Malian singer Rokia Traore will be released from custody in Belgium, after striking a deal with her ex-partner over a child custody dispute, lawyers said Wednesday.
The musician has been incarcerated in Belgium since November after being extradited to the country from Italy over an outstanding two-year prison sentence.
Nigerian entrepreneur and politician Shina Peller has addressed widespread speculation surrounding a viral TikToker known as “Peller,” setting the record straight about the entertainer’s connection to his family.
In an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Shina Peller, who is also a prominent industrialist, confirmed that the TikToker is not related to the Peller family, renowned for its magical legacy and its connection to the legendary magician Professor Peller.
“The name ‘Peller’ was given to our father as a magician, and it’s a name that the family has adopted since the time of my father,” Peller explained.
While acknowledging the entertainer’s popularity, Peller clarified, “So, Peller, the comedian, is not a member of the Peller family. It’s a successful name. He’s just being smart. He’s been able to pop with the name. You can’t blame him, but I can tell you categorically that he’s not a member of the Peller family.”
Afrobeat superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has shared a heartwarming experience involving a producer who worked with him on his “Timeless” album.
Taking to social media, Davido recounted how the producer, after receiving his publishing check, visited his home to express gratitude by handing him $20,000.
“A certain producer/writer I started working with from Timeless. Finally, he got his publishing check, came to my house, handed me 20 thousand dollars, and said, ‘Baba, I thank you,’” Davido shared.
The singer expressed his delight at the gesture, adding that it was refreshing to see acts of kindness and gratitude still prevalent in the world.
“Happy to see there are still good people in this world! Being appreciated sure feels good! Love you, brother!” he wrote.
Anthony Joshua, the Nigerian-British heavyweight boxing star, has revealed that his top target for 2025 is finally stepping into the ring with his longtime rival, Tyson Fury, for their much-anticipated all-British heavyweight showdown.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Lagos after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the 35-year-old boxer said he is determined to face Fury in the new year and reclaim his place as a world heavyweight champion.
“2024, when I look back, I believe I could have done more. 2025, I want to do more and will ensure I use every opportunity,” Joshua said.
He admitted to having regrets over his performance in recent fights, including his loss to Daniel Dubois, but remains optimistic about the future.
“I should have won [against Dubois] but did not. Ups and downs do happen. My life is up and down. So, I get used to the turbulent times and keep riding the wave. I cannot stop there. My target for 2025 is Tyson Fury,” he added.
Joshua and Fury have been perennial rivals, with plans for their blockbuster fight falling through twice in the past due to contractual and scheduling issues. A clash between the two would be one of the most significant events in British boxing history.
Both fighters are currently without heavyweight titles. Joshua lost his belts to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, while Fury suffered consecutive defeats to Usyk in 2024, allowing the Ukrainian to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.
Social media influencer and critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), has admitted that his claim of N180 million being stolen from his NGO account by hackers was a prank.
VDM revealed the truth in a video posted on his Instagram page, explaining that the stunt was intended to expose what he described as the gullibility of social media users.
“80% of the people that use social media are dumb, and the whole thing that happened with the N180 million is a clear opportunity to show you. I deliberately did it to just show you people that you are stupid,” he said.
He clarified that no money was missing and that the funds were secure in his account. VDM stated that the false alarm was orchestrated to highlight how easily people spread unverified information online.
“The way people are so excited about bad is really sad. I told my website guy, shut the website, let us use these people catch cruise. Nobody bothered to ask for evidence. They just went with what is being said. I am so happy I did this,” he added.
The claim of stolen funds initially sparked widespread reactions on social media, with some sympathizing with VDM while others celebrated his supposed misfortune.
According to VDM, this reaction underscored the lack of critical thinking among social media users.
The admission has drawn mixed reactions, with some criticizing the stunt as unnecessary and misleading.
VDM, known for his outspoken commentary on social issues, has sparked debates before with his controversial remarks and stunts.
