American actor Louis Gosset Jr, known for his supporting role in the Oscar-winning movie “An Officer and a Gentleman” (1982), dies at 87.

The Associated Press reported that Gossett’s first cousin Neal L. Gossett confirmed the death of the actor, saying he died in Santa Monica, California. The cause of the death hasn’t been confirmed.

Upon winning the 1983 Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Gozett made history as the first black performer to achieve such recognition in that category.

He joined Hattie McDaniel and Sidney Poitier as black actors to secure an Academy Award.

Gossett, born on May 27, 1936, distinguished himself as a versatile American actor, originating from Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York City.

He stepped onto the stage for the first time at 17, and shortly after, his talent shone through as he secured a role in the Broadway production Take a Giant Step.

Gossett’s career flourished as he graced the stage in a series of plays, including A Raisin in the Sun (1959), The Blacks (1961), Tambourines to Glory (1963), and The Zulu and the Zayda (1965).

In 1977, he captivated audiences with his portrayal in the renowned miniseries Roots, garnering him the prestigious Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series at the Emmy Awards.

Anne Hathaway has opened up about suffering a miscarriage in 2015 while acting as a pregnant woman in a play.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, the actress, 41, said her first pregnancy “didn’t work out”, adding: “I was doing a play and I had to give birth on stage every night.

“Hathaway, who has since had two sons, says that during the six-week show, she “pretended everything was fine”.

But she says she told her friends the truth when they visited her backstage.

“It was too much to keep it in,” she said.

Hathaway played a pilot who falls pregnant in the one-woman off-Broadway show Grounded, which ran for six weeks in 2015.

The performance required her to act out going through childbirth every night.It was during this time that Hathaway experienced a miscarriage.

The Devil Wears Prada star went on to welcome her first son, Jonathan, with husband Adam Shulman in March 2016.

In an Instagram post in July 2019, Hathaway announced she was pregnant again. But she also used the post to indicate her fertility struggles.

“It’s not for a movie,” she wrote, alongside a photo of her baby bump. “All kidding aside, for everyone going through infertility and conception hell, please know it was not a straight line to either of my pregnancies. Sending you extra love.”

In the interview, Hathaway explained her reasoning for writing that post.

“Given the pain I felt while trying to get pregnant,” she said, “it would’ve felt disingenuous to post something all the way happy when I know the story is much more nuanced than that for everyone.

“She added she “wasn’t going to feel ashamed” of something that seemed “statistically to actually be quite normal”.

After suffering her miscarriage, Hathaway said she was stunned to find out how common miscarriages are. She also found out that many of her friends had had similar experiences.

“I thought, where is this information? Why are we feeling so unnecessarily isolated? That’s where we take on damage. So I decided that I was going to talk about it.

“She said that for years after her Instagram post, women would regularly come up to her in tears.

“And I would just hold her, because she was carrying this [pain] around and suddenly it wasn’t all hers anymore.

“The couple’s second son, Jack, was born in November 2019.

“When it did go well for me, having been on the other side of it, where you have to have the grace to be happy for someone, I wanted to let my sisters know, ‘You don’t have to always be graceful,'” she said.”

‘I see you and I’ve been you.'”

American rapper Sean Diddy Combs’ houses in LA and Miami have been raided by securities regarding a sex trafficking investigation.

According to TMZ, a representative for Homeland Security Investigations said “Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners.’’

According to the Associated Press, there was a police presence around Diddy’s Los Angeles residence located in the upscale Holmby Hills neighborhood near Beverly Hills.

Helicopter footage from KABC-TV revealed Homeland Security Investigations agents wearing vests gathered in the backyard near the pool area.

A command post was established outside the house, and agents were observed entering and exiting the premises for several hours as the search continued.

Diddy has been accused of sexual abuses in the past.

Cassandra Ventura had filed a law suit in November 2023, accusing Diddy of plying her with drugs and alcohol, forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes, and raping and beating her shortly after meeting her in 2005 until 2018.

Later in the same November, according to NBC, a woman named Joie Dickerson-Neal filed a suit against Combs alleging the music mogul drugged her, sexually assaulted her and recorded the assault without her knowledge when she was a college student in 1991.

