Awards / Music / News

Singing sensation Fave & talented producer Damie get plaques for their chart-topping song ‘Baby Riddim’

Fave reached number on the charts on December, 20th 2021 with her hit single ‘Baby Riddim’. The single reached number one after garnering impressive numbers across streaming platforms and also enjoying a fine run on Radio and TV.

The single was produced by ace producer Damie who delivered a Dancehall bounce with Afrobeats elements that combined with Fave flawless delivery for a captivating song.

For Damilola Temitope Adeyemi popularly known as Damie, producing the number one in Nigeria is a special moment and a resounding proof of his talent. After starting out his production career while in secondary school, Damie would go on to produce for talented artists that includes BNXN fka Buju, Show Dem Camp, Fave, Khaid, Fasina and more.

In 2021, he produced the smash hit ‘Baby Riddim’ for Fave and his productions have since accumulated over 110 million streams across all platforms.

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Law / Music / News

R. Kelly may be ordered to pay 1 of his victim $300,000

A restitution order by U. S. District Judge Ann Connelly, that was still being finalized, is intended to cover the cost of treatment for the individual’s herpes and psychotherapy.

The victim, who remains anonymous, has accused the singer of giving her the sexually transmitted disease during one of their encounters.

Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison in June, after being convicted on multiple counts of racketeering, relating to bribery and forced labor, by a jury in 2021.

Earlier this month he was also convicted of several child pornography and sex abuse charges in his hometown of Chicago.

The Grammy winner was found guilty on three counts of child pornography and three counts of child enticement.

But the jury acquitted him on a fourth pornography count as well as a conspiracy to obstruct justice charge accusing him of fixing his state child pornography trial in 2008.

He appeared at a hearing at a federal court in Brooklyn via videolink from prison in Chicago.

At his sentencing Kelly was branded “the pied piper of R&B” as he came face to face with several of his victims who detailed his “deplorable and inexplicable” abuse, which took place over decades.

The singer, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is known for songs including his first number one single Bump N’ Grind and 1996 hit I Believe I Can Fly.

The latter became an inspirational anthem played at school graduations, weddings, in advertisements and elsewhere, including the inauguration of former U.S. president Barack Obama in 2008.

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Entertainment / News

OAP Toke Makinwa ends 12-year career

The star made the revelation on her Instagram page while celebrating her success; how she began in the profession as an amateur and has since progressed to become an experienced media personality and presenter.

In what seemed to be a heartwarming post, she wrote: “This has taken me so long to share but here we go. Guys, it has been 12 years since my first day on radio, and I finally take a bow.

“It’s been the most exciting 12 years of my life. (So many memories), I joined as a rookie and now I can say I’m leaving as a seasoned broadcaster.

As the queen of talk, I’ll like to take you all on a new journey, please come with me. For some it’s not so new so I’ll say an elevated phase.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to #TMPod. TokeMoments has joined @eggcorndigital @eggcornpodcastnetwork and we can’t wait to show you the new elevated Toke moments. Stay Tuned. #podcast #nigerianpodcast”

The video that accompanied the post displayed photos and recordings of her last day at work, as well as comments from coworkers on how efficient she was and how much she would be missed.

Recall that earlier this year, Toke had appeared in Play Networks’ Glamour Girls, playing one of the lead roles in the film. Presently, she is the host of Showmax’s The Buzz, a commentary show on the BBNaija show.

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Music / News / NFL / Sports

Rihanna returns to Headline 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show

It is the first scheduled return to the stage for the artist who last performed publicly at the Grammy Awards in early 2018. The music icon, 34, shared an image on Instagram on Sunday hinting that she will perform during the NFL event next year.

In the photo, what appears to be Rihanna’s hand holds up a football. The “Umbrella” singer captioned the post with a single period.

Roc Nation later posted the same image on its respective Instagram account, writing, “Let’s GO,” and tagging Rihanna and the NFL, “#SBLVII.”

“We’re excited to partner with Rihanna, Roc Nation, and the N.F.L. to bring music and sports fans a momentous show,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president for Apple Music and Beats.

