Singer, Olorunyomi Oloruntimilehin, aka Bad Boy Timz, has claimed that revenue generated from music streams is not substantial income for artists.

According to him, many artists reinvest their earnings from music streams on music promotion.

The ‘MJ’ crooner advised his colleagues to prioritise live shows, tours and sponsorship to generate more revenue.

Speaking in a recent interview with Hip TV, Timz said: “As an artist you cannot depend on music streams because it is not substantial. Most of the earnings from music streams are reinvested on promotion.

“So, what I do is go on tours. I’m always trying to get Visas to tour different countries. I have been touring for over a year now. So I advised my colleagues to make more money from shows and seek sponsorships.”

Nigerian singer, Shasha Damilola Alesh, popularly known as Dice Ailes, has called out Sony Music for “frustrating the circulation” of his music.

The singer explained that he had a longstanding business relationship with Sony Music but both parties mutually agreed to terminate the contract when progress stagnated.

However, he alleged that the record label is frustrating the circulation of his music.

He said, “I have been in business with Sony Music for years and sometime last year, we mutually agreed to terminate the contract because progress was stagnated and also we didn’t get the kind of investments we were expecting.

“Unfortunately, we still have some restrictions from that deal that are affecting the flow of things, our marking processes, and investments for my company. I was just really tired.

“The fans have been clamoring for new music from me for so long. And 2024 is just so important to me, for the fans to get the best of me. So out of frustration, I had to go on social media to call out Sony Music.”

Nollywood actor and director Charles Inojie has described the death of his colleague, John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu, as an “irreparable loss” to the Nigerian movie industry.

He stated that the late comic actor is irreplaceable in Nollywood, stressing that casting him alone was enough to make a movie a blockbuster.

Speaking in a recent interview with Channels TV, Inojie said, “There’s sometimes you lose a person in an industry and you say, well, so or so person would replace him. But Mr Ibu is irreplaceable. Mr Ibu spears with every part of his body.

“He is probably one of the few people in Africa that would sit without saying anything would communicate a million messages with his facial expressions, body language and gestures without verbalising just one word of dramatic dialogue. That doesn’t come cheap. We are going to miss that.

“You have John [Okafor], you have a blockbuster.”

Mr Ibu died of cardiac arrest at the age of 62 on Saturday.

Skit maker and actor, Samuel Animashaun Perry, aka Broda Shaggi, has said that when he decides to get married he won’t have an elaborate wedding.

The thespian explained that he is “not a fan of big weddings,” stressing that he loves keeping his life private.

Speaking in a recent interview with actress Iyabo Ojo, Shaggi also said that he won’t rush into marriage.

He said, “I am not a fan of big weddings. Even if I’m going to get married, I’m not a fan of big weddings.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, I keep personal life out of social media space. Because my personal life is very important to me and I just want to protect it.

“But I believe in love. I believe in one-man-one-woman type of love. I believe in family. I believe in raising my own kids.

“I’m going to have my own family by God’s grace but not very soon. There’s nothing like getting old. I do tell people, you don’t need to rush into marriage.”

Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has postponed his 70th birthday celebration due to the economic hardship in Nigeria.

Kosoko, who turned 70 on January 12, said he appreciates his colleagues and fans who came up with the idea of celebrating his contributions to the industry while he was still alive.

However, he said he is but “putting it (celebration) on hold because of the masses, of which I am part of”.

The thespian in an Instagram post on Sunday, said he was sure that “very soon, the challenges facing the country will be over and we will all be happy about it”.

Fuji icon, Wasiu Ayinde, aka K1 De Ultimate, also recently cancelled his birthday celebration due to the current economic hardship in the country.

Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential candidate for the 2023 general election, has mourned the passing of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor AKA Mr Ibu.

Mr Ibu passed away on Saturday after a long battle with an ailment.

Writing on his X page, Peter Obi said Mr Ibu’s death is a huge loss to Nigeria and the entertainment industry.

