Zlatan Ibile Marries Longtime Partner Davita in Lagos

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Rapper Omoniyi Raphael, popularly known as Zlatan Ibile, is today tying the knot with his longtime partner, Davita, in Lagos.

The wedding, tagged #DTTheUnion, is currently underway and has been one of the most talked-about entertainment events this weekend.

Zlatan and Davita set the tone this morning by sharing pre-wedding portraits on Instagram, where they appeared in elaborate Benin traditional attire adorned with coral beads.
The singer wore a white traditional outfit with red bead trimmings and coral necklaces, while Davita stunned in a deep red beaded off-shoulder gown with a matching headpiece.

Read Also: Alayo Melody Warns Gospel Artistes Against Ignoring Spiritual Convictions Amid Sudden Deaths

The singer announced the October 8 date in a “Save the Date” video narrated by their son, who said, “When I think about love, I think about my mommy and daddy.”
The couple, who share two sons, Toluwalase (born in 2020) and Benaiah (born in 2024), reportedly held a private civil ceremony before today’s public celebration.

The ceremony has drawn a star-studded guest list.

Alayo Melody Warns Gospel Artistes Against Ignoring Spiritual Convictions Amid Sudden Deaths

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Nigerian gospel singer Alayo Melody has advised fellow gospel musicians to stop accepting invitations for ministrations and programmes whenever they feel spiritually uncomfortable about attending.

The singer gave the advice in a video shared on Instagram following concerns expressed by colleagues over the recent death of fellow gospel artiste Toluwanisings and reports of sudden deaths within the music industry.

Melody said he had received several calls from colleagues who were frightened by the developments and seeking conversations about the situation. He disclosed that the deceased had been scheduled to perform alongside him at an event the following week, adding that they still had pending discussions before the death occurred.

Although he expressed sadness over the loss, the singer urged his colleagues to accept that God’s will cannot be questioned and prayed for comfort for the deceased’s family and children.

Addressing musicians who had contacted him, Melody argued that some gospel artistes were putting themselves under unnecessary pressure by trying to satisfy everyone, even when their personal convictions suggested they should decline certain invitations.

According to him, artistes should prioritise their peace of mind and spiritual convictions rather than accept every invitation out of fear of offending organisers or colleagues.

“It’s better to offend people than offend yourself. It’s impossible to satisfy or please everyone,” he said.

Read Also: Ms DSF Says Poor People Should Think Twice Before Having Children

He advised singers against participating in any ministration their spirit did not support, suggesting that they should decline such invitations rather than compromise their convictions.

Melody also encouraged artistes to respect their need for rest, noting that invitations received when they should be taking a break should not prevent them from resting.

Beyond his warning about accepting engagements, the singer criticised what he described as a growing disconnect between some gospel musicians and their spiritual foundations.

He alleged that some artistes had become disconnected from the churches and Christian traditions that shaped their early lives, adding that several musicians frequently visit different churches to minister without maintaining a consistent place of worship.

Reflecting on his religious background, Melody said he was born into the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) tradition and joined the Celestial Church in 1995.

He referenced practices associated with these church traditions, including prayer and the use of symbolic items during certain spiritual activities, arguing that modernisation and pride should not lead Christians to dismiss the beliefs and practices of their spiritual forebears.

The singer further expressed concern that some gospel artistes lacked a sound understanding of the Bible despite publicly identifying as gospel ministers.

He urged his colleagues to reconnect with their spiritual roots, strengthen their relationship with God and avoid allowing professional commitments to overshadow their faith.

Melody concluded by praying against premature deaths and calling for an end to what he described as evil within the gospel music community.

Ms DSF Says Poor People Should Think Twice Before Having Children

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British-Nigerian actress and disc jockey Dorcas Shola Fapson, popularly known as Ms DSF, has sparked debate after stating that financially unstable people should reconsider having children.

The actress made the remark during a recent episode of the In My Opinion podcast, where she argued that bringing children into the world without the financial capacity to care for them could create unnecessary hardship for both parents and their offspring.

According to Ms DSF, prospective parents should carefully assess their financial situation before deciding to start a family, stressing that raising children requires adequate resources to meet their basic needs.

“Broke people shouldn’t have kids. I don’t think it is fair to the children. It is not fair to the family. It is not fair to you,” she said.

Read Also: Eniola Badmus Defends Her Support for Tinubu Amid Public Backlash

To support her argument, the actress shared an experience involving a cousin who, according to her, has five children but has struggled financially since the birth of the first child.

She explained that the relative frequently seeks financial assistance to cover school fees and feeding expenses, questioning the decision to have more children without the means to support them.

Ms DSF acknowledged that she grew up in a humble background but said she would not want her own children to experience similar financial difficulties.

She maintained that people planning to become parents should consider their ability to provide for their children before making such a significant decision.

The actress’s comments have brought renewed attention to conversations about responsible parenthood, family planning and the financial responsibilities involved in raising children.

Her position underscores the importance of planning and ensuring that children have access to essential needs, including education, food and other necessities.

