Seun Kuti, a Grammy-nominated afrobeat musician, has opened up about his time in police detention.
The singer was remanded at the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos, following an incident where he was seen assaulting a police officer in a viral video. After spending eight days in detention, Kuti was granted bail on Tuesday.
In a post on his Instagram story on Friday, Kuti shared his difficult experience in jail. He described being forced to lay down on a hard and cold floor among other prisoners. However, he also noted that this experience was still preferable to being in the company of corrupt politicians, whom he referred to as “the devil’s house.”
Former Big Brother Titans reality TV show housemate, Jenni O, is mourning the loss of her grandmother, as she announced on her Twitter handle on Friday. Expressing her sadness and regret, Jenni O shared her feelings of being hurt and wishing she had done things differently. Jenni O participated in the maiden edition of Big Brother Titans, representing Nigeria earlier this year.
In a separate incident, media personality Daddy Freeze reacted to a scary message shared by BBNaija winner Phyna. Phyna disclosed that she frequently receives such messages from people, and in this particular message, a man named Charles Bright expressed excitement about her being admitted to the hospital and even wished for her death. However, Phyna clarified that she has been discharged from the hospital and is alive, relying on her faith in a God who never fails her. She stated that those against her will continue to be disappointed by God.
On Friday, celebrity blogger Tunde Ednut shared an interview of Don Jazzy where the Mavin boss discussed his belief about love during a podcast with Nedu Wazobia.
Don Jazzy stated that he is not the type of man who sticks to one woman and doesn’t see himself falling in love with one woman and being with her for life. He mentioned that his perspective might change if he truly meets someone he likes. Reacting to this, Daddy Freeze commented on Tunde Ednut’s post, suggesting that if Yul Edochie had explained the same ideology to his wife May, their issues would not exist.
Daddy Freeze mentioned that he personally cannot cheat on his wife but understands Don Jazzy’s perspective.
Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has expressed her belief that May Edochie will overcome her current ordeal, as her son Yul Edochie and his wife Judy Austin continue to share affectionate moments online.
Rita took to her Instagram page to declare her optimism that May will have the last laugh and that the challenges she is facing will soon be overcome. She also prayed that those responsible for May’s pain would experience tears and agony.
Furthermore, Rita debunked rumors of a divorce between Yul and May, stating that those calling for their divorce are either unmarried or come from broken homes.
Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze has responded to the sharing of a disturbing message by Phyna, the winner of Big Brother Naija ‘Level Up’ edition, from an unknown man.
In the message, Phyna claimed that 80% of deaths in General Hospitals are caused by the staff. She expressed her belief that certain nurses in General Hospitals should be dismissed from their positions.
Phyna also issued a warning, stating that she would place curses on anyone who attacked her for her opinion. Daddy Freeze’s reaction to this situation is not mentioned in the provided text.
Betty Irabor, the founder of Genevieve Magazine, recently disclosed that she missed the court wedding of Stephanie Busari, CNN’s senior Africa editor, due to her passport being stuck at the immigration office. In an Instagram post on Friday, Irabor mentioned that she made it up to Busari by taking her out for lunch.
Additionally, Irabor took her friend Udo Okonjo out for a meal as she had previously missed Okonjo’s daughter’s traditional wedding. Irabor expressed that they had a great time together and shared enjoyable moments. In a lighthearted manner, she joked about the expense, saying that hanging out with good friends is therapeutic and that she was prepared to cover the bill. Busari, who is now married to Francois-Xavier Bediham, had been previously married in 2009, but the union ended after three years and resulted in a daughter.
Nigerian media personality, Yeni Kuti, has expressed that she would not consider infidelity as a sufficient reason to end her marriage. In a recent conversation with Chude Jideonwo, she reaffirmed the controversial statement she had made earlier this year.
Yeni pointed to her late father, the iconic Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who had 27 wives, yet her mother remained committed to their marriage despite his affairs. Drawing from this example, Yeni emphasized that she wouldn’t leave her husband for another woman involved with him. She acknowledged that everyone has their own choices to make in such circumstances and urged against judgment.
Yeni firmly believes that she wouldn’t abandon her marriage due to her husband’s infidelity, reasoning that she couldn’t be the one to come and go based on the actions of a single individual.
According to reports, more than 30 entertainers were contracted to perform at President-elect Bola Tinubu’s pre-inauguration concert held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Thursday. However, only 24 artists showed up to entertain the large audience.
The performers included Wande Ojosipe, Timaya, 9ice, Asake, Fireboy DML, Bella Shmurda, Brymo, Buju Bnxn, Pasuma, Naira Marley, KCEE, Iyanya, Young John, Praiz, Skales, Q-dot, Chuddy K, Morell, Konga, Waje, Terry G, Small Doctor, and Zinoleesky. Comedian Seyi Law hosted the event, while DJs Consequence and DJ YK Mule provided music. Tinubu’s inauguration is scheduled for Monday, May 29, 2023.
