Nigerian Artists Criticised for Ignoring Local Awards While Pursuing Foreign Honours

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The founder of The Headies Awards, Ayo Animashaun, has slammed Nigerian artists for submitting entries to foreign award bodies while snubbing local awards.

He lamented that some Nigerian artists submit entries to foreign award bodies that doesn’t care about them and post proudly about it but won’t submit their entries to local award bodies.

He said some of the artists even complain about being nominated for local awards like The Headies despite refusing to submit their entries.

Animashaun wrote via Instagram story, “Tom, Dick and Harry will submit entries to foreign award bodies that don’t even care about them and proudly post about it. But these same people won’t submit their entries to the Headies, yet they’ll complain about not being nominated. Funny..”

Read Also: Yetunde Barnabas Accuses Ajefunke Kofoshi Of Misleading Public Over Dispute

It was reported that several Nigerian artists including Davido, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake, Burna Boy, Rema, Victony, and many others, made multiple submissions for consideration for nominations in the 2027 Grammys.

Meanwhile, organisers of The Headies Awards recently postponed the 18th edition of the ceremony to April 10 and 11, 2027, in Toronto, Canada.

The event was originally scheduled for October 23, 2026.

According to the organisers, the extension allows them to expand programs across Nigeria and Canada, incorporating workshops, seminars, industry engagements, and a global trade and investment summit.

Yetunde Barnabas Accuses Ajefunke Kofoshi Of Misleading Public Over Dispute

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Nollywood actress Yetunde Barnabas has accused fellow actress Ajefunke Kofoshi of misleading the public about their dispute, insisting that Kofoshi was arrested rather than merely invited by the police.

Barnabas reacted after Kofoshi shared a video featuring both actresses and claimed that she had been invited by the police in connection with their disagreement.

In an earlier statement, Barnabas disclosed that the matter had been taken up legally. She said Kofoshi had been asked to remove social media posts she considered defamatory towards her and her work and issue a public apology through a video.

Barnabas subsequently announced that they had “finally faced off legally” and indicated that she was willing to let the matter rest in the interest of peace, provided certain conditions were met.

Read Also: Toyin Abraham Faces Backlash Over Alleged Leaked Audio About Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo

However, Kofoshi’s account of the police encounter prompted another response from Barnabas, who maintained that her colleague had been arrested and had pleaded for forgiveness.

“You were picked up and arrested; you begged and admitted your wrongdoing and begged me, so I let it go for the sake of peace because there’s nothing in this life,” Barnabas wrote.

She further alleged that Kofoshi had asked her to make a video addressing the dispute and that she agreed after warning her against insulting other people.

Barnabas ended her response by urging Kofoshi not to misrepresent the situation to the public.

The exchange has drawn attention to the disagreement between the actresses, with their differing accounts highlighting the continuing tension surrounding the matter.

The claims about the arrest and the circumstances of the dispute remain the actresses’ respective accounts.

Toyin Abraham Faces Backlash Over Alleged Leaked Audio About Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo

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Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has come under criticism on social media following the circulation of an alleged leaked audio conversation in which she reportedly laughed at remarks made about fellow actresses Funke Akindele and Iyabo Ojo.

The 12-minute recording was reportedly released by blogger Mama Esabod and features a conversation between Abraham and a TikTok fan identified as Bisgold.

In the audio, conducted mainly in Yoruba and Pidgin English, Bisgold was allegedly heard repeatedly making insulting remarks about Akindele, while Abraham appeared to listen and laugh without cautioning the fan.

The conversation also reportedly touched on Iyabo Ojo, with Bisgold claiming that the actress had not moved on from an earlier incident. Abraham allegedly laughed and agreed with the comment.

The recording has generated mixed reactions online, with some users questioning Abraham’s relationship with fans and her response to negative remarks about colleagues in the entertainment industry.

Read Also: Jarvis Tells Husband Peller to Speak Phonetics to Their Unborn Child Instead of Pidgin

A social media user, WhoKnowsyezt, criticised the actress, writing, “Toyin no just get sense olohun. See how you’re comfortable with a FAN. Gosshhhh.”

Another commenter, Fifi Efretuei, argued that Abraham needed to establish clearer boundaries with supporters, saying the actress appeared unable to learn from past experiences.

Prince Ademola Salami also criticised Abraham while expressing a preference for Akindele.

During the conversation, Abraham reportedly discussed actors Itele and Kemity, alleging that some individuals who publicly support her use fake accounts to attack other people.

She also described Kemity as someone she considers a daughter.

The controversy has renewed online discussions about celebrity relationships, private conversations and the responsibilities entertainers face when interacting with fans.

The authenticity and full context of the circulating recording remain important considerations in assessing the allegations.

Jarvis Tells Husband Peller to Speak Phonetics to Their Unborn Child Instead of Pidgin

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TikTok star Jarvis has playfully lashed out at her husband, Peller, over his constant use of pidgin.

In a livestream on Switch, Jarvis was seen in a video call with Peller, as the latter spoke in pidgin.

Reprimanding him, Jarvis told him to stop misbehaving and stop speaking pidgin to their unborn child. She questioned whether he thought the baby couldn’t recognise his voice.

