A federal high court sitting in Lagos has sentenced singer, Flavour’s impersonator, Courage Ipaka to two years imprisonment.

Ipaka reportedly used Flavour’s identity to defraud a United States-based lady, Yvelte M. Thompson of $53,000.

Azibagiri Dan Ekpar, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s investigator, led the probe against Ipaka on Tuesday.

Ekpar said that the defendant promised to organise shows in America and received payment from the victim through his Bitcoin wallets.

Following a petition received from one Eyitayo Tolulope Abiodun and others on behalf of the victim, “We invited Flavour who claimed innocence of the allegations.

“Upon investigation, we discovered that one Ipaka Courage who lives in Benin City was the perpetrator. The defendant admitted in his statement that he impersonated Flavour by obtaining $53,000 from a woman who is a United States citizen in 2021.

“He wired the funds through Bitcoin wallets and converted them into his Access Bank account where he received the value in Naira.

“The sum of N7.9 million was recovered from the defendant through Zenith and Access Bank manager’s cheques.”

The presiding judge, Dehinde Dipeolu, in his ruling, sentenced Ipaka to two years imprisonment with an option of a fine of N2 million.

Also, he forfeited the sum of N7.9 million to Thompson.

Ailing music video director, Thankgod Omori, aka TG Omori, has issued a disclaimer following controversial singer, Portable’s claim about Nigerian celebrities not supporting him.

Portable had berated Nigerian celebrities for not donating their organs and money to TG Omori who recently underwent an unsuccessful kidney transplant surgery despite making financial donations to controversial cross-dresser, Bobrisky during his prison ordeal.

Reacting, TG Omori clarified that his colleagues and friends were “solidly behind” him even before his ailment became public.

He urged the public to ignore those insinuating otherwise.

Omori emphasised that all he needed were prayers and moral support.

On his X handle, he wrote: “All I needed was your prayers, moral support and love and this I am grateful to have gotten in abundance.

“The industry and friends have been solidly behind me months before it all came public. Please ignore the clout desperate dogs. Jesus is king.”

Famous British singer Adele has gone on sabbatical.

The 16-time Grammy winner announced to attendees at her concert in Munich on Saturday that she needs “a rest.”

She explained that she had been working hard for the past seven years and now was the time for her to enjoy the benefits of her hard work.

“It has been amazing, I just need a rest. I have spent the last 7 years building a life for myself, and I want to live it now,” she said.

Adele recently confirmed her engagement to her American boyfriend, Rich Paul.

The ‘Hello’ hitmaker revealed that she’s getting married during a performance in Munich, Germany, on August 9.

Fuji music star, Abass Akande, AKA Obesere, has revealed that he recently underwent a surgery that almost claimed his life.

Obesere disclosed this in an Instagram post on Saturday.

He expressed gratitude to God for surviving a life-threatening surgery.

“The Almighty Allah has been merciful to me,” Obesere wrote.

“I escaped a surgery that almost took my life but Allah said NO!”

The post triggered an outpouring of warm wishes from fans, who wished him speedy recovery.

Famous American rapper and radio personality, Isaac Freeman, professionally known as Fatman Scoop, is dead.

Rapper Fatman Scoop died at 53 after suffering a medical emergency on stage during a concert.

Announcing his death on Saturday, his tour manager said he was ‘lost for words.’

A viral video on social media showed the moment Scoop collapsed on stage in Hamden Town Center Park, Connecticut, on Friday, and was rushed to hospital.

He was seen struggling after he climbed the stage at his final show before disappearing from view, as medics raced to revive him.

Nigerian actress, Lizzy Anjorin, has spoken on allegations of an affair with Toyin Abraham’s husband, Kolawole Ajeyemi.

Controversial blogger, Esther Aboderin, popularly known as Esabod, recently accused Lizzy of engaging in an intimate relationship with Ajeyemi.

Reacting to the allegation in a viral video on Instagram, Lizzy dismissed the rumours, labeling it “evil”.

She further urged the public to disregard the claims.

