Singer Shallipopi has expressed dissatisfaction with the organisation of the 17th Headies Awards following a controversial moment during the ceremony on Sunday night in Lagos.In a now-viral clip, Shallipopi was seen walking onto the stage after being announced as the winner of the Best Rap Single category for his song ‘Cast’ featuring OdumodublvckHowever, no plaque was presented to him, sparking confusion and criticism of the event’s management.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the artiste voiced his frustration and vowed not to attend the next edition of Nigeria’s biggest platform for recognising creatives in the music space.

In a follow-up post, Shallipopi further distanced himself from the rap genre, suggesting that the Best Rap Single award should have gone to a “real” rapper among the nominees.He wrote in Pidgin English,” The next one if una see me make I bend.

“I nor go even lie for una sef, I nor want that award give the real rappers wey dey the category, me Shallipopi I nor be rapper.”

Others nominated in the Best Rap Single category were Odumodublvck feat. Bloody Civilian & Wale (Blood on the Dance Floor), Ladipoe, Rozzz & Morrelo (Hallelujah), Magnito (Canada) and Jeriq (Ije Nwoke

The 17th Headies Awards, held on April 27, 2025, in Lagos, brought together prominent figures in the Nigerian music scene to celebrate excellence and outstanding achievements.Following this, 2Baba made a public proposal to his new fiancée, Edo lawmaker Natasha Osawaru and has introduced her to his family and kinsmen in Benue State, sparking wedding rumours.Recall that when Annie resurfaced on social media in March, nearly two months after 2Baba publicly announced their breakup, she signed off with her full name, Annie Uwana Macaulay on Instagram noticeably excluding the “Idibia” name.

Her marriage to 2Baba, with whom she shares two children, ended in January 2025 when the singer publicly announced their separation.

Award-winning singer Davido has been named the Best Digital Artiste of the Year at the 17th Headies Awards, recognising his significant influence and impact across various streaming platforms and online spaces.

This award highlights Davido’s ability to connect with his fans and produce music that resonates with a wide audience.The Afrobeat star’s collaborations, such as the “Ogechi Remix” with Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel, have also garnered multiple nominations.The 17th Headies Awards, held on April 27, 2025, in Lagos, brought together prominent figures in the Nigerian music scene to celebrate excellence and outstanding achievements.

Actor and philanthropist Kunle Afod has downplayed the prevalence of sexual exploitation in Nollywood, suggesting that such occurrences are not unique to the film industry.

Speaking during an interview on Nollywood on Radio, Afod likened the issue to romantic advances in other professional fields, insisting that true success still hinges on talent.

“Without talent, even selling your body won’t get you far,” he said, stressing that while people may leverage personal assets to climb the ladder, only skill and creativity can ensure longevity.

Afod also encouraged aspiring filmmakers to take control of their careers through self-production, declaring, “Everybody can produce movies.”

Afod said: “One thing I tell people, bring out those that said they raped them in the industry.

“We are adults. There is consent. If you attend school, they will likely ask you out. If you are a nurse, doctors might ask you out. Patients might ask you out. If you like, you agree.

“We have bankers who are looking for targets. If the man you’re going to meet asks you out and you like him, you agree. And you meet your target. It’s the same thing. It’s not their problem.

“If I were a coach, I have 21 players. And I am going to use 11. Probably, I might have 14 good players. If you want to get your way, you will use what you have to get your way.

“That is what the girls always say. Use what you have to get what you want. Not all the girls.

“But see, let me tell you the truth. Your talent will always be ahead in everything. If you are not good and you sell your body, you are just wasting your time.

“Because they will not use you. But if you are good and you insist that you are not going to lay on anybody’s bed. That talent will still put you on that spot.

“Let everybody have their own money and produce their own movies. It is as simple as that. Everybody can produce. That’s Nigerian style. Everybody can produce movies. Everybody can. You can”.

Nigerian artist Henry Zamani also known as Ice Prince has bragged about being trained by the best rapper, M. I Abanga.

Ice Prince made this disclosure during an interview with Nigerian content creator, Isbaeu, on the ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask’, podcast.Ice Prince described M. I Abaga as the best rapper adding that he taught him well by equipping him with knowledge and skills. Ice Prince bragged about standing toe-toe with any rapper.

He said, “I can rap on any beat with any rapper, and I will still stand out. I’m not going to have a wack verse on a song.

“I am not saying other rappers cannot rap, but it cannot be said that I’m wack. I was brought up by the best, shout out to MI Abaga.

“I rapped with him for years. He is my big brother, and he taught me well.”

