Kuti and Kunle Kuti, representing the family and the wider Afrobeat community.

    The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 1962, honours performers with outstanding creative contributions to recording, and who, during their lifetimes, made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording. The first recipient of the award was Bing Crosby in 1963.

    The Academy credits the late Fela with shaping modern Nigerian Afrobeats, influencing global artists such as Beyoncé, Paul McCartney and Thom Yorke, and leaving a legacy that lives on through his family, the Kalakuta Museum and the New Afrika Shrine. As the creator of Afrobeat, he composed, recorded and performed over 200 songs.

    In 2025, Fela’s 1976 album ‘Zombie’ was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The honour was accepted by his sons Femi and Seun Kuti. Although Fela never received a Grammy nomination while alive, he has now been rewarded for his inestimable contributions to the world of music with the posthumous honour and Lifetime Achievement Awards. His sons and grandson have earned multiple Grammy nominations. Between the sons and grandson, the Kuti family has a total of eight Grammy nominations with Femi Kuti receiving six across the World Music and Global Music categories, Seun Kuti receiving one nomination in the Best World Music Album category and Made Kuti receiving a nomination.

    Read Also: Fela, Wizkid comparison: A storm in a teacup?

    Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, a Nigerian musician, bandleader and activist who pioneered Afrobeat lived between October 15, 1938 and August 2, 1997. He became one of the most influential cultural figures in modern African history.

    He studied classical music at Trinity College of Music, London – now known as Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance – from 1959, playing in jazz and rock bands and experimenting with styles that later shaped Afrobeat. 

    Fela developed and created an uncommon sound by fusing highlife, jazz, funk, and traditional Yoruba music with extended grooves, horn arrangements and politically charged lyrics. He christened it Afrobeat. This genre, Afrobeat, became the sonic foundation for modern Nigerian and African popular music widely known as Afrobeats. Many Nigerian and African artists draw their influences from Fela’s sounds and songs. Fela on Broadway, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, Felabration art exhibitions and more are all part of Fela’s ever lasting legacy.

    Fela’s activism saw him attacking military rule, corruption and social injustice in Nigeria, which led to repeated harassment, raids and imprisonment by successive military regimes through his reign as a musician.

    Although Fela died two years before the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria, his children have preserved and grown his legacy. Yeni, Femi and Seun Kuti have become custodians of their father’s work while also extending and adapting his vision to contemporary African struggles and global platforms.

    Yeni Kuti conceived Felabration, a festival in honour of the life of the musician and activist; The New Afrika Shrine, a living cultural hub that presents live Afrobeat performances, debates, and art rooted in Fela’s ethos is run by Femi and Yeni Kuti; and the Kalakuta Museum, Fela’s former residence in Ikeja, which functions as an archive and tourist site that keeps his story accessible to new audiences is managed by Kunle Kuti.

    In the same vein, Yeni, Femi and Kunle Kuti have been formally recognised by courts as the administrators of Fela’s Estate, to which they collectively make key decisions about the use of Fela’s name, image, likeness and other intellectual property, ensuring that projects align with his values and the family’s long-term vision.

  • Opulence entertainment unveils Osa’s Vantage

    Opulence entertainment unveils Osa’s Vantage

    • By Ganiyat Mumuni

    Opulence Entertainment has officially unveiled ‘Osa’s Vantage,’ a Hollywood original television series focused on the experiences and global ambitions of black professionals.

    The film was unveiled with a special event attended by industry stakeholders and cultural leaders. The guests include the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, Senator Daisy Danjuma among others.

    Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Opulence Entertainment, Owen Osagie Odigie, said the series has been in development for nearly two years and is inspired by his personal journey across finance, leadership and creative storytelling.

    Odigie, a Columbia Business School graduate, who served as student body president and commencement speaker, said the idea for ‘Osa’s Vantage’ emerged from a noticeable gap in global media representation.

    “I observed a shortage of authentic stories that capture the realities of young Black professionals not just in New York or the United States, but globally,” he said.

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    Odigie, who was motivated to address this gap, said he made the decision to walk away from a career in Wall Street consulting to establish Opulence Entertainment, a company built around creativity, capital and culture.

    “This approach allows us to own and scale the project while partnering with global distributors such as Netflix, Amazon and HBO,” he explained.

    The project has attracted 14 investors from the United States, the United Kingdom and Nigeria with at least three Nigerian investors already confirmed and more expected to come on board.

    ‘Osa’s Vantage’ centers on what Odigie described as global Black ambition, a theme that shapes both the narrative focus and the operational philosophy of the series.

    “The series begins with my story, but the vision is to eventually tell the stories of Black professionals around the world,” he said.

  • Judith Audu Productions unveils cast EVI

    Judith Audu Productions unveils cast EVI

    Judith Audu Productions, in collaboration with Switch Visuals Productions, Signet Rings Productions, and NOI Productions, has announced the upcoming release of the compelling new musical film entitled ‘EVI’.

