The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Why I cut ties with three close friends – Ayra Starr’s mother

    Why I cut ties with three close friends – Ayra Starr’s mother

    Nene Aderigbigbe, mother of Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr, has opened up about her decision to sever relationships with three close friends.

    In a New Year’s reflection shared on TikTok, Aderigbigbe cited breaches of trust, inappropriate behaviour, and emotional exhaustion as the reasons behind her decision.

    “So I was reflecting on life, you know, it is a new year, and you want to reflect and see what you can correct,” I remembered that a few years ago, I cut off from a few of my friends. I don’t know if I overreacted, and do you know why I did it,” she said.

    According to her, the first friend betrayed her trust by sharing a private conversation with her husband without consent, prompting Aderigbigbe to immediately cut off contact.

    The second friend’s husband made her uncomfortable with inappropriate messages, including sharing his travel plans.

    “The second person, I am your friend, why will your husband be telling me where he is travelling to?” she asked, noting that she felt disrespected and uneasy by the messages.

    Read Also: Ayra Starr confirms relocation to New York City

    Speaking further, she said the third friend constantly complained about her marriage, draining Aderigbigbe emotionally.

    She said that, being married for over 20 years, the friend’s repeated complaints took a toll on her mental well-being.

    “You have been married for 20 years, and you are still calling me to complain about your marriage. What do you want me to do?” she said, adding that the repeated complaints took a toll on her mental well-being.

    Aderigbigbe, who chose not to disclose the reasons for cutting ties to the friends, stated, “So that is why I cut those friends off, and till today, they do not even know why.”

  • Nollywood star Allwell Ademola for burial tomorrow

    Nollywood star Allwell Ademola for burial tomorrow

    The committee for the final rites of late Nollywood actress Allwell Ademola has announced details of her burial arrangements.

    The thespian died on December 27 after suffering a heart attack at her residence. 

    A statement confirm the Service of Songs will be hold on Thursday, January 8, followed by a candlelight vigil in her honour.

    According to the statement, the actress will be laid to rest on tomorrow, January 9 at the Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos.

    Read Also: Family announces burial arrangements for late Allwell Ademola

    “Attendees are to wear a customised T-shirt, which will be provided at the venue today, while guests are expected to appear in white shirts and jeans for the burial on Friday.

    “Activities scheduled for Thursday will commence with a Service of Songs from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. This will be followed by preparations for a candlelight procession, which will take place from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, moving from LTV 8 to Oregun Junction and back to LTV 8. An Artistes’ Night will follow, with closing remarks expected at 11:00pm,” the statement reads. 

  • Jarvis opens up on mother’s illness, social media fears

    Jarvis opens up on mother’s illness, social media fears

    Social media personality, Amadou Elizabeth popularly known as Jarvis has opened up about her mother’s deteriorating health and expressed concerns about online scrutiny.

    In a video on X, Jarvis revealed that she is worried critics might exploit her mother’s condition for malicious purposes.

    “So my mom is actually sick. What I’m saying is that online is crazy. Tomorrow they might video her in her condition and try to use it against me. That’s the one thing I’ve been scared of, that nobody should find out that my mom is not well and they should not come and speak against me on social media,” she said.

    She emphasised that her mother’s illness is beyond monetary solutions, attributing it to God, faith and belief.

    “Social media will always say, ‘Oh, why didn’t you take care of her? You have all the money, you have everything.’ But the thing is that at this point, money can’t solve it. It’s just God, faith, belief,” she explained.

    Jarvis praised her mother’s sacrifices, noting that she raised their family alone without support from their Senegalese father.

    “I love my mom and she tried. She tried, like she really tried. She fought, she defended us without any father’s support,” she said emotionally.

    The TikToker also shared her ongoing struggle to reconnect with her estranged father, who stopped communicating with her when she was a child.

    “From the beginning of my birth, he used to call me Aminata and I just giggled. You know, I was just a little child. But it got to a point when the whole communication line stopped. Till today, I haven’t heard from him. I’m the one searching. I’ve gone to Senegal. I’m still trying my best,” Jarvis informed.

    Jarvis had earlier confirmed ending the relationship with fellow influencer and livestreamer Hamzat Habeeb, popularly known as Peller, following his car crash incident during a livestream.

