Actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande has spoken out following the death of her father, expressing her grief and gratitude on social media.
In an Instagram post, she said she was “totally heartbroken” yet relieved that he’s free from pain.
Dakore thanked her father for the memories, laughter, and legacy of excellence he instilled in her and her siblings.
She also highlighted his love for music and sense of style, adding that despite their complex family dynamics, he’s “immensely loved and missed beyond comprehension”.
She wrote: “My Darling #dakorians Dearest Papa passed away on the 1st of January 2026. Daddy, may your soul rest in perfect peace and power.
“I’m so totally heartbroken yet glad that you’re free from pain. I’m grateful for the memories and the laughter, your legacy of excellence that you instilled in my siblings and me, your love for music, and your sense of style!
“Despite the complexity of our family, you are immensely loved and missed beyond comprehension.
“I love you forever and till infinity and beyond. Dakorians. Pls say a word of prayer for my Dad and our family at this very difficult time as we grieve this devastating loss”.
The actress’s brother, Timini Egbuson, announced their father’s passing, promising to continue making him proud.
Actress Bimbo Thomas has opened up about the decision to move away from playing “thug” roles after gaining widespread recognition for her performance in Funke Akindele’s film Omo Ghetto.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Thomas revealed that she made the choice to showcase her versatility and prove that she could play diverse roles beyond her iconic street-tough character.
The actress explained that she didn’t want to be typecast, a common phenomenon in the industry where actors get fixed in one image.
According to her, she had more to offer and wanted to demonstrate her range, even if it meant slowing down her career temporarily.
Thomas acknowledged that the decision wasn’t easy, as it led to reduced work, financial losses, and even affected some friendships.
According to her: “Yes, I did stop. You know, as a thespian, I really wanted to showcase myself, my versatility and other sides of myself apart from what God has used Funke Akindele to do. In this part of the world, actors get stereotyped and typecast, and I knew I had more to offer than being boxed into one role.
“Looking back, the decision may not have been right at the time because I was not yet fully established. But I was also afraid that if I became too well-known for that image, it would be harder to diversify later. If I had started producing then, things might have been different.
“That choice slowed things down for me. Then I had a baby and needed to focus on my child. Thankfully, endorsements came in; otherwise, it would have been tough. I paid a price for that decision. I lost roles, I lost money, and even some friendships.”
Afrobeats heavyweights Asake, Young Jonn, and South African amapiano star Focalistic were captured behind the scenes shooting the official, music video for their hit collaboration “2 Factor.”
Viral clips across social media on January 5, 2026, show the trio in high spirits on location, dancing, vibing, and performing choreography amid colorful sets and crew activity.
The track, released in late November 2025 as part of Young Jonn’s album Blue Disco, has been a street anthem blending Nigerian afrobeats with Focalistic’s signature amapiano flair.
Fans are buzzing with excitement, anticipating a visuals-packed video that matches the song’s infectious energy and party vibes.No official release date has been announced yet, but teasers suggest it’s coming soon.
The collaboration continues to bridge Naija and Mzansi sounds, following the song’s rapid rise on charts and playlists.
Gospel singer Eben has opened up about being withdrawn from a church performance due to his appearance in shredded denim jeans on his album cover.
Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, the singer expressed shock and disappointment, stating that all arrangements for the event had been finalised before the church committee objected to his outfit, deeming it unsuitable for a Christian minister.
Eben explained that the jeans were not revealing or inappropriate, but the church committee felt it didn’t align with their expectations.
“They had already invited me for their convention, and everything was arranged. Then they saw my album artwork where I wore a shredded denim jean.”
“The organiser called me, very upset, and mentioned that the committee felt they could not accept me as a minister due to the type of jeans I was wearing. They said it wasn’t suitable for a Christian,” Eben shared.
He had served in ministry for over 20 years and reflected on how people sometimes prioritise appearances over faith or message.
Eben urged churches to prioritise genuine worship and spiritual guidance over clothing choices, saying true ministry is about leading people to God, not judging how someone dresses.
Actor and producer Timini Egbuson has announced the death of his father, sharing the news on his official Instagram page on Sunday.
The actor, brother to actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande, expressed his grief in a post, saying, “Didn’t think I’ll start the year saying this .. Rest in peace Dad. So much left unsaid, but I’ll keep making you proud.”
The announcement has drawn widespread condolences from the entertainment industry, with notable figures including Funke Akindele, Uzee Usman, Kiekie, Gabriel Afolayan, and Mercy Aigbe offering their sympathies and prayers for the departed soul.
Actress Bimbo Thomas has recounted a harrowing experience where armed robbers invaded a hotel housing the cast and crew of Omo Ghetto Part Two during filming in Ebute Metta, Lagos.
The attackers, who seemed to be targeting filmmaker Funke Akindele, broke into the hotel late at night, terrifying the actresses.
Thomas, in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, said filming the thuggery-themed movie attracted frequent disruptions from hoodlums in the area.
“We were filming in Ebute Metta, and boys would always come on set to disturb us because it’s a thuggery movie, and they felt we were depicting their everyday life.
