The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Nigerian celebrities who survived car accidents

    Nigerian celebrities who survived car accidents

    Anthony Joshua, on Monday, December 9, narrowly escaped death in a road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, within the Makun axis of Ogun State.

    The accident, which involved a sport utility vehicle travelling from Lagos to Sagamu, claimed the lives of two male foreign nationals.

    The Ogun State Government confirmed that the remains of the victims have been deposited at the Livewell Mortuary in Sagamu.

    The confirmation was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, who expressed the state government’s condolences to the families, friends, and associates of the deceased.

    According to the statement, the fatal crash occurred on Monday on the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, while the world heavyweight boxing champion narrowly escaped death.

    The state government added that relevant authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

    Here are Nigerian celebrities who survived car accidents:

    1. Harrysong

    Afro Pop singer, Harrysong, on June 24, 2016, escaped death by the whiskers after he and his crew were involved in a car accident.

    Read Also: Boxing icon Anthony Joshua stable after fatal car crash

    He was en route from Owerri to catch a flight to Lagos, where he was to perform at the opening Gala night of Project Fame Season 9, when the incident occurred.

    The ‘Reggae Blues’ musician took to his Instagram on Saturday, July 23, 2016, to thank God for sparing his life.

    He wrote, “At one point, I thought I was crossing over to the other side. But no, God still has great plans for me. Yes. He saved us. Am greatful. stay strong ==team ONEDELTA. 6 days to go.”

    2. Burna Boy

    Grammy Award winner Burna Boy, on Saturday, February 26, 2022, got involved in an accident with his Ferrari 458 2013.

    The singer confirmed this via Instagram after several videos of an accident outside Overcomers Church, Graceland in Lekki, Lagos were posted online.

    Burna wrote, “Yes, it’s true. I had a bad accident in my Ferrari today. My leg just hurts a little, but I’m fine. It’s just funny how everyone came with their phones recording me instead of trying to help.

    “I guess they were too excited to see me regardless of the situation lol. But I love you all, Gambo got me,” he added.

     3. Dunsin Oyekan 

    Gospel singer Dunsin Oyekan, on Saturday, September 3, 2022, got involved in an auto crash on his way to Oyo State.

    The accident occurred on his way from Lagos to a church ministration at Ibadan, Oyo State.

    It was gathered that a crew member suffered slight injuries, but everyone survived.

    Speaking of the incident while ministering at a church on Saturday night, Dunsin said he took a nap and woke up to realise that the jeep was under a trailer.

    “The devil tried everything not to make me come here today. If you saw the accident scene that I came out of, you would never believe that I walked out alive.

    “To think we were coming here, and I said, let me sleep a bit so that I can be refreshed for the meeting and the next thing. I just knew we were somewhere, and the jeep had gone under the trailer.

    “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, if you are looking for a miracle, this is a miracle standing here,” he added.

    4. Sensational Bamidele

    Gospel singer Bamidele Adeek, popularly known as Sensational Bamidele, also survived a fatal auto crash in Rivers State.

    Sensational Bamidele is also the leader of the live band that performs with Nyesom Wike of Rivers State during the inauguration of projects in the state.

    On his Facebook page on Friday, 2nd December 2022, the singer revealed that his vehicle, which conveyed some of his crew members, had a head-on collision with another vehicle, causing his car to somersault eight times.

    Sensational Bamidele wrote, “He moves mountains, and He causes walls to fall. By His power, he performed miracles. And I am standing here only because He made it.

    5. Rapper CDQ

    Popular indigenous Nigerian rapper Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, popularly known as CDQ, survived a car crash in Lagos on Tuesday, August 15, 2023

    The ‘Nowo E Soke’ crooner shared clips from the accident scene on his Snapchat.

    He said, “Someone hit me, and I had an accident tonight lol. I think my Mustang is a write-off… I need to buy another car now… I hope I don’t have internal bleeding,” he captioned in one of the videos.

    6. Actress Bukola Arugba

    Nollywood actress, Bukola Arugba, survived a car accident on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos.

