Grammy Awards is coming to Africa – Nigerian Government

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.

Nigerian film distributor bags Toronto Film Festival award of excellence

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.

Nigerian Actor Tayo Adeleye loses wife

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.

Don Jazzy sells Mavin Records to Universal Music Group

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.

Why I quit football for music – Pasuma

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.”

Singer Niyola recounts near-death experience

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.

Rapper Ikechukwu confirms separation from wife

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.”

Declare state of emergency on food production – Actor Seun Jimoh urges Nigerian government

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.

‘It is better to date Nigerian girls abroad than those at home’ – Actor, Timini Egbuson

Popular Nigerian actor, Timini Egbuson has disclosed that he prefers dating Nigerian women living abroad, rather than those at home.

He made the revelation in a recent interview on Menisms Podcast.

He claimed that the fierce competition that women in Nigeria face when it comes to dating makes it preferable to date them overseas.

Speaking of his experience, he said “This is me talking from my personal experience, honestly I feel like you would get a better dating experience from a Nigerian girl living abroad than those living here.

“My reason is because Nigerian girls living in London, Canada or America are the minority in the dating pool over there. So there are options

“So when an abroad based Nigerian babe catches you, you are honestly the catch and she would be happy to take care of you. But over here, they have options. Even the ones that aren’t the best looking.”

Davido appreciates Atletico Madrid star for gifting him wristwatch

Nigerian singer, Davido has relished a Rolex wristwatch gift from Atletico Madrid player, Memphis Depay.

The striker reportedly gifted Davido a multi-million naira Rolex wristwatch after he performed at his 30th birthday party recently.

Confirming the reports via his Instagram story, Davido claimed it was the first time he ever received a gift despite several Nigerian celebrities giving him cash gifts during his birthday years back which he later donated to charity.

The singer further claimed that he has always been the one giving to people.

He wrote, “N*gga bought me a rolex on his own birthday! I never receive gifts, I’ve always been the one to gift people.“I love and appreciate you @memphisdepay.”

Yul Edochie replies critics over fake prophecy

Controversial Nollywood actor turned pastor, Yul Edochie, has finally reacted to the critics of his fake prophecy about the AFCON 2023 final.

Yul had earlier before the match on Sunday, predicted that the Nigeria Super Eagles would defeat Ivory Coast in the final.

In a post on his Instagram page, he said “Today’s game will not get a penalty shootout. Nigeria will comfortably defeat the Ivory Coast.”

However, the Super Eagles suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast.

Following the loss, Nigerians on social media took to Yul’s page to express their disappointment and label his prophecy as fake.

Reacting amid the backlash, Yul in a post on his page said “It is well. Thank you Super Eagles. Getting to the finals is as good as winning. We are proud of you all. Great performance in the tournament.

“Win or lose, good or bad, we’ve been here. I love my country Nigeria. Better days ahead. Giant of Africa.”

Stop cyberbullying Iwobi, his only crime representing Nigeria – Ayo Makun

Nigerian comedian, Ayo Makun, aka AY, has appealed to Nigerians to stop cyber bullying Alex Iwobi.

AY, on his Instagram page, urged fans of Super Eagles to halt the cyber bullying towards Iwobi as his only crime was to come and represent his fatherland.

Recall that Iwobi was one of the players who came under criticism following Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, final 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast on Sunday.

The Fulham star eventually deleted all the pictures he put up on his official Instagram page after the AFCON final.

The comedian urged Nigerians to think beyond personal interests and look at the negative effects of their ‘evil’ actions.

“Anyone can become a victim of cyberbullying. Malicious information posted on the internet can spread far and wide at an instant, and it is always difficult to be deleted completely. The immediacy of the spread makes it hard for victims to defend themselves or take precautions. The harm caused by cyberbullying is always ignored by computer or mobile phone users.

“It is so sad to see how you all have exhibited various forms of cyberbullying on a young man whose only crime was to come and represent his father land. Tomorrow, you all will still be wondering why the likes of Saka and others are never going to play for Nigeria?

“It’s time to think beyond your personal interests and look at the negative effects of your evil actions.

“Let’s help promote a culture of care and respect on the internet and prevent cyberbullying,” he wrote.

I can’t leave my wife if she cheats on me – Seun Kuti

Nigerian afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, has revealed that he won’t leave his wife if she cheats on him.

