Amaka Arukwe: The Experience Curator Behind Nollywood’s Biggest Premieres

/by

RedBox Founder and Chief Creative Director, Amaka Arukwe, has spent over 13 years shaping the experiences behind some of Nollywood’s biggest premieres and cultural events.

Arukwe, whose work many have seen without knowing the face behind it, has curated premieres for blockbusters including Call of My Life, Sugar Rush, Palava, Omo Ghetto, Lisabi and Colours of Fire.

As Founder and Chief Creative Director of RedBox, she has built her career at the intersection of entertainment, creativity and experience, designing events that extend the story beyond the screen and into the room.
Her portfolio extends beyond film. RedBox has delivered corporate events, brand activations, cultural experiences, festivals and large-scale productions for global brands and institutions including Netflix, Meta, Tolaram, IFC and Access Bank.

The agency has also played a key role across five consecutive editions of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), handling events and branding for workshops, premieres and galas. Arukwe herself serves as Events & Branding lead at AFRIFF.

Read Also: American Music Icon Lionel Richie Hospitalised Again

Speaking on her philosophy, Arukwe said she prioritises feeling over spectacle.

“I’m always thinking about what people will feel, not just what they will see. The best experiences stay with you long after you’ve left the room,” she enthused.

That approach is now being applied to another major entertainment occasion, with Akukwe and the RedBox team part of the team behind the Black Market event at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, which is expected to welcome more than 50,000 people.

It is another example of the scale and diversity of work that has defined Akukwe’s career, from intimate brand experiences and corporate gatherings to film premieres, festivals and major public events.

For more than a decade, Arukwe has built RedBox on a simple idea: an event can be more than a gathering, it can become part of the story.

American Music Icon Lionel Richie Hospitalised Again

/by

American music legend, Lionel Richie, has been hospitalised for the third time since June after experiencing heart-related problems during his ongoing tour.

The 77-year-old singer has cancelled his next three scheduled concerts with Earth, Wind & Fire as he takes time away from performing to recover from a medical procedure for atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib.

Richie’s representative told The Independent on Tuesday that the singer underwent a procedure to treat the condition and was recovering well.

“Lionel underwent a common procedure for Atrial fibrillation (AFib). The doctor said everything went perfectly. Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon,” the representative said.

The affected performances were scheduled to take place in San Francisco, Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, with the Columbus concert originally set for October 2.

Heart condition prompts latest break

AFib is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly and is the most common form of irregular heart rhythm. Symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations and shortness of breath.

Although the condition is not generally considered life-threatening on its own, it can lead to other health complications, making medical monitoring important.

Richie’s latest hospitalisation comes after two previous health-related incidents during his current tour.

In August, the singer spent three days in hospital after experiencing difficulties during his August 29 performance in St Louis, Missouri.

Richie became visibly winded during the concert and was seen asking for a chair while performing “All Night Long”, the final song of his set.

He subsequently left the performance and was taken to hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.

Earlier medical episode

The singer’s first hospital visit during the tour occurred on June 24 during the opening show in St Paul, Minnesota.

Richie experienced a dizzy spell while performing “Dancing on the Ceiling”. He acknowledged the problem while on stage and decided to perform part of the song while seated.

Read Also: Ogogo’s Daughter Announces 40-Day Prayer in Honour of Late Actor

He joked with the audience about sitting down whenever he felt dizzy before continuing to perform at the piano.

The episode eventually led to an unscheduled break from the performance. He later postponed two tour dates after consulting a doctor.

Richie subsequently reassured his fans in a July 4 Instagram post, thanking them for their messages and support and saying he was recovering well.

Despite the health setbacks, the veteran singer had continued his tour before the latest procedure prompted another temporary break from the stage.

Career and upcoming performances

Richie first rose to prominence as a member of The Commodores before establishing a highly successful solo career.

He became one of the most recognisable American singers of his generation, with songs including “All Night Long”, “Hello” and “Dancing on the Ceiling” becoming enduring hits.

His current tour is scheduled to conclude on October 2, although the latest cancellations have altered the final stretch of his performances.

Following the tour, Richie is expected to begin his King of Hearts residency in Las Vegas on October 14.

The residency is scheduled to continue through mid-November, with the singer expected to return to the stage after taking time to recover from his latest medical procedure.

