Davido Announces Exclusive London Premiere for New Album Oriade

LONDON – Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced an exclusive live premiere for his forthcoming album, Oriade, scheduled to take place in London on August 11.

The award-winning singer made the announcement on Friday via his official X account, inviting fans to join him at the O2 Forum Kentish Town for what he described as a one-of-a-kind performance.

According to Davido, the event will offer fans the first and only opportunity to experience the new album live before its official performances elsewhere.

“London! Join me on Aug. 11 at the O2 Forum Kentish Town for a very special show.

“This will be the first and only chance to hear Oriade performed live, so if you want to experience the new album before anyone else. Tickets are on sale now. I’ll see you there!” he wrote.

The announcement comes ahead of the album’s official release on July 31.

Davido previously revealed that Oriade is his sixth studio album and a project created to celebrate 15 years of his music career.

The album’s title is derived from the Yoruba words “Ori” (destiny) and “Adé” (crown), translating to “The Crowned Head.”

Speaking about the inspiration behind the project, the singer reflected on his musical journey, saying he always believed music was his calling.

“Over fifteen years ago, I decided to trust something I couldn’t fully explain. I just knew music was my destiny.

“The biggest blessings often come from betting on yourself, even when the destination isn’t in sight yet,” he said.

The 13-track album features the lead single, I Know Who I Be, produced alongside South African producers Jazzwrld and GL Ceejay.

According to Davido, Oriade marks a return to his energetic African sound, moving away from the pop-oriented crossover style heard in some of his previous works.

The project follows the success of his 2025 album, 5ive, which earned recognition on the Billboard charts.

Fans are expected to get an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated album during the London showcase before its wider global promotion.

Court Grants Blessing CEO N20m Bail in Alleged N69m Fraud Cas

LAGOS – A Lagos State Special Offences Court has granted Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, bail in the sum of N20 million in her ongoing trial over an alleged N69.15 million property fraud.

The self-styled relationship expert was granted bail on Thursday, about six weeks after she was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

In addition to the bail, the court directed the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to enforce travel restrictions against the defendant pending the conclusion of the trial.

Blessing CEO is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.

According to the anti-graft agency, she allegedly obtained N69.15 million from Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited in March 2025 under the pretext of securing a lease for a property in the Lekki area of Lagos.

She was arraigned before the court on June 9, 2026, where she pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Delivering his ruling on the bail application, Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N20 million with two sureties in like amount.

The court also ordered that each surety must present evidence of financial capacity, including proof of deposits valued at N20 million over the past three years.

As part of the bail conditions, the judge directed the Nigerian Immigration Service to ensure that the defendant does not travel outside the country without the court’s approval while the case remains pending.

The trial was subsequently adjourned until October 12, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.

The case remains one of several high-profile fraud prosecutions currently before the Lagos State Special Offences Court.

Toke Makinwa Reveals Why She Stopped Buying Gifts for Men

LAGOS – Nigerian media personality and actress Toke Makinwa has opened up about why she no longer buys gifts for men she is romantically involved with, revealing that a painful experience during her university days changed her perspective on relationships.

Speaking on a recent episode of her Toke Moments podcast, which featured reality TV star Beauty Tukura as a guest, Makinwa recounted how an older boyfriend betrayed her despite the sacrifices she made for him.

According to the media personality, she was an undergraduate when she dated a man who was 10 years older than her. In an effort to celebrate his birthday, she used her university semester’s school fees to organize a special outing.

She disclosed that she took him to an Italian restaurant in Victoria Island, where he ordered several items from the menu.

However, the celebration ended on a heartbreaking note when they returned to his home.

Makinwa said she was shocked to discover another woman waiting for him at the house, leaving her devastated and emotionally scarred.

“I stopped buying men gifts after I dated a man who was 10 years older than me. I spent my university semester’s school fees to celebrate his birthday and took him to an Italian restaurant in Victoria Island.

“He ordered everything on the menu. When we got home… there was another woman in his house. That broke me,” she recalled.

