Author: Abigail David

By Abigail Philip David

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has emerged victorious at the 2025 MOBO Awards, winning the Best African Music Act category ahead of fellow Nigerian artists Asake and Tems, as well as South Africa’s Tyla.

Her win makes her the first female artist in 16 years to claim the award, marking a significant milestone in her career.

In addition to this achievement, Ayra Starr also took home the prestigious Best International Music Act award, triumphing over global stars like Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto.

The ceremony, held in Newcastle, was hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi and celebrated the best of Black music and culture.

During her acceptance speech, a visibly emotional and overwhelmed Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude:

“Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is the first time I’m winning a MOBO Award—make some noise! I am actually shaking right now. I am actually nervous.”

She went on to thank her supporters, her team, and her label, MAVIN Records, alongside her producers and family:

“Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS. My amazing brothers who make music with me—the producers in the studio—my studio partners in crime; my label—MAVINS Records, Embryo, my mummy… Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”

Ayra Starr’s double victory further cements her status as one of Africa’s leading musical talents on the global stage.

By Abigail Philip David

Controversial street singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has publicly apologized to the Ogun State government following recent legal troubles.

For weeks, the singer has been entangled in a dispute with the Ogun State Police Command, which declared him wanted on charges of conspiracy, serious assault, armed violence, public disturbance, and attempted murder. The allegations stemmed from claims that he recruited armed thugs to carry out attacks.

In response, Portable initially denied the accusations, claiming they were an attempt to bring him down. He challenged the police to present evidence and labeled them as unjust.

However, in a recent Instagram post, the singer shifted his tone, praying for divine intervention. He pleaded with God to turn his struggles into blessings, protect his family, and send him a helper. Expressing remorse, Portable admitted that fear drove him to flee.

“Ogun State Government, I’m sorry. It was fear that made me run. Thank God the police are our friends and family. God is everywhere—please forgive me. I believe in You. Any disappointment is a blessing,” he wrote.

Earlier this month, Portable had a heated clash with authorities after the government sealed his unfinished building and hotel over illegal development without proper approval. The incident led to the detention of some of his workers and customers.

Following the ordeal, he canceled his London show, citing the need to protect his family and properties. Over the weekend, he expressed frustration, lamenting that despite his contributions to Ogun State, he felt unappreciated.

In a desperate appeal, Portable even called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene on his behalf, urging him to plead with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. He claimed that his troubles were politically motivated, stemming from his support for a political figure, Yayi.

Despite the controversy, the singer remains hopeful, relying on faith to navigate his challenges.

Barbadian singer and business mogul, Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has surprised fans by learning to speak Yoruba, one of Nigeria’s native languages. In a video posted on Instagram by UK-based makeup artist Damilola Adejonwo, also known as Senorfenty, Rihanna is seen practicing the language at a Fenty event.

Senorfenty taught the global superstar how to say “Mo wa pa,” which translates to “I’m fine” in Yoruba. In the video, Rihanna repeats the phrase with enthusiasm. Senorfenty captioned the video:

“Mo wa pa oooooo!!!!! I was telling Rihanna that I am Nigerian and she has to learn Yoruba, so I taught her ‘mo wa pa’ which means I am doing well, and she wouldn’t stop saying it the entire time. That might be the next single 😂😂😂😂 she is such a vibe.”

Fans quickly reacted to the video, expressing their excitement and amusement at Rihanna’s Yoruba-speaking attempt:

– **@Koksiewoksie**: “Rihanna is clearly from Naija 🙌.”
– **@Catchy_miyatch**: “This guy no represent us well, na osinwin 😂.”
– **@Desman_009**: “We are delighted that she is learning Yoruba, but we are not thrilled with the source of the knowledge. 😂.”
– **@joykay.ot**: “Person wife na you dey hold like that 😂.”
– **@oluwa_fola1**: “If Asap Rocky catch this guy 😂.”
– **@aanufashionhouse**: “😍😍😍 It’s how Riri is always so approachable for us.”
– **@cynthiajoe007**: “He thinks he is a lady because he is behaving like one.. her body language should tell you she wasn’t comfortable with your hands all over her.. mo wa pa 😂.”