“He (Jacobs) was the one who advised that I do not change my name,” she explained. “Because he understood the importance of branding, he said my brand had started building before we met, and changing the brand could cause problems for me. We kept the name Joke Silva as the brand, and within the circle, there was nobody who did not know I was Mrs. Jacobs.”

Silva also spoke about their relationship, including their 19-year age difference.She recalled meeting Jacobs while seeking guidance early in her career, saying that as an accomplished actor, Jacobs encouraged her to pursue formal training in drama, and that over time, their bond grew stronger.Though her father initially raised concerns about the age gap, Silva said her mother supported their union, citing a similar difference between her own parents.

The actress praised her husband for his foresight and unwavering support, which she said helped her strike a balance between personal and professional life.Silva ultimately married Jacobs in 1985 because she was deeply in love with him, describing him as a “gorgeous person.”“I was 24, we got married in 1985. He was 19 or 20 years older than me. (I accepted because) I was in love with him. It is as simple as that. He was just a very gorgeous person.

“I remember one of my sisters, when she was home, I think it was 1984, and I had come back home. We met, and she called me aside and said, ‘Joke, this is the man to take to Daddy.’ That was Toyin Olawoye.

“My dad had issues with the fact that he was older, but my mum was like. This is the person they know me with. And her parents had that kind of age gap as well. So it was no big deal”, she said.

This revelation comes amid growing chatter about the stylist’s conspicuous absence from Priscilla’s star-studded traditional wedding in Lagos, an event that had the internet buzzing and boasted a guest list packed with dignitaries, entertainment elites, and Big Brother Naija housemates.She added, “Before we created Priscy’s wedding dress, I had gone to God and said I wanted to create a masterpiece for her.”In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Veekee opened up about the toll the process took on her, revealing she even lost her voice due to sheer exhaustion. “Do you know I even lost my voice because of this stress? I’m short of words for so many reasons,” she said.

Juma Jux and Priscilla. Credit: IG| jux.priscyAccording to Veekee, crafting the gown took several intense weeks, stretching into a month, and stood apart from anything she’d ever created before.

She called it a labour of love, laced with prayer and precision.The Instagram video also shows Priscilla herself showering praise on Veekee, clearly moved by the final result that exceeded her expectations.

Grammy Award-winning artiste Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has gifted ₦20 million to controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, following his victory over Speed Darlington in their celebrity boxing match.

Portable confirmed the generous gift in a post shared on Instagram on Saturday.

“₦20 million from Burna Boy. If you wanna be like Odogwu, can you do like Odogwu? God bless your family,” Portable

Naija premium gist reports that Portable has been celebrating his win over rival Darlington Okoye, a.k.a. Speed Darlington, who has blamed his defeat in Saturday’s celebrity boxing clash on Portable’s alleged use of “juju” (charms).

Portable took to Instagram on Saturday to revel in his triumph at the Chaos in the Ring event, sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control and held at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos. He posted: “Champion forever. I believe in those who believe in me. Na God dey run am. Orilomo.”

Later that day, he shared another celebratory message on his Instagram story, writing: “Joy full my body, money don land.”

Actress and producer Mo Bimpe has reacted to her viral crying video.

According to her, the video was taken from a movie set, not a real-life breakdown due to troll abuse about inability to give birth.

Mo Bimpe, in her Instagram story, expressed frustration over people sharing the clip to deceive fans and gain social media traction.

She wished misfortune on those spreading false information and assured her fans she’s doing fine.

Mo Bimpe emphasised that as an actress, her emotional scenes are part of her job and shouldn’t be misconstrued as real-life struggles.

She urged people to stop sending her messages about the viral video and expressed appreciation for her fans’ support.

She wrote: “I usually don’t do this, but the DMs are becoming overbearing. All of you who are circulating my location/set videos for traffic on your page on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, it shall never be well with every one of you. May you have reasons to cry, and may your family cry over you. You will never have peace as you have decided to deceive my followers, fans, and supporters with your fake news.

“I don’t know what you are thinking, but I am very fine! I will not have any reason to cry or share my private matters on social media. If you see any video of me crying, then it’s obviously work! Location pictures! Set videos!

“At least y’all know I’m an actress! How do you believe every piece of fake news these foolish blogs feed you? Please stop coming to my DM with stuff like this biko! Love Y’all”.

Actress Laide Bakare has spoken out about a viral altercation with colleague Eniola Badmus at Eniola Ajao’s Owambe Thieves movie premiere in Lagos.

In a video statement on Instagram, Laide accused Eniola of betrayal, provocation and deep-seated bitterness, claiming the confrontation was calculated and intentional.

According to Laide, Eniola deliberately provoked her in front of cameras despite efforts to ignore her.

