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Grammy Award-winning singer, KEHLANI is coming to Nigeria

Franca Njoku
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Grammy Award-winning singer, KEHLANI is coming to Nigeria

Grammy Award-winning artist Kehlani is billed to storm Nigeria for the first time ever soon.
She is headlining Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged 2026 alongside Lil Baby.
An insider dropped the hint, adding that the organizers are still cooking.
“There might just be more tricks up our sleeve,” the source said.
From “Gangsta to Nights Like This” and many more, Oakland’s finest has been giving fans hit after hit.
“With the kind of year Kehlani has had, you already know we had to bring her through to Lagos,” the organizers said.

Rising star, TJ Vybez taps Ino Moses for cinematic ‘YAWA’ Video 

Franca Njoku
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Rising star, TJ Vybez taps Ino Moses for cinematic ‘YAWA’ Video 
In Nigeria’s evolving music industry where emerging talents are constantly seeking ways to distinguish themselves, TJ Vybez is building an artistic identity around confidence, relatable lyrics and contemporary African sounds.
With songs including “Illegal”, Myself”,: “Available”  and “Baddie” contained in his EP “I Must Succeed,” the artist is gradually expanding his creative footprint.
His new song “YAWA” introduces another dimension to his artistry, combining energetic street expressions with messages of ambition, perseverance and self-belief.
As a rising Afrosounds artist, TJ Vybez believes in originality, creativity and expressing real-life experiences through music. His sound is principally influenced by his environment, life challenges and the determination to succeed against all odds.
“I want people to listen to my music and feel something they can relate to,” he said.
Beyond entertainment, he wants his music to reflect ambition, confidence and the realities of life.
According to him, “YAWA” was inspired by the idea of standing your ground and remaining focused on your journey.
“Everybody has dreams, but along the way, you encounter distractions, competition and people who may not understand your vision,” he said.
He described the song as an expression of confidence and determination.
“It’s a song people can enjoy, but there is also a message behind it,” he added.
“The message in “YAWA”  is to encourage people to believe in themselves and never give up on their dreams. Life comes with challenges, but you cannot allow every obstacle to stop your progress. Sometimes you have to stay focused, work hard and trust the process.”
TJ Vybez described ‘YAWA” as a song about confidence, survival, grace and the determination to move forward despite challenges.
Despite having a rich catalogue, the singer gave _YAWA_ a cinematic music video rather than a conventional performance video. The video, directed by multiple award-winning filmmaker Ino Moses, created a meeting point between music and film that resonates with audiences.
Speaking of the visuals, TJ Vybez said he wanted to communicate something beyond the lyrics.
“Music is powerful, but when you combine it with storytelling, people can experience the message differently. The idea was to create a video that people would not only watch because they enjoy the song, but also because they are interested in the story,” he explained.
On working with Ino Moses, he said the director brought a filmmaking perspective to the project.
“I wanted a director who understood storytelling and could interpret the energy of the music visually, and Ino Moses fit in. The creative direction was about connecting the music with characters, emotions and experiences that audiences can relate to. It was important that the video reflected the message of the song while also giving viewers something memorable.”
TJ Vybez said his goal is to keep improving his songwriting, delivery and production quality while maintaining the identity that makes his music unique.
“I will continue to learn, experiment and understand my sound better without limiting myself to one expression,” he said.

All Roads Lead To Blue Pictures Cinema As ‘Issakaba: The Return’ Hits Cinemas

Franca Njoku
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All Roads Lead To Blue Pictures Cinema As ‘Issakaba: The Return’ Hits Cinemas

