Police release prankster, Zfancy on bail
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the release of a skit maker and prankster, Zion Ubani, better known as Zfancy. Recall that the NPF-National Cybercrime Centre had on Thursday, July 4, arrested Zfancy in Abuja over prank videos accusing him of heinous crimes, including rape. However, the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in an update on Wednesday, said the skit maker was released on bail. In a statement, Adejobi said the young man was released to the executives of the Practitioners of Content Creation, Skit-Making and Influencers Guild of Nigeria, PCCSIGN. According to him, the delegation was led to the Force Headquarters by Tokoni Peter Igoin, Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation. “The videos were later found to be scripted. “He has been warned to avoid pranks that could cause public unrest. “While encouraging positive creativity amongst the youthful populace, the NPF urges content creators to responsibly use social media and avoid spreading misinformation that may incite public disorder,” Adejobi said.
2024 BET Awards: Tems, Tyla win big, See Full List of Winners
Tems was the only Nigerian on the winners’ list at this year’s BET Awards held at Los Angeles’s Peacock Theater on Sunday night. Tems’ “Me & U” saw off competition from Gospel giants like Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Maverick City, and others to win the Dr Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award. Her compatriots, Ayra Starr and Asake, lost the coveted Best International Act to South Africa’s Tyla. Starr also lost Best New Artist to Tyla and BET Her to Victoria Monét. Similarly, Seyi Vibez lost the Best New International Act to South Africa’s Makhadzi. Another Nigerian, Burna Boy, lost Best Male R&B/Pop Artist to Usher and Best Hip-hop Artist to Kendrick Lamar. Here is the full list: Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Chris Brown Drake Fridayy Brent Faiyaz Bryson Tiller Usher (WINNER) Burna Boy October London Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Doja Cat H.E.R. Muni Long SZA (WINNER) Beyoncé Coco Jones Tyla Victoria Monét Best Group 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne 41 Flo ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign (WINNER) Maverick City Music Blxst & Bino Rideaux City Girls Wanmor Best Male Hip-Hop Artist Drake Future Kendrick Lamar (WINNER) 21 Savage Burna Boy Gunna J. Cole Best Female Hip-Hop Artist Nicki Minaj (WINNER) Cardi B Doja Cat Megan Thee Stallion Sexyy Red GloRilla Ice Spice Latto Best New Artist 4Batz Ayra Starr 41 Bossman Dlow Sexyy Red Tyla (WINNER) Fridayy October London Album of the Year Drake, For All the Dogs (Scary Hours Edition) 21 Savage, American Dream Usher, Coming Home Victoria Monét, Jaguar II Killer Mike, Michael (WINNER) Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday 2 Chris Brown, 11:11 Gunna, A Gift & A Curse Best Collaboration Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life” (WINNER) Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life” (WINNER) Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (With Aqua), “Barbie World” Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “Bongos” ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign feat. Rich The Kid, Playboi Carti, “Carnival” Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA, “Rich Baby Daddy” Lola Brooke feat. Latto & Yung Miami, “Don’t Play With It (Remix)” Nicki Minaj feat. Lil Uzi Vert, “Everybody” Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar, “America Has a Problem (Remix)” Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage, “Good Good” Video of the Year Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (With Aqua), “Barbie World” Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “Bongos” Drake feat. J. Cole, “First Person Shooter” Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA, “Rich Baby Daddy” Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage, “Good Good” Victoria Monét, “On My Mama” (WINNER) Doja Cat, “Agora Hills” Lil Durk feat J. Cole, “All My Life” Video Director of the Year Benny Boom Child. Offset Tems Tyler, The Creator Cole Bennett (WINNER) Dave Meyers Janelle Monáe & Alan Ferguson Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award Shirley Caesar, “Award All of the Glory” Kirk Franklin, “All Things” Tems, “Me & U” (WINNER) Kirk Franklin, “Try Love” Erica Campbell, “Do You Believe in Love?” Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore, “God Problems” Halle Bailey, “Angel” CeCe Winans, “Come Jesus Come” Viewer’s Choice Award Doja Cat, “Agora Hills” Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life” Muni Long, “Made for Me” Victoria Monét, “On My Mama” Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ’Em” (WINNER) Tyla, “Water” Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA, “Rich Baby Daddy” Chris Brown feat. Davido & Lojay, “Sensational” Gunna, “Fukumean” Jack Harlow, “Lovin on Me” Best International Act Ayra Starr (Africa) Bk’ (Brazil) Asake (Africa) Aya Nakamura (France) Karol Conká (Brazil) Raye (UK) Tiakola (France) Tyla (Africa) Cleo Sol (UK) Focalistic (Africa) Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act Duquesa (Brazil) Holly G (France) Jungeli (France) Makhadzi (Africa) (WINNER) Oruam (Brazil) Bellah (UK) Cristale (UK) Seyi Vibez (Africa) Tyler Icu (Africa) BET Her Megan Thee Stallion, “Hiss” Victoria Monét, “On My Mama” (WINNER) Beyoncé, “16 Carriages” Nicki Minaj feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard.
