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Femi Adebayo has won a 3-year legal battle against a media company for piracy.

Femi Adebayo, who hails from Kwara State, is a talented Nollywood actor and producer known for his roles in Yoruba movies.

Femi Adebayo won ₦25 million in damages in a lawsuit against an online media company, Murphy Ben International, for exploitation of the intellectual property of his film, Survival of Jelili.

Piracy has been a long-lasting battle in the Nollywood film industry, from illegal distributors to websites and blogs. Despite its damage to the industry, actors and filmmakers have found ways to tell their stories and share their art with a substantial global audience.

In a statement shared on his Instagram, Femi Adebayo said:

The Nigerian film industry has experienced exponential growth over the years, but we haven’t been able to maximise the true dividends of this business because of dare devil pirates who benefit where they didn’t sow. This is a major reason why investors find it hard to commit their funds to filmmakers. However, through persistence and the use of the legal framework covering intellectual property, we can bring their activities to a gradual halt.

Several times, I have been a victim of movie pirates and I never spare them. I recently concluded a legal battle with a notable media company that owns a big radio station and also engages in youtube content distribution. During the cinema run of “Survival of Jelili” in 2019, my movie was gathering good numbers at that time. They decided to use my movie poster and title to promote a movie on their platform, thereby deceiving fans and diverting revenue accrued to me.

It took 3 years, but my trust in the legal and justice system remained unwavering. With the dedication of our legal team, Bola Adebowale & Co Legal Practitioners, who are seasoned professionals with wealth of experience in handling such cases. They presented undeniable evidence, put up a strong argument, and took the case to trial. Their promptness, efficiency, and attention to detail played a huge part in the direction of the case. We won and were awarded a total of Twenty Five Million Naira.

This isn’t just my win as a filmmaker and content producer but a win for all of Nollywood. We need to be ready to fight IP theft and piracy at all levels. Every win brings us closer to protecting and getting the true economic value of our works.

The media platform, via their YouTube channel, used images from his film to create another YouTube video to increase their views and, in return, make money.

Toyin Abraham has also spoken out against piracy and how it has caused mental unrest for her as a filmmaker. Five suspects were charged in court earlier this year for illegally leaking her 2023 movie, Malaika, online. They were accused of stealing intellectual property, conspiring, and attempting to obstruct justice. [Pulse].

TikTok has refused to comply with the United States government’s divest-or-ban legislation, and in fighting back, it has filed a lawsuit against the US government.

TikTok, previously known as Musically, a music and dance platform, is now a platform for sharing short videos owned by ByteDance Ltd., a company based in China. Since its fame in 2020, the app has been mired in various controversies, one of which is that it is a form of Chinese spyware.

The video-sharing app is banned in New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and India. It currently faces a ban in the United States if it doesn’t divest.

TikTok argues it’s a platform for free speech, and its existence helps millions of small businesses succeed. It says its ban will take away the livelihoods of creators and businesses, thus hurting the economy. It further argues it is “not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally.”

Last year, TikTok announced its $1.5 billion investment to establish a separate entity for its US operations and agreed to oversight by American tech giant Oracle Corp.

“There is no question: the Act will force a shutdown of TikTok by January 19, 2025, silencing the 170 million Americans who use the platform to communicate in ways that cannot be replicated elsewhere,” TikTok said.

The Act, called “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary-Controlled Applications,” is aimed at TikTok, categorizing it as a “foreign adversary-controlled application.” The platform has 270 days to divest or face a ban, which US President Joe Biden has agreed to sign.

Multiple individuals have announced their interest in buying the app if it agrees to divest, but the CEO, Shou Zi Chew, disagrees. “Congress has taken the unprecedented step of expressly singling out and banning TikTok: a vibrant online forum for protected speech and expression used by 170 million Americans to create, share, and view videos over the Internet,” said ByteDance.

The legislation to ban TikTok was incorporated into the National Security Act in April, which also allocated extra funds to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Despite the argument about the security risk of TikTok, experts say it could affect other apps as well, giving them the power to ban any app that doesn’t align with the view of the sitting government.

According to reports by Nairametrics, TikTok was fined €10 million by the Italian Competition Authority for its inability to protect its users from dangerous online trends.

The Italian regulatory body criticized TikTok for its inadequate implementation of measures to monitor and regulate content uploaded to the platform, particularly content that poses potential risks to the safety of minors and other vulnerable individuals.

We’re watching closely as this unfolds.

Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor debuted her engagement ring at the 2024 Met Gala held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art during the late hours of the 6th of May. The mysterious ring sparks an engagement rumour.

Phoebe is known to be in a relationship with the actor and producer, Cameron Fuller but their relationship has been kept private with little to no information about its progress. The 29-year-old actress and 28-year-old actor are rarely captured together.

They were seen in the July 2023 Wimbledon tennis tournament and at the 2024 BAFTAs in London.

Cameron is the son of A Quiet Place producer Brad Fuller. He also has a YouTube channel with his best friend Gregg Sulkin.

Phoebe Dynevor once dated Spiderman actor, Andrew Garfield and comedian Pete Davidson back in 2022 and 2021 respectively.

Before his relationship with Phoebe, Cameron was rumoured to be dating Lucy Hale in 2022 and Lauren Elizabeth for nearly three years.

Phoebe came to the Met Gala with her makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury. She debuted Victoria Beckham’s clothing line at the event. “It’s her first custom look,” Phoebe told E!, “so I’m thrilled to be wearing it.”

Speaking at the Met Gala, “It’s so crazy and surreal…I’m trying to just be present in this moment right now but it’s very hard.” she said on Live From E!.

The stars ascended the steps in their Vogue-approved best for the Met Gala dress code “A Garden in Time,” which was based on the Costume Institute exhibit’s theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” They’ve seen the exhibit, watched Ariana Grande perform, and possibly taken some forbidden bathroom selfies.

And while we have to assume they’re exhausted, there are afterparties to attend and change outfits for — in some cases, twice! We rounded up every afterparty outfit worth seeing on celebrities including Kendall Jenner, Shakira and Cardi B.

(Want to see the elaborate Met Gala looks they changed out of? You can view all 160+ looks from the red carpet here, or check out our list of 21 best dressed first.)

[Source: People]

Good bye, Blondie Riri!

Rihanna has decided to dump her honey-blonde hair for a new pastel pink look ahead of the 2024 Met Gala. 

Fashion business mogul and singer Rihanna is expected to walk on the red carpet of one of the most glamorous annual events, blessing fans with magnificent beauty.

Last night, Riri stepped out with her partner, A$AP Rocky, to support him with his new Puma collaboration, released during a whirlwind weekend of F1 races in the city. The Fenty Beauty founder stepped out with pastel pink hair in Miami.

Rihanna wore a slinky black silk dress with an off-the-shoulder silhouette and corseted waist to the event.

In 2014, she debuted a sugary pixie cut at a Clippers game in Los Angeles, unlike the longer 2024 version. Will this be her Met Gala look? Only time will tell. Follow us on Twitter at @streamdorm to stay updated on the Met Gala.

Reflecting on her success Dua Lipa told The Guardian the day she felt humiliated.

The pop singer recalled a viral meme from 2018 that became a turning point in her life.

Six years ago, Dua Lipa performed at the BRIT Awards, but it was evident she looked less energetic, resulting in a meme.

Watch the performance below:

“When people took that snippet of me dancing online and just turned it into a meme, and then when I won the best new artist Grammy and people were like, ‘She’s not deserving of it, she’s got no stage presence, she’s not going to stick around.’ Those things were hurtful. It was humiliating… In the public eye, I was figuring out who I was as an artist, as a performer. All that was happening while I was 22, 23 years old and still growing up. You have to build tough skin. You have to be resilient.”

The meme “go girl, give us nothing” became an awakening for Dua Lipa’s pop culture evolution.

The 28-year-old singer, who has just released her third studio album, Radical Optimism, says she’s still embarrassed by that chapter of her narrative.

See the meme below:

She told The Guardian the humiliation lasted “two years”and ended when she finished writing Future Nostalgia (2020) and completed her first performance of “Don’t Start Now” at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

“It never was like I couldn’t get out of bed because of what I thought people thought of me. I didn’t care to that degree. But that’s when it was most heightened for me,” she said.

After the performance, she felt she had proved her haters wrong; “It was November 2019 when ‘Don’t Start Now’ came out, and it dawned on me that I’m finally going to get up and dance in front of people after what they have thought about me for so long...And I went back, did that performance, and everyone was like, ‘Oh, we were wrong.’ I got a real kick out of that.”

Tourism is vital for all countries, contributing significantly to their economies through revenue generation, job creation, and infrastructure development. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 countries that excel at making money from tourism.