“Concerning the rumour that is being spread that Toyin and Kolawole’s marriage is facing challenges, I am not interested. Whatever happens is their problem. It does not affect my life. Whoever wants to do evil should continue. Disregard all the information,” she said.

Lizzy and Toyin had in 2019, involved in a highly publicised feud after Lizzy was allegedly questioned by Saudi Arabia’s security over suspicion of drug trafficking during her Hajj pilgrimage.

Following the incident, Lizzy accused Toyin of leaking the story to the media.

However, Toyin Abraham denied any involvement. The dispute between the actresses led to several controversies at the time.

Afrobeats global sensation, Ayra Starr has joined the growing list of pop stars to venture into the Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood.

The 22-year-old Grammy-nominated diva is set to make her acting debut in Prime Video’s original ‘Christmas In Lagos’.
The romantic comedy also stars Teniola A. Aladese, Shalom C. Obiago, Rayxia Ojo and Shaffy Bello, and Adekunle Gold.

It follows recently heartbroken Fiyin (Aladese), who’s convinced her best friend, Elo (Obiago), is the love of her life.

The movie was filmed in Lagos and directed by Jadesola Osiberu.

“For me, Ayra Starr represents what it means to be young and female and daring and brave and fearless – just being yourself. She was on the list from day one,” Osiberu told Variety.

Other musicians making cameos in the film include Wurld and Liya, while the soundtrack features songs from legendary musician, Sunny Ade, Afrobeats icons, Flavour and D’banj, and more.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has revealed that the 6,000-capacity Edo Arena would be named after afrobeats global star, Rema.

The governor announced this during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Benin City on Wednesday.

Rema, who was in Benin for his homecoming concert at the Ogbe Stadium, joined the governor for the groundbreaking ceremony of Edo Arena and laid the first block.

“It was a pleasure to have our global music icon @heisrema, join me in performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the 6,000-capacity Edo Arena. The arena, which will be called ‘Rema’s Dome,’ is located at the former Garrick Memorial School Ground on Ekenhuan Road in Benin City,” Governor Obaseki said in a statement via X shortly after the ceremony.

The Governor explained that when completed, the arena will host a wide range of events- from concerts and national conferences to symposiums and other large gatherings.

He added that the arena will attract more visitors to the state, “allowing them to experience our rich culture and what we have to offer, which will create employment opportunities for our youths.”

Rema, born Divine Ikubor, is from Benin City and has been a proud ambassador of Edo State, promoting the state and legacy of the ancient Benin empire in his music and concerts.

His latest hit song ‘Benin Boys’ which featured fellow Edo-born star, Shallipopi, is a tribute to the city of Benin.

American actor and wrestler, John Cena has revealed that his biggest fear is that he would never be ready to be a “great parent.”

The 47-year-old, who has been married twice without kids, explained that he would never be ready to invest the time needed to be a great parent.

“My biggest fear is I don’t think I’m personally ready, nor will I ever be, to invest the time it takes to be a great parent,” Cena said in a recent interview with Club Shay Shay.

“Because I still have a lot to do and I still want to do a lot. I have a wonderful partner, we’ve had open conversations about this. We share the same values.

“It’s a tough subject to talk about because it immediately puts you in a category. People tend to judge. Human nature, we are all judgmental. But I operate under the construct that everyone is okay living their lives.

“I’m very happy with where I stand. I’ve a lot of joy and fulfilment in my life.”

John Cena got married to Elizabeth Huberdeau on July 11, 2009. On May 1, 2012, Cena filed for divorce, which was finalized on July 18.

On October 12, 2020, Cena married girlfriend, Shay Shariatzadeh, whom he had been dating since early 2019, in a private ceremony in Tampa, Florida.

Both marriages did not produce kids.

American actress, Jenna Ortega has reacted to rumours that she’s in a romantic relationship with superstar actor, Johnny Depp.

There have been speculations that the Hollywood stars are in a “serious relationship.”
However, featuring in the latest episode of ‘The Puppy Interview’, Ortega not only denied being in a relationship with the actor but also claimed that she doesn’t know who he is.

“I don’t know that person,” she said when asked about her rumoured “serious relationship” with Depp.

