May 2025 | Page 30 of 43

Nigerian Fans Rejoice as Historic Doctor Who Episode Lands in Lagos

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago05 mins

In a historic moment for Nigerian fans and the global sci-fi community, the iconic British series Doctor Who is making its first-ever stop in Africa—right in the heart of Lagos. For over six decades, the Doctor has traversed galaxies and timelines, but this Saturday’s episode marks a major milestone: the first full storyline set on the African continent, with Lagos serving as the bustling backdrop. Among the fans eagerly awaiting the episode is Adesoji Kukoyi, a lifelong Whovian from Nigeria who fondly remembers racing to the TV whenever he heard the show’s unmistakable theme in the 1980s. “Whatever I was doing, maybe cleaning or doing homework, when I heard the ‘oooh-oooh-oooooh,’ I dropped everything,” Kukoyi told the BBC. Now 44, Kukoyi’s connection to the show runs deep—his phone even rings with the vintage theme music. “He [The Doctor] always spoke to me… like there’s somebody watching out for us,” he said. The upcoming Lagos episode, teased with the words “Welcome to Lagos, Nigeria” in last week’s trailer, promises to blend local culture with time-traveling thrills. Early previews suggest scenes set in a vibrant market, a Lagos barber shop, and possibly an encounter with Anansi, the mythical West African spider god. Ariyon Bakare, who stars in the episode as a mystical barber, hinted: “Expect a time-bending cultural ancestral collision… and hair, lots of hair.” The episode was written by Inua Ellams, a Nigerian-British poet and playwright, who felt it was high time the Doctor visited Africa. “In 62 years, a character known to traverse the universe has barely spent any time in Africa,” Ellams noted. “With Ncuti Gatwa now at the helm, new stories are finally possible.” Ncuti Gatwa, the first Black lead of African descent in the series, brings with him a new dimension that resonates with audiences worldwide—especially in Africa. “Nigerians are loud, gregarious people,” Ellams added. “The Doctor, in his own way, is just the same—boisterous, mysterious, but always saving the day.” Nigeria also holds a special place in Doctor Who history. In 2013, nine long-lost episodes from the 1960s were found in a Nigerian TV archive, sparking international excitement. Yet despite the celebration, challenges remain. The show no longer airs on Nigerian terrestrial TV and is available only via Disney+, limiting access for some fans. Still, Kukoyi believes the legacy is strong and growing. “There’s a dedicated troop of Nigerian Doctor Who lovers,” he said. “This Lagos episode might finally get my daughters to love the show like I do.” As the TARDIS touches down in Lagos this weekend, a new chapter in Doctor Who history begins—one that might inspire a whole new generation of African fans to dream beyond time and space. Would you like an image to go with this article, such as the Doctor in a Lagos market scene?

Nigerian Talent Shines Bright in Hollywood: A Rising Force in Global Cinema

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago05 mins

Nigerian actors are making an indelible mark on Hollywood, bringing powerful performances, cultural richness, and global perspectives to the world’s biggest screens. From blockbuster franchises to critically acclaimed dramas, these stars of Nigerian descent are not only excelling as actors but also shaping the narrative both in front of and behind the camera. Chiwetel EjioforA commanding presence in global cinema, Ejiofor—born to Nigerian Igbo parents—rose to fame with his Oscar-nominated role in 12 Years a Slave. His performances in Doctor Strange, The Lion King (2019), and his directorial debut, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, have solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s finest actors. John BoyegaBest known as Finn from the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Boyega’s range extends to gritty dramas like Detroit and the satire They Cloned Tyrone. With Nigerian heritage and a strong voice for equity, Boyega is carving out a dual identity as a performer and producer focused on empowering marginalized communities. David OyelowoRenowned for his portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Oyelowo—who has Yoruba and Igbo roots—continues to deliver impactful roles in films like The Butler and Queen of Katwe. As a director and producer (The Water Man), he remains committed to telling inclusive, diverse stories. Uzo AdubaA powerhouse of talent, Aduba gained fame with her Emmy-winning role in Orange Is the New Black. Her portrayal of Shirley Chisholm in Mrs. America and her lead role in In Treatment have further showcased her dramatic range and connection to her Nigerian heritage. Yvonne OrjiComedian and actress Orji is widely celebrated for her role in Insecure, earning award nominations and acclaim. Her HBO comedy special Momma, I Made It! and her book Bamboozled by Jesus reflect her sharp wit and Nigerian-American identity. Hakeem Kae-KazimKnown for his intense roles in Hotel Rwanda and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Kae-Kazim bridges Hollywood and Nollywood. He’s featured in Nigerian films like Half of a Yellow Sun, emphasizing his dedication to telling African stories. Dayo OkeniyiFrom The Hunger Games to Terminator Genisys, Okeniyi has grown into a versatile talent. His recent work includes Disney’s Iwájú and TV dramas like Shades of Blue, highlighting his expanding influence. Tomiwa EdunWith notable roles in Merlin, Doctor Who, and the FIFA video game series, Edun is a rising star who effortlessly blends traditional acting with new-age media, embodying the future of global entertainment. Cynthia ErivoA triple threat and EGOT hopeful, Erivo has already secured an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony. Her portrayals of Harriet Tubman and Aretha Franklin have received critical acclaim, cementing her legacy as one of the most powerful performers of her generation. From red carpets to director’s chairs, these Nigerian-rooted stars are redefining what it means to be global storytellers. Their presence in Hollywood not only celebrates African excellence but also signals a future where African voices are central to world cinema. Would you like a visual collage of these Nigerian Hollywood stars for publication or sharing?

