Angela Okorie, Zubby Michael end feud after Pete Edochie’s intervention

Actress Angela Okorie has expressed heartfelt gratitude to veteran actor Pete Edochie for his pivotal role in resolving her long-standing feud with fellow actor Zubby Michael.

In a post shared on her Instagram page, Angela revealed how Edochie personally intervened, calling both actors aside and pleading with them to end their dispute.

She also acknowledged others who played a role in mediating between them.

The feud, which had played out publicly for months, has now been resolved, with Angela and Zubby reconciling and putting their differences behind them.

In her post, Angela stated that it’s now “love and peace season” and promised that she and Zubby would be working together on new projects, bringing “hits back to back” to their fans.

She said: “It’s love and peace season fam. My people, No be small thing happened yesterday o with My G @zubbymichael. We fought, and we settled our differences, and everything ended in praise, which is the most important thing.

“First and foremost I want to thank God almighty for keeping us alive till date to even see each other and settle our issues I want to say a big thank you to our father in Nollywood uncle, Pete Edochie who called us first and asked us to stop fighting, pressing forward you did everything to settle us, Mr China thank you, prime world God bless you, Rockselly movies even bought drinks for the settlement, and to everyone who called us, including our online fans, friends and families that was praying for this settlement. Una too do o. Thank you.

You all are amazing, we promise to bring you guys hits back to back, so Watch out for our new movies we already have lots of scripts to film together, so film producers that I tuned down feel free to pair us, we are sorry for the movies we denied you of watching for years, we are back and stronger.

“Thank you everybody may the peace of the lord be with you all amen Legitqueen.”

Davido under fire over remark on Nigerian economy

Afrobeats sensation Davido has come under heavy criticism over his recent remark advising black Americans against relocating to Nigeria.

Davido had while appearing on The Big Homies House podcast, urged the black Americans particularly Nigerians not to return home, citing the country’s current economic woes.

The singer’s remark followed speculations that some black Americans were considering leaving the United States following the electoral victory of the US President-elect, Donald Trump.

According to reports, Africans in America are concerned about potential policies of Trump that may not favour them.

Addressing the speculation, Davido said, “It is not cool back home. The economy is in shambles”.

The comment, however, attracted reactions from some citizens who asked the singer to immediately retract his statement.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe in a post on his official Facebook page advised the singer to retract his statement with immediate effect.

Igbokwe said, “My In-law Davido has made me sad by telling the world in America that Nigeria’s economy is in shambles.

“This is very sad. I will advise him to retract the statement asap. Nigeria made Davido. QED!!!”

Similarly, Bashir Ahmed, a former aide to Nigerian former president, Mohammadu Buhari said the remark was disappointing.

In a post on his official X handle, Bashir said, “Selling out your country from foreign soil is so disappointing and unpatriotic. Public figures like Davido should know that.

“They should act and be seen as good ambassadors for Nigeria wherever they find themselves. @NOA_Nigeria”!

Polygamy best marriage for Africa, monogamy not working – Okey Bakassi

Nigerian comedian and actor, Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi, has claimed that polygamy is the best form of marriage for Africa.

According to him, monogamy isn’t working.

Speaking on the Honest Bunch Podcast, Bakassi claimed many are pretending to be happy in monogamous marriages.

He said, “Forget all the lip services that we pay to polygamy here. I still think that polygamy is the best form of marriage for Africa. Monogamy is not working.

“We are pretending. Now, what’s the difference between polygamy and monogamy? Polygamy says you can marry two people at the same time. Monogamy says you cannot marry them at the same time, you have to let one go. What if you don’t want to let one go?”

Wizkid sets new record on Spotify

Nigerian artist, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has set a new Spotify record for the biggest streams by any song.

The superstar’s recently released album titled “Morayo” has claimed the number 1 spot on the Apple Music Nigeria Chart, with all his tracks dominating the charts to positions.

One of his singles from the album titled “Kese (Dance)” set the record for the highest opening day stream on Spotify Nigeria with 1.5 million streams.

Another single “Piece of My Heart” also surpass 1 million opening day streams on Spotify.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Wizkid’s album, Morayo, which translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba, is a heart felt tribute to his late mother, Juliana Balogun, who passed away in August 2023.