Ogogo’s Daughter Announces 40-Day Prayer in Honour of Late Actor

/by

Kira Taiwo, daughter of the late actor Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Ogogo, has announced a 40-day prayer gathering in honour of her father.

She shared the announcement via a poster on her social media page, inviting family members, friends, and well-wishers to the prayer session scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026, at 12 noon.

The event will take place at Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State.
The invitation poster featured a portrait of Ogogo and carried the inscription, “You are invited to the 40 days prayer for Alh. Al-Hassan Babatunde Taiwo ‘Ogogo.’”
The announcement comes as the family continues to remember and honour the late actor.

Read Also: Speed Darlington Says He Will Fight Burna Boy If They Meet

The activity is expected to bring together members of the actor’s family, friends and associates as they continue to honour his memory and legacy.

Speed Darlington Says He Will Fight Burna Boy If They Meet

/by

Music star, Speed Darlington, has threatened to physically attack his colleague, Burna Boy, whenever they meet.

Speaking in a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Speed Darlington said he has no relationship with Burna Boy and will not hesitate to fight him whenever they meet.

The Akpi crooner also expressed his desire to fight Burna Boy in the ring after his forthcoming boxing match with Cater Efe.

“Me and Burna Boy have no relationship. If Burna Boy enters any room that I am present in, I will fight and jump on him. If I win the forthcoming boxing match between me and Carter Efe, I hope Burna Boy will be next,” he said.

Read Also: Dolly Parton’s Manager Seeks Restraining Order Over Alleged Threats From Singer’s Nephew

It was recalled that Speed Darlington was remanded in prison over allegations of defamation against Burna Boy. He was later granted bail.

However, the matter is still in court.

The duo fell out after Speed Darlington alleged that Burna Boy had an illicit affair with embattled American rapper Diddy in exchange for his Grammy award.

Dolly Parton’s Manager Seeks Restraining Order Over Alleged Threats From Singer’s Nephew

/by

Dolly Parton’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell, has sought a temporary restraining order against the late singer’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, accusing him of making violent threats and attempting to pressure him for money.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Nozell alleged that Seaver invoked his military-contractor background, access to weapons, and “capacity for violence” during a dispute that intensified after Parton’s death. Seaver was dismissed from his role as head of security on September 15.

One alleged message from Seaver read, “Her money better be bigger than I can make elsewhere, or I’m going to f*** everyone.” I am about to become the hand of retribution for my entire family.”

Another allegedly stated, “I’m going to set up a podcast dedicated to ruining Dolly’s brand partnership and telling the violations these people have done on us.”

The court filing also included messages in which Seaver allegedly wrote: “All I do is warfare … everyone needs to be worried about what I might do,” and “I’m not an entertainment person. I’m a killer.”

Nozell is asking the court to prevent Seaver from interfering with Parton’s business and contacting business partners, as well as to keep him 1,000 feet away from the offices.
Seaver, however, denies that his messages constituted threats and said they had been taken out of context.

Read Also: Davido’s Sister Says ‘Nepo Babies’ Don’t Have as Much Access to Money as People Think

“I am a career soldier and military contractor and do conduct arms deals for foreign governments. I am a security professional and I am a killer,” he told TMZ.

He added: “However, nothing in this lawsuit were threats and most of the comments I stand by.”

“I was talking frankly in a private way with Danny who I thought was my friend and he fancies himself a gangster,” Seaver said. “A lot of these messages are two guys having rage talk and crying on the phone together while we were grieving.”

Addressing the alleged “ratf**k” message, Seaver said: “I was talking about people that have done bad to Dolly in business a specific company that scared her and intimated her. Those comments were about specific, horrible business partners that have done wrong to her and I stand by that.”

Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Seaver, who had served as her security chief for years, was the family member who announced her death publicly.

Davido’s Sister Says ‘Nepo Babies’ Don’t Have as Much Access to Money as People Think

/by

Sharon Adeleke, sister of singer Davido and daughter of billionaire, Deji Adeleke, has explained that children from wealthy background, otherwise called ‘Nepo babies’ in Nigeria, don’t have access to cash like many people assume.

Speaking in a recent episode of The Moraya Show, Sharon explained that children of billionaires and millionaires get more from their parents than the average person but are always on a budget.

She added that they may receive land and properties from their parents but have to use what they were given to make their own money.

