The Muslim community has been thrown into mourning following the passing of one of its most revered figures, Alhaji Muyideen Bello.

Born in 1940 in Ibadan, Alhaji Bello was widely respected for his profound teachings and unwavering dedication to Islamic scholarship.

The announcement of his demise was made by another prominent Islamic scholar, Alfa Aribidesi of At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah on Friday morning.

Corroborating the news of the demise, popular cleric and follower of the late Bello, who is also an Islamic singer, Alhaji Basit Olarenwaju popularly known as Aponle Anabi also shared the image of the 84 year old scholar with tearful emojis on his official Facebook page on Friday.

While details surrounding his death remain unclear, his passing marks the end of an era for a man who spent decades shaping the lives of countless individuals with his wisdom, guidance, and spiritual leadership.

Multiple reports from local media in Oyo State have also reported the demise of the revered cleric.

Similarly, the news of his demise was also confirmed by an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Taofeeq Akeugbagold in a post on Facebook on Friday morning.

He wrote, “Today is one of my saddest days! My father and mentor has returned to his Creator. SULTONUL WAHIZEEN of Yorubaland Sheikh Muyideen AJANI BELLO, may Allah be pleased with your soul. Aljannah fridaos for you. Our heart is full of grief and our eyes full of tears but we will say nothing but what will please our Creator, the sole commander of life and death – ALLAH.”

Meanwhile, PUNCH Online reports that details about his funeral arrangements have yet to be officially made public but there are unverified reports that the late Islamic scholar and Ibadan born preacher will be buried according to Islamic rites on Friday evening.

Popular singer, Wizkid’s latest album, “Morayo”, has made a debut at number 98 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling an impressive 13,000 units in its first week.

This feat was announced by Chart Data via X on Monday.

“Morayo”, released on November 22nd, is a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun, who passed away in August 2023.

The album features a diverse range of tracks, including “Troubled Mind”, “Karamo”, “Kese (Dance)”, “Bad Girl”, “Time”, “Piece of My Heart”, “Break Me Down”, “Bend”, and “A Million Blessings”. Other tracks include “Après Minuit”, “Bad for You”, “Soji”, “Don’t Care”, “Slow”, “Lose”, and “Pray”.

Wizkid collaborated with talented artists like Asake, Brent Faiyaz, Jazmine Sullivan, Anaïs, and Tiakola on the album.

Recall his 2020 hit album “Made in Lagos” recently became the most-streamed Nigerian album on Apple Music, and it also earned RIAA gold certification in 2022 after selling over 500,000 copies in the United States.

Singer Timaya has shared his reasons for remaining unmarried despite his successful career.

In a recent interview with Naija FM, Timaya revealed that he never fancied getting married, stating that it’s not something he’s ever been drawn to.

However, he didn’t rule out the possibility of changing his mind in the future.

“I’ve never been a married guy right from time but it can change because marriage ‘dey craze’? I just look at it like if I marry today, would I be able to get out? In all my previous relationships, I was the one who got out because I don’t like stress”, he said.

Timaya explained that his hesitation towards marriage stems from his desire for freedom and his dislike for stress.

The singer emphasised the importance of open communication in relationships, stating that he values honesty and transparency.

He explained: “If you have a problem with me, let’s talk about it because I don’t like going to bed thinking about things, I go die o. I don’t like anything to bother me at all.”

On fatherhood, Timaya shared that his children live with their respective mothers, but they maintain a close bond.

He explained that being a father can be stressful, but it’s also enjoyable.

Timaya revealed that he spends quality time with his children, and they often visit him for extended periods.

Despite not being in a romantic relationship with their mothers, Timaya emphasised that they have a respectful and familial relationship.

“Being a father is stressful because I love them too much but it’s enjoyable. My four kids live with their mothers so when I want to see them, I ask their mothers and they come to my house and we spend two to three months together then they go back to their mothers. Christmas is coming and they’d spend it with me as well, but their mothers don’t come because they’re in relationships. We’re all family now so I can’t date any of them, we’re family now and we respect each other”, he said.

Singer Ruger has spoken about his romantic relations with women.

Ruger, who described himself as a lover boy, noted that he recently discovered that relationships don’t work for him.

Speaking during an interview with Naija FM, the singer said his natural instinct is to get serious with someone, but he often loses interest.

“I’m a loverboy, it is now that I understand that relationships don’t work for me.

“But my first instinct when I see a girl is to think about getting serious with her. But later I just become unserious all of a sudden.

“Honestly, the most I can give female fan on stage is a flower. It is like we are working together. I don’t see it beyond the stage.”

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Tacha, has announced her plans to relocate to the United Kingdom.

She shared the news on her X handle, stating, “Relocating to the UK. So help me God.”

Tacha joins a growing number of Nigerian celebrities who have moved abroad in recent years, including stars like Wizkid, Genevieve Nnaji, and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, who have settled in countries such as the UK and the US.

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.”

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”!

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?”

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

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.”