Home > Entertainment > Page 27
Category:

Entertainment

Entertainment

‘I spent like two nights in jail’ – Tems recounts her ordeal in Uganda

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has recounted her ordeal in Ugandan prison.

LEADING REPORTERS recalls that Tems and Omah Lay were arrested and charged to court and subsequently detained in prison in Uganda for making an appearance at a concert held in the country at Speke Resort, Kampala, on Saturday 12th of December, despite COVID-19 social distancing regulations.

However, speaking in a recent interview with Angie Martinez of Power 105.1 FM, New York, Tems insisted that they didn’t break COVID-19 rules, claiming that “it was a setup.”

The Oscar-nominated diva said she thought she wasn’t going to come out of jail and was “already settling in” as she emphasized that she adapts very quickly.

Tems said, “We didn’t break the [COVID-19] rules. It was basically like a set up. We went to Uganda, I had a show there. It was during COVID year but they had opened things up that time. They had just had a rally in Uganda. People were going out. It wasn’t on lockdown. It was the aftermath.

“And the organisers said they had the permit, they sent us the permit. Everything was cool. And went there and there is this particular artist, I’m not sure now what his role was but he was just busy threatening Nigerian artists that they shouldn’t come. And after the show, the police came. They weren’t in uniforms. They just knocked on my hotel room. My manager and I were eating lunch or dinner. And they just came and said we should follow them and my manager was like he would go with them.

“So, he went with them. But they came back upstairs to pick me up. So, it was like who called them? Later, I found out that there was some weird… That was so scary. I spent two nights in prison. I thought I wasn’t gonna come out. I thought maybe I was going through it for a reason. I was like maybe this is for me to help the people in prison. It was crazy, I ain’t gonna lie. I was settling in because I adapt real quick.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Entertainment

Why I mocked AY when his house got burnt – Seun Kuti

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Grammy-nominated afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, has revealed why he mocked comedian, Ayo Makun, aka AY, over the fire outbreak that razed his multimillion-naira mansion in Lagos.

He said he mocked the comic star over his ordeal because he cracked jokes with his altercation with police and prison ordeal, and even portrayed his daughter as a “dog.”

Justifying his action, Kuti lambasted AY, describing him as “unfunny”, “dry goat with smelly mouth.”

He claimed that everyone in the entertainment industry knows that AY had mouth odour.

Speaking during a recent Instagram live session with fans, Kuti said, “They say I dey laugh Ayo Makun [AY] say him house burn. You know follow me often because people wey dey follow me often go tell say the day gangan wey the house burn, I went live.

“As the house dey burn, as dem dey try quench the fire, I was on live. Except you sef when he [AY] dey portray my daughter as dog for his yeye skit video; dey take my trials and tribulations take make joke. He used my trials and tribulations to make joke. Not only that. He called my daughter a dog basically in his useless skit.

“That unfunny modaf**ker. That dry goat with smelly mouth. His mouth dey smell. Ask anybody in the industry except they want to lie to you. My own daughter he portray as dog. That one wey dem beat his wife for house. No woman for his life go ever respect him because I’m sure his children have seen him beating his wife.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Entertainment

BBNaija’s Ilebaye Opens Up About Remaining a Virgin

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Reality TV Star Embraces Personal Choice Amidst Societal Pressures

In a candid and empowering revelation, former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) contestant, Ilebaye, has recently shared her reasons for choosing to remain a virgin despite societal expectations. The reality TV star, known for her authenticity and outspoken nature, opened up about her personal journey and the challenges she has faced.

In an exclusive interview, Ilebaye emphasized that her decision to abstain from sexual activities is a deeply personal choice rooted in her values and beliefs. She highlighted the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of societal pressure and prevailing cultural norms.

Acknowledging the pervasive influence of popular culture and the emphasis on physical intimacy, Ilebaye expressed her desire to challenge the narrative that equates one’s worth with their sexual experiences. She emphasized the need for individuals to embrace their own paths and make choices that align with their personal values, rather than succumbing to external pressures.

