The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Vee opens up on marital pressure ahead 30th birthday

    Vee opens up on marital pressure ahead 30th birthday

    Actress and singer, Vee Iye has spoken out about the marital pressures of approaching 30.

    In a TikTok video, she shared a conversation with a married friend who asked about her marital status, stressing on the societal expectations women face.

    Vee expressed frustration, noting her friend didn’t ask about her work or wellbeing, only about having a man in her life. 

    According to her: “Nobody ever mentally prepared me for the amount of conversations I would have as a woman turning 30 this year. One of my friends called me last week. I hadn’t spoken to her in months, maybe even a year. She’s married and relocated to another country with her family.”

    Vee explained that after exchanging greetings, her friend said she had been praying and felt prompted to ask her a question. “The next thing she asked was, ‘When are you getting married?’ I am tired. She didn’t even ask me about work—the thing that is putting a roof over my head, the reason I can eat every single day. She cared about whether there is a man in my life.”

    She referenced Nigeria’s economic challenges, saying questions about marriage feel out of touch.

    “Let’s be honest with ourselves, the current climate right now is not looking great. I’m trying to focus on work and what’s next for me. That’s what’s running through my mind right now. Husband? Marriage? Children? I think not.”

    She added, “It’s not like I don’t want these things in the future. I do. But I am not in control of the timeline.”

  • Wizkid and Asake out with ‘Jogodo’

    Wizkid and Asake out with ‘Jogodo’

    Two Afrobeats heavyweights, Wizkid and Asake, have released a new single titled ‘Jogodo’ to kick-start the New Year.

    The track was released ahead of their forthcoming joint EP, ‘REAL, Vol. 1’ which is scheduled for release on January 23, 2026.

    ‘Jogodo’ sets the tone for the collaborative project, blending Wizkid’s laid-back global sound with Asake’s street-rooted style.

    Other tracks listed on the EP include ‘Turbulence’, ‘Iskolodo’ and ‘Alaye’.

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    Speaking on the collaboration, Wizkid described the process as effortless as they are both creatively aligned.

    “Working on this record with Asake came naturally. We speak the same musical language,” he said.

    For Asake the collaboration happens out of respect for African culture.

    “When Wizkid and I collaborate, it feels special because it’s coming from a real place of friendship, mutual respect, and love for our culture,” he said.

  • Portable remains remanded as first wife delivers baby

    Portable remains remanded as first wife delivers baby

    Barely five days after controversial singer, Portable, was remanded in prison for a nine-count criminal charge, his first wife, Omobewaji, was delivered of a little tot.

    After he was arraigned on Monday, January 12, 2026 at a Federal High Court in Ogun State, the presiding judge declined to grant Portable bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court.

    The troubled singer was remanded in custody, with bail consideration adjourned to January 19, 2026.

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    Meanwhile, Omobewaji, welcomed a newborn baby while the singer remains in prison.

    Sources claimed that the news of the arrival of his new born baby has been conveyed to the singer in prison. It was further alleged that he received the news with joy and can’t wait for his bail hearing so as to meet his child for the first time.

    Portable got into trouble with one of his wives, Ashabi Simple and allegedly assaulted a police officer during the clash.

  • I feel fulfilled when my music heals – Mr. Gbera

    I feel fulfilled when my music heals – Mr. Gbera

    Matthew Omotola Jaiyeola, popularly known as Mr Gbera, has said that he finds joy when his music inspires and heals people.

    Speaking recently, Gbera, who started music at a tender age in his daddy’s church, is one of the greatest indigenous gospel lyricists not only in Nigeria, but globally.

    “There are many recorded testimonies, and they keep coming day by day, even to date. I cannot forget a woman in Abeokuta who lost two of her children within a month and was ready to commit suicide. The planned suicide was aborted through my songs.

    There was also a man I met around Ikeja, Lagos, who lost his way and was trapped in mourning the loss of his twins. Pastors, friends, and family tried their best to help him out of the situation, but all to no avail—until one fateful day when he stumbled upon my songs online, and that became his freedom.”

    While reeling out a series of testimonies, many got through his music ministrations,  and he gave credit to God for this.

    “My inspiration comes directly from God. I draw energy from the same source, and I am always happy and active in making positive impacts in the lives of people.”

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    Gbera’s fan base extends beyond Nigeria.” This light has spread to unimaginable lengths and breadths across the world, and sometimes our fans and music lovers want to see us or meet us in person. We cannot deny them that opportunity. I only travel to make more global impact,” he said.

