Author: Ayobami Owolabi

Renowned music executive and Mavin Records founder, Don Jazzy, has opened up about some of the artists he admired early in their careers but never signed — and the regrets that followed. In a heartfelt disclosure, the producer admitted he would have loved to work with Simi and Teni, both of whom have gone on to carve out successful careers. “I like Simi. I didn’t sign her. I wish I did. I like Teni. I wish I did,” he revealed. READ ALSO: Don Jazzy also touched on his history with Davido, sharing that while the opportunity to bring the singer…

Controversial street-pop artist Portable has refused to back down amid his ongoing clash with actress Laide Bakare, disregarding her recent warning to stop involving her in his outbursts. The dispute began after Portable claimed in a video that Laide had invited him to perform at her event without any intention of paying him. In response, the actress cautioned him to stop mentioning her name, stressing that she had no involvement in his controversies and warning him to steer clear of her personal affairs. READ ALSO: Despite her message, Portable continued his tirade in a new video, making provocative statements, including…

Nigerian music star Flavour, whose real name is Chinedu Okoli, has revisited a crucial turning point in his early career, revealing that witnessing P-Square perform shifted his mindset and pushed him to redefine his artistic journey. In an interview on the In My Opinion podcast, Flavour narrated a moment that stayed with him for years. He was performing at a venue when the atmosphere abruptly changed following the arrival of Peter and Paul Okoye, known collectively as P-Square. READ ALSO: The event manager quickly asked Flavour to step aside, handing over the stage to the acclaimed duo. “I was playing…

Nigerian influencers, entertainers, and digital creators have been shortlisted for the 2025 edition of the Trendupp Awards, which honours individuals and brands making significant impact through social media. Trendupp Africa, the organisers of the annual awards, celebrate those driving change, creativity, and innovation in the digital space—including influencers, content creators, corporate brands, and organisations making notable contributions to society. This year’s nominees feature a mix of established and emerging figures such as chess advocate Tunde Onakoya, actors Bimbo Ademoye, Ruth Kadiri, Nancy Isime, and Omoni Oboli, as well as content powerhouses like Regina Daniels, Kie Kie, Priscilla Ojo, Enioluwa Adeoluwa,…

Controversial Nigerian street musician Portable has expressed his frustration following a disappointing experience at a recent event in Abeokuta, Ogun State. In a video making the rounds online, the singer recounted how things went south during his appearance at the grand opening of a hotel in the city. READ ALSO: He explained that the situation unfolded while he was performing, leaving his car damaged in the process. Portable also shared footage showing the damage to his vehicle and called on the event organisers to take responsibility for what transpired.

Afrobeats singer Iyanya has paid tribute to the victims of the deadly attacks in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, through a heartfelt song shared on social media. The attack, which reportedly claimed over 200 lives, left many families in grief. In response, Iyanya released an emotional track, offering words of comfort and encouragement to those affected. “I want to dedicate this song to all people of Benue State. It’s trying time for the whole country because we all share your pain,” the singer said. READ ALSO: He continued, “I pray God comforts everybody who lost a friend…

Afrobeats sensation Runtown has rescheduled the arrival of his much-anticipated album, Soundgod Fest IV, moving its release from June 13 to June 27. The artist shared the update via Instagram, posting a teaser along with the album’s official artwork. Explaining the delay, Runtown said the extra time would allow him to fine-tune the project to meet fan expectations. “Moved the drop to the 27th of June to make sure it’s absolutely fire for you guys! Meanwhile, hit the pre save link in bio. #SoundgodFestIV,” he wrote. READ ALSO: Ahead of the full project, Runtown has already delivered two singles —…

Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli has defended Nollywood’s storytelling, saying the industry is rich in originality and continues to gain traction with international audiences. In a video shared online, Oboli addressed frequent criticisms that Nigerian films are too predictable. She argued that predictability doesn’t lessen the impact of a good story, emphasizing that the real value lies in the storytelling process itself. “A story can be predictable, but if it’s well told, people will still watch it and enjoy it,” she said. READ ALSO: Highlighting Nollywood’s strength, Oboli said, “Stories have never really been our problem. I feel like in…

Nollywood icon Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, is commemorating 60 years in the film industry with the premiere of a new project titled Her Excellency. The 72-year-old actor began his artistic journey in 1964 with the Young Concert Party, a theatre troupe led by the late Ojo Ladipo. Following Ladipo’s passing, Salami took over the group’s leadership and became a key figure in shaping Yoruba theatre and film. He appeared in Ajani Ogun, the first Yoruba-language film, and later produced Ogun Ajaye in 1985, marking his debut as a film producer. READ ALSO: To celebrate his six-decade-long career,…

Comedian and actor Woli Arole has taken a firm stance against women who choose surrogacy despite being physically capable of carrying a pregnancy, describing such decisions as products of misguided modern thinking. In a post shared on Instagram, Arole stressed that childbirth is a sacred blessing and an essential part of God’s divine design for women. He urged women not to give in to what he called “wokeness,” advising them to honour their natural role in procreation. READ ALSO: “Listen carefully. It is a blessing for a woman to carry her baby in her womb. That’s how God wants it.…