There’s been an earlier announcement that the Super Bowl LVII halftime show has inked a sponsorship from Apple Music as part of a multi-year deal with the NFL, the league announced earlier this week. Pepsi had previously announced that it would no longer be returning as a sponsor, following its initial sponsorship at the 2007 show starring Prince and an eventual ten-year agreement that began in 2013.

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Awards / Music / News

Grammy Academy CEO reveals ongoing consideration for Afrobeats category

While speaking to the press at the Global Citizens concert in Ghana, Chief Executive Officer Harvey Manson revealed that the academy has kicked off the first process in the long road to adding an Afrobeats category to the Grammys. According to Harvey, the academy had a meeting with Afrobeats creatives that includes artists, producers, songwriters, and executives where they talked about Afrobeats and its many Genres.

He further revealed that the members of the academy will have to submit a proposal for the addition of a new category before deliberations will kick off. However, the listening session with the Afrobeats leaders is the first step.

What this means: the addition of an Afrobeats category to the Grammys will mean that songs that fall under the Afrobeats subgenre will be eligible for nomination.

While the Afrobeats is primarily a description of Nigerian and Ghanaian mainstream music, the West has often muddled it up with any sound coming from Saharan Africa. The implication is that South African genres such as House, Amapiano, and Kwaito might be considered Afrobeats. Similarly, Congolese sounds like the Soukous or the East African Singile might be termed Afrobeats.

It will be up to the Academy to adequately identify the essential elements that make a song Afrobeats as doing this will be the first step in truly awarding the right songs irrespective of where it’s made.

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News / politics

OGD flags off campaigns with mega rally, empowerment

Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogun East Senatorial Candidate for the 2023 general elections is set to kick-start his election campaign with a mega rally on Sunday, 2nd October, 2022.

According to schedule of events released by his campaign office, the campaign will commence by 11:00am at Ita Oba, Akarigbo Palace, Sagamu, Ogun State.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun,  is expected to be the Chief Host at the rally.

The statement mentioned  that a major highlight of the Mega Rally, which promises to be colorful, will be the Empowerment Programs which Otunba Gbenga Daniel has been known for over the years.

In recent years Otunba Gbenga Daniel has been awarding hundreds of scholarships across various Local governments amongst other multidimensional empowerment initiatives which started over 20 years ago via his pet project, The Gateway Front Foundation.

The statement itemized the prizes to be won include a Star Prize of a tractor worth about N10m. Others are a Toyota Highlander SUV as second prize and a 2.5KVA generator as third prize.

“These empowerment programs will continue as the campaign machinery traverse the length and breadth of Ogun East Senatorial District.

“The public, members of the All Progressive Congress, friends and well wishers across Ogun East Senatorial District, and beyond including Local Government Chairmen, Councilors and Party functionaries, are hereby invited to this special event,” it added.…

News / Transportation

80% road traffic accidents caused by human error – FRSC boss

Shehu Mohammed, the Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in charge of FCT and Niger, has  said 80 per cent of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) across the 36 states including the FCT are caused by human error.

Mohammed said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that human, mechanical and the environment which was natural were the leading causes of RTCs in the country.

He also said that illicit drug and alcohol abuse, poor vision and over-speeding were also among factors that causes road accidents in the nation.

According to Mohammed, the human error contributed to almost 80 per cent of RTCs because it is the human that normally control the mechanical.

“We as human, we contribute a lot of crashes on the roads, especially during the Ember months where many drivers try to double their efforts to meet up with the year’s demand.

“About 80 per cent of road crashes are caused by human errors because most of the crashes are avoidable and preventable, “ he said.

According to him, for instance, a driver that will start driving from Kano coming through Abuja axis down to the south without a rest is definitely inviting a crash.

“You can imagine the kind of fatigue, and then he gets tired and wants to sleep, and again maybe the vehicle is already overloaded.

“This could cause pressure on the mechanical system of the vehicle which is also a factor contributing to RTCs, ” he said.

“So I think those are the things that normally contribute to this kind of increase in road traffic crashes especially at night, “he said.

