The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Funke Akindele shares moment as Sanwo-Olu watches ‘Behind The Scenes’

    Funke Akindele shares moment as Sanwo-Olu watches ‘Behind The Scenes’

    Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has shared her gratitude after Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu watched her film “Behind the Scenes”, calling it a humbling experience.

    The film, co-directed by Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, has grossed over N2 billion at the box office, making it one of Nollywood’s top earners.

    It stars Scarlet Gomez as a generous real estate mogul whose kindness strains family ties and prompts personal reflection.

    Akindele expressed her fulfillment, saying the movie’s message had touched many hearts.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele makes history in Canada, North America with “Behind The Scenes”

    She thanked the Governor for his time and insightful feedback, encouraging audiences to catch the film still showing in cinemas across Nigeria, the UK, the USA, and Canada.

    She wrote, “A truly humbling moment as the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, watched my movie behind the scenes.

    “Moments like this remind me that when you stay committed to your craft and remain consistent, your work will speak for you in places you never imagined. I feel so fulfilled and happy knowing this film touched many hearts and that the message I hoped to pass across was felt. Thank you, Your Excellency, for your time and thoughtful feedback.

    “If you haven’t seen BehindTheScenes, please go see it. Still showing in cinemas nationwide, and also in the UK, USA, and Canada”.

  • Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ hits N1bn, sets new Nollywood record

    Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ hits N1bn, sets new Nollywood record

    Actress and producer Toyin Abraham has set a new career milestone as her film, ‘Oversabi Aunty’, surpassed N1 billion at the Nigerian box office.

    The feat marks the first time Abraham has crossed the N1 billion earnings threshold, with the film emerging as the fourth highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time.

    Released in December 2025, Oversabi Aunty has also become the first directorial debut in Nollywood to reach the N1 billion mark.

    Film distributor FilmOne celebrated the achievement, describing it as a historic moment for the industry and commending the film’s commercial success.

    Reacting to the milestone, Abraham expressed appreciation to her supporters, cast, and production team, thanking her fans, Nigerians, and FilmOne for their role in the project’s success.

    “Thank you, everyone. I’m short of words. Oversabi Aunty to the world and still showing in cinemas near you. My first directorial debut on the big screen. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

  • Why I wasn’t successful in America – Speed Darlington

    Why I wasn’t successful in America – Speed Darlington

    Controversial singer Speed Darlington has revealed that his 23 years in the United States brought more legal trouble, arrests, and emotional distress than professional success or financial gain.

    Darlington, in a video, described the experience as isolating, marked by racial bias, and resulting in a trail of criminal records rather than a successful “American Dream.”

    He contrasted his experiences in the US with his successes in Nigeria, stating that he built his mansion with earnings from his Nigerian career.

    Darlington attributed his decision to leave the US to feelings of inadequacy and alleged racial marginalisation.

    He cited concerns about racism, difficulties interacting with women due to his accent, and feeling undervalued as a black man in the US.

    Darlington added that he feels respected and successful in Nigeria, where he has built a career and a life.

    Read Also: Why I have never been in love – Speed Darlington

    He said, “America did not favour me. I have access to the USA, but I don’t want to be there all the time. America has no favour for me, and I’m not ashamed to say it. The only thing I have is criminal records, arrest, arrest, arrest, arrest is all I got from the USA.

    “So, after 23 years, I told myself it’s better for me to have access to America. I can go whenever I want to see my family for maybe 10 days, one week, or 4 days, and I will turn around and return. American society is not conducive to my mental and physical well-being. In America, my self-confidence is in the gutter. I can’t even talk to girls; I lack confidence whenever I’m in America. I’m always lonely. If I spend 9 months or two years, I will be lonely throughout, which means endless masturbation. It gets tiring.

    “If I want to talk to a girl, firstly, I’m worried about my accent. Is she going to laugh at me? Am I adequate? American society has an atmosphere where a black man is nothing, and he has to overprove himself before he can get any respect. This is not how I want to live my life. While here, I amount to something. Everybody is black and dark-skinned. All these things are what I’m thinking.

