Category: Entertainment

Markiplier has officially confirmed a major and unconventional release strategy for his upcoming horror film Iron Lung, revealing that the movie will be available for digital purchase exclusively through YouTube.

The announcement positions Iron Lung as one of the most high-profile experiments yet in creator-led film distribution, bypassing traditional streaming platforms and theatrical-first release models in favor of a direct to audience digital storefront on YouTube.

According to details shared by Markiplier, the film will not initially debut on subscription based streaming services. Instead, viewers will be able to buy the movie digitally on YouTube, effectively treating the platform as a standalone cinema marketplace.

Markiplier is one of the most influential digital creators to emerge from YouTube, known for his energetic personality, comedic timing, and strong presence in the gaming and entertainment space. He first gained widespread popularity through gameplay videos, especially horror games, where his expressive reactions and storytelling style helped him build a massive global audience.

Over the years, Markiplier has expanded beyond traditional content creation into larger creative projects, including podcasts, live events, charity initiatives, and filmmaking. He has built a reputation not just as a content creator, but as a multi-platform entertainer with a strong focus on creative independence and audience engagement. His move into feature filmmaking represents a natural extension of his long-standing interest in storytelling and horror.

Iron Lung is an upcoming independent horror film directed by Markiplier, based on the critically acclaimed indie horror game of the same name. The story is set in a dystopian future where humanity has been pushed into survival mode after a catastrophic cosmic event, leaving the remnants of civilization dependent on exploration missions into deadly, unknown environments.

The film follows a lone pilot sent inside a small, submerged vessel, commonly referred to as an “iron lung” tasked with exploring a blood-filled ocean on a mysterious moon. Cut off from the outside world, the protagonist must document what they find while confronting isolation, fear, and the psychological strain of confinement.

Unlike conventional studio horror films, Iron Lung is being developed as a fully independent project, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere, tension, and minimalism rather than dialogue heavy storytelling. It has attracted significant attention due to both its unique premise and Markiplier’s involvement as both creator and lead figure behind the production.

The film is now also notable for its planned release strategy, which includes direct digital purchase via YouTube, positioning it as one of the most ambitious creator led film distribution experiments in recent years.

The decision has sparked significant interest across both the creator economy and film industry circles. Markiplier, already one of YouTube’s most influential personalities, is leveraging his audience to test whether a creator-driven film can bypass Hollywood gatekeeping while still achieving mainstream reach.

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Uzoamaka Power is stepping into the spotlight with her first feature screenplay, Call of My Life, a romantic comedy already generating strong early reactions ahead of its nationwide cinema release on May 15, 2026.

Produced by Bluhouse Studios and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the movie marks a major creative milestone for the Actress, who not only wrote the screenplay but also stars as the film’s lead character, Soluchi.

The film follows Soluchi, a hopeless romantic and call-center agent struggling to move on after being heartbroken by her ex-boyfriend Kalu, played by Zubby Michael. Her life takes an unexpected turn when a routine customer service call introduces her to Eli, portrayed by Andrew Yaw Bunting, sparking the possibility of a fresh start and a new kind of love story.

Blending humor, heartbreak, and emotional vulnerability, Call of My Life explores themes of love, healing, loneliness, and self-discovery. Early viewers at the Lagos premiere on May 10 have described the film as one of Nollywood’s most refreshing romantic comedies in recent years, praising its chemistry, dialogue, and feel good energy.

The movie boasts an impressive supporting cast featuring Nollywood veterans and fan favorites including Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwor, Broda Shaggi, Beverly Osu, and Justin UG.

Music lovers will also enjoy special live performances from Johnny Drille and Cobhams Asuquo, adding even more emotional depth to the cinematic experience.

Directing the project is Apampa Oluwadamilola, popularly known as Dammy Twitch, who makes his feature film directorial debut after years of success in music video production. Filming took place across Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu, giving the movie a colorful and distinctly modern Nigerian atmosphere with touches of Ghanaian collaboration.

Speaking about the project, Uzoamaka Power revealed that the story was first conceived in 2018 while she was working at a call center. What began as a few pages written on Microsoft Word later evolved into a full feature after encouragement from producer Blessing Uzzi.

Power explained that while screenwriting felt more lonely and demanding than acting, the process became deeply fulfilling because it allowed her to tell an honest story about love in all its forms; the joy, the heartbreak, and the healing that follows.

With strong premiere reactions, a star-studded cast, and a heartfelt story, Call of My Life is shaping up to be one of Nollywood’s standout romantic comedies of 2026 which has picked my interest as an editor. 

Watch Call of My Life in cinemas starting tomorrow, May 15, 2026. 

Popular Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon has sparked widespread conversation online after revealing that he would willingly step away from acting to become a stay at home husband if his wife earned between $1 million and $10 million annually.

The actor made the statement during a recent appearance on the Tea With Tay podcast hosted by Taymesan, where he discussed marriage, masculinity, financial roles in relationships, and modern family dynamics.

