Newsmakers in showbiz – The Nation Newspaper

In about three days from now, the yr 2019 will wind down. However the yr has not been with out exceptional incidents starting from the nice and glitzy to the ugly, soiled and downright loopy. Beneath are showbiz personalities, occasions and happenstances that made the yr tick, as compiled by OLAITAN GANIU, AKPAN SUNDAY, CHINENYE EZEKWE, DOLAPO AJIBOYE, CAROLINE OCHEKWU AND PRECIOUS ONUIGBO.

 

Tonto Dikeh spats with almost everybody

IT would appear that all through the outgoing yr, actress Tonto Dikeh is couldn’t recover from her divorce from husband, Olakunle Churchill. In April, she granted an interview the place she as soon as once more dished her estranged partner.

A few of her colleagues, together with comic Funnybone, who sought to supply her advise additionally obtained a style of her venom.

Tonto Dikeh was quoted as saying: “Ehm Funnybone, the place was your mouth and silly recommendation when this ineffective imbecile I married collectively along with his idiot azuka stored granting interviews each 4 days up till 6days in the past? Or is he dwelling in a special world that this isn’t two years after? Or your mouth was too heavy you to drop recommendation then?”

She, nonetheless, loved the yr together with her buddies just like the cross-dresser and lightening cream entrepreneur, Bob Dangerous.

 

Burna Boy inches nearer to a Grammy

FROM promoting out large concert events to successful international awards, 2019 has little question been Burna Boy’s yr.  Burna, whose actual identify is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, was nominated for the 2020 Grammy Awards for greatest world music album with ‘African Large’ in November.

Burna Boy joins different Nigerian acts like Seun Kuti, Femi Kuti and King Sunny Ade who had been beforehand nominated in the identical class.

Of 2019’s High 10 streamed songs on Apple Music in sub-Saharan Africa, Burna Boy had 5 songs on the listing. His official music video with Zlatan, Killin Dem, was probably the most trending music video in Nigeria on YouTube for 2019. And he was No. 1 on the 2019 CNN listing of High 10 African artistes.

On the final All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Burnaboy gained the Artiste of the 12 months and Finest Male Artist in West Africa for his track, Ye. Earlier within the yr, he gained Finest Worldwide Act on the 2019 BET Awards in addition to AFRIMMA Artiste, Music of the 12 months. He additionally gained the MTV EMA, VGMA and the Futures Award this yr.

Via this yr, Burna Boy has additionally shut down venues together with the Wembley Enviornment in London.

 

T-Boss’s child papa nonetheless a thriller

FOLLOWING stories alleging that former Massive Brother Naija housemate, Tokunbo Idowu a.ok.a. T-Boss was pregnant and was delivered of a child, the truth TV star debunked the report in July.

This was after some stories had identified Ubi Franklin because the youngster’s father.

Whereas it isn’t contestable that she obtained pregnant and was delivered of a child, the thriller that might not be unraveled is who the daddy of the newborn is.

 

2BABA HITS TWO DECADES ON STAGE

FOR Harmless Idibia, 2019 will stay indelible. The yr marks his 20th anniversary as an artiste.

In a year-long celebration, 2Baba, because the singer is referred to, marked the yr with a hashtag, #20 Years A King. The celebration will likely be wrapped with a live performance equally tagged ’20years A King’, on December 28, 2019, on the Eko Conference Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

When he celebrated his 44th birthday in September, 2Baba referred to as for peace in Nigeria.

“Totally different types of violence together with electoral, banditry, herders and farmers conflicts, kidnapping and terrorism have and proceed to grab the lives of Nigeria’s residents,” he had stated.

“Let’s be clear, this isn’t a salvo to assault the federal government. I’m not a politician however an artist and social rights crusader. I’m calling on authorities (i.e our political management, safety providers and many others.) and all residents (i.e artists, entrepreneurs, media, okada riders, and many others) to do the whole lot we are able to and should to advertise and assure peace.”

 

Davido rocks 2019 with charity, marriage and new child

EVEN famous person Davido couldn’t resist the teenage comedian mimics, Ikorodu Bois. And in appreciation of the efforts of the kids at mimicking former Senator Dino Melaye’s arrest and hospitalisation, in January, Davido gifted them the sum of N1 million.

