Life Is a Brief Journey: Nollywood Actress Aunty Ajara Dies After Battle With Liver Illness

It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of beloved Yoruba actress, Aunty Ajara.

According to family sources, a doctor confirmed her death to loved ones earlier today, Thursday, February 5, 2026, following a brief but serious battle with liver-related illness.

In a now-viral video shared online, the late actress’s elder brother, Ridwan Lazeez, broke the news while expressing heartfelt gratitude to the public. He thanked everyone who supported Aunty Ajara financially, through prayers, and with kind messages during her illness.

Mama No Network, who had been closely following and sharing updates about her condition, posted the following announcement on Instagram:

“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved actress, Aunty Ajara. She passed on overnight after a long and courageous battle with illness.

During this difficult period, Ajara received immense love, prayers, and financial support from kind-hearted people across the world. We are deeply grateful to everyone who stood by her with prayers, contributions, encouragement, and compassion.

At this moment, we kindly urge family, friends, and the general public to please stop sending money to the previously shared account, as it is no longer required.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones, and everyone grieving this painful loss. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”

Her passing comes just days after several colleagues and fans rallied online to solicit financial support for her medical treatment.

Aunty Ajara will be remembered for her unique presence, humour, and memorable roles in Yoruba films.

May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

@teamhousetv

Life is a brief journey – RIP Aunty Ajara #ajarat #auntyajara #rip #inevitable

♬ caricature – FOLA


Veekee James Shares Tearful Pregnancy Joy After 12-Month Wait, Declares “What Only God Can Do”

Celebrity fashion designer Veekee James has melted hearts online with an emotional video revealing the exact moment she and her husband, Femi Atere, discovered they were expecting their first child after a year of trying.

Shared on her Instagram, the touching clip captures the couple taking a pregnancy test together—followed by Veekee breaking down in joyful tears as the positive result appears. The intimate footage, filled with raw emotion and love, quickly went viral, drawing widespread praise and congratulations from fans and celebrities alike.

Veekee opened up about their journey in a heartfelt caption, expressing deep gratitude to God for His perfect timing. “Truly, God is not and will never be man! For us, we tried for a year; you might have tried for years, and you might have given up hope, but do not forget that we serve a timely God who makes everything beautiful in His own time, so that the Glory will be His to share with no man!” she wrote.

She also shared an uplifting message of encouragement for anyone facing similar struggles with fertility: “I am joining my faith with yours, that this year, as long as it pleases the Lord of Hosts, your testimony is already here! It is yours for the taking! Amen.”

The announcement aligns with her earlier post showcasing elegant maternity photos and the now-iconic line: “And two shall become three… Indeed, this is what only God can do.”

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A post shared by VEEKEE JAMES ATERE (@veekee_james)

Tonto Dikeh Posts Heartwarming Video of Son’s Reunion with Father, Ignites Uplifting Faith Reactions Online

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt reactions online after sharing an emotional video of her son, King Andre, reuniting with his father, Olakunle Churchill, following a decade of estrangement.

Posted on her verified Instagram account, the clip shows a serene yet deeply moving encounter between father and son—likely in an office-like setting—where their body language and quiet interaction convey genuine reconnection, even without clear audio.

The moment quickly went viral, with fans hailing it as profoundly touching and a powerful example of prioritizing a child’s needs above past conflicts. Many highlighted the value of a father’s presence in a child’s life and praised Dikeh’s maturity in facilitating the reunion for her son’s emotional well-being.

The post ignited broader discussions on co-parenting, forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing—especially in high-profile separations—while emphasizing grace over grudges.

Accompanying the video, Dikeh penned a reflective, faith-centered caption celebrating divine restoration and transformation. She wrote: “God has a way of rewriting stories men thought were over. This is grace speaking… and hearts for Jesus obeying. Time failed. Grace prevailed. Time could not cancel what God ordained. Restoration has a voice and today it spoke.”

She gave special thanks to her spiritual mentor, Pastor Jerry Eze (@realjerryeze), calling him her “spiritual father” and crediting his guidance for her growth: “Through you, God transformed who I once was into the woman I am becoming—strong, grounded, and full of His grace.”

Dikeh closed with her signature declaration that resonated widely: “What God cannot do does not exist.”