“A lot of Nepo babies don’t really have access to cash the way you guys make it seem. They have more than the average person, but they are always on a budget. Your school fees are paid, you are given land and properties, but you have to make use of them,” she explained.

Read Also: Hayden Panettiere’s Death Linked to Toxic Effects of Fentanyl, Coroner Says

Sharon also revealed that she sits with Davido every week to track his spending.

“Me and Davido would sit and have a finance meeting every week because I think it is important for him to know how his money is being spent,” she said.

She disclosed that she has advised him to stop spending on acquiring more luxurious cars.

Davido recently disclosed during a livestream with streamer Davrel that he paid 11 million dollars for a custom-made Bugatti expected to be delivered to him in Nigeria soon.

Hayden Panettiere’s Death Linked to Toxic Effects of Fentanyl, Coroner Says

/by

American actress Hayden Panettiere died from the toxic effects of fentanyl and other substances, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office in South Carolina has said.

The coroner’s office, in a statement on Tuesday, ruled the 36-year-old actress’s death an accident.

Panettiere, who was known for her roles in the television series Heroes and Nashville, was pronounced dead at an apartment in Greenville on August 16.

According to authorities, emergency medical personnel responding to a 911 call found the actress in cardiac arrest but were unable to revive her.

Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about her struggles with mental health and substance abuse, including postpartum depression and addiction, which affected her career during her younger years.

The actress, who began her career before she was one year old, had recently opened up about her experiences in a memoir and discussed the death of her younger brother.

Her career had also been experiencing a revival, with her latest film released in January.

Read Also: CharlyBoy Reveals His Role in Obasanjo–Bae U Interview

Panettiere’s death sparked widespread shock and grief in Hollywood and beyond. Her former partner, former Olympic and world boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, paid tribute to the actress and pledged to ensure that their daughter, Kaya, would always remember her mother.

The coroner’s office said in August that Panettiere, who was a resident of California, “had been temporarily staying” at the Greenville apartment. Authorities did not disclose who owned or occupied the apartment.

According to a Greenville Police Department incident report, Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, called 911 on the afternoon of August 16 after finding her unresponsive.

The brothers were reportedly questioned separately at the scene, while Brian Hickerson handed a police officer a bag containing Panettiere’s medications, according to the report.

The Hickerson family has roots in Greenville, where some relatives reside. Police records showed that Brian Hickerson lived in California, while Zach Hickerson lived in Georgia.

Panettiere’s death, coming shortly after the release of her memoir, has renewed discussions about the challenges faced by child stars who grow up under intense public scrutiny.

Her struggles and eventual death have also prompted other former child stars to speak publicly about the pressures associated with growing up in the entertainment industry.

CharlyBoy Reveals His Role in Obasanjo–Bae U Interview

/by

Nigerian entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as CharlyBoy, has revealed that he facilitated the connection that led to former President Olusegun Obasanjo appearing on an interview with media personality Bae U.

CharlyBoy, also known as Area Fada, disclosed this in a post shared on his X handle on Tuesday.

The revelation followed the reaction generated by Obasanjo’s appearance on Bae U’s platform, which was published on Saturday.

The interview attracted attention on social media, with many Nigerians expressing surprise that the former president agreed to appear on a platform outside the conventional media outlets where he is frequently interviewed.

Reacting to the development, CharlyBoy said the opportunity demonstrated the importance of influential individuals creating platforms for young people.

“Sometimes, the greatest thing you fit give a young person no be money. Na opportunity,” he wrote.
According to him, Obasanjo’s appearance on Bae U’s platform showed what could happen when an older generation was willing to enter the world of younger people.

“A man of his age and experience sat down with a young man whose style dey completely different from wetin he is used to,” CharlyBoy said.

He added that the former president did not merely participate in the interview but also adapted to the atmosphere of the programme.

“Baba no just sit there looking serious. He matched the energy, played along and showed Nigerians another side of himself,” he said.

Read Also: “I Was Mocked” — Sophia Momodu Opens Up About Having a Child With Davido Outside Marriage

CharlyBoy then disclosed that he was the person who helped facilitate the connection between Obasanjo and the young media personality.

“And who helped make that connection happen? CharlyBoy,” he said.

The entertainer used the development to call on members of the older generation to provide opportunities and access for young Nigerians seeking to establish themselves.

