The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Live-band leader Akiin Shuga dies at 50

    Live-band leader Akiin Shuga dies at 50

    Renowned musician and bandleader Akinloye Tofowomo popularly known as Akiin Shuga, has died a 50, his family announced Monday.

    The founder of the influential Shuga Band passed away October 30 in New Brunswick, Canada, after a career that spanned more than three decades and reshaped Nigeria’s live entertainment landscape.

    “It is with profound solemnity and total submission to the will of God, that the family of Akinloye Tofowomo (Akiin Shuga) — revered music icon, Grandmaster, and Managing Director of Shuga Limb Foundation and Shuga Entertainment, Nigeria’s most prestigious live band — announces his passing in New Brunswick, Canada,” the statement reads.

    The family called him a guardian of rhythm and culture whose leadership blended discipline, innovation, and artistry.

    Read Also: One dies, eight rescued as three-storey building collapses in Lagos

    “Akinloye Tofowomo was more than a musician; he was a custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance. Across more than three decades of excellence — on stage and in mentorship — he redefined what it meant to lead a band with grace, mastery, and purpose. To countless admirers at home and abroad, he was both an inspiration and an institution: a true king in his art”.

    They requested privacy during their mourning and said memorial details would follow..

    Born January 6, 1975, in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Tofowomo contracted polio at age five but refused to let it define him.

    He launched Shuga Band in 1998 at a small Lagos venue and grew it into a 14-member ensemble renowned for high-energy performances at weddings, corporate events, and state functions.

    Through Shuga Entertainment, he set new standards for professionalism in the industry.

    As the first president of the Association of Music Band Owners of Nigeria (AMBON), he fought for better pay and working conditions for musicians.

    Tributes poured in across social media, with fans and colleagues remembering his charisma and contributions to Nigerian music.

    He is survived by his wife, children, siblings and mother.

  • Toke Makinwa marks 41st birthday as first-time mother

    Toke Makinwa marks 41st birthday as first-time mother

    Media personality Toke Makinwa has expressed gratitude to God as she marks her 41st birthday as a new mom. 

    Makinwa, who welcomed first child, Yakira Eliana, in August, expressed gratitude for the gift of motherhood, describing it as a dream come true.

    She shared stunning photos of herself and her daughter, both dressed in red, as she dedicated her birthday to prayer and reflection.

    Read Also: Why I stopped breastfeeding my daughter after three weeks – Toke Makinwa

    She wrote: “365 days of mind-blowing grace, I started manifesting 2025 to be the kind of year that’ll have me saying “what a difference a year can make”, I honestly cannot believe the difference between last year, living it up in Spain and now living in my dreams.

    “Happy birthday, Omotoke. You are loved by God, a praise in the earth. Your life is a testimony that the promises of God will surely come to pass. It’s my first birthday as a Mom, y’all, say a prayer for me”.

    Makinwa’s birthday celebration comes after she dedicated her daughter to God in a ceremony attended by prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Funke Akindele, Tiwa Savage and Toyin Abraham.

    As a new mother, Makinwa has been open about the joys and challenges of motherhood, often sharing heartfelt moments with her daughter on social media. 

  • Blessing CEO denies alleged assault by IVD

    Blessing CEO denies alleged assault by IVD

    Controversial relationship therapist and social media influencer Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has denied allegations fiancé, Ikechukwu Ogbonna (IVD), physically assaulted her.

    The controversy erupted after a now-deleted Instagram video surfaced, showing Okoro in visible distress, pleading for help and expressing fear for her safety.

    The clip went viral, with social media users speculating that IVD was the source of her distress, a claim fueled by his controversial past, including the 2022 death of his late wife, Bimbo Martins, amid domestic violence allegations.

    In a series of Instagram posts and live sessions over the weekend, Okoro dismissed the rumors as “malicious lies” intended to damage her reputation and relationship.

    She said in part: “You all should bring the proof that I was be@ten. IVD is someone’s son and brother. Why do you want me to lie against him that he be@t me? Why do you people want to force me to accept a domestic v!olence that doesn’t exist?”

    Okoro clarified that the viral video was recorded during a robbery at their residence, not an incident of abuse.

    Read Also: Blessing CEO denies alleged assault by IVD

    She explained that a male housekeeper allegedly stole valuables, and when confronted by IVD, the situation escalated into a physical altercation between the two men, not involving her.

    Recall that IVD was arrested in August 2025 upon arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos over the unresolved case, which he and Okoro have described as “persecution.”