    According to Arugba, the accident occurred a day before her birthday and resulted in serious damage to her car.

    The actress disclosed this on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, as she shared a video of the damaged car on her Instagram page.

    The post read in part, “This happened a day before my birthday, I kept this to celebrate and thank God Almighty first, my Keeper, Olowogbogboro Hallelujah.

    “We were on the third mainland bridge, driving home gently, the road was free, suddenly a vehicle came from behind as though it wanted to overtake us, but it turned abruptly and gave the car a hard hit that looked intentional, my car started turning, hitting different angles, and all we could shout was JESUS.

    “It faced the bridge, we thought it was over, but suddenly it made a turn, and sat at the edge of the bridge. Surely there is power in Jesus’ name.”

    7. Victor Boniface

    The Super Eagles striker survived a car accident on Sunday, hours after guiding Leverkusen to a 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga.

    In a now-deleted post on his social media accounts, the 23-year-old shared video footage and photos of his smashed car after an accident.

    Boniface wrote, “God is the greatest” and “God says my time hasn’t come.”

  • Beyoncé joins elite club of Forbes as fifth music billionaire

    Beyoncé joins elite club of Forbes as fifth music billionaire

    American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Beyoncé has become a billionaire, joining the ranks of Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, and her husband Jay-Z as one of the few musicians to achieve this remarkable milestone, according to Forbes.

    “For almost any other musical artiste, The Renaissance World Tour would be a career peak. The three-hour, career-spanning journey through Beyoncé’s discography was one of the concert sensations of 2023, grossing nearly $600 million and cementing her place, alongside Taylor Swift, as one of the biggest pop culture icons in the world,” the famed business magazine wrote.

    “But the 44-year-old pop supernova reinvented herself in 2024, releasing a country album, Cowboy Carter, that would generate new commercial opportunities, a Christmas NFL halftime performance, and the world’s highest-grossing concert tour of 2025, ultimately earning Queen Bey another title of distinction—billionaire.

    Read Also: I once wrote a song for Beyoncé, says Adekunle Gold

    “She now joins an elite group of celebrities who have recently crossed the three-comma threshold—of the 22 billionaire entertainers Forbes has identified, nearly half were added in the last three years—and she becomes just the fifth musician, joining her husband, Jay-Z, as well as Swift, Bruce Springsteen and Rihanna.”

    The 44-year-old music icon’s success can be attributed to her record-breaking tours, including the Renaissance World Tour, which grossed nearly $600 million in 2023, and the Cowboy Carter Tour, which generated over $400 million in ticket sales and $50 million in merchandise in 2025.

    Beyoncé’s business ventures, managed through her entertainment company Parkwood, have also contributed significantly to her billionaire status.

    The business publication adds, “In total, the Cowboy Carter Tour grossed more than $400 million in ticket sales, per Pollstar, and another $50 million in merchandise sold at the shows, according to Forbes estimates. And because Parkwood produced it all, Beyoncé was able to secure higher profit margins. Combining what she made touring with earnings from her music catalog and sponsorship deals this year, Forbes estimates she brought in $148 million in 2025 before taxes, making her the third-highest paid musician in the world.”

    Her diverse portfolio includes a hair care brand, Cécred, a whiskey label, SirDavis, and partnerships with major brands like Levi’s and Netflix.

    With an estimated $148 million earned in 2025 before taxes, Beyoncé is the third-highest paid musician in the world.

    Forbes reports that Beyoncé’s billionaire status is a result of her continued success in the music industry, savvy business moves, and strategic partnerships, cementing her legacy as a music icon and entrepreneur.

  • Biola Bayo reacts to sudden loss of Allwell Ademola

    Biola Bayo reacts to sudden loss of Allwell Ademola

    Actress Biola Bayo is mourning the loss of her colleague and close friend, Allwell Ademola, who passed away on December 27, 2025, at the age of 49.

    Biola shared a post on Instagram, recalling their plans to spend the day together just a day before her passing.

    Biola reminisced about the happy times they shared, including taking Allwell to the premiere of Ageshinkole in her car and bringing her back to her house.