    Written and directed by Uyoyou Adia, and powered by CCHUB in partnership with Africa No Filter and the Gates Foundation, the movie explores themes of arrogance, addiction, humility, and the difficult road to self-discovery and second chances.

    ‘EVI’ tells the story of Evi-Oghene Donalds, a fiercely talented but notoriously arrogant rising star in the music industry. Her world shatters when her record label goes bankrupt, leaving her with nothing. Forced to trade the spotlight for a lounge stage and a waitressing job, Evi begins the painful process of rebuilding her life.

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    Her only hope lies with Kola Adeloye, a once-respected talent manager now battling severe alcohol and gambling addictions. Their desperate, complicated partnership becomes a journey of mutual redemption, testing the limits of loyalty when Evi’s career miraculously takes off once more.

    The film features a stellar cast, including Osas Okonyon, who takes on the titular role of Evi, Uzor Arukwe, Omowunmi Dada, Ibrahim Suleiman, Waje Iruobe, Tomiwa Tegbe, and Femi Branch, among others.

    Speaking on her role as lead actress, Okonyon said; “Stepping into the world of ‘EVI’ for my first feature role has been a transformative experience. Evi’s journey is a powerful reminder that talent is only half the story—humility and who you choose to bring along are just as important. It’s a privilege to debut with a character that has so much heart and an inspiring arc of redemption.”

    Also speaking, producer of the flick, Judith Audu, said that ‘EVI’ is more than just a story about the music industry; it’s a deep dive into the cost of arrogance and the profound value of loyalty and resilience.

    The film is set to start showing in cinemas across Nigeria on March 27, 2026.

  • How Airo Uche turned music, nature, and community into a movement

    How Airo Uche turned music, nature, and community into a movement

    Airo Uche recently hosted an experience session to unveil his latest single, ‘Apple of my eyes.’ The venue was Grillz by Waterside and the experience was one that would gently disrupt the ordinary and replace it with something richer, more intentional, and deeply human. Using music as both the anchor and the conversation starter, the event explored lifestyle, connection, and the possibility of sparking a new cultural rhythm rooted in authenticity.

    At the heart of the gathering was ‘Apple of My Eyes,’ Airo Uche’s latest single. Introduced in a space designed for natural connection, the song found its audience exactly where it belonged, among friends, families, and fans who were ready to receive it without pretense.

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    A mid-tempo love theme, ‘Apple of My Eyes’ celebrates intimacy, appreciation, and the quiet power of choosing one another every day. It speaks to couples, partners, and anyone who understands that love is both tender and deliberate.

    The song’s reception was immediate and affirming. As it played, reactions unfolded in real time, smiles, nods, shared glances, and moments of reflection. For Airo Uche and his team, this was the true value of a listening session: the chance to witness honest responses, gather unfiltered feedback, and fine-tune creative decisions before taking the music to a wider audience. The experience reinforced their confidence in the project and fueled a renewed commitment to pushing Apple of My Eyes with greater energy and purpose.

    Airo Uche describes his artistry as a constant evolution. His sound grows as he grows, shaped by everyday experiences and universal emotions. Love, he believes, has no expiration date, people fall in love and are loved every single day. His music aims to represent all times, offering something listeners can return to whenever they need comfort, joy, or reassurance.

  • Dr. Wilson Joel joins Yivera board

    Dr. Wilson Joel joins Yivera board

    Yivera Co, a global music technology and digital distribution company focused on empowering independent artists and rights holders, has appointed Nigerian music executive, Dr. Wilson Joel, to its Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director.

    The appointment took effect on December 8, 2025.

    The appointment marks a strategic move by the company as it prepares to roll out Yivera 2.0, aimed at strengthening its governance structure, expanding its global outlook and deepening its influence within the international music industry.

    Dr. Joel, popularly known as MusicMagnate, is a Nigerian-born, United States–based media entrepreneur and music business leader with over 20 years of international experience.

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    He is widely respected for his creative and executive leadership, having served for nine years as Music Director of House on the Rock’s The Experience Lagos, widely regarded as the largest gospel concert in the world.

    In his new role, Dr. Joel is expected to provide strategic direction and independent oversight to Yivera’s management, contribute to board deliberations, ensure adherence to global governance and compliance standards, and support the company’s growth through his extensive international network. He will also play a key role in championing fairness, transparency and improved compensation for African creators in the global music ecosystem.

    Announcing the appointment, Yivera’s Chief Executive Officer, Martins Okonkwo, described it as a major milestone. “Dr. Wilson Joel’s experience with global institutions such as Universal Music Group and Sony Music, combined with his creative work reaching over 40 million listeners worldwide, brings exceptional depth to our Board as we expand across Africa, North America and beyond,” he said.

    Dr. Joel’s portfolio spans music production, film scoring and live concert direction. He has contributed to Nollywood productions such as Tango with Me and Hakkunde, and produced the Nigerian National Anthem for EbonyLife Television. His honours include a Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Music and Management and multiple industry awards.