    “I love having access to the US anytime I want, but my mansion money with a swimming pool on top came from Nigerians. That fight I had with Portable was how I finished my mansion decking. That money helped me very well. That fight did not take place in Las Vegas; it took place in Lagos, Nigeria. It is better to be in a forest, climbing trees and be free, than to be in the centre of everything and be caged. I did not leave America with money.”

  • Teniola Aladese urges women to live independently before marriage

    Teniola Aladese urges women to live independently before marriage

    Actress Teniola Aladese has underscored the importance of women achieving independence before marriage, describing it as a critical foundation for a successful union.

    Speaking on a recent episode of the That’s What She Said podcast, Aladese said women who experience living alone prior to marriage are better prepared for its demands, as they gain a deeper understanding of their personal preferences, boundaries, and responsibilities.

    She noted that many women move directly from their family homes into their husbands’ residences without first experiencing independent living, a transition she warned can lead to culture shock, emotional strain, and, in some cases, regret.

    Read Also: Teniola Aladese speaks on payment disparity in Nollywood

    According to Aladese, personal independence before marriage fosters maturity, self-awareness, and resilience, qualities she believes are essential for building healthy and sustainable relationships.

    “A lot of women just go from their family’s houses to their husband’s house. But they don’t particularly know what they like; they don’t know what kind of trait their husband-to-be has. So they are shocked when they enter the home, and they see some mannerisms that they haven’t experienced before.

    “But I feel like when you live alone before getting married, you get to know yourself, you get to know what you like, you get to know the nonsense you would take and the nonsense you would not take.

    “But when you just enter into marriage without any experience of living on your own, that is when everything starts shocking you, and regrets creep in,” she said.

  • Bimbo Ademoye celebrates victory in YouTube copyright dispute

    Bimbo Ademoye celebrates victory in YouTube copyright dispute

    Actress and filmmaker Bimbo Ademoye has expressed deep gratitude and relief after a prolonged copyright dispute over her YouTube film Where Love Lives was resolved in her favour.

    In an Instagram post on Monday, Ademoye thanked her mother, friends, creative team, and especially her loyal online supporters, whom she fondly refers to as her “cyber family,” for their role in helping to take down the infringing content.

    She wrote: “God don’t play about me, that’s how I know he’s real. I want to say a very big thank you to my mother @uduakisong1 for not resting till the issue was resolved. I love you forever mom. To @ugoccie and her team, thank you for standing by me and helping out. @sir.fela thank you for always helping to make sure things are resolved.

    “And most importantly! to my Amazing cyber family! Haa you guys, una no dey carry me play o. You guys reported Emmanuel Davies till the song got taken down on all platforms. I’m kicking my feet in the air like a little child . It’s giving play with her and you’d incure the watch of her cyber family. I love you guys so much”.

    The issue stemmed from an individual using a fake alias Emmanuel Davies, who falsely claimed copyright over a song featured in the film.

    The track, fully owned by Ademoye with the artist’s approval, was allegedly uploaded to platforms like Spotify under Davies’ name as composer.

    Read Also: Bimbo Ademoye cries out over copyright claim on YouTube movie song

    This led to a false copyright strike on her YouTube upload of Where Love Lives, a December 2025 release starring Uzor Arukwe, Chioma Nwosu, and Osas Ighodaro that amassed millions of views, resulting in demonetisation and diverted earnings.

    Ademoye initially voiced her distress publicly, vowing legal action and demanding the claim’s immediate removal.

    She described the ordeal as deeply upsetting, noting it left her in tears and unable to engage normally with supporters. 

    “Pls if you encountered me yesterday and I wasn’t smiling ,no vex abeg ,life and emmanuel Davies tried me. Anyways we’re still working on getting Emmanuel Davies( it’s a fake name by the way) Thank you sooooo much guys.

    “I love you guys! A very huge thank you to everyone who reached out to me and tried to help. If I didn’t pick your calls, pls don’t be offended, just the word “hello ” had me In tears ,and my head was banging from crying . I love and appreciate you guys deeply”, she added.

  • NOA lauds Funke Akindele on Box Office achievement

    NOA lauds Funke Akindele on Box Office achievement

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has congratulated actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele on the record-breaking performance of her latest movie ‘Behind the Scenes’, at the box office.

