Category: Entertainment

  • AFRIMA: When, where to watch the 9th All Africa Music Awards live

    AFRIMA: When, where to watch the 9th All Africa Music Awards live

    The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is currently underway in Lagos, Nigeria, celebrating the continent’s vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage.

    The festival kicked off with the AFRIMA Music Village, an open-air concert, which took place on January 9, 2026, featuring a star-studded line-up of artists including Femi Kuti, Skales, Wande Coal, Diamond Platnumz, Mavo, and Yemi Alade.

    The main awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on January 11, 2026, and will be co-hosted by Nigerian rapper and actor Falz and French-Senegalese actress and media personality Liliane Maroune.

    The event will be broadcast live on DStv Channel 196 and GOtv Channel 28, as well as streamed on DStv Stream.

    This year’s festival is themed “Unstoppable Africa,” a tribute to the continent’s growing global influence and creative momentum.

    The annual event, organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in collaboration with the African Union Commission and in partnership with the Lagos State Government, aims to promote Africa’s rich cultural heritage and celebrate outstanding musical works, talent, and creativity across the continent.

  • Allwell Ademola’s tribute: Bakare Zainab blasts trolls, defends emotional display

    Allwell Ademola’s tribute: Bakare Zainab blasts trolls, defends emotional display

    Actress Bakare Zainab has responded to online trolls who criticised her emotional display at the service of songs for the late actress Allwell Ademola on Thursday.

    A troll had cursed her father in a direct message, prompting Bakare to lash out at the individual.

    Bakare, on Instagram, wrote that people are coming into her DM to curse her dad, and questioned the person’s audacity.

    She stated that she’s not a celebrity and will not maintain her home training.

    Bakare advised the troll to worry about their own end, asking who will grieve for them when they’re gone and how they would grieve for them.

    “Eniobanke finally laid to rest. May God be pleased with your soul and honour your return. People are coming into my DM to curse my dad, and y’all said I shouldn’t talk? My father?

    “I am not a celebrity o, so I will lose home training. Ah, my father is in my DM! The Audacity!! Instead of worrying about how others are grieving for their loved one, why not ask yourself, who will grieve for you when you’re gone, and how would they grieve for you? Worry about your own end o.

    Abi, you no go kpai again? Ahhhh my father!!! And y’all said I should keep mute. Ah,” she wrote.

    Bakare’s response has garnered attention, with many praising her for standing up to the troll.

    Allwell Ademola was laid to rest on Friday, and her colleagues and fans continue to pay tribute to her memory.

  • Actress Debbie Shokoya pays emotional tribute to late Allwell Ademola

    Actress Debbie Shokoya pays emotional tribute to late Allwell Ademola

    Debbie Shokoya has honoured the memory of her late colleague and friend, Allwell Ademola, describing her as a vibrant and joyful personality who embraced life wholeheartedly.

    In a heartfelt Instagram post, Shokoya reflected on Ademola’s passing, affirming her belief that the actress is now “laughing and dancing with the angels.” She noted that Ademola embodied cheerfulness, carrying warmth and positivity wherever she went.

    Shokoya added that Ademola’s legacy endures through the many lives she impacted, emphasising that her spirit of happiness remains unforgettable.

    “It is well. For the playful and happy soul that allwell was…I choose to find solace in how cheerful and joyful she lived every moment when she was here. I am sure that while we gathered yesterday, Allwell was laughing and dancing with the angels in heaven.

    “If we could see her, she’s probably teasing every one of us, jumping into our videos to laugh because that is who Allwell was…she’s still very much alive because she made sure she carried so much happiness and cheerfulness everywhere she goes, that she deposited into each and everyone she met!

    “Allwell is presently disturbing god. Gisting him about every moment well-spent! She is probably asking him for ice cream if there’s any there. God knows He sent an angel who delivered and lived life well…

    “Allwell has taught me/us something so trivial yet very important! “Live every moment!!” so that when you are gone, you will be felt so alive. Till now…I feel it in my spirit that Allwell is dancing, jumping, laughing, teasing, and cracking jokes. She’s very much alive! Legacy”

    Allwell Ademola has been laid to rest in Lagos following her passing on December 27, 2025, at the age of 49.