1. Spain: Blessed with stunning beaches, historic cities like Madrid and Barcelona, and a vibrant cultural scene, Paris attracts tourists seeking sun, culture, and adventure, making it a major player in the global tourism industry. It is expected to earn a record $215.4 billion in revenue in 2024. 

2. United States: In terms of global comparison, the United States is projected to generate the second-highest revenue in the market, with a revenue of $198.70 billion in 2024. With diverse attractions ranging from vibrant cities like New York and Los Angeles to natural wonders such as the Ground Crayon and Yellowstone National Park, the United States remains a top destination for travelers worldwide.

3. China: According to projections, the market revenue is estimated to reach $184.50 billion by 2024 and grow annually at a rate of 6.29%, thereby resulting in a market volume of $235.50 billion by 2028. Boosting ancient landmarks like the Great Wall and modern marvels like Shanghai’s skyline, China’s tourism industry continues to skyrocket, fueled by its rich history, diverse landscape, and booming economy.

4. Germany: In Germany, the Travel & Tourism market is expected to witness a rise in revenue, with projections indicating $67.57 billion in 2024. Known for its efficient infrastructure, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities like Berlin and Munich, Germany attracts visitors with its blend of history, culture, and modernity, making it a key player in Europe’s tourism scene.

5. Japan: From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Koyta, Japan blends traditional culture with visitors globally, making it a top destination for cultural immersion and exploration. It is projected that by 2024, the travel and tourism industry in Japan will generate a revenue of $40.30 billion.

6. United Kingdom: By 2024, the United Kingdom’s Travel & Tourism market is expected to reach a revenue of $40.12 billion. From the historic streets of London to the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the United Kingdom offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to every traveller’s interest, ensuring it is placed among the top tourism earners.

7. Italy: Home to ironic sites like the Colosseum, the Vatican City, and the Picturesque Amali Coast, Italy’s allure lies in the blend of history, art, and cuisine that draws millions of visitors keen to explore its treasure. Italy’s tourism industry is expected to reach a valuation of $27.3 billion by 2024.

8. France: Renowned for its rich culture, exquisite cuisine, and ironic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, France tops the list of countries profiting from tourism, Paris, the capital city, alone attracts millions of visitors each year. France is expected to see a rise in revenue in the Travel & Tourism market, with a projected revenue of $20.03 billion in 2024.

9. Mexico: Mexico’s tourism revenue for 2024 is forecast to increase by 19.22% and reach $19.23 billion. With its vibrant culture, ancient rules like Chichen Itza, and stunning beaches among the Riviera Maya, Mexico remains a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure, relaxation, and rich cultural experiences.

10. Thailand: Thailand has made a significant amount from tourism this year with foreign tourism generating revenue of 575 billion baht ($15.52 billion) in the first 4 months of 2024. Famous for its tropical beaches, ornate temples, and bustling markets, Thailand offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, contributing significantly to its tourist revenue.

These countries stand out in the tourism industry due to their diverse attractions, rich cultural heritage, and robust travel facilities. Despite challenges such as geopolitical tension and natural disasters, they continue to thrive, welcoming millions of visitors each year and reaping the economic benefits of tourism.

In conclusion, tourism plays a critical role in the economic development of these 10 countries, driving growth, creating employment opportunities, and fostering cultural exchange on a global scale. As they continue to innovate and adapt to changing travel trends, they will likely maintain their positions as leaders in the tourism market for the coming year.

By: Boi Ruth Onyinye Oluwaseunfunmi

In today’s world, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has become the norm among some celebrities, but only a few admit it publicly. Toke Makinwa is among those few in Nigeria.

In 2020, Toke Makinwa was asked why she did BBL; she said it was to feel better in her clothes.

“Yes, I worked on my body, but my breasts are natural. I had a lip filler because I wanted to launch my lipstick brand. Also, I enhanced my body after I got my fibroids removed. I did that because I wanted to feel better in clothes. I do not regret enhancing my body because it’s the best thing I’ve ever done, and I wanted to look curvy, and I love it.”

On Saturday, May 4th, 2024, she was asked by an X (fka Twitter) user if her butt was real; she admitted it was paid for. Another user asked her if she could go back in time to do things differently: “Nothing. Regret is so exhausting,” she said.

She may not have regretted a thing, but she did admit that bleaching was the dumbest thing she had ever done. “I’m just so thankful for good genes and money,” she said.

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it has had a tremendous impact on the world of celebrities. Nigerian celebrities have not been left behind in the use of social media, with many of them leveraging it to connect with fans and promote their careers.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how Nigerian celebrities are using social media, the upsides, and downsides of online fame, and how they can navigate the complexities of social media.