    The film has crossed the N2.2 billion mark at the Nigerian box office, becoming the first Nollywood film to achieve this milestone.

    According to NOA on X, the movie’s success extends beyond Nigeria, with earnings of over $111,256 in Canada and $190,249 in North America.

    The statement reads: “Funke Akindele Remains in Front with Behind the Scenes. Big screens, big stars, and even bigger numbers! Funke Akindele has done it again, and this time, she did not just break records, she shattered them.

    “Her latest movie titled “Behind the Scenes” has officially crossed ₦2.1 billion at the Nigerian box office, making history as the first Nollywood film ever to hit the ₦2 billion mark.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele makes history in Canada, North America with “Behind The Scenes”

    “The flex did not stop at home, the movie also showed modest global muscle, raking in over $111,256 in Canada and an impressive $190,249 across North America. From Lagos to Toronto, from cinemas in Abuja to theatres overseas — this movie had everyone locked in.

    “This big win solidifies the movie as the highest grossing Nollywood film of all time in Africa, the UK, and Ireland, makes her the first filmmaker to rank number one at the box office in Africa for three consecutive years, while also proving that Nigerian stories are going global”.

    This achievement marks Akindele’s position as a top filmmaker in Africa, marking her third consecutive year as the top-grossing filmmaker on the continent.

  • My success a testament of not giving up – Mercy Aigbe

    My success a testament of not giving up – Mercy Aigbe

    Actress and filmmaker Mercy Aigbe has spoken about her career journey, joys and responsibilities of motherhood, describing it as her greatest source of pride.

    In a recent interview on The Morayo Show, Aigbe emphasised her reliance on faith to navigate the challenges of motherhood and life in general.

    “Wherever I am today is a testament to me not giving up. Being a mother is actually what I am most proud of. I just love being a mother, and I think it is a huge blessing that God has placed the responsibility on me to nurture another human being, and I don’t want to fail at it,” Aigbe said.

    Aigbe, who credits faith for guiding her, said she often asks God for strength and wisdom.

    “Even though I ask God for strength most times, I also ask Him for wisdom. I just love being a mum,” she stated.

    Speaking on the loss of her mother, Mercy Aigbe recalled struggling to accept her passing while abroad.

    “Up until we laid her to rest, I was in denial. I wasn’t in the country when she passed, so my husband called me and said, ‘Babe, there is something I have to tell you,’ and then he said, ‘Your mum has passed,’” she recalled.

    The actress also admitted that the reality of her mother’s death still feels surreal.

    Read Also: Mercy Aigbe, Itele, other celebrities born on New Year’s Day

    “I don’t know how to describe losing her. I still have her clothes intact. It feels like a dream to me. It is indescribable,” she said.

    Aigbe noted that she shared a close bond with her mother and had hoped she would recover from her illness.

    “I was very close to my mum. Even though she had been ill for a while, I was hoping she would get better. It is a pain that never goes away; you just learn to live with it,” she added.

    She said the loss took a toll on her professional life, prompting her to pause filmmaking temporarily.

    “I didn’t produce a movie last December because of the loss of my mum. I knew I wasn’t mentally ready,” Aigbe added.

  • Omoni Oboli hails actors Michael Dappa, Ekama Etim

    Omoni Oboli hails actors Michael Dappa, Ekama Etim

    Filmmaker and actress Omoni Oboli has praised her actors, Michael Dappa and Ekama Etim Inyang, for their exceptional talent and character.

    In an Instagram post, Oboli expressed love and admiration for the duo, highlighting their growth and evolution as artists.

    She wrote: “Micheal and Ekama, this is from my heart @officialmichaeldappa @ekamaetiminyang. I love you both so deeply, so truly. Watching you grow, evolve, and step fully into who God has called you both to be is one of my greatest joys. Your talent is undeniable, but even more beautiful is your character, your loyalty, your humility, your work ethic, and the way you carry yourselves with grace and heart”.

    She commended Michael’s gift, depth, and heart, saying he brings truth to everything he does.

    “Micheal, you have a gift that speaks so loud without trying. You bring truth, depth, and heart into everything you do, and it shows. I am so proud of the man and artist you are becoming. You make me incredibly proud to call you mine”, she added.

