Category: Entertainment
Funke Akindele Called, Warned Me Against Mentioning Her Name in Interviews – Kunle Afolayan
Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has revealed that actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele personally cautioned him against mentioning her name during media interviews. Afolayan made the disclosure on Sunday during an interview with ARISE News, while reacting to the controversy that followed his earlier comments on the pressures and demands of promoting cinema films in Nigeria. According to the filmmaker, Akindele called him angrily and accused him of deliberately referencing her during discussions about movie promotion. “Listen, Funke called me yesterday, and all she was saying… she called and said, ‘Mr Afolayan, I know you don’t like me, but don’t mention my name in your interviews,’” he said, adding that she raised her voice and ended the call abruptly. Afolayan explained that he later reached out via text message to clarify his intentions. “I texted her and said I don’t know what must have caused this, but it’s fine, and I explained a few things to her, and that was it,” he added. The filmmaker contrasted Akindele’s reaction with that of actress Toyin Abraham, whom he said understood his point and even turned it into a skit. “Toyin Abraham and I spoke, and she said, ‘Egbon, I get what you’re saying,’ and she turned it into a skit where she was jokingly asking people to watch her film so she could make more than N10 million,” Afolayan said. Clarifying the context of his earlier remarks, Afolayan stressed that his comments were made at a film business forumwhere cinema operators questioned him about returning to cinema releases. “The cinema operators were asking me when I’m coming back to the cinema, and I said I can’t if you can’t guarantee that I’ll make substantial money,” he explained. He further noted that box office figures are often misleading, as filmmakers receive far less after deductions. “If a film makes N2 billion, after sharing, taxes, and deductions, what comes to you might be around N500 million,” he said. Despite the backlash, Afolayan insisted he harbours no ill feelings toward Akindele, describing her career as a model worth emulating. “I have absolutely nothing against Funke,” he said, revealing that he recently advised young filmmakers at the Rama Film Festival in Kaduna to adopt her business model. He praised Akindele’s consistent growth from her early success with Jenifa to the strength of her current brand, while admitting that the intense promotional energy her strategy requires no longer suits him. “She has grown consistently, and it’s working for her. I just don’t have that kind of energy anymore,” he said. The comments come after Akindele appeared to react to Afolayan’s earlier statements with a series of pointed posts on her Instagram story, urging creatives to avoid jealousy, focus on their individual paths, and develop alternative marketing strategies for their work.
Fast-Rising Singer Nanyah Reportedly Dies After Snake Bite
Fast-rising Nigerian singer and vocalist Ifunanya, popularly known as Nanyah_music, has reportedly passed away in a tragic incident that has left fans and the music community in shock. According to reports from close sources, the singer allegedly died after being bitten by a snake at her residence. She was said to have been rushed to a hospital for urgent medical attention, but despite efforts by medical personnel, she sadly did not survive. In the aftermath of the incident, a video clip has surfaced online showing a long black snake being held by a man whose face was not revealed. The clip has since fueled widespread reactions and condolences across social media platforms. Nanyah was a contestant on the fourth edition of The Voice Nigeria and was widely known for her powerful vocals and energetic live performances, particularly on social media where she frequently engaged with her growing fanbase. Notably, reports indicate that the singer was active on social media just hours before the tragic incident, making the news of her death even more heartbreaking for fans and followers. Tributes have continued to pour in online, with many remembering her as a talented performer whose career showed great promise.
Snoop Dogg’s Daughter Cori Broadus Announces Death of Her Baby Girl
Cori Broadus, the daughter of American rap icon Snoop Dogg, has announced the heartbreaking loss of her baby girl, Codi Dreaux. Cori shared the tragic news via her Instagram Stories, posting a black-and-white photo of herself smiling while holding her child. Overlaying the image, she wrote, “Monday I lost the love of my life. My Codi.” Her fiancé, Wayne Deuce, also took to Instagram Stories to mourn their daughter, sharing a series of emotional photos. “I been the saddest since u left me Codi Dreaux. But I know u at peace. Daddy will always love you,” he wrote over an image of himself holding the baby. “My baby,” he added. Cori is the youngest child of Snoop Dogg and his wife of over 35 years, Shante Broadus. The actress and entrepreneur had previously shared details of Codi’s birth in an Instagram post on March 1, 2025, revealing that her daughter arrived prematurely. “The princess arrived at 6 months,” she wrote at the time. Opening up about the emotional toll of the experience, Cori added, “I’ve cried and cried, I’ve compared and compared, blaming myself that I wasn’t able to give her all that she needed. But no matter what, God always shows me that I’m His Child! “Baby girl came at 25 weeks today and she’s perfect as ever!” she continued. “Thank You God for getting me this far no matter the odds that are constantly thrown against me.” In a separate Instagram Stories update shared the same day, Cori disclosed that she had undergone a C-section after doctors warned she was developing Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets, known as HELLP syndrome. Codi spent 10 months in the neonatal intensive care unit, NICU, before Cori announced earlier this year that she had finally been able to bring her daughter home. “She’s home,” she wrote in a January 6 Instagram post showing mother and child cuddling on a bed. “Thank you for every prayer, every message, every ounce of love. God heard them all.” The announcement of Codi’s passing has since drawn an outpouring of sympathy and support for Cori and her family.
Ayra Starr Names Burna Boy as Her Dream Collaboration Ahead of 2026 Grammys
Nigerian Afrobeat singer Ayra Starr has revealed that Burna Boy remains her top choice for a future music collaboration. The award-winning artiste made the disclosure during a Billboard interview with Love Island USA star, Chelley Bissainthe, while speaking about her nomination for the 2026 Grammy Awards. Reflecting on her journey and growing confidence in her career, Ayra Starr described the latest nomination as a reassuring moment, especially when compared to her first experience. “I am very grateful that I’m actually a two-time Grammy nominee. The first time I got nominated, it was like oh my God, I got nominated. “But the second time I was like maybe I need to trust God and myself a bit more. I have collaborated with many people, and I still want to collaborate with more people. But everyone knows Burna Boy is like my number one person I want to collaborate with,” she said. TRENDBRIO reports that Ayra Starr secured a Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for Gimme Dat, her collaboration with Wizkid, which was released in April 2025. The nominations were officially announced in November 2025, ahead of the Grammy Awards ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2026. Reacting to the honour, the singer reiterated that the recognition serves as reassurance of her growth and consistency in the global music space.
Funke Akindele Fires Back at Kunle Afolayan Over Comments on Cinema Profits and Marketing
Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has reacted to comments made by her colleague, Kunle Afolayan, on profit-making strategies in the Nigerian film industry and blockbuster cinema earnings running into billions of naira. Afolayan, in a series of videos, had criticised what he described as the current marketing culture surrounding cinema releases, questioning the sustainability and personal financial benefits of such strategies. Speaking during the launch of his movie Anikulapo, the filmmaker dismissed the idea of competing over box office figures, arguing that high gross earnings do not always translate to personal profit. “There is no competition between us. I don’t just want N1 billion or N2 billion in the cinema that I won’t be able to personally receive N10 million from,” he said. He further elaborated on his stance during an appearance at the Lagos Business of Film Summit, where he explained why he does not actively collaborate with cinema-focused marketing approaches. “I want to make a film if you can guarantee I don’t have to dance to sell. We need to come up with other strategies. How do we sell without exhausting ourselves? I don’t know how the likes of Funke Akindele and others are doing it. Creating skits every day, changing costumes all the time. I can’t do it,” Afolayan said. Reacting to the remarks via her Instagram story, Funke Akindele attributed his comments to jealousy and insisted that she was not responsible for anyone’s lack of progress in the industry. “I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye ni n ye ni,” she wrote. She encouraged creatives to focus on their individual journeys rather than comparing themselves to others, stressing that success comes in different forms. “If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. No allow jealousy burn you. The sky is so big for everybody to fly. Eyin Werey jojo. You can do it! The opportunities are endless, and everyone has their own path. I’m focused on mine, and I have faith in God’s plan for me. “Go ahead and create alternative promotion or marketing strategies for promoting your business, or hire a company to handle it”, she said. Trendbrio reports that Afolayan’s comments came against the backdrop of recent box office milestones, with Nollywood actresses Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele recording cinema grosses of N1 billion and N2 billion respectively.
Jide Kosoko Describes Emergence as Oloja of Lagos-Elect as Call to Service
Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has described his emergence as the Oloja of Lagos-elect as a serious responsibility rooted in service to culture and community. The 72-year-old actor was formally presented as the Oloja-elect on January 24 at the palace of the Elereko of Lagos, signalling a major transition in his public life beyond the entertainment industry. Speaking to journalists on Friday, Kosoko expressed excitement over his selection, stating that he believes the choice was well earned. He, however, did not state whether his new traditional role would affect his career in Nollywood. Following the announcement, Nollywood actor and theatre practitioner Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, congratulated Kosoko, describing the development as a testament to the discipline and relevance of professionals in the film industry. “Jide is not the only prince in Lagos or in the Kosoko family, but because of his intelligence and respect in the community, he was chosen as Oloja of Lagos,” Amusan said. Kosoko’s emergence places him among a growing number of entertainers who have assumed traditional leadership positions, including comedian and actor Okey Bakassi, who was crowned a monarch in his Imo State community last year. The Oloja of Lagos stool had been vacant since the death of Chief Adebola Ige in 2017. The announcement of Kosoko’s selection was made by Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, who officially presented him to members of the royal household and invited guests. As part of the ceremony, she raised his hand in public acknowledgment while traditional rites and prayers were observed. She was joined by the Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, who also serves as the head of the Meshimo Ruling House.
Wizkid vs Fela: Nigeria Has Bigger Problems to Fix – Femi Kuti
Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the growing trend of comparing today’s Nigerian music stars to his late father, iconic Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. According to him, such arguments add little value and distract from far more pressing national concerns. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Femi made it clear that he has no interest in engaging in the debate, stressing that Nigeria’s challenges go well beyond entertainment rivalries. “I wish it never came up. I’m not participating in it,” he said. He went further to criticise the state of governance in the country, lamenting the lack of meaningful leadership and direction. “The government doesn’t even know how to move people positively forward. It’s shameful.” The renewed conversation was triggered by comments attributed to Afrobeat star Wizkid, who claimed superiority over Fela in a remark directed at Seun Kuti. Wizkid was quoted as saying, “ I big pass your papa.” Not long after the controversy, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti received a posthumous nomination for a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an honour that reignited discussions about his enduring impact on Nigerian and global music. Reacting to this, Femi argued that his father’s legacy should not be measured against contemporary artistes. He described Fela as the bedrock of Nigeria’s music industry, whose influence transcends generational comparison. “Fela is the template musically and artistically in Nigeria. He should be put in a sector of his own and respected,” he said. While recognising the international success enjoyed by modern Afrobeat stars, Femi Kuti maintained that the emphasis should be on collaboration, unity and national development rather than competition. He also expressed frustration that decades after Fela’s death, many of the societal problems his father sang about still persist. “For 29 years, he has been gone, yet we are still discussing the same issues,” Femi said, noting that corruption, insecurity, tribalism and terrorism have only intensified. Femi Kuti concluded by encouraging Nigerians, especially the youth, to harness the global spotlight on Nigerian music as a tool for nation building and social change. “This recognition is good for Nigeria and Africa. We should use it to build the country, build our music industry, and come together,” he added.
‘Home Alone’ Star Catherine O’Hara Dies At 71
Reports circulating online claim that acclaimed Hollywood actress Catherine O’Hara, best known for her roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, has died at the age of 71. According to the reports, her agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), allegedly confirmed that O’Hara passed away at her home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. No cause of death has been disclosed. O’Hara rose to global fame for her memorable role as the frantic yet loving mother of Kevin McCallister in the first two Home Alone films, a performance that cemented her place in pop culture history. She later earned widespread critical acclaim and a new generation of fans for her portrayal of the eccentric and iconic Moira Rose in the Emmy-winning comedy series Schitt’s Creek, where she appeared in 80 episodes and won multiple awards. Her extensive filmography also includes standout performances in Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and several other projects that showcased her distinctive comedic brilliance. A Canadian native who began her career in improvisational comedy, O’Hara enjoyed a decades-long career spanning film, television, and stage, becoming one of the most respected figures in comedy. As of now, official confirmation from major news outlets is still being awaited. Fans and colleagues across the world have continued to reflect on her immense contributions to comedy and popular culture amid the circulating reports.