This development aligns with her recent public statements on personal healing, faith, and forgiveness, framing the reunion as a tangible fulfillment of that journey rather than an abrupt shift.

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A post shared by AMB. KING TONTO (@tontolet)

Teemillar: Radio Expertise With a Bold Afrobeat Vision

Teemillar Oriyomi, popularly known as Teemillar Da Pop Star, is steadily expanding his footprint across Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, combining a long-standing media career with a growing presence in Afrobeat music. With over 16 years of industry experience, Teemillar has built a reputation as a versatile creative; working as a radio host, presenter, producer, sound engineer, and voice-over talent.

A native of Ikorodu, Lagos State, Teemillar’s broadcast journey has taken him through some of Nigeria’s most prominent radio platforms. His career includes stints at Hot FM, Soundcity, Brila FM, and Dream FM Enugu, where he honed his skills in on-air presentation, music programming, and audience engagement.

He currently brings that experience to the nation’s capital as an on-air personality at Peoples 105.5FM Abuja. On the station, Teemillar hosts a lineup of culture-driven programs including Reggae Vibration, Cinema Buzz, and the People’s Top 10 Countdown, shows that reflect his deep connection to music, film, and contemporary pop culture.

Beyond radio, Teemillar is channeling his creative energy into music as an independent Afrobeat artist. Positioning himself within the Afro-urban soundscape, he is crafting records that draw from street sensibilities while appealing to global listeners. His approach reflects a blend of Nigerian rhythm, urban storytelling, and international sonic influences.

His forthcoming single, “Mo Popular,” is expected to mark a new phase in his artistic evolution. The track highlights his vibrant delivery and lyrical confidence, reinforcing his intent to emerge as one of Afrobeat’s distinctive voices in a highly competitive scene.

With music already available across major streaming platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, and Audiomack, Teemillar continues to bridge media and music – leveraging years behind the microphone to fuel a forward-looking Afrobeat career that speaks to both local and global audiences.

Photo News: Highlights from the 2026 Grammy Awards

Queen Latifah hands a Grammy Award to Kendrick Lamar for best rap album (“GNX”). It was the first Grammy awarded during the live show. 
British singer/songwriter Olivia Dean accepts the Grammy Award for best new artist on Sunday night. “I guess I want to say that I’m up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant,” she said in her speech. “I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.

Katseye, the all-girl group nominated for best new artist, shares a moment together at Crypto.com Arena.

Alex Warren performs high in the air during a medley of songs by all the nominees for best new artist.

María Zardoya of The Marías performs on stage at the start of the best new artist medley.

Sabrina Carpenter performs “Manchild” early in the show on Sunday night. The stage was set up to look like an airport terminal. 

Host Trevor Noah delivers his opening monologue and works the star-filled tables in front of the stage at Crypto.com Arena. 

Kelsea Ballerini, left, and Lainey Wilson sit together at the show. 

Rosé and Bruno Mars perform the Grammy-nominated song “APT.” at the start of the show.

“APT.” is among those nominated for record of the year and song of the year.
@teamhousetv

We finally found the nasty Girl / PhotoNews from the Grammy 2026 #viral #grammys #hollywood #redcarpet #celebrity

♬ Nasty – Tinashe

Source: CNN/Getty Images

Grammy Awards 2026: Full Winners Breakdown, Including African Music Triumphs

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards unfolded on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, celebrating outstanding music released during the eligibility period from August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025. Hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, the ceremony recognized excellence across genres with a slate of winners that reflects both mainstream success and global diversity. In one of music’s most anticipated nights, the Recording Academy honored achievements from international superstars to genre pioneers, with awards spread across pop, hip-hop, rock, R&B, African, and global music categories.

Top Grammy Winners

Best New Artist was claimed by British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean, whose breakthrough soulful work earned her significant acclaim in a competitive field. In the General Field categories, major awards included:

  • Album of the Year: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny
  • Song of the Year: “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga
  • Record of the Year: “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar with SZA
    These victories highlight a blend of Latin, pop and hip-hop influences dominating the awards night.