All roads will lead to Blue Pictures Cinema at City Mall, Onikan, Lagos, on Friday, November 13, as the highly anticipated Nollywood action-thriller, “Issakaba: The Return”, makes its cinematic debut in Nigeria.
Director and co-producer, Lancelot Imasuen, disclosed this during a press screening of the sequel last weekend in Lagos.
“Issakaba” was first released in 2001, and following the continued relevance of its theme, the decision to revisit the classic was hatched. Since the release of its trailer online, many moviegoers have been eager to storm the cinemas to see the much-expected sequel.
And true to expectation, the blockbuster is worth the buzz currently generating ahead of its release. The sequel recaptures the evil that the Issakaba Boys fought 25 years ago, which is still very much with us today, making “Issakaba: The Return” a must-watch.
Speaking at the event, Lancelot recalled how “Issakaba” was born out of real-life events in Aba, following the success of his earlier hit, “The Last Burial”, produced by the late Jude Chukwuka Emelionwu of KasVid International.
“After “Last Burial” was making waves, my attention was drawn to the activities of the Bakassi Boys in Aba. We called a script conference with Reginald Ebere, started discussing casting and characterization, and that was how “Issakaba” was birthed. It was originally titled “My Town” he disclosed.
According to him, the film’s message remains urgent: “Issakaba said security is local. Let traditional rulers, local governments and communities be involved in securing their people.”
He described the last 25 years as “25 years of courage, boldness, deep thinking and advocacy for a peaceful and safer society.”
A blend of action, horror and traditional mysticism, the original “Issakaba” was inspired by the real-life Bakassi Boys, a vigilante movement that emerged in southeastern Nigeria during a period when communities were battling armed robbery and insecurity. Led by Ebube, the vigilante group sought justice where conventional policing failed.
D’Gvnor, as he’s fondly called by colleagues and fans, lamented that 25 years after”Issakaba” was released, the issues raised by the film are still prevalent in society.

The movie will be distributed by Blue Pictures Cinema.

Etinosa Idemudia Opens Up On Most Challenging Movie Roles

Franca Njoku
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Etinosa Idemudia Opens Up On Most Challenging Movie Roles

For actress Etinosa Idemudia, some movie roles go beyond acting, they test her limits.

In a recent chat with Glitz9ja, , the Edo-born star revealed that two roles in her career have pushed her out of her comfort zone more than any other.

The first was her role as “Izoduwa the Woman King” in the ROK original film “Izoduwa.”.

According to Etinosa, playing a man and a revered Edo monarch at that was both an honour and a huge challenge.

“It was very challenging because I had to play a man. Imagine someone who has never been a man before having to become one and make it believable. Not just any man, but one of the highest monarchs in Africa, an Edo royalty,” she said.

“It was overwhelming, but it made me discover who I am. It tested my resilience, my endurance, my ability to internalize what a man and a king should be.”

She described the film, which tells the story of a girl who disguises as a man because her parents had no male child, as a powerful statement on gender equality.

“It was a gender-equality film showing the world that women are made for so much more. It was an honour to embody that character. I believe I did justice to it, judging from the reviews years after its release. It was timeless.”

Etinosa also named Funke Akindele’s box-office hit, “A Tribe Called Judah” as another project that stretched her.

“Working with Funke Akindele is always challenging in a good way. She brings out the best in you. I love working with her because she pushes me to be a better actor,” she noted.

She added that her film “Greener Pastures” equally demanded a lot emotionally.

“It was a deep, emotional role. The story is about a man who marries and travels abroad immediately, telling his wife to wait. After seven years, he returns with a shock. I had never experienced that kind of pain, so I had to create a backstory and live in that reality. It was exciting, challenging and rewarding at the same time.”

AGN President, Yakubu Abubakar, 7 Others Bag Bebuzee Ambassadorial Deals ahead Of Guild Platform Launch

Franca Njoku
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AGN President, Yakubu Abubakar, 7 Others Bag Bebuzee Ambassadorial Deals ahead Of Guild Platform Launch
The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, has joined seven other Nollywood stars as brand ambassadors for Bebuzee, the newly launched global AI-powered super app in Nigeria.
The appointment comes ahead of the planned October 31 unveiling of the Actors’ Guild Community On-boarding platform by the owners of the super app.
Other brand ambassadors unveiled during the app’s launch in Lagos recently include veteran actress Patience Ozokwo aka Mama G, Ebele Okaro, Zubby Michael, Destiny Etiko, Paul Obazele, Segun Arinze, Sani Danja and Jide Kosoko.
Meanwhile, the owners of Bebuzee have concluded plans to launch the Nigerian Actors Guild Community Onboarding platform towards the end of the month to unlock financial opportunities for members.
Upon launch, every AGN member who joins the community is entitled to VIP status. The opportunity goes beyond new accounts, as actors who bring their content, fans and creative business into the super app will be paid instantly for whatever they post on Bebuzee.
With this arrangement, Bebuzee management is targeting a membership base of more than one million.
An insider said the AGN president struck the deal to upgrade the living standard of Nigerian actors.
“This is a big one because they have decided to upgrade the livelihood of AGN members vis-a-vis their earnings and turn them into content creators who will be paid instantly for whatever they post on Bebuzee,” the source said.
Bebuzee is a United States-based technology company which recently launched its all-in-one super app in Lagos.