The video has further endeared Rihanna to her Nigerian fans, showing her playful and open nature while interacting with different cultures.

Nigerian comedian Woli Arole has addressed “woke” Nigerians in an open letter amidst the growing social media trend of unusual testimonies shared in churches, particularly from The Lord’s Chosen church. Recently, the church has gained attention for testimonies deemed mysterious and unrealistic by many online users.

Taking to Instagram, Woli Arole shared his thoughts on the situation, calling out those who mock supernatural events. In his message, he urged people to acknowledge the spiritual aspect of life, regardless of their personal beliefs.

He wrote: “A letter to my generation: I see a lot of assumed WOKE people who love to mock anything SUPERNATURAL. I pray you don’t face trouble before you realize that life is SPIRITUAL!!! Your OPINIONS or CRUISE won’t change the TRUTH!!! Can you hear me at the back?”

The post sparked mixed reactions from netizens. Some echoed his sentiments, while others criticized his stance:

– **@kingsharon** commented, “Religion…? Definitely the Opium of the people. But then So Real.”
– **@ezzy_wayy** responded, “Oh please shut your trap, bro! Being spiritual is not an excuse to suspend your brain. Let that sink in.”
– **@christalunar** prayed, “God please I need a testimony that will sound like a lie to unbelievers 🙏.”
– **@fran6** added, “Why don’t you tell this to your bad government? Or is life not spiritual for them too? Why not remind them that God will punish them for all they do to us, the citizens?”

Woli Arole’s letter highlights the ongoing debate between faith and skepticism in Nigerian society, with many grappling over the balance between spiritual belief and rational thought.

Danielle Edochie, daughter of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has been lauded online for her comments about her father’s second wife. On her mother’s birthday, Danielle took to the comments section to praise her mother, calling her the “original” and “overall blessed,” and challenging anyone who disagreed to prove their point.

Netizens reacted enthusiastically:

– Beyond Style_Collection wrote, “Not me trying to add more lines for her.”
– Cheederah J commented, “This one will show Judy pepper.”
– Diary of a Young Mum added, “Her mother’s daughter.”
– Nneamaka2016 encouraged, “Hype your mum, baby girl.”
– Chinaza Ekpere30 said, “They have taken a lot of nonsense from…”
– Omalicha Chiz remarked, “Well said, baby girl.”
– Pet Morah noted, “She said what she said! Anyone who’s not okay with that should write their own.”
– Meisy_Daisy expressed, “Omo I con fall in love with dis girl. Give them ooo. Na ur mama Omo this girl get silent doings. Love you jare.”
– Chibabyoflife wrote, “Correct.”
– Ka3_hope commented, “And that’s on period.”
– Snow Cookie added, “She said what she said.”
– Evie_susu1 said, “And that’s on purrr.”
– Annas_Secrets encouraged, “Hype your mum, girl, hype her. I love it.”

Meanwhile, May Edochie, Yul’s estranged wife, has recently announced plans to support underprivileged women on her birthday and foundation anniversary. She revealed on Instagram that her foundation will provide essential skills, food items, and financial aid to help these women become more self-sufficient.

Since her separation from Yul, May has received considerable support from celebrities, Nigerians, and social media users.

Tito Jackson, celebrated musician and founding member of the legendary Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70.

His children shared the devastating news on Sunday, September 16, 2024, leaving fans and family in deep mourning. While early reports suggest that Tito may have suffered a heart attack, the Jackson family has yet to officially confirm the cause of death.

Tito is survived by his three sons—Taj, Taryll, and TJ—who continue to uphold his musical legacy through their group, 3T, as well as by his grandchildren. His ex-wife, Delores Martes, tragically passed away in 1994.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, his sons expressed their grief: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson. We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was a remarkable man who cared deeply for others and their well-being.”