Uriel Oputa Explains Why She Missed Out on Best Dressed at 2025 AMVCA

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Big Brother Naija star Uriel Oputa has opened up about why she didn’t win the Best Dressed Female award at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The coveted fashion titles were clinched by fellow BBNaija alum Liquorose Afije and actor/TV host Prince Nelson, who were crowned Best Dressed Female and Male, respectively. Both winners walked away with a ₦1 million cash prize. In a post shared on Instagram late Saturday, Uriel expressed pride in her look but admitted that lateness cost her the award. She maintained that her outfit was worthy of the title but wasn’t given due consideration because she arrived late to the event. “This is not to knock anyone’s design. Everyone looked stunning,” Uriel wrote. “But let’s be honest, the only reason I didn’t win best dressed is because I was not there on time. Nobody can tell me my dress didn’t eat.” Her statement sparked a wave of reactions online, with many fans praising her confidence and others agreeing that her look deserved more recognition. The 2025 AMVCA ceremony featured a glittering lineup of celebrities, dignitaries, and reality TV stars, all showcasing high fashion and celebrating excellence in African film and television.

ID Cabasa Refutes Akon’s Claim of Creating Afrobeats: It’s a Culture Not One Man’s Work

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

Veteran Nigerian music producer and executive ID Cabasa has pushed back strongly against recent claims by Senegalese-American artist Akon, who suggested he played a central role in the creation of Afrobeats. In a widely circulated interview, Akon asserted that his collaborations with Nigerian artists between the late 2000s and early 2010s were instrumental in birthing the now globally recognized genre. But Cabasa isn’t having it. Appearing on Wazobia FM, the acclaimed producer dismissed Akon’s claims, emphasizing that Afrobeats predates his involvement in the Nigerian music scene. While acknowledging Akon’s collaborations and distribution partnerships during that era, Cabasa stressed that several Nigerian artists—2Face Idibia, 9ice, and Timaya, among others—were already building Afrobeats’ foundation before Akon’s entry. “Akon for also tok say na he still discovered the likes of 2Face, Timaya, 9ice and Co,” Cabasa said in Pidgin. “Na the people wey he roll with when he come Nigeria, wey tell am say, ‘I’m the biggest person around this place.’ So, he properly feels he pioneered business and branding sides of Afrobeats.” Cabasa also debunked Akon’s claim that he discovered and signed Wizkid before the artist became famous. He clarified that Banky W was responsible for signing and grooming Wizkid under Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), which later collaborated with Akon’s label for distribution purposes. “Even the way wey he take dey tok about Wizkid, no be wettin the story be be that,” Cabasa said. “Yes, we collaborate with Akon in terms of distribution but e no mean say he go tok say na he create Afrobeats. Because Afrobeats no be wettin wey one person create, na culture.” The music executive concluded by stating that Afrobeats is a cultural movement, shaped by decades of talent, creativity, and grassroots support—not the invention of any single artist or executive. This rebuttal adds to the ongoing discourse on Afrobeats’ origins and the rightful recognition of those who laid the groundwork for its global rise.

