Category: Celebs

Nigerian poet Adedayo Agarau has been recognised on an international stage. His 2026 poetry collection, The Years of Blood, was selected by the New York Public Library as one of the 25 Best New Poetry Books of 2026, a list that highlights the most compelling and significant poetry published each year. 

Born in Ibadan in 1994, Agarau has rapidly become one of Nigeria’s most important contemporary poets. His writing engages with themes of memory, violence, spirituality, and cultural inheritance. He serves as Editor‑in‑Chief of Agbowó Magazine, an African literary journal, and contributes as Poetry Reviews Editor for The Rumpus. His poems have appeared in respected international publications, and he has been recognised with notable awards and fellowships, including the C.P. Cavafy Poetry Prize and a Wallace Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University.

The Years of Blood itself has also earned recognition beyond the NYPL list. It received the Poetic Justice Institute Editor’s Prize for BIPOC Writers and was listed among the most anticipated poetry collections of recent years in key literary circles. It has also won the 2026 Nossrat Yassini Poetry Prize at the Nossrat Yassini Poetry Festival, selected by the renowned poet Cornelius Eady. 

The collection has been described by the NYPL as “a collected poetry of witness,” giving readers a powerful glimpse into lives marked by loss, memory, and societal violence. Rooted in Agarau’s experiences in Ibadan, the poems blend lyrical reflection with reportage, crafting a narrative that is both intimate and unflinching.

The New York Public Library (NYPL), founded in 1895, is one of the largest and most influential library systems in the world, serving millions of visitors each year across New York City. Beyond lending books, it is a hub for research, cultural programs, and literary recognition. The library maintains curated lists, including the annual Best New Poetry Books, which highlight the most significant and compelling collections of the year. Being selected by NYPL signals that a work has exceptional literary quality and global relevance.

Its annual list is curated by librarians and literary experts who review hundreds of new poetry titles, selecting only those that demonstrate exceptional craft, originality, and impact. Agarau’s inclusion places him among a global cohort of contemporary poets signaling the increasing recognition of African literary voices on the world stage.

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Nigerian music stars Simi and Adekunle Gold have welcomed their second child, marking another new chapter in their family life.

The announcement came on April 1, 2026, when Simi shared the news with a heartfelt message to her official Instagram, revealing that the baby arrived on March 10. In her post, she described herself as a “mommy of two,” confirming what many had long speculated in recent weeks.

Since getting married in 2019, Simi and Adekunle Gold have built one of Nigerian pop culture’s most admired unions, balancing music careers with a growing family. Their first child, Deja, was born in 2020 and has occasionally appeared in careful moments shared online.

Over the years, both artists have evolved beyond just their music. Simi’s songwriting and vocal style have remained rooted in emotional clarity, while Adekunle Gold has reshaped his sound from alternative highlife into a more global, genre-fluid identity. 

Reactions have poured in across social media, with fans and fellow artists celebrating the news. 

In an industry often driven by constant visibility, their approach remains distinct. And with this new addition, that balance between public life and private joy continues to define their journey.

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Celine Dion, the legendary Canadian singer, renowned for her powerful vocals and timeless hits, has announced a series of comeback concerts in Paris, marking her first major live performances since she was diagnosed with a rare, incurable neurological condition. 

The announcement came on March 30, 2026, a day that marked Celine Dion’s 58th birthday. Through a heartfelt video shared on her social media channels, she expressed excitement and gratitude, describing the concerts as “the best birthday gift of my life.” She acknowledged that the past few years had been incredibly challenging but emphasized that her health had improved enough for her to return to performing.

The singer will headline 10 shows at Paris La Défense Arena, scheduled between September 12 and October 14, 2026. In a unique celebration of the announcement, the Eiffel Tower was lit up in her honor, adding a spectacular visual to what has already become a historic moment in her career.

Celine Dion’s absence from the stage has been tied to her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that was confirmed in December 2022. The condition, which affects roughly one in a million people, causes severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms, sometimes interfering with basic movement and daily life. While it is not fatal, SPS has no known cure, and treatment focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life.

