The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • I’ve faced more challenges in 2026 than 2025 – Kassia

    I’ve faced more challenges in 2026 than 2025 – Kassia

    Reality TV star Kassia has opened up about unexpected setbacks at the start of 2026, including the resignation of her staff shortly before the New Year.

    In a post on X, she expressed appreciation for the surge of interest in joining her team, noting that she received more than 100 direct messages from individuals seeking employment.

    Kassia, however, clarified that she is not recruiting at the moment.

    She explained that she is prioritising the restructuring of her team, KXB, to build a more effective operational framework before onboarding new members.

    Read Also: BBNaija reunion: Kassia caused my fallout with Kellyrae – Nelly

    She added that she remains committed to trusting God’s plan and sees recent events as preparation for greater opportunities ahead.

    Kassia wrote, “2026 just started, and I’ve already faced challenges I didn’t experience all through 2025, including all my staff resigning just before the New Year. Still, I’m choosing to reflect and trust God’s process.

    “I know these moments are shaping me for something greater. I’ve received over 100 DMs from people interested in working with me. Thank you so much for your interest. At the moment, I’m not hiring. I’m restructuring and setting up a stronger system for KXB before bringing anyone on board”.

  • Kunle Afolayan unveils trailer for ‘Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens’

    Kunle Afolayan unveils trailer for ‘Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens’

    Actor and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has released the trailer of his highly anticipated series, Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens, teasing a gripping narrative of power, love, and survival.

    The sequel to the award-winning film Anikulapo, the six-part series premieres on Netflix on January 30.

    “Official trailer. Anikulapo – The Ghoul Awakens A Kunle Afolayan series. Once power is awakened, it demands a price. From Oyo to foreign lands, love is tested, and loyalties are shaken. This season, survival is the real crown, and everything you think you know will be questioned.

    Read Also: Kunle Afolayan’s KAP film academy, Oyo govt produce 165 emerging filmmakers

    “Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens arrives on January 30, only on @naijaonnetflix”, he captioned the post.

    The story followed Saro, who returned from death with the power to resurrect the dead, as he navigated treacherous landscapes and confronted impossible challenges.

    Filmed in Ghana in partnership with the National Film Authority, the series boasts a diverse cast, including Okusaga Adeoluwa, Kiekie, Antar Laniyan, and Saidi Balogun.

    Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens explores themes of power, loyalty, and survival, set against the rich cultural backdrop of the Oyo Empire and beyond.

  • Fela invented rap music – Seun Kuti

    Fela invented rap music – Seun Kuti

    Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has asserted that his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the iconic pioneer of Afrobeat, essentially invented rap music as well.

    During an appearance on the Hits Don’t Lie podcast, Seun boldly declared that Fela was the very first person to rap.

    He pointed specifically to the track “Authority Stealing,” where Fela delivered rhythmic, spoken-word-style verses with a political edge long before the genre even had a name.

    Kuti emphasised that at the time of the recording, around the mid-1970s, no one realised this delivery style would later become known as rap.

    “Fela was the first person to rap. He did a bit of rapping on the album ‘Authority Stealing.’ When he did it, we didn’t know it was going to be called ‘Rap,” he said.

  • Phyna denies claim she has not received N100m BBNaija prize

    Phyna denies claim she has not received N100m BBNaija prize

    Reality TV star Josephina Otabor, widely known as Phyna, has refuted claims that she said she had not received her N100 million Big Brother Naija grand prize, insisting that a viral clip circulating online was deliberately taken out of context.

    During a Twitch livestream, Phyna explained that the video was mischievously edited from a longer conversation.

    She stressed that she was responding to critics who questioned her financial status, not alleging that her prize money was withheld.

    “They keep cutting my video, I never said I have not received my 100 million naira. I was only talking to people who asked me if the 100 million naira had finished,” she said.

    The controversy resurfaced after Phyna initially called out BBN organisers in 2024 for unpaid prizes.

    Phyna warned bloggers to stop editing her videos, threatening legal action if it causes issues.

    According to her, she explained that she had to explain to the organisers that the video was cut, and urged them to check out the full video on Twitch for confirmation.

    The show’s organisers, Multichoice, maintain they’ve fulfilled their obligations.

  • Why Davido can win governorship election over Burna Boy – Seyi Sodimu

    Why Davido can win governorship election over Burna Boy – Seyi Sodimu

    Musician Seyi Sodimu has highlighted the distinct influences of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, collectively known as the Afrobeats Big 3.

    In a recent podcast appearance on ‘What I Know’, Sodimu stated that while Burna Boy excels on stage with purely musical influence, Wizkid possesses a unique influence, and Davido’s extends far beyond the music industry.

    Sodimu asserted that Davido’s widespread influence could potentially secure a governorship win, citing it as evidence of his impact beyond entertainment.

    “The [Afrobeats] Big 3, each one is doing it [music] for different reasons. Burna Boy has conquered the stage. And he is good. Wizkid is special. And Davido surpasses music.

    “What do I mean by that? If Davido ran for governor today, he would win. But I don’t think Burna Boy could win as a governor,” he said.

    This sentiment echoes a previous prediction by Senator Ben Maurice Bruce, who forecasted Davido’s future governorship of Osun state.

    Notably, Davido’s uncle, Ademola Adeleke, currently serves as the state’s governor.

  • I have had only one good relationship – Tiwa Savage

    I have had only one good relationship – Tiwa Savage

    Award-winning singer Tiwa Savage has disclosed that she has experienced only one truly fulfilling relationship, noting that it was cut short following the death of her partner.