In a clip from the interview that has since gone viral across social media platforms, Okanlawon said:

“If my wife makes $1–10 million per annum, I’ll quit acting and be a house husband. I will carry my children to school and cook even though I don’t know how to cook.”

The actor explained that he sees value in partnership beyond traditional financial expectations placed on men. According to him, a man’s worth in a family should not be tied solely to being the primary breadwinner.

Okanlawon added that many men may struggle with such an arrangement because of societal pressure and deeply rooted expectations surrounding masculinity and marriage. However, he maintained that he would be comfortable supporting his family in different ways if his wife became significantly more financially successful.

During the conversation, the Nollywood star also spoke about gender equality, noting that while men and women may possess different strengths, mutual respect and support remain essential in relationships.

Damilola Okanlawon and the actor have often been admired publicly for their supportive marriage. The couple, who met during their university days, share three sons together.

Known for his roles in productions such as Blood Sisters and King of Boys, Okanlawon has previously spoken openly about balancing family life with the demands of his acting career. In past interviews, he revealed that he once temporarily stepped away from acting following concerns raised by his wife before eventually returning to the industry.

The viral podcast clip has generated mixed reactions online. While many social media users praised the actor for his confidence and progressive mindset, others questioned whether such a role reversal would affect respect and authority within a marriage.

The full episode of Tea With Tay featuring Deyemi Okanlawon is available on YouTube and major podcast streaming platforms.

Nigerian music star Seyi Vibez has emerged as the most streamed artist in Nigeria for the first quarter of 2026, recording an impressive 547 million streams according to data released byTurnTable Charts. 

The achievement places him ahead of fellow Afrobeats heavyweights Asake and Wizkid, who closely followed behind in the rankings with 542 million and 531 million streams respectively. 

According to the Q1 2026 chart released by TurnTable Charts, here are the top 20 most streamed artists in Nigeria:

Seyi Vibez — 547M
Asake — 542M
Wizkid — 531M
FOLA — 475M
Mavo — 305M
Burna Boy — 223M
Rema — 217M
Young Jonn — 212M
Davido — 205M
Omah Lay — 201M
BNXN — 199M
Odumodublvck — 192M
Shallipopi — 156M
Gunna — 127M
Olamide — 122M
Bella Shmurda — 118M
DJ Tunez — 112M
Tml Vibez — 101.4M
Shoday — 101.0M
Ayra Starr — 100M

The ranking reflects the increasing impact of streaming culture in Nigeria’s music industry, with both established stars and rising acts posting massive numbers in the opening months of the year. Artists like FOLA, Mavo, Tml Vibez, and Shoday were among the rising breakout names on the list, a shift in listener preferences and the growing appetite for new generation street and Afrobeats sounds.

Global music superstar Drake has made history after becoming the first artist ever to have three albums spend at least 10 years on the Billboard 200 chart.

The record breaking albums include Take Care, Nothing Was the Same, and Views, all of which have now surpassed the 520-week mark on the prestigious chart. 

According to chart tracking reports, Drake surpassed the previous milestone held by legendary pop icon Michael Jackson after Views officially crossed the 10-year charting milestone. The Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums in the United States based on sales, streaming activity, and track-equivalent albums.

Released in 2011, Take Care is widely regarded as one of Drake’s most important projects, helping redefine contemporary hip-hop and R&B with its emotional storytelling and atmospheric production. The album earned critical acclaim and featured hit songs such as “Marvins Room” and “Headlines.”

His 2013 album “Nothing Was the Same” further elevated his global dominance, delivering fan-favorite tracks like “Started From the Bottom” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home.” The project is often considered one of the strongest albums in Drake’s catalog.

Meanwhile, Views, released in 2016, became a streaming powerhouse and produced worldwide hits including “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” and “Controlla.” The album spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and remains one of the defining projects of the streaming generation.

Drake’s consistency, streaming dominance, and loyal fanbase is something to be celebrated. Over the years, the Canadian rapper has continued to break several Billboard records, including most Hot 100 entries and most top 10 hits by any artist.

The latest achievement adds yet another milestone to Drake’s already historic career.

The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has officially crossed the $600 million mark at the global box office, making it one of the most commercially successful films of 2026.

The film continues to perform strongly across international markets, with consistent audience turnout driving its steady climb at the box office since release. 

A  musical biographical drama that chronicles the life and career of Michael Jackson, tracing his journey from his early days with the Jackson family to his evolution into one of the most influential entertainers in history.

The film highlights key moments in Jackson’s career, including his breakthrough as a solo artist, his groundbreaking performances, and the global cultural impact of his music. It also explores the personal pressures and challenges that came with worldwide fame.

The project has also benefited from strong word of mouth, with viewers praising its emotional depth, musical recreations, and portrayal of Jackson’s rise from child star to global superstar.