Mohammed said that poor vehicle maintenance was also a human error, advising the driver or the owner of the vehicle to maintain the vehicle regularly and periodically for good function of the vehicle.

He said: “but then, the environment, this is natural which is beyond human control.

“However, I think what is happening now at the rainy season is what is …

Music / News

Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ gets UK Certification

Nigerian megastar Burna Boy has achieved another landmark achievement after his hit single ‘Last Last’ was certified Gold in the United Kingdom. Grammy-winning Afrobeats icon Burna Boy has added another colorful feather to his hat after his hit single was recently declared eligible for Gold certification in the UK.

According to reputable chart news platform Chart Data, ‘Last Last’ was to receive a Gold certification after selling over 500,000 units in the United Kingdom.

The certification offers further proof of the song’s acclaim and success internationally and is also a marker of Burna Boy’s global fame.

Greater heights ahead: Burna Boy has announced that he intends to release ‘Love, Damini’ deluxe. The deluxe will likely come with a ‘Last Last’ remix that features Nigerian British rapper Dave.

The arrival of the remix will further propel the song to fame in the United Kingdom and give it a shot for a platinum plaque.

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News / politics / Travel

Spokesman speaks on report United States denied Tinubu visa

Alhaji Tunde Rahman, the spokesman of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2023 elections, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has denied that his principal was denied a visa of the United States of America.

Alhaji Rahman spoke in reaction to a story by nigerianconcord.com.ng that the US did not renew the visa of Tinubu.

He said: “Oga, it’s an original fake news.

“HE Asíwájú was not and has never been denied US visa.

“He has a two-year valid visa that was renewed last November.

“Two years is the maximum any Nigerian can get.

“It’s a ridiculous post by a non-existent news online.

“You know one can’t really be taking issues with a non-existent platform.

“The fake story was attributed to Nigerian Concord newspaper.

“The Concord as you know closed shop many years ago!”

“We don’t have time for a rabble-rouser seeking to drive traffic to a fabricated and unknown website.”

The Eagle Online recalls that the nigerianconcord.com.ng had after initial story on the issue, followed up with another, where it insisted on its authenticity.

In fact, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of the online publication, Abiodun Oluwarotimi, challenged Tinubu to prove he was not denied US visa.

However, details of Tinubu’s existing valid visa had emerged.

The APC presidential candidate renewed his US visa in November 2021.

As is the practice, the former two-term Governor of Lagos State was issued a two-year visa, the maximum period of validity any Nigerian can get.

According to Western Post, the current visa was issued on November 18, 2021 and will expire November 15, 2023.

From the US visa bromide available to Western Post, Tinubu’s type B1/B2 visa carries control number: 20213207840001.

It also reported that perhaps miffed by the fake and groundless report, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, last week visited Tinubu at the APC Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja, where she cracked a joke with the APC standard-bearer, saying: “So the two-year visa you received last November has suddenly expired.”

Ambassador Leonard was accompanied on the visit by the …

Education / News

Breaking: FG orders VCs to reopen varsities, commence lectures

The Federal Government through the National Universities Commission has ordered vice-chancellors to re-open schools and allow students resume lectures.

This was made known in a letter signed by the Director, Finance and Accounts of the NUC, Sam Onazi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the commission, Professor Abubakar Rasheed.

The letter which was made exclusively available to The PUNCH on Monday was addressed to all vice-chancellors; Pro-Chancellors and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities.

“Ensure that ASUU members immediately resume/commence lectures; Restore the daily activities and routines of the various University campuses”, the letter partly reads.

The national industrial court of Nigeria on Wednesday ordered the Academic Staff Union of Universities to call off its ongoing nationwide strike.

ASUU had been on strike since February 14 to press home the demand for improved funding for universities, a review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues.

Several meetings between ASUU and the Federal Government have ended in a deadlock.

Consequently, the Federal Government went to court to challenge the strike.

The government through its counsel, James Igwe, prayed the court for an interlocutory injunction restraining ASUU from taking further steps as regards the strike, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

More details shortly…

News / NFL / Sports

Colts Defense Outduels Mahomes, Ryan Delivers in Win vs. Chiefs

They heard the headlines all week long.