“It’s my hood. I grew up in Ebute Metta, so I thought they would accord me that respect, but we still had to bring security so we could shoot freely,” she added.
Thomas said the ordeal began around midnight with loud bangs and shouts of “Ole! Ole!” as the attackers tried to force their way in.
According to Bimbo, she, Akindele, and others hid in the bathroom, praying and trying to conceal Akindele’s identity.
“We didn’t know what to do. We were praying. Funke is a prayer warrior, so we all started praying,” she said.
In a desperate attempt to protect Akindele, Thomas said they tried to hide her.
“I told them, ‘She’s the face here.’ We tried to put Funke under the bed, but it didn’t work, so we moved to the bathroom,” she said.
The attackers eventually broke in and took Akindele away, forcing her to sing and dance.
Thomas described the scene as “deeply disturbing,” saying she thought they would all be killed.
“When they came back the second time, it was clear they were looking for Funke. They kept calling her name.
“I thought they would just take what they wanted and leave us, but they told her to put on her clothes and dragged her downstairs to her car.
“I came downstairs and heard her singing Emi Omo Ghetto. I didn’t understand what was happening. They asked her to sing and dance, and she did,” Thomas said.
The attackers were later chased away by security forces, and some were reportedly arrested or killed.
Thomas linked the attack to an earlier incident on set where some locals were arrested and made to apologise.
“Some boys disturbing us were arrested and made to record apology videos. Even though we had settled the area before filming, that incident offended them,” she said.
She thanked God for their survival, saying she was ready to defend Akindele to the end.
“I was thankful. At that moment, I was ready to attack one of them without thinking of the consequences. I could have been killed.
“When Funke later asked why I didn’t give her up to them, I told her, ‘If they were going to kill you, they would have killed us together. We thank God. Truly, we thank God,” she added.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has attributed the mercy of God for British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua’s survival in a fatal auto crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Two of Joshua’s friends, Ayodele Kevin and Ghami Sina, lost their lives in the accident.
Adeboye spoke at the church’s monthly thanksgiving service, saying Joshua’s survival was a demonstration of God’s mercy.
Many names on this list may not yet ring a bell, at the time of writing, but they will soon enough. Some of these actors, and musicians have been bubbling up for years, while others are set to make their screen debuts in some of 2026. Also on the list are established acts, who are poised to make waves and contribute to the totality of what is expected to be 2026. Across TV, theatre, music, and streaming platforms, The Nation Entertainment identifies the most promising young talent destined for great things in the New Year.
Fola
Folarin Odunlami, aka Fola, was one of the breakout stars of 2025. He injected fresh energy into the industry and earned himself several features with established music acts to create some of the biggest tunes of 2025. His album ‘Catharsis’ performed impressively enough to land inside Spotify’s top Nigerian album charts, amassing tens of millions of streams and signaling a rising trajectory.
Singles like ‘You,’ and ‘Lost’ (featuring Kizz Daniel) also became streaming staples, firmly placing the singer on both local and global radars; a rare achievement for emerging voices in a year dominated by established names.
Fola, like some others on this list actively set the nation’s new sonic agenda, alongside established heavyweights like Wizkid, Seyi Vibez, and Ayra Starr across the most-streamed artist and album categories, proving Nigerians’ unwavering loyalty to homegrown talent.
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is one of the leading faces on the Nigerian film scene, who has graced the klieglights for almost three decades. For a while between 2023 and 2024, she decided to go underground, while still working behind the scenes. Then came 2025 and she decided to unveil what she’s been working on to the world – she made her directorial debut and premiered it at the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. An elated Omotola revealed that 2026 will see more of her works behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera.
Zaylevelten
Chisom Lucky Okoro aka Zaylevelten is one of Nigeria’s most compelling emerging voices on the music scene specialising in rap and alternative Afro‑fusion. He fuses street energy, trap influence and experimental sound into something distinctly his own. Zaylevelten’s breakout came through a series of strong releases and viral moments including ‘Maye.’ Many agree that what makes Zaylevelten stand out is his work as a producer under the name Tenski as he plays a critical role in crafting sound, producing, and ensuring identity while ensuring his music reflects his vision from the ground up.
Bimbo Ademoye
Bimbo Ademoye is a recurring name on lists like entertainers, who defined 2025 and entertainers to watch out for in 2026. This is because the demure actress seems to have mastered her craft in storytelling and positioning her brand. With Ademoye not ready to stop, she’s one of the entertainers to watch out for in 2026.
Fido
2025 was a good year for Josiah Olayemi Awosika aka Fido, who joined emerging music acts that are actively setting the nation’s new sonic agenda and securing spots in the lists of top songs in the country. It is believed that the young Nigerian, who is not relatively an upcoming act, will consolidate on his 2025 achievement to make further statements musically in 2026.
Genoveva Umeh
Year on year since she broke out from the Netflix limited series, ‘Blood Sisters,’ Genoveva has continued to wax stronger in the film industry. She’s unarguably one of the rising film stars gaining significant traction with strong performances year upon year and she’s one act to watch out for in 2026.