    The music minister also acknowledged Nigeria’s vibrant and globally influential music scene.

    While expressing happiness, he said the evidence is everywhere.” It will get even better than what we are seeing presently.”

    He is currently working on some new songs and collaborating with his colleagues.

    “ All my songs are great, and I love performing every one of them. However, based on requests and popularity, I often perform Iriri, Olorun Lo N’ Mumi bo, and Alanu Lo Njagun Aye Mi, to mention a few, “ Gbera said.

  • Afrobeats stars dominate MOBO Awards’ nomination

    Afrobeats stars dominate MOBO Awards’ nomination

    Some of Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeats exports including Ayra Starr, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Davido and Rema have been nominated for the 2026 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, reaffirming the country’s growing influence on the global music scene.

    Others are Adekunle Gold and Shallipopi.

    The MOBO Awards, founded in 1996, recognises excellence across a wide range of genres including Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, jazz, gospel, electronic and alternative music.

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    Among the Nigerian nominees, Ayra Starr stands out with two major nominations in different categories.

    The 23-year-old singer is up for Best African Music Act and Best International Act where she will compete with global stars including Cardi B, Gunna, Kehlani, and Vybz Kartel.

    Since her debut, Ayra has continued to push boundaries with chart-topping releases and international collaborations. This successful outcome is what positioned her as one of Africa’s most influential young voices.

    The 2026 MOBO Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 26, 2026 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

    The event is expected to attract music executives, artistes and fans from across the globe.

    “2026 is extra special as the MOBO Organisation marks 30 years of shaping culture, championing talent, and creating unforgettable moments,” the organisers said in a statement.

    MOBOs have played a pivotal role in shaping Black music culture in the UK and beyond, spotlighting emerging talents while honouring established stars over the years.

  • Amanda David gets Blackdrum 360 appointment

    Amanda David gets Blackdrum 360 appointment

    As part of its plans to strengthen partnerships, expand content ecosystem and unlock new opportunities for collaboration across the globe, leading media, creative and cultural platform, Blackdrum 360, has appointed Amanda David as its Business and Partnership Manager.

    The appointment, according to a statement from the management, is effective from January 1, 2026.

    Dr. Emmanuel Odole, CEO, Blackdrum 360, said the appointment marks a strategic move by the company in its bid to accelerate growth across television, digital platforms, live events and international content partnerships.

    Odole described Amanda David as a proven industry professional whose experience aligns strongly with the company’s vision. “Amanda brings a rare combination of strategic thinking, industry insight, and relationship – building expertise that is critical to where Blackdrum 360 is headed. Her appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening partnerships, expanding our content ecosystem, and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration across Africa and the global market,” he stated.

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    Amanda joins Blackdrum 360 with a strong track record in business development, media partnerships, and brand collaborations across the creative and entertainment industries. Her experience spans working with content creators, broadcasters, agencies and corporate brands – driving value through strategic alliances and innovative deal structures.

    In her new role, Amanda will lead business growth initiatives, strategic partnerships, sponsorship development, and content collaborations across Blackdrum 360’s platforms, including its television properties and expanding digital footprint. She will also play a key role in scaling partnerships for live events, original programming, branded content, and emerging digital channels.

    Reacting to the appointment, Amanda David expressed enthusiasm about joining the company at a pivotal time. “Blackdrum 360 represents the energy, originality and cultural relevance of modern Africa. I’m excited to work with the team to build meaningful partnerships, create impactful content collaborations, and help position the brand as a global reference point for African stories and experiences,” she declared.

  • Tinubu congratulate creative artistes

    Tinubu congratulate creative artistes

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian artistes who emerged winners at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards.

    He described their performance as proof of the country’s growing influence in African and global music.

    According to a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the success of the artistes reflected “the depth of talent, creativity and hard work that define Nigeria’s music industry”. 

    He also added that their achievements had made the nation proud.

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    “I warmly congratulate our outstanding Nigerian artistes for their remarkable achievements at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards. Your success on this great continental stage is a proud moment for our nation and a strong reflection of the depth of talent, creativity and hard work that define Nigeria’s music industry.

    “You have not only won awards; you have projected our culture, amplified the voice of our youths and strengthened Nigeria’s creative identity across the continent and beyond. I commend each of you for your dedication and urge you to continue to use your talents to inspire hope, unity and pride, while contributing meaningfully to the growth of our creative economy and the development of our nation,” he said.

