Category: Entertainment

Veteran Nigerian hip-hop artist Eedris Abdulkareem has released a fiery new protest song titled “Tell Your Papa,” calling on Seyi Tinubu to speak to his father, President Bola Tinubu, about the worsening state of the country.

The track, which was shared via X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, delivers a hard-hitting critique of Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges. Abdulkareem uses his signature lyrical style to channel the frustrations of many Nigerians who are grappling with rising inflation, insecurity, and unfulfilled political promises.

“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga,” he raps, referencing his earlier hit song “Jaga Jaga” which similarly condemned political and social decay.

The song comes on the heels of Seyi Tinubu’s recent remarks in Adamawa State, where he hailed his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history”—a statement that sparked strong reactions online.

In the track, Abdulkareem accuses the President of abandoning campaign promises and being disconnected from the realities on the ground. He challenges Seyi directly:

“Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.”

The outspoken artist goes on to criticize the privilege and detachment of Nigeria’s political elite:

“Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”

Known for using music as a tool for activism, Abdulkareem’s latest release adds to his long-standing tradition of confronting authority and championing the plight of ordinary citizens.

The song has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many praising the musician’s courage and raw delivery.

Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress Tiwa Savage has revealed that she has no plans to sign upcoming artists, citing the stress and responsibility involved in managing musicians. Instead, she aims to create an ecosystem where African artists can thrive independently.

Speaking in an interview with Forbes Africa on Thursday, Savage explained that handling artists can be overwhelming. “Everyone always asks me, ‘When will you sign an artiste?’ I don’t think I have the gift to sign another artiste, because artistes are stressful. I could just be sleeping, and then I will wake up and my artist is trending for something else,” she said.

Rather than signing musicians, Savage is focused on launching a music school that will equip artists with the skills they need before signing with record labels that can properly support them.

She also emphasized the importance of African artists building their own industry instead of seeking validation abroad. “Why are we trying to break into another market? We should build our own to be the one others try to break into,” she said, highlighting the need for infrastructure, affordable data, and investment in Africa’s entertainment industry.

Beyond music, the ‘Somebody’s Son’ hitmaker is expanding her portfolio, having made her executive producer debut in 2024 with Water and Garri. Looking ahead, she is setting her sights on greater ambitions. “I want to go into my mogul era – billionaire Tiwa Savage,” she declared.

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.

Nigerian singer May D has made a bold claim, stating that he was once at the same level as his fellow artistes, Wizkid and Davido, and even bigger than them at one point. The singer reflected on his past fame during a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast.

May D reminisced, saying, “Then it was Wizkid, Davido, and I. I was even like bigger. Wetin be ‘Holla at Your Boy’ compared to ‘Soundtrack’?” He also pointed out that his career took a hit after his fallout with P-Square and Square Records in 2012, and has previously suggested that Wizkid’s rise wouldn’t have been as significant if he had stayed with the label.

May D’s rise to fame was tied to his partnership with Square Records, but his departure from the label led to a significant shift in his career trajectory. Despite his claims, the music scene has since evolved, with both Wizkid and Davido achieving global recognition.

Hollywood actress Dalyce Curry, best known for her roles in *Blues Brothers* and *Lady Sings the Blues*, has tragically passed away at the age of 95. Her body was discovered burnt at her Los Angeles home after the property was devastated by ongoing wildfires.

According to TMZ, authorities confirmed the discovery of her remains on Sunday, announcing that they had been found at her Altadena residence. The news was shared with the public alongside the hashtag #RIPMOMMADEE.

Curry’s granddaughter, Dalyce Kelley, took to Facebook to express her sorrow, writing, “We had a great run. She impacted my life in so many ways. This loss is devastating.”

The tragic incident has left fans and loved ones mourning the loss of the beloved actress.

Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday recently shared her aspirations for the future, emphasizing her goal to achieve financial success independently of her partner.

In a candid Instagram post, she declared, “The goal is not to marry a rich man, the goal is to be a Rich Wife. I work so hard for my money, a man with money is a PLUS and not a MUST.” Despite recent engagement rumors with Xxssive, which she clarified as false, Nkechi remains focused on her personal and financial growth.

Her relationship with Xxssive has been a source of public interest since 2021, following a previous relationship with Ekiti State politician Opeyemi Falegan. Addressing speculation about their status, she reaffirmed her commitment, highlighting moments of public support that solidified their bond.

Nkechi’s resolve reflects her belief in a private life separate from social media appearances, urging critics to respect her choices. She remains steadfast in her pursuit of happiness, unaffected by external opinions.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by musician Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to January 27.

The case was adjourned after the IGP’s counsel, CSP Audu Garba, requested more time to review a further affidavit served by Speed Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal. The artist is seeking a declaration that his arrest and detention violated his constitutional rights. He also demands the IGP’s immediate release or production before the court, and a compensation of N300 million for unlawful detention since 2024.