Actor Yul Edochie has expressed grief over the tragic deaths of two young cinematographers, Johnson and Gozman, in a fatal car accident along Port Harcourt Road.

Reports indicated that the victims were returning from a colleague’s wedding when the crash occurred.

Their deaths marked yet another heartbreaking loss in what has become a wave of untimely tragedies within film industry.

In March, Nollywood lost veteran actress Nkechi Nweje, after a brief illness. Just a month earlier, the industry mourned the death of acclaimed actor and academic Columbus Irisoanga. His passing was announced by actress Hilda Dokubo, who described it as a deeply painful loss.

Yul Edochie paid tribute to the late cinematographers with a solemn candlelight image shared on his Instagram page.

In his message, he lamented the recent wave of untimely deaths plaguing Nollywood, calling the losses heartbreaking.

He wrote: “Too many untimely deaths in Nollywood. Really Sad. R.I.P to our fallen brothers. May God grant your families the strength to bear this painful loss.”

Actor and producer Ibrahim Chatta has clarified that his absence from the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) nominations wasn’t due to snubbing by organisers but because he didn’t submit any film for consideration.

According to him on “Curiosity Made Me Ask” with Isbaeu, Chatta said he isn’t interested in the award, explaining that whenever he’s interested in participating, he’ll produce a film and submit it for evaluation.

“I am not interested in the AMVCA. Why should I be praying for something that I am not interested in? Whenever I am interested to go for the AMVCA, I will make a film and submit the film so that I can be rated and check if I was worthy of the award,” Chatta stated firmly.

The celebrated actor, known for his gripping performances in Yoruba-language films, also attributed his low profile to being introverted, speculating that organisers might assume he wouldn’t attend events even if recognised.

“I ask myself why I have not been invited. You know, I am not a very social person, so maybe they think if they give me [an award], I won’t show up. Maybe that was why I wasn’t invited,” he added.

Chatta went on to highlight the numerous awards he has already received over the course of his career, downplaying the importance of one particular award ceremony.

“Do you know how many awards I have? Nelson Mandela award, Pink Award from Wole Soyinka, I have one from Odunlade Adekola and many others,” he noted.

Actress and filmmaker Mercy Aigbe is reflecting on her journey in the film industry as she prepares for the 2025 AMVCA ceremony.

Mercy, on her Instagram page, shared throwback photos from her first AMVCA win in 2014, expressing gratitude that despite over 20 years in the industry, she is still relevant and receiving nominations.

Aigbe attributed her enduring success to consistency, authenticity, and reinvention, noting that her latest nomination for Best Supporting Actress in the movie “Farmer’s Bride” is a proof to her hard work and dedication.

She thanked fans and team, including the producers, scriptwriter, and directors of “Farmer’s Bride,” for their support and contributions to the film’s success.

The actress expressed her excitement about the multiple nominations received by the film and congratulated her team on their recognition.

She wrote: “As we are gearing up for AMVCA 2025, let me throw back to 2014 when I won my first AMVCA!

“After that Win, I received several nominations, and this year, I received another one in the Best Supporting Actress Category in Farmer’s Bride!

“Firstly, to God be the glory that after well over 20 years in this industry, I am still relevant and still getting these nominations.

“I cannot underestimate the power of consistency, authenticity, and reinvention in my journey.

“Constantly getting this recognition is incredibly humbling and such a huge honour. It’s a reminder that all the hard work, the sleepless nights on set, and the passion I put into my craft have been seen and appreciated.

“Big thank you to my amazing fans and everyone who continues to support my brand!!!

“This nomination isn’t just mine, it belongs to every single person who believes in what I do. Now let’s bring the Awards home by God’s special grace”.

Actor and filmmaker Lateef Adedimeji has expressed admiration for wife, Mo Bimpe, ahead of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, where his film “Lisabi” received multiple nominations.

He praised her presence and shared pride in their heritage, particularly in wearing traditional attires

Adedimeji celebrated their cultural roots and the recognition his film has received, congratulating everyone involved and nominated.

He emphasised the importance of preserving and celebrating African heritage, encouraging people to take pride in their cultural identity and pass it on to future generations.

The filmmaker expressed oy in seeing his team’s hard work recognised and looks forward to continued success in the industry.

He wrote: “Standing beside my beloved, I’m captivated by her radiant smile. Together, we wear our heritage like a badge of honour, our traditional attire a testament to the beauty of our roots. Her presence is a symphony of laughter and warmth, our love a celebration of the little things that make life worth living.

“With every step, I feel the weight of our ancestors’ legacy on my shoulders. I want to make them proud, to honour the sacrifices they made for us to be here today. When I look into her eyes, I see a future filled with possibility, a boundless expanse of wonder and adoration.

