Category: News

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?

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.

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.

The 2025 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) brought glitz, glamour, and powerful storytelling to Lagos, Nigeria, as film and television stars from across the continent gathered to celebrate African excellence in entertainment. One of the night’s biggest winners was Lisabi: The Uprising, starring Lateef Adedimeji, which took home several major awards, including Best Indigenous Language (West Africa) and recognition for Adedimeji’s powerful lead performance. The film was lauded for its compelling narrative and cinematic quality, marking it as one of the year’s most significant productions. Another major highlight included veteran actors Nkem ‘Osuofia’ Okoh and Sani Mu’azu being honored with the Industry Merit Award for their outstanding contributions to African cinema, while Kayode Kasum received the prestigious Trailblazer Award. Full List of AMVCA 2025 Winners: Best Indigenous Language (West Africa)🏆 Lisabi: The Uprising – Adedimeji Lateef Best Cinematography🏆 The Legend of The Vagabond (Queen Of Lagos) – Leo Purman Best Documentary🏆 Mai DùnDún – Ifeoluwa Best Digital Content Creator🏆 Iyo Prosper Adokiye Best Short Film🏆 Brukaci Best Unscripted M-Net Original🏆 Kassim Suleiman Overall Best🏆 Pastor Wants a Wife Best Scripted M-Net Original🏆 My Fairytale Wedding – Chinenye Nworah & Taiwo Adebayo Best Music/Score🏆 Seven Doors – Composer: Tolu Obanro Best Supporting Actress🏆 Mercy Aigbe – Farmer’s Bride Best Supporting Actor🏆 Gabriel Afolayan – Inside Life Trailblazer Award🏆 Kayode Kasum Industry Merit Award🏆 Nkem ‘Osuofia’ Okoh & Sani Mu’azu Best Lead Actress🏆 Chioma Chukwuka – Seven Doors Best Lead Actor🏆 Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors The 2025 AMVCA not only honored outstanding talent but also reaffirmed the strength and global potential of African storytelling. 📖 Read Full Details Here Would you like a visual summary or infographic of the winners?

The Abia State Government has announced plans to repurpose the newly constructed Government House, initiated by former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, into a five-star hotel, citing structural and safety concerns. The disclosure was made by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during an inspection of the three-storey building located at Ogurube Layout in Umuahia. Kanu described the edifice as unfit for habitation and a potential security risk, alleging that the previous administration hastily inaugurated an incomplete and poorly designed structure on the eve of their exit from office. “This place appears uninhabitable. There are no wardrobes anywhere. Most of what we saw were just empty halls,” Kanu said, expressing shock that the building was intended to serve as the governor’s official residence. He added that only the first floor was marginally completed, with the rest of the structure lacking basic amenities such as plastering and an operational elevator. He further warned, “If anybody missteps there, you can fall through the place to your death,” underscoring the building’s unsafe condition. The commissioner accused the previous administration of prioritizing political optics over structural integrity and safety. In a move to rectify what he described as a misguided project, Kanu revealed that Governor Alex Otti has approved the construction of a new Government House at the original site of the old Government House. He also dismissed the former administration’s claims that the old property was rented, asserting that it was legally acquired by the state. “Those in office before now were busy paying themselves rent from government coffers, deceiving the public they were paying rent for a Government House,” Kanu alleged. As part of a broader economic strategy, the current administration intends to convert the controversial Government House into a five-star hotel, which Kanu said would help generate revenue and stimulate tourism. He urged the public to support the government’s developmental vision and ignore opposition criticisms.