    The couple’s relationship, which became public in early 2025, has been under constant online commentary.

    Their engagement in April drew criticism, with many accusing Okoro, a vocal advocate against domestic violence of hypocrisy.

    In October, a brief “breakup” announcement was later revealed to be a social media stunt.

  • Don Jazzy: I can afford a private jet but I’d rather invest in skills

    Don Jazzy: I can afford a private jet but I’d rather invest in skills

    Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy has claimed he can afford to purchase a private jet or any luxury car of his choice but he deliberately avoids such extravagances in favor of investments, self-development, and supporting others.

    During an interview with Habby FX, the producer and music executive stressed that material displays of wealth pale in comparison to building sustainable value.

    According to him, he has been financially positioned for years to acquire top-tier vehicles or even a private jet, yet views these as distractions from priorities that matter more.

    “I’ve been blessed enough for a long time to be able to afford any type of car I want or even buy a private jet. But I have more important things to take care of. Nothing beats investment,” he said.

    Investment, he stated, remains unmatched in importance and comes in various forms, including personal growth.

    Read Also: What inspires artist signing under Mavin label – Don Jazzy

    Don Jazzy encouraged youths to prioritise practical abilities over conventional career paths, noting that the rise of the internet and AI threatens many traditional jobs.

    “The forex that I’m learning now is an investment in myself. Tomorrow, it’s going to turn into something a skill I can use. Don’t just be useless. Go and acquire some skill,” he said.

    He argued that aspiring to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer is no longer the only route.

    “You don’t have to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. In this internet and AI age, a lot of jobs will disappear. Why not learn something tangible? 

    “Even carpentry or furniture making, we still import tables and chairs from Turkey and China. If we had skilled people here, we could produce those things ourselves,” he said.

  • Michael Jackson tops Forbes’ 2025 list of highest-paid deceased celebrities

    Michael Jackson tops Forbes’ 2025 list of highest-paid deceased celebrities

    Late American singer Michael Jackson has been crowned the highest-paid deceased celebrity of 2025 by Forbes magazine, raking in an estimated $105 million in pre-tax earnings.

    The King of Pop’s financial dominance is attributed to a lucrative deal with Sony Music, where the estate sold a 50% stake in his master recordings and publishing catalog for a whopping $600 million.

    Jackson’s estate has generated a sum of $3.5 billion since his passing in 2009, solidifying his position as the most posthumously successful celebrity of all time.

    His Broadway hit, MJ: The Musical, has grossed nearly $300 million worldwide, while his long-running Las Vegas residency, Michael Jackson ONE, surpassed 5,000 performances this year.

    Other notable musicians on Forbes’ annual list include Prince, John Lennon, and Bob Marley, who collectively earned $541 million in the past year.

    Dr. Seuss secured the second spot with $85 million in earnings, driven by robust book sales and Netflix licensing deals. 

    Pink Floyd co-founders Richard Wright and Syd Barrett each earned $81 million after Sony purchased the band’s catalog for $400 million.

    Jackson’s influence extends beyond record sales, with his estate’s empire continuing to expand.

    A highly anticipated biopic, “Michael,” starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, is set to premiere in April 2026, expected to drive another wave of renewed interest and earnings.

  • Afrobeats tag might end soon – Ruggedman

    Afrobeats tag might end soon – Ruggedman

    Rapper and humanitarian Michael Ugochukwu Stephens popularly known as Ruggedman, has predicted that the Afrobeats label for contemporary Nigerian music may soon fade.

    Appearing on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, he expressed a strong intuition that the term’s dominance could end.

    He stated: “I just have a feeling that this whole Afrobeats thing, the tag might end soon. Nigerian music is in the forefront and I’m happy it is Nigerian music”.

    He celebrated Nigerian music’s global prominence but criticised a perceived drop in lyrical and artistic quality, noting that few current artists deliver the depth he respects.

    “The only change that I don’t fancy much is the quality of the music, and not too many of them are giving me what I really respect,” he added.

    Ruggedman distinguished Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s revolutionary, jazz-infused genre from Afrobeats, the modern, commercially driven pop sound.

    He opposed retroactively grouping legends like Fela, King Sunny Ade, and Kwam 1 under the Afrobeats banner, preferring the broader term Nigerian music.

    Ruggedman also attributed rap’s reduced presence to artists prioritising quick financial returns over the genre’s demands.

    He highlighted the higher cost of promoting rap compared to Afrobeats, which discourages investment in hip-hop.

