The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Talent managers driving careers of DJ Brightstar, Davido, Wizkid other superstars

    Talent managers driving careers of DJ Brightstar, Davido, Wizkid other superstars

    Nigeria’s entertainment industry continues to thrive on the backbone of strategic talent management, a sector that has quietly shaped the rise of many music stars and DJs. 

    While performers command the spotlight, their managers build the machinery that drives visibility, bookings, and long-term career direction. For DJs such as Brightstar, these managers are not just partners, they are pivotal growth drivers.

    1. Louiza Williams: Strategic Force Behind G-Worldwide Acts

    Louiza Williams, a Cross River–born talent manager and film producer, has earned her place among the country’s most respected industry executives. 

    Known for her role in developing artistes under the G-Worldwide imprint including Kizz Daniel and Sugarboy she brings a blend of creativity and corporate structure to the ecosystem.

    Now managing DJ Brightstar, Louiza has been instrumental in extending his footprint across Nigeria, East Africa, and parts of Europe. 

    Her experience in both music and film has helped refine Brightstar’s brand positioning and performance strategy.

    “She doesn’t just manage talent; she nurtures legacy,” Brightstar said, crediting her guidance for helping him reach new audiences.

    Brightstar also contributes to the visibility of G-Worldwide acts by featuring their songs — such as Woju, Mama, Laye, Raba, Buga, and Cough — in his mixes and live sets, boosting their presence on dance floors and digital circuits.

    2. Asa Asika: Driving Davido’s Global Influence

    Asa Asika, co-founder of The Plug Entertainment, stands as one of Nigeria’s most recognisable talent managers. His work with Davido has been central to the singer’s global penetration and sustained relevance in the Afrobeats movement.

    Asika’s track record with names like Naeto C, Sasha P and Ikechukwu underscores his reputation for identifying potential and building scalable brands. DJ Brightstar frequently amplifies music from Asika’s artistes particularly Davido’s hits Fall and If , which remain staples in clubs, festivals, and party mixes.

    3. Sunday Are: Industry Veteran and Culture Builder

    Sunday Are, CEO of List Entertainment and long-time manager of Wizkid, is widely regarded as one of the pillars of modern Nigerian music management. His work with artistes like Lagbaja, 2Baba and Omawumi reflects decades of influence across genres and generations.

    Although DJ Brightstar is not directly connected to him, Wizkid’s catalogue curated under Are’s guidance remains a frequent feature in Brightstar’s performances worldwide.

    4. DJs and Managers: Built on Collaboration

    In today’s industry, the relationship between DJs and talent managers goes beyond music promotion. Managers provide access to new releases, partnerships, and brand alignment opportunities, while DJs serve as frontline amplifiers, pushing songs to audiences across events, airwaves, and streaming platforms.

    For DJ Brightstar, the synergy with managers like Louiza Williams and indirect collaborations through artistes under Asa Asika and Sunday Are has strengthened his brand across local and international spaces.

    As Afrobeats continues its global expansion, these cross-industry partnerships remain central to breaking boundaries and shaping the next generation of talent.

  • MC Izhybee set to host end of the year party in Bangor Wales 

    MC Izhybee set to host end of the year party in Bangor Wales 

    UK-based compere, Israel Babatunde Olasunmade, popularly known as MC Izhybee is set to host an event in Bangor Wales in December, tagged “Bangor end of the year party”. 

    According to him, there is a large Nigerian community based in Bangor Wales with low social activities. 

    He said: “In a bid to to energise the Nigerian communities, I will be hosting an event in Bangor Wales in December which is tagged Bangor end of the year party as there is a large Nigerian community over here with low social life. 

    “This is what I have always wanted to do all my life and I’m glad I’m living my dream.”

    Speaking on plans for the programme, he said: “I’ll be going with my full team from Manchester, I’ve got DJ Tazzy and DJ Fancy who are both amazing, most sorted DJ in Manchester at the moment. 

    “Also, I’ve got Vibe beat from London who is a London A-list drum percussionist and also my brother MC Olympia from Nigeria.”

    Born in Emure Ile Owo Local Government, MC Izhybee grew up in Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. He had his Secondary and University Education, respectively in Ago Iwoye. 

    He said: “I started my MC far back as 2010, anchoring children birthday in my church and my neighborhood, but eventually started it professionally in 2016 when I won the second runner-up comedian in the NYSC orientation camp, Kabba. 

    “I have hosted several events during my university days, ranging from social nights. MTN campus rave 2013 was anchored by me in OOU; praise nights in church and many more. I graduated from J-15 school of performing art, owned by femi Adebayo in 2021 where I learned more about stage performance.

    “I got married and relocated to the United Kingdom in 2023 where I have been able to make my name known in the entertainment industry in Manchester and its environment, having hosted several social events, weddings and cooperate events in caro’s cities in the UK. My most recent one was in Manchester which featured DJ Enimoney from YBNL Nigeria.

    “As a graduate of Mass Communication in OOU in the year 2015, Public speaking has been something quite easy for me and my deep root in theatre and entertainment made it easy for me to engage the audience with stories, one of the beautiful things I discovered on the international level is that the non-African audience love African stories and culture, this made it easy for me to feed them more with the beauty of our culture and all.

    “My ability to speak English, Igbo, Yoruba, Ondo, Egba and Ijebu fluently has not only been a plus but gives me the easy access to connect to larger audience, I’m still learning indi and a bit of Pakistani. 

    “One of the beautiful thing of being an MC out here is that, you are treated like the professional that you are, no one talks down on your craft”

  • Ayra Starr confirms relocation to New York City

    Ayra Starr confirms relocation to New York City

    Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has confirmed her relocation to New York City to boost her global career.

    The 23-year-old singer has been a resident of the American city for less than two months, citing its familiar energy and large African community as key attractions.

    She revealed the news during a recent video interview, stating that the city’s resemblance to Lagos, her hometown, made the transition seamless.

    According to her, New York reminds her of Lagos, with its similar energy, speed, and cultural rhythm, admitting to finding comfort in the city’s African diaspora community.

    She also noted that there’s a huge Nigerian presence, making it feel like home.

    “New York reminds me so much of Lagos. So it feels like home. There are a lot of Nigerians here. There’s a huge African diaspora here, so it feels like home,” she said

  • Nkechi Blessing decries envy, lack of genuine support in society

    Nkechi Blessing decries envy, lack of genuine support in society

    Actress Nkechi Blessing has expressed her frustration over what she described as the scarcity of real support and the prevalence of envy in today’s society.

    In an Instagram post, she expressed concern that many people seem more interested in undermining others than in working together and achieving collective success.

    She stressed the need for mutual uplift, noting that supporting others requires no hatred or jealousy.

    “Some are collaborating and still winning, while some want to use competition to wound themselves, another set sit down for corner dey hit chest say another human being no go succeed.

    “For this life, wey nothing dey inside? For this life wey you fit sleep no wake up? Why you come hold am so strong? No genuine support again, if you chop I chop na so d life go take sweet. It costs absolutely nothing to lift the next person without hate or envy”, she wrote in pidgin.

  • I had no blueprint, I built my own structure – Wizkid claims

    I had no blueprint, I built my own structure – Wizkid claims

    Award-winning singer Wizkid has sparked controversy with his claim that he had “no blueprint” for his ascent to stardom.

    The comment, featured in his HBO documentary Long Live Lagos, has been perceived by many as overlooking the significant role played by Banky W, the ace singer whose imprint Wizkid emerged from.

    “There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself,” he claimed.

    Critics argued that Wizkid’s statement not only diminished Banky W’s impact on his career but also disregarded the contributions of Nigerian music legends who paved the way for the new generation of artists.

    Wizkid also acknowledged the influence of Nigerian music icon Fela Kuti, stating that “Fela Kuti was instrumental to why I believe I could really make music”.

    However, social media has been buzzing with mixed reactions following Wizkid’s “no blueprint” to his success.

    Franko_Nero accused Wizkid of being ungrateful, saying he wouldn’t be where he is without Banky W’s support.

    “I still vividly remember the day that Bankole [Banky W] announced on a show that he wanted to introduce a boy wonder, a germ in the making. Today, this ungrateful child is claiming otherwise. If Banky knew that today would come, I am sure he would have chased him far away”, he wrote.

    Arhcent echoed this sentiment, feeling Wizkid is erasing the role of Banky W and EME in his career.

    “This guy is erasing the role Banky W and EME played in his career. The person Banky picked from school for the studio is saying, “I had to build a structure for myself.’ God sees all.”

    Others, like the Duke of Isoko, defended Wizkid’s right to claim his own success, pointing out that he brought a unique style to the table.

    “If he never built a structure, Banky probably wouldn’t have noticed him. This dude came out with his own style of music, dressing sense, etc., but I understand that English is a problem in this place.”

    Sir Dickson urged calm, interpreting Wizkid’s comment as referring to his music style, not Banky W’s impact.

    “People are debating this with reference to Banky’s impact on his life. There is no real context to that. I believe he was speaking about his style of music. He reinvented himself. Wiz has never denied Banky’s impact, nor can he. Let’s calm down”, he wrote.

  • Why I left church for three years – Ariyiike Dimples

    Why I left church for three years – Ariyiike Dimples

    Actress and media personality, Ariyiike Owolagba popularly known as Ariyiike Dimples, has opened up on the experience that led her to stop attending church for three years.

    In an interview on the ‘Open Up’ podcast, she revealed that an elderly woman at her community church questioned her fashion sense, telling her she would go to hell for wearing a pencil skirt.

    According to Ariyiike, she felt wrongly judged and shocked by the woman’s reaction, leading her to quit attending church.

    Ariyiike Dimples emphasised that despite this experience, she is still a practicing Christian, but prefers to worship elsewhere.

    She highlighted the need for churches to simplify their approach and make young people feel welcome without judgment.

    She said, “In my community church, you see only elderly people. You barely see the young ones. The young ones have gone to other churches. It was too serious. Yes, you can have your doctrines, but there is a way you can simplify it for young people and take them in without judging them.