Her health struggles have been widely documented. In 2022, she canceled her ongoing world tour and paused other performance commitments to focus on recovery. In interviews and her 2024 documentary I Am: Céline Dion, she spoke candidly about the physical and emotional toll of living with the condition. 

This series of concerts can be described as more than just performance, it represents resilience, determination, and a return to the stage on her own terms. 

The announcement has generated a wave of excitement across social media and music communities worldwide. Fans have flooded various platforms with messages of support, praise, and anticipation. 

While ticketing information is expected to be released soon, the buzz surrounding the shows suggests that they will be among the most sought-after events in 2026. The lighting of the Eiffel Tower to celebrate Dion’s comeback added a touch of spectacle befitting a global superstar as herself. 

CELINE DION PARIS 2026
10 unforgettable shows starting this September.
Presale begins April 7. Register for access until April 2 at https://t.co/oKjPk76odC pic.twitter.com/44Dhd9OAqK

— Celine Dion (@celinedion) March 30, 2026

For years, the relationship between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham has moved in cycles, quiet reconciliation followed by public tension. In a post today, Tuesday 31st, April, 2026, Iyabo Ojo has stepped forward with rare clarity, offering insight into what may be fueling their latest fallout.

In a detailed public statement, Iyabo Ojo addressed the growing speculation surrounding both actresses, pushing back against online narratives while revealing her own role behind the scenes.

She explained that contrary to public perception, the two stars had already resolved their issues at some point. According to her, that peace did not happen naturally. It required intervention. Iyabo disclosed that she personally stepped in to mediate, going as far as pleading with both parties to embrace peace. Her efforts, she said, eventually paid off, leading to a period where both actresses were seen interacting without tension.

That phase, however, came with a condition: disagreements were to remain private and never spill onto social media.

According to her, the current wave of tension can be traced back to December, when Toyin Abraham raised concerns about her film performance in cinemas, suggesting possible sabotage. What followed was a surge of fan speculation, with some audiences pointing accusing fingers at Funke Akindele. That narrative, amplified across social media, appears to have reignited friction between both actresses.

In many ways, Iyabo’s account reframes the situation. Rather than a direct clash between two Nigeria film industry leaders, it suggests a conflict intensified; if not largely driven by public perception and fan interference.

The conversation gained further traction after a viral moment at the recent premiere of Iyabo’s new film, The Return of Arinzo. In the circulating clip, Toyin Abraham appeared to greet Funke Akindele, who seemingly did not respond. The brief exchange quickly became a talking point, reinforcing assumptions that their relationship had once again deteriorated.

Beyond addressing the feud, Iyabo also revealed that Toyin Abraham was initially expected to feature in The Return of Arinzo. According to her, Toyin later withdrew from the project due to exhaustion and travel commitments, a decision that forced last-minute changes to the film’s production. While the situation was eventually resolved between them, Iyabo admitted it came at a significant cost.

She made it clear that she no longer intends to involve herself in resolving the issues between both actresses. Having already played the role of mediator in the past, Iyabo says she has reached her limit.

Still, she maintains respect and affection for both women, describing the situation as unfortunate rather than irreparable.

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Nigerian trumpeter Joshua Olusanya, popularly known as The Trumpet Influencer, continues to capture global attention with his extraordinary talent and dedication to instrumental music. In a notable display of cultural diplomacy, Olusanya has met with India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, at the Indian High Commission in Abuja, highlighting growing creative collaboration between the two countries.

Discussions according to the reports on the official X account of the Commission of India and Nigeria, focused on potential arts and culture collaborations, including joint musical performances between Indian and Nigerian artists, positioning Olusanya as a rising cultural ambassador for Nigeria.

Olusanya’s most remarkable achievement remains his Guinness World Record for the longest marathon trumpet performance. On May 9, 2025, at Terra Kulture, Lagos, he played continuously for 25 hours, 30 minutes, and 36 seconds, the first-ever record in this category.

Olusanya had to attempt the feat twice after an initial effort was disqualified. Under Guinness rules, only brief five-minute breaks were allowed at set intervals, requiring near-constant performance for more than a full day. The physical challenge was immense: his legs shook, fingers cramped, and lips bled as he pushed through exhaustion.