CEO of Kennis Music, Kenny Ogungbe, popularly known as Baba Keke, has refuted claims that he was responsible for the breakup of the legendary music group, Plantashun Boiz.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, Baba Keke addressed the long-standing rumours that the group split after Kennis Music signed 2Face Idibia.
He clarified that the group had already disbanded before 2Face approached him for a record deal.
“People have been saying I’m the one responsible for the breakup of Plantashun Boiz. That’s not true,” he said.
“2Face came to me himself after the group had broken up, saying he wanted to sign with Kennis Music, and Eedris Abdulkareem encouraged me to sign him, which I did.”
Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has achieved a remarkable milestone with her latest movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa, which has become the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of 2024, earning ₦511 million in just 12 days.
The movie has also set a new record as the fastest Nollywood film to surpass the ₦500 million mark, solidifying Funke’s reputation as a powerhouse in the Nigerian film industry.
Taking to Instagram to share her excitement, Funke expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and her fans for their unwavering support.
“Thank you, Lord!! Thank you, everyone!! I couldn’t have done this without your love and support!! God bless you all!!!” she wrote.
The actress, who is also the creator of the beloved Jenifa franchise, credited the success of her film to the immense love and loyalty of her fan base.
Everybody Loves Jenifa continues the comedic and heartwarming adventures of Jenifa, a character that has become iconic in Nigerian pop culture.
The film’s blend of humor, relatability, and strong storytelling has captivated audiences, propelling it to this historic achievement.
Popular Nigerian singer Burna Boy has reacted to the release of controversial artist Speed Darlington from police detention, following his arrest on November 27.
Darlington was rearrested barely two months after an initial confrontation allegedly instigated by Burna Boy.
The arrest came after Darlington taunted Burna Boy over his association with embattled American rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is currently facing multiple allegations of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
In a cryptic message shared on his Instagram Story on Tuesday, Burna Boy appeared to address the incident and the backlash he often faces from critics. He hinted that his position and reputation prevent him from taking certain actions.
“When they talk nobody cares, but it’s a Nuclear disaster when I react,” Burna Boy wrote.
“You all don’t know how lucky you are that I have too much to lose now, Walahi a lot of you wouldn’t be here no more. Anyway make I just go buy another thing relax.”
American rapper Kendrick Lamar has been crowned the ‘Greatest Pop Star’ of 2024 by Billboard, following an exceptional year marked by chart-topping music and a highly publicized hip-hop feud with Canadian rapper, Drake.
Lamar’s dominance on the Billboard Hot 100 this year was fueled by his beef with Drake, during which he released multiple hit songs, including the chart-topping single ‘Not Like Us’, which earned him widespread acclaim.
With this recognition, Kendrick Lamar becomes the first rapper to be named Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of the Year since Drake achieved the honor in 2018.
Billboard praised Lamar’s influence and musical achievements, highlighting his ability to merge commercial success with artistic depth, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most significant voices in contemporary music.
In related Billboard news, Mariah Carey’s timelMariah Carey’s Christmas Hit Breaks Recordess holiday classic ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ has tied with Lil Nas X’s ‘Old Town Road’ and Shaboozey’s ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ as the longest-running number-one song in the chart’s history, holding the top spot for an unprecedented 17 weeks.
Nigerian actress Lola Alao, a prominent figure in the Yoruba film industry, has announced the passing of her mother.
The Canadian-based actress, 55, shared the heartbreaking news on her Instagram page on Friday, posting pictures of her mother, including cherished moments they shared together.
In a heartfelt tribute, Alao expressed her deep love and sorrow, praying for her mother’s soul to rest in peace.
“Rest In perfect peace my beautiful mom,” she wrote.
“My beloved mom…you will forever be missed by every one of us. We love you, but God loves you more. Rest in perfect peace, my love.”
The announcement has drawn an outpouring of condolences from fans, colleagues, and friends in the entertainment industry, who have flooded her social media with messages of support and prayers.
Lola Alao is a well-loved actress with a career spanning decades in Nollywood, particularly in the Yoruba-language film sector. She is known for her versatile roles and contributions to the industry’s growth.