Ilebaye’s decision has not come without its fair share of obstacles, as she revealed facing judgment and criticism from those who fail to understand or respect her choice. However, she remains steadfast in her conviction, maintaining that her journey is about self-discovery and personal fulfillment, rather than conforming to societal expectations.

Drawing inspiration from her own experiences, Ilebaye has become an advocate for promoting body positivity, self-love, and empowering individuals to embrace their own path to happiness. Through her platform, she aims to challenge the stigmas surrounding virginity and foster a more inclusive and accepting society.

In an era where personal choices are often scrutinized, Ilebaye’s story serves as a reminder that individual autonomy and self-acceptance should be celebrated. By sharing her own journey, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and live life on their own terms.

As society continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize and respect diverse perspectives and choices, including those related to personal relationships and intimacy. Ilebaye’s courage in opening up about her decision to remain a virgin adds an important voice to the ongoing conversations surrounding individual autonomy and the celebration of personal choices.

In a world that often places BBNaija’s Ilebaye Opens Up About Remaining a Virgin pressure on individuals to conform, Ilebaye’s story serves as a beacon of empowerment, encouraging others to embrace their own truth and find fulfillment in their own unique journeys.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Entertainment

Davido Replies ‘Ungrateful’ Dammy Krane After Debt Accusation

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Award-winning musician, David ‘Davido’ Adeleke, has responded to his colleague, Oyindamola Emmanuel, known as Dammy Krane, after accusing him of unpaid debts.

On October 24, Dammy Krane claimed that Davido owes him royalties for their collaboration on the song “Pere” and urged the singer to settle the debt, citing the need to settle his daughter’s school fees.

But reacting on his X page on Friday, Davido referred to Dammy Krane as “ungrateful” while revealing that he never received compensation for three verses he rendered on Dammy Krane’s songs nine years ago.

The DMW record label owner identified the songs as “In Case Of Incasity,” “Gbetiti,” and “Izzue.”

He wrote, “I never got paid for that also my 3 verses I’ve gifted you all your dead career… oh yea plus my royalties, we charge now so that’s about $150k x3 a verse… also, house rent and food when u stayed in my house in Atlanta when you were homeless.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Entertainment

Mercy chinwo and her husband welcome their first child

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Renowned Nigerian gospel artist, Mercy Chinwo, and her husband are overjoyed as they recently welcomed their first child into the world. The couple, who tied the knot last year, are excitedly embracing parenthood and are grateful for the new addition to their family.

Mercy Chinwo, known for her soul-stirring vocals and impactful lyrics, has captured the hearts of millions with her music. Her songs have touched the lives of many, spreading messages of hope, faith, and love. Fans around the world have eagerly followed her journey and are now celebrating this beautiful milestone alongside her.

The talented singer kept the news of her pregnancy private, surprising her followers with the announcement of the birth of her child. Although details about the baby’s gender and name have not been disclosed, fans are eagerly awaiting further updates from the couple.

Mercy Chinwo’s husband has been a constant pillar of support throughout her career, and now they embark on this new chapter of their lives together. The couple has expressed their gratitude to God for the safe arrival of their bundle of joy and has thanked their fans for their well-wishes and prayers.

As news of the birth spreads, social media platforms have been flooded with congratulatory messages and prayers for Mercy Chinwo and her growing family. Fans and well-wishers are eager to witness the couple’s journey as they embrace the joys and challenges of parenthood.

Mercy Chinwo’s music has resonated deeply with listeners, and her personal life has also captured the attention and admiration of her fans. With her exceptional talent and genuine spirit, she continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.

Congratulations to Mercy Chinwo and her husband on the birth of their first child. May this new chapter of their lives be filled with love, joy, and cherished memories.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Entertainment

Brymo accuses Burna Boy of song theft

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Maverick singer, Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ, popularly known as Brymo, has accused Grammy-winning musician, Burna Boy of stealing his intellectual property.

