The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • How I discovered, signed Ayra Starr – Don Jazzy

    How I discovered, signed Ayra Starr – Don Jazzy

    Music executive Don Jazzy has revealed how he discovered and approached his signee Ayra Starr.

    In an interview, Don Jazzy said he stumbled on Ayra Starr’s Instagram posts and was impressed by her potential.

    According to him, he reached out to a young Gen Z contact, asking if they knew anyone with singing talent in their school or friend circle and the contact sent him several Instagram pages, including Ayra Starr’s page.

    He stated that what caught his attention was a freestyle video Ayra Starr posted where she discussed themes relevant to Gen Z experiences.

    Don Jazzy said he was drawn to her youthful energy and the freshness she brought to Afrobeat music and he slid into her DM, introducing himself and expressing interest in working with her.

    Although she didn’t respond immediately, he said he also reached out to her brother to facilitate communication.

    He said: “I don’t know whether it’s a genius idea or not. It just felt like the industry needed it, you know what I’m saying. For somebody like Ayra, there was a space for a young teenage Afrobeat superstar from Nigeria that we want to make sure becomes global. So it was very intentional.

    Read Also: UK court drops terrorism charge against Kneecap rapper Mo Chara

    “I saw her, she posted on Instagram and I saw it. For her actually, I reached out to one of these young GenZ Ladies that I follow on the internet that everybody said I like to follow people but anyway, I reached out to one of them.

    “I said, hello. I might not be able to come to like you people schools and things like that to Find some of the talents that people have. In your school or in your circle of friends You don’t have somebody, people that can sing that you know All your friends know that the person can sing and this one, this one, this one, this one You say, in my school we have some people, this one, this one, this one.

    “She sent a couple of Instagram pages of some people That oh look at them and you say I look at them. I said, okay fine. They’re not bad I’ll keep watching them to see how they will move on the social media space And luckily for me, one of those days She now saw a video where I was freestyling and sent it to me.

    “I didn’t respond to her before I went to go and approach. Because I saw that video, the context Yeah, the context, what she was talking about in the video was why did you make me to do this? Why did you make me to, why did you give me the drug that I took? I was like, this girl looks young Yeah, I was like we don’t have any Afrobeat song That talks, that talks about this Gen Z What do you call it, experience or whatever. So I went to her and I entered her DM I said, hello, how are you? Whatever.

    “She didn’t answer me first. I saw her brother. I saw a post that she posted with her brother as well I sent a message as well to her brother”.

  • UK court drops terrorism charge against Kneecap rapper Mo Chara

    UK court drops terrorism charge against Kneecap rapper Mo Chara

    The terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh was dismissed by a UK court on Friday due to a technical error.

    Liam Og O hAnnaidh was charged in May for allegedly displaying a flag in support of the banned organisation Hezbollah at a gig in London in November of last year.

    The 27-year-old rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, denied the charge and has described it as political since then.

    During Friday’s trial, Judge Paul Goldspring told Woolwich Crown Court that the charge against O hAnnaidh was “unlawful” and “null”, as the charge was not brought within the six-month time limit.

    In his ruling, the judge outlined that permission was not given to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to consent to the prosecution until May 22, a day after O hAnnaidh was charged.

    If May 22 was considered to be the date of the charge, that was six months and a day after the London gig where the offence allegedly happened, the BBC reported.

    The police failed to ask the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in time to charge him.

    “I find that these proceedings were not instituted in the correct form, lacking the necessary DPP and AG (Attorney General) consent within the six-month statutory time limit,” he said.

    The court had “no jurisdiction to try the charge”, he added as the court erupted in cheers from his supporters.

    In his message, shared by Kneecap, O hAnnaidh said this entire process was “never about me, never about any threat to the public, and never about ‘terrorism’, a word used by your government to discredit people you oppress”.

    “It was always about Gaza. About what happens if you dare to speak up. As people from Ireland we know oppression, colonialism, famine and genocide,” he said in the message shared on X.

    O hAnnaidh added: “If anyone on this planet is guilty of terrorism, it is the British state. Free Palestine!”

    Newsnow

  • Why I turned down marriage proposals – Bimbo Akintola

    Why I turned down marriage proposals – Bimbo Akintola

    Seasoned actress Bimbo Akintola has revealed that she has turned down multiple marriage proposals because she hasn’t found the right partner.

    Speaking in an interview, the 52-year-old said she doesn’t view her single status as a negative, emphasising that she’s waiting for the person she wants to spend her life with.

    “For me not to have found my partner, the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, I don’t see it as a negative. I’ve been proposed to many times, and I’ve said no,” she said.

    She warned against rushing into marriage due to societal pressure, citing Nigeria’s rising divorce rates as a consequence of hasty decisions. 