    She died of a heart attack at her residence and was remembered for her talent and contributions to the film industry.

  • Allwell Ademola’s brother apologises to Iyabo Ojo over ‘lack of support’ comment 

    Allwell Ademola’s brother apologises to Iyabo Ojo over ‘lack of support’ comment 

    Late actress Allwell Ademola’s brother has apologised to Iyabo Ojo for calling her out over lack of support for his late sister.

    He approached Iyabo Ojo during a memorial service and begged for forgiveness.

    Iyabo Ojo accepted his apology, saying it was a thing of the past and she’d forgiven him.

    “Big mummy please don’t be offended, you can see that I didn’t abuse you in the viral video. Please I’m sorry.”

    Read Also: Actress Debbie Shokoya pays emotional tribute to late Allwell Ademola

    While prostrating to beg her, Iyabo Ojo quickly embraced him and said “O ti lo (it’s a thing of the past) to God I have forgiven you.”

    The drama started when Allwell’s brother called out Iyabo Ojo and other celebrities for not supporting his sister when she was alive.

    Iyabo Ojo had responded, saying she’d supported Allwell Ademola through featuring in her movies for free multiple times.

  • Peller apologises to Oginika, says online hate left him traumatised

    Peller apologises to Oginika, says online hate left him traumatised

    TikTok content creator, Peller, has apologised to Oginika, the woman he confronted at a restaurant, admitting fault but noting that he reacted under the weight of intense online hostility.

    The clash occurred after Oginika allegedly cautioned him for being loud, prompting Peller to criticise her in return. His reaction drew widespread condemnation from social media users, who described his conduct as excessive.

    Addressing the controversy during a livestream, Peller said the volume of hate he has been receiving online contributed to his outburst. 

    Read Also: I’m focusing on myself in 2026, no more girls – Peller vows 

    While he expressed regret for his behaviour, he also maintained that Oginika should avoid speaking to people in a manner he considered disrespectful.

    “That girl that I meet in that food place that we exchanged some words, I’m sorry. But I’m traumatized,” he said.

    “The hate i get online is a lot and when someone says something negative in real life, it gets to me. Oginika I’m sorry. But you too no dey talk to people like that, e no fair.”

  • Wizkid becomes first African to hit 10billion Spotify streams

    Wizkid becomes first African to hit 10billion Spotify streams

    Grammy-nominated singer Wizkid has made history as the first African artist to surpass 10 billion streams on Spotify.

    This achievement is a proof to his global influence and popularity, with hits like “One Dance” with Drake, which has nearly 4 billion streams, and “Essence” featuring Tems, with over 334 million streams.

    According to the latest figures as of January 2026, Wizkid tops the list of Africa’s most-streamed artists on Spotify, with Burna Boy following closely behind on more than 9.5 billion streams.

    Rema ranks third with 5.6 billion streams, while Tems has surpassed 4.4 billion. South African star Tyla has accumulated 3.7 billion streams, and Nigerian singer Ayra Starr trails closely with 3.3 billion streams.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Wizkid, Davido lead list of Africa’s most awarded music artists

    Wizkid’s third studio album, Made In Lagos Deluxe, is his most streamed project on the platform, with over one billion streams.

    Wizkid’s success extends beyond streaming numbers, as he’s received numerous awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award for his collaboration with Beyoncé on The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack.

    He’s also won several BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, and Billboard Awards, claiming his position as a leading African artist.

  • Ben Akinbami tackles crime with songs

    Ben Akinbami tackles crime with songs

    In an industry often criticised for romanticising fraud, drug abuse and sex, Nigerian singer, Akinbami Ebenezer aka Ben Akinbami is charting a different course with music.

    While many of his contemporaries sing about illicit success, Akinbami is releasing songs aimed at discouraging crime to support the work of law enforcement agencies.

    “Music is powerful and people internalize it more when the lyrics hits different,” Akinbami told The Nation after his recent performance at Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s Officers Night Out.

