The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • US Judge dismisses Drake’s case in Kendrick Lamar feud

    US Judge dismisses Drake’s case in Kendrick Lamar feud

    Canadian rapper Drake has suffered a legal setback after a U.S. judge dismissed his defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s viral diss track “Not Like Us.”

    Drake had filed the case in January 2025, accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) of promoting and profiting from the track, which he argued falsely portrayed him as a pedophile and damaged his reputation.

    However, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled that the lyrics amounted to “nonactionable opinion,” stressing that the heated nature of rap battles often includes hyperbole, insults, and figurative language that reasonable listeners would not take as literal truth.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    UMG welcomed the ruling, calling it a win for creative expression and warning against attempts to use the courts to censor artists.

    The case stems from the long-running feud between Drake and Lamar, which escalated in 2024 when both rappers exchanged diss tracks, culminating in Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” a hit that dominated charts and conversations worldwide.

  • Tim Godfrey backs gospel artists charging fees

    Tim Godfrey backs gospel artists charging fees

    Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has defended gospel artists who charge fees for their performances, insisting that ministry and professionalism are not mutually exclusive.

    In a recent social media post, Godfrey stressed that fair compensation is vital for sustaining a ministry, adding that charging for performances does not make an artist less spiritual.

    Recalling his early experiences, the singer said there were times he was paid with food items such as tubers of yam and a live chicken after performances. 

    He noted, however, that times have changed and artists deserve fair financial recognition for their work and contributions to the ministry.

    He said, “I don’t like coming. Okay, Coming to Nigeria became difficult because of how artists are being treated so badly.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    “And I want to say it’s all of those stories of why they’re charging? Why are they collecting money? Why are they doing this? It got me so, so mad. I said why are people wicked?

    “What sense does it make that people work so hard, and you are saying they should take… I have collected tubers of yams as honorarium. I have collected a full, alive, living, working, breathing chicken as honorarium.

    “And that is what I’m going to use to pay school fees, pay house rent, and buy property? No. That is so unfair. That is absolutely unfair.”

  • I’ll get a tribal mark at 50 – 9ice

    I’ll get a tribal mark at 50 – 9ice

    Indigenous singer Abolore Adegbola Akande popularly known as 9ice has announced plans to get a tribal mark at 50, inspired by his father who bears the same mark.

    In a video shared on TikTok page, the Ogbomosho-born singer revealed that he wants to honor his heritage and family tradition.

    “By the time I’m 50, I will get the same mark as my dad. That’s what I want to do for my birthday. A lot of my boys said I won’t do that, but, you will see,” he stated.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    9ice is known for incorporating Yoruba language and proverbs into his music and his decision comes as part of his journey to reconnect with his traditional beliefs.

    Tribal marks are a symbol of identity, beauty, and cultural affiliation.

    In an interview with Nancy Isime in August 2025, 9ice shared that he is a traditional worshipper, having turned to Ifa priesthood after a life-threatening illness.

    He expressed regret for not embracing traditional practices earlier, referencing the significance of cultural heritage in his life.

  • Why I hid featured artists on ‘FUJI’ album – Adekunle Gold

    Why I hid featured artists on ‘FUJI’ album – Adekunle Gold

    Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has spoken about his decision to keep the featured artists on his album ‘FUJI’ a secret.

    In an interview on Cool FM, Adekunle said he wanted listeners to focus on the music rather than getting caught up in the hype surrounding the guest appearances.

    Adekunle Gold emphasised that the music itself was the priority, stating, “The only thing that mattered was music, the song, not the optics of it, not who’s on it.”

    By keeping the features under wraps, Adekunle Gold aimed to create a more immersive experience for his fans, encouraging them to enjoy the album from start to finish without distractions.

    According to him, people have become too focused on the artists featured on a track rather than appreciating the music as a whole.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    He said: “Because I feel like I feel like we’re so spoiled now that we just don’t even understand how to enjoy music anymore.