“The joy of every filmmaker is in seeing your work earning recognition from relevant quarters, and in the spirit of the AMVCA season, I am excited for the honour of being nominated, not once, not twice, but a whopping ten times!

“I have said so much about my Lisabi experience, and it is a joy to me that all of us, from those who acted alongside me and my wife on the project to those who worked in the background, got recognition through the AMVCA nominations. What more can I say?

“Here’s me also congratulating everyone who got nominated in the categories in which my project is featured. We are all winners. Let’s keep the good work up. We owe it to the emerging generations to leave them with works that will last a long time and challenge them to a high standard.

“To my people, the Yoruba, Nigerians, and Blacks worldwide, I say: “Let’s hold onto our heritage tightly. Let’s wear our African prints, such as Ankara, aso oke, adire, damask, etc., with pride, speak our languages with joy, and celebrate our cultures with fervour. For in our heritage lies our strength, identity, and glory. Let’s pass it on to our children so that they may know their worth and the beauty of their roots.”

Controversial activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has spoken out about his recent arrest and detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He was taken into custody on May 2 after visiting a new generation bank branch in Abuja and released five days later on May 7, according to his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.

VeryDarkMan, in a video with his lawyer, dismissed the EFCC’s allegations of suspected money laundering, saying they were baseless and that he doesn’t have the kind of wealth that would warrant such claims.

He attributed his charitable activities to debt rather than wealth, expressing relief at being released with his lawyer.

He said: “They think I am into money laundering, how would they put money laundering for person wey no get money? I have done so many charities, and them they wonder how. They don’t know that I use debt for charity. Anyway, we are outside, with my lawyer, of course.”

VDM’s arrest triggered nationwide outrage with fans and celebrities staging protests at EFCC offices to demand his release, denouncing the action.

Stand-up comedian and actor Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has shared details of his recent invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding allegations of Naira abuse.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, AY revealed he was questioned on May 5, 2025, about the public spraying of local and foreign currencies at a social event, an act classified as a violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s regulations on currency mutilation.

He expressed gratitude to the EFCC for understanding and granting him a pardon after confirming the funds were not linked to criminal or illicit activities.

AY described the experience as a valuable lesson, committing to raise awareness about respecting Nigeria’s national currency.

He noted that spraying money, a common cultural practice at Nigerian celebrations like weddings and parties, is often misunderstood as harmless but violates Section 21 of the CBN Act, 2007.

Urging Nigerians to avoid mutilating or mishandling the Naira, he emphasised that such acts undermine the currency’s integrity and carry legal consequences.

“I am grateful to God for His mercy and guidance. On Monday, I was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding an incident involving the public spraying of both local and foreign currencies—an act that has been classified as an offense related to the abuse of the Naira.

“I want to sincerely thank the EFCC and all authorities involved for their understanding and for granting me pardon based on confirmation that the money being sprayed is not linked to the proceeds of crime or any form of illicit funds.

“This experience has been a valuable lesson, and I am personally committed to promoting awareness about the proper respect and care for our national currency,” he started.

He added: “To my friends, family, and the general public: We all know that spraying money at public events is a practice common in Nigerian celebrations, especially during weddings, funerals, and parties. It is generally considered a cultural tradition rather than a criminal act. But let me attach some slides to this post on the DOS AND DON’T.

“It is important to understand that mutilating or abusing the Naira—whether by spraying, tearing, defacing, or mishandling—is not just a cultural practice but also a violation of Nigerian law. Such acts undermine the integrity of our national currency and can have serious legal consequences.

“Let us all strive to uphold the dignity of our currency, which is a symbol of our nation’s sovereignty and economic stability. Respect for the Naira is respect for Nigeria’s future.

“Together, we can promote responsible behavior and foster a culture of patriotism and integrity. Thank you”.

This follows a similar incident involving actress Iyabo Ojo, who confirmed on Tuesday that she was also questioned by the EFCC on May 5, 2025, over money spraying at her daughter’s wedding.

Both AY and Ojo have pledged to educate the public on the legal implications of currency abuse, highlighting the need to uphold the dignity of the Naira as a symbol of national sovereignty and economic stability.

Popular Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, popularly known as the Queen Mother, has opened up about her recent encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission following an official invitation.

In a post shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday, the actress revealed that she was contacted by the anti-graft agency while she was in the United Kingdom, adding that she honoured the invitation and appeared before the EFCC on Monday, May 5, 2025.

She disclosed that she was quizzed on some details, including her daughter’s recently concluded wedding ceremony.