    Read Also: Nollywood now about looks, not contents- Bimbo Akintola

    “Did you just marry because people say marry? Look at divorce ratings now in Nigeria, it’s skyrocketing. Some people are married before they leave the reception if the marriage has broken up,” she added.

    Akintola also stressed the importance of teaching both sons and daughters equal responsibility and accountability.

    “Teach your sons that their body is the temple of God the same way you teach your daughters. As soon as you impregnate a girl, no more school for you, my dear. Go and work and raise your child,” she said.

    Additionally, she advised women to focus on building relationships with hardworking men rather than those solely defined by wealth.

  • Netizens slam Taye Currency over performance at Olubadan coronation

    Netizens slam Taye Currency over performance at Olubadan coronation

    Fuji singer Taye Currency’s performance at the coronation ceremony of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland has sparked intense controversy amongst social media users.

    The Fuji musician’s lyrics, “were la fi n wo were,” which translates to “we used insanity to cure insanity,” were deemed unbefitting for the royal occasion.

    Many Nigerians took to social media to express their outrage, describing the performance as an “embarrassment” to Ibadan indigenes and questioning the decision to invite Taye Currency.

    The coronation ceremony, attended by dignitaries such as President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and several traditional rulers, was meant to be a moment of cultural pride and celebration.

    However, Taye Currency’s lyrics overshadowed the occasion, with many expressing disappointment and embarrassment online.

    Some critics argued that the organisers were to blame for inviting Taye Currency, stating that other Fuji stars like Saheed Osupa, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1), or Malaika would have delivered a more fitting performance.

    Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, the Olu of Kemta Orile in Ogun State, also condemned Taye Currency’s performance, describing it as “disgusting and uncultured” and questioning the choice of the musician for the event.

    Social media users were quick to express their disappointment and outrage over Taye Currency’s performance.

    “Werey la fi’wo werey na song? Nonsense,” @Frank24net bluntly put it. @olatunbosun006 chimed in, saying the performance was a “total embarrassment to his family” and questioned why such lyrics were sung on a coronation day. @Fortune4me_ola wondered who gave Taye Currency the microphone to sing “this rubbish” during the coronation.

    Some users shifted the blame to the organizers, with @OluwaferanmiDan stating it’s “not his fault now; it’s the fault of the organizers that decided to platform someone whose last musical boom was 17 years ago.”

    @babasafeez speculated that the choice of Taye Currency might be political, questioning why other Fuji stars like Osupa or K1 weren’t chosen instead.

    @fesooyebade summed up the sentiment of many, describing the performance as “an historic disappointment, an embarrassment to Ibadan indigenes at home and in the diaspora.”

    They added that the songs were not fitting for the occasion and expressed confidence that many Ibadan musicians could have delivered a better performance.

  • Burna Boy reveals inspiration behind stage name

    Burna Boy reveals inspiration behind stage name

    Grammy-winning singer Damini Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy has shared the captivating story behind his stage name.

    In a recent conversation with tennis legend Roger Federer, Burna Boy revealed that his name originated from his childhood love for comic books and superheroes.

    Growing up, Burna Boy recounted how he spent hours drawing superheroes like Spiderman and Superman, and created his own characters.

    He said that the creative process led him to develop the name “Burna Boy,” which he wanted to use as a character in a comic book. 

    Read Also: ‘Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy troublesome’ – Olamide

    He said: “I used to draw superheroes when I was younger. I used to do the comic drawing of them. That’s how I got the name Burna Boy ’cause I wanted to be a character in the comic book.”

    Burna Boy is one of the most renowned Afrobeats artists globally, known for hits like “Last Last” and “Rollercoaster.”

    His music has transcended borders, earning him numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album.

  • Mandy Kiss clarifies ‘s3x marathon’ as publicity stunt amid arrest petition

    Mandy Kiss clarifies ‘s3x marathon’ as publicity stunt amid arrest petition

    Social media influencer Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi popularly known as Mandy Kiss, has addressed the petition by The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, calling for her arrest over the “s3x marathon” she announced to attempt a Guinness World Record by engaging with 100 men in 24 hours.

    The announcement, via Instagram, drew widespread backlash and prompted the Oba Akinyemi to petition Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for her arrest, calling the stunt “shameful, disgraceful, and a stain on Nigeria’s reputation.”

    Read Also: Marathon sex: Ogun monarch urges Sanwo-Olu to arrest Mandy Kiss, recommends drug test

    Guinness World Records also distanced itself, stating it does not monitor such records due to ethical and safety concerns.

    In response to the outrage and petition, Mandy Kiss clarified in a TikTok video that the announcement was a publicity stunt to boost her declining social media engagement, admitting she lacked the resources for legal battles.

