The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Sandra Odige receives honorary doctorate from UK varsity

    Sandra Odige receives honorary doctorate from UK varsity

    Media personality and CEO of La Mode Group UK Sandra Odige has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Media and Communications by Myles Leadership University.

    The prestigious ceremony was held at the historic Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex, United Kingdom on July 19th.

    This remarkable honor recognizes Odige’s outstanding contributions to media, fashion, communication, and cultural advocacy over the past decade. As the Publisher and Founder of La Mode Magazine and a trailblazer for women in media, Sandra has reshaped the fashion media landscape with bold storytelling, purpose-driven campaigns, and a global platform that champions inclusion, empowerment, and African excellence.

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    From launching La Mode Magazine in 2011 while still in banking, to building La Mode Group UK into an international brand, Sandra Odige has consistently combined creativity, leadership, and vision.

    Her work in media and communications has not only influenced industry trends but has also empowered underrepresented voices through initiatives like the Green October Event and Disability Inclusion Campaigns.

    “This recognition is deeply humbling,” said Dr. Sandra Odige during the ceremony. “It reaffirms my lifelong mission to use media as a tool for transformation. I’m grateful for the journey, the challenges, and the global community that continues to support and amplify our message.”

    The honorary doctorate from Myles Leadership University places Sandra Odige among a select group of leaders recognized for shaping the future of media and communication across borders.

  • Omotola tells untold stories of girl-child in Mother’s Love

    Omotola tells untold stories of girl-child in Mother’s Love

    Nollywood superstar, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has revealed that her latest cinematic project, Mother’s Love, was inspired by the untold stories of young Nigerian women.

    The actress, who has now added ‘director’ to her list of achievements, said the film draws from real-life experiences and the quiet strength of women who are boldly carving out new paths for themselves.

    Mother’s Love is more than a film to me; it’s a deeply personal journey. As my directorial debut, it draws inspiration from real experiences not just my own, but from the many untold stories of young Nigerian women finding their place in a complex world,” she explained.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates 2Baba at 50, hails music icon’s global impact

    According to the mother of four, the film tells a coming-of-age story that challenges privilege, confronts identity and ultimately celebrates the quiet strength of women redefining themselves on their own terms.

    Set against the vibrant, layered backdrop of modern Nigeria, the film explores both the beauty and the friction of growth.

    “This film is performance-led, emotionally grounded, and socially aware. It speaks to universal themes of family, resilience, and empowerment, while offering a lens into contemporary Nigerian life rarely seen on screen. I believe authentic and bold stories like this deserve a global platform, and I’m honoured to share it with audiences ready to embrace something both intimate and impactful,” Omotola added.

  • I don’t want an honorary doctorate, I want to study for PhD — Lala

    I don’t want an honorary doctorate, I want to study for PhD — Lala

    Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Muyideen Oladapo, better known as Lala, says his ultimate dream is to earn a doctorate through academic study rather than accept an honorary degree.

    “I don’t want an honorary doctorate,” he declared. “I have received a lot of invites for that, but I don’t want to. I want to study and earn the certificate as a PhD holder, not just as a title.”

    The master’s degree holder noted that his passion for learning comes from the same drive that has fueled his career in the movie industry.

    Read Also: Daddy Freeze slams Gym over Nkechi Blessing’s leaked photo

    Reflecting on his journey, Lala admitted his childhood was rough. “I was a tough child from childhood – even my parents prayed that I wouldn’t be swallowed by the streets because I could dare anything in life. But for now, that fame has come, and I have a family, I avoid putting them into chaos. Death was a normal thing to me because my orientation was that everyone would die after all.”

    He recalled one incident that marked his resilience: “I once beat a thug in his turf in Surulere, Lagos. The story of my life is a long one that has also shaped how I was able to interpret certain roles in movies.”

    The actor further explained how his popular moniker came about. According to him, it originated from a Funke Akindele production. “The character started in a movie by Funke Akindele, where I played the character of Lala, and people loved it. So I went ahead to write and produce my own movie titled Agidi, and I found a way to make sure my character also bears the name Lala, as it was already established in Akindele’s movie.”

  • Why I don’t support leaderless protest – Seun Kuti

    Why I don’t support leaderless protest – Seun Kuti

    Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, has cautioned Nigerians against embarking on leaderless protests, insisting such actions could backfire without a political platform to drive sustainable change.

    “I don’t support a leaderless protest,” Kuti said. “The Nepalese just removed the military government about 20 years ago, but with recent protests, they have just brought back the military, and that’s what happens when you revolt without a political platform.”

    The singer, who is the youngest son of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, stressed that the absence of a committed and vibrant professional class hinders Nigeria’s democratic development.

    “What is missing in Nigeria is the vibrant professional class that has the high-end jobs that are also interested in the development of the country,” he explained.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates 2Baba at 50, hails music icon’s global impact

    On the role of politicians, Kuti admitted he no longer mixes in political circles. “There are some politicians who are trying their best in the country, but I don’t know any. There must be! I don’t really mix in political circles anymore because there’s nothing there for me,” he said.