Nigerian actress Iyabo Ojo jokingly expressed her intention to sue Ghanaian fan and content creator Decoster for recreating a version of her dress worn at the African Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA). Decoster used black and colored nylon to recreate the outfit and tagged Iyabo and her celebrity stylist in the social media post.
In a repost of the video on her own page, Iyabo stated that nobody should plead on Decoster’s behalf as she plans to sue him for “making a mess” of her $50,000 outfit (equivalent to approximately N37.8 million in the black market).
Her caption read: “Please, I need an Idan lawyer who has Oba lawyer’s number. I need to sue this guy… nobody should beg me, we shall meet in court… my $50,000 dress, no way!”
Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon made a heartfelt proposal to his wife, Damilola, on their 10th wedding anniversary. The actor shared the beautiful moment on his Instagram page, expressing his gratitude and love for his wife.
In the video, Deyemi reflected on how he had no idea about marriage when he first proposed to her a decade ago. He acknowledged the challenges they have faced together, as well as the happy and emotional moments they have shared. With tears in her eyes, his wife accepted his proposal as he went down on one knee and placed a ring on her finger.
Deyemi expressed his gratitude for the past 10 years they have spent together and their two beautiful children. He admitted that he still has much to learn about marriage, but he knows that he loves her deeply and is thankful to God for bringing them together. He ended by thanking her for loving him, despite his past as a troublemaker.
Yoruba actor Kehinde Adams, known as Lege Miami, faced a setback at the inauguration concert of President-elect Bola Tinubu when his phone and his manager’s phone were stolen. The incident occurred during the ‘Renewed Hope Concert‘ held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, which aimed to celebrate Tinubu’s inauguration.
Lege, along with other entertainers, was present at the concert to entertain the audience. He expressed his displeasure and requested his fans not to contact him through the stolen iPhone 13 Pro Max and his manager’s iPhone 12. Lege also mentioned that the stolen phone was used for his platform that connects singles with potential partners.
Portable is particular about how his pictures are taken, ensuring they align with his artistic vision and personal brand.
Portable prefers his pictures to be taken only with iPhones [Platinum]
Singer Portable recently shared a video on Instagram where a fan attempted to take his picture using an Android phone. It seems Portable has a preference against having his pictures taken with Android devices, and he openly expressed his concerns in Yoruba.
Before this incident, Portable Zazu took his fans on a journey to Asaba, Delta State, sharing various clips including a special encounter with comedian Woli Arole. The meeting between Portable and Woli Arole was filled with excitement as both artists expressed mutual admiration.
During the encounter, Woli Arole enthusiastically declared himself a fan of the talented singer. They captured the memorable moment with pictures and exchanged heartfelt prayers and well-wishes.
Habeeb Olalomi Oyegbile, also known as Portable or Dr. Zeh, is a talented Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter.
Mannywellz, a multi-talented Afrobeats artist, has released his new EP titled ‘Don’t Tell Anyone,’ adding excitement and complexity to the genre. Following the success of his previous projects ‘Soul Fro’ in 2018 and ‘Mirage’ in 2020, Mannywellz continues to showcase his musical prowess with this latest release.
The EP features seven captivating tracks that blend various genres, highlighting Mannywellz’s unique ability to fuse his Western influences with his Nigerian roots. His versatility as a genre-bending artist shines through as he delivers a special blend of sounds and melodies.
Prior to the release of ‘Don’t Tell Anyone,’ Mannywellz enjoyed viral success with his cover of SZA’s ‘Blind,’ which gained traction on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This cover allowed him to reach a broader audience and showcased his talent for infusing Yoruba Folk elements into Pop music.
The EP is now available for streaming on all platforms, and Mannywellz aims to further connect with listeners and solidify his place in the music industry through this project. With his unique blend of genres and captivating musical style, Mannywellz continues to make his mark on the Afrobeats scene and captivate audiences with his artistry.
Kel-P, who has already made a name for himself as an A-list producer with Grammy recognition, is now making waves as a vocalist in the Afrobeat music scene. Following the success of his EP ‘Bully Season Vol.1,’ which gained millions of streams, Kel-P solidifies his position as the Afrobeat revelation of 2023 with his latest single, ‘What Have You Done?’
Mixed by Leandro “DRO” Hidalgo and co-produced by The Elements, ‘What Have You Done?’ is an Afro-club single that exudes energy and grooves. The accompanying music video, directed by Jones Worldwide and released through Virgin Music France/Universal Music France, showcases an underground party in Lisbon, inviting viewers to let loose and enjoy themselves
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Kel-P’s ambition is evident in his music—to create tracks that make people dance and have a good time. As a multi-platinum star-producer, he surprises listeners with his singing abilities, demonstrating his versatility as a complete artist.