    She stated: “I was just trying to see if I was still relevant. Everywhere was dry on my page, so I came up with the idea to boost engagement and get adverts.”

  • Hello Mr Right third season begins

    Hello Mr Right third season begins

    A fresh wave of drama and romance will begin today on terrestrial a TV, Star Times.

    The Nigerian audiences will be treated to a third season of its popular dating reality show, ‘Hello Mr. Right.’

    According to Star Times, following a successful second season that captivated audiences, ‘Hello Mr. Right,’ returns with its unique format, featuring single male suitors and 12 female contestants competing for love and the chance to find their perfect partner.

    The show has gained a reputation for its blend of romance, laughter, and high-stakes competition.

    According to Eric Xiao, the General Manager of StarTimes: “We are excited to bring this new season of ‘Hello Mr. Right,’ and we invite viewers to enjoy the great show we have prepared for them. This season will be like no other, we promise you that.”

    Read Also: Nigeria grants visa-free access to St. Kitts and Nevis Citizens

    This season, powered by StarTimes Solar, is being supported by Indomie.

    The new season is hosted by the dynamic duo KieKie and Prince Nelson, who will help contestants find their “golden date” and “press their mumu buttons.”

    The audition was also a sight to behold as it saw a large turnout of young, vibrant individuals eager to find love and secure more than a fleeting date – the ultimate prize of forever.

    Oke Umurhohwo, Marketing Director at StarTimes, expressed his excitement about the new season: “Hello Mr Right is more than just a dating show; it’s a celebration of love and human connection.

  • Victony bounces back with Olamide on astreet single, Skido

    Victony bounces back with Olamide on astreet single, Skido

    Afropop singer, Victony, has teamed up with rap heavyweight Olamide for a club banger song titled; Skido.

    Produced by BlaiseBeatz, the track combines Victony’s smooth vocal style with Olamide’s street-hop authority, creating what the singer calls a ‘gritty but grateful’ anthem.

    Read Also: Music Tech Nigeria set to launch

    “Skido captures the spirit of the hustle while celebrating the wins along the way. It is more than just collaboration. It’s the official lead single for my forthcoming project,” said Victony.

    The release follows the success of his 2024 album ‘Stubborn’, which featured the likes of Teezo Touchdown, Asake, Saint Jhn, Shallipop and others.

  • Talent alone doesn’t make you shine, God does – Olayode

    Talent alone doesn’t make you shine, God does – Olayode

    Nollywood actress, Juliana Olayode, has reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to her faith, stressing that her allegiance lies solely with God and not with the pressures of the entertainment industry.

    The actress, who is a devoted Christian, said in a recent chat with The Nation that the truth of God’s word remains her ultimate guide in a world where information is plenty but truth is scarce.

    “I feel like if you believe in something, stand on it. We live in a world of information that is devoid of the truth — and the truth, in the sense that a lot of us can’t take it. The truth that I know is the word of God,” she said.

    Read Also: Lagos factor in Nigeria’s quest for global power

    Juliana noted that the fear of losing opportunities or jobs does not move her, adding that success in Nollywood is not merely about talent but God’s grace.

    “At the end of the day, what are you afraid of? Are you afraid of losing your job, which you can still lose anyway? You can work effortlessly, but God is the one who makes people wealthy. I’m not afraid of anyone but God,” she declared.

    According to her, visibility in Nollywood is not entirely a product of hard work or skill.

    “You can do a thousand movies and nobody will hear about you. But the fact that people hear about you isn’t because you are that good. There are a thousand and one people that are better than you, but because God decided that you too will be seen and heard,” she explained.

    On what guides her daily decisions, Juliana emphasised: “Who really has your allegiance should be God. That’s how I live my life.”

  • Tiwa Savage: Nothing prepared me for heartbreak

    Tiwa Savage: Nothing prepared me for heartbreak

    Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has revealed she was unprepared for the heartbreak that reshaped her personal and professional life.

    Savage, who recently released her fourth studio album titled ‘This One Is Personal, ‘ described the experience as a painful but transformative turning point.

    “I don’t think anything could prepare you for heartbreak. Nothing. I was not prepared. I think that’s why it hit me so hard. But maybe it’s a good thing that nothing prepared me for it as it was a turning point in my life,” she said.

    Read Also: Lagos factor in Nigeria’s quest for global power

    The 45-year-old mother of one explained that the breakup experience also exposed fake friends.

    “It wasn’t just heartbreak, it was losing friendships too. When you’ve been used to saying ‘yes’ to so many things, the minute you start saying no, you actually lose friends. You realise some of those people weren’t really friends in the first place,” she added.