The album, which was launched on the Nov. 22, features tasteful selection of artistes across genres

Why I supported my daughter to pierce her navel – Bolanle Ninalowo

Famous Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninalowo has revealed why he supported his daughter to pierce her navel.

The actor made the disclosure while speaking about his bond with his daughter, Aliyah.

Ninalowo in an interview with VJ Adams, said his 18-year-old daughter, Aliyah had asked to pierce her tongue but he felt uneasy about the tongue choice.

In a now-viral video, the actor explained that he allowed her to pierce her navel because he wanted to bond with her. Noting that a navel ring can be taken out at any time.

Demonstrating his support, Ninalowo stated that he personally drove her to get her navel pierced and also paid for the procedure.

Men who don’t have money are ladies – Shallipopi

Nigerian singer Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has claimed that wealth is essential for manhood.

According to him, men who are not wealthy should be grouped with women.

He made the claim on his X handle on Friday when he wrote, “Na money make u be man, if u nor get join the ladies set.”

In another post, Shallipopi slammed poor men who fall in love instead of chasing money.

“If u like no get money, dey find babe, u fit say life na 2014,” he wrote.

His views angered some fans who told him that money isn’t everything but he insisted that money was essential.

Davido at 32: Governor Adeleke celebrates nephew with heartfelt message

Governor Ademola Adeleke extended warm birthday wishes to his nephew, Afrobeats star Davido, on his 32nd birthday.

Adeleke, through his official Instagram handle, expressed immense joy and pride in Davido’s accomplishments, commending him for bringing honour to their family, Osun State, Nigeria, and the entire black community.

Governor Adeleke, who is the younger brother of Davido’s father, Adedeji Adeleke, shared photos of them and offered heartfelt prayers for Davido’s continued success.

In his birthday message, Governor Adeleke wrote: “Happy birthday to my Darling Nephew @davido, 001 of Afrobeats. God’s grace continues to shine over you as you make the Dynasty, Osun State, Nigeria, and the entire black race proud all over the universe.”

Beyonce to headline NFL Christmas day game

Famous American singer, Beyonce is set to headline the 2024 National Football League’s Christmas programming.

The singer in a post on her Instagram page, announced that she will be performing during the halftime show of Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens NFL game.

Beyonce’s performance at the match-up between Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens is anticipated to be the first live show to include her pivotal country album song, ‘Cowboy Carter’.

In 2013, Beyonce headlined NFL Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, and also in 2016, she performed during the championship game with Coldplay and Bruno Mars.

The 43-year-old recently became Grammy’s most nominated singer ever, after leading the pack for most chances at Grammy gold this season with 11.

‘I once directed movie I didn’t understand’ – Kunle Afolayan

Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has stated that he once directed a movie without understanding its storyline.

Afolayan stated this while narrating his work experience at the third edition of KAP Film & Television Academy’s Reel Circle.

He narrated: “I was asked to direct something I know nothing about. I tried to bail out but I was convinced that I could do it. But I knew I didn’t know what I was going to do. I didn’t understand the storyline. It is an installation film; even at the time, I did not know what the installation film was.

“I read the script and I did not understand it. I called Biodun Aleja (may his soul rest in peace). He read it and said, ‘This is crazy,’ and then a few other people. I spoke to the person who introduced me to the project that, ‘Can I meet with the producer? Maybe if she shares her vision, I would get it.’

“Then he flew me to London and we sat for like two hours and she was talking. She showed me her showreel and I knew there was a problem because the showreel didn’t make sense. It was a complete abstract installation; people just doing weird things and I am a narrative director. Then I called the link and said, ‘I am not doing this. I would not even know what to say.’

“But he was like, ‘You have to do it; they are paying you $40,000.’ But I was like, ‘Let us do an adaptation of a scene.’ But even with it, I didn’t know what to adapt. But because Biodun Aleja was there—he studied Performing Arts, so his literature is stronger—and I was like, ‘Look, we have to find a way. They are flying us to Miami and Chicago; we cannot turn that down.’

“They did this and we went, we filmed in like the oldest museum. I was the director and there were five trucks of equipment. It’s like someone throwing you into the ocean and asking you to start swimming.