Laide stated that she had previously ignored Eniola’s insults and direct messages but felt compelled to respond after the recent incident.

She said: “I want to first and foremost apologise to everyone who feels disappointed about the reaction in that video. It was like planned to come out like that from Enola’s side because she saw clearly that a lot of people, a lot of paparazzi, were there, the camera was facing, and she kept truncating me back to back; she kept coming after me. She was giving me serious body heating.

“So, guys, I’m really not happy. I’m really not happy doing this. And I have to do this so quickly because I know a lot of my people would not want me to do this. But I have to do this because you can’t assassinate my character. Number one, Eniola Badmus, you’re a devil. You are a devil; you are not okay. You are not all right.

“I am doing this video to actually explain my side because yesterday you were able to do something because you did something to me. You came after me. You gave me a serious body heating. I wasn’t looking at you. I wasn’t even noticing you because I didn’t want to. You notice that I’m not giving you attention. You kept coming to where I was. You came into my dm. You insulted me. I never answered you. Eniola, you’re evil.”

She further revealed that she and Eniola have known each other since 2000, and she expressed hurt and disappointment at Eniola’s actions.

Laide added: “In my own career spanning over 25 years. This video is for you. I have known you since the year 2000. I didn’t just know you. I’m not just knowing you, it’s way back. There was a time you even pretended to have admission in University of Ibadan. We were in that school together. We’ve known each other since teenage years, since, since we’ve known each other since under 20. Someone like me, I can’t operate where there is hatred”.

Controversial singer, Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been remanded in the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, over his inability to meet stringent bail conditions imposed by an Upper Area Court in the state.

This follows the singer’s appearance in court on Monday on the charges of defamation character levelled against him by veteran Fuji musician Akorede Saheed, aka Saheed Osupa.

The ‘zazoo-zeh’ crooner, however, received bail of N1 million and other stringent bail conditions, including providing two sureties in like sum.

According to the court’s directive, one of the sureties must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, while the other must be a property owner within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, has urged men to value their wives and resist the temptation of extramarital affairs.

In a post shared via Instagram, on Monday, April 14, Edochie warned against neglecting loyal spouses in pursuit of fleeting relationships with side chicks.

The actress emphasised on the roles of a wife which cannot be replaced by an affair, describing ones wife as their partner, friend and confidante, explaining that wife’s are always there despite the situations of things.

The post reads: “You don’t have to treat your wives badly because of a roaming side chick. In the nearest future, age will drop on your side; only then will you realise the value of that poor woman you mistreated.

“Men, let’s get real! Don’t trade the love, loyalty, and commitment of your wife for a fleeting affair with a side chick. When the thrill fades with age, and it will you’ll be left with regret and the realization of the value of the woman you mistreated.

“Your wife is your partner, your friend, and your confidante. She’s the one who stands by you ” ‘through thick and thin, through triumphs and failures. She’s the one who builds a life with you, who shares your joys and sorrows.

“Don’t let anyone break what you share. Don’t let the temptation of a side chick undermine the foundation of your marriage. Prioritize your relationship, nurture your love, and cherish your wife.

“The future may be unpredictable, but your commitment to your relationship shouldn’t be. Choose to invest in your marriage, to build a strong and lasting bond with your wife. When the side chick’s interest fades, your wife will still be there, and you’ll realize the value of the love you’ve been given.”

Actress Doris Ogala has shared a near-death experience, claiming she died and visited heaven.

According to her Instagram post, she was told by a divine voice to return to Earth as her time hadn’t come yet.

Ogala described heaven as a serene and peaceful place where all her burdens were lifted, stating she felt like a queen surrounded by servants and gold coins.

She wrote: “I died, as you are seeing me here. I was dead physically. But I was in heaven, and he said to me, my child, ‘Go back is not yours yet’.

“I saw myself in heaven. Very peaceful. All my burden was lifted. I didn’t want to come back. It was so cool and smooth. The feeling is out of this world. I was a queen. I had servants and gold coins everywhere. Believe me this is what I saw.

“But I was led through a beautiful passage that said to me, “It was not my turn yet. I should wait for my turn”.

Wife of actor Junior Pope, Jennifer Awele is remembering her husband a year after his untimely death.

She shared a post on Instagram, reflecting on the pain and grief of losing her husband.

Junior Pope and others drowned at Anam River in Anambra State while returning from a movie set produced by Adanma Luke on April 10th.

Luke received backlash for not providing the actors with safety procedures, which led to their deaths.

Jennifer described the past year as a journey of standing in the face of unimaginable loss.