  • Wizkid signs new deal

    Wizkid signs new deal

    Wizkid has signed a major deal but is keeping the details close to his chest. On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the ‘Essence’ singer announced that he has signed the biggest deal of the New Year.

    In a terse tweet, he wrote, ‘Happy new Year! Signed the Biggest.’

    In 2025, there were reports that the singer successfully secured a significant partnership for 2026.

    However, there are tales that his decision to join headliners for Afro Nation Portugal 2026, joining Asake and Tyla, might be the big news.

    The AfroNation is the world’s largest Afrobeats celebration and is scheduled to run from July 3, 2026 to July 5, 2026 in The Algarve, Portugal.

  • Heartbeat: Love sparks few days after show’s kick off

    Heartbeat: Love sparks few days after show’s kick off

    Heartbeat wasted no time kicking off the search for love, and from the very first episode.

    The show host Seyitan Atigarin set the tone immediately by asking the singles to reveal who caught their eye before they even stepped into the Love Pad. Judging by their answers, sparks were already flying, at least in theory.

    Chidera had her eyes on Alvin, saying he looked like someone who could match her energy. Alvin, on the other hand, was drawn to Queen Latifa, describing her as exactly the kind of woman he would actively pursue. Attraction crisscrossed the room in every direction: Queen Latifa picked Igwe for his bad boy look, Igwe chose Hilda, and Hilda… also chose Alvin. Ken was into Hilda, too, while Toriah was intrigued by Igwe’s tattoos. Kena picked Chidera for her aesthetic, and Shekinah also chose Alvin, calling him spicy.

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    Very quickly, a pattern emerged. Alvin and Igwe were clearly the house favourites among the ladies, while Chidera was the most sought-after among the men.

    A surprise task had the housemates searching the house for a hidden Love Box in the Love Pad, containing a key with serious perks. Ken found it and earned the power to choose one person to spend the night with in a love nest. He picked Queen Latifa and not long after this, the two were seen kissing.

    For the rest of the housemates, fate took over. They were asked to draw numbers from a box, with matching numbers deciding who would pair up for the night. And the official pairings are Chidera and Kena, Igwe and Hilda, Shekinah and Alvin, Toria and Henri, and Ken and Latifah.

  • Afrobeats boom not benefiting Nigeria, says Baba Dee

    Afrobeats boom not benefiting Nigeria, says Baba Dee

    Veteran musician and cultural advocate Dare Fasasi aka Baba Dee has raised concerns over Nigeria’s ability to benefit meaningfully from the global success of Afrobeats, blaming the situation on poor structure and weak regulation within the country’s creative industry.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Nation, Baba Dee, who is also the elder brother of late music icon Sound Sultan, said despite Afrobeats enjoying unprecedented international attention, the economic returns flowing back to Nigeria remain limited.

    According to him, the major issue lies in ownership and control of music publishing, which he said is largely dominated by foreign companies.

    “Afrobeats is not paying Nigeria because Nigeria is not structured,” he said. “All these big publishing of big Afrobeats music is owned by international companies. So with everything you are hearing, it is their percentage that is coming to Nigeria instead of the publishing itself.”

    He added that the absence of strong regulatory frameworks has left the industry exposed, allowing external interests to take advantage of Nigeria’s creative output.

    “The government cannot even regulate an industry like that for us,” Baba Dee said, stressing that without proper policies and enforcement, local stakeholders will continue to lose out financially despite the genre’s global expansion.

    Reflecting on the cultural roots of Afrobeats, the musician described Nigerian music as a natural force that was always destined for global recognition, driven by deep cultural expression and talent.

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    “Nigerian music is a child of destiny that was meant to explode because the talent was there,” he said. “When you talk about black culture, the source is here.”

    Baba Dee noted that African sounds continue to resonate strongly across the diaspora, citing countries like Jamaica, where Nigerian music enjoys wide acceptance.

    “In Jamaica, they play Nigerian music everywhere because it resonates with something within them that they don’t know,” he said, explaining that cultural connections often draw global audiences back to African roots.

    While optimistic about the future growth of Afrobeats, he warned that success alone is not enough if it does not translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians and the country at large.

    “Afrobeats is going to be bigger than this,” he said. “But when it does, does it profit the people? Does it profit the nation?”