Genre-Specific Honors

In R&B, Kehlani won both Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for “Folded”, while Leon Thomas secured Best R&B Album with Mutt and Best Traditional R&B Performance with “Vibes Don’t Lie”. Rock and alternative music also stood out. The band Turnstile took home multiple accolades including Best Rock Album and Best Metal Performance, while The Cure was awarded Best Alternative Music Album and Best Alternative Music Performance. Global and African Music Recognition

The Grammys continued to elevate voices from across the world with dedicated categories celebrating diverse musical traditions:

In the Best African Music Performance category, Tyla won for her track “Push 2 Start.” This marks her second Grammy in the African music sphere, affirming her growing influence on the global stage. Other nominees in this category included Burna Boy for “Love,” Davido featuring Omah Lay for “With You,” Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin for “Hope & Love,” and Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid for “Gimme Dat.” The Best Global Music Performance award went to Bad Bunny for “EoO,” while the Best Global Music Album was won by Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia for Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo.

Special Honors and Lifetime Achievement

At a ceremony preceding the main broadcast, the Recording Academy presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to music icons for their enduring contributions. Honorees included Chaka Khan, Cher, Whitney Houston, Fela Kuti, Carlos Santana, and Paul Simon. The award for Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti was accepted by family members, highlighting his lasting legacy.

Cultural Moments and Fashion Highlights

South African singer Tyla not only won in the African category but also captivated global audiences with her striking Grammy night fashion, showcasing her emergence as both a music and style figure.

The 2026 Grammy Awards reflected a broad spectrum of musical talent; honoring both established stars and emerging voices while reinforcing the global nature of contemporary music. For many listeners and industry watchers, the results underscore continuing trends in cross-genre collaboration and international influence on the world stage.

Best new artist

Olivia Dean – WINNER
Katseye
The Marias
Addison Rae
Sombr
Leon Thomas
Alex Warren
Lola Young

Best rap album

Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
Glorilla – Glorious
JID – God Does Like Ugly
Kendrick Lamar – GNX – WINNER
Tyler, the Creator – Chromakopia

Best dance-pop recording

Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco – Bluest Flame
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra – WINNER
Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun
Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching
PinkPantheress – Illegal

Best rap performance

Cardi B – Outside
Clipse – Chains & Whips (ft Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams) – WINNER
Doechii – Anxiety
Kendrick Lamar – TV Off (ft Lefty Gunplay)
Tyler, the Creator – Darling, I (ft Teezo Touchdown)

Best country solo performance

Tyler Childers – Nose on the Grindstone
Shaboozey – Good News
Chris Stapleton – Bad As I Used to Be – WINNER
Zach Top – I Never Lie
Lainey Wilson – Somewhere Over Laredo

Best rap song

Doechii – Anxiety
Clipse, Pusha T & Malice ft John Legend & Voices of Fire – The Birds Don’t Sing
Tyler, the Creator ft GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne – Sticky
GloRilla – TGIF
Kendrick Lamar ft Lefty Gunplay – TV Off – WINNER

Best pop duo/group performance

Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande – Defying Gravity – WINNER
Huntr/x – Golden
Katseye – Gabriela
Rosé & Bruno Mars – APT.
SZA Featuring Kendrick Lamar – 30 for 30

Best R&B album

Givēon – Beloved
Coco Jones – Why Not More?
Ledisi – The Crown
Teyana Taylor – Escape Room
Leon Thomas – Mutt – WINNER

Best rock album

Deftones – Private Music
Haim – I Quit
Linkin Park – From Zero
Turnstile – Never Enough – WINNER
Yungblud – Idols

Best dance/electronic album

FKA twigs – Eusexua – WINNER
Fred Again – Ten Days
PinkPantheress – Fancy That
Rüfüs Du Sol – Inhale/Exhale
Skrillex – F U Skrillex You Think Ur Andy Warhol But Ur Not!! <3

Best rock performance

Amyl and the Sniffers – U Should Not Be Doing That
Linkin Park – The Emptiness Machine
Turnstile – Never Enough
Hayley Williams – Mirtazapine
Yungblud – Changes (Live from Villa Park, Back to the Beginning) – WINNER

Best metal performance

Dream Theater – Night Terror
Ghost – Lachryma
Sleep Token – Emergence
Spiritbox – Soft Spine
Turnstile – Birds – WINNER