The actress said the painful experience taught her a valuable lesson and influenced her decision to stop spending money on gifts for men she dates.

Her revelation has since sparked conversations on social media, with many users sharing their opinions and personal experiences about relationships, generosity, and emotional boundaries.

VeryDarkMan Tells Peller: ‘You Need to Be in School, Not Marriage’

LAGOS – Popular social media critic and activist, Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has advised TikTok stars Peller and Jarvis to reconsider their plans to get married, saying they are still too young for such a lifelong commitment.

The advice comes after the couple recently announced that their wedding is scheduled to take place on August 1, 2026, sparking widespread reactions across social media.

Reacting in a video shared on his social media platforms, VeryDarkMan expressed concern over the decision, stressing that marriage is a serious commitment that should not be approached like social media content creation.

According to him, the couple should carefully think through their decision before taking such a significant step.

Addressing Peller directly, VeryDarkMan said the young content creator should prioritize his education instead of rushing into marriage.

“Jarvis and Peller, I hope you actually know what you guys are doing because marriage is not a joke or content creation. You really need to think about this.

“Peller, you are still a very young boy that needs to be in school, not in marriage. Think very well,” he said.

His comments have generated mixed reactions online, with some social media users agreeing that the couple should focus on personal growth before settling down, while others argued that age alone should not determine readiness for marriage.

Neither Peller nor Jarvis has publicly responded to VeryDarkMan’s remarks as of the time of filing this report.

‘Don’t Let Me Die’ — Actress Ngozi Nwosu Appeals for Financial Help for Life-Saving Surgeries (VIDEO

Veteran Nigerian actress, Ngozi Nwosu, has begged the general public for financial assistance amid a battle with undisclosed illness.

The actress made the plea in a video shared on her Instagram page on Thursday evening.

Ngozi, who was seen lying on a hospital bed, stated that she urgently needs N30 million for three life-saving surgeries.

Speaking about her secret battle with the undisclosed illness, she said, “I can’t keep quiet anymore.”

While begging the public, including her colleagues, she said, “I have been hospitalized for three weeks. Please I need your help, don’t let me die. My fans, friends, family and colleagues, this was really hard for me to do, but I can’t keep quiet anymore. I need urgent life-saving surgeries.”

Sharing her account details, she wrote, “Please don’t scroll past. Share this post and support if you can. God bless you and may you and yours never experience this affliction.”

Watch video

Ramsey Nouah: Discipline, Not Talent, Sustains Career Longevity (VIDEO)

Veteran Nigerian movie star, Ramsey Nouah, has stated that talent alone can’t sustain career longevity.

The actor stated this in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

Speaking about the lesson learned in his career and how he has managed to stay relevant in the industry, the 55-year-old attributed the feat to being disciplined.

While stating that talent alone is not enough, Ramsey explained that discipline is the only thing that keeps him consistent when inspiration fails.

“One thing I have learned over the years is that talent may open the door, but discipline is what keeps you moving forward. Discipline is what actually keeps you consistent when inspiration fails you,” he said.

Watch video

Ruger: ‘I Have Money, I Don’t Mind Dating Unemployed Women’

Afrobeats star Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has said financial stability is not one of the requirements he looks out for in women because he is already rich.

Speaking during a recent livestream with steamer Shank, Ruger said he has dated ladies who were not only unemployed but lazy.

“A woman’s financial status doesn’t matter to me. I am rich. I have dated girls who didn’t make money before. They just sleep and wake up,” he said.

Ruger said his ideal woman is “someone who is funny.”

He said he is looking forward to settling down soon.

“I keep ordering takeouts because there is no one at home to cook for me. That’s one of the reasons I want to settle down,” he said.

The singer also disclosed during the interview that he has made over $2 million so far this year.

Ubi Franklin Opens Up About Suicide Attempt on Third Mainland Bridge (VIDEO)

Nigerian music artist manager, Ubi Franklin, has revealed why he attempted suicide on third Mainland bridge in Lagos state despite being wealthy.

He made the revelation in a video shared on his Instagram page to educate his fans through his life story.