The lead role of Michael Jackson is played by Jaafar Jackson, a member of the legendary Jackson family and the son of Jermaine Jackson.

Jaafar’s casting drew global attention due to his close resemblance to his uncle and his musical background. Before the film, he was already pursuing a career in music, but Michael marks his most high-profile acting role at the moment. 

His performance has been widely discussed for its attention to detail in recreating Michael Jackson’s stage presence, dance style, and vocal delivery. 

The family of Nigerian actor Alex Ekubo has announced his passing following complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

In a statement released by the family on his official instagram handle, it was disclosed that the actor died at Evercare Hospital after what was described as a “brief but courageous battle” with the illness.

According to the statement, Alex Ekubo faced his health challenges with “remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope,” maintaining a positive spirit throughout his treatment journey.

The family expressed deep sorrow over the loss, a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend. They also requested privacy during the difficult period, while thanking fans, colleagues, and supporters for their prayers and solidarity.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial activities are expected to be communicated by the family in due course.

The announcement has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and figures within the Nigerian entertainment industry, as colleagues continue to react to the news.

Gospel singer Ebuka Songs has responded strongly to past criticism surrounding a 2024 worship moment he shared with Nollywood actors Alex Ekubo and IK Ogbonna, where he led an intimate worship session that went viral online.

In a reflective post shared on Instagram, the singer recalled how he was criticized by some people who questioned why he would worship with individuals they described as “unbelievers” or why he would associate with them at all.

“Some of you criticized me then. ‘Why are you worshipping with someone like that?’ ‘Why associate with an unbeliever?’”

However, Ebuka Songs said he is grateful he chose to ignore the backlash, stressing that what many saw online was more than just a controversial moment. It was, in his words, a genuine encounter with God’s presence.

He explained that while some people were busy judging from a distance, he witnessed what he described as a “soul encounter” in real time, emphasizing that people often underestimate what God is doing in the hearts of others.

According to him, believers are not called to condemn but to reach others with love and compassion.

“Our assignment as believers is not to condemn people from afar, but to reach them with love… The same people you write off may be one encounter away from surrender.”

He further reflected on the uncertainty of life and the importance of grace, warning against judgmental attitudes that could push people away from faith rather than drawing them closer.

“Jesus did not come for the already ‘perfect.’ He came for the lost.”

Concluding his message, Ebuka Songs expressed gratitude for the moment and the experience, calling for more love, less judgment, and a stronger focus on evangelism rather than condemnation.

“Less judgment. More love. More evangelism. More Jesus.”

The worship session, which featured emotional moments from Alex Ekubo and IK Ogbonna, had previously sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising its sincerity while others debated the optics of a gospel minister worshipping alongside non-church figures.

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Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has been confirmed as one of the headline performers for the 2026 edition of the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands.

The Grammy-winning Nigerian artist is scheduled to perform on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Rotterdam Ahoy, where thousands of music lovers from around the world are expected to gather for the globally celebrated event.

Burna Boy’s name appears among top international acts announced for the festival’s landmark 50th anniversary lineup, alongside stars such as Charlie Puth, Thundercat, Cassandra Wilson, and Adekunle Gold.

The North Sea Jazz Festival is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious music festivals. Founded in 1976 by Dutch jazz enthusiast Paul Acket, the festival began in The Hague before moving to Rotterdam in 2006.

Over the years, the event has evolved into a global celebration of music, bringing together legendary and emerging artists across jazz, soul, blues, funk, hip-hop, R&B, world music, and Afrobeats. The festival has hosted iconic performers including Miles Davis, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, and Erykah Badu.

Held annually at Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands, the three-day festival is known for its diverse lineup, multiple performance stages, and unforgettable live collaborations that attract music fans from across the globe.

For the 2026 edition, organizers are preparing a special 50th anniversary celebration with a star-studded lineup featuring Burna Boy and several internationally acclaimed artists.

The Nigerian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of celebrated Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, who reportedly passed away at the age of 40 following a prolonged battle with cancer. Multiple Nigerian media platforms confirmed the development on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. 

Known for his charisma, versatility, and strong presence in the industry, Alexx Ekubo built a successful career in Nollywood with appearances in several hit movies and television productions. He became one of the industry’s most admired actors, earning recognition for both his talent and influence in African entertainment.

News of his death has triggered an outpouring of grief across social media, with colleagues, fans, and public figures paying tribute to the late actor. Actress Funke Akindele, actor Bolanle Ninalowo, and singer Peter Okoye were among celebrities who shared emotional messages in his honour. 

In the past, concerns had grown among fans over the actor’s absence from social media and public appearances. Reports now indicate that he had been privately battling health challenges during that period. 

Alexx Ekubo rose to prominence through standout performances in romantic dramas, comedy films, and blockbuster Nollywood productions. Beyond acting, he was widely respected for his fashion style, humanitarian activities, and impact on youth culture within the entertainment industry.

May his soul rest in peace.