The post shared alongside a picture reads, “I recently had an experience with the EFCC in Nigeria after receiving an invitation letter while I was in the UK. Upon my return, I visited the EFCC on the 5th day of May 2025, where I was asked several questions relating to my personal bio data, career, work experience, and companies, amongst others.”

She further stated that the officials showed her a video extracted from her recently concluded daughter’s wedding where guests were spraying naira and foreign currencies.

“The EFCC officials showed me videos extracted from my daughter’s wedding where guests, including colleagues and friends, were spraying Naira and foreign currencies.

“I was asked if I knew this was illegal, and I explained that I thought only abuse or mutilation of the Naira was an offense.”

Iyabo said she was surprised to hear that spraying of foreign currency was also illegal and advised Nigerians to stop spraying and mutilating the naira.

“The EFCC officials clarified that spraying money, including on people’s bodies, is prohibited. I was surprised to learn that spraying any currency, including Dollars, is also not allowed.

“Given this experience, I strongly advise against spraying any currency in Nigeria to avoid issues with the EFCC.”

Rihanna loves to make an entrance at the Met Gala, and she certainly did it again Monday — this time, announcing to the world that she is pregnant with her third child with rapper A$AP Rocky.

News of the 37-year-old singer and beauty mogul’s new baby bump came before her arrival at the A-list fundraising gala.

In a portrait put on Instagram by photographer Miles Diggs, she embraced the Black dandy theme of the gala in a fitted gray Miu Miu blouse and skirt — the baby bump clearly visible — matching knee-high boots, a fur stole and a black cloche hat.

Then her long-time partner A$AP Rocky, a co-chair of the event, confirmed the news to reporters who offered congratulations on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” the rapper said. “I’m glad everybody’s happy for us because we’re definitely happy.”

Finally, after all of the other guests had arrived, Rihanna hit the red carpet in a deconstructed black ensemble with a cropped jacket, polka dot accessories and a wide-brimmed hat. She cradled the baby bump and smiled for the cameras.

Rihanna made a similarly high-profile pregnancy reveal in 2023 — while performing at the Super Bowl halftime show. She attended the Met Gala later that year before giving birth.

She and A$AP Rocky are parents to sons RZA, born in May 2022, and Riot, born in August 2023.

Showing off a baby bump at the Met Gala is a thing: retired tennis superstar Serena Williams did it in 2023, and model Karlie Kloss cradled her bump in both 2023 and again this year.

Grammy-nominated singer Davido has shared the emotional journey he’s undergone since the loss of his son, Ifeanyi, who passed away in a drowning incident at the singer’s Banana Island home in November 2022.

Almost a year later, Davido and his wife, Chioma, welcomed twin-a boy and a girl.

The singer ,in a chat with Apple Music, revealed that the resemblance between his late son and the newborn boy is “scary,” adding that it’s as if Ifeanyi had “come back.”

He said: “That type of loss made you just be like, ‘I’m out’. I am just going to chill, take care of my wife and take care of the family and get my head right. To come back from that and…to be blessed with twins out the gate; a boy and a girl.

“And, the boy looks just like my son (Ifeanyi) that passed. It is scary. It’s like literally him. We’re like, “No, it’s him. He came back” type stuff.”

The loss significantly impacted Davido but he has since found solace in family and music.

He credits his marriage to Chioma and the success of his 2023 album “Timeless” to God’s intervention, which has strengthened his faith.

Davido also believes the painful experience has transformed him into someone who encourages and inspires others facing hardships

In addition to his personal journey, Davido said he has been working on new projects.

He has collaborated with American singer Chris Brown on around 20 songs, and a joint album may be on the horizon.

“We could put out two albums right now. It is going to happen. I am happy for Chris. I feel like he is back in his bag. He is celebrating his 20-year anniversary. I told him I was meant to go on this tour (Breezy Bowl, 20-year anniversary tour)”, he said.

The singer is also venturing into the film industry as an executive producer on a movie and series with director Dammy Twitch, while also working on his documentary.

“I am an executive producer on a movie and a series with my director, Dammy Twitch. (We are) also working on my documentary,” he said.

Afrobeats megastar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido has once again shown love to his fans, gifting $5,000 to Ghanaian TikToker #Ananzooficial after watching his emotional cover of ‘With You’, a track featuring Omah Lay from Davido’s latest album 5ive.

The video, now viral, shows #Ananzooficial singing with passion and pitch-perfect delivery, capturing the essence of the original track.

Clearly touched, Davido respondedwith the generous monetary reward under the post’s comment section. He wrote, “5K US for OLS, contact #deekay-dmw”.