    “If music could influence people into doing drugs and other vices, I believe music can influence younger generations to act better,” he said.

    At a time when internet fraud and drug-related offences are drawing growing concern across Nigeria, Akinbami’s message-driven music seeks to speak directly to youths and corrupt politicians desperate to make quick wealth.

    READ ALSO; Still on Nigeria’s re-designation as ‘country of particular concern’

    In his newest song entitled, ‘Hand Go Touch You,’ the mutlti-talented artist warns of the long-term consequences of criminal lifestyles and encourages them to respect the rule of law.

    While speaking on the concept of the body of work, the artist, who started singing at age 8 and has released two studio albums alongside Extended Play (EP) over the years, said his latest single was timely and intentional.

    “It’s a song for the season because of criminal acts on rampage in our society, how people glorify committing fraud including Yahoo Yahoo as well as politicians embezzling public funds,” he enthused.

    “The lyrics of the song says it all, it’s a sensitization that no matter how smart you think you can be, EFCC will catch you.”

    Unlike the dominant commercial soundscape, where flashy visuals and controversial lyrics often dominate streaming platforms, Akinbami’s work leans heavily on storytelling. Drawing inspiration from real-life encounters and news reports, his songs mirror the realities faced by law enforcement officers and families affected by crime.

    In the visual of the track, he honoured the slain EFCC’s Assistant Superintendent, late Aminu Harisu Sahabi who was brutally murder last year.

    For Akinbami, commercial success is secondary to impact. He admits that socially conscious music rarely attracts the same attention as mainstream hits, but remains undeterred.

    “When you fight corruption, it’ll definitely fight back. I had several criticisms because of individual hatred for the anti-graft agency,” he said.

    Continuing, Akinbami, who also doubles as a writer and social entrepreneur, said, “I want people to act better and get blessed everytime they get to listen to my music. I don’t want to sing songs that will trend, rather I want to sing songs that’ll be evergreen.”

    Law enforcement officials and social advocates have welcomed the approach, describing it as a creative complement to traditional crime-prevention campaigns. While music alone cannot solve deep-rooted social problems, they argue that artists like Akinbami help shift conversations in a culture where musicians wield enormous influence.

  • My life is better without my father, says Portable

    My life is better without my father, says Portable

    For the second time in two years, controversial street-pop artist, Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, has gone hard on his father claiming his life is better without him.

    A few days into the New Year, the singer took to his social media account to level serious allegations against his father in a live video. He accused his father of neglect, manipulation, and financially exploiting his success, while also warning him against what he described as spiritual intimidation.

    The outburst follows a physical altercation between Portable and one of his babymama, Asabi.

    During an Instagram Live session, the Zazu singer lamented that his father consistently distances himself whenever he faces challenges involving the police or marital disputes, yet maintains contact with his partners for selfish gains.

    In a 10 minute long vitriol, he said, “Even my dad is only concerned with getting money from me. There is no time in the police station that you will ever come to my aid as your son. But you can collect the phone numbers of your son’s baby mamas and collect money from them.

    “Are you not supposed to have a phone number and relations with just one wife, you know, with me? It’s only Bewaji, my only wife, that you’re supposed to know, but you chase after all of them for money. You will be sniffing around my family. You are with me, yet my life is scattered.

    “My fans, why? When you are not with me, my life goes on. If people invade my house and I ask my father to report to the police station, he won’t answer; he will run and hide from my problems. I am facing a lot of fans, but you will not believe me.

    “My life is good without you. I am a hero. You did not take care of me. You did not send me to school. You are just like Baba Mohbad; you have collected all my shoes and clothes. But when there is war, you will be absent.”

    He continued saying, “When I wanted to build a house, I told him to handle it. He was always cheating me. You quoted 300 blocks as 900 blocks for me. I want to roof a building for N1.4 million, but you called it N2.7 million. You stand on my toes because of my properties.

    “When my mother died, my father said he was not concerned. Am I your only child? Leave me to live my life. My father was cheating me on the purchase of bricks. You were in Abuja doing your thing. Then you came into my life when I became famous.

