Category: Celebs

Nigerian singer FOLA delivered a defining moment in his fast-rising career on Sunday night, selling out indigo at The O2 for his first-ever UK headline show.

The venue, which holds approximately 2,500–3,000 attendees, reached full capacity days before the event, underlining the growing international demand for the 21-year-old artist. Backed by a live band and supported by Genysis Events, the show marked a significant step in FOLA’s transition from emerging act to global contender.

FOLA’s ascent over the past year has been closely tied to the support of Bella Shmurda, who played a key role in amplifying his early reach. Since then, the singer has built momentum through a blend of melodic Afrobeats, introspective songwriting, and a growing catalogue of fan-favorite records.

From the moment doors opened, the crowd’s anticipation was evident. FOLA’s entrance was met with sustained chants, setting the tone for a performance built on high energy and audience connection.

Performances of tracks like “Get Better” and “Caricature” drew loud sing-alongs, with the live band adding depth and texture to his sound. The set maintained momentum throughout, driven by tight transitions and consistent crowd engagement.

The night’s biggest highlights came through a series of guest appearances:

Bella Shmurda: As the artist who first spotted FOLA’s talent, Bella’s appearance felt poetic. He joined FOLA on stage, delivering high-octane verses and hyping the crowd into a frenzy. 

Shoday followed with a mid-set appearance, performing “Paparazzi” and “Nakupenda,” shifting the atmosphere into a full crowd-driven party.
BNXN brought a more emotive tone with their collaboration “Alone,” creating a standout moment defined by synchronized vocals and audience participation.

At just 21, FOLA is proving he belongs among the next generation of Afrobeats global stars. With more UK and Ireland dates on the horizon (Birmingham on April 26, and more to follow).

Nollywood actress and producer Toyin Abraham has publicly responded to claims made by actress Abike Shugaa regarding her experience working on the 2023 film Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper.

The issue surfaced after a video circulated online in which Shugaa detailed her involvement in the film. In the clip, she stated that she shot two scenes for Ijakumo and was paid ₦50,000, but later discovered that her scenes were removed from the final version of the film. She also said she was not informed about the removal before the film’s release.

In response, Abraham addressed the claims in posts shared on X (formerly Twitter), confirming aspects of the account. She stated that she paid ₦50,000 for two scenes in Ijakumo and added that the scenes were removed by the film’s director.

Abraham also referenced a separate project, stating that she paid Shugaa ₦500,000 for work related to the film Malaika.

In a follow-up post, Abraham said she had initially chosen not to speak on the matter, describing Shugaa as someone she regards “like a daughter.” She also mentioned providing support to Shugaa earlier in her career, including financial assistance.

Shugaa, in her earlier statements, compared her experience on Ijakumo with other projects, including work done with Funke Akindele, where she said she earned between $600 and $800 for PR and content-related roles.

The exchange has generated reactions across social media, with discussions focusing on compensation, communication, and post-production decisions in Nollywood.

Abike Shugaa is the stage name of Olawuni Oluwapelumi Abike, a Nigerian actress, TikTok content creator, and influencer who transitioned from social media fame into Nollywood roles.

She first gained attention on TikTok and Instagram through lifestyle content, skits, fashion posts, and short-form entertainment videos, where she built a young online following. She later moved into acting and gained recognition for appearing in Nollywood productions, including: Malaika (2023), produced by Toyin Abraham. 

Nigeria Rapper Ladipoe took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out fellow Mavin Records signee Johnny Drille over the length of time since his last album release, sparking a playful exchange that has since drawn over hundreds of reactions from fans on the platform. 

Ladipoe questioned the singer’s extended break from releasing a full-length project, a comment that has reignited conversations around both artists’ album timelines.

In response, Johnny Drille addressed the remark with humor, turning the conversation back toward Ladipoe. He challenged the rapper to a mutual agreement, suggesting that if he releases an album within the year, Ladipoe should also commit to dropping his own project.

Johnny Drille further referenced Ladipoe’s last studio album, Talk About Poe (T.A.P), released in 2018, while Ladipoe’s most recent project, Providence, arrived in 2021. The comparison underscored the extended gaps both artists have maintained between full-length releases despite remaining active through singles, features, and collaborations.

Ladipoe later responded on the platform, maintaining the light tone of the exchange while effectively accepting the challenge. He stated that if Johnny Drille proceeds with an album release this year, he would also follow suit with his own project.

The exchange has since been interpreted by fans as an informal “drop agreement” between the two artists, both of whom remain active through singles, features, and collaborations.