    Oboli also praised Ekama’s gentle yet powerful presence, warmth, and sincerity, noting that she’s a joy to work with.

    “Ekama, your light is gentle but oh so powerful. You bring warmth, sincerity, and such a beautiful presence into every space you enter. You are a joy to work with, the crew adore you, you never complain even when conditions aren’t the best! You give of yourself wholeheartedly and you are an absolute blessing to me”, she wrote.

    Oboli thanked both actors for their commitment, excellence, and love, saying she’s grateful to walk this journey with them.

    “Thank you both for your commitment, your excellence, and the love you pour into the work. I see you. I appreciate you. I believe in you. I’m rooting for you and I am so grateful to walk this journey with you”, she concluded.

  • Tonto Dikeh shares testimony on faith, forgiveness after reconciliation with ex-husband

    Tonto Dikeh shares testimony on faith, forgiveness after reconciliation with ex-husband

    Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has taken to social media to share a personal testimony on her spiritual journey, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness.

    Her reflection follows a recent reconciliation with her ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill, ending a decade-long public feud.

    Dikeh credited God for healing their relationship and restoring peace between them.

    Describing herself as a vessel for God’s love and mercy, the actress expressed gratitude for the inner peace and joy she now experiences.

    She also spoke on the process of spiritual growth, noting that God often breaks and rebuilds individuals, removing negative traits and reshaping their character for a higher purpose.

    Dikeh wrote, “I am that woman the Lord has shown mercy. I am that woman who stands as living proof that God never fails. I am that woman who knows who she is and whose she is.

    Read Also: 2026 Grammy Awards: Clipse and Pharrell set to duet

    “I am a living, breathing incubated prophecy of God. I am that woman who carries a peace that defies logic and understanding. I’ve got joy that makes no sense. I am that woman who has tasted the weight of God’s love; nothing compares to it. His power, His beauty, His anointing.

    “I am that woman called and fashioned as an Esther-mandated vessel, set apart for such a time as this. I am that woman whose greatest pursuit is to know her God more and more.

    “I have learned that there is no true salvation without God first breaking you, then rebuilding you in His image. In the process, He cleanses you, purges you, and strips away hate, bitterness, pride, and unforgiveness until only His nature remains.

    “And if my life speaks at all, it is a canvas of God’s unending love, mercy, and faithfulness”.

    Dikeh encouraged those struggling to forgive to seek God’s help, emphasising forgiveness as a path to freedom and healing.

    “To anyone seeking a forgiving spirit: Be encouraged. Forgiveness is not weakness. It is freedom. It is God’s gift to heal your heart before He heals your story. What you release, God restores. What you surrender, He redeems”.

    The mother of one concluded with a prayer for the restoration of broken relationships and the reignition of love in hearts.

    “Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for every heart longing to forgive but struggling to let go. Pour Your grace where wounds still ache. Soften hardened places and replace bitterness with healing.

    “I pray for the restoration of broken family relationships where love was lost, breathe life again; where communication died, restore understanding; where division took root, plant peace and unity.

    “Rebuild homes, restore trust, and let Your love reign in every heart. Do what only You can do, Lord, because when You rebuild, it is always better than before. Amen,” she added.

  • Bidemi Kosoko welcomes new child, family celebrates

    Bidemi Kosoko welcomes new child, family celebrates

    Actress Bidemi Kosoko, daughter of veteran actor Jide Kosoko, has welcomed a new child.

    The announcement was made on Instagram by her sister and colleague, Sola Kosoko.

    Sola praised God for the addition to the family, describing Him as “The author and finisher of our faith”.

    Read Also: Olakunle Churchill hails Tonto Dikeh as ‘amazing mother’ amid reconciliation

    She wrote, “Praiseeee God. Awesome God. The author and finisher of our faith

    “Join us to welcome our newest baby in the family to @bidemi_kosoko. Congratulations to the Bankole and Kosoko Family”.

    The announcement sparked widespread congratulations from Nollywood stars, entertainers, and fans, who took to the comment section to celebrate the Kosoko and Bankole families.