The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • MOBO Awards to celebrate 30th anniversary in Manchester

    MOBO Awards to celebrate 30th anniversary in Manchester

    The MOBO Awards, Europe’s most influential celebration of Black music and culture, has announced Manchester as the host city for its landmark 30th annual ceremony.

    The prestigious event will take place on March, 26 2026 at the newly opened Co-op Live arena, promising an evening of unforgettable performances and moments that will help shape the future of UK music culture.

    According to the organisers, MOBO will stage a Fringe Festival in partnership with Manchester City Council, a week-long celebration of music, arts and innovation.

    READ ALSO: 19 top African fashion designers shaping global style in 2025

    The festival will feature industry panels, live showcases, creative workshops, and performances across the city, spotlighting Manchester’s vibrant and diverse cultural scene.

    Speaking of the partnership,  Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said it is a privilege to host MOBO’s 30th anniversary in the city of Manchester.

    “Greater Manchester has a rich and diverse musical heritage, and I know that the MOBO awards taking part in our region will mean so much to so many people. We will pull out all the stops to make sure this event is given the stage it deserves and it gives people an opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about MOBO,”  Burnham said.

    Founded in 1995, MOBO has become a global movement, championing Black music, nurturing talent and helping launch the careers of some of the world biggest artists.

  • I wrote a song for Beyoncé in 2019, says Adekunle Gold

    I wrote a song for Beyoncé in 2019, says Adekunle Gold

    Afrobeats singer and songwriter, Adekunle Gold has revealed that he once penned a song for US superstar Beyoncé during one of the most difficult periods of his life.

    Gold disclosed that in 2019, shortly after the death of his father, he was invited by Beyoncé’s team to contribute to her ‘Lion King: The Gift’ album project.

    “At the time, I was too consumed by grief to even think about music. But one day I forced myself back into the studio. Out of that pain, I wrote Simile.

    According to him, despite sending the song to Beyoncé’s camp, he secretly hoped it would not be chosen for the project.

    READ ALSO: 19 top African fashion designers shaping global style in 2025

    “For years the track remained unreleased until 2024, when my longtime collaborator Michael replayed it during a session. It reminded me that even in my deepest loss, I was not alone. I had God to lean on,” he reflected.

    Adekunle Gold has now included ‘Simile’ on his latest album titled, ‘Fuji, hoping the track will comfort listeners dealing with grief or loss.

    “Grief isn’t just about losing a parent. It can be the loss of a person, a friendship, a dream, or even a version of yourself; whatever it is, you don’t have to carry it alone,” he said.

  • Women who have shaped Nollywood in two decades

    Women who have shaped Nollywood in two decades

    For more than two decades, Nollywood has been shaped by women whose careers have stood the test of time. From the early days of home videos to today’s streaming platforms, certain actresses have managed not only to remain relevant but also to reinvent themselves, proving that true star power only grows stronger with time.

    Among the most enduring figures is Genevieve Nnaji, whose grace and international acclaim, particularly with Lionheart on Netflix, helped open Nollywood to global audiences. In the same league stands Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who has consistently blended acting with activism, proving that influence can extend far beyond the screen. While Genevieve’s quieter presence in recent years has left fans anticipating her next big move, Omotola continues to use her platform to push social causes, reminding the industry that impact is measured in more than just box office numbers.

    If Genevieve and Omotola symbolize Nollywood’s pioneering elegance, then Funke Akindele represents its new model of commercial dominance. After launching Jenifa in 2008, she built an entire franchise around the beloved character, with Jenifa’s Diary becoming one of the most successful comedy series in Nigerian television history. Her ability to connect with everyday audiences culminated in Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024), which smashed records as Nigeria’s highest-grossing film, earning over N1 billion at the box office, a feat none has achieved.

    READ ALSO: Five smart ways Nigerians in Diaspora grow local ventures

    Rita Dominic has carved out her own legacy, known for her versatility and sophistication on screen. While she continues to earn critical acclaim for her nuanced roles, her recent move into production and her globally streamed projects have placed her alongside contemporaries who have mastered both the art and the business of film. Like Dominic, Kate Henshaw has also shown the power of reinvention. From her 1993 debut to her recent standout performance in Blood Sisters on Netflix, Henshaw’s consistency mirrors her off-screen reinvention as a fitness and wellness advocate, proving that longevity in Nollywood is as much about discipline as it is about talent.

    Equally compelling is the career of Nse Ikpe-Etim, whose emotional depth has made her one of Nollywood’s most critically respected actresses. While she entered the scene later than some of her peers, her performances in Reloaded, Mr. & Mrs., and more recently Shanty Town (2023) show a career still very much in ascent, marked by elegance and intensity that rivals any of her contemporaries.

