Category: Entertainment

  • BBNaija star Bella pays tribute to sister’s deceased triplets

    BBNaija star Bella pays tribute to sister’s deceased triplets

    Former Big Brother Naija star Bella Okagbue has paid tribute her sister Oge Okagbue’s triplets, Zion, Zoe, and Ziva, who passed away at six months of pregnancy.

    Bella expressed profound grief while cherishing the brief but meaningful impact the babies had on their family.

    She wrote: “You were here for such a brief moment, but the love you brought into our lives will last forever. Your strength and spirit shone brightly, and I’m grateful for every precious second we shared.”

    She also commended her sister’s strength in enduring the heartbreaking ordeal, offering words of love and support.

    “To my sister @oge_okagbue, your strength during this tough time is nothing short of inspiring. I love you more than words can say. Rest peacefully, little ones”, she added.

    Oge, also via Instagram, shared painful experience of losing the triplets four months ago after entering early labor.

    She described the overwhelming sense of loss as the plans and dreams for her children vanished.

    “I don’t usually share the sad parts of my story, but today, my heart tells me someone might need to hear this. Four months ago, I lost my triplet pregnancy at six months. Three little blessings I carried with so much love and hope.

    Read Also: BBNaija S10’s Kola speaks on bond with Imisi, first encounter with Dede

    “The day I went into early labour, my world felt like it stopped. The dreams, the names, the plans, everything suddenly disappeared. There are no words that can truly describe that kind of pain,” she said.

    Oge, despite the grief, emphasised her faith in a divine purpose and encouraged others facing similar losses to embrace their healing process, acknowledging
    that it varies from day to day.

    “Though I may never understand why, I’m learning to trust that God’s plan, even when it hurts, still carries purpose. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting; it means learning to live again, to smile again, and to hold on to faith even through the tears,” she added.

    She expressed gratitude for life and vowed to keep the memory of her triplets alive in her heart.

    She encouraged others dealing with grief to take their time, “I share this not for sympathy, but to remind someone who may be quietly grieving, you are not alone. Your pain is valid, your story matters, and even in loss, there is still love and light waiting ahead. If you’re walking this journey, take your time. Healing isn’t a straight line; some days you’ll cry, some days you’ll smile, and both are okay.”

    “Thank you, God, for giving me another chance at life. I’m grateful for Your mercy, protection, and strength through it all. To my precious babies: Zion, Zoe, and Ziva, you will never be forgotten. Forever in my heart”, she added.

    The sisters’ posts have prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans and followers, who have offered messages of support and solidarity during this tragic period.

  • Imisi surpasses Mercy Eke, Phyna in BBNaija winners’ rankings

    Imisi surpasses Mercy Eke, Phyna in BBNaija winners’ rankings

    Since its inception, Big Brother Naija has crowned ten winners, but only a few have achieved decisive victories based on official final vote percentages.

    Laycon, the Season 5 winner, holds the record for the highest vote share, commanding 60.00 percent.

    In a recent triumph, Imisi, the Season 10 champion, made her mark in BBNaija history with an impressive 42.80 percent of the final votes—one of the strongest winning margins in recent seasons.

    Her performance surpassed those of past female winners, including Mercy Eke, Phyna, and Ilebaye.

    Below are the past 10 winners of the reality TV show.

    Read Also: Strategies, tactics that helped Imisi win BBNAIJA’10/10′ Season

    1 Laycon (Season 5 – 2020) – 60.00%

    2 Efe Ejeba (Season 2 – 2017) – 57.61%

    3 Katung Aduwak (Season 1 – 2006) – 51.30%

    4 Whitemoney (Season 6 – 2021) – 46.52%

    5 Imisi (Season 10 – 2025) – 42.80%

    6. Mercy Eke (Season 4 – 2019) – 41.77%

    7. Phyna (Season 7 – 2022) – 40.74%

    8. Miracle Igbokwe (Season 3 – 2018) – 38.18%

    9. Kellyrae (Season 9 – 2024) – 35.95%

    10 Ilebaye (Season 8 – 2023 – All Stars) – 30.08%

    Big Brother Naija, a highly popular African reality TV show, brings together housemates from Nigeria to live in isolation for weeks, engaging in tasks, games, and social interactions.

