Category: Entertainment

Nigerian Afro-house star Niniola Apata has shared the heartbreaking news of her husband Michael Ndika’s passing. The Grammy-nominated singer took to her Instagram story on Wednesday morning to express her grief.

Ndika was the Chief Executive Officer of NaijaReview, a multimedia platform dedicated to Afro-house and contemporary African music. The cause of his death remains undisclosed.

In her emotional posts, Niniola wrote, “God took him” and “My husband died.” She also added, “God took him. 13 years. 13 f***ing years,” accompanied by photos of the couple.

The 39-year-old artist has always kept her personal life private, and she has not provided further details about the circumstances of his death.

Niniola rose to fame after participating in Project Fame West Africa in 2013. She later became a leading figure in the Afro-house genre, with her 2017 song Maradona gaining international acclaim and catching the attention of global stars like DJ Snake, Drake, Timbaland, and Beyoncé.

Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has shared an intimate glimpse into her emotional journey during her time at Mavin Records. In a candid interview on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast with Joey Akan, she revealed that she often sought refuge in the personal space of label boss Don Jazzy whenever she faced challenges.

Reflecting on her years with Mavin, Savage admitted she never fully understood how crucial a caring record label environment is for an artist’s mental stability until she moved on. While signed to Mavin, she would gather with Don Jazzy and fellow acts in his room, sitting on the floor or bed, and openly discuss online controversies or personal struggles. She felt free to cry and receive support, which helped her navigate difficult periods.

Since leaving Mavin in 2019 and joining Universal Music Group, Savage has noticed a stark contrast. With her new international label, she emphasized that there is little concern for her personal affairs. She remarked that walking into the Empire office to cry is simply not an option, and she deeply misses the familial atmosphere she once had.

Savage underscored the importance for artists to evaluate whether a prospective label genuinely cares about their wellbeing or views them merely as revenue generators. She joined Mavin in 2012 and spent seven years there, leaving in 2019. Despite the departure, she continues to regard Mavin as family.

The singer’s revelations highlight a broader conversation about the emotional support systems within the music industry. Her experience underscores how a label can either uplift or isolate an artist during turbulent times.

Nigerian music sensation David Adeleke, known globally as Davido, recently opened up about the significant role his university education played in shaping his life and career. During a heartfelt visit to his alma mater, Babcock University in Osun State, he shared insights into how his academic journey has been a source of pride and distinction.

In an industry where many artists do not hold degrees, Davido takes every opportunity to highlight his academic achievement. He remarked, “My time at Babcock University was instrumental in molding my career path. I frequently tell my colleagues that I not only attended university but also completed my studies. It’s not everyone who starts university that gets to finish.”

Davido earned his degree from the music department of Babcock University. He had previously disclosed that his father made university attendance a condition for pursuing his music career. This condition ultimately led him to not only graduate but also to meet his wife, Chioma Adeleke, on campus.

While still a student, Davido produced several of his biggest hits, demonstrating that academic and musical pursuits can coexist successfully. His story serves as an inspiration to many young fans who aspire to balance education with their creative passions.

Nollywood star and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has made a passionate appeal to the Nigerian government, urging them to grant citizens the means to protect themselves as the nation grapples with escalating security challenges.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Kadiri voiced her anger and despair over incessant attacks, loss of lives, and the growing terror spreading across various regions. She declared, “Give us power to defend ourselves,” highlighting the helplessness many Nigerians experience daily.

The actress emphasized that safety should never be a luxury but a fundamental right, and she called for tangible solutions instead of empty promises. Her words struck a chord with many, sparking widespread discussions online.

Responding to her post, one user named @EmekaTalks commented, “Ruth Kadiri said what millions of Nigerians are too afraid to voice. People are weary of living in constant fear.” Another user, @DebbieWrites, added, “The government must prioritize securing lives; citizens shouldn’t have to plead for safety.”

Veteran Nollywood actor and CEO of LAIBAN Films International, Laide Olabanji, has voiced strong criticism against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of failing to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians. Reacting to the escalating security crisis, particularly the brutal beheading of a teacher in Oyo State and relentless attacks by bandits in Plateau State, Olabanji expressed deep disappointment in the government’s handling of the situation.

In a passionate video shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, the filmmaker decried the continuous bloodshed across the nation. He highlighted the government’s apparent indifference and lack of urgency in addressing the wave of violence. Speaking in pidgin English, he lamented, “Under your leadership, we are crying. Under your watch, people are dying every minute. Are you not afraid of God? You have treated citizens’ lives like kites; they are killed daily, and you remain unresponsive.”

