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

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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

‘Home Alone’ Mom Catherine O’Hara Passes Away at 71

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Hollywood actress Catherine O’Hara, celebrated for her iconic roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, has passed away at the age of 71.

Her agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), confirmed that O’Hara died at her home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

O’Hara first rose to international fame as the frantic yet devoted mother of Macaulay Culkin’s character in the first two Home Alone films. She later won critical acclaim and a new generation of fans for her role as Moira Rose in the Emmy-winning comedy series Schitt’s Creek, appearing in all 80 episodes.

Her impressive filmography also includes Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and numerous other projects that cemented her reputation as one of comedy’s most distinctive performers.

A Canadian native who began her career in improvisational comedy, O’Hara enjoyed a career spanning decades across film, television, and stage. She is survived by her family and leaves behind a lasting legacy in comedy and popular culture.

Nollywood Star Stanley Amandi Detained Over Suspected Involvement in Coup Plot

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Nollywood actor and filmmaker Stanley Amandi has been detained alongside a group of military officers accused of plotting a violent takeover of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

A source within the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) disclosed that Amandi, a former chairman of the guild’s Enugu State chapter, was arrested in September 2025. According to the source, the actor-director was allegedly recruited by the suspected coup plotters to serve as a media propagandist. The group is also accused of planning the assassination of top government officials.

Officials familiar with the investigation had earlier revealed that the alleged plot involved a coordinated plan to seize power by force. Those reportedly marked for assassination included President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.

On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that an illegal scheme aimed at removing the Tinubu administration had been uncovered. It added that the military officers implicated in the plot would be tried before appropriate military judicial panels.

In an official statement, the Defence Headquarters said investigations into the matter had been completed and forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.” The military described the investigation as “comprehensive,” noting that it examined “all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.”

The statement further revealed that the inquiry identified “a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” stressing that such actions were “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

Amandi is a well-known figure in the Nigerian film industry, with experience both in front of and behind the camera as an actor, director, and production manager. His body of work includes The Album, which he directed; Tiger King (2008), where he served as director and producer; Cornerstone (2019); and Once Upon a Dream (2024), in which he appeared as an actor.

His last activity on Instagram was recorded on September 19, 2025, just days before his arrest.

Source: Vanguard

Fela Kuti’s Legacy Celebrated With Historic Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

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Legendary Nigerian musician and pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has been selected as a recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, making history as the first African artist to receive the honour.

The Recording Academy disclosed that Fela will be celebrated at the Special Merit Awards ceremony during Grammy Week in Los Angeles. The Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for performers whose creative output has demonstrated exceptional artistic importance within the recording industry.

Fela, who passed away in 1997, is globally recognised as the architect of Afrobeat, a genre that fused traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife. Beyond its musical innovation, his work became a powerful vehicle for political and social expression, openly confronting authority, exposing corruption, and amplifying the voices of everyday people in Nigeria and across the African continent.

Although his influence reached far beyond Africa, Fela never won a Grammy while he was alive. This posthumous honour is widely regarded as a significant milestone for African music and a long-awaited recognition of his profound impact on global culture and sound.

The award will be accepted on his behalf by members of his family. His sons, Femi and Seun Kuti, have continued to uphold and advance the Afrobeat legacy through their music and regular performances at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos.

With this recognition, Fela joins a distinguished group of internationally revered music icons honoured for their lifetime contributions to recorded music. The award also follows the recent induction of his 1976 album, Zombie, into the Grammy Hall of Fame, further underscoring his enduring influence.

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s recognition by the Recording Academy is being hailed as a landmark moment for Nigerian music, Afrobeat, and Africa’s expanding cultural presence on the global stage.

Emotional Drama at Omije Ojumi's Burial: Biological Father Contacts Children via Phone Call

Emotional Drama at Omije Ojumi’s Burial: Biological Father Contacts Children via Phone Call

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Drama unfolded during the burial of late Yoruba gospel singer Omije Ojumi (real name Bunmi Akinnanu Adeoye) on Wednesday when a man claiming to be the biological father of her children made an emotional phone call that stunned mourners.

In a now-viral video from the ceremony—where attendees dressed in white paid their final respects—the call came as the family gathered for the rites. The man reportedly stated he wanted to pay his last respects to the deceased before speaking to the children.

Putting the phone on speaker via a family member (as the daughter did not take the call directly), he introduced himself as their father and alleged long-term denial of access by their late mother.

In his words, heard clearly in the footage: “I’m your daddy and I’ve been looking for you. If you remember, I called your school years back when you were at Front Liner. I spoke to you through the school line and told you not to tell your mummy because she wouldn’t allow me talk to you. I don’t know how she found out, but she took police to arrest all the teachers in the school.”

