The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Industry Machine “DJ Leftizy” drops new single “Move on” ft Rayce

    Industry Machine “DJ Leftizy” drops new single “Move on” ft Rayce

    Nigeria’s superstar DJ and Yemi Alade’s official spin master, DJ Leftizy, is back with a fresh sound. 

     He just released his highly anticipated new single titled “Move On” featuring the smooth vocals of Nigerian singer Rayce.

    Produced by the talented Slimkay, Move On blends vibrant Afrobeat rhythms with Rayce’s catchy melodies and Leftizy’s signature vibe, making it a certified jam for the dancefloor and beyond.

    Read Also: King Ojem drops new single, Favorite High

    DJ Leftizy has been making waves not only as Yemi Alade’s official DJ, but also as a tastemaker in the music scene, constantly pushing boundaries and bringing feel good energy to fans across the world.

    With “Move On,” he proves once again that he’s more than just a DJ, he’s a true curator of sound.

    “Move On” is now available on all major streaming platforms.

  • Four African screenwriters selected for AuthenticA Series Lab

    Four African screenwriters selected for AuthenticA Series Lab

    The Realness Institute in partnership with The StoryBoard Collective, and the Canada Media  Fund has announced the four Afri can participants for the fourth edition of the AuthenticA Series Lab.

    The event gives screenwriters a unique opportunity to shape their original ideas into episodic storytelling across any genre.

    The cohort for the 2025 edition includes award-winning Ghanaian storyteller Gamel Apalayine who works across film, TV, theatre, and music; award-winning Nigerian-British poet, filmmaker, and photographer Joladé Olusanya; acclaimed Kenyan scriptwriter and bestselling author Mona Ombogo; and award-winning Egyptian-Canadian filmmaker and human rights advocate Reem Morsi.

    The aim of AuthenticA is to ensure that upon completion of the programme, participants will have professionally developed pitch decks, their pilot scripts, and a series “Bible” to support their proposals for funding  and support – in line with international standards. All intellectual property rights in the material developed will remain with the respective writer.

    The dynamic programme kicked off with an 8-day in-person residency in the Western Cape, South Africa (Coot Club, based in Stanford) from September 3 to September 10 and was followed by online sessions which will last until mid-December.

    Read Also: Bauchi, Gombe mothers strike home-grown solutions to child malnutrition

    The second in-person residency takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, from January 19 to March 19, 2026. The final residency will take place in Lille, France, from March 20 to March 27, 2026, where they will pitch their projects as part of the African Series Pitch at the Series Mania Forum in Lille, France, Europe’s largest co-production series market and festival that attracts talent scouts, sales agents, broadcasters, investors and distributors.

    The AuthenticA Series Lab will be led by Emmy-nominated film/television producer and writer, and Interim Managing Director of the Realness Institute, Mehret Mandefro as Director of Producing and Showrunning; with Selina Ukwuoma, an award-winning freelance script consultant as Director of Writing Programmes.

    Submissions this year came from 168 applications, over 24 countries, covering over 30 genres of television series.

  • Nollywood is a greater space of opportunities, says Abigail Kanu

    Nollywood is a greater space of opportunities, says Abigail Kanu

    Nollywood actress cum film producer Abigail Chinemema Kanu has opined that the Nigerian film industry is a space filled with opportunities.

    In a recent chat, the producer of ‘Whisper of the Heart’ said, “Nollywood is a great space of opportunities not totally negativity as people may think.”

    Kanu also reiterated that Nollywood has seen many of the practitioners exploring a lot of good and also created jobs for many Nigerians and non-Nigerians.

    Read Also: Bauchi, Gombe mothers strike home-grown solutions to child malnutrition

    She also revealed that she became actively involved in the industry in 2017 and has acted and produced over 76 films.

    In her words, “I started acting in the year 2017 and I have done  movies and produced over 76.”

    Kanu also shines as business owner and CEO of Chi Fortunate Global Ventures limited.

  • Bewdy set to revolutionise beauty, personal care sector

    Bewdy set to revolutionise beauty, personal care sector

    A new app, Bewdy, is set to transform Nigeria’s beauty and personal care industry by connecting consumers directly with beauty professionals, products, and services at the tap of a button.