The ‘Ara’ crooner alleged that Burna Boy’s ‘City Boys’ and ‘I Told Them’ sampled the album title track of his upcoming album, ‘Macabre.’

He said what Burna Boy did was a “crime” and should serve a jail term.

On his Instagram handle, Brymo wrote; “By end of this year y’all will recollect that ‘Macabre’ wasn’t released when in the public, and as privately as it gets .: ‘city boy’.. and ‘I Told You’ were fed to Burna Boy..

“Former of the track titles I mentioned above is there to point me to the fact that the latter, and his album title is the hook I sing on my album title track ‘Macabre’.. burna na really boy.. and that’s a crime.!! An actual crime…To do time for… and if una like make una resurrect legends to come complain about stolen songs… una go regret this shit to numerous degrees… shey una no dey hear word !!.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Fashion

Why fashion business thrives better in northern Nigeria – Niger entrepreneur

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Zainab Adeyemi, a fashion designer and founder of TheOZAWoman, tells CHIKA OTUCHIKERE how she ventured into business, despite qualifying as a chartered accountant at a young age, and the challenges she had to surmount

As an entrepreneur in the northern part of Nigeria, how will you assess the fashion business in the region?

I will say that I underestimated my movement to the North because I can tell you that northern women make clothes. Northern women don’t joke with their looks, their culture, their heritage, and their traditional attire. I’m still surprised that I could do better as a fashion designer in the North, unlike when I was in the West. Surprisingly, I didn’t expect that would happen but I found that to be the case because I realised that northern women make a lot of clothes with many fabrics, particularly ahead of Islamic celebrations. There is a lot of patronage. I can categorically tell you that the fashion business thrives better in the North and there’s a large scale to milk from. We all know that the population in the North generally is far more than the population in the West. That has also helped me to scale up my business tremendously. In Lagos, we used to provide services for barely 200 clients, but based on my data, since I moved to the North, I’ve been able to triple that number over three to four years.

What exactly took you into the fashion world?

I grew up with a very strict mother. During the holidays, she would always ask to know how we planned to spend our time. She didn’t encourage us to be idle doing anything not positive or rewarding. That was my mum for you. She ensured that she engaged all her children. On one such occasion, I told her that I wanted to learn the use of computers, but to my surprise, she declined smartly. I was shocked and asked why and her response was even more shocking. She said learning to use a computer was not a skill and added that I could learn to use a computer when I got a laptop. So, I opted for fashion because I was very fashionable as a young girl. Then, she encouraged me, and I started learning the skill as an apprentice. I interned in one of the biggest fashion houses in Lagos, under Mrs Obiageli Ezike who graciously took me under her tutelage, guided and taught me the nitty-gritty of not just learning how to sew but also how to set up a standard fashion business and from there, I was able to pick it up. I must admit that my journey into the fashion industry began in 2010 as a hobby. I had just completed my secondary school education, and I had so much time. I wanted to learn a craft but I launched my brand officially in 2017.

How would you describe the early years of your brand?

My brand, TheOZAWoman, was derived from my initials. My surname used to be Okunuga before I got married. OZA came from Okunuga, Zainab and Adepeju. Now, my name is Zainab Adeyemi and I am from the Ikenne Remo Local Government Area of Ogun State. Well, people call me the Hausa-Ijebu girl because I am actually from Ijebu. The big deal is that I started a luxury women’s brand, making bridal outfits, special occasion outfits, asoebi, and corporate wear. I specialise in female outfits. I moved the business officially to Minna, Niger State, in 2019 for strategic purposes. I wanted to do something unusual that was beyond visibility and mere competition. Minna, for me, was the place for my strategic launch into the core North, and because I was in a new environment, I had to start all over again by building a new clientele base in the region.