    Weekly evictions are decided by public votes.

    The show concluded with a live finale where viewers’ votes, based on popularity, strategy, and audience connection, determine the winner, who receives a grand prize typically including millions in cash, a car, and endorsement deals.

  • BBNaija S10: Kola defends feelings for Dede, calls out Jason

    BBNaija S10: Kola defends feelings for Dede, calls out Jason

    Big Brother Naija Season 10 finalist, Kola, has opened up about his genuine interest in fellow housemate Dede while taking a swipe at Jason during a post-show interview.

    Kola clarified that his affection for Dede went beyond surface attraction, emphasizing that he was drawn to her personality and depth.

    “I wanted to know her on a deeper level. When I say deeper level, I just didn’t want the softest level of getting to know her,” he explained.

    The reality star acknowledged that Dede had her own boundaries and admirers in the house, but maintained that his emotions were sincere.

    “I knew for a fact that she had somebody else like me. I knew the boundaries she had, but I just wanted to know her on a deeper level, and I think that is normal. I’m human at the end of the day. My feelings were my feelings,” Kola said.

    In what appeared to be a direct jab at Jason, Kola accused him of hypocrisy for criticizing his pursuit of Dede despite claiming to be in a relationship outside the house.

    “Now, based on what he was saying, I think the hypocrisy of it all is that you are coming for the chaser. She held herself to a high standard. You moved from one point to the other and kept moving. So, I don’t think you’re in any position to tell me how to go about it if I’m chasing somebody or not, because you yourself were not loyal in any way,” he stated.

    Kola further insisted that, contrary to assumptions, he was never playing multiple women, stressing that his intentions toward Dede were honest.

    “I genuinely liked her, and I’m not going to make it seem like it’s wrong to genuinely like somebody,” he concluded.

  • Pain made me a voice for other women – Blessing Makanjuola

    Pain made me a voice for other women – Blessing Makanjuola

    Blessing Makanjuola, a mental health practitioner, advocate, and feminist, didn’t choose this path; pain chose it for her. Her voice, now calm yet commanding, carries the weight of a story that turned personal suffering into public purpose.

    “I was conscious while they cut me open,” she recalls softly, her eyes distant as though replaying the scene in her mind. “The spinal injection didn’t work, but the doctor began the surgery anyway. By the fourth cut, I held his hand and screamed.”

    That moment, she says, changed her forever. It wasn’t just the physical pain, but the awakening that came with it.

    “It made me realise how women’s voices are often ignored in spaces that concern their own bodies,” Blessing says. “I stopped being silent that day. Pain made me speak.”

    Her story began like many others, a woman preparing for childbirth and trusting the system to care for her. But it took a frightening turn in the operating theatre when her anaesthetic failed. “I could hear everything, feel everything,” she says. “And when the nurse finally shouted that the spinal didn’t work, they had to give me general anaesthesia.”

    The experience left her traumatised, but it also gave her a deeper understanding of the silent suffering many women endure in hospitals. “We are often told to be strong, to endure, to keep quiet,” she says. “But I’ve learned that strength also means speaking up.”

    Her second pregnancy would later teach her even more about autonomy, fear, and faith. She recalls a nurse who questioned her choice to have a C-section, asking why her mother-in-law hadn’t approved.

    “That moment shook me,” Blessing says. “It made me realise that too many women’s bodies are treated like community property. My body is mine. I get to decide what happens to it.”

    Blessing’s journey through trauma, depression, and recovery has now evolved into advocacy. She has become a mental health practitioner, using her story to encourage open conversations around maternal health and emotional healing.

     “Many women go through pain in silence,” she reflects. “They smile through it because they think nobody will understand. But if my voice can help even one woman seek help, then that pain wasn’t wasted.”

    Today, she speaks in calm assurance, not as a victim but as a woman who turned agony into activism. Her message is simple yet powerful: listen to women, believe their stories, and give them the space to heal.