In interviews with outlets including The Guardian, he emphasized that the record was a way to inspire young musicians and advocate for greater recognition of instrumental artists worldwide.

Olusanya has used his record-breaking platform to inspire the next generation through initiatives like the Joshua Olusanya Empowerment Tour (JOMET), performing at schools and community events to promote music education. His dedication resonates in the arts community and also among faith-based groups in Nigeria, such as Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), who celebrate his journey as an example of perseverance and divine guidance.

High Commissioner @AmbAbhishekIFS received Nigerian-born trumpeter Joshua Olusanya, fondly known as The Trumpet Influencer, who holds the Guinness World Records for the longest marathon trumpet performance, which lasted for 25 hours, 30 minutes, and 36 seconds. HC discussed… pic.twitter.com/sDykm2igv9

— India in Nigeria (and Benin & ECOWAS) (@india_nigeria) March 19, 2026

David Zaslav is set to receive a compensation package that could exceed $800 million in connection with the proposed merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global.

The figure, based on company filings and multiple financial reports, has drawn attention due to its scale and structure. Some estimates circulating online place the total closer to $887 million, depending on how stock awards, executive benefits, and tax reimbursements are calculated.

The projected payout is not a fixed salary but a combination of financial components tied to the merger agreement:

• Cash severance payments triggered by the transaction
• Stock awards and equity incentives, both vested and performance-based
• Long-term incentive compensation linked to post-merger performance
• A tax reimbursement provision, commonly referred to as a “golden parachute”

Taken together, these elements place the total value of the package at over $800 million, with the high-end estimates ($887 million) including unvested stock and the full tax gross-up.

David Zaslav is a veteran media executive and the current President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, one of the world’s largest entertainment conglomerates.

He is widely known for his long-standing influence in the global media industry, particularly across television and streaming.

Zaslav’s career cuts across decades, with several defining roles and decisions that have shaped modern entertainment.

He became CEO of Discovery in 2006, transforming the company into a global television powerhouse with an expansive portfolio of lifestyle and factual programming.

He later played a central role in the 2022 merger that combined Discovery with WarnerMedia, forming Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal brought together major assets including HBO, CNN, and Warner Bros., significantly expanding the company’s global reach.

Under his leadership, the company has continued to grow its influence across film, television, and streaming, positioning itself as a key competitor in the evolving media landscape.

Since the formation of Warner Bros. Discovery has also become associated with aggressive cost-cutting and restructuring efforts, including content cancellations and strategic changes aimed at reducing debt and improving profitability.

Zaslav’s experience in managing large-scale media operations and complex corporate mergers is a key factor in his expected role in the proposed deal between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global.

The scale of the compensation package has generated discussion within the media and financial sectors.

While executive payouts of this nature are often tied to large-scale corporate transactions, the size of the package has raised questions about executive compensation, particularly amid ongoing cost-cutting measures across the industry.

Pop superstar Billie Eilish is preparing to take a major step into the film industry as she lines up her feature acting debut in a new adaptation of The Bell Jar, the classic novel by Sylvia Plath.

The project, which began drawing industry attention this week, will be written and directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sarah Polley, known for the critically acclaimed film “Women Talking.”

According to early reports, Billie Eilish is attached to play Esther Greenwood, the central character of the novel. The story follows a young woman navigating life during a prestigious internship in New York while grappling with mental health struggles and the pressure of societal expectations.

First published in 1963, The Bell Jar is widely regarded as one of the most influential novels exploring identity, ambition, and psychological struggle. The semi-autobiographical story mirrors aspects of Plath’s own life and has remained a major story for generations of readers.

In the upcoming adaptation, Polley will both write and direct the project, bringing her distinctive storytelling approach to the material. Her previous film, Women Talking, earned widespread praise and won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

The film will be produced by Plan B Entertainment, the production company founded by Brad Pitt, alongside StudioCanal.

U.S. distribution will be handled by Focus Features. As of now, the rest of the cast and the production timeline have not been announced.

Although Billie Eilish is primarily known for her global music career, she has had a small acting role before. In 2023, she appeared in the television series “Swarm,” created by Donald Glover. However, The Bell Jar would mark her first time leading a major feature film.