Tito’s passing marks another significant loss for the Jackson family, following the deaths of his brother Michael in 2009 and their father, Joe Jackson, in 2018.

The sad news was announced by filmmaker Olufemi Ogedengbe on Instagram, where he paid tribute to France. Ogedengbe fondly remembered the actor as a legend and an uncle, recalling their collaboration on three film projects in Tanzania in 2006: *Cross My Sin*, *She Is My Sister*, and *The Director*. The cause of France’s death has not yet been revealed.

In his post, Ogedengbe wrote, “Rest in peace to one of Nollywood’s legends, Uncle Emmanuel France. One of the actors I took to Tanzania in 2006. Shot three movies with him. R.I.P.”

Fans and colleagues took to the comment section to express their condolences, sharing memories of the beloved actor and mourning his loss.

Renowned gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey celebrated his birthday with a heartfelt message of thanksgiving to God. Taking to Instagram, he shared a photo of himself in worship, expressing deep gratitude for another year of life, the gift of family, friends, and loved ones.

Nathaniel reflected on how each birthday serves as a reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness in his life. He wrote, “Dearest Father, Thank you for yet another year. Another Birthday anniversary. Each comes to remind me of your faithfulness. For the gift of Life, Grace, Goodness and Mercy. Family, Friends, and loved ones, THANK YOU JESUS. Jeremiah 33:3 Psalm 3:3 Isaiah 43:19.”

His followers and well-wishers flooded the comments section with warm birthday wishes and prayers.

Some of the messages included:

– abigail.bassey: “Happy birthday Pastor Nath, we love you.”
– remoteworkmum: “Happy Birthday Sir. God bless your new age ❤️❤️❤️.”
– chyder5: “Happy Birthday Pastor Nathaniel 🙌👏 I celebrate you.”
– official_dorisfrancis: “Happy birthday Pastor 🙌 May your light continue to shine 🙌 I celebrate the amazing gift you are.”
– madebyofun: “Happy birthday Pst Nath, God bless you and all you represent.”
– allurecentric: “Happy Birthday Ps. Nat. May all your prayer requests be accomplished in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
– emikeosumah: “On a day like this, words fail a lot of people your life has touched. It will suffice to say thank you for being a Christian. Happy birthday Sir!”

Nollywood actress Sonia Ogiri has openly challenged her colleague Iyabo Ojo regarding her ongoing dispute with social media activist VeryDarkMan.

The feud reignited after VeryDarkMan claimed that Iyabo Ojo was only invited to the after-party of Davido’s wedding, contradicting her assertions in a video.

Taking to Instagram, Sonia Ogiri expressed her frustration, stating it was hard to ignore the misbehavior of some Nigerians online. She then posed several pointed questions to Iyabo Ojo.

Ogiri asked why Iyabo continues to engage in activities that she believes disgrace herself and her family. She questioned whether Iyabo was tired of being involved in every controversy and advised her to take cues from colleagues like Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who do not engage in public feuds.

Her post read: “Overlooking some Nigerians’ wrongdoings on the internet is really hard. Iyabo, are you not exhausted? Must you be in any and everything? Why disgrace yourself and your family like this? After working hard to build a name, why destroy it yourself? What is actually the size of your problem that you can’t rest? Learn from your colleagues; never will you see Genevieve, Omotola, or even the younger ones constituting a nuisance like you’re doing. This stage of your life should be drama-free, just vacations and enjoyment. Instead of the man in your life pulling you inside, I don’t understand his role. Oga Paulo, please respectfully take Iyabo inside.

“Too much of everything is just annoying. Learn to be a lady sometimes. To her fans, please advise your favorite because fighting seems to be the only content she offers. She’s publicly doing too much, so why should I privately advise her? Do you know how many private pieces of advice she has received and yet never stops?”