I felt like a stranger to myself – Simi
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has opened up about her struggles to find herself. The ‘Duduke’ singer shared that while she has cherished the process of understanding herself deeply, she now feels uneasy as she experiences a sense of losing herself. On her X handle on Tuesday, she explained that she felt like a stranger to herself, while noting that her upcoming album ‘Lost And Found’ helped her rediscover herself. Simi wrote: “For most of my life, I have enjoyed the privilege of knowing myself deeply, unwaveringly, truly. In more recent years, I have also endured the discomfort of losing myself. “Sometimes, to make room for something else that I needed to be – other times, because I could not, for the life of me, find my way. I felt like a stranger to myself. This version of me has been the hardest one to look at in the mirror. “Making this album is a symbol of finding parts of myself again that I hoped I hadn’t lost permanently. I don’t believe that we ever stop finding ourselves. If you’re willing to look, there’s always more. This is a tribute to the things we continue to find and rediscover.”
Aunty Ramota debunks BBL surgery rumour
Internet sensational actress, Ramota Adetu popularly known as Aunty Ramota, has debunked the rumour that she was in a coma as a result of an unsuccessful Brazillian Butt Lift. She made this known in a video that trended on Wednesday. In the clip, Aunty Ramota was seen eating and showing off her full body while claiming that nothing was wrong with her. Speaking in the Yoruba language to dispel the rumour, the small-statured actress said, “My lovers, thank you, nothing happened to me. This is my body.” Recall that some online platforms reported that the actress was wheeled into a recovery room in an unidentified hospital in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. In a now-viral video, a lady who appeared to be Ramota was carried around by medical personnel in a yet-to-be-identified hospital. Ramota, who is known for her comedic roles, appeared unconscious in the footage as she was seen breathing through an oxygen mask. An individual claimed Ramota came for a BBL surgery that was not successful. “What is Ramota doing here? What has she come to do here? Why is she here? Do not call me into this kind of situation. Do not call my name. I am not here,” a voice can be heard saying. Another person in the video responded: “She came to do BBL. Yes. She is just here since after the operation they performed on her.” The rumours went viral on social media, stirring curiosity and concerns among her fans. Reacting to the speculation via Instagram, the comedian and on-screen ‘husband’ of Aunty Ramota, Ganiyu Kehinde, popularly known as Ijoba Lande, said he was unaware she underwent surgery. The skit maker argued that rumours about Aunty Ramota undergoing butt surgery and falling into a coma are “false”. “Please, Nigerians, all that they have been saying about Aunty Ramota being in a coma is a lie. She is not in a coma. There is no one I know with her that I could reach. And I did not intend to talk about it before, but anytime I came online, people kept asking me about the whereabouts of Aunty Ramota. “I thought it was real also when I saw a video of Aunty Ramota being pushed on the bed. I swear to God I do not know anything about it,” he said.
Naira Abuse: I’m only artiste who stops people from spraying me – Seun Kuti
Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti has claimed he is the only musician in Nigeria who stops people from spraying him currency bills when performing. He also claimed that a lot of artistes, especially fuji musicians praise people in melodies during their performances just so that they can be sprayed. Kuti made the claims against the backdrop of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s crackdown on Naira abusers. Speaking in a video message shared via his Instagram account, he said: “I don’t even like to be sprayed. I’m the only artist that stops people from spraying me. Even my dad, the legendary Fela didn’t prevent people from spraying him but he demanded the denominations he wanted to be sprayed. “Nobody wey Sunny Ade never sing for so he can be sprayed. Everybody name. KWAM 1 … eh eh. It is the politicians that made spraying a standard behaviour.”
Popular Nollywood producer, Andy Best is dead
Nollywood producer, Ikechukwu Nnadi, popularly known as Andy Best, is reportedly dead. Nnadi, who was said to be battling with a prolonged ailment, was confirmed dead at a private clinic in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Tuesday. Confirming the death of the movie producer, the convener of the Best of Nollywood awards, Mr Seun Oloketuyi, wrote in an Instagram post that Nnadi is late. “Andy Best, a top Nollywood producer and marketer, is dead. “He died in an Owerri hospital today,” he wrote. Until his death, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Andy Best Production and was behind the production of famous movies, including Lion of Africa, White Poison, My Father’s Cup, and many more. He hailed from Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. Meanwhile, his remains have been deposited at the Aladinma Mortuary in Owerri.
Veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor Seeks financial support for kidney transplant
Veteran Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor has called on Nigerians to assist him financially to carry out a kidney transplant in India. In a video circulating on social media, the popular actor was seen laying on a bed, pleading for help. His Nollywood colleague Kingsley Orji, who was seated next to him, made an appeal on his behalf. Orji revealed that Amaechi Muonagor left the teaching hospital some days ago due to financial constraints. He stated that the illness had affected his speech and urged fans and well-wishers to contribute for a transplant surgery. “It has not been easy. He has been in this condition for months now. He wants to go for a kidney transplant. What we want is for you to help us for him to travel to India,” Orji said. “He just came back from the ICU in Nnewi teaching hospital a couple of days ago. He was responding to treatment but not very well. “We decided to bring him home because there was no money but it is not advisable. He barely talks well. Please, he needs your help.” Recall in November 2023, Amaechi Muonagor had cried out for help after revealing that he was battling paralysis which has affected half of his first leg.
BREAKING: Tiwa Savage Files Petition Against Davido
Renowned singer Tiwa Savage has filed a petition with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, accusing fellow musician Davido of threatening her with physical assault. The petition, dated January 9, details a series of events that allegedly led to the threats, causing her (Tiwa Savage) to fear for her safety. Tiwa Savage claimed that on December 23, she posted an Instagram Story featuring herself and Davido’s ex-fiancee Sophia Momodu. According to the document, Davido responded by sending messages to Tiwa’s manager. These messages, which she said were “disrespectful, malicious, and derogatory,” reportedly prompted Tiwa to request Davido cease contact. The situation escalated, the petition claims, with Davido questioning Tiwa’s relationship with Sophia and warning her to be “careful” in Lagos. These messages allegedly led to an alleged direct threat from Davido, stating his intention to “f**k [her] up.” The petition reads partly: “I am writing to bring to your attention a distressing situation involving myself, Tiwatope Omolara Savage and David Adeleke,” the petition reads in part. “On the 23rd of December, I made a post which included myself and Sophia Momodu on my Instagram Story. “And MR. DAVID ADELEKE sent messages to my manager who’s also part of his management team that I shouldn’t worry and should never say a word to him and that I was taunting him, uttering very disrespectful, malicious and derogatory words to my person. “I responded to MR. DAVID ADELEKE’s message and told him not to reach out to me especially as I feel like I have been there for him and his daughter, Imade and more importantly when he lost his son. “The events of that day have also led to a barrage of calls and messages from our mutual connections, asking me what I did to MR. DAVID ADELEKE that he’s upset that I chose to maintain a relationship with Imade’s mother, Sophia Momodu who he’s having issues with. “And also painting the exchange to look like I was the aggressor. He has also told our mutual connections to warn me to be careful in Lagos because he was going to f**k me up. “This is beginning to feel like some form of online and offline harassment not just to me but also members of my team. “The actions of MR. DAVID ADELEKE are unethical and can be viewed as a direct threat to my rights to life, privacy and dignity of my person as guaranteed in Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), “And are also in contravention of Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015. “I therefore would like to make this complaint, and to state that in the event that anything untoward or harmful were to happen to me or any member of my family, I will like the members of the Nigerian Police Force to hold MR. DAVID ADELEKE responsible. “I am available to answer any questions or provide any additional information regarding this matter. “Please find attached screenshot images of the exchange between myself and MR. DAVID ADELEKE for your perusal”.
Singer Fave Calls Out Davido For Performing Edited Version Of Song She Featured In
23-year-old Nigerian singer, Chidozie Godsfavour better known as Fave has taken to X formerly Twitter to express her disappointment after witnessing Davido perform an altered rendition of their collaborative track, “Kante,” with her verse omitted from the performance. The singer, who was looking forward to sharing the stage with Davido, revealed her initial excitement at the event, only to be taken aback when the song was performed in a modified form. “Begun my new year with such a huge gag lol hugging Davido backstage as he’s about to perform, to watching him perform Kante in a new version with my verse taken off. Performing with you would have been a good way to start my year but I guess life happens. Happy nu year🤞💋,” Fave posted on Monday. The public response was divided, with some suggesting that she should have privately addressed the issue with Davido rather than airing it publicly on Twitter. Acknowledging this, Fave later admitted her oversight in handling the matter publicly. “I guess I should’ve just texted him how I felt instead of tweeting it. I forget how the internet can be sometimes,” she added in a subsequent tweet. Amidst calls for an apology and deletion of the tweet, Fave’s post remained on her Twitter profile, as of the time of this report.