One year later, COVID-19 struck, and everybody had to stay indoors, which affected the means of livelihood for millions of people, mine included. So, I started thinking about what to do, post COVID-19, because even after COVID-19, people were just trying to get back on their feet. There were no events, and no serious activities because there were still restrictions, and as a fashion designer when there are no events, you don’t have much patronage because your patronage, most times, comes from special occasions and events. That was when I decided to start TheOZAWoman Fashion Academy, which is a training institute where aspiring women designers who are interested in the women’s wear line are trained. We train them for three months before they graduate. We have beginners to intermediate, intermediate to advanced. So, it was the COVID-19 pandemic that taught me to think outside the box to know what else to do to get an income, pending when normalcy would. That was how the academy thing started from just a simple idea. I got some machines, put my space together, and started teaching. I started with five students and have over 45 students now, and several others have graduated in the space of about three years. I can say it has been a journey of determination, courage, and thinking of what more to do as an entrepreneur to get an extra source of income.

What is your academic background and did you later study something related to fashion at the tertiary level?

Many people have taken me up on this, and my response has always been the same interesting narrative. I finished secondary education at the Federal Government College, Odogbolu, in Ogun State, and immediately got admission into Babcock University in Ilishan Remo. I am a chartered accountant. I studied Accounting. I graduated with a second-class upper degree. After that, during my service year in Port Harcourt, River State, I decided to study further by registering with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. I started with ICAN in my university days and passed some examinations, continued with the ICAN exams during my service year, and qualified as a chartered accountant.

But the truth is that I have always insisted that for you to be a successful entrepreneur, you must be able to integrate yourself into any society you find yourself. That will determine whether you’re just a small trader or an entrepreneur. Time will change. Seasons will change, and locations will change. How best you make the most and the balance under these circumstances matters.

How did the culture in the North change affect your business?

My business was put to the test; northern women are very modest and even in the offices, they wear their traditional fabric, their Ankara. They take their culture and heritage seriously. I had to understudy them. I started networking immediately after I got here (to the North). There were a couple of exhibitions and trade fairs that came up before COVID-19, and I registered for those trade fairs. I realised they wear a lot of long gowns. I made some of them, went to the trade fairs, shared my contacts, studied how the women were dressed, collected some of their contacts, followed them on social media, did my findings, and perfectly realised what northern women like. Having understudied them and understanding what they liked, immediately after exchanging contacts with them, I started creating outfits in that line because that’s the location I’m operating in. I started making Ankara skirts and blouses for their bridal wear. I started fine-tuning them modestly to suit their taste and ensuring that they had their scarf covered, some of them with extra veils to match the colour of their outfit. Before I knew it, many of them started recommending and patronising me, and I was able to penetrate the market.

Did you consider working as a chartered accountant?

I did. There were several options. In fact, after I concluded my service year, I applied to a couple of companies, and I got a job with Access Bank. I was supposed to resume at its training school, but I think our chosen paths in life vary. I will say that I have a serious passion for fashion. As an undergraduate, even while in school, I made clothes for my colleagues, my classmates, and my lecturers. I was a class representative for four years of a five-year course, and that was even because we were encouraged in the fifth year to take professional examinations. As the class representative, I gained the trust of my classmates and started sewing for them. That’s how passionate I am about sewing. Before graduating, I made clothes for them for our dinner night, cultural day, and other events. After serving, the fear of the unknown was there. That was why I applied for a job. Moreover, I also wanted to test my intelligence quotient to know whether I could get employment. You know, some people just go into business because they couldn’t get a job, but I got a job but still chose to play big in the fashion industry. Good enough, my parents encouraged me and gave me the funds to start up initially. Although, initially, it was a hassle convincing my parents because they wondered why I did not want to work in the bank. I chose not to work in a back because I believed I could do well in fashion. I believe I could scale it up, and with God on my side, I can say that they are tremendously proud of me now.

Are convinced that your decision to venture into the fashion business has paid off better than accounting would?