Premier League Set for Champions League Bonanza as Battle for Final Spots Intensifies

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

The Premier League is poised to send a record five clubs to the UEFA Champions League for the 2025–26 season, thanks to its stellar performance in European competitions this year. With just two league games remaining, the fight for those final UCL spots is heating up—with six teams still in contention and drama guaranteed until the final whistle. Liverpool have already secured their place, while Arsenal, currently sitting on 67 points and playing Liverpool, need just three more to mathematically guarantee their qualification. With their consistency this season, it’s all but certain they’ll return to Europe’s top tier. Guaranteed European football is now confirmed for all clubs in the current top seven, but the scramble for the final three Champions League places is fierce. Manchester City’s unexpected draw against last-place Southampton has put their top-five finish in jeopardy, while Aston Villa seized the moment with a gritty 1-0 away win at Bournemouth. On Sunday, Newcastle’s pivotal home victory over Chelsea gave them a vital edge, while Nottingham Forest lost ground after a frustrating 2-2 home draw with already-relegated Leicester City. Final Day Showdown Looms All eyes are now on the final day of the season, when Chelsea visit Nottingham Forest in what could become a winner-takes-all clash for a Champions League spot. Europa League Twist Adding even more intrigue, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face off in the Europa League final on May 21. The winner will be handed a Champions League ticket, potentially bumping the total Premier League representation to six clubs in the UCL and nine in Europe overall—an unprecedented haul for English football. As the campaign nears its dramatic climax, every point and every goal could make or break a club’s European dream.

Raphinha’s Double Fires Barcelona to Thrilling 4-3 Comeback Over Real Madrid in El Clasico

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Barcelona pulled off a dramatic comeback on Sunday night at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium, overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat archrivals Real Madrid 4-3 in a high-octane El Clasico clash that edges them closer to clinching the LaLiga title. Real Madrid stormed into the match with early dominance, thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappe that silenced the home crowd and handed Los Blancos a commanding lead. But Barcelona, determined not to crumble under pressure, roared back in sensational fashion. Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha each found the back of the net in a 15-minute blitz, stunning the visitors and flipping the game on its head. Raphinha then capitalized on a defensive blunder by Lucas Vazquez just before halftime to make it 4-2, giving the Catalans a crucial cushion. Mbappe completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute, sparking hopes of a Real Madrid revival, but Barcelona held firm to seal a vital three points. With three games left in the season, the win propels Barcelona seven points clear at the top of the table. One more victory would secure their 28th LaLiga title, while Real Madrid are now staring at a trophyless campaign. The result not only boosts Barcelona’s title ambitions but also underscores the resilience and firepower within Xavi’s squad—especially with Raphinha rising as a key figure in the most crucial stage of the season.

Chelsea’s Champions League Hopes Hang in the Balance Ahead of Decisive Clash

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

As the Premier League season nears its conclusion, Chelsea’s quest for a Champions League spot remains uncertain. Currently fifth in the standings, the Blues are level on 63 points with Newcastle United and Aston Villa, making their upcoming fixture against Newcastle at St. James’ Park crucial. Under manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have found form, winning their last five matches, including a notable 3-1 victory over Liverpool. Key players like Cole Palmer, Moisés Caicedo, and Nicolas Jackson have been instrumental in this resurgence. However, Newcastle’s strong home record, with five consecutive wins at St. James’ Park, poses a significant challenge. The Magpies have also been in impressive form, securing seven wins in their last ten league games. The Premier League is set to have six clubs in the 2025/26 Champions League, thanks to an extra spot awarded due to English clubs’ performances in European competitions. With Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City already securing their places, the battle for the remaining spots intensifies. Chelsea’s fate hinges on their performance against Newcastle and the outcomes of other contenders’ matches. A victory would bolster their chances, but a loss could see them overtaken by rivals. The stakes are high, and the Blues must deliver a strong performance to secure their place in Europe’s elite competition.