According to him, infidelity is not a deal breaker in their marriage.

His wife, Yetunde, who also appeared with him on the Valentine edition of the TVC programme, Your View, recently, said would also not leave if the singer cheats on her.

Mrs Kuti said, “There is nothing my husband is going to do that would make me leave him. Even if he cheats on me I won’t leave him. I am not going to leave my husband because he cheated on me. Nah, that can’t happen.”

Mr Kuti inferred: “We don’t believe in cheating. What is cheating? Love is not ownership.”

One of the hosts asked Seun Kuti, “Would you leave her [your wife] if she cheats on you,” to which he replied, “No. What has that got to do with anything?”

Wizkid’s ‘Ojuelegba’ my favourite song – Grammy’s Best New Artist, Victoria Monet

Buzzing American singer-songwriter, Victoria Monet has named ‘Ojuelegba’ by Nigerian singer, Wizkid as her favourite Afrobeats song.

Monet also revealed that Wizkid, Burna Boy and South African singer, Tyla who scooped the maiden Best African Music Performance award at the 66th Grammys are her favourite Afrobeats artists.

She disclosed this in a recent interview with popular Nigerian dancer and socialite, Pocolee.

She said, “Burna Boy and Wizkid are my favourite Afrobeats artists. I can’t pick one. And Tyla too.

“Wizkid’s ‘Ojuelegba’ is my favourite Afrobeats song of all time.”

Victoria Monét won the Best New Artist category at the 66th Grammys, beating Ice Spice, Fred Again, Coco Jones, Jelly Roll and others to clinch the golden gramophone.

Yul Edochie declares himself ‘most handsome pastor in Africa’

Controversial Nollywood actor-turned-cleric, Yul Edochie has declared himself the most handsome pastor in the African continent.

Edochie launched his online Ministry, The Salvation Ministry, weeks ago.

Sharing a photo of himself via his Instagram page recently, the thespian claimed that because of his handsomeness, many are predicting that his church will be dominated by female members.

He captioned the photo: “Most handsome Pastor in Africa. Dem say na women go full my church.”

His post elicited mixed reactions, with many expressing their doubts via the comment section while others commended his assertiveness.

Popular skit maker, Sabinus confessed his love for Sharon Ooja on billboard

Popular skit maker Sabinus has taken the bold step of suspending himself from a Showmax billboard to prove his love for actress Sharon Ooja.

The move is the latest in a series of activities Sabinus has embarked on over the last 24 hours to win Sharon’s love. The stunts have now been revealed as a tease for the newly acquired Showmax Original, Dead Serious starring both powerhouses.

The chain of events started with Sabinus publishing a video on social media about looking for a girl to love on the street of Lagos. Frustrated by his fruitless search, he looks online and sets his sights on Sharon Ooja, reaching out to propose spending Valentine’s Day with her. He captions the post, “This Valentine’s, I no go gree for anybody. It’s either @sharonooja or nothing”.

Sabinus then engages popular social media matchmaker Lege Maimii to help win Sharon over. True to Lege’s style of matchmaking, he holds a hilarious Instagram live session with Sabinus and Sharon to help bring Sabinus’ dream to life.

Following the Instagram live session, Sharon challenges Sabinus to take on two key challenges to prove his love for her – suspend himself on a billboard in Lagos and eat ten hot peppered chicken wings.

French actress Judith Godrèche accuses director Benoît Jacquot of historical rape

French prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation after actress Judith Godrèche filed a complaint against film director Benoît Jacquot accusing him of historical rape.

Ms Godrèche, 51, accuses Mr Jacquot, 77, of raping her when she was 14 in 1986 and of subsequent offenses in a relationship lasting into the 1990s.

The complaint was lodged on Tuesday, her lawyer told AFP news agency.

Mr Jacquot has said he “firmly” denies her “allegations and accusations”.

In the early part of her career, Ms Godrèche was known for her roles in two films made by the director, The Beggars (1987) and The Disenchanted (1990).

She had recently evoked her relationship with Benoît Jacquot, without referring to him by name, in an autobiographical TV show called Icon of French Cinema.

Last month she named him on social media, saying she had decided to do so after viewing a documentary from 2011 in which the director had talked about his relationship with an adolescent.

Interviewed by Le Monde newspaper, Mr Jacquot said he “firmly denies the allegations and accusations of Judith Godrèche”.

