Category: Entertainment
Top Boy Actor Micheal Ward Charged with Rape and Sexual Assault
British actor Micheal Ward, known for his role as Jamie in the Netflix hit series Top Boy, has been charged with multiple sexual offences, including two counts of rape. The 27-year-old has also been charged with two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault, all relating to a single alleged victim. The offences are reported to have occurred in January 2023 . Ward, who lives in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, is scheduled to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 28 August, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). In a statement released through his representatives, Ward denied the allegations, saying, “I recognise that proceedings are now ongoing, and I have full faith that they will lead to my name being cleared.” Catherine Baccas, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, emphasised the seriousness of the matter: “We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and he has a right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.” Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, who is overseeing the Metropolitan Police investigation, stated that specialist officers continue to support the complainant. Ward rose to fame with critically acclaimed roles in Blue Story, The Old Guard, and Empire of Light. He was awarded the BAFTA Rising Star in 2020 and received Best Supporting Actor nominations for his performances in Small Axe (2021) and Empire of Light (2022). He is also set to appear in the upcoming American film Eddington, starring alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, scheduled for release in the UK this August. Beyond acting, Ward has a significant public profile, with over a million followers on Instagram. He participated in last year’s Soccer Aid charity match and gave a reading at the Christmas Eve carol service hosted by the Princess of Wales in 2023.
Iyabo Ojo Becomes Grandmother as Daughter Priscilla Welcomes Baby Boy with Juma Jux
Popular Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has officially become a grandmother following the birth of her daughter Priscilla’s first child with Tanzanian musician and husband, Jumma Jux. The joyful news was shared by fellow actress Tawa Ajisefini-Ali via her verified Instagram handle, @tawaajisefinni. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMgSyKhyQX9 In her post, delivered in Yoruba, Tawa congratulated Iyabo Ojo, Priscilla, and Jumma Jux on the arrival of their baby boy. She also offered prayers for the couple, wishing them continued blessings in their new journey as parents. Tawa further expressed heartfelt joy for her senior colleague Iyabo Ojo, celebrating her new status as a grandmother.
Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76 Weeks After Final Black Sabbath Concert
Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, famed for his role as the frontman of Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 76, weeks after performing his farewell concert. Osbourne, who had lived with Parkinson’s disease for several years, passed away on Wednesday morning, surrounded by his family. His death was confirmed in a statement released by his wife Sharon Osbourne and their children Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and Louis. “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love,” the family said. “We ask everyone to respect our privacy at this time.” Earlier this month, Osbourne delivered what was described as his “final bow” during a special Black Sabbath concert at Villa Park in the U.K., performing from a throne due to his declining health. Tributes are pouring in from across the music world, with fellow rock legends and fans celebrating his decades-long impact on heavy metal and popular culture.
Miss Nollywood International 2025 Hassana Ozohu Salisu Declares for Actors Guild of Nigeria Election in Kogi
Queen Hassana Ozohu Salisu, Miss Nollywood International 2025, entrepreneur, author, and beauty queen, has officially declared her intention to contest in the forthcoming Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) election in Kogi State. In a passionate statement, Salisu outlined her vision to transform the entertainment industry in Kogi, promising to champion collaboration, skill development, and resource mobilization for local artists. “Art is a powerful medium that transcends boundaries and influences culture. In Kogi State, we have a wealth of talent, but a lack of support and resources often limits our potential. I am stepping forward to advocate for a brighter future for all creatives,” she said. Her agenda includes initiating workshops and training programs, fostering partnerships with government and private organizations for funding and mentorship, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment sector. With over 2,000 active actors currently engaged in productions across Kogi, Salisu believes that strategic leadership within the AGN can position the state as a powerhouse in Nollywood. “The 2025 election is not just about me; it’s about us—the talented people of Kogi State. Together, we can craft a legacy where our stories are celebrated and our dreams fulfilled,” she added.
The Cosby Show’ Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies at 54
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the acclaimed actor best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54. Warner rose to fame in 1984 when he was cast alongside Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Keshia Knight Pulliam, and Tempestt Bledsoe on the beloved series. He remained on the show for its entire eight-season run, earning an Emmy nomination in 1986 for his performance. Beyond The Cosby Show, Warner starred in other hit series such as Malcolm & Eddie, and built a career spanning over four decades in film, television, and music. His passing marks the end of an era for fans who grew up watching him as part of one of television’s most celebrated families.
Bill Gates Features in First Nigerian Comedy Skit with MI Abaga, Broda Shaggi, and Layi Wasabi
Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has surprised fans by appearing in his first Nigerian comedy skit alongside MI Abaga, Broda Shaggi, and Layi Wasabi. The light-hearted skit, shared on MI Abaga’s Instagram, features Gates in a playful music studio scene, humorously giving lyrical suggestions for a track linked to veteran artist Ms. Veno Marioghae. While Gates has previously taken part in humorous PR videos, this marks his first direct interaction with African pop culture through comedy. The collaboration has quickly gone viral, sparking conversations online about how Nigerian creators are attracting global attention with innovative and unexpected content. The video has been widely praised for its creative blend of humor and star power, highlighting the growing global appeal of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Mr Eazi Opens Up on Year-Long Music Break
Nigerian music star Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has revealed the reason behind his year-long absence from the music scene. In a post on X, the Afrobeats singer said he deliberately took time off to rest and recharge after years of continuous work. “I’ve been on holiday all year. I started feeling guilty but then I realised I’ve been working since I was 15!! Rest is a blessing! Choplife season!” he wrote. The revelation offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of one of Africa’s most versatile music entrepreneurs. Beyond his global tours and chart-topping singles, Mr Eazi has built a reputation as the founder of emPawa Africa, a platform dedicated to mentoring and funding emerging African talent. His break comes after the release of his critically acclaimed debut album, The Evil Genius (2023), a genre-blending project that paired music with curated African art and personal storytelling. Married to actress and fashion entrepreneur Temi Otedola, daughter of billionaire Femi Otedola, Mr Eazi continues to balance personal life with business ventures and philanthropy, even as fans eagerly await his return to the studio.
Ayra Starr Becomes First African Artist to Earn Latin Diamond Certification
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African artist to earn a Latin Diamond certification. Her global hit collaboration, ‘Santa’ with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro, received the prestigious certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) after surpassing 35 million streams. Ayra Starr now joins fellow Nigerian artist Rema, whose track ‘Bubalu’ is certified Platinum, as the only African acts to hold RIAA Latin certifications. ‘Santa’ has also been certified multiple Platinum in Spain and Mexico. The song topped the Spanish music chart and climbed to No. 2 in Colombia, Ecuador, and Central America, solidifying her presence on the global stage.