The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Don Jazzy defends donation to ‘beneficiary’ amid social media backlash

    Don Jazzy defends donation to ‘beneficiary’ amid social media backlash

    Music executive Don Jazzy has come to the defence of a young woman on social media, Itohan, who received a private donation from him to support her initiative helping people with health challenges.

    The controversy began when Itohan tweeted about her Christmas wishes, including paying off debts and launching a foundation to help kidney patients, inspired by her brother’s death from kidney disease. 

    Don Jazzy responded, asking her to share her needs, and she listed her requests.

    However, some social media users labelled her “greedy” and a “scam,” prompting Don Jazzy to defend her. 

    He addressed allegations that he only supports women and stated that Itohan did nothing wrong, referencing his previous donation to a tech initiative.

    Don Jazzy emphasised that Itohan’s initiative is admirable and that she deserves support, not criticism. 

    He wrote on X: “Don’t do that. What exactly did she do wrong? I like to help people when i can. I asked for her wish, and she stated she wants to help people too. 

    “We all have our wishes whether big or small. I immediately noticed that people started dragging her so i entered her Dm to try and save her from the long talks on the timeline. Also not to be like i just raised her hopes and left her hanging. 

    “She didn’t need to come back to the timeline to tell you guys anything as she doesnt owe anyone anything. Is she a govt official? But because of the too much drags i guess she thought it was best to share the news on the timeline. What is bringing this woman talk now? Is the 20m Laptop brother a woman too?’

    The controversy has sparked a debate on social media, with some defending Itohan and others criticising her approach.

    Itohan has expressed gratitude for Don Jazzy’s donation and is using it to assist dialysis patients, with N350,000 already spent to support two patients.

  • Top 14 viral moments that broke Nigeria’s social media space in 2025

    Top 14 viral moments that broke Nigeria’s social media space in 2025

    In 2025, Nigeria’s social media scene was a masterclass in viral storytelling, with a relentless stream of unforgettable moments that captivated the nation and electrified the internet.

    From viral dance challenges and record-breaking feats to celebrity feuds and heartfelt tributes, the online sphere was abliven with drama, humor, and raw emotion.

    Here are the top 14 moments that broke the internet:

    1. Super Falcons’ Historic Comeback: Nigeria’s women’s football team won their 10th title in a stunning comeback in July.

    2. 2baba and Annie Macaulay Saga: The celebrity separation dominated timelines in January and February, with fans speculating on deleted posts and new relationships.

    3. JP2025 Wedding Spectacle: Influencer Priscilla Ojo’s wedding with her Tanzanian lover Juma Jux, went viral, in April, with fans sharing outfit highlights.

    4. DJ Chicken’s Viral Accident: The entertainer’s car crash sparked debates on reckless driving and celebrity accountability in November.

    5. Rema’s #KelebuChallenge: The viral dance challenge united Nigerians across platforms and nightlife in July.

    6. Hilda Baci’s Record-Breaking Jollof Rice: The chef set a Guinness World Record, celebrating Nigerian culinary pride in September.

    7. Achalugo depiction: The nickname from the YouTube film Love in Every Word, produced by Omoni Oboli, became a nationwide sensation, with couples and creators embracing it.

    8. BBNaija’s Imisi’s Victory: Imisioluwa Ayanwale won Season 10 in October, capturing hearts with her authenticity.

    9. Sanku’s Tragic Passing: In September, the TikTok comedian’s death sparked tributes and conversations on online fame pressures.

    10. Natasha and Akpabio Drama: In February, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations sparked viral political debates.

    11. ASUU Strike Memes: Students turned frustration into comedy, creating viral memes.

    12. Lagos Flood Videos: Residents turned adversity into viral content, showcasing humor and creativity.

    13. Celebrity Feuds: Portable & Influencers: Portable’s occasional live-stream rants dominated timelines, fueling memes.

    14. Meme Reactions to Fuel Scarcity: Fuel scarcity inspired viral jokes and coping mechanisms.

  • Carter Efe announces upcoming livestream with Davido

    Carter Efe announces upcoming livestream with Davido

    Comedian and content creator Carter Efe has revealed that Afrobeats superstar Davido has agreed to appear on a livestream with him.

    The announcement was made on Instagram, where Carter Efe shared a screenshot of his conversation with the singer, showing Davido’s response to the collaboration request.

    In the message, Davido wrote, “Let’s do a stream. When I’m back,” confirming his interest in the project and suggesting that the livestream will take place at a later date.