Emotions ran high as the call played out, leaving some mourners visibly uncomfortable during the sensitive moment. The situation has since sparked intense online discussions, with many questioning the timing of the revelation, while others expressed sympathy for the children caught in the family drama.

Omije Ojumi, who passed away after a prolonged illness, was laid to rest amid tears, heartfelt tributes, songs, and celebrations of her life, music career, and sacrifices as a mother. The burial followed earlier cancellations and family resolutions, with her children delivering moving moments like Bible readings and performances in her honor.

Anthony Joshua’s Driver Trial Adjourned to February 25

Anthony Joshua’s Driver Trial Adjourned to February 25

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A Magistrate Court in Sagamu, Ogun State, has postponed the trial of Adeniyi Kayode, the 46-year-old driver charged in connection with the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami.

The case was adjourned to February 25, 2026, for further hearing.

Kayode was arraigned on January 2, 2026, before Magistrate Olufunmilayo Somefun at the Sagamu Magistrate’s Court. He faces a four-count charge stemming from the December 29, 2025, crash along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The charges include:

  • Dangerous driving causing death, contrary to Section 5(1) of the Federal Highways Act, Cap F:135, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as applicable in Ogun State).
  • Reckless and negligent driving, contrary to Section 6(1) of the same Act.
  • Driving without due care and attention, causing bodily harm and damage to property, contrary to Section 7(1).
  • Driving without a valid national driver’s licence, contrary to Section 10(1).

During Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel Nijiwe Richard requested an adjournment to enable the duplication of the case file and its transmission to the Office of the Attorney General of Ogun State through the Department of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and in the interest of justice.

Defence counsel Abiodun Olalekan initially opposed the application, stating that the defence was ready to proceed with the trial.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Somefun granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the matter to February 25, 2026.

The defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦5,000,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Background of the Incident

On December 29, 2025, a Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua, his trainer Latif Ayodele, strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami, and driver Adeniyi Kayode collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Ayodele and Ghami tragically lost their lives in the crash, while Joshua and the driver sustained minor injuries.

Joshua was treated at a hospital and later discharged, declared clinically fit to continue recovery at home.

The former world heavyweight champion, accompanied by his mother, paid his last respects at a funeral home in Lagos as preparations were made for the repatriation of the bodies. He subsequently travelled to the United Kingdom for their funerals.

A funeral prayer service for Ghami and Ayodele was held on January 4, 2026, at the London Central Mosque.

Both men were integral members of Joshua’s training camp—Ayodele as his long-time personal trainer and close confidant, and Ghami as his strength and conditioning coach. Their sudden deaths sent shockwaves through the global boxing community.

After 22 Years on the Grind”: DJC Hints at Stepping Away from Music

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Nigerian afropop artist, songwriter, music producer, and creative coach, well known as DJC has set the music community talking after opening up about a possible shift away from active music practice.

In a heartfelt social media post, the respected creative reflected on his 22-year journey as a professional in the music industry. He described the road as tough and demanding, but also deeply rewarding. His words were honest, reflective, and filled with gratitude, as he hinted at the possibility of stepping back to focus on other areas of life.

DJC who’s also a Grammy Awards voting member, a rare honor that places him among a global circle of music professionals trusted to help shape the most prestigious music awards in the world. Beyond that, he has built a strong reputation as a music producer and coach, known for guiding artists, creatives, and upcoming talents with clarity and purpose.

As an artist, DJC has always leaned into meaning. One of his notable songs, “GNGSU”(God No Go Shame Us),” reflects his spiritual depth and belief in gratitude, destiny, and divine direction. His body of work often blends Afrocentric rhythms with soulful expression, creating music that speaks not just to the ears, but to the heart. This intentional approach is part of what has kept him relevant through different eras of Nigerian music.

To further underscore the breadth of his influence, DJC’s journey has included collaborations with respected acts such as Paul Play, Demmie Vee, Imike and Yetunde Omo Ibadan from MTN Project Fame, as well as Lovn of Mavin Records, among others. Beyond working with recording artists, DJC has also produced sound and music for major campaigns and soundtracks, including political commercials for APC and PDP, brand campaigns for 7UP/Pepsi, and various movie soundtracks. These experiences, have helped shape his understanding of music not just as art, but as a tool for communication, storytelling, and impact across different sectors.

What happens after decades of pouring your life into music? For many veterans, the question is no longer about talent or relevance, but about balance, fulfillment, and sustainability.