“Just as I tweeted my condolence on the death of Nollywood actor Sisi Quadri, a lot of people, through my comments section, called my attention to the death of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.

“His death is very saddening. He was one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy and spread happiness. When sadly he took ill, we all prayed for his quick recovery and hoped he would bounce back in good health.

“His death is a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation. Those artists who lighten the mood of the nation also perform a great task of helping us all to weather the dark storms of life.

“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his bereaved family, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who just lost two legendary actors within a few days and the entire Nollywood family. We share the pains of his death, but are comforted by the cherished moments of joy and happiness he left behind.

“May God who called him home grant him eternal rest and grant his family, and all of us who mourn him, the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss. Rest in Peace Mr Ibu!” Obi wrote.

The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has expressed sadness over the death of renowned Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.

The minister, in a statement through her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, described the incident, as “one death, too many.’’

Mr Musawa said this was coming just 24 hours after the death of yet another Nollywood actor, Sisi Quadri.

“I’m deeply shocked at too many deaths occurring at the same time. Mr Ibu was a household name who made families happy throughout his acting career. His death at this time is unfortunate and a sad one for us all in the entertainment industry. We will sorely miss him. May his soul rest in peace,” she said.

The 62-year-old John Okafor was confirmed dead by the National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, on Saturday.

Mr Okafor was said to have suffered a cardiac arrest.

Olawale B, the Chief Executive Officer of Fathia Entertainment, has revealed that popular Nollywood actor, Sisi Quadri, died after his United States, US, visa was approved.

Olawale B, who is also a show promoter and tour manager, made this known in a post on his Instagram page.

Mr Quadri died on Friday at the age of 44.

The actor died just a year after the death of his mother on February 22, 2023.

Reacting to the tragic incident, Olawale B wrote, “So sad to hear the death of Nollywood actor @iamsisiquadir. US visa was already approved. Date fixed already. Who are we to question God?”

The Theatre Arts And Motion Pictures Practitioners Association Of Nigeria, TAMPAN, on Friday confirmed the death of popularly comic Yoruba actor, Sisi Quadri.

TAMPAN National President, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, confirmed Sis Quadri’s death in an Instagram post.

Mr Latin wrote: “Hmmmmm! May God grant him eternal rest.”

Sisi Quadri had passed on at the age of 44.

His death was revealed by some of his colleagues in the Yoruba movie industry.

Writing on her verified Instagram handle, actress Abiola Bayo said: “You will be greatly missed, Sisi Quadri. May your soul rest in perfect peace”.

Sis Quadri was renowned for his exceptional comedic talent and his ability to deliver cutting insults with finesse.

Skit maker Promise Kelvin Anagbogu, aka Lord Lamba, has filed a lawsuit seeking child custody, escalating tensions between him and Mercy Atang’s former Big Brother Naija housemate, Queen Mercy Atang.

Atang took to her Instagram page on Thursday to share the news of her engagement.

Shortly after revealing photos of her engagement, Lord Lamba posted pictures of himself alongside their one-year-old daughter.

Following the initial announcement, images of the legal petition emerged online.

Dated February 16, the petition, addressed to the Family Court of Lagos State in Ikeja, criticised Queen for leaving their daughter, Princess Khellah Kelvin Anagbogu, in the care of other people while she travelled to the UK to get engaged on January 29, 2024.

The document also stated that, despite Lord Lamba’s consistent financial support for Queen and their daughter’s well-being, he was denied access to the child.

Lord Lamba claimed in the petition that Queen had blocked all his phone numbers and could only reach her using a new number, which was later blocked.

Lord Lamba said it was in the best interest of the child to be under his custody “in order for her to have a decent upbringing and for her to be well catered to.”

The city of Boston in Massachusetts, United States, has declared March 2nd as “Burna Boy’s Day” in honour of the Nigerian singer.

This was contained in a document of the Boston City Council signed by Councillor Ruthzee Louijeune.