In Febuary, Combs was enmeshed in a new legal battle as his former producer accused him of pressuring him, Meek Mill, and other artists into having gay sex with him in exchange for Grammy nominations and awards.

Africa Magic, in collaboration with Multichoice, has announced the nominees for the tenth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

The ceremony is scheduled to hold on May 11 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos State.

The nominees for this year’s Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards were announced via Africa Magic’s official Instagram handle.

The AMVCA is an annual award ceremony that recognizes and celebrates remarkable achievements in film and television.

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards also announced a change in the selection process for the Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress categories.

Unlike previous years, where the winners were determined through public votes, this year, the winners in these categories will be chosen by a jury.

This year’s awards edition is heating up with some major contenders. Mami Wata, Jagun Jagun, Over the Bridge, A Tribe Called Judah, and The Black Book are all in the running for top honours.

Nollywood was again thrown into mourning following the demise of veteran actor Amaechi Muonagor.

The actor lost the battle to kidney failure at 62.

Following the passing away of his colleague, John Okafor, popularly called Mr Ibu, Muonagor’s death came months after the actor was soliciting for funds online after suffering from a stroke.

The news of this demise was posted by a social commentator, Morris Monye, via his X handle, on Sunday.

“Deeply heartbroken by the news of Amaechi Muonagor’s passing. He was a talented Nollywood actor whose presence on our screens was truly masterful,” he said.

He also added that “This tragic loss highlights the need for better healthcare in our country.”

The late actor warmed the hearts of viewers with his movies starring the likes of Aki and Paw paw and the late Mr Ibu.

Popular Nollywood actress, Sharon Ooja Egwurube has legally tied the nuptial knot with her mystery heartthrob.

The ‘Skinny Girl In Transit’ star announced this via her Instagram account on Saturday.

She wrote on her Instagram story, “I said yes my lovers… actually scratch the civil ceremony done and dusted. It’s a wife already.”

In another post on her Instagram page, the thespian disclosed that she got engaged a few months ago.

She shared a romantic video of her and her lover without revealing the face of the man.

She captioned the video, “A few months ago I said yes to my odogwu silencer as I call him as he came and silenced the noise, my Igbo king civil ceremony done and dusted ink dried yes, I’m fully a mrs as I type this… he brought the calm…I’ll say yes a thousand times to your kindness and good heart… yes a thousand times to the discipline and structure you bring… yes a thousand times to your absolute love and protection you are my best friend bro broour inside joke !!… dear husband.

“This is fully the hand of God !!!I Prayed for this and God gave me fully. Thank you Jesus for this gift of love; the testimony is complete. You did it Jesus take Your glory… counting down to our church blessing and traditional wedding proudly a mrs.” (Sic)

Nollywood actor and singer, Ayoola Ayoola has recalled his suicide attempt.

The ‘The Men’s Club’ actor said he became depressed and contemplated suicide after he was expecting a child he wasn’t ready for.

According to him, he wasn’t prepared to be a father so he decided to end it all.

Speaking in a candid interview with Chude Jideonwo, Ayoola said looking at his son now he regretted his action.

He said, “The time the pregnancy for my son came, I wasn’t prepared to be a father. I got depressed and almost took my life. I deliberately miscalculated while crossing the road so that I would be hit and the car just brushed me.

“I look at my son now and I’m like, ‘This is what I was about to miss? This is whose live I was about to destroy?’ This little boy would have been fatherless.”

Highlife music icon, Godwin Opara popularly known as Kabaka, who broke a two-decade silence with the release of his acclaimed “Abialam” album in September 2023, is dead. He was aged 77.

Derda Promotions, the management team, confirmed the death of the music icon, who spearheaded and transformed the realm of highlife music on Thursday.

The Chief Operating Officer of Derda Promotions, Amarachi Anyanwu, disclosed this in a statement released on Friday morning.

The statement read, “Derda Promotions is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our esteemed artist, Godwin Kabaka Opara, an icon who pioneered and revolutionised Highlife music, on March 21st, 2024.”