While DJC has not made a final announcement about quitting music entirely, his message suggests a season of evaluation rather than an abrupt goodbye. Whether he chooses to step back quietly, transition into a new role, or remain active in a different capacity, his legacy is already firmly established.

One thing is clear. DJC‘s contributions to Nigerian music and the global creative community cannot be erased by time or silence. And whatever direction he chooses next, the industry will be watching with love.

Popular Nollywood special effects artist James Akaie dies in on-set explosion

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James Akaie, a well-known Nigerian special effects artist, has died following injuries sustained in an explosion on a movie location in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The tragic incident was confirmed by popular movie director and producer, James Abinibi, in a statement shared on the RockBottom Flix Instagram page on Friday.

According to Abinibi, the explosion occurred during a filming session in a designated effects preparation area outside the main set. Akaie was reportedly experimenting with an unauthorised pyrotechnic setup involving a gas cylinder alongside two assistants when the explosion happened.

Akaie was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. His two assistants sustained burn injuries and were taken to a specialist hospital, where they received immediate medical care. They have since been confirmed to be in stable condition and are continuing treatment.

Popular Gospel Singer Bunmi Akinnanu Passes Away

Popular Gospel Singer Bunmi Akinnanu Passes Away

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Popular Nigerian gospel singer Bunmi Akinnanu, best known for her hit song “Omije Ojumi,” has passed away. She died on January 12, 2026, in a Lagos hospital after a prolonged battle with a serious leg ailment.

The sad news was confirmed by her family through a statement shared by fellow gospel artist Ayo Melody on Instagram: “With great sadness we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnanu Adeoye (OMIJE OJUMI), who passed away on 12th January 2026 at a Lagos hospital in Nigeria.” Her death comes after months of public prayers and concern, especially following a widely circulated 2025 video from G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan showing her receiving prayers for her condition.

Bunmi began singing at age 10 and later left a career in banking to pursue gospel music full-time. “Omije Ojumi” became one of her most beloved tracks, resonating deeply with fans across Nigeria, and she released several other impactful songs over the years. She will be greatly missed by the gospel community. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

FG Launches ₦40 Billion CCTV Command Centre for Third Mainland Bridge

FG Launches ₦40 Billion CCTV Command Centre for Third Mainland Bridge

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The Federal Government has commissioned a ₦40 billion CCTV control center on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, marking a major advancement in safety, security, and infrastructure management for one of Nigeria’s busiest and most strategic roadways.

The inauguration took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi, who officiated the event, explained that the project is the culmination of extensive rehabilitation works carried out on the bridge since the current administration assumed office in 2023. He described the condition of the bridge at that time as “very terrible,” noting that the Third Mainland Bridge, together with the nearby Carter and Iddo bridges, required thorough structural re-evaluation and repairs both above and below water level.

President Bola Tinubu approved the full rehabilitation program, which included replacement of expansion joints, resurfacing, and other critical upgrades. These interventions have significantly improved driving conditions and extended the bridge’s service life.

The CCTV system itself was first announced in 2025 and is purpose-built to address multiple safety challenges. Its primary goals are to curb reckless and excessive speeding, help prevent suicide attempts, and strengthen overall security on the bridge. Security personnel will monitor live feeds around the clock from the dedicated control centre and actively enforce speed limits. Umahi emphasized that the facility provides complete visibility: “The idea is that we can see everything that is happening on the bridge.” He also used the occasion to urge motorists to strictly obey traffic rules.

To support real-time monitoring and rapid emergency response, the contract includes the handover of one surveillance boat and two Hilux patrol vans to the Nigeria Police Force.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, described the installation as the first of its kind on any bridge in Nigeria. The system enables continuous real-time observation of activities on the bridge and in the surrounding waters. Among its advanced features are 240 solar panels paired with 10 inverters, a 300 kVA transformer, a standby generator, multiple large monitoring screens, and full air-conditioning for operator comfort. The wider scope of works also covers installation of 1,268 solar-powered street lights along the bridge and provision of a borehole facility.

The entire project was awarded at ₦40.17 billion, with roughly ₦36 billion already paid to the contractor. Sunday’s commissioning represents Phase 1; a second and final phase will be inaugurated once the ongoing bridge extension works are completed.

This development reflects the Tinubu administration’s broader commitment to modernizing federal infrastructure in Lagos while integrating sustainable energy solutions and proactive security measures. For the millions who use the Third Mainland Bridge daily, the new control centre promises safer journeys, faster incident response, and a stronger deterrent against dangerous behaviour on one of the country’s most critical transport links.