According to the document, Burna Boy was honoured in recognition of his “performances and advocacy works.”

The document read inter alia: “Boston’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating culture and diversity is evident in the range of cultural events, festivals, and community initiatives that showcase the city’s multicultural landscape and:

“Whereas, Burna Boy’s legacy serves as a reminder of possibility, reminding us to continue amplifying voices that have long been silenced or overlooked, now, therefore be it resolved: That March 2, 2024 is designated Burna Boy Day in the City of Boston.”

Burna Boy has held so many soldout shows in Boston since breaking into the international scene in 2018.

Nigerian singer, Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, has revealed that he rejected a couple of deals from heavyweight artists and music executives before inking his signature for rapper, Olamide’s YBNL Nation in 2018.

The ‘Peru’ crooner disclosed this in a recent interview with Billboard News in Los Angeles.

He said he accepted Olamide’s deal because he knew it was “the right decision.”

“I rejected a couple of deals from big artists that wanted to sign me. But when Olamide came, I knew it was the right decision. And that process has really helped me in making decisions going forward,” he said.

Fireboy DML signed to YBNL Nation in 2018 and released his debut album, ‘Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps’ the following year.

The Nigerian government has stated that talks are ongoing with the organizers of American Grammy Awards to establish an African version.

Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, made this known in a chat with Vanguard on Tuesday.

The minister explained that Nigeria, being the home of Afrobeats, must be counted as one of the founding members of African Grammys.

She disclosed that countries like Rwanda, South Africa and Kenya are championing the move to establish an African version of the Grammys.

Founder of Blue Pictures Cinema, Joy Odiete, has bagged the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival award of excellence for her service delivery in the content distribution sector of the African film industry.

Ms Odiete, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the award was one of recognitions that came way since her entry into the industry in 2005.

She appreciated TINFF for recognising the long years of service Blue Pictures had dedicated to rewriting the history of African cinema.

She said, “I feel incredibly grateful to receive the award of excellence from the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival and recognition from the Mayor of Brampton.

“This honour is truly humbling and I am so thankful for the support of my Blue Pictures team and partners. The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing our stories to life. Thank you for believing in our vision and for this incredible recognition.”

TINFF is a multicultural film festival that values diversity and inclusion, providing a creative platform for Canadian and international films.

Ms Odiete, a renowned local and international independent film distributor and film sales agent, had been a sub-distributor to Warner Brothers Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, Black Sheep Entertainment and other independent studios in the U.S., UK and South Africa for over 19 years.

Her work as a film distributor has recorded major successes for foreign studios with franchise titles such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, Thor, Avengers, Batman, Iron Man and more.

She has also worked with Nollywood giants and is behind some Nigerian box-office hits such as The Return of Jenifa, Phone Swap, Maami, Last Flight to Abuja, The Mirror Boy, and Anchor Baby, amongst others.

Popular Nigerian actor, Tayo Adeleye, has lost his wife.

Confirming her demise in a social media post on Tuesday, Tayo noted that she would be forever etched in his heart.

In a video from her burial ceremony, the actor said; “I could remember two weeks ago, you told me you had a dream that you were flying but didn’t know where you were flying to.”

Adeleye also wrote: “Forever etched in my heart, you were my guiding light, my partner in tears and laughter.

“Your absence is deeply felt, yet your love continue to illuminate my path. Until we meet again my beloved wife, rest peacefully in the arms of eternity.”

The couple got married in December 2020.

Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the world’s largest music companies, has announced its acquisition of the majority stake in Mavin Records, founded by renowned music producer Michael Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy.

In a press statement on Monday, UMG said the agreement was still awaiting approval from regulatory authorities, and it is anticipated to be finalised by the third quarter of 2024. However, the company did not disclose the value of the acquisition.

“Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a majority investment in one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting independent record labels, Mavin Global (Mavin). The deal remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of Q3 2024,” it stated.