The interaction is widely viewed as friendly banter within the Mavin Records roster rather than any form of rivalry. However, it has intensified speculation around potential album releases from both artists in 2026.

While neither artist has confirmed official release dates, the exchange has renewed anticipation among fans eager for full-length projects after several years of project releases.

Nigerian comedian and actor Okey Bakassi has announced a ₦5 million reward following the theft of eight mobile phones during a routine football match in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening, April 15, during a regular game attended by a group of professionals and business figures who gather weekly for informal matches.

According to Bakassi, a young man joined the game after approaching the group and was allowed to play. During the match, the suspect allegedly stepped away from the pitch under the guise of an injury or break.

He then moved to the sidelines where players had left their belongings and reportedly stole eight mobile phones before fleeing the scene.

In a video recorded shortly after the incident, Bakassi publicly appealed for help in tracking down the suspect. He offered a ₦5 million reward for credible information that leads to the recovery of the phones or the identification and arrest of the individual.

He emphasized that the reward would still apply even if only one of the stolen devices is recovered.

The case has been reported to law enforcement authorities, and investigations are currently ongoing.

Bakassi also issued a caution to individuals who purchase second-hand phones, urging them to request proper documentation and verify ownership to avoid unknowingly buying stolen devices.

Victoria Police have officially launched an investigation into a historical sexual assault allegation reportedly involving Australian actress Ruby Rose and American pop star Katy Perry, following claims connected to an alleged incident in Melbourne dating back to 2010.

The development marks the formal involvement of law enforcement after the allegation surfaced publicly on social media, sparking widespread attention across entertainment and news platforms.

The allegation first came to public attention when Ruby Rose reportedly made a series of social media posts accusing Katy Perry of sexual assault tied to an incident said to have occurred in Melbourne in 2010. Rose claimed the incident happened at a nightclub in the city when she was in her early twenties.

In her posts, she also suggested that the experience had remained with her for years before she eventually chose to speak publicly about it. The claims quickly gained traction online, prompting intense public debate and media scrutiny.

Katy Perry has strongly denied the allegations through her representatives, describing them as “categorically false” and rejecting the claims in full. Her team has maintained that the accusations are untrue, while Perry herself has not issued a detailed personal statement addressing the specifics of the allegation.

On Wednesday, Victoria Police confirmed that detectives are now examining a report of a “historical sexual assault that occurred in Melbourne in 2010.” Authorities stated that the matter is being handled by specialist investigators and is currently in the early stages.

Police have not released further details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

At this stage, no charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing. Both parties are maintaining opposing positions, with Rose standing by her account and Perry firmly denying the allegations.

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has ignited widespread conversation online after sharing a spiritual analogy linking the Holy Spirit to artificial intelligence.

In a video posted on Instagram on April 14, 2026, the actress described what she framed as a personal revelation, stating that the Holy Spirit can be understood as the original “first A,I”  a divine helper designed to guide, comfort, and provide answers long before modern technology emerged.

Speaking in a direct and conversational tone, Kadiri said, “God told me that when somebody says, ‘Who is the Holy Spirit?’ The Holy Spirit is what people will call today the first AI.”

Her comparison drew a parallel between how people now interact with AI tools asking questions, seeking clarity, and finding solutions and the traditional Christian belief in the Holy Spirit as a constant, all-knowing guide.

Kadiri’s message centered on what she sees as a growing cultural shift. According to her, many people including Christians are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for answers and emotional support, rather than relying on spiritual connection.

She warned that this pattern could lead to a deeper sense of emptiness over time, arguing that while AI can offer convenience, it cannot provide true fulfillment. In her view, the Holy Spirit was given as a complete source of direction, wisdom, and comfort; something technology can imitate but not replace.

The actress also framed her message within a broader spiritual narrative, suggesting that modern innovations may reflect attempts to replicate what already exists in a divine form.

The video quickly gained traction across platforms, sparking mixed reactions and debate.

Supporters praised Kadiri for offering a thought-provoking perspective on faith in a tech-driven world. Some described her message as timely, agreeing that spiritual grounding should not be replaced by digital tools.

Others, however, questioned the analogy. Critics argued that comparing the Holy Spirit to AI oversimplifies complex theological concepts, while some dismissed the statement as an attempt to align religious ideas with trending conversations around technology.

Known for her work across Nollywood as an actress, producer, and storyteller, Ruth Kadiri has built a reputation for blending entertainment with personal expression. 

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.

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.