    She described Allwell as the happiest soul she had ever met, saying that her passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her.

    Bayo wrote, “Is that all? Allwell, se o ti tan ni Yemi? Sebi, we were meant to go out together a day before? You were still in my house on my birthday, playing as usual. I took you to the premiere of Ageshinkole in my car and brought you back to my house.

    Read Also: Allwell Ademola, Big Bolaji, Sanku, other celebrities who died in 2025

    ‘You were the happiest soul I ever met. Somebody should please wake me up from this terrible nightmare, cos this can never be our reality.”

    Rotimi Salami, Allwell’s best friend, also shared his grief, saying that 72 hours of endless tears couldn’t bring her back, and he is trying to move on for the sake of his family, friends, and fans.

    Allwell Ademola was a talented actress, producer, and filmmaker who made significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

  • Laide Bakare slams colleagues over insensitive online posts after Allwell Ademola’s death

    Laide Bakare slams colleagues over insensitive online posts after Allwell Ademola’s death

    Actress Laide Bakare has criticised her colleagues for creating content following the death of Allwell Ademola, expressing sadness at how some are handling the news.

    Bakare, in an Instagram post, noted that some colleagues and fans were creating content on social media, including TikTok, where they were playing games and collecting gifts, just hours after Ademola’s passing.

    “The way fans and colleagues are creating content with the passing of our dear sister is really sad. Anyway, God is watching everyone. Rest well, Allwell.

    Read Also: Global player: Assessing Nigeria’s foreign policy in the last one year

    “Still in shock, some of her very close pals were even still open on the TikTok app yesterday, doing tap tap busy playing games and collecting gifts. Haaaa!! Aiye le oo!!”, she wrote.

    Bakare’s comments came after Ademola’s death was announced, with many colleagues and fans paying tribute to the actress.

    Alesh Sanni had earlier shared similar sentiments, questioning the sincerity of condolences and highlighting the inconsistency in how people show support.

    As earlier reported, the 49-year-old Ademola suffered a heart attack and passed away on December 27, 2025.

    Her family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and announced that burial arrangements will be communicated later.

  • Peter Okoye mourns Anthony Joshua’s aides killed in car crash

    Peter Okoye mourns Anthony Joshua’s aides killed in car crash

    Musician Peter Okoye has expressed sadness over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, close associates of boxer Anthony Joshua.

    Ghami, before his death, was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer.

    They were both integral to Joshua’s team and had worked with him for many years.

    In a statement on X, Okoye described the incident as “shattering” and extended his condolences to Joshua, praying for comfort, guidance, and strength as he copes with the loss of Latz and Sina.

    Read Also: Global player: Assessing Nigeria’s foreign policy in the last one year

    He wrote, “This accident has shattered me completely. Latz & Sina, I can’t believe you’re gone. Why?  To my brother @Anthonyjoshua, my heart breaks for you. Latz & Sina will forever live in our memories and in the love they left behind. Even in the middle of this storm, we are grateful to God for sparing your life. May He comfort you, guide you, and help you carry their legacy with pride and strength. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong, brother.”

    The accident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State on Monday, where Joshua’s vehicle rammed into a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of two male foreign nationals.

    Joshua and his driver were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.

    President Bola Tinubu and the Ogun State Government have expressed condolences to Joshua and the families of the victims.

  • Ninth AFRIMA: Nigerian star FalzTheBahdGuy, French-Senegalese actress Liliane Maroune are hosts

    Ninth AFRIMA: Nigerian star FalzTheBahdGuy, French-Senegalese actress Liliane Maroune are hosts

    The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has officially unveiled Nigerian rapper and actor, FalzTheBahdGuy, and a French-Senegalese actress and media personality, Liliane Maroune, as hosts of the ninth edition of the awards.

    The ninth AFRIMA, organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in conjunction and the African Union Commission in partnership with the Lagos State government (official host city), is slated to hold from January 7 to 11, next year, in Lagos, Nigeria.

    With this appointment, FalzTheBahdGuy becomes the second Nigerian, after music legend 2Baba, to host the prestigious AFRIMA stage, following 2Baba’s historic role as co-host of the inaugural edition in 2014.