“Up till now, I did not understand the story. There was no story. If I watch it again, I am like, ‘What was the story?’ But guess what? They flew me in business class to five countries to premiere the film in 2007.”

Why I turned down recording deals – Niniola

Nigerian singer, Niniola has opened up about why she chose to remain an independent artist despite approaches from record labels.

She explained that she rejected offers from record labels to sign her because she’s mindful of the business side of music unlike some of her colleagues.

According to her, being an independent artist gives her creative freedom.

The ‘Maradona’ crooner spoke in a recent interview with TVC.

“I have been an independent artist for 10 years. There are pros and cons of signing with a record label. I have seen the business side of doing music which a lot of people don’t see, they just focused only on making music.

“Being an independent artist gives me the opportunity to also do what I want. I’m in charge of my creativity.

“A label wanted to sign me after my debut single but I was sceptical because I didn’t want anyone to switch my style. Because at that time, nobody was doing Afro-house. They can dictate what you do because they are the ones financing you.

“For me, creative freedom is one of the major pros of being an indie artist,” she said.

Niniola also disclosed that she’s an introvert but music brings out the extrovert in her.

Gospel film star Baba Gbenro of Abattoir series passes away

The Nigerian gospel film industry is mourning the loss of one of its prominent figures, Moses Korede Are, popularly known as “Baba Gbenro” from the popular Mount Zion series Abattoir.

The actor’s death was announced by his colleague, Oluwaseun Adejumobi, who shared the sad news on his verified Instagram account on Thursday.

Adejumobi wrote, “Heaven’s Gain Again. A General Has Gone to Rest.”

Another tribute came from gospel actor Zoe Adeola, who posted on X, “Rest in peace, Baba Gbenro. Your role in Abattoir will definitely leave a great memory of you in our minds. So painful.”

Fondly known as Baba Gbenro, Korede Are was born on 11 June 1959. He grew up in Kano State, Nigeria, where he received part of his early education, later studying in Plateau State before moving to southwestern Nigeria for higher education.

After his studies, he completed his National Youth Service Corps programme in Jigawa State.

Baba Gbenro was the founder and International President of Calvary Movies Drama Ministry, based in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, which he established on 2 September 1995.

Through this ministry, he used drama evangelism to spread the gospel. He also served as the CEO of Calvary Movies Television, an online Christian streaming service dedicated to drama and evangelism.

Throughout his career, he collaborated with other notable figures in the gospel film industry, including Toluwalope Israel Adegbo and Evangelist Damilola Mike-Bamiloye.

His role in the series Abattoir cemented his legacy in gospel drama, where he became widely known as “Baba Gbenro.”

Alleged defamation: VeryDarkMan arrives Ikeja High Court

The controversial blogger and online activist, Vincent Otse, also known as Very Dark Man, has arrived at Ikeja High Court over the defamatory suit leveled against him.

It was gathered that VDM arrived at the court on Thursday in Edo attire with his fans cheering him on.

He is facing a defamatory lawsuit filed against him by Mr Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Folarin, also known as Falz.

Recall that the court had on October 14 ordered VDM to bring down the alleged defamatory video that he made on Sept. 24 against the SAN and his son.

The court had also ordered the service of originating summons to VDM through his lawyer, Mr Deji Adeyanju within 14 days.

Wizkid started as a studio rat – Banky W

Famous music executive, Banky W has said that Wizkid started his career as a studio rat.

Banky W stated this while reflecting on Wizkid’s early struggles before fame.

In a viral video on social media, Banky W, who was pivotal in launching Wizkid’s career through his record label, Empire Mates Entertainment, EME, disclosed that Wizkid spent hours hanging around various studios because he couldn’t afford studio time.

The music executive who described the afrobeat star as a studio rat, acknowledged the singer’s commitment and skill.

“Wizkid for a long time in his life was not fortunate enough to afford studio time.

“So he was a studio rat as he will go to any studio where they will let him hang out and he will hang out all day waiting, hoping and praying that engineers and producers to just pity him and say oya, come and record for 15 or 30 mins because he could not pay for his session.

“So, all day long, he would be working on hooks and melodies and just coming up with things in case he was given the opportunity to jump on the mic for five minutes.

“He didn’t have time to think about what to write at the moment, so that became his process.