Best R&B performance

Justin Bieber – Yukon
Chris Brown – It Depends (ft Bryson Tiller)
Kehlani – Folded – WINNER
Leon Thomas – Mutt
Summer Walker – Heart of a Woman

Best traditional R&B performance

Durand Bernarr – Here We Are
Lalah Hathaway – Uptown
Ledisi – Love You Too
SZA – Crybaby
Leon Thomas – Vibes Don’t Lie – WINNER

Best R&B song

Kehlani – Folded – WINNER
Summer Walker – Heart of a Woman
Chris Brown ft Bryson Tiller – It Depends
Durand Bernarr – Overqualified
Leon Thomas – Yes It Is

Best alternative music album

Bon Iver – Sable, Fable
The Cure – Songs of a Lost World – WINNER
Tyler, the Creator – Don’t Tap the Glass
Wet Leg – Moisturizer
Hayley Williams – Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party

Best traditional country album

Charley Crockett – Dollar a Day
Lukas Nelson – American Romance
Willie Nelson – Oh What a Beautiful World
Margo Price – Hard Headed Woman
Zach Top – Ain’t In It for My Health – WINNER

Best global music performance

Bad Bunny – EoO – WINNER
Ciro Hurtado – Cantando en el Camino
Angélique Kidjo – Jerusalema
Yeisy Rojas – Inmigrante Y Que?
Shakti – Shrini’s Dream (live)
Anoushka Shankar – Daybreak (ft Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar)

Best rock song

Nine Inch Nails – As Alive as You Need Me to Be – WINNER
Sleep Token – Caramel
Hayley Williams – Glu
Turnstile – Never Enough
Yungblud – Zombie

Best country song

Tyler Childers – Bitin’ List – WINNER
Shaboozey – Good News
Zach Top – I Never Lie
Lainey Wilson – Somewhere Over Laredo
Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton – A Song to Sing

Best alternative music performance

Bon Iver – Everything is Peaceful Love
The Cure – Alone – WINNER
Turnstile – Seein’ Stars
Wet Leg – Mangetout
Hayley Williams – Parachute

Best compilation soundtrack for visual media

A Complete Unknown
F1 The Album
Kpop Demon Hunters
Sinners – WINNER
Wicked

Best music video

Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Clipse – So Be It
Doechii – Anxiety – WINNER
OK Go – Love
Sade – Young Lion

Best song written for visual media

Nine Inch Nails – As Alive as You Need Me to Be (From Tron: Ares)
Huntr/x – Golden (from KPop: Demon Hunters) – WINNER
Miles Caton – I Lied to You (From Sinners)
Elton John and Brandi Carlile – Never Too Late (From Elton John: Never Too Late)
Jayme Lawson – Pale, Pale Moon (From Sinners)
Rod Wave – Sinners (From Sinners)

Best Latin pop album

Rauw Alejandro – Cosa Nuestra
Andrés Cepeda – Bogotá (Deluxe)
Karol G – Tropicoqueta
Natalia Lafourcade – Cancionera
Alejandro Sanz – ¿Y ahora qué?

Best folk album

Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson – What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow
Patty Griffin – Crown of Roses
I’m With Her – Wild and Clear and Blue – WINNER
Jason Isbell – Foxes in the Snow
Jesse Welles – Under the Powerlines (April 24 – September 24)

Best dance/electronic recording

Disclosure & Anderson Paak – No Cap
Fred again, Skepta & PlaqueBoyMax – Victory Lap
Kaytranada – Space Invader
Skrillex – Voltage
Tame Impala – End of Summer – WINNER

Best African music Performance

Burna Boy – Love
Davido ft Omah Lay – With You
Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – Hope & Love
Ayra Starr feat. Wizkid – Gimme Dat
Tyla – PUSH 2 START – WINNER

Best jazz performance

Lakecia Benjamin – Noble Rise (ft Immanuel Wilkins & Mark Whitfield)
Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade – Windows (live) – WINNER
Samara Joy – Peace Of Mind / Dreams Come True
Michael Mayo – Four
Nicole Zuraitis, Dan Pugach, Tom Scott, Idan Morim, Keyon Harrold & Rachel Eckroth – All Stars Lead to You (live)