  • How my faith cost me a lucrative deal – BBNaija’s Cross

    How my faith cost me a lucrative deal – BBNaija’s Cross

    Former Big Brother Naija housemate Cross Okonkwo has claimed he lost a job opportunity due to his loud Christian faith.

    The reality TV star, on X, claimed a person decided not to work with him because of his bold expressions of faith on social media.

    “You are mad and don’t want to work with me because I have made my faith in Jesus Christ very clear and bold. Lol one day I will buy your company and buy everything you own. Mark my words,” he wrote.

    Okonkwo vowed he will not compromise his beliefs for professional gain.

    He stated that true wealth comes from God and that fame does not control him.

    He also emphasised that he will never do wrong or chase money in a way that goes against his faith, even if it means having less.

    Read Also: Reality star Cross Okonkwo engages partner in intimate ceremony

    “I will NEVER do anything evil for money. Even if I become the poorest or the brokest human being on earth. I don’t care about fame. Yes I’m glad and blessed that I’m a famous person but that doesn’t change anything. All wealth belongs to my father. He alone has the secret to All things,” he wrote.

    Okonkwo further addressed critics who still see him as the same person from the Big Brother Naija house, stating that he has changed in spirit and character since leaving the show.

    “I think a lot of people still think I’m the same guy that was in the big brother house. It may be the same body, face. image but definitely not the same spirit and soul. So pls get that out of your head and have peace with it,”he added.

    He also asked not to be compared to other former housemates, wishing them well and emphasising that everyone has their own path.

    “And pls don’t ever compare me to any of my fellow big brother siblings. We all have different views to life. I love everyone of them. And I wish everyone the best,” he added.

  • Why women supporting each other is important – Fave

    Why women supporting each other is important – Fave

    Afrobeats singer Fave has spoken on the importance of women supporting each other in a male-dominated industry.

    In a series of posts, she encouraged women to lift each other up, citing the need for mutual respect and empowerment.

    Fave noted that women often face disrespect and marginalisation, making it crucial for them to support one another.

    She highlighted that men tend to uplift their male counterparts, even if a woman is more deserving, making it essential for women to do the same for each other.

    Read Also: Fave recounts collaboration with Davido on hit song ‘Kante’

    “Women aren’t really respected so as a woman when you get up, lift another woman first because the men will lift men even if a woman’s more deserving”, she wrote.

    Opening her DMs to fellow women, Fave invited them to share their businesses, fashion brands, and talents, promising to promote them.

    This move, Fave said, is part of her effort to empower and support women, and she hopes to make a positive impact through this initiative.

    “Please womennnnn send me whatever businesses you have or fashions or talentsssss. I keep saying I want to get to a certain place before I lift other women up, because I mean I’m still on this journey even get up myself, so how could I possibly influence anyone? But life is short! I’m opening my DMs for y’all specifically. My women. I will put you on,” she wrote.

  • Why men must make efforts in relationships – Tacha

    Why men must make efforts in relationships – Tacha

    Media personality Symply Tacha has argued that men should make an effort to impress women in relationships.

    Tacha, in a podcast on CreativiTEA, dismissed the narrative that men “don’t have to impress” as flawed, citing inconsistencies in modern dating culture.

    According to Tacha, men are often expected to take women out or buy gifts, yet some claim they no longer need to impress.

    She said, “Push the whole narrative of ‘men don’t have to impress,’ and I’m like, you can’t tell me men don’t have to impress, and every other day you’re telling a girl let me buy you bottles, let me take you out. There has to be effort.”

    Read Also: Tacha backs Osimhen after AFCON on-pitch drama

    She stated that gestures of effort are essential in relationships, pointing to examples from nature where male birds display themselves to attract female birds.

    Tacha questioned why some men believe effort is optional while women are expected to maintain standards.

    She called on women to be honest about their expectations and warned against accepting minimal effort under the guise of “wokeness” or independence.

    “The ones that don’t put in effort are the ones trying to push the whole stupid woke 2025 nonsense. If animals can get it, and they are saying, ‘oh are you an animal?’