    Instead, he described his focus as building an alternative path to power through a different brand of politics. “I’m playing a different politics from the politics that is ruling our country. I am doing the kind of politics that will bring our way to power,” he stated.

  • Stellamaris Duru wins big at Nigerian Electronic Media Content Exhibition Awards

    Stellamaris Duru wins big at Nigerian Electronic Media Content Exhibition Awards

    Filmmaker Stellamaris Duru has expressed gratitude after clinching two awards at the recently held Nigerian Electronic Media Content Exhibition and Awards, where she was recognised as Best Actor (Female) and Best Producer in the Broad Category TV/Web Drama Series for her debut production, We Happy People.

    Reacting to the honour, Duru said she was overwhelmed by the recognition. “Ecstatic, elated, emotional, overwhelmed, surprised, or should I say shocked? I am speechless, but in all, I am super, super grateful to God for this privilege and recognition. I am grateful to my family for their support, prayers and encouragement, particularly my hubby. I am grateful to have a godly mentor and industry mentors who are there to guide and offer advice. Honestly, I lack words. It’s my first production and it got recognition as the best producer for a TV drama series… oh my God.”

    She also extended appreciation to her cast and crew. “The cast and crew of We Happy People put in sweat and blood. I am grateful for them, especially my director, line producer and production manager… those guys had my back.”

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates 2Baba at 50, hails music icon’s global impact

    On being nominated alongside senior colleagues in the industry, Duru maintained that the recognition was humbling. “First, I would like to say to my senior colleagues, thank you, thank you all so very much. This award is for you for setting the pace for us and leading the pathway for us to follow. I am humbled and grateful. One lesson for me is to stay humble.”

    Looking ahead, the actress-producer revealed that she is already working on fresh projects. “The reward for work is more work. This award will be a constant reminder that we have more work to do. We just launched StellamarisDuruTV on YouTube — a home of authentic Nollywood premium movies and series. Kindly subscribe and support me to watch our series. More productions are in the book. There is no stopping now. It’s back-to-back premium, relatable, educating, and entertaining content,” she said.

    She also used the opportunity to acknowledge veterans who featured in her award-winning project, including Jide Kosoko, Chinyere Wilfred and Eric Obinna, alongside younger acts such as Hydra Aneme, Tracy Dera, Otimiyin Luke Thorpe, Favour Nchezor, Zikky Aloy, and Silvia Ebere.

    According to her, Chuchin Ultimate Productions Ltd, her production company, remains open to collaborations. “As the name implies, Chuchin Ultimate Productions is a production company, so we are open to producing movies and series for TV stations, media houses, private owners, and the government. We are open for business,” she added.

  • Social media should be tool, not yardstick for measuring creativity – Osawaru

    Social media should be tool, not yardstick for measuring creativity – Osawaru

    Nollywood actress Imade Osawaru has raised concerns over the growing obsession with social media fame in the film industry, warning that the trend is stifling creativity.

    “The number one challenge is that follower count now seems more important than raw talent,” she said. “It’s frustrating when your years of hard work, training, and experience are ignored just because you don’t have millions of followers. Social media should be a tool, not the yardstick for measuring creativity. Sadly, this trend is killing originality, because many young actors now chase clout instead of honing their craft.”

    Osawaru, who has built a reputation for strong character portrayals, also pushed back against actor Jim Iyke’s claim that single mothers cannot raise proper men. According to her, what truly defines a good man is not family structure but values.

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    “Proper men are not made by the number of parents in a home, but by the values they are raised with. I’ve seen single mothers raise kings, leaders, and visionaries. To say otherwise is to undermine the strength and resilience of countless women who are doing the work of two. A good man is raised by love, not just a ‘perfect’ family structure,” she explained.

    On the subject of love, the actress added that romance in Nigeria is often expressed in practical ways rather than through dramatic gestures. “Nigerian men can be romantic, but romance here is often more practical than dramatic—less candlelit dinners, more showing up when it matters,” she observed.

  • Saxophonist Desmond Ogunjimi is on the rise

    Saxophonist Desmond Ogunjimi is on the rise

    Nigerian Saxophonist and Performing Artist, Desmond Olaitan Ogunjimi is currently blazing the trail in his chosen career as an entertainer.

    Unknown to many, Desmond is an accomplished Nigerian saxophonist with over 15 years of experience in the performing arts. A dynamic and versatile musician, he has honed his craft through collaborations with renowned bands, artistic groups, and theatrical productions across Nigeria and beyond.

    Read Also: Daddy Freeze slams Gym over Nkechi Blessing’s leaked photo

    A graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the prestigious University of Lagos, Desmond combines formal training with innate musicality. His performances, known for their emotive depth and technical mastery, have graced stages in diverse cultural settings, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences across genres and geographies.

    With a career defined by excellence and a commitment to artistic innovation, Desmond continues to inspire through his dedication to the saxophone and his contributions to the global arts community.

  • NFVCB CEO advocates enhanced Nigeria-China partnership through film

    NFVCB CEO advocates enhanced Nigeria-China partnership through film

    The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Husseini Shaibu, has advocated joint productions, co-production treaties and cultural exchanges to drive cultural and economic diplomacy between Nigeria and China. 