Adesewa Rebecca Ojedele aka Sewà Ayoola is a Nigerian soul singer, who grounds her music in Afro-soul, but with the gleams of R&B, jazz and pop. Though she’s based in Toronto, Sewà is finding her path in the line of bold voices like Asa and Cavement. Her sound is a rich fusion that carries both mainstream and niche circles with a speciality in storytelling. Her debut album, ‘Detox’ announced her powerful strength and she’s one music act to watch out for in 2026.
Mike Afolarin
Mike Afolarin found, almost instant, fame with the klieglights since he broke out and he has enjoyed film casting with his name frequently mentioned for exciting projects. Afolarin has been able, through his performances, to carve a niche for himself such that he features in at least 3 out of the top 10 films in Nigeria per year. He’s one young star to watch out for in 2026.
Uzoamaka Onuoha
Uzoamaka Onuoha rose to fame with her role in the popular series, ‘Origin: Madam Koikoi.’ However, she has since proven her worth with several defining roles in projects that have projected and catapulted her career faster than she expected. From ‘Inside Life,’ to ‘Agemo,’ Onuoha has done so well that she will feature prominently in Nollywood come 2026.
Syntax, the creator
Wisdom Omotoso Adeoluwa aka Syntax, The Creator is a self taught producer, pianist and songwriter that has distinguished himself as one of those artists that makes music which takes listeners into spaces of introspection, celebration and creative expansiveness. Always wearing Ibadan as his badge, he wowed fans in the last two years with successful EPs such as ‘Room 203’ in 2024, and ‘Rvivi’ in 2025 and expresses this vividly, with collaborations and features that expanded his sound. 2026 is expected to also favour Syntax, the creator.
Martha Ehinome
Martha Ehinome is an emerging talent to watch out for in 2026. Having done so well for herself in previous years, 2025 seems to be the major unveiling for Ehinome with her performances in ‘Gone,’ ‘My Father’s Shadows,’ ‘Midnight in Shangisha,’ and ‘I am Anis.’ With Ehinome’s achievements in 2025, it’s obvious 2026 will be a bigger year for her.
Kunmie
Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter aka Kunmie is a fast-rising Nigerian Afro-R&B artist who gained massive fame with his viral hit single ‘Arike.’ The song was released in early 2025, and became one of the biggest songs of the year earning him significant streams, nominations, and a historic chart position on Spotify’s global viral chart as an independent artist. Known for soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, he dropped his debut EP, Before We Became Strangers, following the song’s success. Kunmie is an act to watch out for in 2026.
Sandra Okunzuwa
Sandra Ese Osayamon Okunzuwa aka Sandra Okunzuwa is a trained lawyer turned actress and movie producer. Okunzuwa has been on a steady rise on the Nigerian film scene snatching different challenging roles per film. Well noted for her rising presence, Okunzuwa is billed to shine an extra mile in 2026.
Renowned actress Iyabo Ojo has defended single motherhood, dismissing societal stereotypes and emphasising that personal growth, fulfilled children, and stability define success, not marital status.
Ojo, who raised her children alone from a young age, attributed her achievements to faith in God, resilience, and perseverance.
She stated that her daughter and son have succeeded, and her life has turned out better than many expected.
The actress, in a viral video, highlighted the challenges of parenting, citing moments of uncertainty, exhaustion, and emotional strain, but stressed that these can be overcome with faith and determination.
“There’s confusion in their midst. I’m the president-general of single mothers because my daughter has succeeded, my son has succeeded, and my life is better. When you’re raising children at a young age, you almost run mad. There were times I didn’t know which road to pass. If they told me I’d be a landlady in Lekki, I’d say it was a lie. It wasn’t me, it was God,” she said.
She also spoke on relationships, stating that both men and women make choices in marriage, and expressed admiration for fathers who actively care for their children.
“Na man go leave you, na man go marry you. Na woman go leave you, na woman go marry you. Put your faith in God and see whether God will not do it for you. I easily fall in love with fathers that take care of their children,” she added.
Afrobeats singer and songwriter Hadiza Blell, popularly known as Di’Ja, has expressed gratitude for navigating the challenges of 2025, following the birth of her fourth child, a baby boy, on December 29, 2025.
Sharing maternity photographs on her Instagram page, the singer thanked her loved ones for their support, encouragement and guidance throughout the year.
Di’Ja celebrated her entry into 2026 as a mother of four, describing the milestone as a blessed new chapter in her life.
She also reflected on the lessons and personal growth gained over the past year, urging her fans to “be brave in all things” as they step into the new year.
She wrote, “Still on di matter. Mood knowing you survived everything and every lesson that came at you in 2025, Alhamdulilahi, while pregnant with our 4th child and having him two days ago, on 29th Dec, 2025.
“Entering 2026 in sha Allah as a mother of 4 and kickstarting what I know is a blessed year ahead is something to be grateful for. Thank you to my Husband, Children, Parents, siblings, in-laws, friends, and extended family for every lesson, good, bad, and ugly; love, support, and guidance during one of the crãziest years.
“Thank you to all of you for supporting our businesses and being part of our community growth. Be Brave in all things. Happy New Year in advance, and please stay safe out there.”