Jarvis admonished him to speak English with her, mostly phonetically.

Read Also: Details Emerge on How Gospel Singer Toluwanisings Died

“You dey behave anyhow. Don’t you know that this child can recognise your voice? He dey hear you. Abeg no dey speak pidgin for me. Stop speaking pidgin, speak English with me, speak phonetics with me, babe”

The famous streamer and his wife, Jarvis, announced they were expecting their first child after months of denying it.

Ahead of the baby’s arrival, Peller revealed his plans for a push gift for her. He contemplated buying a $40,000 Chanel bag, saying it would be a better option than a car, which she wouldn’t value.

After the news, the couple opened TikTok and Instagram pages for their unborn child, baby Adelaja.

Details Emerge on How Gospel Singer Toluwanisings Died

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The Chief Executive Officer of Best of Nollywood (BON), Seun Oloketuyi, has shared details of the reported death of Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.

Oloketuyi disclosed that the singer reportedly slumped on a staircase and was rushed to different hospitals before he was eventually pronounced dead.

In a post shared on his Instagram page, the BON CEO expressed sadness over the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death, saying the first two hospitals reportedly refused to admit him.

According to Oloketuyi, Toluwanisings was taken from one medical facility to another, but by the time he arrived at the third hospital, he had reportedly died.

Read Also: John Boyega Reveals He Has a Son and Was Secretly Married

“How Toluwasings died. DEATH SHAME ON YOU: You slumped on the stairs, and they began rushing you from one hospital to another. The first hospital rejected you, the second hospital rejected you, and by the time you got to the third hospital, they said you were gone,” he wrote.

He described the development as painful, recalling the singer’s contribution to gospel music and the impact of his voice on listeners.

The report comes after Pelumi Olajengbesi, convener of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA), announced the singer’s death in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

Toluwanisings’ family subsequently confirmed his demise in a statement shared on his Instagram page following confusion surrounding the reports.

Oloketuyi concluded his tribute by praying for the singer’s peaceful rest, adding that his songs would continue to inspire people despite his passing.

As of the time of reporting, further details about the incident had not been disclosed.

John Boyega Reveals He Has a Son and Was Secretly Married

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Hollywood actor John Boyega has announced the arrival of his baby boy, months after revealing that he secretly married his wife nearly two years ago.

The 34-year-old Star Wars actor shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday, October 14, posting a video of himself cradling his son while confirming that the baby had arrived some time ago.

“Our bundle of joy has been with us for some time now but thank you for all the well wishes. Also my sister is about to pop! Wish her well too!,” Boyega wrote.
He added, “Back to feeding this big baby!”

The actor did not disclose his son’s name but shared several photographs of himself with actress Lashontae Heckard, who has been linked to him following his revelation that he had married privately.

One of the photographs showed the pair placing their hands on Heckard’s baby bump at what appeared to be a baby shower. Heckard also referred to herself as “Tae Boyega” in her Instagram bio, further fuelling speculation about their relationship.
Reacting to Boyega’s announcement, Heckard wrote in the comments section: “love and blessings to my Blessing!!!!.”

Read Also: Tupac Murder Case: Keffe D Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison

Actor Tyrese Gibson also congratulated the couple, writing: “Praise God!!!!! I love you both…. You guys are amazing already great parents and now it’s new favor and new blessings!!!!!! Congratulations on the new angel….. Jon sir you are applying a lot of pressure for a brother like me!!!!!!!!!! Yikes!!!! Lol.”

The announcement follows an interview Boyega granted The Guardian, published on October 4, in which he disclosed that he had been married for almost two years and was expecting a baby boy.

“We got a baby cooking,” he said in the interview, adding that his family life had made him feel completely fulfilled.

Boyega also revealed that he and his wife had held a small wedding ceremony but did not publicly identify his bride during the interview.

He discussed the sentimental value of his wedding rings, explaining that one was a two-toned band while the other was purchased later during a spontaneous trip to Walmart.

The latest announcement confirms that the couple’s son has arrived, although Boyega has not publicly disclosed the baby’s name or formally confirmed his wife’s identity.

Tupac Murder Case: Keffe D Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison

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Duane “Keffe D” Davis, the only person charged in connection with the 1996 murder of American rap legend Tupac Shakur, has been convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment.

A Las Vegas court handed down the sentence on Tuesday, nearly 30 years after Shakur was shot near the Las Vegas Strip on September 7, 1996.

The jury delivered its verdict on August 31, 2026, after deliberating for less than three hours.
Under the sentence, Davis is expected to spend at least 40 years behind bars, subject to applicable release rules, and could remain in prison for the rest of his life.

During sentencing, Judge Carli Kierny said Davis must face justice for taking Shakur’s life and depriving his family of a future with the rapper.

“You don’t get to take a man from his family,” the judge said. “You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.”
Kierny said justice had finally arrived after decades of waiting.

“Took us 30 years, but at this time, you are going to face justice for what you did on September 7, 1996,” she said.

Davis was credited with 731 days already spent in custody.