Best orchestral performance

Michael Repper, conductor (National Philharmonic) – Coleridge-Taylor: Toussaint L’Ouverture; Ballade Op 4; Suites From 24 Negro Melodies
Andris Nelsons, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra) – Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie – WINNER
Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra Of Venezuela) – Ravel: Boléro, M 81
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor (The Philadelphia Orchestra) – Still & Bonds
Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor (San Francisco Symphony) – Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements

Best jazz performance

Lakecia Benjamin – Noble Rise (ft Immanuel Wilkins & Mark Whitfield)
Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade – Windows (live) – WINNER
Samara Joy – Peace Of Mind / Dreams Come True
Michael Mayo – Four
Nicole Zuraitis, Dan Pugach, Tom Scott, Idan Morim, Keyon Harrold & Rachel Eckroth – All Stars Lead to You (live)

Best comedy album

Bill Burr – Drop Dead Years by Bill Burr
Sarah Silverman – PostMortem by Sarah Silverman
Ali Wong – Single Lady by Ali Wong
Jamie Foxx – What Had Happened Was… by Jamie Foxx
Nate Bargatze – Your Friend, Nate Bargatze – WINNER

Best Melodic Rap Performance

Fridayy ft Meek Mill – Proud Of Me
JID ft Ty Dolla $ign & 6Lack – Wholeheartedly
Kendrick Lamar with SZA – luther – WINNER
Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon Featuring Rapsody – WeMaj
PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake – SOMEBODY LOVES ME

Producer of the year

Dan Auerbach
Cirkut – WINNER
Dijon
Blake Mills
Sounwave

Songwriter of the year

Amy Allen – WINNER
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Tobias Jesso Jr
Laura Veltz

The complete list of winners can be found on the official Grammys site

Source: Theguardian & People

Fela Kuti Makes History as First African Honoured With a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Three decades after his death, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has reached a historic milestone, becoming the first African artist to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The legendary Nigerian musician, who passed away in 1997, was honoured posthumously at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday, held on the eve of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. He was recognised alongside several other global music figures. For members of Fela’s family and those closest to his legacy, the moment represents both celebration and reflection; a powerful acknowledgement of his impact that many feel came long after it was due.

Fela’s daughter, Yeni Kuti, described the family’s reaction as one of joy mixed with honesty. She said they were excited that his work is finally being recognised at the highest level, while also noting that Fela was never nominated for a Grammy during his lifetime. To her, the honour feels like a case of “better late than never,” but also a reminder that African artists still have a long journey toward equal recognition on the global stage.

Renowned Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu, who designed 26 of Fela’s iconic album covers, said the moment highlights how much more effort African creatives often have to put in to be seen and celebrated internationally. He expressed pride at witnessing Fela become the first African to receive the honour, calling it meaningful to see one of their own acknowledged at such a prestigious level.

Ghariokwu admitted he was initially surprised by the news, especially given Fela’s lifelong resistance to authority and institutions. He pointed out the irony of an establishment honouring an artist who built his legacy on challenging power. Still, he imagined that Fela would have taken quiet satisfaction in knowing his voice and message ultimately commanded global attention.

“I can even picture him raising his fist and saying: ‘You see, I got them now, I got their attention!”

Despite the significance of the award, Yeni Kuti believes her father himself would not have been overly moved by it. She explained that Fela was never driven by trophies or formal recognition. Music, for him, was an expression of love, truth, and resistance, and what mattered most was being heard and understood by the people and by fellow artists.

That sentiment was echoed by Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Fela’s cousin and head of the Kuti family, who said he was never concerned with public approval or industry validation. According to her, Fela was deeply focused on how his work could shape his profession, his community, and Africa as a whole.

While she believes the award may not have held personal meaning for him, Ransome-Kuti said Fela would have recognised its wider importance. He would have seen it as a positive step toward giving African excellence its rightful place on the global stage, while also asking what more needed to be done to shine a light on the many African philosophers, musicians, historians, and creatives whose contributions remain overlooked.

In many ways, the honour does more than celebrate Fela’s music – it reinforces the lasting power of his ideas, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to speaking truth, even decades after his voice fell silent.

Source: Aljazeera