    Designed to cater to Nigeria’s vibrant and fast-growing beauty market, Bewdy offers users seamless access to trusted hairstylists, makeup artists, skincare experts, nail technicians, and wellness providers. With its easy-to-use interface, the app allows customers to book appointments, purchase products, and discover beauty trends tailored to their personal needs.

    Speaking on the launch, Bewdy’s Spokesperson’s Abiodun Caston-Dada said:

    “Bewdy is more than an app – it’s a movement to make beauty accessible, reliable, and inclusive. Our mission is to give every Nigerian the confidence to look and feel their best while helping beauty professionals grow their businesses.”

    The Founder of the company, Bibi Olunuga, expressed excitement about the launch of the Mobile App.

    According to her, “we’re revolutionizing the Nigerian beauty and wellness industry. We’ve built an all-in-one platform where clients can easily discover, book, and pay for services from vetted professionals.

    Read Also: Bauchi, Gombe mothers strike home-grown solutions to child malnutrition

    “Simultaneously, we’re providing our service providers with the visibility and smart tools to run and scale their business efficiently. We’re creating a new standard for the industry—fast, reliable, and trustworthy.”

    The Nigerian beauty industry, valued at over $6 billion annually, continues to expand rapidly as young, digital-savvy consumers demand more convenience, choice and professional services. Bewdy addresses this gap by offering a platform that bridges clients and service providers, while also empowering beauty entrepreneurs with visibility, bookings management, and digital payments.

    Key features of Bewdy include: On-Demand Bookings – Find and book top beauty professionals in real time. Ratings & Reviews – Choose services with confidence through verified customer feedback. Business Tools – Empower stylists and beauty SMEs with scheduling, payments, and client management.

    With the Nigerian beauty scene setting trends across Africa, Bewdy aims to position itself as the go-to platform for beauty discovery, convenience, and innovation.

    Bewdy is now available for download on iOS and Android devices.

  • More than 300,000 artists on Mdundo have collectively earned $1 million in royalties

    More than 300,000 artists on Mdundo have collectively earned $1 million in royalties

    Africa’s leading music distribution platform, Mdundo has announced a major industry milestone: as of July 2025, more than 300,000 artists on the platform have collectively earned $1 million in royalties.

    This achievement underscores Mdundo’s deep commitment to empowering African music creators through transparent, accessible, and reliable royalty payments driving real impact across the continent’s growing creative economy.

    The latest payout reached artists across a growing list of markets, including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, and Mozambique. With Mdundo actively expanding its footprint particularly across Southern Africa and Cameroon even more artists can now access new audiences and greater revenue opportunities.

    READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyan accuses Osimhen of faking injury in World Cup qualifiers

    Fueling this growth the music platform vast reach of over 39 million monthly active users. This thriving user base is made possible through partnerships with major telcos like Safaricom, Airtel, MTN, Glo, and Vodacom, as well as leading brands such as Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL), Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), NCBA Bank, Samsung, and DKT. Together, these collaborations make it easier than ever for fans to legally access music while ensuring artists are fairly compensated.

    Central to Mdundo’s success is its focus on hyperlocal content. Licensing deals with top music giants including EmPawa Africa, Chocolate City, Dvpper Music, Sol Generation, Swangz Avenue, and many others have built a rich, culturally relevant catalog that resonates with audiences and maximizes monetization for creators.

    Looking ahead, Mdundo aims to distribute $1.2 million in royalties by 2026, supported by projected revenues of $1.7M–$2.2M. This growth will be driven by expanded subscription services, deeper telco integrations, and the global reach of its Progressive Web App (PWA). With an unwavering artist-first approach, Mdundo is building a more inclusive and profitable future for African music.

  • La Mode to host 11th Green October Event

    La Mode to host 11th Green October Event

    La Mode Magazine will hold its 11th edition of its annual Green October Event, scheduled for October 1 at Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

    This year’s edition, themed: Access for All and Disability Awareness, will spotlight disability inclusion through fashion, advocacy, and philanthropy.

    According to the founder of La Mode Magazine, Dr. Sandra Odige, the event will move beyond awareness to action.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: World’s best countries for high earners in 2025

    Odige said: “Access is a human right, not a privilege. This year, we are moving beyond awareness to action—spotlighting innovators, amplifying lived experiences, and raising funds that deliver real, measurable access for persons with disabilities.”