“And now he is one of the fastest songwriters that I have ever encountered in my life, he will just sit, listen, and start freestyling a melody that would become a song that the whole world would want to sing. That is where the name Wiz started from,” he said.

Netflix offices raided in France, Netherlands over tax probe

French and Dutch authorities raided Netflix’s offices in Paris and Amsterdam on Tuesday as part of a tax fraud investigation, a judicial source told AFP.

The search of “various locations” in France by specialist financial investigators relates to suspicions of “covering up serious tax fraud and off-the-books work” and is part of an investigation opened in November 2022, the source said.

Netflix’s Amsterdam headquarters for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa was also searched by a joint team of French and Dutch officials.

“French and Dutch authorities have been cooperating on this criminal case for many months,” the source said.

Netflix is under investigation in France for its tax filings for 2019, 2020, and 2021.

The company did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment on Tuesday.

Netflix stated last year that it complies with tax laws in all countries where it operates, following media reports about the investigations.
The French outlet La Lettre A reported that until 2021, Netflix’s French operation was structured so that all subscribers were signed up through a Dutch subsidiary, which allegedly minimised its tax bill.

This left Netflix paying less than one million euros ($1.1 million at current rates) in taxes to France in 2019 and 2020, despite having around seven million French subscribers.

Authorities are now investigating whether Netflix continued to use illegal strategies to reduce its reported profits and, consequently, its tax obligations, La Lettre A added.

The French subsidiary reported very low operating margins compared to its US parent company in 2021 and 2022, paying just 6.5 million euros in taxes on its 2022 profits.

However, the practice of billing a significant share of revenue to entities outside France constitutes a “tax optimisation strategy that is legal” under certain conditions, according to La Lettre A.

Netflix earned over $9.8 billion in revenue worldwide from its 282 million subscribers in July-September this year, with net profit reaching $2.4 billion.

The company launched in France just over 10 years ago and now has 10 million households subscribed.

Netflix asserts that it adheres to local laws on commissioning French content, pays the full rate of VAT, and contributes to a film industry levy.

In 2023, the company said it invested 250 million euros in producing French content, including 50 million euros for feature films.

Its popular French productions include the “Lupin” series starring Omar Sy, a modern reimagining of Maurice Leblanc’s classic stories of “gentleman thief” Arsène Lupin—France’s answer to Britain’s Sherlock Holmes. The show broke into Netflix’s top 10 most-watched shows in 70 countries, according to the platform.

Ufuoma McDermott opens up about her battle with stage 4 kidney disease

Nollywood actress and producer, Ufuoma McDermott, has shared her experience with Stage 4 kidney disease, revealing how her struggles with chronic pain and drug abuse nearly claimed her life.

In an exclusive interview with Media Personality, Chude Jideonwo, McDermott disclosed that her health challenge began after losing her younger brother to kidney disease.

She said she was later diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney disease, which progressed to Stage 4 due to her delay in seeking treatment.

McDermott attributed her kidney disease to years of ingesting excessive painkillers.

She said in part, “I had pushed my body and I was borderline stage 4. Last year was a very very trying time in my life where I thought I was gonna die. I have battled chronic kidney disease for about 12 years now.”

Bobrisky arrested while trying to flee the country

Social media personality Okuneye Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, was removed from an Amsterdam-bound KLM flight and detained by immigration officers late on Thursday night while attempting to leave the country.

The popular cross-dresser posted on his Instagram page to alert followers about the arrest, stating that he had sustained injuries during an altercation with the immigration officers.

Bobrisky alleges that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is responsible for his detention.

He wrote, “Nigerians help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured.”

On 22 October, Bobrisky was intercepted at the Sème border while allegedly attempting to flee the country.

The controversy surrounding Bobrisky began in April 2024, when he was sentenced to six months in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos for naira abuse.

Although he was officially incarcerated at Kirikiri Prison, reports later alleged that Bobrisky spent only three weeks in the facility before being discreetly moved to a private location.

This sparked widespread speculation that his early release and special treatment were facilitated through bribery, with accusations of a 15 million naira payment made to officials to secure his transfer and preferential conditions.

The situation escalated in late September 2024 when social media influencer VeryDarkMan posted an audio recording allegedly involving Bobrisky.