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with each other, and it has no doubt had a significant impact on the world of celebrities, influencers, Artists, Actors and Actresses etc.

With platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, celebrities can now connect with fans around the world, share updates on their lives and careers, and even build their own personal brands.

In the past, celebrities relied on traditional media outlets like magazines and TV shows to promote their work and interact with fans. With social media, they can now communicate directly with fans in real-time, sharing updates and news about their lives, and engaging with fans in ways that were previously impossible.

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Social media has also given celebrities the ability to build their own personal brands and establish themselves as influencers in their own right. By sharing their experiences and opinions on various topics, celebrities can develop a loyal following and use their platforms to promote products, brands and other ventures.

How Nigerian Celebrities are Using Social Media

Nigerian celebrities are no strangers to social media, and they are leveraging it in different ways to connect with fans and promote their work. From Instagram to Twitter/X, Facebook, and TikTok, Nigerian celebrities are using social media platforms to share their experiences, opinions, and interact with fans.

One of the most significant ways Nigerian celebrities are using social media is by building their personal brands. Many Nigerian celebrities have established themselves as influencers on social media by sharing their experiences and opinions on various topics, promoting products, and creating viral content that resonates with their audience.

Another way Nigerian celebrities are using social media is to give fans a glimpse into their lives. Many celebrities share photos and videos of their day-to-day activities, including their families, pets, and hobbies, which helps to humanize them and create a stronger bond with fans.

The Upsides of Social Media for Nigerian Celebrities

Social media has opened up new opportunities for Nigerian celebrities to connect with fans and promote their careers. By building their personal brands on social media, they can reach a wider audience, engage with fans directly, and promote their work in a more targeted way.

The way people interact through social media has given these celebrities the opportunity to engage their fans, build their career, and ultimately grow their fame.

One of the most notable impacts of social media on celebrity all over the world, Nigerian celebrities inclusive is the Media visibility. In the past, celebrities were often distant and inaccessible to their fans. In this light, social media has birthed a more direct and easy connection between celebrities and fans. It has also given opportunity to a new breed of “social media celebrities” who have achieved fame and influence through their online presence, often altering the lines between traditional fame and internet stardom.

Another important benefit of Social media to Nigerian celebrities is the rise of influencer marketing and brand partnerships online. Celebrities now have the opportunity to monetize their online fame by collaborating with brands as their ambassadors and promoting products directly to their followers. This has also blurred the lines between the regular traditional advertising as we know and personal endorsements for these celebrities.

Moreover, social media has given Nigerian celebrities the ability to control their narrative and manage their public image. With traditional media outlets, celebrities have limited control over how their stories are portrayed, but with social media, they can share their side of the story directly with fans.

The Downsides of Social Media for Nigerian Celebrities

However, social media has also created new challenges and risks for Nigerian celebrities. One of the most significant downsides is dealing with the constant scrutiny and criticism that comes with online fame. Nigerian celebrities are often the target of online hate and trolling, with fans and critics alike using social media to express their opinions and sometimes even attack their personal lives.

Moreover, social media can expose Nigerian celebrities to negative publicity and scandals. In some cases, Nigerian celebrities have made missteps on social media that have damaged their reputations or led to public backlash. It’s essential for Nigerian celebrities to be mindful of their social media presence and use their platforms responsibly.

There’s a viral clip of American rapper Ye (Kanye West) calling out Twitch streamer Kai Cenat. Kanye West is not pleased with Kai Cenat for calling his daughter by name and naming him an Industry Plant.

“On the wrong side of the future. If you’re posting something negative, you’re on the wrong side of the future because, you know, we’re out here, stepping away from Adidas. Like, the s**t that Kai said – that’s some industry plant s**t. Of course, he’s a total f**king… that exact genre is the most industry plant. It’s about, like, influence and mind control,” Ye said in the viral clip from The Download podcast.

https://twitter.com/Streamdorm/status/1782659126495006736

One thing that angered Kanye West the most was Kai Cenat made referencing his daughter North during a stream. “Don’t mention my daughter’s name and then you dissing what’s paying their $200,000 a month child support. That don’t make God happy,” Kanye West warns Kai.

A few months ago, Kai Cenat on his stream criticized Yeezy, which Ye was uncomfortable with. This led Kanye West to send multiple Instagram DMs to Kai Cenat. Kai Cenat then shared Ye’s DM to his fans via his stream and then called Kanye West’s manager, John Monopoly.