    Highlights of the day include an Impact Forum featuring disability advocates and policy leaders, a Humanitarian Awards segment to honour individuals and brands promoting inclusion, and fundraising activities in support of assistive technology and inclusive training programmes.

    Guests are expected to attend in stylish green, white, or a mix of both colours, with proceedings kicking off at 5 p.m.

    Since its inception, the Green October Event has grown into one of Nigeria’s notable fashion and humanitarian platforms, driving conversations around inclusion and social impact.

  • Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, many others honoured at TGMAAN’s Lagos Film Festival

    Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, many others honoured at TGMAAN’s Lagos Film Festival

    Nollywood heavyweights, rising filmmakers and government officials converged on Lagos as the Golden Movies Ambassadors of Nigeria (TGMAAN) hosted its maiden Lagos Film Festival.

    The event, held at the KICC Dome in Maryland on 29 August, mixed red-carpet glamour with industry debate and awards. Sponsored by LAPO Microfinance Bank, the festival set out to boost Lagos’ profile as a hub for African cinema.

    Panels explored Nollywood’s future, with insights from Abuja Film Festival founder Fidelis Duker, Anita Edward of Tribe Nation Film Distribution and EbonyLife’s Omotayo Queen Inakoju.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: World’s best countries for high earners in 2025

    The night ended with a flurry of awards. Funke Akindele won Best Box Office Movie, Femi Adebayo took the Outstanding Movie Prize, and Tunde Olaoye bagged Best Co-Director.

    Tributes also flowed for industry pioneers. Duker and Ade Ajiboye ‘Big Abass’ received Trailblazer awards, Charles Novia was named Veteran, and Pa Kola Olaiya was celebrated as the Oldest Active Actor. Nike Wellington was recognised as the Most Consistent contributor.

    Some of the attendees include the Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Hon. Solomon Bonu, Hon. Otunba Babatola Faseru, Hon. Laide Bakare, who represented the Governor of Osun State, among other dignitaries.

  • False rumours about pregnancy with Mr Macaroni broke me, says Motunde

    False rumours about pregnancy with Mr Macaroni broke me, says Motunde

    Actress Omotunde Sogunle, popularly known as Motunde in Mr. Macaroni’s comedy skits, has revealed how a false rumour linking her romantically with the comedian once left her devastated.

    In a recent interview, the actress recounted how she was accused of getting pregnant for her on-screen father, Mr. Macaroni, and allegedly terminating the pregnancy- a claim she described as “shocking and impossible.”

    “They said I got pregnant for my on-screen daddy – Mr. Macaroni – and that I aborted the pregnancy. I was shocked. When did that happen? It is not possible. Must there be such a thing between people in a working relationship? I was really devastated then,” she said.

    READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyan accuses Osimhen of faking injury in World Cup qualifiers

    Motunde, however, added that she has since moved on from the incident and now laughs about it with the skitmaker.

    “One of the things I have learned from Mr. Macaroni is to keep your silence for your own peace. The more you come out to counter false claims, the longer the matter drags and you will have to keep explaining,” she noted.

    The actress, who has steadily built a fan base through her role as Macaroni’s ‘daughter,’ said the episode has made her more resilient and careful about handling controversies in the entertainment industry.

  • One Love, One Africa as Afro Flavour partners consulate for South Africa Heritage Day 2025

    One Love, One Africa as Afro Flavour partners consulate for South Africa Heritage Day 2025

    In positively deepening the relationship between South Africa and Nigeria, this year’s annual South Africa Heritage celebration 2025, will be in collaboration with foremost promoters of African cuisine, culture, events and community, Afro Flavour.

    According to CEO, Afro Flavour, Lucky Idike, the Heritage Day slated for September 20 will be a fusion of South African and Nigerian heritage.

    At a parley held at the South African consulate in Lagos Idike said: “Our firm is working with the consulate of South Africa to curate this event. That day is going to feature food, fashion, clothing, dance etc. It was originally known as the Shaka Zulu Day but it was changed a few years ago to South African Heritage Day. The event is going to be structured into four major parts. The first is the cultural market. Three sessions – one will be talking about food, the other, culture and Africa 2063 edition. It will have for the first time ever a Tribe Cook-Ups called Shaki (meat). South African Shaki is a major meal called Maholu. We want to make the Maholu as popular as the jollof rice in the world. We will be having five countries that will cook their dish and have a panel of judges to taste and see whose tribe is best. It is called the Tribe Cook ups.