    Carter Efe, known for his viral hit “Who You Help?” and high-energy livestreams featuring celebrities, has built a strong following through consistent content creation.

    His fans have described him as one of Africa’s leading streamers.

  • Why I don’t care about ratings – Fireboy DML

    Why I don’t care about ratings – Fireboy DML

    Afrobeats singer Fireboy DML has spoken about his approach to music and fame, revealing that he prioritises his fans’ opinions over critics and music ratings.

    In an episode of the 90s Baby podcast, the Peru hitmaker stated that as long as he has fans who love and support his music, he’s content.

    Fireboy added that he doesn’t care about being ranked among the top artists, as he knows he has fans who think he’s the best in the world.

    He said the mindset has helped him stay grounded and focused on his craft, rather than seeking validation from critics or industry insiders.

    “I don’t really care about Top 5 or Top 10, as long as I have fans who rate me. I know that I have fans that think I’m the best artiste in the whole world. And that is good enough for me. I’m a very contented person,” he said.

  • Don Jazzy: Label bosses should treat artists with respect

    Don Jazzy: Label bosses should treat artists with respect

    Music mogul Don Jazzy has spoken about record label dynamics, stating that some label bosses fail to respect their artists.

    Don Jazzy on X, advised new label heads to treat their artists like superstars from the start, allowing them to shine.

    He attributes his approach to empowering his artists, letting them take center stage 90% of the time, and stepping in as necessary.

    Don Jazzy added that newer label bosses might be emulating his “Don” persona but missing the mark by focusing on the wrong aspects.

    He emphasised the importance of respecting and nurturing talent, rather than trying to control it. 

    “I might be wrong but i ve noticed some record label bosses dont respect their artists. If you know you are aiming at building a huge superstar, start from day one to accord them with that respect.

    “And the thing is most of the new label bosses actually look up to me but copy the wrong thing cos of my Don persona. 90% of the time around my artists i let them be the superstars that they are. Its only 10% of the time that i really need to be Supremos”, he wrote.

  • Victony to ignite Lagos with The Bonfire Experience

    Victony to ignite Lagos with The Bonfire Experience

    Afrobeats star, Anthony Ebuka Victor aka Victony is gearing up to thrill fans at a special year-end concert tagged ‘The Bonfire Experience’.

    The highly anticipated is scheduled to take place on December 21 at the Glitz Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos.

    The show will bring Victony face-to-face with the loyal supporters who have fueled his rise in the music industry.

    According to the artist, the concert will serve as a powerful moment of connection to celebrate his journey with friends and fans  who have been instrumental to his success.

    Read Also: Top 17 Nigerian slangs that went viral in 2025

    Victony began his career in 2016 as a SoundCloud rapper, sharing freestyles and mixes that quickly earned attention. His debut studio album, ‘Saturn’ arrived in August 2020, followed by the breakthrough single ‘Ina Benz’, which marked his official entry into mainstream music.

    His star rose even higher in 2022 with the viral hit ‘Soweto’, featuring Tempoe. The track dominated TikTok and spawned a successful remix with Rema and Don Toliver, charting across the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland and Canada.

    In June 2024, Victony solidified his artistry with his sophomore album, ‘Stubborn’. The project, praised for its lyrical depth and sonic maturity, delves into themes of love, resilience, and self-identity.

  • Chris Ihidero’s feature film Aloma gets Pinpoint Productions’ nod

    Chris Ihidero’s feature film Aloma gets Pinpoint Productions’ nod

    Chris Ihidero’s highly anticipated Nigerian thriller, ‘Aloma,’ is slated for a 2026 premiere.

    This was made known to the public after PinPoint Productions officially confirmed the production of ‘Aloma’ as backed by MBO Capital.

    Ihidero, an acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker, writer, and director also confirmed that the film is currently in post-production and is scheduled for a major international premiere in 2026.

    ‘Aloma’ is an original story written and directed by Ihidero, drawing on his deep-rooted commitment to authentic, impactful African storytelling. The film has been heralded by Ihidero himself as the “most important Nigerian film of 2026” in Nigeria.

    “Shooting has wrapped, post-production is ongoing, and everything is now set to bring fans up to speed on what has been going on behind the scenes. We believe ‘Aloma’ is a film that transcends regional boundaries, telling a deeply human story with universal themes of love, struggle, and resilience in the modern African context,” Wole Ajetomobi, Head of Productions, PinPoint Media said.