U.S. Mission Honours Nigerian Creatives Building the Hollywood-Nollywood Pipeline

Franca Njoku
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U.S. Mission Honours Nigerian Creatives Building the Hollywood-Nollywood Pipeline

 

 

Nollywood is no longer just Africa’s largest film industry; it is a growing commercial partner for Hollywood. From exchange programs to streaming deals, Nigerian creatives are helping build a stronger commercial connection between Hollywood and Nollywood. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos honored eight Nigerian creative leaders who helped make that partnership possible, many of them alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. Held under the theme “Reel Connections from Hollywood to Nollywood,” the event brought together leading figures from Nigeria’s film and television industries, senior government officials, creative industry ecosystem supporters, and alumni of U.S. government exchange programs.

Consul General Hudspeth noted that Nollywood is a growing source of content, talent, and investment opportunities for U.S. companies looking to engage with African markets. He highlighted that Nigerian stories and talent are reaching audiences in the United States and globally through U.S. streaming services and digital platforms, from Netflix and Amazon Prime to Apple TV+ and YouTube among others, creating new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and market access.

U.S. Government exchange programs have had a lasting impact in building professional networks and strengthening collaboration between Nigerian and American creative communities. Through programs including the American Film Showcase, Global Media Makers, and the International Visitor Leadership Program, Nigerian creative professionals have connected with American filmmakers, producers, institutions, and other industry leaders, building relationships that extend well beyond the exchange programs. “U.S. government exchange programs are not simply about what happens during the exchange,” Consul General Hudspeth said. “Their real impact is what happens when participants return home — the relationships they bring with them, the ideas they put into action, the creative collaborations they build, and the next generation they inspire.”

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a posthumous Creative Industry Legend Award to the late veteran actor Olu Jacobs, honoring a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, that took him from the stages and television screens of Nigeria to international cinema, including roles in notable Hollywood films. His sons received the award on behalf of the family.

While presenting the award, U.S. Consul General Brandon Hudspeth paid tribute to Jacobs, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors whose career helped define Nigerian cinema and lay the foundation for reel connections between the film and television industries in Nigeria and the United States. “Olu Jacobs’ life embodied the kind of creative exchange that continues to connect Nigeria’s film industry with the United States and the world,” Consul General Hudspeth said.

The evening’s honorees included Chioma Ude, Founder and Executive Director of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF); celebrated actor and International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnus Richard Mofe-Damijo; and award-winning filmmakers Kunle Afolayan and Bolanle Austen-Peters, both alumni of the American Film Showcase’s African Film & TV Leadership Initiative. The reception also recognized Zulu Oyibo, Co-Founder of Inkblot Productions and IVLP alumnus; award-winning producer and Global Media Makers alumnus Josh Olaoluwa; and Emmy award-winning visual development artist Uzoma Dunkwu.

Toronto To Host Miss World 1970 Winner , Jennifer Hosten For Intimate Evening

Franca Njoku
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Toronto To Host Miss World 1970 Winner , Jennifer Hosten For Intimate Evening

 

Miss World 1970 winner Jennifer Hosten will be welcomed to The Hub in Toronto on Saturday, October 31 for “An Evening with Jennifer Hosten.”

Hosten, the first Black woman to win Miss World, will share her remarkable life journey at the event.

The evening will feature an intimate fireside conversation hosted by CTV’s Andria Case, followed by a screening of “Misbehaviour” the film inspired by the controversial 1970 pageant. Hosten will also sign copies of her book.

It was 1970. Black Power was in the air. Across the Caribbean and around the world, Black people were finding a new language for pride, anger, and self-determination.

And right then, a young woman from Grenada took the world stage , becoming the first Black woman ever to win Miss World.