  • Halima Abubakar seeks help for brain tumour surgery, accommodation

    Halima Abubakar seeks help for brain tumour surgery, accommodation

    Actress Halima Abubakar has renewed her public appeal for financial assistance, saying she urgently needs funds to undergo brain tumour surgery while grappling with homelessness and mounting medical bills.

    During a recent live broadcast, the actress disclosed that she has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and was recently forced out of her residence, a development she said has left her “homeless and desperate”.

    She explained that her situation worsened after she exhausted her savings to pay for her mother’s hernia surgery, which cost N9 million in October last year.

    Abubakar said she attempted to use money earlier contributed for her medical treatment to settle her rent but was turned away by her landlady, leaving her without accommodation.

    In an emotional plea, she called on prominent individuals and the public for support, directly mentioning Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State; social media activist VeryDarkMan; and Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, saying, “I need your help”.

    “I have just been evicted from my house. I have been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Yesterday, my caretaker came to tell me to leave the house. The money contributed for my health, which I wanted to use to pay my rent, was rejected by my landlady,” she said.

    “Do they want me to kill myself? From one situation to another, I have packed all my belongings and I have nowhere to go. I do not want to kill myself.

    “Yahaya Bello, VDM, Seyi Tinubu, everyone, I need your help. I have nobody. I cannot even reach any celebrities; none of them is answering my calls. I called Don Jazzy, but there was no response. What did I do?

    “I have a brain tumour. Nigerians, please help me. What have I done that everyone is turning their back on me? I withdrew my surgery money to pay my rent, but my landlady refused to accept it. I need help from Nigerians for money to handle many things.

    “I would not have come out to seek help if not for my mother’s hospital bill, which I paid in October. It was N9 million for her hernia surgery, and I am still owing.”

    Read Also: Bisola Badmus reveals three-year battle with brain tumour

    The actress also pushed back against allegations that she was exaggerating her condition to solicit sympathy or money, insisting that her health challenges are real.

    “Only a mad person would lie about being sick. It is embarrassing and heartbreaking that people think I am lying. I am coming out publicly to seek help because I have asked people around me and received none. I am ashamed to do this, but it is my only option,” she added.

    Providing further details of her condition, Abubakar said she now requires about N25 million to cover surgery, post-operative care, accommodation, and daily living expenses.

    “I have nothing to my name anymore except the money contributed for my surgery. I have suffered too much.

    “I need the help of my state governor. I need enough money for my surgery. My spleen needs to be removed. I need accommodation and feeding. I relocated to Abuja to be close to the hospital, Turkish Hospital. I have been on medication for a year now. I need N25 million for my health.”

    This is not the first time the actress has sought public assistance.

    In February 2025, she appealed to the Kogi State government for help, although she did not then reveal details of her illness. In 2022, Abubakar announced her withdrawal from acting, citing health-related challenges.

  • Viral teen waste seller gets education scholarship, N7m

    Viral teen waste seller gets education scholarship, N7m

    A 19-year-old Nigerian boy, Samuel, has gone viral on social media for selling plastic waste and cartons to raise money for tiling tools.

    The heartwarming story took a turn when a content creator, Bayuztv, helped Samuel, leaving him in tears.

    Samuel, who learned tiling years ago, needed tools like a cutting machine and mallet to start working professionally.

    The 19-year-old boy who kept struggling to collect waste to earn N1,000-N2,000 per bag, was surprised by the content creator with a haircut, new clothes, a meal, and some of the tools he needed.

    Samuel was also given a phone, N50,000 cash, and his mother received N1 million.

    The gesture sparked a wave of support, with fans donating N7.05 million to help Samuel and his family.

    Samuel was also awarded a scholarship covering his education up to university level, securing his future.

  • Yekini Ibrahim’s ‘Koleoso’ breaks record, hits 100 million YouTube views

    Yekini Ibrahim’s ‘Koleoso’ breaks record, hits 100 million YouTube views

    Actor and producer Yekini Ibrahim, popularly known as Iteledicon, has announced that his film “Koleoso” has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, a first for a Nollywood title and African movie.

    In an Instagram post, Ibrahim expressed pride in his achievement, crediting his team, family, and fans for their support.

    He described the milestone as proof of hard work, consistency, and creativity.

    He wrote, “History. Record. Legacy. Koleoso hits 100million + views. In total. Officially, the first Nollywood title and the first African movie title to hit this milestone on YouTube as one title. Yes—one title. One story. One movement.

    “Hard work. Consistency. Creativity. From day zero, we won this. Let this be known that I, Ibrahim Yekini Bakare (Iteledicon), am the FIRST to pull this stunt in the history of Nollywood. Do not deny me my flower.

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    “I am proud of myself, proud of my team, proud of my family.

    “This is a strong fan base. My Koleoso family, my legends—you made this happen.

    To the cast and crew—this is our win. This is a win for Nollywood. This is a win for Africa. A win for the culture. A win for the Yorubas. A win for Nigeria.

    “This hits different. This is loud. This is magical. This is unbelievable. This is golden. Please use your calculator for clarity. Numbers don’t lie.”