    Omoni Oboli, meanwhile, has taken a slightly different path by balancing her career as both actress and filmmaker. From Wives on Strike to Okafor’s Law, she has combined entertainment with social commentary, and in recent years, she has carved out another niche by dominating Nollywood’s YouTube space with content that consistently attracts millions of views. While Akindele holds the crown for cinema box office records, Oboli’s mastery of digital platforms has positioned her as Nollywood’s queen of online audiences.

    Together, these women tell the story of Nollywood’s evolution from Genevieve and Omotola’s trailblazing roles, to Funke Akindele’s record-breaking box office numbers, Rita Dominic’s grace and adaptability, Kate Henshaw’s reinvention, Nse Ikpe-Etim’s critical acclaim, and Omoni Oboli’s digital empire. Each has taken a different path, yet all remain central to Nollywood’s growth. Their ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry is proof that talent paired with vision does not just endure, it thrives.

  • Heavy drinking ages people faster, says Nasty C

    Heavy drinking ages people faster, says Nasty C

    South African rapper Nasty C has shared his struggles with alcohol addiction, revealing that he once consumed alcohol daily in the studio, at restaurants, and even during performances.

    In an interview with British-Nigerian media personality Madame Joyce, he admitted that his high tolerance often made him the last person standing, but it also prevented him from recognising when things were going wrong.

    He explained that his decision to cut down on drinking was motivated by a desire to maintain his youthful appearance.

    According to him, South Africans use the term “phuza face” to describe someone who looks much older than their actual age due to excessive drinking, with many believing alcohol can make a person look up to 10 years older.

    Read Also: Afrobeats, Amapiano better than Hip-hop – South Africa’s Nasty C

    Nasty C said, “I was addicted to alcohol. I was drinking every night. Every time I go to the studio, restaurant, I drink. Every time I perform, I drink.

    “Also, my tolerance when it comes to alcohol was very high, too. When I drink alcohol with friends, I would be the last one to be intoxicated. And I feel it’s a bad thing because you never know when something is going wrong until it’s too late. I got off the vodka a little bit, but I was drinking everything else. Whisky, cognac, tequila, rum – I was drinking everything.

    “I gave up alcohol because I don’t want to get a ‘phuza face.’ There’s a thing in South Africa we call a ‘phuza face’ – when you age really quickly because you drink a lot of alcohol, when you start looking 10 years older than you actually are.”

  • Ignore criticisms from those without focus, direction – Adekunle Gold advises fans

    Ignore criticisms from those without focus, direction – Adekunle Gold advises fans

    Singer Adekunle Gold has said that people without clear direction in life are often the loudest critics of others.

    He advised that when faced with negativity or criticism from such individuals, the best response is to keep moving forward and not waste valuable energy on them.

    Read Also: Adekunle Gold returns with ‘FUJI’ album October

    “It’s always the ones not doing anything meaningful with their lives that have the most to say about you. When they come for you, keep it moving; they’re not worth your energy,” he said.

  • Pastor Adefarasin unveils 20th edition of ‘The Experience’

    Pastor Adefarasin unveils 20th edition of ‘The Experience’

    Founder and Senior Pastor of House On The Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, has announced the 20th edition of ‘The Experience’, the globally renowned free all-night Gospel music concert.

    Marking two decades of Jesus-centered praise, prayer, and global witness, Adefarasin urged fans to join in prayers as preparations intensify.

    He revealed that this year’s edition will be unique, with a major Kingdom project set to be unveiled alongside the concert.

    To commemorate the milestone, an album featuring some of the world’s most celebrated gospel artists is also in the works.

    He wrote on Instagram, “Friends, the countdown to The Experience 20 has begun—twenty years of Jesus-centred praise, prayer and global witness. Please pray with us and for us as we prepare.

    Read Also: Police clear Pastor Adefarasin over viral gun video

    “This year, we’re also birthing a major Kingdom project. Get ready. Watch the announcement in the video. To God be the glory. TE20 is important to use, it is 20 years, we’re putting together an album”.

    The Experience has grown into one of the world’s largest gospel concerts, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees and millions of online viewers.

    Past events have featured notable gospel artists, and this year’s edition is expected to be an unforgettable experience of soul-stirring music and spiritual connection.

  • Nkechi Blessing slams critics over viral gym photo

    Nkechi Blessing slams critics over viral gym photo

    Actress Nkechi Blessing has fired back at critics after an unflattering photo of her at the gym surfaced online.

    She said her focus at the gym is staying fit and healthy, not impressing anyone with her looks.

    “I went to the gym to stay fit and healthy, not for a fashion show or runway. How am I supposed to look for a gym after a long day, abeg? It’s well. Una go soon intensify una attack cus na never see anything!” she wrote on Instagram.

    Nkechi explained that while she initially wanted to respond harshly, the supportive comments she received encouraged her to take a calmer approach.

    She added that she has left the person who took and shared the photo to God, trusting in divine judgment rather than retaliation.