After tying the Houston Texans in Week 1 and dropping to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, everything was called into question with the Indianapolis Colts.

Why couldn’t this Colts defense, who added former Pro Bowlers in multiple spots, handle the lowly Texans and Jaguars? Was the trade for Matt Ryan a mistake? What was wrong with the highly-paid offensive line? Were Chris Ballard and Frank Reich on the hot seat?

The questions, harsh as they have been, were warranted after the slow 0-1-1 start. And on top of everything, the mighty Kansas City Chiefs were coming to town looking to stay undefeated.

So, in typical Colts fashion, they played their best ball against the best teams, grabbing a 20-17 victory over one of the Super Bowl favorites in Lucas Oil Stadium.

“Great team win,” Reich said after the game. “What we were talking about in (the locker room) a minute ago was just the ultimate team win in all three phases. We’ve said kind of coming into this year, that’s the kind of team we feel like we have, that we can be good in all three phases. That’s what it takes to beat a team like the Kansas City Chiefs, and that’s what we got today.”

All three phases had a major impact in the win over the Chiefs. It was a total team effort for the Colts to finally get their first win of the season.

Special teams got things started for the Colts. After a three-and-out to start the game by the Colts offense, Matt Haack punted the ball deep in Chiefs territory where it was muffed by returner Skyy Moore. The Colts recovered the muffed punt, setting up the first touchdown of the day from Ryan to rookie Jelani Woods. Special teams did not stop there. Kick and punt coverage was solid all day for the Colts, not allowing a Chiefs’ return man to get free. When the Chiefs tried to catch the Colts off guard with a …

News / NFL / Sports

Cleveland Browns exorcise Pittsburgh Steelers, fourth-quarter demons to move into AFC North lead

The Browns faced down a lot of demons in Thursday night’s 29-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

They faced a long-time nemesis in the Steelers. They faced a two-score fourth-quarter lead. They even faced another onside kick.

This time, unlike each of the past two games, they didn’t lose a two-score lead in the fourth quarter. They didn’t let an onside kick get recovered.

And, unlike so many times since their return to the league in 1999, they didn’t lose to the Steelers. Instead, the Browns bounced back from Sunday’s crushing loss to the New York Jets to beat Pittsburgh and earn no worse than a share of first place in the AFC North through three weeks.

Cleveland saw it go ahead by nine early in the fourth quarter at 29-14. It saw Pittsburgh pull within 23-17 with 1:57 remaining. Then Anthony Schwartz made sure the onside kick was batted out of bounds. That’s even though the Steelers assisted in being offsides on the play, giving the ball back to the Browns.

Nick Chubb gets going in first quarter

Nick Chubb didn’t waste much time showing off his superhuman skills. On his second carry, he ripped off a 13-yard run that he closed out with a leap over a diving Steeler defender.

Chubb then set up the Browns’ first score with a 36-yard run that could’ve ended in the end zone. However, his teammate, Donovan Peoples-Jones, seemed to drag him down at the Steeler 12.

Two plays later, Jacoby Brissett hit Amari Cooper for an 11-yard touchdown strike between Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds to put Cleveland in front 7-0 with 2:57 remaining.

George Pickens’ highlight-reel catch helps Steelers tie the game

The Steelers’ deep passing game had been basically non-existent coming into the game. However, it was Mitch Trubisky’s second deep throw of the night − and a highlight-reel catch by George Pickens − that got them back to even. Pickens was being tightly guarded by fellow rookie Martin Emerson Jr. when he pulled in a …

Entertainment / News

Kanye West apologies to Kim Kardashian for any stress he may have caused her

This is the second time the billionaire will be apologizing to his ex-wife.

The billionaire rapper made this known during an interview with ‘Good Morning America’ on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

“This is the mother of my children, and I apologize for any stress that I have caused, even in my frustration, because God calls me to be stronger,” he said.

I need this person to be less stressed and of the best, sound mind,” he added. “And as calm as possible to be able to raise those children at the end of the day.”