    Over the years, AFRIMA has featured a distinguished list of hosts drawn from across the continent and the diaspora, including 2Baba (Nigeria) and Maryse Acotie (Togo) at the inaugural 2014 edition; DNG (Kenya) and Aurélie Eliam (Cote d’Ivoire) in 2015; Ahmed Soultan (Morocco), Bonang Matheba (South Africa) and Ika De Jong (DRC) in 2016; Akon (Senegal/U.S.A.) and Sophy Aiida (Cameroon) in 2017; Michael Blackson (Ghana/U.S.A.), Pearl Thusi (South Africa) and Anita Erskine (Ghana) in 2018; Pearl Thusi and Eddie Kadi (DRC/UK) in 2019 and 2021; and Ahmed Sylla (France/Senegal), Sophy Aiida, and Pearl Thusi at the eighth edition held in January 2023.

    READ ALSO; Imperatives of Tinubu’s second term and transformative initiatives

    FalzTheBahdGuy, a multiple award winner, is one of Africa’s most respected figures in music and film. He is known for his intelligent lyrics, confident stage presence, and powerful social commentary.

    Beyond music, FalzTheBahdGuy has built a strong acting career and received praise for his roles in popular films, such as New Money, Brotherhood, 10 Days in Sun City, and Chief Daddy.

    Liliane Maroune, who is also a French-Senegalese actress, model, and TV host, brings elegance, global appeal, and a strong African identity to the AFRIMA stage. Maroune, who also has Lebanese and Mauritanian ancestry, is well known for her roles in West African television series, including Myriam in Emprises and Aissatou in Coeurs Brisés. She is also popular for hosting the talk show, “Wakhtane Ak Lily”, where she interviews leading African creatives. Her growing influence across Africa and Europe positions her as a fitting co-host for the awards.

    Commenting on the choice of hosts, AFRIMA Regional Director for Central Africa, Nde Ndifonka, said: “FalzTheBahdGuy brings intelligence, strong ideas, and a powerful African voice that connects with both young and old audiences. Liliane embodies elegance, diversity, and the contemporary African woman with international influence. Together, they clearly show the strength and richness of African music and culture. They  both understand Africa, speak for Africa, and live the African experience in their own ways.”

    The build-up to the ninth AFRIMA has been electric, with music fans across the world still voting for their preferred artistes in 39 categories of the awards on www.afrima.org.

    The five-day event of the biggest music awards in Africa will begin with the Welcome Soirée for guests and nominees at the British Deputy High Commission House in Lagos on Wednesday, January 7. The Africa Music Business Summit will take centre stage on Thursday, January 8, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites.

    Music lovers across the continent are expected to throng the Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, Lagos, on Friday, January 9, for the AFRIMA Music Village.

    There will be a Nominees and Industry Party on Saturday, January 10, before the Main Awards Show on Sunday, January 11, also at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites. The Red Carpet starts at 3 p.m. (WAT) and the awards ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries, ensuring the excitement reaches audiences around the world.

  • Toyin Abraham’s “Oversabi Aunty” hits N382 million in cinemas

    Toyin Abraham’s “Oversabi Aunty” hits N382 million in cinemas

    Actress Toyin Abraham’s directorial debut, “Oversabi Aunty,” has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming Nollywood’s second-biggest film of the weekend in 2025 with a box office earnings of over N382 million in 11 days.

    The film tells the story of a well-meaning but overly involved aunty who tries to fix everyone’s problems, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and touching revelations. 

    The film’s advanced screening on December 18 generated significant buzz among audiences, paving the way for its nationwide release on December 19.

    The film boasts an all-star cast, including Mike Ezuruonye, Efe Irele, and Enioluwa Adeoluwa, among others. 

    Abraham expressed her gratitude to fans, thanking them for their love and support.

    In a post on social media, Abraham wrote, “Honestly, I can’t thank God and you my amazing fans enough. Without your love and support, I am nothing.