Contacted by AFP on Wednesday, he let it be known that he stood by his words in the newspaper and did not wish to react any further.

Ms Godrèche’s complaint was lodged with the Juvenile Protection Brigade in Paris, her lawyer Laure Heinich told AFP.

Judith Godrèche has made numerous films of which The Overnight (2015), The Spanish Apartment (2002) and The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) are some of the best known.

Benoît Jacquot has been directing films since the mid-1970s with his 2012 drama Farewell, My Queen opening the 62nd annual Berlin International Film Festival.

Taylor Swift threatens to sue student who tracks her private jet

A student who tracks the private jets of celebrities says Taylor Swift’s lawyers have threatened to sue him for sharing her flight information online.

Jack Sweeney uses publicly available data to track the take-offs and landings of planes belonging to the wealthy and posts them one day later.

The tracking amounts to “stalking”, Swift’s lawyers claim.In 2022, Twitter banned Mr Sweeney after Elon Musk accused him of sharing his “assassination coordinates”.

Swift’s lawyers have issued a cease-and-desist letter to Mr Sweeney, a 21-year-old student at the University of Central Florida, demanding that he stop sharing the location of her private jet.

The letter, issued in December, says that the information poses “an imminent threat to the safety and wellbeing” of Swift, calling it a “life-or-death matter” for her.

It cites numerous stalkers she has dealt with in her career, and says the data gives criminals “a roadmap to carry out their plans”.

The BBC has not independently reviewed the letter, whose contents have been reported by US media.

In a statement to the BBC, Mr Sweeney said “nowhere do I intend for harm”.

“I actually think Swift has some good songs. I believe in transparency and public information, ” he said.

He added that he received the threatening letter after media outlets began scrutinising Swift’s carbon footprint.In 2022, Swift topped the list of celebrities with the highest private jet CO2 emissions, according to digital marketing firm Yard.

The organisation found that her jet emission were about 1,185 times more than the average person’s total annual emissions.

Last month, a 33-year-old man was arrested on stalking charges outside Swift’s home.

A spokeswoman for Swift told US media that the posts about her jet were partly to blame.

“We cannot comment on any ongoing police investigation but can confirm the timing of stalkers suggests a connection,” said spokeswoman Tree Paine.

“His posts tell you exactly when and where she would be.

“The BBC has contacted Swift’s lawyers for comment.Swift’s travel plans have also drawn increased attention from fans in recent months due to her highly publicised concert tour.

On Sunday, she is due to fly to Las Vegas to see her boyfriend play in the NFL Super Bowl, one day after her concert in Tokyo.

Mr Sweeney’s post do not provide any information about who is traveling on the planes, or where the travellers go once they land.

He has also tracked the private flights of other wealthy Americans, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg.

Jimi Solanke passes on at 81

Legendary dramatist, folk singer and playwright Jimi Solanke has died at 81.

Born on July 4, 1942, in Ipara Remo, Ogun State, he died on Monday, February 5, 2024, after a brief illness, reports said.

Solanke was said to be en route to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital when he passed on.

Dickson Awolaja, a member representing the Remo North State Constituency at the Ogun Assembly, confirmed his death to The Punch on Monday.

He said, “I got wind of the demise of Pa Jimi Solanke not long ago. His death is no doubt another big loss to us in Remo North and Ogun State as a whole, given his worthy contributions to the development of our dear nation. May his soul rest in peace.”

Solanke is the founder and Artistic Director of Ibudo Asa in Ipara Remo, Remo North Local Government, Nigeria.

‘Nicki Minaj remains the GOAT’ – Tacha declares after Grammy snubbed rapper again

Nigerian reality TV star and media personality, Natacha Anita Akide, aka Tacha, says Barbadian rapper, Nicki Minaj remains the greatest female rapper of all time despite her Grammy woes.

The Grammy organisers on Sunday night “mistakenly” announced ‘Barbie World’ by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice as the winner of the Best Rap Song category before later changing it to ‘Scientists & Engineers’ by Killer Mike and ‘Andre 3000’ featuring Future and Eryn Allen Kane.

The blunder angered fans of Nicki Minaj who hasn’t won a Grammy in her over 20 years career.

Reacting, Tacha, who is a fan of Nicki Minaj, shared a picture of the ‘Anaconda’ crooner via her X handle on Sunday night with the caption: “Nicki Minaj still remains the GOAT.”