Category: Entertainment

Nigerian chess advocate and social entrepreneur Tunde Onakoya has achieved a historic milestone after becoming the first African to receive the Lideramos Youth Award for Social Impact. The award was presented in Barcelona, recognising his transformative work in underserved communities.

The Lideramos Youth Award celebrates young leaders across the world who are driving meaningful social change. Onakoya’s recognition marks a significant moment, not only for Nigeria but for Africa as a whole.

Onakoya is the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering children in disadvantaged communities through chess and education. Since its inception, the initiative has helped thousands of children gain access to learning opportunities, mentorship, and scholarships, using chess as a tool to build critical thinking and life skills.

His journey from growing up in a modest environment in Lagos to becoming an internationally recognised changemaker has been widely celebrated as a story of resilience and purpose. Through his work, Onakoya has consistently advocated for education as a pathway out of poverty, positioning chess as more than just a game but a vehicle for social transformation.

In addition to his social impact work, Tunde Onakoya gained global attention for his record-breaking chess marathon in New York City in 2024, where he played continuously for over 60 hours in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Records title. The feat was aimed at raising funds and awareness for his initiative, further amplifying his mission to support underserved children through education.

While accepting the award, Onakoya spoke about the importance of small, consistent efforts in creating large-scale change, reinforcing the philosophy that has guided his work over the years.

When Season 3 premiered on April 12, 2026, the episode opened and closed with tributes to three figures whose absence has deeply shaped the show’s journey: Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, and Kevin Turen.

The premiere began with a dedication to Eric Dane and closed with an “in memoriam” message honoring all three, subtle but weighty gestures that frame the episode in reflection. 

Angus Cloud, who portrayed the fan-favorite Fezco, passed away in 2023, leaving a noticeable gap in the show’s emotional core. His performance had become one of the series’ most grounded elements; quiet, protective, and deeply human. The new season acknowledges that absence not with heavy exposition, but with a tone that feels altered, more aware of loss.

Eric Dane, known for his role as Cal Jacobs, also passed away in 2026. His character’s presence in the show had been complex and often unsettling, but undeniably central to its tension. The decision to open the premiere with a dedication to him signals just how significant his contribution was to the series’ identity.

Behind the scenes, Kevin Turen’s passing marked another major loss. As a producer, Turen played a key role in shaping Euphoria into one of television’s most visually distinct and culturally dominant shows. His influence is less visible on screen, but just as embedded in the show.

Series creator Sam Levinson had previously hinted that Season 3 would be shaped by grief. The premiere makes that clear without saying it outright. There’s a tonal shift less chaotic, more reflective as if the show itself is taking a moment to process everything it’s lost.

The third season of Euphoria premiered on April 12, 2026, introducing a major shift in the show’s direction. Set five years after the events of Season 2, the new season follows the characters as young adults dealing with the long-term consequences of their past actions.

The premiere episode centers on Rue, played by Zendaya, whose storyline takes a darker turn as she becomes involved in drug trafficking, marking a more intense and crime-driven narrative.

Season 3 is expected to run for eight episodes, released weekly, and is widely seen as a concluding chapter for the series, with a stronger focus on accountability, survival, and life beyond adolescence.

Nigerian actor and broadcaster Patrick Doyle has shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of his newborn daughter, Omayinuwa, just one day after her birth.

In an emotional post shared on Facebook, he revealed that the child was born on Friday, April 10, at approximately 10:40 a.m which he had also taken to social media to celebrate the arrival of the new born earlier on, but sadly passed away the following day, Saturday, April 11, at about 4:15 p.m.

Describing the brief but meaningful time they had with the child, Doyle wrote that her stay, though short, brought immense joy to the family. He expressed a deep sense of loss while also leaning on faith, stating that despite the tragedy, his belief in God’s goodness remains unshaken.

“We would have wished for a longer stay, but alas heaven thought otherwise,” he wrote, reflecting on the painful reality of the loss.

The veteran actor concluded his message with a note of spiritual surrender, adding that it is “well with our soul,” accompanied by a symbolic image portraying a tiny angelic figure.

The announcement has since drawn an outpouring of sympathy from fans, colleagues, and members of the entertainment industry, many of whom have taken to social media to offer condolences and support to Patrick Doyle and his family during this difficult time.

While the actor did not disclose further details surrounding the circumstances of the child’s passing, the message reflects the deeply personal grief being experienced by the family.

May her soul rest in peace. 

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Nigerian global superstar Wizkid has reportedly become the first African artist to surpass 500 million streams on Pandora, extending his dominance on one of the United States’ major streaming platforms.

This new milestone marks a continuation of a steady rise that has seen the Afrobeats icon consistently break records on Pandora over the past few years.