The casting has attracted significant attention partly because the novel’s themes closely mirror issues Billie Eilish has spoken about publicly, including mental health, body image, and the pressures of fame.

Billie Eilish already has strong ties to the film industry through her music. She has won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song, first for the theme from “No Time to Die” and later for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie. The wins made her the youngest person to secure two Oscars in that category.

Beyond The Bell Jar, the singer is also involved in another film project. She is co-directing a concert documentary titled “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour” (Live in 3D) with acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron, known for directing the blockbuster Avatar. The film is scheduled to be released on May 8, 2026 through Paramount Pictures.

Popular Nigerian comedian and skit maker Broda Shaggi has reportedly been hospitalised after sustaining a gunshot injury while filming a comedy skit in Ogun State.

According to multiple reports, the incident occurred on Thursday during a skit production around the Sango-Ota area. The entertainer, whose real name is Samuel Animashaun Perry, was said to have been hit by a gunshot in the thigh during the filming process.

Members of his production team reportedly rushed him to a nearby medical facility for immediate treatment after the incident. He was initially taken to a hospital in the Alakuko area of Lagos, where medical personnel attended to him before he was referred to another facility for further care.

Authorities were alerted after the hospital reported that a gunshot victim had been brought in for treatment. Officials who responded to the report confirmed that the comedian was receiving medical attention when they arrived.

Early reports suggest the shooting occurred while the crew was filming a skit under a bridge in the Sango-Ota axis of Ogun State, though the exact circumstances that led to the discharge of the firearm remain unclear.

Because the incident reportedly happened in Ogun State, investigations are expected to involve the appropriate security authorities in that jurisdiction.

As of the time of reporting, no official statement has been released by the comedian’s management team regarding his condition. However, sources indicate that he is currently receiving treatment and is recovering.

Broda Shaggi rose to fame through his viral comedy skits on social media and has since become one of Nigeria’s most recognised digital entertainers. He has also built a successful career in film and television, earning several industry accolades including awards at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

More details about the incident are expected as authorities continue their investigation and the comedian’s team provides updates on his health.

Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu has risen to become the third-richest person in Africa, after his net worth jumped by about 120 percent to roughly $11.2 billion, according to the latest ranking from Forbes.

Rabiu, the founder and chairman of BUA Group, saw his fortune increase significantly over the past year, largely driven by strong performance in his publicly traded companies, particularly BUA Cement and BUA Foods.

According to the ranking, Rabiu’s wealth climbed from about $5.1 billion in 2025 to over $11 billion in 2026, marking one of the largest increases among Africa’s billionaires this year. The increase pushed him up from sixth place to third place on the continent’s rich list.

A major driver of this growth has been the sharp rise in the share price of BUA Cement, where Rabiu holds a controlling stake of about 98 percent. The company’s strong market performance significantly boosted the value of his holdings. Rabiu also controls roughly 95 percent of BUA Foods, another key pillar of the BUA business empire.

With the new ranking, Rabiu now sits behind only Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, and Johann Rupert, the South African luxury goods magnate.

The latest list also highlights Nigeria’s continued presence among Africa’s wealthiest individuals. Alongside Dangote and Rabiu, other Nigerian billionaires on the ranking include Mike Adenuga and Femi Otedola.

Overall, Africa’s billionaire class has seen notable gains in recent months. The continent’s 23 billionaires collectively added more than $20 billion to their fortunes, reflecting stronger performances across sectors such as manufacturing, commodities, telecommunications, and luxury goods.

A 30-year-old woman was arrested Sunday afternoon after firing an AR-15-style rifle at the Beverly Hills home of global pop icon Rihanna and her partner A$AP Rocky, authorities confirmed. Remarkably, no one was injured during the incident.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), multiple rounds were fired from a vehicle parked across the street from the Beverly Crest residence. Some bullets reportedly struck parts of the house, including a wall, but Rihanna, who was home at the time, was unharmed.

Police say the suspect was taken into custody within 30 minutes of the shooting, and the firearm was recovered. The LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division is leading the investigation. At this time, authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attack.

This case is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release more information, including potential charges, as the investigation continues.

Reports according to multiple media outlets in the US.