Many followers thanked Davido for not solely recognising the boys’ skills but in addition giving them cash.

In July, Davido, who additionally goes by the alias ‘Omo Baba Olowo’ emerged because the richest Nigerian on Instagram. With a single publish valued at N26 million, Hopper HQ ranked him at no. 38 because the second richest in Africa and the richest in Nigeria. Different Nigerian entertainers on the listing are Funke Akindele Bello, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage.

Days earlier than his delivery on October 19, David Adedeji Ifeanyi Adeleke Jr, the unborn son of famous person Davido and Chioma bagged an endorsement take care of a Nigerian diaper firm.

Chioma uploaded footage of Davido on the occasion on Instagram and captioned it thus: “My Prince is Tremendous Wealthy from My Tummy, Congrats on Your New Deal With @marioandjulietbaby The Finest Child Diaper N Wipes. Boy We Simply Acquired Began. Extra Greatness to Come. Thanks a lot.”

Davido proposed to Chioma with a diamond-encrusted engagement ring on September 12, however not a lot was recognized in regards to the customised ring. It was later revealed that the ring was bought in a jewelry retailer, Diamonds by Dorgu, in Hatton Backyard, London.

 

‘Soapy’ retains Naira Marley on prime

IN June, hip hop star Naira Marley was arraigned by the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC) over an allegation of web fraud and was despatched to Ikoyi Jail. Earlier than he was remanded, he had launched a track titled ‘Am I a Yahoo Boy?’

Upon popping out, he appeared to realize extra recognition as he launched a track ‘Soapy’, which was additionally embraced by his followers who’re often known as Marlians. His recognition is on the rise as he appears to be getting extra exhibits.

 

Mercy Eke makes historical past as first feminine BBNaija winner

AFTER 99 days of being confined to the home, Mercy Eke emerged because the winner of the 2019 version of the Massive Brother Naija actuality TV present on October 6. She gained N30m money and a N25m Innoson SUV in addition to different prizes.

She obtained over 41.77 per cent of a complete of 250 million votes solid by viewers to beat fellow housemate, Mike Edwards, who obtained about 19.94 per cent of the votes.

 

 

‘Mokalik’ ranks primary at cinemas

ARELY per week after its launch in June, Mokalik, a film authored by Nollywood actor and producer, Kunle Afolayan, rose to the primary spot of Nollywood movies on the field workplace.

“Mokalik has been ranked quantity four on the field workplace and number one Nollywood movie in field workplace,” an excited Afolayan stated.

“Additionally, it holds the report of 2019 highest promoting Nollywood movie in opening week,” he added.

Afolayan, who has additionally produced motion pictures like October 1, Irapada and CEO, thanked his followers for making the feat doable.

Nevertheless, one of many veteran actors who featured on the film, Samuel Akinpelu aka Alabi Yellow, on December 22, handed away.

The actor, 62, died in his house at Ikorodu, Lagos.

 

‘Village Headmaster’ celebrates 50 years

AFTER a number of years of being off air, fashionable sitcom ‘Village Headmaster’  is ready to return to the tv display screen .

The programme celebrated its 50th anniversary in October with a play titled ‘O Vacuum’, which was staged at Terrakulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The play noticed some surviving solid of the previous ‘Village Headmaster’ take to the stage with the brand new crop of actors of the sitcom.

It was emotional as actors of yesteryear alongside a brand new crop of actors re-enacted the drama of ‘Oja City’.

 

Toyin Abraham delivered of child boy

ON August 15, Nollywood actress and proucer Toyin Abraham welcomed a child boy with actor hubby, Kolawole Ajeyemi.

The information attracted congratulatory messages from totally different quarters, together with her ex-husband, Niyi Johnson.

“Congrats on the arrival of your child, Mr &Mrs Ajeyemi,” Johnson wrote. “He shall be a supply of pleasure to you. God bless the newborn, the mom and the dad.”

Toyin Abraham additionally obtained a cheque of 1 million naira from her followers.

 

Celebs condemn Senator Elisha Abbo’s assault on girls

IN June, Nollywood celebrities spoke in opposition to the motion of Senator Elisha Abbo who assaulted a feminine attendant in a sex-toy store in Abuja.

One in all them, Uche Ogbodo, even arrange a publish with #ArrestSenatorElishaAbbo.

