Entertainment

More garlands for Funke Akindele

Published

2 months ago

March 1, 2026

One of the leading Nollywood actresses and film producers, Funke Akindele, was honoured by the The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), in a brief ceremony in Lagos.

She was presented with the awards she had won since 2020.

In attendance were several industry practitioners, including the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts, who was represented by the GM/CEO of the National Theatre, Mrs Tola Akerele; AVRS Chairman, Mahmood Ali-Balogun; AGN Vice President and actress, Dayo Amusa; President of the Association of Movie Producers, Dr Blessing Ebigeson; AFRIFF Founder, Chioma Ude; CEAN representative, Patrick Lee; DGN Vice President, Grace Edwin Okon, amidst several others.

Funke was presented with the Box Office Champion Award for the year 2020 with the film, ‘Omo Ghetto.’ The award was presented by the representatives of the guilds present at the event.

The box office queen was also presented with the Audience Choice Award (2024/2025) for the film, ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ presented by Mahmood Ali-Balogun; Box Office Champion (2024/2025) for ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ presented by Chioma Ude; and Box Office Champion (2025/2026) for the film ‘Behind The Scenes’ presented by Mrs Tola Akerele.

An elated Akindele expressed gratitude to every attendee, saying she appreciated the gestures.

She also reiterated that the success she enjoys today is due to her dedication, hard work, and diligence.

Speaking during the event, Dr Shaibu Hussieni said the reason for the event was that Akindele has achieved so much for herself and to the delight of the industry, such that it would not be right to present the awards to her without a proper event. He also noted that he has a career history with Akindele, which dates back many years and is happy to have been associated with her.

Entertainment

Anozie Ikemba impresses with New Single, Sisi Acada

Published

2 weeks ago

April 23, 2026

The Exclusives

Talented drummer, guitarist and music producer, Anozie Ikemba, has captivated listeners with his newly released single, Sisi Acada, which many fans are already describing as an instant hit.

The song blends a lively Afro-highlife rhythm with Ikemba’s mellow Yoruba vocals, creating a smooth and engaging sound. Carefully balanced tones and instrumentation make the track both vibrant and easy on the ears.

Sisi Acada was produced by renowned Nigerian music producer Femi Ojetunde, whose expertise adds depth and polish to the recording.

According to Ikemba, the song carries a rich history. He originally composed Sisi Acada decades ago during his student days at University of Ibadan in Oyo State, where he received encouragement from respected playwright and scholar Femi Osofisan. At the time, fellow students often saw him performing the song with his acoustic guitar at the Tuck Shop near the university’s drama theatre.

Following his years at the University of Ibadan, Ikemba remained active within Nigeria’s arts and music circles, performing with various bands before relocating abroad—first to South Africa and later to the United States.

Shortly after settling in the U.S., he composed a song dedicated to his city of residence, Bangor. The track eventually gained recognition as a community theme song, further boosting his popularity in the area.

Looking ahead, Ikemba plans to release more songs with the aim of compiling them into an extended play (EP) project.

Entertainment

No rift with Osupa, says Pasuma

Published

3 weeks ago

April 19, 2026

The Exclusives

Fuji music star Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma has addressed controversy over a leaked voice note in which fellow artist Saheed Osupa made remarks perceived as critical of his music.

In the audio, Osupa reportedly suggested that songs by Pasuma and Fuji music co-founder Kollington Ayinla may not stand the test of time, prompting swift reactions on social media.

The development triggered backlash from fans of both artistes, many of whom accused Osupa of hypocrisy, questioning how someone who publicly identifies as Pasuma’s friend could make such comments privately.

However, Pasuma has downplayed the tension, insisting that his relationship with Osupa remains intact.

Speaking during a recent live performance, the singer reaffirmed their bond, noting that despite the controversy, they still maintain regular communication.

“Osupa is still my friend. We may not see each other every day, but we talk on the phone regularly,” he said.

In a show of goodwill, Pasuma went on to perform some of Osupa’s popular songs during the event, further signalling that there is no lingering animosity between the two Fuji stars.

Entertainment

2Baba snubs Plantashun Boiz’s reunion

Published

1 month ago

April 2, 2026

The Exclusives

Nigerian music icon Innocent Ujah Idibia aka 2Baba has ruled out the possibility of a reunion with his former group, Plantashun Boiz, saying he is no longer interested in returning to the defunct trio.

The singer made this known during a recent radio interview with media personality Steve Onu, as part of activities marking his forthcoming 25 years on stage celebration.

On the chances of the group coming back together, 2Baba said that although he holds no grudges against his former bandmates, he has moved on from that phase of his career.

“Other members of the group can go ahead, but as for me, I’m not interested,” he said.

“I have no beef with anyone, but as for me, it’s not going to happen.”

Plantashun Boiz, made up of 2Baba, Blackface and Faze, was one of Nigeria’s most influential music groups in the early 2000s, known for hit songs that helped shape the modern Afro-pop sound before the trio went their separate ways.

Despite occasional calls from fans for a reunion, 2Baba’s latest comments suggest that such expectations may remain unfulfilled, as the veteran artiste continues to focus on his solo career and legacy projects.

The singer celebrated 25 years in the music industry with a special concert, further cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s most enduring and respected performers.

One of the members of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, Augustine Amedu Obiabo, had earlier called for a reunion of the iconic music group, Plantashun Boiz.

The group, which dominated the Nigerian music scene in the late ’90s and early 2000s, originally comprised Blackface, Faze, and 2Baba (formerly known as 2Face).

In a recent post on his Instagram page, Blackface urged his former bandmates to join him in a new mission aimed at fostering unity and peace.

He posed the question, “To be or not to be?” before inviting Faze and 2Baba to weigh in on the possibility of a reunion.

Blackface emphasised the importance of coming together not just for the music but for a greater cause—world peace.

The ‘Hard Life’ crooner called on his fans and followers to voice their opinions on the matter, stressing that the potential reunion is “not a small-time thing.”

He expressed his belief that unity is strength, urging his former group members to focus on their shared mission rather than past divisions.

He wrote, “Plantashun Boiz, the question now is to be or not to be and why? @fazealone @official2baba.

“My people, oya make una talk put mouth for this matter! We are on a mission for world peace and it’s not a small thing!

“Unity is strength and not division. Let’s go champs.”

Plantashun Boiz split in 2004, following the release of their sophomore album ‘Sold Out’.

In 2007, the band reunited for their third and final album, ‘Plan B,’ before splitting up again.