Wizkid first made headlines in 2022 when he crossed the 200 million streams mark, becoming the most streamed African artist on the platform at the time. His momentum continued into 2024, when he officially became the first African act to surpass 400 million streams on Pandora, further solidifying his global appeal and consistency across digital streaming platforms. 

Now, with reaching the 500 million mark, Wizkid appears to have extended that record even further, a rare achievement for any African artist on Pandora, which remains one of the most US-centered streaming platforms.

Pandora is a music streaming and internet radio platform that is mainly popular in the United States. Unlike services where users actively search and play specific songs, Pandora is built around a radio-style experience where you start with a song, artist, or genre, and the platform automatically creates a personalized station that plays similar music.

It works using a recommendation system known as the Music Genome Project, which analyses songs based on their musical characteristics such as rhythm, melody, vocals, and instrumentation. This allows Pandora to continuously suggest tracks that match a listener’s taste without requiring constant input.

Top 10 Most Streamed African Artists on Pandora

1. Wizkid — 500M
2. Rema — 278M
3. Burna Boy — 247M
4. Davido — 238M
5. Tems — 231M
6. Maleek Berry — 212M
7. Tekno — 188M
8. P-Square — 129M
9. Fireboy DML — 114M
10. Mr Eazi — 112M

Source data from The Debut Hub on X

Nigerian rapper Phyno is expanding his influence beyond music, stepping into the lifestyle and sexual wellness space with the upcoming launch of his condom brand, OKPU by Alobam.

The announcement, teased via social media, revealed branded packs of the product alongside the bold tagline “Stay strapped!!!” The name “OKPU,” rooted in Igbo slang, aligns with Phyno’s cultural identity and long-standing connection to his core fanbase, often referred to as “Alobam.”

While full product details including pricing, distribution channels, and official release date are yet to be disclosed, the visual rollout suggests a strong emphasis on a product already on the works. 

This move places Phyno among a growing list of African artists leveraging their influence to build businesses beyond entertainment. In recent years, musicians have increasingly tapped into fashion, beverages, and now personal care products as part of a broader strategy to diversify income and solidify their brands.

For now, OKPU by Alobam remains in its teaser phase, with more updates expected soon.

Phyno, whose real name is Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, is one of Nigeria’s most influential indigenous rappers, known for blending Igbo language with contemporary hip-hop and Afrobeats. He rose to mainstream prominence with his debut album No Guts No Glory in 2014, which featured hit singles like “Ghost Mode” with Olamide and “Man of the Year.”

Over the years, Phyno has built a reputation for consistency, cultural authenticity, and versatility, delivering multiple successful projects including The Playmaker (2016) and Deal With It (2019). His collaborations span across Nigeria’s biggest acts, and he remains a key figure in pushing indigenous rap into the mainstream.

Nigerian singer-songwriter Omah Lay has secured another major milestone as his latest project, Clarity of Mind, claims the No. 1 spot on the Nigeria Apple Music Top Albums chart, where it has now spent its first full week on the chart.

The run marks a strong opening run for the project, reinforcing Omah Lay’s position as one of the most consistent hitmakers in Afrobeats’ current generation. Known for his introspective songwriting and emotionally layered delivery, the artist leans further into vulnerability on Clarity of Mind, a direction that appears to be resonating deeply with listeners across the country.

Since its release, the album has generated steady streaming momentum, fueled by fan engagement, repeat listens, and widespread conversation on social media. While Omah Lay has built a reputation for crafting moody, reflective records, Clarity of Mind feels particularly intentional. 

This No. 1 debut also reflects the growing influence of streaming platforms like Apple Music in shaping Nigeria’s music consumption landscape. Landing atop the chart, even for a week, signals both commercial strength and cultural relevance.

For an artist who broke into mainstream consciousness with emotionally charged records and has steadily refined his sound since, this moment feels less like a surprise and more like a continuation. As the weeks unfold, attention will now shift to the album’s staying power, whether it can maintain its position or spark standout records that extend its chart dominance. 

Irish actor and writer Michael Patrick has died at the age of 35, marking a tragic loss for the film, television, and theatre community.

According to multiple confirmed reports, Patrick passed away on April 7, 2026, following a battle with Motor Neurone Disease, a progressive illness that affects nerve cells responsible for muscle movement. He is said to have died peacefully at a hospice in Northern Ireland, surrounded by his family and close friends.

Michael Patrick, who was also known professionally as Michael Campbell, built a growing reputation as a versatile performer across screen and stage. He is widely recognized for his appearance in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, where he featured during its sixth season. Beyond that, he appeared in notable television productions including Blue Lights, This Town, and Krypton.

While his on-screen roles brought him wider visibility, Patrick was also deeply rooted in theatre, where he earned praise for his performances in Shakespearean productions such as Richard III. 