“Abeg ooooo, what method of indiscipline is that this? That is what we see on this nation that has Failed girls usually; a rustic that locations girls far beneath animals; a rustic that can’t shield their multiplication machine! Sure, that’s what we’re; your multiplication machine!

“Because you deal with us like animals, beat us, rape us, assault us and nothing will occur. With out us, this nation will likely be useless and gone! With out us, the ladies, there will likely be no Nigeria.”

 

Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Lionheart’ flies, crashes

IN January, Nollywood actress and producer celebrated her 20 years within the performing world, having begun performing in 1998 when she was barely 19, with the film titled ‘Most Needed’. She additionally gained a number of awards and capped it together with her blockbuster film, LionHeart.

On the cusp of the yr, Genevieve took to the Instagram to precise her gratitude and optimism for 2019.

“As 2018 involves an finish, I mark 20 years within the artwork of movie making,” she wrote. “I’m grateful for my life, journey, and development to this point. I’m completely happy I might have a good time with you thru a product that embodied all of me, mentally and spiritually; for your entire pleasure. Might 2019 be our greatest yr but.”

Her directorial debut, LionHeart, premiered on the 2018 Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition (TIFF) and was acquired on September 7, 2018 as first Netflix authentic movie produced in Nigeria.

LionHeart was nominated for the 2020 Oscars below the Worldwide Function Movie class. The nomination was, nonetheless, cancelled in November based mostly on the truth that the native language content material of the movie was not enough.

 

Regina Daniels defies public outrage, marries billionaire Ned Nwoko

THE web was on hearth in the course of the yr instantly the story broke that 18-year-old actress Regina Daniels was about to be married to billionaire politician and businessman, Ned Nwoko.

Practically each Nigerian had an opinion, starting from “she is simply too younger for him” to “she is free to do what she needs” and the whole lot in between.

Her father didn’t conceal his disagreement with the connection, however with the help of her mom Rita, Regina married Nwoko on Sunday, Might 26, within the conventional method in Aniocha, Delta State.

Regina who has remained flamboyant on the social media is out to show that she is a girl of her personal.

 

SIMI, ADEKUNLE GOLD WED QUIETLY

AFTER a secret romance, singers Adekunle Gold and Simi obtained married in January. The normal and white wedding ceremony ceremonies held in Lagos with the white wedding ceremony going down at Ilashe Seashore.

The duo, who had a number of occasions been linked romantically, solely publicly declared their love lower than a month earlier than they married. In actual fact, ‘Orente’, Adekunle Gold’s chart-busting track, was impressed by Simi.

 

Authorities meet up with Bob Dangerous, stops his get together

IDRIS Okuneye, popularly often known as Bobrisky, is an web character and cross-dresser. Just lately figuring out as a transgender, Bob Dangerous has come below criticism due to his life-style.

The Director-Normal of the Nationwide Council for Arts and Tradition, Olusegun Runsewe, in the course of the yr swore to ‘deal’ with Bob Dangerous and his likes, saying they’re a shame to the nation.

In Augusts, about 50 policemen reportedly stormed the Lekki, Lagos venue of his 27th birthday celebration and stopped it. They chased friends away and arrested 5 individuals whereas Bob Dangerous fled the get together, which reportedly price him N10 million to rearrange.

A commissioner in Lagos State, Bala Elkana, stated that his actions and life-style might corrupt younger individuals and nationwide tradition.

 

D’banj publicizes arrival of child boy quickly

AFTER dropping his first son who drowned in a swimming pool in June 2018, Kokomaster, D Banj, in September, introduced that he and his spouse, Lineo Didi Kilgrow, had been anticipating a child boy quickly.

Nevertheless, he didn’t announce the precise supply date.

About two months after his son drowned, D’Banj launched a brand new track which he devoted to his spouse.

The entertainer not too long ago shut down 02 academy Brixton in the course of the 10th version of the Koko live performance in the UK.

 

Wizkid floods stars for Starboy Fest

ASIDE making the information for public show of affection with fellow star, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid additionally commanded many stars to his live performance, StarboyFest, which held on October 21 in London.

Making historical past by shutting down the O2 area for a second time, the assemblage of stars included heavy hitters like Burna Boy, Afro B, Skepta, Tiwa Savage, Runtown, Naira Marley, Olamide, Fireboy DML, Maleek Berry, Terri, Reekado Banks, Oxlade and others.