Eniola Badmus Defends Her Support for Tinubu Amid Public Backlash

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Actress Eniola Badmus has attributed the criticism she receives on social media to her open support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking on comedian Isbae U’s podcast, Curiosity Made Me Ask, the actress said she has remained steadfast despite negative reactions to her political stance.

Badmus noted that while some Nigerians attack her for her choice, she respects every individual’s democratic right to support any candidate they prefer.

Read Also: Kemi Afolabi Says Celebrating Other People’s Suffering Is Diabolical

“The only reason they come at me is just that I support the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And whether you like it or not, on that mandate, me, Eniola Badmus, I am still standing,” she said.
“Everybody has the right to do whatever they want. It’s called democracy. Follow whoever you want to follow; I don’t criticise anyone for following whoever,” she added.
The actress was among Tinubu’s prominent celebrity supporters in the build-up to the 2023 general elections and has continued to declare her loyalty publicly.

Kemi Afolabi Says Celebrating Other People’s Suffering Is Diabolical

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Actress Kemi Afolabi has berated those who rejoice over others’ pain, calling the act diabolical.

The actress stated this in an Instagram post, where she reminded her followers that death is inevitable for everyone.

“We all are gonna bite the dust. Your jubilation over another’s afflictions or death is diabolical,” she wrote.

Afolabi’s post comes amid her ongoing battle with lupus, an incurable autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues and organs.

Read Also: Mercy Johnson, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Kate Henshaw, Others Mourn Francis Duru

Recall that in August 2026, the mother of one revealed that she underwent multiple surgeries following a severe lupus flare.

She had shared a hospital video at the time while celebrating her daughter’s 16th birthday.
In 2022, the Yoruba actress had first disclosed her health condition in an emotional interview with Chude Jideonwo, where she said doctors told her she had five more years to live.

While she did not mention any specific incident that triggered her latest post, the actress has spoken in recent months about resilience, gratitude, and the courage needed to keep fighting despite her health challenges.

Mercy Johnson, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Kate Henshaw, Others Mourn Francis Duru

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Nollywood actors have mourned the death of their colleague, Francis Duru, describing the demise as a tragic and heartbreaking loss of a talented performer whose contributions to the film industry will be remembered.
It was reported that Duru died on Friday at the age of 57 after a brief illness, barely two years after he lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi.

In response, many Nollywood stars have taken to their social media pages to pay tribute to the deceased.
Veteran actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, in a post via his Instagram page, described Duru as a complete actor and one of Nigeria’s most versatile and prolific performers.

He wrote, “A consummate actor has left the stage. One of the most flexible, prolific performers Nigeria ever produced. Rest in peace, my brother.”

Also, Nollywood actress, Stephanie Linus, described Duru’s death as tragic and heartbreaking, praying for strength for his family.

Read Also: Biodun Stephen Explains Why She Opposes Cinema Earnings Announcements

She wrote, “Such a tragic and heartbreaking loss. May God grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace. RIP Francis Duru.”

Similarly, actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie said she was too overwhelmed by the loss to find words.

She stated, “Too tired and speechless about this loss.”

In her tribute to Duru, actress Kate Henshaw reflected on the brevity of life and prayed for the repose of his soul.

She said, “Like a flame gone out, so are our lives when it all ends. God grant him eternal rest and comfort his family.”

Francis Duru gained popularity after playing Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s classic film, ‘Rattlesnake’, and built a career spanning over three decades in the Nollywood industry.

Biodun Stephen Explains Why She Opposes Cinema Earnings Announcements

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Actress and filmmaker Biodun Stephen has explained why she opposes public announcements of cinema earnings, urging her colleagues to stop publicising how much their movies make at the box office.

Stephen said the practice puts unnecessary pressure on other filmmakers and narrows the industry’s definition of success.

The filmmaker made the call during an appearance on the Paul & Baaj: In Character podcast, where she argued that box office announcements distract filmmakers from focusing on quality and impact.

“I think that we really should do away with the announcements,” she said.

“I feel like this is a distraction, and it puts pressure on those other people who feel as if that is the determinant and that’s how you determine my success,” she added.

Read Also: Nollywood Mourns as Veteran Actor Steve Echendu Passes Away

According to her, when filmmakers constantly announce huge figures, colleagues whose films make less begin to feel like failures even when their work has artistic value.

She went on to liken the situation to the trend of people rushing into a business because they see others succeeding at it.
“Somebody starts selling slippers and people are rushing to buy slippers, the next one is going to sell slippers because they think that slippers sell, meanwhile they don’t understand what you have put in to ensure the slipper sells,” she said.

Stephen also questioned the rush among actors and filmmakers to chase international recognition before establishing themselves at home.
“It’s great to hunger for more, but I always say, have you even conquered Nigeria that you can stand and say that if I go to Kano they know me as an actor?” she queried. BuyMaps

She maintained that box office earnings alone do not determine a film’s quality, longevity, or global potential, noting that a film can make huge money at the cinema without necessarily being great. In contrast, a well-made film with export potential may earn less.