    At Afro Flavour, our vision is to make Africa food more popular globally. So, we do a series of food festivals across the world.”

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: World’s best countries for high earners in 2025

    It was gathered that the ticketed event set to hold at the Federal Palace hotel will feature different organisations that would be showcasing their trade and craft. There will be live band and five countries participating in the Tribe Cook-Up. South Africa will be presenting their Maholu; Kenya, Matumbo; Zimbabwe, Mangulu; Nigeria , Shaki; and the Moroccan, Tajin.

    In her remark, Charge d’Affaires, South Africa, Ms. Sebo Lenyai said: ‘As you know Nigeria and South Africa are two of the largest countries and the two largest economies inside Africa. This event is designed to promote cooperation and collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa to help us see more than binds us than divides us. It is not just Nigeria and South Africa but all African. It is important for trade, diplomacy and the growth of Africa.

    Our history dates back as far as our days of struggle. We take it to heart. Nigeria played an important role with the ANC. Our nations are of brotherhood and We work as much as we can to narrate the positive stories that we have. We have always displayed how united we are although in social media context, we find our rivalry and we take it as a sibling rivalry. We have so much in common. We have so much to complement each other. Recently, we screened a movie called Soft Love which is a love story and a true life event about a South African lady married to a Nigerian man. We share so much in terms of culture. Through this event we will be able to showcase and display how these two big countries came together, sang one song and enhanced the theme for the event; One Love, One Africa.”

    Director of Operations, The Lai Labode Heritage Foundation, Nwokedi Chinny said that the core of the foundation is the desire to use fashion and heritage as diplomacy tools to further implement social growth and unite Africa as a continent.

    “We are excited about this partnership. We are looking at it from the angle that the African fashion renaissance has begun and Nigeria and South Africa are beginning it. We are going to showcase cultural representation from Urhobo, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. We also plan to style the consulate,” said Nwokedi.

  • I see myself in Gammy and the Living Things, says M.I

    I see myself in Gammy and the Living Things, says M.I

    Much anticipated 3D animated musical movie; Grammy and the Living Things has hit the cinemas. The film from Utricle Studios which blends cutting-edge animation with original music and vibrant storytelling features top acts like rapper, Jude Abaga popularly known as M.I., Pete Edochie, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Segun Arinze, John Dumelo, Bovi among others.

    Speaking about his role, Abaga who played the major character, Gammy said: “I would say, I have been where Gammy was. When I was in Jos before moving into Lagos where my career started, I had this dream of making it big. A lot of times when you want to make it big, it is like where you are is too small or people around you do not have the same big dreams as you. That is where Gammy is. Gammy represents any young Nigerian that was born maybe outside of a very rich family or big city. You have big dreams; you want to go change the world.

    The vision seems so big but by the time I read the story, I saw the work they are putting into it, the structure and everything, I fell in love with the project. I am very proud of what we have done and be part of this project. All the actors, the whole team did a great job.”

    The movie Producer, and CEO, Utricle Studios Nduka Enweliku further explained the essence of the flick.

    He said: “It is the story of an Agama lizard that left the hinterland and went in search of a better life in Lagos. He left there with his band because Gammy is the head of a music band. The movie details his journey from the hinterland to Lagos.

    READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyan accuses Osimhen of faking injury in World Cup qualifiers

    “It took us a while to come up with the movie. That is why it is difficult to see animation in Africa because of the cost and skill level. Someone has to lead the charge in going into animation. We led the charge to ensure that Nigeria becomes a destination for animation outsourcing. That is another way to create employment for our people and increase our own non-oil exports. The animation you see abroad basically are not done in the United States, some are done in Asia-Vietnam, Indonesia, China, India – all those places.

    “Funny enough, people associate animation with kids but it is not only for kids. In this movie, you will hear a lot of old songs like Majek Fashek’s Send Down the Rain, Mandator’s Rat Race, Willy Onyeabors, Higher, Higher.. .a lot of old songs. It resonates with both the old and new generation. This particular animation cuts across.  It is a Nigerian story. And for the older audience, it takes them back to where we were as a nation and for the kids, they will understand where we are coming as a nation and get inspired.”