Category: Entertainment

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].

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!.

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.”

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.

Celine Dion recently covered for Vogue France, putting on a white miniskirt with an unbuttoned oversized shirt and using her hand to cover her chest.

In the post caption on Instagram, Dion shared her body positivity amid her ongoing battle with Stiff Person Syndrome. “I’m honored to be doing a photo shoot for Vogue France. I’m very proud that, at 55, I’ve been asked to reveal my beauty. But what is beauty? Beauty is you, it’s me, it’s what’s inside, it’s our dreams, it’s today. Today, I’m a woman who is feeling strong and positive about the future. One day at a time.“

The musical icon shared her story and battle with the life-altering ailment of stiff person syndrome and her plans for the future in the May 2024 issue of Vogue France as she prepares for the premier of her documentary ‘I Am: Celine Dion’  on Amazon Prime Video, to be released on June 25.

Celine Dion talked about how she blamed herself when she was diagnosed and her search for a “why.” “Life doesn’t give you answers. You simply have to live it! I have this disease for some unknown reason,” she said.

“I have two choices. Either I train like an athlete and I work super hard or I disconnect and it’s over, I stay at home, I listen to my songs, I stand in front of my mirror and I sing to myself. I chose to work with all my body and all my soul, from head to toe with a medical team. I want to be my best self. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again!”

She explained how her family, children and fans motivated her to find treatment for her ailment: “People who suffer from (stiff person syndrome) may not have the chance or the means to have good doctors or good treatments. I have these means, I have this gift. Plus, I have this strength in me. I know nothing is going to stop me.”

On Her Present Mindset:

“My dream is to live in the present. One day at a time. I am truly very lucky. And I am honored to be doing a photo shoot for Vogue France because although I had better health and beauty at 30, I didn’t get asked to do one then. I am very proud that at 55, I am being asked to reveal my beauty. But what is beauty? Beauty is you, it’s me, it’s what’s on the inside, it’s our dreams, it’s today. Beauty is what surrounds us, it is there. There are people that see it, and there are people that observe it. Today, I am a woman, who feels strong and positive about the future. One day at a time.”

When asked if she’ll tour again:

“I can’t answer that… Because for four years I’ve been saying to myself that I’m not going back, that I’m ready, that I’m not ready… As things stand, I can’t stand here and say to you: “Yes, in four months.” I don’t know… My body will tell me. On the other hand, I don’t just want to wait. It’s morally hard to live from day to day. It’s hard, I’m working very hard and tomorrow will be even harder. Tomorrow is another day. But there’s one thing that will never stop, and that’s the will. It’s the passion. It’s the dream. It’s the determination.”

During the 2024 Grammy Awards, Celine Dion made a surprise appearance presenting the Album of the Year award to Taylor Swift (Midnights); “Thank you all,” she said to the applauding crowd, showing no signs of weakness. “I love you right back. When I say that I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart.”

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is defined as “a rare, progressive neurological disorder” that can cause muscle spasms. The condition can be so debilitating that some patients develop a hunched posture, eventually preventing them from walking or moving independently at all. While treatment can manage the symptoms, there is currently no known cure.

In March, Dion spoke out on social media for International Stiff Person Syndrome Awareness Day. “Today the world recognizes International SPS Awareness Day. As many of you know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible. I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!”

Internet personality and crossdresser, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, has filed a notice of appeal against his recent conviction for Naira abuse.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought four charges of naira abuse and mutilation against Bobrisky. He then pleaded guilty before Justice A.O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos. On April 12th, 2024, Justice Awogboro sentenced Idris to six months of imprisonment without the option of a fine.

The crossdresser has appealed to the court, seeking to replace the maximum sentence imposed on him with a penalty of a ₦50,000 fine for each count.

In the appeal, filed by his lawyer Bimbo Kusanu before the court, Bobrisky argues that the “earned trial judge erred in law and in facts by his imposition of the maximum sentence of months imprisonment terms against the appellant without option of fine, contrary to the provisions of Section 416(2) d of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015 (“ADCJA”) that prescribed the mandatory guidelines on the trial court on the imposition of sentencing after criminal conviction of a first-time offender as the appellant.”.

Bobrisky is seeking an “order setting aside the 6-month maximum imprisonment sentence imposed on the appellant and, in its place, imposition of a fine in the sum of ₦50,000 (Fify Thousand Naira) on each of the counts against the appellant.”.

Chlöe Bailey one of the sister musical duo ‘Chloe x Halle‘ has announced her sophomore album, ‘Trouble In Paradise.’

She announced this during her performance at Weekend One of Coachella 2024, on April 19th.

3 years ago, Chlöe released her debut solo song, Have Mercy and a year ago she released her debut solo album, In Piece. One year later, she’s ready to bless her fans with a second solo album.

“I’m so happy up here guys.