‘What Have You Done?’ embodies the essence of a perfect party anthem, with its infectious rhythm, soulful vocals, and upbeat tempo. The song is bound to get listeners on their feet, ready to dance along. Kel-P’s mastery in creating music that moves people is undeniable, and ‘What Have You Done?‘ continues to showcase his talent in delivering captivating and enjoyable Afrobeat tracks.
Renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Nonso Amadi, who is based in Canada, has released his highly anticipated debut album titled ‘When It Blooms’.
This 15-track album represents a significant milestone for Amadi, showcasing his evolution as both an artist and an individual. Released through Def Jam Recordings/Polydor Records/MCA/Universal Music Canada, the album takes listeners on a journey through Amadi’s self-discovery and growth through music.
The album begins with the track ‘Here For It,’ where Amadi reflects on the challenges he faced early in his music career but also acknowledges his determination to succeed, singing lyrics like ‘na so then the plan no get plan b.’
‘NASA,’ produced by Azulwynter and FrancisGotHeat, pays tribute to the hip-hop artists who initially inspired Amadi, such as 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and Ja Rule. The track discusses leveling up dreams from one phase of life to the next.
One of the standout tracks, ‘Kilimanjaro,’ features BEAM, an artist who has collaborated with notable names like Justin Bieber, Jorja Smith, and Beyoncé. Another track, ‘Night In Maryland,’ holds sentimental value for Amadi as it captures late nights recording in Lagos, Nigeria, depicting the traffic, the city lights, and the internal struggles.
An inspiring speech by Donisha Prendergast, granddaughter of Bob Marley, concludes the track ‘Night In Maryland,’ encouraging Amadi to believe in his purpose and prepare for his blooming success.
The album concludes with ‘Thankful,’ a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the community of supporters who played a role in bringing this project to life. Amadi’s mother shares a message of pride, serving as a beautifully personal finale.
‘When It Blooms‘ also includes five previously released singles, including the impactful comeback track ‘Foreigner’ and the collaborative song ‘Different‘ featuring Majid Jordan, which has amassed over 19 million global streams. Other tracks such as ‘Eye To Eye,’ ‘Ease Up,’ and the recent collaboration ‘Lock Up’ featuring Zinoleesky have collectively garnered over 50 million streams.
Fans will have the opportunity to experience ‘When It Blooms’ live as Nonso Amadi is set to perform at summer festivals like Mural Festival in Montreal on June 10. The album marks a significant milestone for Amadi and is expected to further solidify his position as a rising star in the music industry.
On Thursday, May 25, 2023, Seyi Vibez took to his Instagram account to share a significant achievement—a brand-new house. Fans and colleagues flooded the singer with congratulations after he posted a picture and video of his new property.
Expressing his gratitude to God, Seyi Vibez reflected on his journey and couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness that his late mother couldn’t be there to witness his current accomplishments and future successes.
In an emotional caption accompanying the photos, he wrote, “I wish my mother could witness this and more of my achievements to come, but GOD knows the best. No Label till I got here ALHAMDULILLAH, Congratulations LOSEYI.”
Seyi Vibez, whose real name is Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to mainstream prominence in 2022 with the release of his hit single ‘Chance.’ His unique use of Amapiano in his music drew comparisons to Asake, who enjoyed tremendous success in 2022.
The artist had a strong start to 2023 with the release of his ‘Memory Card‘ EP. Additionally, the deluxe version of his album ‘Billion Dollar Baby‘ contributed to his status as the most streamed Nigerian artist in the first quarter of 2023, according to TurnTable Charts. Seyi Vibez continues to make waves in the Nigerian music industry with his distinct sound and captivating melodies.
Nollywood stars, creators, and members of the creative community recently gathered at a YouTube event titled “Celebration of Nollywood on Africa Day.” The event aimed to honor the captivating world of Nollywood and recognize the significant contributions of African storytelling through cinema. Bringing together 150 attendees, the event featured prominent celebrities and influential personalities from the Nollywood industry.
Notable guests included veteran actress Sola Sobowale, AMVCA comedian of the year Bimbo Ademoye, Adeyemi Okanlawon, Debo Adedayo (aka Mr. Macaroni), and Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman. In addition, popular Nigerian YouTube content creators such as Taaooma (Apaokagi-Greene Maryam), Broda Shaggi (Samuel Animashaun Perry), and Brainjotter (Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie) graced the event.