He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in February 2023 and continued to work and advocate for awareness around the condition during his illness. Despite the challenges, he remained active in creative spaces before his passing on. 

Following news of his passing, tributes have begun pouring in from across the entertainment industry, celebrating his talent, resilience, and contribution to the arts.

May his soul rest in peace. 

The world’s most iconic cartoon rivalry is returning to cinemas with a fresh twist.

Tom and Jerry is back in a brand new feature film titled Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass, a fully animated adventure that reimagines the legendary cat and mouse duo for today’s audience. The film is scheduled for a wider theatrical rollout, including a September 9, 2026 release in the United States, following its earlier debut in Asia.

Originally created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Tom and Jerry has remained a cultural staple for over eight decades. Known for its fast-paced slapstick humor and minimal dialogue, the franchise has thrived across multiple formats, from theatrical shorts to television series and feature films.

With Forbidden Compass, the franchise takes a more cinematic direction. The film is directed and written by Zhang Gang, and is produced in collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures and China Film Co., pushing a strong international production effort. 

The story begins in familiar territory, with Tom chasing Jerry inside a museum. However, the chase quickly takes a dramatic turn when they accidentally activate a mysterious magical compass. This device transports them into a completely different world, far removed from their usual suburban chaos.

In this new realm, Tom and Jerry encounter unfamiliar characters and become entangled in a larger conflict tied to the power of the compass. While their rivalry remains intact, the story introduces a stronger narrative arc, blending fantasy, adventure, and world-building with the franchise’s traditional comedic style. 

One of the biggest changes in Forbidden Compass is its animation style. Unlike the hybrid live-action approach of Tom & Jerry, this film is fully computer animated.

The film features two distinct voice casts across different versions, including its original Chinese release and the English dub.

For the original version, the cast includes Zhang Wenjie, Tu Xiongfei, Li Baixin, and Jiang Wen, among others, voicing key characters in the film’s fantasy setting. 

For the English dub, a wider ensemble of well-known voice actors has been confirmed. Eric Bauza and Benjamin Diskin take on the roles of Tom and Jerry respectively. Supporting roles include Travis Willingham, Janice Kawaye, Matthew Yang King, and Roger Craig Smith, alongside a broader ensemble cast contributing additional voices. 

This dual-cast structure reflects the film’s international production strategy, allowing it to appeal to both regional and global audiences.

Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass first premiered at the Shanghai International Film Festival in June 2025 before receiving a theatrical release in China in August of the same year. 

Rather than launching simultaneously worldwide, the film is following a staggered global rollout. Its U.S. theatrical release is set for September 9, 2026, with other regions expected to follow based on distribution plans. 

The Nigerian DJ Association has issued a directive asking its DJs to temporarily remove songs by Burna Boy, following reports of clash involving DJ Tunez.

In a statement shared via its official social platforms, the association announced that Burna Boy’s music is now “temporarily out of any of our DJs’ playlist till further notice,” pending an investigation into an incident involving DJ Tunez.

The directive follows circulation of video clips that showed fighting and assault between Burna Boy and DJ Tunez at Obi’s house in Lagos. 

As of now, the specifics of what transpired remain unverified, and the association itself has confirmed that a formal investigation is ongoing. No conclusive findings have been made public.

In its statement, the association emphasized its commitment to protecting DJs and promoting respect within the entertainment ecosystem. It framed the decision not as a permanent ban, but as a precautionary measure.

The directive extends to DJs within the association’s network both locally and in the diaspora.

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The organisers of Wireless Festival have officially cancelled the 2026 edition of the event following the UK government’s decision to deny entry to its headline act, Kanye West.

The decision is coming in after the UK Home Office rejected West’s Electronic Travel Authorisation, stating that his presence in the country would not be “conducive to the public good.” The move effectively prevented the rapper also known as Ye from fulfilling his scheduled headline performance at the London-based festival this July.

In a statement released shortly after the development, festival organisers confirmed that the event would no longer go ahead as planned. Full refunds are expected to be issued to ticket holders.

Wireless Festival, one of the UK’s biggest urban music events, was set to host thousands of fans across multiple days, with a lineup spanning global stars and emerging acts. However, Ye’s role as a central headliner appeared to be a defining component of this year’s programming, making the impact of his absence significant.

The controversy surrounding his inclusion in the lineup had been building in the weeks leading up to the announcement as we’ve previously reported. Political figures, advocacy groups, and sections of the public had openly criticised the decision to platform the artist, prompting increased scrutiny on both the festival and its partners.

It was also reported that several major sponsors had begun distancing themselves from the event prior to its cancellation, adding further pressure on organisers. The UK government’s final decision ultimately escalated the situation, leaving little room for an alternative resolution.

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