    “Chris Ihidero’s vision, the dedication of the cast and crew, and the strategic financial backing from MBO Capital has allowed us to create a work of exceptional quality that we anticipate will set a new benchmark for cinematic ambition on the continent,” Ajetomobi added.

    Read Also: A vision of hope: President Tinubu’s leadership in a turbulent Nigeria

    ‘Aloma,’ draws heavily on Ihidero’s early life experiences in urban ghettos like Oshodi and Shomolu, Lagos.

    He described the film as a “love story in a time of war – a war between those who have and those who don’t.”

    The production boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Shawn Faqua, Folu Storms, Asa’ah Samuel, Ayo Maff, Kalu Ikeagwu, Segun Arinze, Tina Mba, Olakunle ‘Abounce’ Fawole, Princess Obuseh, Abolaji Ajibade, Keppy Ekpeyong, Juliet Ibrahim, Elvina Ibru, Jessica Blessing Obasi, Kamo State, Simi Hassan, Toyin Oshinaike, Samson Imanah, Kayode ’Aderupoko’ Olaiya, Jide Ibitoye, Ropo Ewenla, Jaiye Kuti, Aina Gold, Rotimi Falegan amidst others.

  • How Wizkid reclaimed his mantle in 2025

    How Wizkid reclaimed his mantle in 2025

    Afrobeats has never been louder and prouder than it is in 2025. With trailblazers including Burna Boy, Davido, Tems, Asake, Olamide, Rema, Ayra Starr and other stars expanding its reach across continents, the genre’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric.

    However, one artist,  Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, aka Wizkid, reclaimed the spotlight in a way music pundits could not have predicted. OLAITAN GANIU writes.

    In a music landscape driven by constant output, Wizkid defied the rules as he failed to release an official single and album in 2025. Yet he topped music charts worldwide through collaborations.

    The 35-year-old Grammy winner became the most-streamed Nigerian artist on Apple Music and Spotify in 2025, an achievement propelled by both long-time fans and a new generation discovering his sound.

    The winning streak doesn’t end there; 25 of Wizkid’s songs ranked among the Most Streamed Songs on Apple Music Nigeria in 2025. Similarly, his last album, ‘Morayo’, a project named after his late mother, became the most-streamed album in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa on Apple Music this year.

    Music analysts opined that such dominance from a year-old album highlights the durability of Wizkid’s artistry and its magnetic pull.

    The Starboy head honcho’s influence on other artists’ body of work fueled his unmatched success. Among the standout are ‘Cash Flow’ ft. Young Jonn, ‘Getting Paid’ ft. Sarz, Asake and Skillibeng, ‘Big Time’ ft. OdumoduBlvck, ‘Dynamite’ ft. Tyla, ‘Billionaires Club’ ft. Olamide and Darkoo, ‘Kai’ ft. Olamide.

    Others include, ‘Forever Be Mine’ ft. Gunna, ‘One Condition’ ft. DJ Tunez and Fola, ‘Money Constant’ ft. DJ Maphorisa, ‘Lighter’ ft. A7S and David Guetta.

    His latest documentary, ‘Wizkid: Long Live Lagos’ follows the Afrobeat icon from his childhood to his current world domination.

    Directed by Karam Gill, the feature-length film  is an HBO production, featured as part of their ‘Music Box’ documentary season, which also aired the stories of Juice World and DMX.

    Read Also: Groups fault US delegation’s one-sided visit to Nigeria, decry exclusion of Muslim voices

    The show highlights the world-class performance he had in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London in July 2023, where he became the first-ever African artist to sell out the venue.

    Since his breakout in 2011 with his debut album, ‘Superstar,’ the ‘Ojuelegba’ singer continues to reinvent and sharpen his talent to remain culturally grounded.

    First, he solidified his presence in the Nigerian music industry before turning his gaze to the world. His U.S. debut ‘Sounds From the Other Side’ in 2017 showcased his ambition through collaborations with Drake, Major Lazer and Ty Dolla $ign, even if it didn’t deliver the commercial explosion expected. But Wizkid never lost sight of his mission and roots.

    “I’m an African. I ride for that… If the world can pay attention to one artist from Africa, why can’t they pay attention to all?” he claimed.

    In 2021, he cemented himself as a global torchbearer for Afrobeats when he earned a Grammy Award for his effort on Beyoncé’s ‘Brown Skin Girl’.