This spontaneous gesture not only highlights Davido’s generous spirit but also reinforces his reputation as an artist who values and uplifts his fans in real, tangible ways.

In November 2021, Davido raised ₦200 million through a social media campaign and added ₦50 million of his own funds, donating a total of ₦250 million to 292 orphanages across Nigeria. He continued this tradition by donating ₦237 million to 424 orphanages in July 2023, benefiting over 13,000 children. In November 2024, he pledged another ₦300 million to support orphanages and combat drug abuse among youth.

Davido also offered a five-year full scholarship to Morro Suleyman, a Ghanaian student with excellent academic results but financial constraints, enabling him to attend Adeleke University.

In 2018, he donated ₦15 million for the surgery of a staff member at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

5ive, Davido’s April 18, 2025 release, includes 17 tracks and has become a runaway success, amassing millions of streams and sitting comfortably at the top of Afrobeats charts.

Afrobeat star Tiwa Savage has stated that Nigerian men often lack romance despite their stylish appearance and charm.

Speaking during a conversation on GRM Daily’s Thoughts in a Culli, the singer described Nigerian men as “swaggalicious but not romantic,” noting that while they know how to flaunt wealth and style, they frequently fall short in expressing genuine affection.

The mother of one explained that many of these men are more focused on showing off material success than building meaningful emotional connections.

She added that, for her, romance goes beyond luxury and flashiness, saying she values depth and sincerity in relationships.

“Nigerian men do have swag, but they are not really romantic when it comes down to it.

“They know how to swag and splash cash, but I’m not looking for that,” she said.

Social media was set abuzz on Thursday when Nigerian music stars Michael Ajereh, aka Don Jazzy, and Crown Uzama aka Shallipopi, surprised fans with millions of naira in spontaneous giveaways following viral online interactions.

Don Jazzy gifted a woman, Adeyemi Adejoke Abidemi, a total of N6 million after noticing that her account balance was “not healthy.”

It all started with a trending post on X.com that encouraged users to tag one celebrity to gift them N1 million.

Adeyemi who tweets as #PopoolaJoke4 tagged #DONJAZZY, writing, “Make I tag #DONJAZZY. I dey always dream about him. Happy new month sir.”

The Mavin Records boss replied, “Akant namba,” prompting her to drop her GTBank details.

Minutes later, she posted a screenshot showing a N1 million credit alert. “Jesuuuuuusssssssss, this is huge,” she wrote. “Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. Receiving 1 million naira is beyond anything I expected, and I’m truly grateful. Your support means the world to me. God bless you abundantly sir.”

The surprise didn’t end there as Don Jazzy, moved by her previous balance of just N67.29, responded, “Amen ooo. That your akant balance is not healthy. I don add another 5 million. More blessings ma.”

Adeyemi confirmed the receipt of the additional N5m with a screenshot of her account balance with N6m.

Excited about the massive top-up, she wrote, “Oluwa oo. I am deeply grateful for this extraordinary blessing. May the Almighty who used you to lift me reward you beyond measure. May your hands never lack, your heart always be at peace, and your generations forever enjoy divine favour. Thank you #DONJAZZY. May God continue to enlarge your coast.”

In response to a critic who questioned her previously low balance, she said, “None of my accounts get 1 naira, I can screenshot all for you, only GTBank get 67 naira.”

Meanwhile, Shallipopi also gifted a million naira each to two of his fans while promoting his song.

“Summer is coming, ready your shorts and bikinis. Don’t forget to take a lil speaker with you in case you wanna jam da Album,” he posted on X on Thursday.

A fan, Samuel Uchechukwu Ifesinachi who tweets #teslime_dmw replied, “Summer is coming, still broke as hell. Money to buy speaker no dey.”

Shallipopi responded, “Imma send u a million if you promise to get yourself a very big JBL.” Ifesinachi eagerly promised to do so, as he shared his account details afterwards.

The artist confirmed the transfer of N1 million to the fan by sharing a receipt of the transaction on his X page.

Another fan, Anirah Gabriel who tweets as #gabe_the_menace, reminded Shallipopi of a prior conversation they had in March where the singer had asked, “How much you fit chop?” and Gabriel had replied, “Shock me papi.”

Responding to the screenshot of their previous conversation, Shallipopi teased him back, saying, “Lol u nor talk how much u fit chop nah. You dey do yanga for presido, talk jorr.”

Gabriel replied, “Make I see 1 meter from u preside jare,” to which Shallipopi responded, “Now u are talking,” and asked him to send his account details.

The singer afterwards shared the receipt of a transfer of N1m to Gabriel’s account.

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.