Read Also: IceKing Ochacho Unveils New Album Titled ‘The Future’

Prosecutors said Davis, a former leader of the Southside Compton Crips gang, organised the killing in retaliation for a fight involving Shakur’s entourage and his nephew, Orlando Anderson, at the MGM Grand hotel earlier that night.

Shakur, who was 25, was travelling in a car with Marion “Suge” Knight when gunmen opened fire. He sustained four gunshot wounds and died six days later, on September 13, 1996.

Prosecutors believed that Davis organised the attack but did not personally pull the trigger.

Shakur’s sister, Sekyiwa Shakur, told the court that her brother’s death had caused lasting emotional and psychological pain for the family.

“The loss of Tupac, for a long time, crippled my entire family, emotionally and mentally,” she said.

She added: “I spent 30 years without my protection.”

His stepbrother, Maurice “Mopreme” Shakur, also described the loss as devastating, saying the rapper never had the opportunity to raise children or watch his nieces and nephews grow up.

Investigators built their case partly on Davis’ statements in interviews, documentaries and a 2019 memoir in which he discussed events surrounding the killing.

IceKing Ochacho Unveils New Album Titled ‘The Future’

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Teenage Nigerian artiste IceKing Ochacho has released his latest album, The Future, years after music star Davido reportedly called him “the future” of Afrobeat.

The album was released on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, and is listed as a new release on Amazon Music.

According to IceKing’s father, businessman King Ochacho, Davido made the remark during a meeting with him in London several years ago, describing the young artiste as “the future of Afrobeat” and the future of his 30BG movement.
The comment later became associated with the title of IceKing’s latest project, which was initially reported as a 16-track album.

Read Also: Nigerian Gospel Musician Toluwanisings Reportedly Passes Away

Born in 2013, IceKing developed an interest in music at about the age of seven and began experimenting with freestyle and rap.
He has also been described as a multi-instrumentalist who plays the drums, guitar, saxophone and clarinet.
IceKing gained attention after videos of his freestyles circulated on social media, earning him the nickname “Wonder Kid”.
He released his 2025 EP, I’m Back, and has since released singles including “No Competition”, “Dreams”, and “Magic”.

The official artwork for The Future lists 15 tracks, including “Young Forever” featuring 2Baba, “Call You Back” featuring Magnito and “Blessings” featuring Jumabee.

The album follows the recent performance of “No Competition”, which crossed one million streams on Spotify on October 2.

The song had earlier debuted at No. 194 on Spotify Nigeria’s Top Songs chart with 29,230 streams.

With the release of The Future, IceKing is now seeking to establish his identity as a young artiste while building on the attention his earlier music generated and the anticipation around the album’s title.
The album is available on streaming platforms.

Nigerian Gospel Musician Toluwanisings Reportedly Passes Away

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Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has reportedly died, prompting emotional reactions from public figures and colleagues in the gospel music industry.

Pelumi Olajengbesi, convener of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA), announced the development in a post on his Instagram page on Wednesday.

Expressing grief over the reported death, Olajengbesi prayed for God’s mercy upon the singer and lamented the loss of young Nigerians.

“My God! What a life! No, Lord! We plead for Your mercy upon Toluwanisings,” he wrote.

He added that the deaths of young men and women were troubling, declaring that untimely death should not be accepted as a normal occurrence.

Read Also: Femi Adebayo Shares Emotional Reflections as Jagun Jagun 2 Premiere Approaches

Meanwhile, comedian Woli Agba appealed to the public not to give up hope, saying prayers for a miracle were still ongoing.

“Please hold on. Please don’t conclude. We are trusting God. Please,” he wrote on Instagram.

As of the time of reporting, details surrounding Toluwanisings’ reported death had not been made public.

The development comes amid another recent loss in Nigeria’s gospel music community involving Joshua Acheme Edache, popularly known as Nutty Josh.

Nutty Josh reportedly died following injuries sustained in an accident at a motorcycle training school in Abuja about five weeks earlier.

He reportedly experienced persistent headaches and breathing difficulties after the incident. Subsequent hospital examinations revealed additional internal injuries, according to reports.

The singer later received further medical treatment and was placed in a medically induced coma.

The reported loss of Toluwanisings has sparked concern among supporters, while further details about the circumstances remain unavailable.

Femi Adebayo Shares Emotional Reflections as Jagun Jagun 2 Premiere Approaches

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Actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has reflected on the sacrifices behind the making of Jagun Jagun 2 ahead of its premiere.

The award-winning filmmaker announced the epic movie’s return, set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on December 4.

In an X post reflecting on the journey, Adebayo admitted he broke down in tears, noting that only God understands the weight of those tears.
He described the past two years as relentless work, lessons, and sacrifices.

Read Also: Peller Says He Would Love to Host Wole Soyinka on His Livestream

“I cried… Yes, I did!! Only the Almighty knows the weight of those tears – the sacrifices, the lessons, and everything it took to get here. Two years of relentless work, and now…
“We cooked!! Jagun-Jagun 2 is ready!! Thank you, God. Jagun-Jagun 2. December 4, 2026. Exclusively on Netflix,” he wrote