  • AFRIMA, British High Commission partner to promote culture, creative exchange

    AFRIMA, British High Commission partner to promote culture, creative exchange

    The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and the British High Commission in Nigeria have entered into a cultural partnership aimed at boosting creative exchange, strengthening cultural ties, and opening more international doors for African music as the 9th AFRIMA Awards is set to hold from January 7-11, 2026.

    The collaboration, formalised through a newly signed Cultural Cooperation Agreement, also affirmed that the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos would co-host the Welcome Soirée for the Nominees and Guests in Lagos, the official opening event of the 9th AFRIMA Awards Week.

    The exclusive gathering will take place on January 7, 2026 and in attendance will be AU officials, AFRIMA delegates, jury members, international guests, nominees, creatives, and media professionals for an evening of networking and cultural connection.

    Unarguably, Africa’s global music awards, the 9th AFRIMA is organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission and the Lagos State government as the Official Host City.

    Speaking of the partnership, AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer (CXO), Adenrele Niyi, described the collaboration as a strategic move to deepen cultural diplomacy through music.

     “This partnership reflects AFRIMA’s mission to position African music as a global force,” she said.

    “Beyond the awards, we are committed to building spaces where creativity meets opportunity and where African talent can confidently engage the world. Working with the British High Commission expands our platform for industry innovation, collaboration, and meaningful cultural exchange.”

     Niyi added that this edition of AFRIMA will place strong emphasis on strengthening global creative-industry relationships.

     “Partnerships like this show just how relevant African music has become on the world stage. We’re honoured to collaborate with such an important institution, and we believe the impact will go far beyond 2025.”

    Read Also: Nigeria, Tanzania seal strategic MoU to deepen maritime cooperation across Africa

    The agreement, signed by Gill Lever OBE, Chargé d’Affaires, British High Commission Nigeria, aligns with the UK’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s creative industries through enhanced cultural exchange and innovation. She said:

    “The UK is delighted to partner with AFRIMA to celebrate the extraordinary creativity and talent of Africa’s music industry. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening cultural ties between the UK and Nigeria, and across the African continent. Our Jollof and Tea campaign has shown us the power of bringing people together through culture, and we’re excited to build on that spirit. We look forward to a week of celebration that showcases the very best of African music and opens new doors for creative exchange and collaboration.”

    Across the five-day celebration, the 9th AFRIMA will deliver a lineup of key events including the Diamond Showcase (Jan 7–8), the Africa Music Business Summit (Jan 8), Host City Tour and CSR Visit, the Music Village Concert (Jan 9), the Nominees & Industry Party (Jan 10), and the Red Carpet and Grand Awards Night (Jan 11). The awards ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries, ensuring the excitement reaches audiences around the world.

  • Fola: I worked in bet shop before fame

    Fola: I worked in bet shop before fame

    Fast-Rising singer Fola has opened up on his modest beginnings, recalling how he worked in his father’s betting shop before finding his footing in the music industry.

    Fola, who shared his story in an interview, said his passion for music began in high school where he played in a band but lacked the means to pursue it professionally.

    “I started making music in high school obviously not professionally, but I had a band I was playing with,” he said.

    After graduation, the struggle became more pronounced. According to him, he did not own a phone at the time and relied on a friend’s device to make progress. “It was difficult for me because I didn’t even have a phone, I was using my guy’s phone to do stuff,” he recalled.

    Faced with limited opportunities in Ibadan, he decided to take up work at a small bet shop owned by his father.

    Read Also: Tinubu unveils new security, economic blueprint to harness Nigeria’s marine wealth

    “I checked my environment and it wasn’t encouraging so I started working at a bet shop owned by my dad. I worked as a manager and cashier so that I could raise some money for myself,” he said.

    Fola later left Ibadan for Lagos, a move he described as the turning point in his journey. In Lagos, he met the late Mohbad, whom he credits for creating pathways that helped shape his career. “I met Mohbad. Mohbad did a lot of things for me,” he said.

    Through Mohbad, he was also introduced to Bella Shmurda, a relationship that led to an informal collaboration in 2022. “Mohbad and Bella were very close so Mohbad was always telling Bella about me. I and Bella did a song together in 2022 without any paperwork and it was just great,” he said.

    Despite the gap in their profiles at the time, Bella agreed to the collaboration without financial interest, a gesture Fola still speaks highly of. “The gap was so much between us but Bella did it anyway even when he wasn’t going to make a dime out of it,” he added.

    Looking back, the singer said he remains grateful for how far he has come. “I thank God for where we are today,” he said.