An early Saturday morning fire gutted six shops at the Police Barracks in the Omolewa area of Yemetu, Ibadan, Oyo State, leaving significant property damage but no reported casualties. The fire, which broke out around 2:09 a.m., affected six out of 24 lock-up shops located within the barracks. Mr. Yemi Akinyinka, General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to the press. According to Akinyinka, the agency received a distress call from a resident, Mr. S.O. Soyombo, and promptly dispatched a fire response team led by Mrs. Adedeji to the scene. “On getting there, it was discovered that the lock-up shops were on fire and we quickly swung into action. We were able to curtail the fire in time and restrict it from spreading to other nearby shops,” he said. Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from an overheated deep freezer that had been left plugged in overnight. The appliance reportedly caught fire, which quickly spread to adjoining shops. Akinyinka used the opportunity to urge members of the public to be safety-conscious by switching off and unplugging all electrical appliances when not in use, particularly at night. Read Full Details Here: News360NG

Nigerian televangelist and founder of Jesus Dominion International, Timothy Omotoso, has been rearrested in South Africa, just weeks after being acquitted of multiple charges including rape, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. South African police authorities confirmed that the 66-year-old preacher was taken into custody early Saturday morning in East London. According to National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Omotoso’s latest arrest stems from immigration-related matters. “Well, I know it’s Omotoso. He was arrested this morning around 5 o’clock in East London as he was finishing the church,” Masemola stated. “Inspectorate immigration of the Department of Home Affairs, together with the South African Police Service and TRT [Tactical Response Team], did effect the arrest. The arrest is based on immigration matters. He will appear in court somewhere around Monday, and everybody will know exactly what charges he’s facing.” Omotoso was first arrested in 2017 and faced a high-profile trial involving 32 charges including rape and human trafficking. Several young women, including minors at the time, testified that he had groomed and sexually exploited them under the guise of religious mentorship. Despite the serious allegations and lengthy trial, Omotoso was acquitted last month on all charges, a decision that sparked outrage among advocacy groups and women’s rights activists in South Africa. His sudden rearrest has raised fresh questions and renewed media attention on the controversial preacher, with immigration authorities expected to clarify the specific violations during his court appearance on Monday. Read Full Details Here: News360NG

Popular social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has announced his intention to take legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if the agency publishes a photograph of him with allegations of money laundering. In a video shared on social media following his release from EFCC custody, VeryDarkMan revealed that a photo was taken of him holding the agency’s signature placard. He warned that should the EFCC publish the image on its website or social media and label it with a money laundering allegation, he would sue. “EFCC, I want us to start a friendship, but what could ruin that friendship is if you people post the picture you took of me and label it as money laundering,” he said. “If you post that picture claiming it’s about money laundering, then you should also release the full context behind it.” The influencer emphasized that posting the image with such a caption would amount to defamation, and he would challenge it in court. “If I see my picture on your website with a caption suggesting money laundering, you’ll have to prove it. That’s where our issue will begin—and we will settle it in court. It might even become the first open court case of its kind. If you go ahead and post it, it simply means the picture with the alleged money laundering claim is false,” he said. VDM further claimed that his phone remains in the custody of the EFCC and expressed concerns that his private information could be compromised. Despite these tensions, he referred to the EFCC as a “potential future friend,” saying their relationship hinges on how the agency handles the situation. “I don’t mind anything else you put up—no problem. In fact, I even want to use your placard as my profile picture,” he added jokingly. “But if you associate it with lies, we’re going to court.” He also criticized GTBank, the financial institution reportedly connected to the location where he was arrested, accusing them of releasing misleading content online during his ordeal. “As for GTBank, I’m coming to explain what happened. What you people did is crazy, I’ve seen the various images and videos you posted online. Did you think I wouldn’t survive or come out? I’m out now, and I have evidence. Your only saving grace is if the EFCC deletes those videos. I have the full footage of how everything happened,” he stated. VeryDarkMan warned that if the EFCC publishes misleading content, not only will it harm his image, but it will also backfire on the commission. “Yes, you’re a big agency, part of the government, but I promise you—I’ll give you stress,” he warned. “It will damage your image and integrity. And it will further prove that what you posted online isn’t the truth.” The outspoken influencer’s comments have added to public interest in his arrest and the EFCC’s handling of his case, as concerns mount over accountability and the treatment of individuals in custody.