    “I’ve learned that healing doesn’t mean forgetting,” she says with a faint smile. “It means owning your scars and helping others find the strength to face theirs.”

  • Directors need recognition as backbone of Nollywood — Ny Nana

    Directors need recognition as backbone of Nollywood — Ny Nana

    Film director and treasurer of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Lagos Chapter, Oghenenyerhovwo Nana, popularly known as Ny Nana, has urged the Nigerian film industry to give directors the recognition and compensation they deserve.

    Speaking on the evolving role of the DGN, Nana said, “Visibility is no longer enough. Directors need to be recognized as the backbone of the industry and compensated accordingly. The DGN is evolving into not just a community but a bargaining force—one that advocates for fair wages, royalties, and credit recognition both locally and internationally. In the future, I see us moving toward stronger legal protections and professional standards that place directors at the center of negotiations.”

    Nana, who began her career as a radio and television presenter before transitioning into film, also highlighted the importance of financial discipline in sustaining Nollywood. Reflecting on her dual role as a filmmaker and Treasurer of the Guild, she explained:

    “For me, it’s about discipline and perspective. As filmmakers, our creativity drives us, but as Treasurer, I recognize that sustainability in our industry comes from financial accountability. I approach Guild finances with the same attention to detail I bring to storytelling—every number must serve a purpose, just as every scene must serve the story. I balance both roles by separating passion from process. While I create from instinct, I manage resources with structure, transparency, and foresight.”

    She has directed projects including April 1st, Hypocrites Chair, and Thin Line, and is regarded as one of Nollywood’s bold voices advocating for authentic storytelling and industry reform.

  • Peter Okoye urges Nigerians to chase opportunities without fear

    Peter Okoye urges Nigerians to chase opportunities without fear

    Afrobeats star Peter Okoye has shared his thoughts on why wealthy individuals seize opportunities boldly, urging Nigerians to adopt a similar mindset.

    In a post on his X account accompanied by photos with billionaire Aliko Dangote and a throwback picture, Okoye explained that rich people pursue opportunities without worrying about appearances, while shame often prevents the less privileged from progressing.

    He encouraged Nigerians to abandon self-consciousness and fear of judgment, stressing that success lies “on the far side of shame.”

    “Ever seen a rich man with shame? Never. Shame keeps the broke broke. The rich don’t care how they look, chasing opportunity; they just go for it. Everything you dream of sits on the far side of shame. Be shameless and go get it,” he wrote.

    Currently on tour, Okoye added, “On tour at the moment shamelessly shaming my shame.”

  • Tems reflects on early struggles, says authenticity is key to her success

    Tems reflects on early struggles, says authenticity is key to her success

    Grammy-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter Tems has opened up about the struggles she faced at the start of her music career, revealing how difficult it was to be taken seriously both as a producer and as a singer.

    In a recent interview with CNN, Tems recalled feeling overlooked and unsupported during her early years in the industry.

    “It was really hard to get people to take me seriously — not just as a producer, but as a singer, period. I didn’t feel safe, I didn’t feel seen, and I didn’t feel supported for a very long time,” she said.

    The Essence hitmaker emphasized that staying true to herself has always been her guiding principle. “Authenticity is everything to me. That’s the one thing I cannot compromise on because that’s all I have — who I really am,” she stated.

    Tems also revealed that she is now using her platform to provide opportunities for others through her initiative, The Leading Vibe, which she plans to expand beyond Nigeria. The programme aims to empower and support women working behind the scenes in the music industry.

     “There are so many talented women who can be producers, managers, audio engineers — but they’re not even visible,” she said.

    “So, I want to make them visible and create a space where we can redefine the perspective of women in music.

    “We’re definitely taking this beyond Nigeria. Actually, we’re going to Kenya next. There are women everywhere who just need to feel seen. All they need is that platform, all they need is that chance, and I really believe it’s going to change the shape of the music industry for sure”, she said.

    The 30-year-old singer has achieved significant milestones in her career, including winning two Grammy Awards.

    Her first win was in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to Future’s song “Wait For U,” featuring Drake.