His death comes barely six months after his return to the highlife music scene.

Kabaka was not only a gifted highlife artist but also a renowned songwriter and guitarist whose melodies resonated deeply with legions of admirers.

In 1973, he co-established The Oriental Brothers International Band, a Highlife force celebrated for its socially conscious lyrics, musical prowess, and authentic sound that captivated audiences across Africa and beyond.

Kabaka began his solo career in 1976, when he formed The Kabaka International Guitar Band. He continued to make high-quality Highlife music, releasing fourteen albums and producing successes such as ‘Mangala Special’.

Displaying his versatility and creativity, Kabaka delved into Ezebongo rhythms, pushing the boundaries of musical expression. Subsequently, he collaborated with The Imo City Band, solidifying his legacy as an indomitable Highlife luminary.

His comeback in September 2023, marked by the release of the album ‘The Return of Kabaka’, garnered over a million streams and secured a place among the top 100 albums worldwide.

Popular Nollywood actor and spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign, Dr. Kenneth Okonkwo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He said Nigeria is not Lagos where the former Lagos State Governor sits and decrees things and expect them to work that way.

Speaking on Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, which was shared on his X handle on Thursday, Okonkwo said he thought that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime was the worst until he realised that the current administration surpassed the former President in nine months.

Okonkwo said, “Anarchy looms in Nigeria. Nigeria is not Lagos where you sit down and decree things and you expect it to work that way.

“You don’t compare gold with carrots. Initially, I thought Buhari’s regime was going to be the worst but in nine months, this government has surpassed it.

“You know what it means when you place your children in order of protocol before ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. What do you call that eyesore? You are allowing somebody to come to Aso Rock sitting on the Coat of Arms to call our military men thieves.

“This government in terms of appointment is just concentrating, not even on the South West but on the Lagos axis of the ‘Jagabanic’ prodigies tainted with ‘Emilokan’ philosophies.”

The full episode of the podcast is expected to be released on Saturday.

American rapper Kendrick Lamar has hit hard at his colleagues, Drake and J.Cole on Future and Metro Boomin’s new song, ‘Like That’, which featured him.

In his verse, Lamar took a swipe at Drake and J.Cole who recently collaborated on a song titled ‘First Person Shooter’.

He went on to say that contrary to assumptions that he, Drake, and J.Cole are currently the three biggest rappers in the United States, he is the only big rapper.

“F*ck sneak dissing, first person shooter I hope they came with 3 switches….mother f*ck the big 3 n***a it’s just big me,” he raps.

Kendrick Lamar’s diss has sent social media agog, with many hip-hop fans commenting on the brewing beef among the ‘big 3s’.

A social media video showing Nollywood comedy legend Amaechi Muonagor in poor health and begging for financial help has shocked many Nigerians.

He can be seen in bed with a bandage on his chest, barely able to talk.

Another actor, sitting next to him, explains that Muonagor needs money to pay for a kidney transplant.

The news comes as Nigerians are still mourning the death of Nollywood star John Okafor, better known as Mr Ibu, who also needed medical help.

In the video, released on Monday, a clearly distressed Muonagor, rasps in the Igbo language: “Igbo people, I greet you all.

“He is unable to continue and actor Kingsley Orji takes over explaining that the veteran performer is suffering from kidney-related issues.

“It has not been easy. He has been in this condition for months now. He wants to go for a kidney transplant,” Orji says.

“He just came back from the ICU… a couple of days ago. He was responding to treatment but not very well.

“We decided to bring him home because there was no money but it is not advisable. He barely talks well. Please, he needs your help,” he adds.

Reacting to the video, many people have been expressing their sadness, saying they are praying for the actor and pledging money.

Muonagor’s health issues, and the death of Mr Ibu earlier this month, highlight a huge problem facing Nollywood actors and their healthcare.

As they are paid on a film-by-film basis many are not part of a health insurance scheme or able to make regular payments.

Although the Actors Guild of Nigeria says it has been able to get an insurance company to cover the industry, not all performers have signed up.