    “Achieving this kind of milestone in just 11 days is HUGE for me! What took 3 weeks before, we’ve now done in 11 days. Eshey! Modupe ganni!

    “Oversabi Aunty is still hot and showing in cinemas nationwide. Please go watch it and tell others. It’s not just a movie it’s a super story packed with real life lessons.”

  • Sean Tizzle set to release new single ‘Husband and Wife’

    Sean Tizzle set to release new single ‘Husband and Wife’

    Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Oluwaseun Oluwabamidele, better known as Sean Tizzle, has announced plans to release a new single titled ‘Husband and Wife’ on January 1, 2026.

    Sean Tizzle, who announced this in a statement on Sunday, described the new single as a refined return to his signature sound, infused with romance, warmth, and musical maturity.

    The artist said the new release signals the beginning of a new creative phase for his musical career and promised a steady rollout of music throughout next year.

    He also revealed that he would later in the year release his third studio album, The New Testament, a body of work he described as a reflection of artistic growth, lived experience, and renewed creative direction.

    According to him, the album will blend classic influences with contemporary Afrobeats production, reinforcing his relevance in the evolving global music scene.

    Beyond recorded music, Sean Tizzle added that he is set to reconnect with fans through live performances, with a show scheduled in Lagos this February and performing in major international cities, including New York, Toronto, and London.

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

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

    Nigerian music stars Wizkid and Davido have emerged at the top of the list of Africa’s most awarded artists, highlighting the continent’s growing global influence in the music industry.

    According to the latest rankings, Grammy-winning singer Wizkid leads the chart with a total of 197 career awards, making him the most decorated African artist to date. He is closely followed by fellow Nigerian superstar Davido, who has amassed 150 awards across local and international platforms.

    Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie occupies third place with 121 awards, while Nigeria’s Burna Boy follows closely in fourth position with 120 awards. Burna Boy’s tally is expected to increase following recent nominations and wins, reflecting his continued global success.

    Ghana’s Shatta Wale ranks fifth with 115 awards, ahead of compatriot Stonebwoy, who has earned 107 accolades during his career.

    Tanzanian music icon Diamond Platnumz also made the top list with 101 awards, underscoring East Africa’s growing presence on the global music stage.

    Veteran Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo joins the elite group with over 100 awards to her name, while Congolese music star Fally Ipupa rounds out the top nine with 96 awards.

    Here is a list of Africa’s most awarded music artists

    1. Wizkid (Nigeria) – 197 awards

    2. Davido (Nigeria) – 150 awards

    3. Sarkodie (Ghana) – 121 awards

    4. Burna Boy (Nigeria) – 120 awards

    5. Shatta Wale (Ghana) – 115 awards

    6. Stonebwoy (Ghana) – 107 awards

    7. Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) – 101 awards

    8. Angélique Kidjo (Benin) – 100+ awards

    9. Fally Ipupa (DR Congo) – 96 awards

  • Funke Akindele reacts as ‘Behind The Scenes’ grosses over N1bn

    Funke Akindele reacts as ‘Behind The Scenes’ grosses over N1bn

    Filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has expressed her gratitude to fans for making her film, “Behind The Scenes,” a resounding success, crossing the N1 billion mark in just two weeks.

    The actress-producer took to her social media platforms to thank her loyal fans, distributors, colleagues, and the cast and crew, acknowledging their invaluable role in the film’s remarkable achievement.

    Akindele’s gratitude was evident as she recognised the unwavering support of her fans, who have consistently backed her projects over the years.

    She also appreciated the efforts of the distributors, who worked tirelessly to ensure the film’s wide release, and her colleagues, who showed their support by attending screenings and promoting the film.

    The cast and crew of “Behind The Scenes” were also not left out, as Akindele expressed her gratitude for their hard work and dedication to the project.

    She wrote, “Over the years, I’ve always valued my fans, because without God and you, I am nobody. Thank you all for coming out to watch this movie and for supporting my brand through the years.

    “Thank you to the distributors, my colleagues, especially those not in the movie who still came out to meet and greet my fans. Big love to the cast and crew. This is only the beginning. Let’s take Behind the Scenes even further.”