    “Most animals have 90% DNA structure as humans. So yes, if a bird can understand he has to impress the female, who are you to not understand you have to impress?” she added.

  • Femi Adebayo celebrates as daughter graduates from University

    Femi Adebayo celebrates as daughter graduates from University

    Actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has congratulated his first child, Firdaos Niniola, on her graduation from the university.

    In an Instagram post, Adebayo expressed pride and gratitude in his daughter, acknowledging the significance of education and the responsibility that comes with it.

    Adebayo prayed for his daughter’s continued guidance, protection, and success, promising to always stand behind her as she embarked on her journey.

    Read Also: Femi Adebayo defends Odunlade Adekola’s ‘Warlord’ amid online criticism

    He wrote, “Firdaos Niniola @niniolajannah Ajoke mi – my first child. You have made me prouder and given me countless reasons to smile through the years. Alhamdulillah for this beautiful milestone.

    “Today, you graduate, and my heart overflows with gratitude and pride. Education is a gift, and responsibility is its companion – may you use both to uplift yourself and others.

    “May Allah continue to guide, protect, and elevate you in all you do. Your journey is just beginning, and Daddy stands proudly behind you, always.”

  • Don’t perform without a proper sound check – Oxlade warns artists

    Don’t perform without a proper sound check – Oxlade warns artists

    Afrobeats singer Oxlade has urged artists to insist on sound checks before performances after a disastrous gig in London.

    Headlining his first event alongside Bella Shmurda, Oxlade claimed the organisers failed to provide a proper sound check, resulting in terrible sound quality for the audience.

    Oxlade, in a tweet, warned fellow artists to insist on sound checks before performing, emphasising that it’s crucial to know what you’re working with before going on stage.

    According to him, organisers can do better, but artists also need to take responsibility for their own performances.

    Read Also: Oxlade advises artists to prioritise vocal development

    He wrote, “Dear Performing artist, I know organisers can do better with the gadgets required to run a show. But please, don’t perform anywhere without running a proper sound check. Na from sound check you go don know your fate…Cause omo I did a certain gig in London.

    “My first ever headline event, Bella Shmurda headlined this event. Organization was shit …. We couldn’t even do a sound check at the venue before the show…The monitor speakers, i.e., the ones feeding the stage, sounded fair, but the speakers feeding the audience were terrible. That’s gotta be the worst event I performed at. A word is enough for the wise.”

  • My life was better without my father, says Portable

    My life was better without my father, says Portable

    Controversial singer Portable has accused his father of taking his personal belongings and attempting to lay claim to his properties.

    In a video message, the Zazu crooner alleged that his father’s involvement in his life has caused more harm than good, asserting that he fared better before his father came back to his life. 

    He further claimed that his father did not support his education or his tailoring apprenticeship, which he said he pursued before venturing into music.

    The artiste alleged that his father has taken his shoes and clothes and is now making moves to claim his properties.

    “My dad’s presence in my life is doing me more harm than good. My life was better and more stable when he wasn’t in the picture,” he said.

    “When I was younger, he didn’t take care of me. He did not send me to school. He did not pay for my tailoring apprenticeship fee.

    “His presence is affecting my life negatively. He has taken all my shoes and clothes and he is just after my properties.”

  • Oxlade advises artists to prioritise vocal development

    Oxlade advises artists to prioritise vocal development

    Afrobeats singer Oxlade has advised performing artists to invest in vocal coaching to improve their skills.

    In a tweet on X, Oxlade emphasised the importance of being able to deliver strong performances, even without the aid of audio engineers or digital tools.

    According to him, getting a vocal coach can make a huge difference in an artist’s career.

    He added that artists can also watch tutorials online to better their vocals if they can’t afford a coach.

    Read Also: ‘Don’t take your life, reach out for help’ – Oxlade urges netizens

    Oxlade stressed that engineers can’t always be present, and when the spotlight is on, artists need to be able to rely on their own voice. 

    “Dear Performing artist, Get yourself a vocal coach .  And if you cant , Watch tutorials on how to better your vocals It will go a long way. I know engineers are life savers. But when the DAWs are not present and the spotlight is on you , you no really get choice than to use your natural God given voice. Invest in thyself. As long as that thing dey make you money”, he said.