    Speaking in an interview with Korty EO, the 45-year-old reflected on her challenges with love, saying her other relationships have been marked by disappointment.

    “There is hardly any relationship I would look back at and see anything positive. They are all d*cks! Actually, there is one, but he passed away. May his soul rest in peace. He was incredible,” she said.

    Read Also: Why I’m adopting a ‘not-so-privileged’ parenting style – Tiwa Savage

    She explained that this experience has shaped her parenting, advising her son Jamil to treat women with respect.

    “I always tell him, you mum suffered oo, make sure you treat any girl like a queen. It is very important for me to raise him as a good man. He is going to make mistakes, he is not perfect. But at the core of him, I want him to be kind,” she added.

    The singer was previously married to music executive Tunji Balogun popularly known as Tee Billz from 2013 to 2018, with whom she has Jamil.

  • Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy have reached Fela’s level – Shaffy Bello

    Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy have reached Fela’s level – Shaffy Bello

    Actress Shaffy Bello has claimed that Nigerian artists Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have achieved the same level of international recognition as the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

    In a recent podcast interview on ‘What I Know’ co-hosted by Korty EO, Bello cited the trio’s global success, wealth, and influence as evidence of their parity with Fela.

    Korty EO asked, “Do you think that some of the present crop of Nigerian artists can reach a legendary status as big and impactful as Fela?”

    Read Also: Seun Kuti denies using Wizkid’s name to revive career

    Bello replied, “I feel some of our guys have reached that. The Big 3 have reached it already. International recognition is what we affirm as reaching that level.

    “In terms of recognition, power and money, I feel like our Big 3 or Big 4 have reached Fela’s level already. I mean, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and even Asake, too.”

    However, recall that Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, disagreed, warning against comparing artists and urging respect for his father’s legacy.

  • Why I’m still relevant years after BBNaija win – Mercy Eke

    Why I’m still relevant years after BBNaija win – Mercy Eke

    Winner of Big Brother Naija Season 4, Mercy Eke has attributed her continued relevance in the entertainment industry to her strong work ethic and clear goals.

    Eke, in an interview with Odira Ndubuaku, emphasised that she has consistently put in the effort, never turning down opportunities and prioritising her business.

    She stated that her ability to stay focused and driven has been key to her success, waking up with purpose and having a clear picture of what to do every day.

    Read Also: Mercy Eke celebrates Tacha’s Guinness World Record attempt

    “I am still relevant because I put in the work, I have never turned down any money.

    “Also, I mind my business a lot. I work hard. I wake up with purpose. Some people wake up, they don’t have things to do. But I always have a clear picture of what to do every day”, she said.

    Mercy Eke won Big Brother Naija in 2019, specifically the Season 4 edition, tagged “Pepper Dem,” making her the first female winner in the show’s history.

    She emerged victorious on October 6, 2019, after 99 days in the house, beating out Mike Edwards for the grand prize.

  • Undergo mental health evaluations before marriage – Actress Yewande Adekoya advises couples

    Undergo mental health evaluations before marriage – Actress Yewande Adekoya advises couples

    Actress Yewande Adekoya has advised couples planning to get married to undergo personality tests and mental health evaluations, citing a message from God.

    In a video posted on an Instagram page, Adekoya emphasised the importance of science in ensuring a successful marriage, referencing the need to check for conditions such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, and schizophrenia in potential partners.

    She warned that if a partner refuses to undergo such tests, it may be a red flag.

    She said, “This message is for you if you’re about to get married. You have prayed, fasted, and done every test necessary to ensure that you have a good marriage. But there’s something inside of you telling you, ‘Are you sure you have done everything?’

    “When I was having my quiet time, He told me that it is important to do a personality test, psychological evaluation, and mental health evaluation for whoever you think you want to get married to.

    “If you’re dating someone and insist that you guys go for the above, you’ll know what you’re dealing with. Is this person normal, meaning neurotypical? Does this person have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, depression, psychosis, narcissism, and is this person mentally capable of making good decisions?

    “When you carry out this test, you get to know what kind of marriage you’ll have. If you meet your partner and tell him to carry out such tests, and he says no, please run. The person knows what you don’t know. God has told me to tell everyone that it is important we embrace science. If you are about to settle down, this message is for you.”

  • Omije Ojumi’s burial plans cancelled amid family dispute

    Omije Ojumi’s burial plans cancelled amid family dispute

    The burial plans for gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, have been suspended due to unresolved family issues.

    The decision was announced by Lanre Alewilese, a colleague and member of the burial planning full-time via Instagram.

    “This is to inform you that all plans and arrangements for the burial of our late sister and colleague, Lady Evangelist Bunmi Akinnaanu a.k.a. Omije Ojumi, by the Burial Planning Committee have been totally cancelled,” Alewilese wrote in the caption.

    He said the decision was taken due to issues arising from within the singer’s family.

    “This decision becomes necessary due to some issues arising from and within her family.

    “We are deeply sorry and regret the inconveniences,” the post added.

    Alewilese said the previously scheduled events, including a service of songs, candlelight procession, and tribute night on January 20, and a private interment on January 21, have been put on hold.

    “This is not my personal decision. It is the conclusion of the family and the burial committee,” he said.

    He explained that he was asked to inform Nigerians of the change, adding that the previously announced programmes had been put on hold.

    “The Tuesday and Wednesday programmes we earlier fixed at the LTV 8 venue are now on hold because of some reasons. The family will update Nigerians after they have come to a conclusion,” he stated.

    Omije Ojumi passed away on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital after battling a prolonged illness.

    She was a renowned gospel singer known for her hit song “Omije Ojumi” and had left a banking career to pursue music full-time.