    Dr.  Shaibu stated this in his keynote address at the dialogue on Nigeria and China cooperation, outlining a strategic vision for leveraging the film industries of both nations to promote cultural understanding and economic growth.

    The event, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, was organised by the NIIA, Trimm Network, Mesba Arts Studio, and the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China. It featured screenings of Nigerian films, including Memuna Yahaya’s Igala-language feature, ‘Tradition’ and Ijeoma Richard’s award-winning documentary ‘Uru Igba Boi’ on the Igbo apprenticeship system.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates 2Baba at 50, hails music icon’s global impact

    Shaibu, who is also the chief executive officer of the NFVCB, positioned film as a potent tool of “soft power,” capable of crossing borders to foster mutual understanding and build bridges between cultures.

    He highlighted the parallel strengths of Nollywood, valued at over $6 billion as Africa’s most visible cultural export, and China’s film industry, one of the largest globally by revenue.

    “Beyond their economic weight, both industries embody cultural memory, social imagination, and national identity,” stated Dr. Shaibu. “This intersection of economic strength and cultural influence makes the Nigeria-China partnership through film not only desirable but necessary—because it is at this juncture that cultural diplomacy becomes economic diplomacy.”

    Shaibu outlined a multifaceted framework for cooperation, including cultural diplomacy through Joint film productions that explore shared human values and unique traditions, such as the Igbo apprenticeship system alongside Chinese philosophies of community.

    He also advocated professional exchanges for filmmakers and students, and learning from China’s investment in regional-language cinema to strengthen Nigeria’s linguistic diversity.

    On economic diplomacy, he highlighted the significance of formalising co-production treaties and joint investment schemes to create new markets, facilitate technology transfer, and build distribution networks across Africa and Asia.

    Shaibu welcomed the recent visit of the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, to China, which initiated discussions on such joint investment schemes.

    “When Nigeria and China collaborate through film, they are not just telling stories; they are shaping global narratives, strengthening bilateral relations, and contributing to peace and prosperity,”

    Shaibu concluded, quoting Edward Said’s assertion that “stories are at the heart of what makes us human.”

    The event brought together diplomats, cultural practitioners, scholars, and members of the press, serving as a significant step towards deepening the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China in the creative and cultural sectors.

  • Tinubu celebrates 2Baba at 50, hails music icon’s global impact

    Tinubu celebrates 2Baba at 50, hails music icon’s global impact

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond in celebrating music legend, Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Face or 2Baba, as he clocks 50.

    In a congratulatory message by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, the President described the award-winning singer as a creative force whose artistry and resilience embody the indomitable Nigerian spirit.

    “For more than 20 years, 2Baba serenaded us with soulful melodies, inspired generations, and carried the Nigerian flag with pride worldwide. His legendary song, African Queen, remains an evergreen classic that introduced the beauty of African music to the world, placing Nigeria at the heart of the global entertainment map,” Tinubu said.

    Read Also: DJ Expression targets Guinness World record with 300-hour marathon

    The President lauded the veteran musician, not only for his contributions to the entertainment industry, but also for his patriotism and deployment of his platform to champion peace, unity, and good governance.

    As the iconic singer marks his golden jubilee, President Tinubu prayed for “greater joy, fulfilment, and good health” in the years ahead.

    2Baba, who rose to prominence as a member of the Plantashun Boiz group before launching a successful solo career, is regarded as one of Africa’s most influential artists, with a career spanning over two decades and numerous awards to his credit.

  • DJ Expression targets Guinness World record with 300-hour marathon

    DJ Expression targets Guinness World record with 300-hour marathon

    Nigerian-American DJ Expression is set to attempt a Guinness World Record for the longest DJ set, aiming to perform nonstop for 300 hours between September 21 and October 4, 2025, at NOSH Lounge in Houston, Texas.

    The historic attempt will be livestreamed on Instagram, Twitch, and TikTok, giving fans around the world a front-row seat to his endurance and artistry.

    He wrote on Instagram, “Guys! It’s @djexpression, and here is the real reason I’m taking you on this INSANE 300-HOUR NON-STOP DJ marathon to break the Guinness World Records™ title! This video is coming straight from the heart. This journey means EVERYTHING to me, and together I believe we can break the boundaries. From Sept 21st to Oct 4th at @noshhtx (14144 Westheimer Rd, Houston TX 77077), I’m bringing the heat, the soul, and creating a legacy. Let’s make history together – watch, share, and roll with me”.

    The current record holder for the longest DJ set is DJ Obi, who played for 240 hours in 2016.

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    Another notable record holder is Norberto Loco, who played for 200 hours in 2014.

    Yin, a Nigerian DJ, also broke the record with 243 hours and 30 minutes of non-stop DJ-ing in 2021.

    She faced challenges like amnesia, health issues, and extreme stress, but was supported by fellow artists like Tiwa Savage, Niniola, and Davido.

    DJ Expression’s attempt promises to push the limits of human endurance, artistry, and the power of music.

    Throughout the marathon, he will deliver a seamless mix of genres, blending timeless classics with fresh tracks that showcase his versatility and experience behind the turntables.