    Read Also: Nkechi Blessing: I’ve never dated a man wealthier than me

    “I wanted to react, then I read the comments. You really cannot disgrace a woman’s clothes with so much grace. And to you who took that picture, I leave you in the hands of God; He will judge you accordingly”, she wrote.

    She added, “Nkechi is trying to stay healthy and fit in the gym is a topic. Lmao. With my big belly with pride. Una go dey alright for real.”

  • 2Baba celebrates 50th birthday, 25 years in music

    2Baba celebrates 50th birthday, 25 years in music

    Global singer 2Baba Idibia on Thursday penned down a heartfelt message as he celebrates his 50th birthday and 25 years in the music industry.

    In an Instagram post, he expressed gratitude to God, family, colleagues, and fans for their love and support.

    2baba described his journey as “nothing short of amazing” and acknowledged the contributions of his loved ones, including his mother, children, wife, and entire family.

    He also thanked his fans, referring to them as his “African queens and kings,” for their inspiration and support.

    Although 2baba has postponed his official celebration, he assured fans that it hasn’t been cancelled, stating that he’ll merge his 50th birthday and industry milestone into one unforgettable experience.

    The singer’s wife, Natasha, also celebrated him with a sweet note, describing him as the “love of her life.”

    With 25 years in the industry, 2baba has established himself as a legendary figure in Nigerian music.

    His milestone has garnered attention from fans and fellow artists, and he’s reflected on the journey, honoring the memories of those who started with him but are no longer present.

    His statement reads, “Today, I give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of life and the grace to celebrate my golden jubilee, 50 years on earth, and also a historic milestone of 25 years in the music industry. This journey has been nothing short of amazing, and I do not take it for granted. Many who started this path with me are no longer here, and I honour their memories as I celebrate this moment.

    Read Also: 2Baba hails Burna Boy as Nigeria’s number one artist

    “I stand today as 2Baba because of the love, prayers, and support of so many. To my dear mother, my beautiful children, my wife, the mothers of my children, my siblings, and my entire family, you are my backbone.

    “This milestone is not mine alone; it belongs to all of us who have walked this journey together. My African queens and kings, you have carried me, inspired me, and kept me going through the highs and lows.

    “While I have so much more to say, I will reserve my deepest words and celebrations for the day we gather. This year’s celebration has been postponed, not cancelled, because I want to do it differently, to merge my 50th birthday and my 25 years in the industry into one unforgettable experience.

    “Until then, keep the fire burning. The best is yet to come. One love always, 2Baba.”

  • BBNAIJA S10: Imisi most misunderstood housemate – Faith

    BBNAIJA S10: Imisi most misunderstood housemate – Faith

    Big Brother Naija Season 10 contestant, Faith, has described fellow housemate Imisi as the most misunderstood person in the house.

    Speaking during a special diary session, Faith praised Imisi’s talent and unique style but said her mode of communication often leads to misinterpretations.

    “I think Imisi is the most misunderstood housemate. She is very talented, hyper-talented, and very swaggish, but you have to pay attention to see it. I think the misunderstanding comes from how she communicates who she is,” Faith said.

    Read Also: BBNAIJA: Imisi is a threat to my success – Faith

    Despite their similarities, Faith admitted he does not like Imisi but clarified he has no hatred for her.

    Their relationship has been rocky, marked by a heated clash over kerosene during the “Barest Minimum” week, and Faith once accused Imisi of being a threat to his game. Attempts at reconciliation, including Faith’s offer of an apology, were met with silence from Imisi.

  • Marrying an unbeliever is self-destruction – Eucharia Anunobi

    Marrying an unbeliever is self-destruction – Eucharia Anunobi

    Veteran actress and preacher Eucharia Anunobi has cautioned Christians against marrying unbelievers, emphasising that spirituality is the foundation of marriage.

    In a video shared on her Instagram page, Anunobi questioned why believers would choose to partner with someone who doesn’t share their faith, likening it to “buying a weapon to destroy yourself.”

    She warned that relationships with unbelievers can lead to misery, stating, “Those kisses, those hugs, those caresses with an unbeliever… There will be a Waterloo.”

    Anunobi stressed that carnality can never replace spirituality and that an unbelieving partner could eventually become a source of trouble for a believer.

    She urged Christians to prioritise their faith and seek partners who share their spiritual values, rather than being swayed by physical attraction or fleeting emotions.

    Read Also: Eucharia Anunobi decries poor communication habits in digital age

    She said, “How can you, as a woman or a man of God, a believer, operating a ministry, consider marrying an unbeliever. Someone is spiritually impotent, spiritually imbecile?

    You have brought the weapon to destroy yourself, being a believer marrying an unbeliever.

    “Those kisses, those hugs, those caresses with an unbeliever. There will be a Waterloo. Some of you are already engaging in activities in the other room and are a Waterloo. Some of you are already engaging in activities in the other room, and yet you are in ministry.

    “You think being with an unbeliever will make your marriage sweet? You will be most miserable.”