Ortega had previously stated that she would not like to discuss her romantic life publicly, emphasising that she believes it distracts audiences from her work.

Nigerian skit maker, Chukwuebuka Emmanuel, aka Brain Jotter, marked his graduation from the University of Lagos with a grand and lively celebration.

In a video shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, Brainjotter was seen wearing a signed white T-shirt and holding a bottle of champagne as he led the celebration, singing with enthusiasm.

The skitmaker, known for his hilarious skits, was seen standing atop a vehicle, enthusiastically singing Mike Ejeagha’s hit song “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” which he helped popularise through a viral online challenge.

His coursemates joined in the joyful moment, making it an unforgettable sign-out ceremony.

Brain Jotter captioned the video, “Brainjotter now a graduate, How I signed out,” commemorating his achievement and the start of a new chapter.

Florence Otedola, AKA DJ Cuppy, a popular disc jockey and daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, has given her life to Christ.

Cuppy dedicated her life to God at Holy Trinity Brompton in London.

Speaking about her salvation, she said it was the best decision of her life.

She shared the trending pictures of her baptism in a post on her social media pages on Friday, August 23 2024.

Captioning the post, she wrote “This summer, I made THE best decision of my life to fully dedicate my life to God.

“Baptism isn’t just a ceremony; it’s a transformation. I am a new creation, reborn in His grace. The way to live is actually to die.”

Nigerian high-life crooner, Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour N’abania, has recounted a time when he was asked to leave the stage, so that P-Square could perform.

Flavour made the revelations while speaking on ‘In My Opinion’ podcast.

According to him, he began his music career as a choir conductor and drummer in the church.

However, an encounter with P-Square became the turning point in his career.

He said, “I remember one day with P-square, when they just came out with “Temptation.’ They were promoting a show around and the promoters brought them to the spot at City Centre in Enugu.

“With that spot, I already built fans; everybody was there every weekend. No matter what was going on in Enugu, my spot was always packed.

“So the promoters brought Psquare while I was playing, and immediately P-Square came; the manager just said, ‘Hello, off that thing.’

“I switched off, passed the microphone, and went to sit. Then when Paul of P-square picked up the microphone and just said, ‘This na temptation’ everywhere scattered.”

Canadian rapper, Drake, has lost a $450,000 bet as Israel Adesanya lost to Dricus du Plessis.

Drake put the money on the ‘Last Stylebender’ Israel Adesanya to reclaim his UFC middleweight belt in the main event.

But that did not go according to plan, as the Nigerian lost by choke submission.

Drake would have won $850,000 if Adesanya had won the fight.

The ‘Hotline Bling’ crooner is notorious for losing sport bettings.

Drake has backed fighters such as Alex Pereira, Nate Diaz, Leon Edwards, and even Francis Ngannou when he fought Anthony Joshua.

Kidnapped Nigerian Afro pop singer, Emuemu Oghala Goodnews, popularly known as Gnewzy, has revealed the amount paid for his release.

Gnewzy was abducted in April 2024, along Eklat road in Ughelli, Delta state. While Obas9ice, his manager and brother narrowly escaped the kidnap.

The abductors contacted Dilly Umenyiora, his record label’s CEO, via mail demanding a $200,000 ransom.

The singer was released on May 3.

However, narrating his ordeal during an interview with HipTV, Gnewzy revealed that $200,000 was paid for his freedom.

He also disclosed that his abductors were dressed in police uniforms.

“They actually paid a ransom of about $200,000. I actually went for a radio tour in Delta State. Which is the state where I came from, Ugheli precisely. After the whole tour, to round it up, it was a Sunday, so I said let me just put up a little listening party.

“And we all got ready for the party, I performed. We left for the apartment that we were in. After a while, my brother said he wanted to pick somebody up. I was like let me go with you.

“We went to where we wanted to pick the person and the person was no longer willing to follow us. On our way home around a U-turn, the men on police uniforms just ran on us and were like come down.

“So we got to one certain point. They stopped and dragged my brother out. And told him they were going to shoot him. He was told to run into the bush or else they would shoot him.

“We were thinking someone was trying to use me to get to my label boss.

