Category: Entertainment
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.
UNESCO Adds 26 New Sites to World Heritage List
UNESCO has announced the addition of 26 new sites to its prestigious World Heritage List, recognizing locations of exceptional cultural, historical, and natural value. The newly inscribed sites span across continents, from ancient ruins in Turkey to biodiversity hotspots in Africa and sacred landscapes in Australia. In Turkey, the ruins of Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe—remnants of a powerful Iron Age civilization—were added to the list. The site includes a historic settlement, cemetery, and ancient temples. In Africa, several key locations earned recognition: In Brazil, the Peruaçu River Canyon was recognized for its dramatic landscapes, extensive cave systems, and more than 2,000 plant and animal species. Australia’s Murujuga Cultural Landscape, featuring ancient rock formations and spiritual heritage sites of the Ngarda-Ngarli people, was also inscribed for its cultural and spiritual significance. UNESCO’s list also grew with several Asian sites, highlighting the continent’s rich cultural and natural diversity.
Saudi Tourism Minister Begins Tour of Summer Destinations in Taif
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has kicked off a series of field tours to destinations featured in the Kingdom’s Saudi Summer program by visiting Taif governorate. The program, launched in May under the slogan “Color Your Summer,” runs until September and highlights attractions across Jeddah, the Red Sea coastline, Taif, Baha, and Asir. The initiative offers over 250 exclusive deals through partnerships with more than 200 private-sector entities. During the visit, Al-Khateeb, who also chairs the Saudi Tourism Authority, inspected major tourist landmarks in Taif, reviewed facilities, and evaluated service quality. Al-Khateeb praised Taif’s natural beauty, mild climate, and cultural heritage, noting its potential as a leading tourism hub in the Kingdom and the wider region. According to Saudi Press Agency data, Taif welcomed 3.6 million tourists in 2024, representing a 9% increase from 2023, with annual tourism spending reaching SR3.4 billion ($906 million). At the program’s launch, Al-Khateeb stated: “This year, we aim to welcome more than 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round.”
Tosin Ologun’s Journey to Redefine Cultural Fashion Globally
Tosin Kehinde Ologun, the visionary founder of Táàńwá — a Yoruba term meaning “sought after” — is on a mission to elevate African cultural fashion to the global stage. Her design philosophy blends African heritage, storytelling, and sustainable slow fashion, creating timeless pieces that resonate with a diverse international audience. With nearly a decade of experience, Tosin has grown from an apprentice in Nigeria to an influential fashion entrepreneur with a footprint across Nigeria, the UK, and Asia. Her passion for fashion began in secondary school, where she experimented with sewing by crafting bags from local fabrics. In 2016, she formally trained as an apprentice, mastering garment construction and refining her creative skills through courses in fashion sketching, technical drawing, and design illustration. By 2019, she launched her first brand, Omotola Official, which gained recognition in Abuja for its bridalwear, Afro-contemporary pieces, and intricate craftsmanship that celebrated tradition while embracing modernity. The turning point came when Tosin relocated to the United Kingdom. Observing the appeal of her designs among Africans, Europeans, and mixed-race clients, she rebranded her label to Táàńwá, aligning with international standards while staying true to her cultural roots. By 2025, the brand was officially registered in both the UK and Nigeria, marking its presence in the competitive London fashion scene. Today, Táàńwá stands as a symbol of cultural pride and contemporary elegance, inspiring a new generation of designers to embrace their roots while pursuing global recognition.