In the leaked recording, Bobrisky purportedly claimed that music artist Falz and his father, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, had approached him during his imprisonment, seeking ₦10 million to secure a presidential pardon.

In response, Falana and Falz issued a cease-and-desist letter on 16 October 2024, demanding a retraction and public apology for what they described as defamatory statements.

Bobrisky, however, denied making these claims, stating he was not responsible for the leaked content and urging the Falanas to hold VeryDarkMan accountable instead.

Cristiano Ronaldo picks favourite Nigerian singer between Davido and Wizkid

Football superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his favourite singer between Davido and Wizkid.

This comes after Ronaldo in a viral video on social media vibed to Asake’s hit song “Active” featuring American rapper, Travis Scott.

However, creating content on his YouTube page, he was asked to pick his favorite between Davido and Wizkid.

Giving his honest answer, Ronaldo picked Davido ahead of Wizkid.

A check on the singers’ Instagram page confirmed that Davido and Ronaldo are following each other while Wizkid is not following anyone on Instagram.

The rivalry between the Nigerian singers has been the longest in the industry as their fans are always fighting themselves on who is the best.

Suspended actress Nkechi Blessing apologies to TAMPAN

Suspended Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing has tendered a public apology to
the Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners of Nigeria, TAMPAN, over her past criticism.

TAMPAN is the umbrella body of Yoruba actors and filmmakers in Nigeria.

The apology comes 3 years after her suspension following her online altercation with actor, Lege Maimi over Baba Ijesha’s alleged child abuse case.

Blessing with colleague Iyabo Ojo’s campaign against Baba Ijesha led to backlash from some TAMPAN members, including Yomi Fabiyi and Lege Maimi.

Reacting to the public chaos, veteran actor Jide Kosoko barred directors from working with Iyabo Ojo and Blessing prompting her to mock the association’s decision.

However, speaking on Sunday at the 2024 Celebrities Entertainment Awards in Canada, Nkechi Blessing publicly apologised to TAMPAN amidst tears.

In a viral video on social media, she said, “I am so sorry for all that I did. I’m begging from the bottom of my heart that I miss the industry. You all made me who I am today. I’m being celebrated all over the world because of you. Please, I’m sorry.”

In response, TAMPAN’s president, Mr Latin, acknowledged her apology bringing a sense of resolution to the situation while actor Odunlade Adekola praised her for the public apology.

Recall that Baba Ijesha was sentenced to prison by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of Ikeja Special Offences Court in July 2022, after over 12 months of trial.

‘Disrespect towards Davido too much’ – Nasty Blaq

Skit maker, Nasty Blaq has bemoaned the rate at which singer Davido is getting “disrespected” online.

Blaq lamented that the DMW boss is getting “way too much” disrespect.

He claimed that people were taking advantage of his kindness.

On his X handle, he wrote, “The disrespect davido is getting is way too much sha, man just wants to help people and that’s all.”

Nasty Blaq’s post was against the backdrop of content creator, Korty EO, calling out Davido and his team for allegedly ordering her not to post an interview video she shot with the singer after initially granting her permission.

“They [Davido’s team] agreed that I should re-edit this video and now have said I must not post the video for reasons I still don’t understand. I am not scared of anyone, but I am wise enough to stay out of battles I’m not equipped for,” she wrote.

“I’ve filmed so many artists who eventually tell me not to post the video. If you don’t want people to see you for who you are, please do not come on my show. Stop wasting my time.”

Singer Portable tackle babymama, Ashabi

Controversial street-pop singer, Portable, has resumed fighting with his baby mama, Actress Ashabi Simple on social media.

Portable blasted the actress for showing him what he described as fake love barely a month after welcoming their second child together.

Ashabi had praised herself in a video shared on Instagram. She tagged herself as “a blessed, happy, determined, peaceful and grateful woman”.

Portable, who was triggered by the post, took to the comment section to blast Ashabi for praising herself, noting that she got pregnant for him because of her quest for fame.

He wrote; “You dey look for fame that is why you born for star. No dey use your own fake love dey spoil real love for me.

“Your leg no good oo, you need prayer.”

Ashabi and Portable unfollowed each other in January 2024, following the actress’s interview on ‘Talk to B’ podcast.