Speaking about his marriage to his ex-wife, Lilian Esoro, he explained that he got depressed, and embarrassed because she left him without him doing her wrong despite his career success.

While noting that “not every love story ends the way you imagined”, Ubi Franklin, who disclosed that he attempted suicide several times, explained that he once drove to the third Mainland bridge to commit suicide before being rescued by his cousin brother, Omini Stitches.

“I went through some crazy depressing positions. I remember one time I bought a red CL, and I drove that car to the third Mainland bridge to go and commit suicide.

“The only luck I had was my cousin brother Omini Stitches that came to saved me. Several times I had tried to commit suicide, Omini saved me. Because I was so embarrassed, I don’t know what to do. I felt like what have I done to deserve all of this. I have a good career going for myself. I have like the biggest artist in the country at the time. Everything was fine, so I just felt like it was time for me to settle down.

“So, sometimes I always feel like this relationship did not work it was just meant to be that way. Till today I can’t really explain exactly what transpired, but we’re now very good friends. We co-parent very well, we celebrate events of our son. So sometimes, I have always believed that regardless of all the pain, the best result that I got from that was my son. And she’s still doing very well. Any opportunity I ever have to support her, I always do it to the fullest and I pray that she continues doing well. The lesson I want you to learn from this is, I don’t want you to think that when something happens sometimes with the human being, you have to hate the human being. No, that’s not the case. Sometimes it is just an opportunity for you to learn from the process and keep it moving “, he said.

Music executive Soso Soberekon traditionally ties knot with lover [VIDEO]

Nigerian music executive, Soso Soberekon, has traditionally tied the knot with his lover.

Announcing the good news on Wednesday evening in an Instagram post, Soso disclosed that he has been taken.

He wrote, “I have beeen taken,” as he accompanied the announcement with the hashtag #Sobeau2026.

The announcement has drawn warm reactions from Nigerians, including his colleagues in the entertainment industry.

Singer Tiwa Savage wrote, “Huge congratulations.”

Singer Kcee wrote, “Congratulations to you, my brother.”

Obi Cubana wrote, “Congratulations, big Soso.”

Brother Shaggi wrote, “Congratulations, brother.”

AY Comedian wrote, “Congratulations, bro. We mount.”

Other celebrities who congratulated him include Ini Edo, Iyabo Ojo, Priscilla Ojo, Cubana Chief Priest, Omoni Oboli, Kunle Remi, KieKie, Destiny Etiko, Toke Makinwa, Cute Abiola, Annie Idibia and Uche Ogbodo, among others.

Sharon Adeleke Urges Celebrities to Embrace Outfit Repetition

Businesswoman and lifestyle influencer Sharon Adeleke, sister of Afrobeats superstar Davido, has encouraged Nigerian celebrities and public figures to normalise repeating their outfits instead of giving in to the pressure of wearing new clothes for every public appearance.

Speaking in a recent vlog, Sharon said there is nothing wrong with wearing an outfit more than once, stressing that fashion should not be dictated by social media expectations or public opinion.

She recalled attending an event wearing an outfit she had previously worn after deciding not to commission a new one. According to her, members of her team initially advised against the decision, arguing that people had already seen the outfit.

Despite the concerns, Sharon said she went ahead with her choice, insisting that she would not allow unnecessary societal pressure to influence her wardrobe decisions.

“Last Sunday, I had an event and I didn’t have anything made for it. So, I decided to wear something that I had worn before and my team objected, saying people had seen it before and would see it again. But I wore it anyway.

“Don’t let anybody tell you you can’t repeat your clothes. I will re-rock as many times as I like. I am not going to let anybody put unnecessary pressure on me.

“Don’t be afraid to repeat your clothes. Re-rock as many times as you like.”

Her comments have sparked conversations on social media, with many users praising her message as a refreshing call for authenticity, sustainability and financial responsibility in an industry often associated with constant displays of luxury and new fashion.

Sharon’s remarks add to the growing conversation about reducing fashion waste and encouraging more practical lifestyle choices, even among celebrities who are frequently in the public eye.