During his career Muonagor has appeared in dozens of films, including Aki and Paw Paw, one of his most famous roles where he played the father of two mischief-making, over-exuberant teenagers.

Despite competition from foreign movie industries, Nollywood continues to maintain a prominent place among Nigerian and wider African audiences.

Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has revealed her desire to be one of the leading Afrobeats artists.

The 21-year-old added that it is her desire for the genre to become the biggest in the world.

Speaking in a recent interview with Cosmopolitan UK, she said, “My hope for Afrobeats is for it to be the biggest genre in the world. Because it deserves to be.

“Other genres of music are great, but there’s nothing like Afrobeat. Even the sad music makes you feel good. So, I want Afrobeats to be the biggest genre in the world and I would love to be one of the leading artists.”

She disclosed that her dream music is Rihanna, Drake, Burna Boy, Beyoncé, Victoria Monét, Rema, Miley Cyrus, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler The Creator.

Singer Davido’s logistic manager, Israel DMW, has stated that beauty is not the sole factor in the character of a good wife.

He made this known while advising Afrobeat singer Kizz Daniel amid the backlash he received after sharing a video of his wife, Jay Anidugbe.

Kizz Daniel had shared a cozy clip of himself with his wife while vibing to his song on Instagram.

However, some users who weren’t pleased with her appearance, made critical remarks about her looks and wig.

Reacting to the online criticism, Israel in an Instagram post encouraged Kizz Daniel to prioritize peace of mind over physical beauty.

He wrote, “Vado, beauty doesn’t make a good wife at home. All you need is the rest of mind. DBT give a f*ck.”

Ace Nollywood actor, Norbert Young has disclosed why women earn more money than men in the Nigerian movie industry.

Mr Young made the revelation in his latest interview while discussing the evolution of Nollywood and gender pay gap.

Sharing his insights on the development, the actor revealed that women attract more money because of their bargaining power.

Mr Young said, “People love women and what they do because women attract more money. And that doesn’t make them wayward. Women are more gifted than men.

“Although every actor has their own bargaining power and maybe the women are bargaining better.

“But I don’t go asking how much you are paid, and you don’t come asking about my pay. Better is relative, I think it all depends on priorities and what is better for you might not be better for me.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and one of his queens, Olori Tobi, have welcomed twins.

The Ooni shared the news on his verified Instagram account, revealing that Olori Tobi gave birth to a prince and princess on Saturday.

He said, “To God be the glory, great things he has done. Hearty congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and Olori Tobiloba, who today birthed a prince and princess to the royal throne of Oduduwa.

“Mother and children are doing well to the glory of God Almighty.”

South Korean actor, O Yeong-Su who played Oh Il-nam in the popular series Squid Game has been found guilty of sexual assault.

Yeong-Su was indicted in 2022 without detention on charges of sexually assaulting an unidentified woman on two occasions.

He allegedly pecked and hugged a woman against her will in 2017. The actor, who played as number ‘001’ in the movie, was sentenced to eight months in prison.

He was also asked to take classes on sexual violence for 40 hours.

According to France24, Judge Jeong Yeon-ju said the victim’s records of the assault and her claims were “consistent … and appear to be statements that cannot be made without actually experiencing them.”

Womenlink, a South Korean women’s right organisation, made a post on X saying the actor should apologise.” Now we can say that the sexual violence in the theatre is not an old custom but sexual violence. The accused must stop trying to make his assault go away, apologise to the victim and accept his mistake,” the post read.

The flier released for the second season of the series did not include the actor’s name.

The 79-year-old actor won an award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television for the series, ‘Squid Game.’

Big Brother Naija reality star Seyi Awolowo has said it is okay for gospel artistes to charge before performing at religious events.

He also said it is okay for them to monetise their music, stressing that they have responsibilities to cater for despite being gospel minstrels.

He stated this in a recent interview with Hip TV when asked whether gospel artistes should be paid or compensated for their talents.

Awolowo said, “If you got a talent, you gotta make your money. So because of religion someone shouldn’t get paid? We need to knock that mindset out. We literally need to take out that sentiment.

“Let’s actually build on ourselves. If you have a talent if you can monetise it the right way, do so. You need to sell your talent.”