He also spoke about he fought to co-parent his kids with the Keeping Up With The Kardashians reality TV star. “I’m their dad. It has to be co-parenting. As a dad and as a Christian … I have a right to have a voice on what my kids are wearing, what they’re watching, what they’re eating,” he said.

It would be recalled that the rapper had on several occasions called out the mother of his four children for depriving him of seeing his kids.

“What do you mean by main provider? America saw you try to kidnap my daughter on her birthday by not providing the address You put security on me inside of the house to play with my son then accused me of stealing I had to take a drug test after Chicago’s party cause you accused me of being on drugs Tracy Romulus stop manipulating Kim to be this way,” he alleged.

Kim and Kanye’s official divorce news first broke in February 2021. This came weeks after speculations about their marriage collapse.

From Kanye calling out Kim for kidnapping one of their daughters and exposing the other to social media to Kim claiming to be solely responsible for the care of their children, it’s been tough keeping up with the West.

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

‘I struggled with depression and found comfort in food’ – BBNaija’s Uriel

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Uriel Oputa has revealed how she found solace in food during her battle with depression.

The reality TV star made this known via her Instagram page on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

“I was an emotional Eater I struggled with Depression (still dealing with it) and found Comfort in food. I didn’t understand what full was,” she wrote.

“I knew I felt uncomfortable but I didn’t care. When people ask me to help them the first thing I ask is: Are you Mentally Ready ?? It’s a tough battle, but you shall overcome.”

This is not the first time the reality TV star will be talking about her struggle with depression and weight loss.

In March, Uriel revealed how her former boyfriend body-shamed her while they dated.

“I remember my ex said my legs weren’t fine because I had a scar. He made me feel so bad. I lost confidence. Now my legs are being called beautiful,” she wrote. “This life ehn! When he is not for you, he is truly not for you. There will always be someone who is ready to massage those scars.”

The reality TV star is known for always preaching the body positivity gospel.

In 2021, the reality TV star slammed men who body shame their wives after giving birth.

“You are a complete ignoramus if you make your wife uncomfortable about her weight after she has given birth,” she wrote.

“Not every snap bk is natural if you can’t afford a lipo or a fitness trainer/personal chef pls kindly take a bk seat, let her work through this sensitive period.”

Born on January 24, 1988, in England, Uriel Ngozi Oputa is a Nigerian actress, music artist and reality TV star.

She was one of the contestants for the Big Brother Naija 2018 edition.

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Education / News / politics

ASUU strike: House of Reps leadership meets Head of Service, others

In continuation of the efforts to find solutions to the lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside his deputy, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase, and other leaders of the House on Thursday met with the Head of Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan; and chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta, among other government officials.

The meeting was a follow up to an earlier one Speaker Gbajabiamila held with the ASUU leadership on Tuesday.

The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting led the House leadership to invite the Head of Service; National Information Technology Development Agency; Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission; and Accountant General of the Federation among others.

At Thursday’s meeting, NITDA told the House leadership the Integrated Payroll Personnel Information System, University Transparency Accountability Solution and University Peculiar Personnel and Payroll System failed its integrity tests regarding the university payroll, which the agency conducted between March and June this year.

A NITDA official at the meeting told the House leadership that the government directed the agency to test UTAS in October, 2020, and that the platform failed the two integrity tests conducted on it.

He said following the first test, ASUU was asked to go back and review, which it did.

Yet, the platform did not meet NITDA’s requirements the second time.

For the third time, NITDA was then asked to conduct tests on UTAS, IPPIS and U3PS, which the official said all the three platforms failed its requirements regarding the payroll system of universities.

Not satisfied with the explanation, Speaker Gbajabiamila asked if NITDA advised the government to take action on the lapses found on the IPPIS, which has been in operation by government since 2011.

But the NITDA official said they were not in a position to do that.

Gbajabiamila also asked if NITDA queried the IPPIS platform, to which the official responded in the negative.

Wase also expressed reservations at NITDA’s action, saying it ought to have advised government on the appropriate …

Movies / News

Rita Dominic denies welcoming twins

There had been several reports flying on social media that the actress and her hubby, Fidelis Anosike.