    “Unfortunately, rap has kind of taken a backseat, because people want to do something that gives them money quickly. Not too many people are doing rap, and it costs more to push and promote rap than Afrobeats”, he said.

    Read Also: Tana Adelana, Ruggedman, others celebrate ADT CEO Adeola Taiwo on birthday

    He criticised Nigeria’s reliance on foreign distribution platforms and the ongoing pursuit of international validation, questioning the lack of independent infrastructure.

    Ruggedman added that he recently released acoustic versions of five classic tracks, Ruggedy Baba, Baraje, Change, Won’t Battle, and One Man, featuring only guitarist Fiokee.

    He described the project as the first of its kind in Nigerian rap, designed to emphasise lyrics and emotional resonance.

    The rapper announced upcoming 2026 collaborations with Odumodublvck, Jeriq, Magnito, 2Baba, and others, signaling his commitment to advancing Nigerian hip-hop amid shifting trends.

    He said, “This is the first time, no Nigerian rapper has done this acoustic, just guitar and rap.”

    “So this gives you an opportunity to hear the lyrics and feel the soul, the heart behind all the words I use, and nobody has done this before,” he added.

  • I’m not ready to become a baby daddy – Omah Lay

    I’m not ready to become a baby daddy – Omah Lay

    Afrobeats singer Omah Lay has revealed he is not prepared to become a father but considers himself at peace in a state of emotional and spiritual elevation.

    The Rivers-born artist, born Stanley Omah Didia, shared the reflections in a series of cryptic Snapchat posts.

    He wrote: “I’m very much not ready to be a baby daddy but I’m their father, their father in the highest, at peace in Heaven blowing clean Canada”.

    He described a sense of detachment from life’s turbulence, stating that while events unfold around him, they rarely penetrate his inner calm.

    Read Also: I’m losing my mind again, Omah Lay cries out

    “Everything happens but nothing ever happens to me. I don’t expect you to understand but…”, he added.

    Omah Lay also admitted to missing a Yoruba woman he once had feelings for, noting that attraction often fades when relationships become overwhelming.

    Currently without a romantic partner, the Holy Ghost singer said love and dating have lost their appeal.

    “I miss my Yoruba girl bad, I like them but when e too plenty e Dey turn me off. Yeah I got no girls. it has become a boring activity of late,” he concluded.

  • Why I abstain from s3x despite temptation – Juliana Olayode

    Why I abstain from s3x despite temptation – Juliana Olayode

    Actress Juliana Olayode has revealed the constant internal conflict she faces in upholding s3xual purity and moral integrity while navigating the pressures of fame, relationships, and career opportunities.

    In a candid Instagram post, the Jenifa’s Diary star confessed that she experiences the same physical and emotional desires as anyone else, including the urge for intimacy, affection and s3xual fulfillment. 

    She emphasised that her abstinence is not due to a lack of temptation but a deliberate choice to prioritise her relationship with God.

    According to her: “Sometimes when people talk to me about sex, purity etc I wonder if they think I don’t have blood flowing in my veins. 

    “It’s not that I don’t have all these feelings/desires, it’s not that I don’t want to be touched, it’s not that I don’t want to cuddle, it not that I don’t want to be kissed, it’s not that I don’t want to have a “hot sex” like some would say to me.

    “It’s just that more than anything I love and honor God! And I hate to hurt Him. Everyday I have to make a choice, apart from my relationship with the opposite sex and sometimes same sex, because sadly, we live in a world full of perverts, I have to make a choice in my career as well! Should I take the role or should I not take it?”

    Olayode disclosed that she regularly rejects film roles, financial deals, and high-profile projects that violate her principles. 

    She admitted to moments of self-doubt, describing times when declining lucrative offers makes her feel foolish or like a failure, especially amid online criticism questioning her career trajectory or accusing her of being manipulated.

    “I’M NOT THE MOST HOLY PERSON AND I AM NOT WITHOUT SIN! But I do my best everyday to choose God over my feelings/desires, over my career, over money, over the next “blockbuster”, over anything.

    “It’s not easy for me, I feel very stupid sometimes saying “no” to some deals/walking away from money/the next big project/ relationship etc.

    “Sometimes I feel like a loser, especially when some ignorant people start running their mouth on social media, talking about we don’t see her in big movies, she has a failed career, is she still acting, she’s bla bla bla’s puppet, etc. I sometimes want to tell them about the many scripts I have to turn down for the sake of what I believe…IT IS NOT EASY,” she said.

    The actress also addressed public concerns about her personal life, particularly whether she will find a partner willing to wait until marriage. 

    She expressed confidence in divine provision, stating that God reserves the best outcomes for those who remain faithful.

    “Those who genuinely always worry about me and wonder if I’ll get a good man, if we’ll be compatible, if he’ll not be gay, if he’ll not be impotent, if I’ll get a man who would want to wait till marriage.

    “I appreciate the love/concern and I PROMISE YOU I WILL! The God that I know gives the BEST GIFTS! Those who worry about my career, stop worrying”, she added.

    While acknowledging her imperfections and past mistakes, Olayode framed her journey as one of daily renewal, choosing obedience over impulse in both personal conduct and professional decisions. 

    She concluded with gratitude for her path so far, affirming unwavering trust in sustained divine support regardless of immediate outcomes.

    “God brought me here, tomorrow He might want me somewhere else who knows? In all, I know that God is a rewarder, but even if He doesn’t, (which He will) I’ll still be here, nothing is going to change. I’m grateful for the journey and opportunity so far, I know that the one who has held me down for this long will carry me till the end”.

  • Six feel-good movies to brighten your Sunday

    Six feel-good movies to brighten your Sunday

    Sundays are for slowing down, stretching out on the couch, and letting something warm and uplifting play on screen. If you’re looking for easy comfort and good vibes, here are six feel-good movies that’ll ease you into the week ahead and leave you smiling through the evening.

    1. Upgraded (Prime Video)

    A stylish romantic comedy about Ana, an ambitious intern who’s mistaken for her boss during a first-class business trip.

    2. Yes day (Netflix)

    A family decides to flip the script and let their kids call the shots for 24 hours. Chaos, laughter, and unexpected lessons follow – making it a perfect family watch.

      3. One of them days (Netflix)

    A relatable, feel-good drama that captures life’s little frustrations and how a single bad day can turn into something surprisingly meaningful. It’s an emotional rollercoaster with humor tucked between the tears.

      4. The secret life of Walter mitty (Prime Video)

    A quiet man with big dreams finally takes a real-life adventure that changes everything. This movie is a visual treat – part escapism, part reminder to step out of your comfort zone once in a while.

    Read Also: Final Trumpet Call: Nigeria bids farewell to titan of integrity, Christopher Kolade

      5. Instant family (Netflix)

    Adopting three siblings overnight is no easy feat, but this story handles it with warmth, humor, and heart. It beautifully balances chaos with compassion, showing that family isn’t defined by perfection but by love and persistence.

    6. The life list(Netflix)

    This follows a woman ticking off the promises she made to her best friend before she passed. It’s tender, hopeful, and full of the kind of emotion that lingers long after.

  • Jarvis demands apology from Peller over money laundering claim, threatens lawsuit

    Jarvis demands apology from Peller over money laundering claim, threatens lawsuit

    The management of content creator Amadou Elizabeth Aminata, popularly known as Jarvis (Jadrolita), has demanded an immediate public apology from fellow influencer and boyfriend Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, popularly called Peller following allegations of money laundering on social media.

    In an official statement on Sunday by Aiso Entertainment, Jarvis’s representation described Peller’s claim during a recent live session as “patently false,” “malicious,” and “devoid of any evidence.”

    The letter, dated November 2, 2025, accused the 20-year-old content creator of launching a “deliberate assault” on Jarvis’s reputation, built over years of creative work and ethical conduct.

    “Jadrolita has never engaged in, nor been implicated in, any form of illicit financial conduct, her affairs have always been conducted with the highest standards of transparency and legality,” the statement partly reads.

    The controversy erupted after Peller, known for his lavish lifestyle allegedly told viewers that Jadrolita, famous for her AI-inspired “Jarvis” persona was involved in money laundering.

    Read Also: Final Trumpet Call: Nigeria bids farewell to titan of integrity, Christopher Kolade

    The accusation quickly went viral, triggering heated debates across Nigerian social media and raising concerns among her brand partners.

    Aiso Entertainment has now given Peller and his team 48 hours to issue a full retraction and public apology, including an acknowledgment of the statement’s falsehood, an expression of remorse, and a commitment to cease further defamatory content.

    Failure to comply, the statement warns, will result in legal action.

    “Jadrolita remains resolute in her pursuit of positive impact and creative expression, undeterred by the shadows cast by envy or misinformation,” the management affirmed, thanking supporters for their solidarity amid the backlash.