For many across the Caribbean, her victory was deeply personal. In Trinidad, the Mighty Sparrow captured the mood in his iconic calypso:

“Oh how we love cousin Jennifer, And we are all very proud, Charm and mannerisms, poise and magnetism, Stepping in style with that lovely smile.”

That feeling reached far beyond Grenada. Jennifer was family. It was profoundly moving to see West Indian swagger, self-confidence and beauty affirmed in her composure and elegance – celebrated before the entire world.

It was not a simple night. On November 20, 1970, women’s liberation protesters disrupted the live broadcast from London’s Royal Albert Hall. Hosten’s win also drew allegations of favouritism because Grenada’s Premier, Sir Eric Gairy, was on the judging panel claims organizers denied by making ballot cards public.

Race, power and competing ideas about women’s worth surrounded her coronation.

The protesters saw a cattle market; many in the Caribbean saw a Caribbean woman crowned before the world. Hosten stood at the centre of both stories. But what remains most clearly for many is the joy and pride her win inspired.

Years later, Hosten made her home in Canada, and her life beyond the crown has been equally remarkable.

Before Miss World, she trained with the BBC in the 1960s and worked as a broadcaster for its Caribbean Service. She later served as a flight attendant with British West Indian Airways (BWIA) – at the time a jewel of Caribbean identity whose stewardesses were seen as superstars and global ambassadors.

She moved to Canada and in 1978 became Grenada’s High Commissioner to Canada, entering diplomacy. She later became a Canadian citizen and worked in international development and trade with Canada and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.

At 60, she chose another path of service, pursuing higher education and training as a psychotherapist – supporting others to navigate the complicated inner lives we all carry.

The Toronto event promises a rare opportunity to celebrate not just the historic moment of 1970, but the full, thoughtful and inspiring life that followed.

FG UNVEILS D30 PLATFORM AS SINGLE-WINDOW INTELLIGENCE HUB FOR NIGERIA’S CREATIVE, TOURISM INVESTMENTS

Franca Njoku
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FG UNVEILS D30 PLATFORM AS SINGLE-WINDOW INTELLIGENCE HUB FOR NIGERIA’S CREATIVE, TOURISM INVESTMENTS
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has unveiled the D30 Platform as a single-window intelligence hub for Nigeria’s creative and tourism economy, developed in partnership with Cavista Holdings.
Following the launch, investors, businesses and state governments will be able to locate creative clusters, tourism assets, infrastructure gaps and viable opportunities from a single source.
Speaking at the launch, the Honourable Minister, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, thanked Cavista Holdings for its partnership in delivering the technology. She said the platform addresses a long-standing constraint in the sector — the absence of reliable, comprehensive data to measure the true scale of opportunities.
According to the Minister, an investor considering a film production facility should be able to see where creative clusters are located and what supporting infrastructure exists.
“D30 is not intended to be another government database that simply accumulates information. Its purpose is to support decisions that help businesses expand, guide investors and enable the government to deploy resources more effectively,” she said.
“A state seeking to develop a tourism destination should understand its connectivity and investment needs. A creative entrepreneur should have market intelligence to expand beyond familiar markets.”
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, described the unveiling as an important milestone in the Ministry’s efforts to unlock the immense economic potential of Nigeria’s art, culture, tourism and creative industries.
“For the government, it represents an opportunity to strengthen evidence-based planning and policymaking. For investors, it provides greater visibility into emerging opportunities, industry clusters and areas requiring investment. For businesses and entrepreneurs, it offers information that can support expansion, competitiveness and better commercial decisions,” he said.
In his remarks, Executive Director and Vice President, Government and External Affairs at Cavista Holdings, Olumide Olayomi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s tourism and creative economy through credible data and evidence-based planning.
He said D30 will enable government and private sector players to spot viable investment opportunities, close infrastructure gaps and drive growth across the value chain.
“Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, diverse tourism destinations and vibrant creative community offer enormous potential for jobs and wealth creation, but the sector cannot scale without reliable intelligence to track opportunities, assess needs and measure progress,” Olayomi said.
He added that Cavista fully aligns with the Ministry’s target of generating $100 billion and creating 3 million jobs by 2030, stressing that sustained public-private collaboration is critical to achieving it.
The Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, represented by his Technical Assistant, Moses Waniko, pledged the Bureau’s collaboration with the Ministry to strengthen data collection, harmonise methodologies and ensure compliance with national and international statistical standards.
He stated that the success of the platform will depend on the quality, consistency, reliability and comparability of its data, reaffirming NBS’s commitment to producing reliable official statistics to support government, private-sector operators, development partners and researchers.
Special Adviser to the President on Partnerships and Innovation, Imran Garba Duba, thanked all contributors to the successful launch of D30, particularly the Cavista team for their selfless service to the country.
He described the launch as just the beginning, saying:
“D30 will open doors for Nigeria in ways we cannot fathom. Nigeria has so much to show and so much data and we need to work together.”
The D30 Platform is a national data and investment intelligence platform developed by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy with technology partner Cavista Technologies.
The Ministry is targeting 3 million jobs and $100 billion GDP contribution from the creative and tourism economy by 2030 under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. D30 will provide the intelligence foundation to achieve that.