Olabanji also challenged the president’s priorities, stating, “If you cannot provide quality electricity, better roads, eliminate hunger, or reduce fuel prices, at least ensure our security. Nigeria is bleeding. Nigerians are dying at the hands of bandits and kidnappers. Put an end to the killings.”

His comments come amid growing public frustration over the administration’s inability to curb insecurity, with many citizens and celebrities alike calling for more decisive action.

Nollywood star and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has spoken out following the tragic events in Oyo State, where teachers and children were abducted and lives were lost. In a heartfelt Instagram post on Wednesday, she described her sorrow as overwhelming, noting that the violence hits close to home due to her family ties and deep affection for Oyo.

Abraham emphasized that the attacks feel personal, as she has strong connections to the region through heritage and love for its people. She lamented the loss of innocent lives, the grief-stricken families, and the fear gripping children and communities.

The actress extended her condolences to the bereaved, especially parents whose children were taken, and all those impacted by the assaults in Oriire Local Government and elsewhere. She stressed that no Nigerian should live in constant fear, no child should dread going to school, and no family should face news of violence each morning.

While commending security forces and the Oyo State Government for their efforts, Abraham urged more swift and robust measures to free those still held and to enhance community safety. She questioned what steps are being taken to avert future tragedies.

Calling for unity and compassion, Abraham declared that violence must not become normalized. She encouraged speaking out, mutual support, and prayer for peace. Concluding, she prayed for comfort for mourning families, healing for the nation, and protection for every innocent soul.

It is recalled that a male teacher abducted in Oyo was beheaded, and at least ten people were killed in Oyo and Katsina States by the attackers.

Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney believes the upcoming Premier League season will be one of the most competitive in recent memory, following the departure of Pep Guardiola from Manchester City. Speaking to BBC, Rooney emphasized that Guardiola’s exit opens up the title race significantly.

Guardiola, who has amassed an impressive 20 trophies during his tenure at City—including six league titles—is set to leave the club this summer. Enzo Maresca is reportedly lined up as his successor at the Etihad Stadium.

Rooney stated: “I really do think that opens it up and the Premier League next season is going to be so exciting. You’ll have City with a new manager, Chelsea with a new manager, Man United, Liverpool potentially with a new manager. The Premier League next season will be wide open to see who wins that title.”

Former Manchester United star Michael Owen has called on the Red Devils to offer Rasmus Hojlund a fresh opportunity. The ex-striker believes the 23-year-old Dane could thrive under manager Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.

Hojlund is currently on loan at Napoli in Serie A, after a difficult second campaign with United, whom he joined from Atalanta in 2024.

“I’d love to see Hojlund back at Manchester United and see what he can do now,” Owen told Premier League Productions.

“He played in a Manchester United team that was broken and did not have any links, and played poorly. Who’s to say he is not really good? He is doing really well in Italy now.”

Portugal’s national team manager, Roberto Martínez, has unveiled the 27-player roster set to represent the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The squad features five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who will lead the attacking line. Several Premier League stars also made the cut, including Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, Rúben Dias, and José Sá.

Portugal enters the competition as the reigning UEFA Nations League champions. They have been drawn into Group K, where they will face the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.

As part of their preparations, the Seleção have scheduled a friendly against Nigeria’s Super Eagles. This warm-up match is set to take place at the Dr. Magalhães Pessoa Stadium in Leiria on June 10. Both Ronaldo and Fernandes are expected to feature prominently.

Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, has confirmed he will field his strongest possible lineup for the friendly. This clash comes a week before Portugal’s World Cup opener against DR Congo at Houston’s NRG Stadium.

Ronaldo missed the previous meeting between the two nations in November 2022, when Portugal secured a 4-0 win. In that match, Fernandes scored twice in the first half.

The complete 27-man squad for the 2026 World Cup is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi Ankara).

Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahce SK), João Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Tomás Araújo (SL Benfica).

Midfielders: Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), Samuel Costa (Mallorca), João Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).

Forwards: João Félix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr).

In a dramatic turn of events, Southampton has been disqualified from the Championship play-off final scheduled for Saturday. The Saints were initially set to compete against Hull City for a coveted Premier League promotion. However, their removal stems from an incident where they were found to have spied on Middlesbrough’s training session prior to their semi-final matchup. Consequently, Middlesbrough will take their place and face Hull City at Wembley Stadium, with the victor securing a top-flight spot. Additionally, Southampton has been penalized with a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 Championship season. An official statement from the EFL confirmed ongoing discussions with the involved clubs regarding the decision’s ramifications, with further details to be announced later.