The movie star made this known via her Twitter page on Wednesday, September 21, 2022.

She shared a gif with the caption ‘Fake News.’

There had been several reports flying on social media that the actress and her hubby, Fidelis Anosike.

According to the reports, the movie star welcomed a set of twins far away in the United Kingdom. This is coming months after the actress had a star-studded wedding.

The wedding ceremony which took place in Owerri was attended by several celebrities including Joke Silva, Chidi Mokeme, Ini Edo, Uche Jombo, Hilda Dokubo, Lilian Bach and Shan George.

Others were veteran comedians and actors Julius Agwu and Okey Bakassi.

Some other A-list celebrities who graced the wedding ceremony were Queen Nwokoye, Uche Elendu, Ese Eriata, BBNaija’s TolaniBaj, Mercy Eke and Idia Aisien.

The movie star and her partner Fidelis Anosike got engaged earlier in April.

It would be recalled that on Boxing Day, 2020, Dominic sent social media into a frenzy when she shared some cosy photos with her partner, Anosike.

Dominic’s partner, Anosike, is the founder of Folio Media Group, a multi-media company that owns Daily Times Nigeria (founded 1926), the country’s oldest newspaper.

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Music / News

Tems, Burna Boy, and Rema continue run on Billboard Hot 100

On the chart week dated September 24th, 2022, Burna Boy‘s ‘Last Last’, Tems‘ ‘Free Mind’, and Rema‘s ‘Calm Down’ remix featuring Selena Gomez have all remained on the Billboard Hot 100.

Tems’ ‘Free Mind’ leads the Nigerian entries after climbing up 4 places from NO.56 to NO.52 and extending its run on the chart to 9 weeks.

Following behind is Burna Boy’s hit single ‘Last Last’ which slightly dipped from NO.53 to NO.54 in a run that has entered its 10th week.

Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ remix on which he features famous Pop star Selena Gomez suffers a slight slump as it fell from NO.91 to NO.92 in its second week on the chart.

US Afrobeats Chart: On the US Afrobeats Chart, Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ remix extends its run at number one to three weeks.

Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ holds the NO.2 spot while Tems’ ‘Free Mind’ comes in at NO.3. Wizkid‘s ‘Essence’ remix takes the NO.4 spot while CKay‘s ‘Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)’ rounds up the top 5.

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Music / News

Fireboy DML Tells Apple Music about collaborations with Ed Sheeran, Madonna, and Rema

  • Fireboy DML on the numerous remixes of “Peru,” and working with Ed Sheeran  “It was the Ed Sheeran version first, that’s the one that matters, that’s the first. That’s the one. Everything else was about strategic stuff and all that, but the collaboration was the Ed Sheeran one. My team reached out to me like, “Yo.” Jamal Edwards, rest his soul, very close to Ed Sheeran, played the song to him, sent it to him and he loved the song. He took his stance to write a verse, and then he sent me a DM, and sent me VM of his verse. I’m like, “Yo, Ed Sheeran in this record, this is it.” Ed Sheeran is someone I sonically connect to, I’ve looked up to this man for a long time, for as long as I can remember. He actually made me fall in love with the acoustic guitar, and it really meant a lot to me, not just for me, but for the culture as well, because I knew what it would mean for Afrobeats when the record came out. I’m glad to be at the forefront pushing the culture, pushing the genre, this is a record that will stand the test of time. Years later they’ll say, “Oh, Afrobeats opened up in the United States worldwide, internationally, and Peru by Fireboy is one of those records that made it happen.” I’m just really glad, that’s what we want, to open opportunities and build bridges.”
    • Fireboy DML on how the song “Peru” has nothing to do with the country, and what it’s actually about

    “[The word “peru” is] also an allusion to a friend of mine, also an artist, Peruzzi. He has uses this tagline in his songs, so I just use it as… it was like a pun, wordplay kind of thing…I was just really telling the story of a young boy who would find himself in a place that he’s never been before. I recorded that song because it was my first time in the United States

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Law / News

Court refuses Baba Ijesha‘s bail application pending appeal

“The applicant must show special and exceptional circumstances because the term given to him is five years which is to run concurrently.