    “The reason I stopped going to church was because I wore a pencil skirt to church and an elderly woman said I will go to hell fire. I was shocked and felt wrongly judged so I stopped going to church for 3 years. And thankfully, I was already out of my parents’ house.

    “The woman reported me to my dad. I had to take picture of the skirt and send to my mum to prove that I wasn’t dressing indecently. But my dad believed in the ideology of a community raising a child. So, I chose to avoid the community church so that they won’t see me.”

  • I’m laid back, not shy, Olamide clarifies misconception

    I’m laid back, not shy, Olamide clarifies misconception

    Rapper Olamide has addressed the misconception surrounding his personality, clarifying that he’s often misunderstood as being shy when, in fact, he’s just laid back.

    In a recent interview on Ada’s Room podcast, Baddo shed light on the difference between the two, explaining that shyness implies a lack of confidence and charisma, whereas his laid-back nature is a deliberate choice to prioritise his energy.

    “One thing I wish people could understood about me is I am not shy, I am just laid back,” he said.

    The host asked: “What is the difference between shy and laid back?”

    Olamide responded: “Shy is when you don’t have the confidence and the charisma to stand people or look them in the eye or have conversations with them.

    “But being laid back is you just don’t want to be bothered. People think I am shy but I am not.”

  • Seasoned artistes often get sidelined in Nigeria – DJ Neptune

    Seasoned artistes often get sidelined in Nigeria – DJ Neptune

    Renowned DJ and producer, DJ Neptune, has expressed concern over the growing trend of sidelining veteran artistes in Nigeria’s music industry.

    He attributed the trend to a structural problem, where creatives are pushed aside once they reach certain milestones.

    Speaking on Hip TV, DJ Neptune stated that Western music industries allow veterans to thrive alongside newcomers, highlighting the need for change in Nigeria.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    “In Nigeria, once you reach a certain level they push you aside like, ‘Oya go to that corner, we’re done with you.’ It’s a structural problem. Abroad, the OGs are still as relevant as the newbies. We need to address the structural issues,” he said in a recent interview with Hip TV”, he said.

    He emphasised the importance of reinventing oneself to stay relevant, citing his own approach to adapting to industry changes.

    DJ Neptune said, “Although I don’t plan to do this all my life -when it’s time to take a bow, I will. But what I have just done over the years is that I know when it’s time to re-invent. That’s life. Things are changing so you need to move with the time.”

  • Why I left my crashed car with UK police – Don Jazzy

    Why I left my crashed car with UK police – Don Jazzy

    Music executive Don Jazzy has addressed a police case from his early career in the UK, denying claims he evaded law enforcement after a car accident.

    His former associate Bankulli had alleged Don Jazzy removed the vehicle’s plate and fled the scene, citing the incident as a reason for not including the story in an Afrobeats documentary.

    According to Bankulli, Don Jazzy was involved in an accident, abandoned the car and removed the number plate to avoid consequences.

    “I refused to put a particular story about Don Jazzy in the Afrobeats documentary. Because Don Jazzy was trying to survive in London, he had an accident and the car got destroyed. Don Jazzy abandoned the car. He was coming from a show and he fell asleep while driving and crashed his car.

    “He left the car, removed the plate number and ran away. Why? Because you would pay more to carry the car away from there than to repair it. But look at Jazzy now, he has fleets of cars,” Bankulli said.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    Reacting to Bankulli’s revelation, an X user berated him, expressing fear that the case could be reopened if Don Jazzy were to visit the UK now that his former associate had made the incident public.

    “With this reckless talk from Bankulli, I really hope Don Jazzy isn’t planning a trip to London. They can reopen a 20-year-old case,” the X user wrote.

    However, Don Jazzy refuted this claim, stating he waited for police, passed a breathalyser test and had the car impounded.

    In a response on X, Don Jazzy explained, “Lol no panic. It’s been so long, so he doesn’t remember the story exactly. I actually waited for the police. They came and gave me a breathalyser to determine if I was drunk. I wasn’t but the car was impounded. The fine to collect the car back was more than the cheap car, so I left it with them lol”.

  • Sophia Momodu slams critics over Imade’s absence from Davido’s birthday

    Sophia Momodu slams critics over Imade’s absence from Davido’s birthday

    Sophia Momodu, mother of Davido’s first child, Imade, has responded to criticism over her absence from Davido’s birthday celebration, denying claims she prevented the child from attending.

    In a Snapchat post, Sophia defended the actions, citing her protectiveness as a mother, and slammed the spread of unverified stories.

    She emphasised that her daughter’s privacy is a top priority and warned against sharing false information about Imade’s well-being.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    “You people have been doing this false narrative thing for over 10 years now. And while I try to be as graceful as I can, I’m also a very protective mother. Say whatever you want about me, it’s ok. But leave my child alone. This is non-negotiable. Imade is not a bargaining chip for her mother to conform.”

    Sophia also threatened legal action against those responsible for spreading fake news about her child.

    This comes after Imade was absent during Davido’s 33rd birthday, which took place in Atlanta with family and friends, including his daughter from another baby mama, Hailey.