    Read Also: Tinubu applauds NGX N100 trillion milestone, urges Nigerians to invest more at home

    “You can never inherit me. I will not allow you to do to me what they did to Mohbad. My father is ready to take my properties, including my cars and my clothes. I swear to God who made me, no one can inherit me, and I will live long before I die to take care of my kids and my properties.

    “You can not kill me. Spirituality is genuine, and I will be spiritual with anybody. Assuming my mum were alive, I wouldn’t be suffering this much because she would fight for me. My father scammed my mum before her death; he is still scamming me as well.

    “My father sent me away from Abuja, and I came to learn tailoring in Lagos. My father blocked my aunt, who raised me when my mum died, saying she used me for rituals. My dad chased my aunt, who used to stay with me.

    “My aunt, Alhaja, used to stand for me when I got arrested at the police station. My dad has blocked her, the woman who raised me as a kid, so he can scam me. Alhaja, where are you? My father has scattered everything. My father has collected my money and cars, even though I haven’t bought anything for Alhaja yet.

    “If not for Alhaja, who fortified me, I wouldn’t be here today. But my father caused Alhaja to say that she is using me for ritual, Alhaja is rich, and I am rich with everything she raised me with.

    “Whereas, I am not supposed to even take care of my father because he was not available when I was born, he went on hajj, it was my mum who sorted out my naming ceremony. Yet, my father won’t take care of my family and siblings from the money he got from me.”

  • Adebayo Faleke launches Core Room podcast

    Adebayo Faleke launches Core Room podcast

    Nigerian broadcaster and media entrepreneur Adebayo Faleke has unveiled a new podcast, Core Room, on TV Afrikana, a rapidly growing digital broadcast platform.

    The podcast, Faleke noted, is aimed at redefining public conversations through depth, reflection and intellectual honesty.

    Explaining the motivation behind the project, Faleke said the podcast was created to provide a space “where conversations are not rushed, sensationalised or compromised,” adding that it is “a room where ideas are free to breathe and truth can be examined without fear or distraction.”

    Read Also: Nigeria vs. Algeria: Petkovic braces for stiff Super Eagles’  challenge

    Widely known as Kaakaki Olódùmarè, Faleke draws on decades of broadcast experience to deliver a platform anchored on calm, intelligent and insightful discussions.

    The podcast explores themes such as culture, leadership, identity, creativity, governance and the shared human experience, offering an alternative to sensational and hurried media narratives.

    Core Room is recorded and produced at Faleke’s newly completed, state-of-the-art studio in Ibadan.

  • How Gloria Jemedafe celebrated christmas with indigents

    How Gloria Jemedafe celebrated christmas with indigents

    On December 25, 2025, Christmas day, Nollywood actress Gloria Jemedafe decided to throw her doors open and enjoy the festivities with indigent children.

    Held at Government College Senior, Eric Moore, Surulere, a score of indigents had a great time socialising and enjoying with Jemedafe. There were a whole lot of fun, games, dancing, eating and drinking and generally feeling good.

    The event, organized by the actress’ NGO, The Rewrite Nigeria Development Initiative in partnership with the Ijora‑Badia community group The White Sand, featured games, dancing, and food.

    The highlight of the event, which has become an annual tradition since 2019, was the grand prize of N1million (One million naira) which was given to Shadiya Iyabode Julius. The prize money was made possible by one of the event partners, Apecslustre Digital Services Limited.

    READ ALSO: Kano’s unfolding power game

    Speaking about the event, and what informed it, Jemefade said: “I lost my father on Christmas day and my dad used to do stuff like this so Christmas was never fun for me. I used to feel sad. I then decided to take the baton for myself. I looked for a group of people and we started. This is how I enjoy spending my Christmas.

    ‘We sponsor a few of them to school and every year for 12 days, we provide daily meals, culminating in the Christmas party.”

    On the cash prize of N1million, Jemefade who has featured in many movies such as Love in Transit, Bad Boys Security, Baby Farm, Blossom series among others explained: “The N1 million prize is split: N500,000 cash for the winner, N500,000 invested to generate a monthly stipend, and the remaining balance returned with interest at the end of the tenure.”