One of the event’s highlights was a panel discussion focused on Nollywood’s growth and the potential of digital technology in the industry. Panelists, including Murphy Ben (CEO of Murphy Ben International and Aforevo), Taaooma, and Rahama Sadau (Nollywood actress and movie producer), shared valuable insights on leveraging digital technology for industry growth and scalability.
Alex Okosi, YouTube EMEA Managing Director for Emerging Markets, delivered a speech acknowledging the significant impact of Nollywood and the transformative power of storytelling. Olumide Balogun, Interim Country Lead at Google Nigeria, highlighted YouTube’s commitment to supporting and promoting the Nollywood industry through initiatives aimed at promoting movies, actors, producers, and other industry members. He also announced a two-month-long program designed to foster the growth of Nollywood on YouTube.
The event exuded a celebratory atmosphere, with acclaimed actors, talented producers, and influential film community members coming together to showcase the vibrant culture and creativity of Africa. It underscored the pivotal role of Nollywood in shaping global perceptions and narratives.
YouTube, recognizing the invaluable contributions of black creatives, remains dedicated to supporting them on its platform and beyond. Initiatives like the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund demonstrate this commitment by amplifying black voices and perspectives and facilitating the creation of narratives that educate audiences about racial justice. With deep gratitude for the creative community, YouTube strives to foster an environment where diverse voices are heard, respected, and empowered.
Looking ahead, YouTube eagerly anticipates continuing to support the growth of Nollywood on its platform and eagerly awaits the array of new narratives that will enrich the global community.
Stanley Okorie, the renowned Nollywood soundtrack star and singer, recently shared an interesting anecdote about his early days in the movie industry. During his appearance on the Osikoya Speaks audiovisual podcast hosted by Wonu Osikoya, Okorie revealed that for his first-ever movie soundtrack, he was paid with a bottle of Sprite.
He explained that when he entered the movie industry, Nollywood was facing financial constraints and was underfunded. Recalling his initial experience, Okorie said, “The first soundtrack I ever did, guess what I was paid? I was paid a bottle of Sprite. And it was three songs. And I didn’t drink the Sprite alone, I drank it with one guy called JT Tom West. So, it was still half payment even with the bottle of Sprite.”
He further narrated that the filmmaker even considered himself doing Okorie a favor. Interestingly, when Okorie later met the filmmaker and expressed his disappointment at not seeing his music in the film, the filmmaker admitted that the music had indeed been used. This incident led to a meeting with JT Tom West, who was also involved, and the promise of a job referral. Eventually, Okorie received his first significant payment for a film called ‘Compromise,’ which opened doors for subsequent projects.
He mentioned that it wasn’t until later in his career that he began charging filmmakers for his services, emphasizing the financial struggles faced in the early days of Nollywood.
Stanley Okorie, a renowned Nollywood soundtrack composer and singer, recently revealed that he has created more than 10,000 songs throughout his career. During his appearance on the Osikoya Speaks podcast hosted by Wonu Osikoya, the artist shared insights into his prolific output.
Okorie mentioned that for nearly four years, he was responsible for creating all the music in Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry. This dedication and hard work contributed to his extensive catalog of over 10,000 songs. However, he acknowledged that such success came at a price, as his relentless focus on his art often resulted in neglecting his family and missing important occasions, which sometimes upset his wife.
He stated, “It’s a lot. And believe me, it comes at a cost of negligence of some things. You don’t have time for a number of things because you are so focused on your art. You can’t go to birthdays because you have deadlines. You can’t do wedding anniversaries; that one was always pissing my wife off.”Reflecting on the resurgence of his classic track ‘Billionaire (onye ji cash),‘ Okorie expressed his delight in witnessing the immortality of art. He found it exciting to observe people dancing to the song on TikTok, even six years after its release, as it demonstrated the enduring appeal of his work.
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has disclosed the reasons behind his refusal to perform at the Renewed Hope Concert in Abuja, which was organized in honor of President-elect Bola Tinubu. In viral videos shared on social media, Portable revealed that the concert organizers offered him N5 million instead of the originally agreed-upon fee of N10 million for his performance.
Taking to his Instagram page, the Zazuu crooner stated, “Zazuu, they have cheated me. I am the one who sang for Tinubu. Isn’t it the people who voted for Obi? Now that Tinubu is in power, those useless people went to perform there, not me promoting Tinubu.”
Portable went on to explain that his manager received a call requesting his performance in Abuja, offering a payment of 10 million Naira, but the actual amount he was presented with was only five million Naira. This discrepancy led to his disagreement with the organizers, causing him to tear the contract and delete their contact information. He expressed his frustration, questioning why he would perform in Abuja under such circumstances.
Notably, other artists, including Wande Coal, KCee, and others, performed at the concert, which was attended by Tinubu and his vice-president, Kashim Shettima.