“That one get a lesson inside. To the older generation: don’t only tell young people to succeed. Give them room. Open doors. Recommend them. Trust them with opportunities,” he wrote.

He also encouraged young people to take advantage of opportunities by building platforms and projects that could attract the confidence of established personalities.

“To the younger generation: don’t wait for somebody to hand you a future. Build something worth believing in. When opportunity comes, be ready,” CharlyBoy said.

He said meaningful support from influential individuals could sometimes make a significant difference in the career of a young person.

“Because sometimes, all a young person needs is one person with influence to say: ‘I believe in what you are doing. Go ahead,’” he wrote.

CharlyBoy also noted that the relationship between generations should not be one-sided, saying older people could benefit from engaging with the ideas and platforms created by younger Nigerians.

“And sometimes, all an older person needs is the willingness to say: ‘Let me enter your world and see what you are building,’” he said.

He concluded that collaboration between generations could create opportunities for both sides.

“When generations support each other, everybody gets to grow. Na so legacy suppose work,” CharlyBoy added.

“I Was Mocked” — Sophia Momodu Opens Up About Having a Child With Davido Outside Marriage

/by

Businesswoman Sophia Momodu has spoken about the criticism and public scrutiny she faced after becoming pregnant for Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, outside marriage.

Momodu shared her experience while participating in activities around the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where she reflected on the challenges surrounding her highly publicised relationship with the music star.

According to her, becoming pregnant outside marriage was particularly difficult because she is the daughter of a pastor. She explained that the expectations placed on women from religious families made the situation attract considerable mockery and criticism.

Momodu said that although she was already a known public figure, she struggled to have her own perspective heard because discussions about her relationship with Davido were often dominated by negative narratives.

Read Also: “Why Do You Look Pale?” Fans Question DJ Cuppy Over Latest Appearance

She described the experience as overwhelming and said she felt she had no voice for a long period despite her public profile.

She said, “It’s my life story. I have a pastor’s daughter who got pregnant out of wedlock by a global superstar. And I was mocked. It was crazy.”

The businesswoman added that being a pastor’s daughter and having a child outside marriage was viewed by many Nigerians as almost taboo.

Momodu and Davido were romantically involved in 2015, and their relationship resulted in the birth of their daughter, Imade Adeleke, on May 14, 2015.

Questions surrounding Imade’s paternity later became a subject of public discussion. Davido subsequently confirmed through a DNA test that he was Imade’s biological father.

Momodu’s latest comments have renewed attention on the circumstances surrounding her relationship with the singer and the public scrutiny she experienced at the time.

Her remarks also highlight the pressure public figures can face when private family matters become subjects of widespread public discussion.

“Why Do You Look Pale?” Fans Question DJ Cuppy Over Latest Appearance

/by

Nigerian disc jockey and singer Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has attracted attention on social media after sharing a new video of herself.

The entertainer posted a brief selfie video on her X account, @cuppymusic, where she appeared outdoors in front of a rustic-looking stone structure believed to be located outside Nigeria.

Although the clip was short and appeared to be a casual update, it quickly generated reactions from fans and other social media users. A number of commenters focused on Cuppy’s appearance, with some claiming that she looked different from her usual self.

Several users expressed concern and asked whether the entertainer was doing well, while others commented on her eyes and overall appearance. Some reactions, however, were light-hearted, with users making jokes about her hairstyle and the video.

Read Also: Kamo State Reveals Why Funke Akindele Missed His Movie Premiere

One user asked why Cuppy looked pale, while another wondered whether she had been getting enough rest. Another commenter simply asked if the singer was okay.

Some social media users also urged the DJ not to allow online comments to affect her emotionally, encouraging her to remain confident and ignore negative remarks.

Other comments were more speculative, with some users making references to the entertainer’s appearance and adding jokes to their observations. Such comments were not accompanied by any verified information about Cuppy’s health or well-being.

The discussion has continued to attract engagement, with fans offering different opinions about the video and the entertainer’s latest look.

Cuppy, the daughter of Nigerian billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, has remained active in music, entertainment and philanthropic activities.

The latest social media reaction highlights how quickly celebrity posts can generate widespread commentary, even when the content shared is a simple personal update.

As of the time of reporting, Cuppy had not publicly indicated that anything was wrong or provided a specific explanation for the concerns raised by some commenters about her appearance.