 

Rema shines in Texas

IN August, Mavin star, Divine Ikubor, popularly often known as Rema, gained three awards on the 2019 African Muzik Journal Awards (AFRIMMA).

The ‘Dumebi’ crooner was nominated within the ‘Music of The 12 months’, ‘AFRIMMA Video of The 12 months’ and ‘Finest Newcomer’ classes of the award ceremony set to happen in Dallas, Texas.

Rema, who has clocked over 50 million streams along with his ‘Rema’ and ‘Freestyle EP’, continues to wow the music business along with his artwork and craft on the stage.

 

DJ Xgee commits suicide

JUST two days into 2019, Lagos-based DJ Xgee dedicated suicide. The information left the leisure circle in shock.

Apparently struggling a case of despair, DJ Xgee, whose actual identify is Seun Omogaji, reportedly dedicated suicide by consuming ‘Sniper’ as a result of his spouse left him.

Dropping a publish on Instagram, he dropped what appeared like a suicide word wherein he implored his family members to mourn him sporting white.

 

Funke Akindele makes directorial debut with ‘Your Excellency’

FROM blazing success together with her comedy sequence, Jenifa, actress and producer, Funke Akindele, made her directorial debut with the film, Your Excellency.

The film, a Mo Abudu manufacturing, was not too long ago premiered in Lagos.

 

 

 

Teddy A and BamBam’s marriage

IN September, Tope Adeniyan a.ok.a. Teddy A and Bamike Olawunmi, higher often known as Bambam, who had met on the 2018 version of Massive Brother Naija had their conventional marriage in Ibeshe, Ilaro, Ogun State in September.

A few of their fellow housemates who attended the marriage embody CeeC, Nina and Khloe.

In November, the couple did a white wedding ceremony in Dubai in the course of the One Music Competition.

 

Don Jazzy, Foluke Daramola others take up Faceapp problem

SOME Nigerian celebrities joined the social media craze of FaceApp.

Launched again in 2017, the app went viral due to an Age Problem which the app used to distort an individual’s face to make it youthful or older. Nevertheless, it was the transformation to an older model that made wave.

Therefore, Instagram obtained a buzz when a few of Nigeria’s prime entertainers like Don Jazzy, AY, Ramsey Nouah, Falz and Toyin Abraham joined worldwide celebrities like Drake, Piers Morgan and Miley Cyrus to age digitally.

 

Mad Melon of ‘Danfo Driver’ dies

THE reggae music duo, Danfo Drivers, misplaced Mad Melon, one among its members, in September.

Mad Melon, whose actual identify is Omefa Oghene, and Mountain Black turned fashionable within the early 2000s for his or her distinctive music fashion. They’d tracks like Iya Mi, Danfo Driver and Sensimilla.

 

 

G-Worldwide sues Kizz Daniel, calls for N500m as damages

POPULAR report label, G-Worldwide not too long ago sued its former artiste, Kiss Daniel, demanding for N500m as damages.

A public discover served by Olisa Agbakoba’s authorized agency, the authorized adviser of the leisure outfit, said that the Kiss Daniel stage identify of its former signee, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, now pronounced as Kizz Daniel, is solely that of G-Worldwide.

The report label even threatened to cease Kizz Daniel’s Boxing Day present tagged Kizz Daniel Stay In Live performance.

 

Biglo goes down with kidney failure

IN July, rapper Lotanna Udezue, recognized extra as Biglo, cried out for monetary help. He was recognized with kidney failure in July 2018.

To ameliorate his situation, a Gofundme web site was opened by Adedotun Akinrinade and Obiora Ezefili to lift $50,000 for a kidney transplant operation booked for August 31, 2019.

Identified for bringing his power into his raps within the early 2000s, Biglo labored with 2Shotz and the then well-known StylPlus.

 

‘Residing in Bondage’ again to life

THE sequel to the favored film ‘Residing In Bondage’ premiered on November eight. This time, it was directed by Ramsey Nouah and different star actors like Kenneth Okonkwo (Andy Okeke), Kanayo O. Kanayo and others.

With rave opinions, the film has turn into a delight for cinema goers. The primary sequence of ‘Residing in Bondage’ was produced in 1992.