    She won her second Grammy in 2025 for Best African Music Performance for her song “Love Me JeJe”.

  • DJ Remmy crowned Best DJ of 2025 at Ebony Ambassadors Awards

    DJ Remmy crowned Best DJ of 2025 at Ebony Ambassadors Awards

    Celebrated UK-based DJ and cultural ambassador, DJ Remmy (Remigius Onyemesim), has clinched the Best DJ of the Year title at the 2025 Ebony Ambassadors African Youth Empowerment Awards (EAAYE). The prestigious ceremony took place on June 7th, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, London, gathering some of the most influential figures across Africa’s creative and cultural landscape.

    The EAAYE Awards honour exceptional Africans and allies in the diaspora whose work uplifts communities, inspires positive change, and celebrates cultural heritage. DJ Remmy’s recognition is a testament to his dynamic artistry, deep cultural awareness, and unwavering commitment to using music as a tool for connection and empowerment.

    Known for his genre-blending sets and magnetic stage presence, DJ Remmy has become a driving force in championing African music and identity on global stages. His craft extends beyond entertainment; it builds bridges. Whether behind the decks or mentoring young creatives, Remmy continues to inspire through his innovation, mentorship, and advocacy for unity.

    His Best DJ of the Year win acknowledges his remarkable impact in shaping contemporary African sound and his dedication to nurturing creativity within his community. The Ebony Ambassadors Awards continue to celebrate visionaries like him who redefine excellence and leadership within the African and diaspora experience.

    Based in Bradford, UK, DJ Remmy is a culture-conscious DJ and creative known for his electrifying fusion of Afrobeat, Amapiano, Dancehall, and global club sounds. Deeply rooted in his Nigerian heritage, he brings a sense of home and belonging to every performance.

    He has performed at notable events such as the Nigerian Festival UK and Blankets & Wine African Festival, consistently creating spaces of joy, unity, and shared identity. Beyond his performances, DJ Remmy actively promotes mental health awareness and creative wellbeing, using music as a healing language that crosses borders and generations

  • Dele Odule shares cryptic posts on pain, strength, and self-worth

    Dele Odule shares cryptic posts on pain, strength, and self-worth

    Veteran Nollywood actor Dele Odule has sparked concern and reflection among fans after sharing a series of cryptic posts about personal pain, emotional resilience, and self-worth on Instagram.

    In his post, Odule revealed that while he has grown used to being left behind, the deeper pain lies in being made to feel special one day and unwanted the next.

    He reflected on relationships, writing that “the wrong person finds you at peace and leaves you shattered, while the right one finds you broken and leads you to peace.”

    Addressing those who say hurtful things and later claim they didn’t mean them, the actor described such behaviour as cruel and declared that he would respond with silence rather than anger.

    Read Also: Why I’m not a good producer, by Dele Odule

    Odule reaffirmed his resolve not to allow anyone to make him feel inadequate and ended his message on a positive note, wishing his followers a wonderful weekend.

    “Leaving me is okay, people leave all the time, I’m used to it. What hurts is, when you made me so special one day, and the next day I was so unwanted. The wrong one will find you in peace and leave you in pieces, the right one will find you in pieces and lead you to peace.

    “After you’ve said the meanest things, you now come back to tell me you never meant it, you’re MEAN, but I’ll crush your ego with silence. I will never allow anyone to make me feel I’m not enough”, he wrote.

  • Funke Akindele is my number one mentor, says BBNaija winner Imisi

    Funke Akindele is my number one mentor, says BBNaija winner Imisi

    Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Imisi, has revealed her admiration for Nollywood star Funke Akindele, describing the filmmaker as her “number one mentor.”

    Speaking to journalists during her prize presentation in Lagos, the reality star expressed her desire to work with Akindele in the near future.

    READ ALSO; Why I stepped aside, by Nnaji

    “Yes, Funke Akindele is my number one mentor. I hope to work with her someday,” Imisi said.

    The reality TV winner, who recently clinched the N150 million grand prize, noted that Akindele’s creativity, resilience, and consistent success in the Nigerian movie industry have been a source of inspiration to her.