Famous Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev Fr Chinenye Oluoma, has urged women who have clocked 35 years and desire to marry not to wait for men to propose to them.

Oluoma suggested that women in that age bracket should break the law and convention by approaching men first, especially men have shown signs of liking to them, instead of waiting endlessly in vain.

The cleric’s advice was contained in a video he shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

According to him, those who are above 35 years and continue to wait for men to propose to them suggest they are not yet ready for marriage.

He said: “At 35 years of age, my dear sister, you are waiting for a man who will come to propose to you at the airport. 35 years? You’re not ready. You are waiting for a man to come and propose to you. ‘You don de enter menopause’. Menopause ‘means that men will pause’.

“Break the law! I’m saying this but it may sound funny. If you’re a young girl and you know marriage is your calling; you can be a good mother. You happen to see any guy who is interested in you but doesn’t have courage. You know some guys like some ladies but they don’t have the courage, some guys don’t the courage. You discover that this guy have shown signs of liking you but doesn’t have the courage of talking to you. My dear sister break that useless law. Approach that guy. Break that useless convention. Meet the guy and say ‘Bro, I know you like me but you don’t have the courage’. Tell him ‘I will make it easy for you’. Tell him your good qualities.”

Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, simply known as Simi, has fumed at fans asking her to change her style of music.

The ‘Duduke’ crooner had shared a clip of her singing one of her new songs via X platform and a fan quoted the post, asking her to “switch up” her sound.

The fan with the handle @Zeebaby_X wrote, “Girlll switch it up a bit… change your sound.

“Your hubby changes his sound and it’s amazing to see. Do the same you’re too good to be doing basic shit.”

Other fans also took the comment section, concording with her.

Angered by the conversation sparked by her comment, Simi wrote, “Lol you people see I’m minding my business yea? Alright alright Zeebaby, talk to me. Tell me the last say… 10 songs I’ve put out and let’s dissect. Which ones sound the same? Then tell me how your faves are doing it different/better than me. Or perhaps u want me to change my genre? Or I should use more lamba? Or is it my voice? It’s too soft or sweet or sharp for you? I should swallow balloon for diversity? We’re not fighting. I honestly want your feedback. Direct me. Help me Zeebaby.”

In another thread, the singer urged those who do not like her songs to go listen to other musicians.

She explained that British superstar Adele does the same style of music but her fans do not complain.

She wrote, “Omo because I’m doing girl next door, some of you think maybe I’m ok like that. If you don’t like my song, please go and listen to your faves. I’m begging. If it’s the features you want to allow yourself acknowledge my talent, hear that one and be going.

“Na the same ballad Adele dey sing all these days, her people no disturb am. E fi mi sile. If you don’t like what I’m selling, go and listen to the one you like. Unless you don’t have data. And if you don’t have, owo e lo wa ku si.”

The Association of Movie Practitioners (AMPRAC) has decried the rising cost of filmmaking amid the current economic situation in the country.

Mr Ifeanyi Azodo, AMPRAC national president, said in an interview on Tuesday in Lagos that the cost of filmmaking had doubled due to naira depreciation.

“As at a year ago, a film could be produced with as low as N4.5 million but now you’ll need as much as N10 million, and due to this development, producers no longer engage actors and all as much as before,” Mr Azodo said.

According to him, movie practitioners are diversifying to other businesses that can guarantee sustenance.

“To be factual, the entire situation is worrisome and we are all losing interest in filmmaking. Actors who receive N400,000 as their fee for each film produced now charge as high as N1 million. This development cuts across all movie genres – Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba.

“Producers, directors, set designers, cinematographers and everyone involved in the value chain of filmmaking are now looking into alternative routes,” he said.

Mr Azodo called on President Bola Tinubu to expedite action to ensure economic stability as part of the solution to the hardship.

“Government needs to come to our aid. We should be encouraged in ways that provisions should be made for filmmakers to gain easy access to soft loans.

“President Bola Tinubushould also come in. This is a money-spinning industry that should be assisted in boosting our economy,” Mr Azodo said.