EXCLUSIVE! I fought the strongest false prophet in Nigeria–Doris Ogala

Franca Njoku
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EXCLUSIVE! I fought the strongest false prophet in Nigeria–Doris Ogala
Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has recounted her ugly experience with her ex-lover, Pastor Chris Okafor, founder of Grace Nation Bible Ministry, saying she fought the strongest false prophet in Nigeria who almost took her life.
Ogala had called out the clergyman in December 2025 for allegedly dumping her for a younger lady despite promising her marriage. The matter escalated after Okafor sued the actress for cyber-bullying and harassment, publication of personal materials, attempted extortion and dissemination of false information against him. The case was later dismissed by the Lagos State High Court.
Sharing her testimony during the 10th anniversary celebration of Apostle Queen Belemzy’s ministry, held recently in Lagos, Ogala said she gave up everything following the scandal that trailed her widely publiciszd face-off with Pastor Okafor.
“Then I’d given up everything, I’d given up hope. Nothing meant anything, except that I was studying with my brother. I was depressed, and I was lost.
“Last December, it was the most trending story ever in Nigeria. I trended from December 2025 to January 2026. It was a very embarrassing story. And I was an innocent woman.
“Everybody was ashamed of me, because it was so embarrassing, and people called me, I felt ashamed for myself,” she said.
Ogala recounted a surreal encounter, stating that she was told by a divine voice that her time on earth was not yet over.
“But one thing God did, even when I cut myself, I was rushed to the hospital, I was there for some hours, handling this issue. It got to a point when I had no strength, because I was badly poisoned spiritually. I fought the strongest false prophet in Nigeria. But God said no, it was not over yet,” she said.
Following her ordeal, Ogala ran into Apostle Queen Belemzy, whom she calls her spiritual mother, and her story suddenly changed.
According to her, she met the prophetess last December, and she fought alongside her to defeat her attackers.
“She helped me to overcome the storm that came to destroy my life. She was there, and you know why? Because her story resonated with mine. She also has been a false prophet victim, so she understands the way they operate. She prayed for me. I instantly had my deliverance.
“I will still tell my story some day. I will tell you that I am the person that exposed false prophets in Nigeria. I know them, I was in their midst, I know how they operate, they are evil, they are voodoo pastors,” the actress stated. Despite the ugly encounter, Doris Ogala is soaring higher as she is the Abia State governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) for the 2027 election.

Regina Daniels Makes Powerful Statement In Stunning Post-Birthday Photos

Franca Njoku
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Regina Daniels Makes Powerful Statement In Stunning Post-Birthday Photos

 

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has sent social media into a frenzy with a series of stunning pictures in a deep red outfit, days after her birthday.

The actress, who celebrated her birthday on Saturday, October 10, had earlier shared a reflective post revealing that her health condition has left her dependent on a wheelchair.

But her post on Sunday changed the narrative, as she posed glamorously in a red outfit – standing.

Daniels embraced vintage glamour in a strapless dress featuring wings, and a dramatic open-chest style that revealed her enduring beauty.  She kept the caption simple but powerful on her Instagram page: “I’m still here.”

The bold and elegant look instantly went viral, with fans and colleagues praising her timeless beauty, resilience and main character energy.

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