    “When I made my first album, I had only one feature. And was it my one of my greatest work? Yes. So I’m like, you know, I need to go back to simpler times when what matters to me is the music, not okay, who’s on it? Yeah, I need you to enjoy the music.

    “Whoever voice you hear on it and all of that. Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll reveal it later to you.

    “But first, before fixating on Oh, I need to listen to this one because somebody’s on it. Yeah, enjoy the journey. Yeah, I crafted this album intentionally.

    “That’s why I said, listen to it from top to bottom. Because that’s the only way normal people should listen to music. 

    “Why would you want to skip just because there’s a feature there and then it makes no sense. I mean, because I make music and I am very intentional about how I make my music as well. So I hid the feature intentionally because I want to enjoy the music or do all the guesswork you want to do and all of that just enjoy the music. And then you can find out”. 

  • I don’t get appreciated enough – Tiwa Savage

    I don’t get appreciated enough – Tiwa Savage

    Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has stated she feels underappreciated in the music industry despite her significant contributions. 

    In an interview on the Off Air Show, she stated that Nigerians and the industry don’t give her enough accolades, despite being one of the most-awarded female artists in Africa.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    When asked if she felt she had received her flowers from the industry, Tiwa replied, “No. I’m sorry, I don’t”.

    This sentiment comes after she praised colleagues, including Ayra Starr, Tems, and Diamond Platnumz, for their talents and contributions to the industry.

  • Regina Daniels to gift fans N10m on birthday

    Regina Daniels to gift fans N10m on birthday

    Actress Regina Daniels is spreading joy to fans by giving away N10 million to 10 lucky winners for her birthday. 

    In an Instagram post, the mother of two expressed excitement about marking another year of life, claiming she hasn’t felt this enthusiastic about her birthday in six years.

    Regina attributed the renewed enthusiasm to her newfound appreciation for life, motherhood, and her loving family.

    She reflected on how her perspective on birthdays changed after joining her husband’s family, which didn’t prioritise celebrations.

    However, she said she’s now embracing the joy of celebrating life and giving to others.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    She said: “Guys, I know this might turn into a long one, but let’s just call it a little self-reflection note. Believe it or not, I haven’t felt this much excitement about celebrating my birthday in the last six years. Funny thing is, I used to absolutely love birthdays back in the day—until I joined my beautiful family that didn’t really care for celebrations.

    “But I’m happy everyone now sees the need to celebrate life and ofcourse with motherhood and wifey duties that energy slowly shifted. You know this past year has made me realize God has so much in store for me because tell me why a girl as young as I am yet so old in soul is carrying generations while building hers. You see why I say even God Dey do partial.

    “Here’s the icing on the cake. There’s something I’ve been enjoying doing for a while now and that is gifting my online fam… so since 10/10 is my code, let’s make 10 people millionaires. That’s to say A million each. I don’t even know how to go about it, I guess pick randomly”.

  • I can afford to fail as a musician but not as a father – Adekunle Gold

    I can afford to fail as a musician but not as a father – Adekunle Gold

    Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has claimed wife, Simi, and daughter, Adejare, are the heart of his world and he cannot afford to fail them.

    The ‘FUJI’ crooner, on the NotJustOk podcast, stressed that while he could handle a faltering music career, failing as a father or man is non-negotiable.

    Inspired by his desire to give Adejare a better childhood, Adekunle said he poured this resolve into songs like ‘My Love Is The Same’.

    READ ALSO: Mama Rainbow celebrates 60 years on stage

    He said: “All I wanted to be is to do more for my own daughter because I can’t afford to bring her to the kind of life that I grow up living. It has to be way better. And that’s why I’m working hard.

    “My family is my centre. I don’t joke with my family. I can afford to be a failed musician, not a failed father or a man. That’s not negotiable for me.”

  • Mama Rainbow celebrates 60 years on stage

    Mama Rainbow celebrates 60 years on stage

    Veteran actress Idowu Phillips popularly known as Mama Rainbow, is celebrating 60 years on stage.

    In a Instagram post, she shared breathtaking photos from her 83rd photo shoot, expressing gratitude for the grace, passion, and dedication that have defined her illustrious career.

    Mama Rainbow credited her amazing team, including director, dress designer, makeup artist, and hairstylist, for bringing her vision to life.

    READ ALSO; Naira rallies as FX speculations drop, reserves cross $43b mark

    “60 Years on Stage | 83rd Pictures. What a journey it has been — 60 years of grace, passion, and dedication on stage, captured beautifully in my 83rd pictures. None of this would have been possible without an amazing team that brought this vision to life,” she wrote on Instagram.

    As she marks this significant achievement, fans and well-wishers have joined in celebrating a lifetime of outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.

  • Nigerian artists fees becoming unrealistic – Mr. Jollof

    Nigerian artists fees becoming unrealistic – Mr. Jollof

    Entertainer Mr. Jollof has expressed concerns about the high performance fees charged by Nigerian music artists, calling them “unrealistic”.

    He warned, via Instagram story, that it could negatively impact the festive season’s celebrations.

    Mr. Jollof urged artists to reconsider their rates, showing empathy towards fans and event organisers struggling with high expenses.

    According to him, the current trend could make it difficult for promoters and fans to enjoy the usual excitement of December events.

    READ ALSO; Naira rallies as FX speculations drop, reserves cross $43b mark

    Mr. Jollof emphasised the need for balance and understanding between artists and event organisers, encouraging the entertainment industry to work together to maintain the festive spirit.

    He reminded artists that music is about connection and celebration, particularly during December festivities.

    “Dear Nigerian music artists, the current rate of billing is becoming unrealistic. If it continues, this festive season might not deliver the energy we expect. 

    “Fans promoters and communities are struggling with costs, there will be a justification to pay such high amounts. Please let’s be reasonable so December can remain a season of joy, not disappointment,” he said.

  • Ijinle Kennery set to release album ahead of European tour

    Ijinle Kennery set to release album ahead of European tour

    Kennery music act, Afe Fakorede Ojo, who is fondly called Ijinle kennery by his fans, is putting final touches to his anticipated album ahead of his scheduled European tour.

    Dios Manda Entertainment, a Spain-based entertainment outfit is finalising arrangements to ensure that Ijinle Kennery hits Europe soon with his kennery vibes.

    Winner Omo Gisanrin, the show promoter and boss of  Dios Manda Entertainment, said his outfit have concluded arrangements for the tour.

    Having established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Kennery genre on the local scene, Ijinle Kennery is now set to take his music beyond the shores of Nigeria.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Council of state backs Tinubu’s nominee, Prof. Amupitan as INEC chairman

    The budding star is one of the few music acts who have perfected the unique style made popular by the late Kennery legend, Orlando Owoh.

    Ijinle Kennery, a product of a culturally-rich family from Irun Akoko, Ondo state, said he fell in love with the Kennery genre of music early in life.

    The opportunity to fulfill his dream presented itself around 2010 when he formed his first music band. In 2013, he came out with his debut album, ‘Tribute to Orlando Owoh.’

    The album, which was a sold-out, was a resounding success as it erased the doubt that Kenneryusic may have died with the passing of Orlando Owoh.

    With the acceptance by the lovers and fans of Owoh, Ijinle kennery took further steps to solidify his entry with his sophomore album, titled ‘Eru Obodo’ in 2014.

    From that point, he has refused to look back, churning out albums after albums. Between 2017 and 2024, he has recorded the albums including, ‘Our Democray’ in 2017; ‘Ire ti Ola’ in 2018; ‘Yan’niyan timi’ in 2021; ‘Success is a trap’ in 2022 and ‘Legacy Dr Orlando Owoh’ and ‘Current Affairs’ in 2024.