She noted that not a day has gone by without a thought of Junior Pope and his love still surrounds their family.

Jennifer revealed that it’s been tough trying to stay strong for each other as the world around them seems to fall apart.

The grief remains heavy, and the absence has left a void that words can never fill.

However, they look up to heaven for strength and guidance.

She wrote: “It’s been one year of standing in the face of our unimaginable loss, and not a day has gone by without a thought of you.

Your love still surrounds us, your laughter echoes in our hearts, and your presence is felt in the quiet moments when we miss you most.

“You have no idea how tough it’s been, trying to stay strong for each other even as the world around us seems fallen apart. The grief remains heavy, the absence left a void that words can never fill, but through it all, we look up for strength from heaven as a guiding light.

“Oh death, you have taught us to live each day as it comes, one step at a time bearing such extreme pain that can never go away.

“I still don’t have the right words to respond to Jason and Jaden wanting to know if Daddy will fulfill his promise of taking them to a proper football academy and be present at their first official match. They said ;, “Daddy told them he wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world”. Then the littlest one (J papa as fondly called by daddy) Jamon, keeps asking when daddy is bringing the big toy car he promised him

“We appreciate everyone who sympathized with us and stood and still stand by us through our time of grief. Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude for your love and support towards us.

“To our beloved, you did not only leave us, your family but so many who loved you and loved your works.

It is so difficult and unbelievable to
say these words, but still, continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty. You will always be in our hearts and our thoughts, and your memories and legacy will live on forever.

“Though you’re no longer by our side, you live on in every memory, every smile and every tear. We shall carry you with us always until we meet again. We cannot question God, right? May Your Soul Rest In Perfect Peace, My Love”.

Afrobeats artist Kizz Daniel has expressed frustration with his fans, known as Vaddicts, over constant requests for financial support on social media.

He urged them to appreciate his presence rather than seeking monetary assistance.

The “Buga” hitmaker took to X to address the issue, stating, “Vaddicts make una stop all this money thing each time I’m online … shey we no fit just vibe ni ?! …. Even if God wan use me bless person , it will be in private not public . Not anymore ….”

Kizz Daniel’s fans responded with mixed reactions. Some understood his perspective, while others felt he was being unfair.

One fan, @GucciStarboi, accused Kizz Daniel of implying that his fans are “giveaway fans.”

He wrote: ”Are you lowkey saying that we your vaddict fans are giveaway fans ?? Delete this post now, we can’t take this from you.”

@Mygodfather__, suggested that Kizz Daniel’s situation is similar to Davido’s, who also faces demands for money from fans.

He wrote: ”This is the effect of gathering fans with giveaway. Davido dey suffer the same consequences too. So hold on for now”.

Another fan @realestos: stated: ”Na wetin make Davido get fans o, if you like go snooze, dem go leave u follow who Dey dash money next”

However, @lesbianunits supported Kizz Daniel, stating that his boundaries are valid and that “vibes should be natural, not transactional.”

”I hear you, and I respect that. You’ve got every right to protect your peace and set boundaries. It’s not every time person go show up and be expected to give. Vibes should be natural, not transactional. And if you choose to bless someone privately, that’s between you and God”, she said.

Actress Joke Jigan has cried out for help after a rider allegedly fled with goods worth millions.

Jigan shared a photo of a rider on Instagram, accusing him of stealing her goods worth N2 million.

She claimed the rider blocked her from calling him and asked Nigerians to help track him.

She provided his phone number and urged people to call him if they know him.

“Please, if you know this guy, help me call his number. He’s a rider, and he’s got items of mine close to 2m with him since yesterday, and he’s blocked me from calling him 09133595927. That’s his number. Please help a sister o,” she wrote.

In 2024, Adunni Ade had a similar experience with a rider who ended the trip prematurely and refused to pick up her order.

Adunni threatened to take drastic measures if her order was not delivered.

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has playfully mocked his colleague Joeboy after he lost a N3 million bet on Real Madrid to beat Arsenal in their Champions League quarterfinal match.

Joeboy had shared a betting slip hours before the game, confidently backing Madrid to win, with the potential to earn N10.3 million.

He captioned the slip, “Cashing out on Arsenal tears tonight!”

However, Arsenal’s 3-0 victory resulted in Joeboy losing the bet, prompting Adekunle Gold to join in on the fun with a lighthearted tease.

Adekunle Gold reposted Joeboy’s tweet, jokingly saying, “Lmao. You don go blow stream money. Next time face your club”.

Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid puts them in a strong position ahead of the second leg.

They’ll look to maintain their lead when they travel to the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday.

Before then, they’ll face Brentford in the Premier League.