So, I have an album coming out soon. I can’t tell yoy guys the date just yet. But…I can tell you the title of the album is called ‘Trouble in Paradise.’ Because I am trouble in paradise.”

On her journey to a desert performance, the singer paused to capture some snapshots for Instagram. She donned a bra top adorned with transparent crystals, crafted to mimic the appearance of multi-carat diamonds. She wore a low waist black cargo trousers and a crystal belt, exposing her tummy.

She wore matching earrings and styled her hair into a ponytail captioning the picture “trouble in paradise 🌊”

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Dimimu, an inspiring and audacious gospel artist, reached out to me to discuss his new single, which at the time was few hours away from publishing. Why would I say no? I have heard his discography, and his last song, Ogo Re Gbe Mi Sare ft. BOA is just a masterpiece for a gospel artist.

“I’ve written ‘Áwí má yẹ hùn’ on my notepad for more than two years,” he said in an exclusive interview with me. The song written in less that 6 hours was inspired by “by deep thoughts of how mysterious that personality, which is the personality of the one true and only supreme God who never goes back on His words.“

Áwí má yẹ hùn’ is a Yoruba word which means someone who doesn’t go back on their words and that’s Dimimu prayer to his listeners, “I hope listeners will understand that Our Father will never go back on his words therefore His promises still stands.”

For Christians, Faith is powerful and Dimimu wants everyone listening to have faith and remember that God never fails.

What’s next? Blessings and Glory—a worship medley Dimimu exclusively told us.

Faith isn’t separate from his creativity, in fact it is “intertwined” with it. Dimimu advice to other upcoming gospel artists is for them not to chase what’s trending but what’s in their hearts and make “God their source of inspiration.”

To enjoy Dimimu latest track, click this link.

On Thursday, April 18, 2024, Davido announced the news for his new record label, Nine+ Records.

Nine+ is a new record label formed by Davido and Steve Stoute‘s UnitedMasters. The new record label will be a 2.0 version of Davido Music Worldwide Records (DWM) as of April 17.

Steve Stoute and Davido connected last year at the SelectCon event by UnitedMasters, and from the event they have been talking business. Steve Stoute visited Lagos, Nigeria, where they solidified their plan and partnership, leading to Nine+.

The name Nine+ is coined from Davido’s lyrics, “OBO elemi nine plus,” from his song Stand Strong, which means “OBO has more than nine lives,” according to Davido’s PR team member, David Adeyemi.

Last December, UnitedMasters partnered with the NBA to forge a new deal that allowed their artists to showcase their work on NBA Africa’s social media channels showcasing their artists to African audiences via technology. The initiative is based at the NBA Africa office in Lagos, Nigeria. This partnership marks another step for United Masters in Africa, following their collaboration with Sarz Academy in 2023.

According to his manager and lawyer Bobo F. Ajuda, “Davido will collaborate with Steve Stoute to identify and develop talent. Their respective teams from Nine+ Records and UnitedMasters will work together to support these artists. This includes everything from artist development and branding to securing market opportunities.”

Davido continues to uphold his responsibilities at Nine+ same as DMW but including a collaborative approach in his capacity as a music executive. This collaboration will play a role in identifying and fostering talent, providing them opportunities for strategic brand alliances and synchronization.”

“I am thrilled to announce the launch of a new joint venture between my label, Nine Plus, and UnitedMasters, founded by my good friend, Steve Stoute. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our journey, as we aim to empower artists globally by leveraging UnitedMasters’ revolutionary music distribution platform and Nine Plus’ innovative vision and eye for talent. Together, we are set to redefine the music landscape both African and global, providing artists with unprecedented tools and opportunities to amplify their voices and craft. Excited to witness the creativity and growth ahead. This partnership signifies a significant step in music history, encompassing both Africa and the world,” Davido, Founder/CEO of Nine Plus.

This announcement comes after Davido’s sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where he made history by bringing Afrobeats to one of the world’s most iconic venues. A moment after his performance he visited Tunde Onakoya who was attempting to break the world record for the longest chess marathon.

UnitedMasters has been making waves with recent company announcements, including partnerships with SymphonyOS and Groover.

Davido expressed his enthusiasm in a statement, saying, “I am thrilled to announce the launch of a new joint venture between my label, Nine Plus, and UnitedMasters, founded by my good friend, Steve Stoute This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our journey, as we aim to empower artists globally by leveraging UnitedMasters’ revolutionary music distribution platform and Nine Plus’ innovative vision and eye for talent. Together, we are set to redefine the music landscape both African and global, providing artists with unprecedented tools and opportunities to amplify their voices and craft. Excited to witness the creativity and growth ahead. This partnership signifies a significant step in music history, encompassing both Africa and the world.”

Davido’s first move is to move DMW Record artist to Nine+.

All dmw artist would be moved to Nine + records …. Clearing the air !

— Davido (@davido) April 19, 2024