I believe that I am better off as a fashion designer. You know, like they say success is not determined just by how much you make. I have time for my family. I control my time. I control how much I want to make. As I tell my students, in a good month, you can get a contract at any time. You can just be mentioned on a social media post, and that will give you thousands of followers instantly, and before you know it, your business can skyrocket. That’s one thing with business. You never can say what it will be like when you wake up the next morning. Also, the fact that you have time, you can decide when you want to intensify pressure into marketing to get more clients. You can decide when you have so mu

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Entertainment

Why I was talking to cowries on reality show – BBNaija All Stars winner, Ilebaye

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, aka Baye, has revealed why she was communicating with cowries she brought into the House during the show.

She said she carries and talks to the cowries in memory of her late brother.

The Kogi-born model disclosed this while featuring in Pulse’s One On One hosted by fellow reality star, Christy O.

The host asked: “There is a claim online where CeeC was saying that you had cowries that you were talking to. Can you tell me more about it?”

Ilebaye replied: “I had something precious to me. Because obviously, you are supposed to have something precious when you’re doing something that you miss at home.

“And the cowries were for my late brother. It has been with me and even the baton. I have a baton on him too. I didn’t know where to keep it. I was just like, Oh! Let me hold something strong.

“It just helps me feel like he [my late brother] is around. He is still with me.”

She said when she came out and she heard what CeeC said, she was disappointed.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Entertainment

God knows me – BBNaija’s Phyna replies Davido after he denied knowing her

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Josephine Otabor, simply known as Phyna, has replied Davido after the singer denied knowing the reality TV star.

Recall that Phyna had accused Davido of “hating” her after it was revealed that he liked a tweet that slammed her.

An X user with the username @47kasz tweeted, ‘’There some particular celebrities you’d Stan & I will profile, judge & conclude you are u$eless cos wydm you are stanning phyna????’’

Shortly after Davido’s social media reaction to the tweet went viral, Phyna wrote via her X handle; “Wetin I do @davido? Na wah oh, The hate is real….., Congratulations on your twins sha.”

Reacting, Davido said, “Thank you love  but I actually don’t know who you are .. and it was an honest mistake .. no vex.’’

Davido’s reply elicited mixed reactions, with many hailing him for “humiliating clout chasing” Phyna, while others berated him for denying the reality star who won the Big Brother Naija reality TV show in 2022.

Taking to her X handle, Phyna said she is grateful that God knows her.

“God knows me. Thank you Jesus

“Make I sha go double my hustle,” she tweeted.

Meanwhile, former Big Brother Naija reality star, Tacha has consoled Phyna.

She assured the BBNaija ‘Level Up’ winner that she and several others know her despite Davido’s claim of not knowing her.

She wrote via X; “I know you Phyna. We plenty wey know you.”

Leading Reporters recalls that Tacha was an ardent Davido fan and had a tattoo of the singer on her chest during the Big Brother Naija ‘Pepper Dem’ season in 2019.

She disclosed on her radio show a few months ago that she decided to yank off Davido’s tattoo from her body for “personal reasons

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Entertainment

BBNaija All Stars: Pere hurt me most in the house – Ilebaye

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

BBNaija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya has named her male housemate, Pere Egbi as the only person that hurt her the most in the house.

Leading Reporters recalls that the 22-year-old was bullied by other contestants who felt she was too young to relate with them.

Ilebaye and Pere had a father and daughter relationship in the house.

But the duo relationship turned sour after Biggie played a video of Pere ganging up with other housemates to make Ilebaye get a strike.

However, speaking in a trending interview on social media after the reality show, Ilebaye said she saw Pere as an elder brother but he betrayed her trust.

When asked, “who’s hurt you the most in the house?”

In response, Ilebaye said: “Pere. Because in the house, I called him my dad. We always played, and I actually cared for him. And I genuinely liked him. And he hurt me three times.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts