Category: Entertainment
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.
Singer Bad Bunny Named Greatest Pop Star of 2025
Global music sensation Bad Bunny has been crowned the biggest pop star of 2025, topping Billboard’s annual Greatest Pop Stars ranking ahead of some of the industry’s most dominant names. The music publication unveiled the Puerto Rican superstar as number one on Friday, placing him ahead of Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift. According to Billboard, Bad Bunny’s top ranking was driven by the massive success of his album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, his sold-out “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí” residency, and his foray into acting with a role in Happy Gilmore 2. The announcement comes during a particularly busy stretch for the artist, who is expected to make high-profile appearances around the Grammy Awards and headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Taylor Swift secured the second spot on the list, marking yet another year she narrowly missed the top position. A recent fan poll reflected similar expectations, with nearly 70 per cent of respondents predicting Bad Bunny would finish ahead of her. With a landmark year behind him and major performances still ahead, Bad Bunny rounds off 2025 firmly established as pop music’s defining star.
Nollywood Actress, Angela Okorie Gets N5m Bail
A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, admitted a Nollywood Actress, Angela Okorie, to a N5 million bail with one surety in like sum for allegedly cyberbullying Mercy Johnson-Okojie, who is also an actress. Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on Okorie’s bail application moved by her lawyer, Earnest Nwoye, held that though the prosecution opposed the request, there was no concrete evidence before the court to prove that the defendant would jump bail if granted. “Therefore, I am minded to grant the bail in the interest of justice,” Justice Nwite said, noting that bail is at the discretion of the court which must be exercised judicially and judiciously. The judge admitted Okorie to N5 million bail with one surety, who must depose to affidavit of means and must be a level 13 civil servant. He warned that the surety must produce his appointment letter and letter of their last promotion in the service. The judge ordered Okorie’s and her surety to submit two passport photographs to the court registrar and that the residence of the surety must be verified by the registrar. Justice Nwite, who adjourned the matter until March 23 for trial, ordered Okorie to be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
68th Grammy Award Nominations [FULL LIST]
Rapper Kendrick Lamar has emerged as the most-nominated artist ahead of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, set to hold on Sunday in Los Angeles. Lamar leads all contenders with an impressive nine nominations, further cementing his status as one of the most influential and critically acclaimed artists of his generation. His strong showing places him at the forefront of this year’s awards race across several major categories. Trailing closely behind is Lady Gaga, who secured seven nominations, while Bad Bunny, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, and R&B singer-songwriter Leon Thomas each earned six nods apiece. With the ceremony just days away, anticipation continues to build as fans and industry insiders await what promises to be a highly competitive and star-studded Grammy night. Below are the different categories and the nominees. Album of the Year Debí Tirar Más Fotos – Bad Bunny Swag – Justin Bieber Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse (Pusha T & Malice) Mayhem – Lady Gaga GNX – Kendrick Lamar Mutt – Leon Thomas Chromakopia – Tyler, The Creator Record of the Year DtMF – Bad Bunny Manchild – Sabrina Carpenter Anxiety – Doechii Wildflower – Billie Eilish Abracadabra – Lady Gaga luther – Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA The Subway – Chappell Roan APT. – Rose and Bruno Mars Song of the Year Abracadabra – Lady Gaga Anxiety – Doechii APT. – Rose & Bruno Mars DtMF – Bad Bunny Golden (From “KPop Demon Hunters”) – HUNTR/X luther – Kendrick Lamar with SZA Manchild – Sabrina Carpenter Wildflower – Billie Eilish Best New Artist Olivia Dean KATSEYE The Marías Addison Rae sombr Leon Thomas Alex Warren Lola Young. Pop Categories Justin Bieber (Daisies) Sabrina Carpenter (Manchild) Lady Gaga (Disease) Chappell Roan (The Subway) Lola Young (Messy). Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande (Defying Gravity) HUNTR/X (Golden) KATSEYE (Gabriela) Rose & Bruno Mars (APT.) SZA with Kendrick Lamar (30 For 30). Best Pop Vocal Album Swag (Justin Bieber) Man’s Best Friend (Sabrina Carpenter) Something Beautiful (Miley Cyrus) Mayhem (Lady Gaga) I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2) (Teddy Swims) Rap Categories Best Rap Album Let God Sort Em Out (Clipse) Glorious (GloRilla) God Does Like Ugly (JID) GNX (Kendrick Lamar) Chromakopia (Tyler, The Creator). Best Rap Performance Cardi B (Outside) Clipse feat. Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams (Chains & Whips) Doechii (Anxiety) Kendrick Lamar feat. Lefty Gunplay (tv off) Tyler The Creator feat. Teezo Touchdown (Darling, I). Music Video and Global Music Best Music Video Manchild (Sabrina Carpenter) So Be It (Clipse) Anxiety (Doechii) Love (OK Go) Young Lion (Sade). Best Global Music Album Sounds of Kumbha (Siddhant Bhatia) No Sign of Weakness (Burna Boy) Éclairer le monde – Light the World (Youssou N’Dour) Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) (Shakti) Chapter III: We Return to Light (Anoushka Shankar) Caetano e Bethania Ao Vivo (Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia).
Slimcase Overjoyed as D’banj Gifts Him ₦65m SUV After CREAM Ambassador Deal (Video)
Popular Nigerian hypeman, Slimcase, couldn’t hide his excitement after music star D’banj surprised him with a brand new SUV reportedly worth ₦65 million. The excited entertainer shared a video of the luxury vehicle on his Instagram page on January 30, 2026, revealing that the gift followed his appointment as a brand ambassador for D’banj’s C.R.E.A.M platform. Slimcase’s reaction quickly went viral as he appeared visibly shocked while receiving the car key from D’banj. In the clip, he was seen inspecting the vehicle, removing his shirt in excitement, lifting the singer in celebration, and later prostrating as a sign of gratitude. The C.R.E.A.M platform—an acronym for Creative, Reality, Entertainment, Art and Music—was launched by D’banj in August 2016 in partnership with Sterling Bank. The initiative is aimed at discovering, supporting, and promoting indigenous creative talents across Nigeria. Slimcase’s appointment as ambassador and the accompanying SUV gift come amid recent online controversy involving fellow hypeman Mr Real and criticisms of the platform. Sharing the video, Slimcase congratulated D’banj on the innovation and celebrated the collaboration between CREAM and Sterling Bank, while also hailing himself as the platform’s first brand ambassador. The overexcited Slimcase, while sharing the video accompanied it with the caption; “A Very Big Congratulations 🎊on your innovation @iambangalee on your new Car production and A Big Congratulations 🎊to @thecreamplatform and @sterlingbank for collaborating in the production of “Li” and also A Big Congratulations🎊 to @iam_slimcase for being the First Brand Ambassador for the company 🎊🎉🥳.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by BIG SLIM (@iam_slimcase)
‘I’m Struggling With Staying Celibate’ – Iyanya Laments
Popular Nigerian singer Iyanya has spoken candidly about his ongoing struggle with maintaining celibacy, admitting that his resolve often weakens when he meets attractive women. The Ur Waist crooner made the revelation during a conversation on the Afropolitan podcast, where he described his celibacy journey as inconsistent and challenging. According to him, while he sometimes commits to staying celibate, temptation often derails his efforts, leaving him with mixed feelings afterward. Iyanya explained that although he sometimes regrets breaking his celibacy, staying consistent remains difficult. He added that the experience often makes him miss the discipline he was trying to maintain in the first place. The 39-year-old singer also revealed that he is not considering marriage at the moment, saying he does not feel mentally ready. He noted that maturity has taught him the importance of honesty in his relationships, stressing that he now clearly communicates his emotional state to people he meets. According to Iyanya, being upfront about where he is in life has helped him avoid misleading others or