Last year, Billboard reported that Don Jazzy sought to explore options for a sale or potential investment in the record label founded in 2012.

According to UMG’s statement, Mavin will retain independence in shaping its strategies and nurturing future talents without external interference.

It added, “As part of the agreement, founder and CEO Don Jazzy and COO Tega Oghenejobo will continue leading the company.”

Mavin Records is a talent hub with stars like Rema, Ayra Starr, Crayon, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, Magixx, Bayanni, Boyspyce, DJ Big N, and Lifesize Teddy. In an interview, Don Jazzy said he was “proud of the artistes, careers and the brand they have built that have made Mavin the force it is today.”

“In this historic partnership with UMG, we will continue that mission in Africa and across the globe,” he added.

Reacting to the development, Lucian Grainge, the chairman and CEO of UMG, said, “With Don Jazzy, Tega, the Mavin Global team and their artist roster, we’ve found ideal partners with whom to grow together.”

Should this agreement be finalised, artistes signed to Mavin Records would be restricted from using their songs on TikTok due to the existing agreement between UMG and TikTok.

Veteran Nigerian singer, Wasiu Alabi Odetola, popularly known as Pasuma, has revealed that he began his career as a footballer but turned to music after he failed to make the Nigerian squad for the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship in China.

The fuji musician disclosed this in a recent interview with Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo.

He said the global success of Wasiu Ayinde’s 1984 album, ‘Talazo ’84” inspired him to embrace music immediately after his World Cup dream clashed.

Pasuma said, “In 1984, Alhaji King Wasiu Ayinde released an album called ‘Talazo ’84’.’

The album was everywhere; worldwide.“So, I decided to go into music because I was a footballer. I was invited to CODAK 85 [1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship]. I was among four players picked from a club in Shogunle.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t picked to go to the World Cup, so that was when I decided to go into music.

“I was a professional footballer. So, that was how I ventured into music. The rest is history today.”

Nigerian singer Niyola has urged her fans to pray for her full recovery following a recent near-death experience.

The singer who didn’t give the complete details of her experience, said she suddenly found herself on the floor fighting for her life.

She said she regained consciousness after hearing a supernatural voice.

Sharing a picture of herself in a hospital bed via her Instagram page, Niyola wrote: “Gratitude modupeoluwa.I just [had] a near death experience and naturally it had me thinking about time, purpose and what truly matters.

“One minute I was fine and the next minute I was on the floor fighting for my life. All I remember after that was hearing a voice saying ‘And you shall by no means get hurt.’

“The rest of the story is too long to share but let me tell you, God is real and His words are true!”

The singer pleaded with her fans and well-wishers to pray for her full recovery.

Nigerian rapper and actor Ikechukwu Onunaku has confirmed that his marriage has ended.

The former Mohits rapper tied the nuptial knot with his fiancée, Ella in May 2021.

But speaking in a recent interview with Daddy Freeze, Ikechukwu said he was now divorced.

He cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the desolation of his marriage.

He said, “My wife and I are no longer together. We separated due to irreconcilable differences. It wasn’t over infidelity. There were too much gaslighting, too much looking for faults, and too much listening to outsiders.

“I tried to save our marriage but I got to a point where I couldn’t tolerate my ex-wife’s excesses anymore and I showed her my other side and we couldn’t bear it.”

1Popular Nollywood actor, Seun Jimoh has urged the Nigerian government to declare a state of emergency on food production.

The actor made this appeal in a post on his official Instagram page while reacting to the level of hardship in the country.

While emphasizing the dire consequences of the current state of affairs for Nigerians, Jimoh noted that starvation should only occur in a country during war or when there are no fertile lands.

He further implored the President Bola Tinubu administration to urgently tackle hunger and food insecurity in Nigeria.

“Dear Nigerian government, it’s time to declare a state of emergency on food production. The only time there should be famine in the land is if there is a war or there are no arable lands. There is no reason why food should be scarce in Nigeria,” he wrote.