“There is no evidence that the appeal has been entered and there is no indication before this court that the court will not treat the case expeditiously.

“It is in the view of this court that the applicant has failed to show special circumstances to warrant him bail because he is facing a serious crime.

“In view of this case, I am inclined to refuse the bail application of the applicants pending appeal,” Taiwo held.

NAN reports that the embattled actor is seeking a bail for an appeal for the five years conviction of sexually assaulting a 14-year- old girl.

Baba Ijesha’s counsel, Mr Gabriel Olabiran, had on Aug.10 informed the court of a notice for bail pending appeal has been submitted in pursuant to Section 6 (6) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 51 of the High Court law of Lagos State, administration of criminal justice law.

Olabiran argued that the application admitted the applicant to bail, either unconditionally or upon reasonable conditions.

He said the application was brought before the court due to difficulty in getting a date at the Court of Appeal.

The state prosecutor, Mr Yusuf Sule, however, in a counter affidavits dated Aug.18, argued that the defense failed in its address to establish the special circumstances which might grant the convict bail.

“My lord, the defense has failed woefully in addressing the special circumstances which can be used to grant the convict bail.

NAN also reports that the court had on July 14 sentenced the embattled actor to five-years imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

The court held that the prosecution had successfully proven the charge of sexual assault of a minor and indecent

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Awards / Music / News

AMAA 2022: ‘Man of God’, ‘Jolly Roger’ shine + full list of nominees

The nominees for the 18th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) are in! The award organizers, on Wednesday September 21, 2022, unveiled the contenders for the top-rated award slated to be hosted in Lagos this October.

Top Nigerian contenders of the year include Kunle Afolayan’s 2021 Netflix title ‘Swallow’, Bolanle Austen Peters’ ‘Man of God’ 9 , a Netflix original, and Walter Waltbanger Taylaur’s ‘Jolly Roger’ 7 .

Efere Ozako AMAA 2022 Award for Best Short film

Enroute -Burkina Faso

Al-Sit -Sudan Astel -Senegal

A Lisbon Affair- Angola

Mamadou – Equatorial Guinea

Houminvi – Benin

Men-tally- Nigeria

Tender Threads – Morocco

Jubril Malafia AMAA 2022 Award for Best Animation

On the Surface – Iceland

Opal – Martinique

Kenda – Cote D’Ivoire

No Way Out – Uganda

Skin Like Mine –USA

PTD – Nigeria

Best Documentary

Taamaden – Mali

No Simple Way Home -Sudan

The Last Shelter – Mali

No U Turn – Nigeria

Transaction – Zimbabwe

Lobola, a Bride’s True Price?- South Africa

Africa Moot – South Africa

When a Farm Goes Aflame- Nigeria/Germany

AMAA 2022 Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language

Borga – Ghana

Tug of War – Tanzania

Tembele – Uganda

Surviving Gaza – South Africa

Alaise – Nigeria

Medicine Man – Kenya

AMAA 2022 National Film & Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Award for Best Nigerian Film

Man of God

Alaise

Swallow

Jolly Roger

Almajiri

Money Miss Road

AMAA 2022 Award for Best Young/Promising Actor

Emmanuel Afffadzi – Borga

Kebirungi Agnes Knight – Tinka’s Story

Amina Mohammed – Ayaanle

Maryam Waziri Salihu – Almajiri

Samke Makhaba – Surviving Gaza

Emmanuel Kuye – Ba Ni (Mud Clan)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Aphiwe Mkefe – Surviving Gaza

Wale Ojo – A Song from the Dark

Adjetey Annag – Borga

Tshamano Sebe – Angeliene

Toyin Osinaike – Jolly Roger

Segun Arinze – Almajiri

Josh2Funny – Money Miss Road

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Lydia Forson – Borga

Samke Makhoba Surviving Gaza

Ijeoma Grace Agu – Swallow

Siti Amina -Tug

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