“The film go tough, but it can be a lot of crap, and then the film that is really good that can travel, that has export value, can do 40 million… the only yardstick for measuring success is this very shallow number.”

Nollywood Mourns as Veteran Actor Steve Echendu Passes Away

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The death has been reported of veteran Nigerian actor, movie producer, and director, Steve Echendu.
It was reported that the death of the Nollywood veteran was shared in a Facebook post by his colleague, Wisdom Nwankwo.
Nwankwo, in the post, expressed sadness over losing two industry figures within a short period.

He wrote: “I don’t take chills in doing this, but I am really touched and pained. Please, sometimes, if you don’t see people on your timeline for a month or even less, and they are regular in your list, please check on them.

“It’s quite a sad note on my side to learn of the passing of two of my friends here and in Nollywood; we were very active in making Nollywood what it is today.

“Austinfair Nwaulu was one of the media gurus who used to participate in all our activities in Nollywood. Very sad to hear he passed on Saturday and was laid on Tuesday.

Read Also: Yinka Alaseyori Breaks Down in Tears After Seeing Toluwanisings’ Wife and Children

“Oh, Steven Real Stephen Echendu, it’s so painful to also learn of your passing yesterday; you were also one of the gladiators then in Nollywood Ojs production main man. Just a span of 5 days, oh Lord, let your will always prevail.

“I am pained, my comrades; tomorrow is not promised to any mortal. Live today as your last day… Your toiling is just a temporary assignment here on earth. Oh Lord, grant them your light on their way to the great beyond. Peace profound.”

Some of the movies Stephen Echendu was best known for include Fury (2019), Infant at Heart (2024), and Knockout Blessing (2018).

His death was reported shortly after Francis Duru was confirmed dead.

Yinka Alaseyori Breaks Down in Tears After Seeing Toluwanisings’ Wife and Children

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Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori has appealed to the public to support the wife and children of her late colleague, Toluwanisings, after an emotional encounter with the bereaved family left her in tears.
It was reported that the singer shared her experience on social media on Thursday, explaining how difficult it was to meet the late gospel minister’s wife and their two children following his death.

Alaseyori, who is still mourning her colleague, admitted that she struggled to express her feelings after seeing the family.
She also appealed to fans, fellow gospel ministers and members of the public to assist the family financially during this difficult period.

Read Also: Tension Erupts as Jarvis and Peller Argue About Family Approval During Livestream

In her Instagram post, Alaseyori shared an account number through which people could send financial contributions to the bereaved family.

She encouraged those who were willing and able to help to do so, while acknowledging that many people were also dealing with their personal challenges.

She wrote on her Instagram page: “Hmmm brother Tolu. Omo No word. I saw your wife and the two children can’t hold back my tears.

“Please if you feel led to support his family please do. Everyone has a lot going on with them and we understand as well.”

Tension Erupts as Jarvis and Peller Argue About Family Approval During Livestream

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Popular TikTok content creators Peller and Jarvis have engaged in a heated exchange during a livestream over Peller’s claim that he acts as a father figure to Jarvis’ younger sister.
It was reported that the disagreement started when Peller insisted that he and Jarvis had parental responsibilities towards her younger sister.

During the livestream, Peller argued that his age made him qualified to assume such a role in the young woman’s life.
Peller said, “Babe, listen, I’m her father and you are her mother. Your sister is a child. I’m older than her. Me, 21 years. In Lagos, we are her father and mother. We are the ones that will pick a husband for her. Let’s say I have a big stature and I’m 30 years old. If I say I’m a father to your sister.”

However, Jarvis disagreed with his position, insisting that her younger sister already had a father and that Peller had no right to dictate how she should live her life.

She questioned why he was involving himself in her sister’s affairs and maintained that she was the person responsible for advising her younger sibling.

Jarvis said, “What concerns you with my sister? Leave her alone. It’s me that will tell her what to do. You cannot force her to come on live. Leave her alone, it’s not her calling.”

Read Also: President Tinubu Promises Stronger Support for Nigeria’s Tourism Sect

She further expressed her displeasure with Peller’s involvement, warning him against bringing her sister into their disagreements.

“Babe, stop this thing, or you want me to mention your brother? You want me to say that I’m taking care of your brother, that I’m the mother to your brother?” she asked.

Jarvis also challenged Peller’s suggestion that he and her family should have a say in choosing her sister’s future husband.

She questioned whether her own family would have selected Peller as her partner if they had been responsible for making that decision.

“Do you think if my family wanted to pick a man for me, do you think they would pick you?” she asked.

The content creator subsequently appealed to Peller to stop bringing her sister into the conversation and concentrate on their own child instead.

“Please, can we take my sister out of this conversation? With all due respect, focus on your own child. You are concerned about another adult. Leave my sister out of the picture, please,” Jarvis added.

Peller, however, maintained that Jarvis’ approach could encourage her younger sister to disrespect him.

As the disagreement continued, he said, “Na you go make that girl to start disrespecting me,” before telling Jarvis to leave the call.