“They then covered my face with something. They did not beat me. They gave me food and told me not to do anything funny or else they would fuck me up.”

Aduke Ajayi, better known as Aduke Gold, has d!ed.

The sad news was shared on Tuesday, August 13, by fellow gospel artiste Esther Igbeke on social media, who posted a tribute with Aduke Gold’s picture and the caption: “A general has fallen. RIP.”

Aduke Gold broke into the gospel scene with her single, “Nitori 0go”. It featured on her popular eight-track album that was well received on social media.

Apart from her soul-lifting songs, Aduke Gold was also known for her inspiring story after she revealed her early struggles on Instagram.

She became an orphan at the age of four and had to survive a life of hardship.

She spoke about selling items like slippers, yam, and fried fish.

Aduke Gold revealed that she once packed fish heads at a frozen foods store and had learned to cook with firewood when kerosene was scarce.

Apart from being a singer, she held a higher degree in Child Psychology, a Diploma in Montessori Education from the UK, and numerous other qualifications in Special Education.

She worked with children with special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, and dyslexia.

Tems and Rema are the only Nigerian artistes to feature in Barack Obama’s 2024 summer playlist.

Curated by the former U.S. president, this prestigious playlist includes a diverse selection of both international and domestic artistes.

The playlist was announced via his X handle, where he wrote: “With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately – and it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix. I hope you find something new to listen to!”

Among the tracks featured in the playlist are Tems’ “Love Me Jeje” from her debut album, which showcases her smooth, soulful style and emotive delivery that have garnered widespread acclaim on social media, and Rema’s “Yayo” from his sophomore album “HEIS”, which topped the charts in Greece and has surpassed 60 million streams on Spotify, sparking a frenzy among fans.

Mr Obama’s summer playlist includes Charli XCX’s “365,” Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby”, “Wanna Be” by Glorilla & Megan Thee Stallion, and Billie Eilish’s “CHIHIRO,” as well as classic tracks like “How Do U Want It” by 2Pac featuring K-Ci & JoJo and Bob Dylan’s “Silvio.”

In a recent video interview with influencer Carter Gregory (thecarterb) , the 63-year-old former president revealed that his daughters, Sasha and Malia, helped keep his musical tastes current and broaden his musical horizons.

“I get referrals from my daughters — which keeps me not stuck in the ’80s,” the former president told Mr Gregory.

While Mr Gregory explained the music he’s dancing to lately, Mr Obama said, “I’m not sure that I’d be dancing as well as you. I’ve got moves … but I try to stay in my lane.”

“I’ve got some newer stuff, some older stuff. I tend to mix it up,” the former president says of his current playlist.

US rapper, Travis Scott has been arrested in Paris, France, after an altercation with his bodyguard at the George V hotel.

Police arrested Scott, 33, after a security guard had tried to break up a fight between the rapper and his bodyguard, French prosecutors said, adding a criminal investigation had been opened.

Several French media had reported that Scott was drunk early Friday morning.

Scott was seen attending the Olympics men’s basketball semi-finals on Thursday evening.

The music star, whose real name is Jacques Bermon Webster, was arrested in Miami Beach in June for trespassing and disorderly intoxication, local police said at the time.

Travis Scott is a successful American musician. His album “Utopia” was a nominee for Best Rap Album at this year’s Grammy Awards.

Hip hop legend, Snoop Dogg, pop star Billie Eilish and iconic rock band the Red Hot Chili Peppers are expected to perform at the Paris Olympic Games Closing Ceremony on Sunday, Variety is reporting.

According to a report published by the outlet on August 8, the three artists will feature in the handoff of the Summer Olympic Games from Paris to Los Angeles, California, in a mix of pre-taped and live performances.

Variety reported that the closing ceremony will also feature a stunt by famous Hollywood actor Tom Cruise.

At the end of Sunday’s Closing Ceremony, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will accept the Olympic Torch and bring it home as she returns from Paris. The city will host the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.

Snoop Dogg, Billie Eilish and Red Hot Chili Peppers are natives of Los Angeles. Snoop carried the Olympic Torch ahead of the opening ceremony of the Paris Games.