Sex, Drugs & Illegality: Inside The World Of Ajah’s Travellers Lodge

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago026 mins

if you pass through the streets of Ajiwe in Ajah town, Lagos, during the day, you’ll notice a lot: sprawling residential estates lining the road, mom-and-pop shops, a few POS operators, children playing roadside games, and the bustling “God is Good” motor park. A more observant passerby, however, will spot a dingy, beige-coloured, three-story motel called “Travellers Lodge” beside the park. During the day, it’s a casual spot to watch football, grab a drink at the local bar, or buy a pack of Indomie. But as night falls, the motel becomes more than a safe haven for a weary traveller. It becomes a darker identity: a haven for sex work. It’s a common sight to see young women, some teenagers, with revealing mini-skirts and flashy hairstyles loitering around the entrance and veranda, shaking their hips seductively to the rhythm of loud afrobeat music blaring through the speakers; enticing male customers, including noisy intoxicated men from the streets and bus ‘agberos’ (conductors) from the bar, to their rooms. I know of this because I have lived in the estate near the surroundings for ten years. I have passed the premises both night and day, and I always knew that something strange was going on. But I never knew the full extent of the happenings there, until I stumbled upon my unlikely confidante, a cleaner named Berenice. Berenice*, who had worked in the lodge since 2020, knew every hidden corner in the motel and had witnessed certain injustices, such as the beating and slapping of these young girls. It was through her accounts of tearful young girls and the men who paid for their innocence that the true extent of the lodge’s dark secret was revealed. With her help, my colleague Kabir and I were able to infiltrate the premises and learn more about what the lodge truly is. The stories of Sweet, Faith and RoseOn different occasions, Kabir and I went undercover to Travellers Lodge as a customer and a prospective sex worker, respectively. For Kabir, his experience was filled with propositions by three sex workers – Sweet*, Faith* and Rose* – at the bar, a large outdoor space with white plastic chairs and tables. You could buy your drinks at the counter, sit down, and watch the ladies dance on the mounted pillars when they’re available. He was able to convince them to take him to their rooms, where all three women shared their stories. “It’s just the “hustle”” Sex work for Sweet did not come as a choice but as the only logical explanation towards making money. Her story starts in 2014 when she finished secondary school and came to live with her uncle in Lagos from Rivers State. His wife was rarely at home, and could only be seen once every two weeks. This gave the uncle an opportunity to touch her indecently in her private areas. “Once that happened to me, I just knew that I had to leave. I spent some years hawking on the streets before a friend introduced me to this place, where I could get more money. Since then, I don’t regret the experience. There are men who come here without even f***ing me. One man came here for two hours, bought me food and drinks, and left without doing a thing. It might not be a good job, but if you know what you’re doing, you’ll enjoy this place. It is just the hustle,” she explained. Money for Sweet isn’t bad at all. She claims to make up to N50,000 on good nights, and her rent is N6,000 daily (which is the same for all the sex workers). “If you’re not always owing them, you can ask them to go and come back later,” she said. Sexual violence is a common experience for many of the young women at Travel Lodge. However, such is not peculiar to them. In 2022, Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a significant rise in rape cases. The World Health Organisation says nearly one in three women (approximately 30 per cent) globally have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or acquaintance at some point in their lives. “Be nice to them and they won’t harass you”On another occasion, Rose, who also works as a caterer at the lodge, explained to Kabir the process of becoming a sex worker at the lodge – be attractive and have the ability to afford the first day’s rental fee upfront. Unlike a white-collar job, you can even define your working hours: Rose has a “15-hours off, 15-hours on.” Like Sweet, Rose also came to the lodge by unfortunate means, as her shop in Lagos got burnt in October, alongside her place of residence. “Everything I do here is to help me provide money for myself until I can get enough money to have my own place again,” she explained. “My family cannot know about this”Unlike Sweet and Rose, not everyone arrived at the lodge in tragic circumstances. Some of the women did not become sex workers due to lack of money. One such woman is Faith, whose older sisters reportedly study medicine and law in the UK. Faith also said her mother is a “Nollywood actress.” She said her parents think she works as a receptionist in a Lagos firm. Faith, however said she is not proud of the work she does. “I can’t even allow my younger sister into this trade,” she said. “She smokes and dresses scantily, but some of the men here are too rough for her tastes. I too, am only here until my sugar daddy is ready to take me away from this place.” When asked if she considers the possible health implications of sex work, she said she takes precautions. “I just went for an HIV test last month, and I am clean,” she said. How did the Travellers’ Lodge come to be? According to Berenice, the lodge has “different stories” of origin, depending on who you ask. “Some will…