Entertainment / Movies / Music / News

YouTube Go is shutting down this August

The streaming platform made the announcement in a blogpost shared last week.

According to the company, the new move will enable users enjoy improvements made to the main app.

“When we launched YouTube Go in 2016, it was designed for viewers in locations where connectivity, data prices, and low-end devices prevented us from delivering the best experience in the main YouTube app. Since then, YouTube has invested in improvements to the main YouTube app that make it perform better in these environments, while also delivering a better user experience which is inclusive of our entire community,” an excerpt from the post reads.

Mainly available to android users, YouTube Go was first introduced in areas like India and Indonesia where users struggled to access the main app due to slow network and high data prices. The lite version allowed users download videos to view offline as well as the ability to reduce the quality of videos by adjusting the MB.

YouTube has over the years improved on the main app. Users are now able to efficiently run the app slower networks with plans already in motion to help people with limited data.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Yul Edochie welcomes son with 2nd wife

Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has welcome a son with his second wife, Judy Austin Moghalu.

The movie star shared the big news via his Instagram page on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.

“It’s time for the world to meet my son. His name is STAR DIKE MUNACHIMSO YUL-EDOCHIE. Born by my second wife @judyaustin1 And I love him so much, just as much as I love my other children,” he captioned the photo.

This is the first time the actor will be revealing his son and second wife.

Prior to the announcement, the actor was married to May and they have four children.

Interestingly, May gave hints about hiccups in her marriage in November 2021 after she shared a cryptic message on IG.

The mother of four took to her Instagram page where she shared a post that had the photos of Barack and Michelle Obama in their early years and then when they became the US First family.

“Never forget a woman who helped you to build yourself and stand by you by when you had nothing… if she was with you in hell, be with her in paradise,” the post read.

She captioned the post with the quote ”Not for this generation.”

Judy Moghalu is a Nollywood actress and producer.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Jennifer Lopez sparks Ben Affleck engagement rumours with massive ring

American singer Jennifer Lopez has sparked engagement rumors after being spotted wearing a massive ring.

This is according to photos taken by the paparazzi on Thursday, April 7, 2022.

The actress was spotted for furniture with her 14-year-old daughter, Emme, in Culver City, Los Angeles.

She wore a flowing print dress and large sunglasses and the obvious large piece of rock on her finger.

In a recent chat with TV host Elle DeGeneres, the music star said she “never imagined” getting back together with Affleck but it has been a beautiful thing.

The couple started dating in 2021 after weeks of speculations.

They were spotted together on several occasions after J lo’s split with MLB star Alex Rodriguez.

The former couple known as ‘Bennifer’ got engaged in 2002.

Signs they were on the rocks started to surface when they postponed their wedding in 2003.

They split months later in January 2004.

Lopez wed Marc Anthony in June 2004, with whom she had two children: twins Emme and Max, born in 2008.

Meanwhile, Affleck tied the knot with Jennifer Garner in June 2005 and went on to welcome three kids with the actress: Violet, Seraphina and Sam.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Nkechi Blessing gives reasons why marriage crashed, says hubby was a beggar

Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing has shared some of the reasons why her marriage to Opeyemi Falegan crashed.

The former couple took to their Instagram accounts where they revealed that their union was over.

In a series of posts shared via her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, the movie star recounted the various reasons their marriage crashed. According to Nkechi, her estranged hubby wanted to use her popularity for selfish reasons. She explained that he became notorious for always begging for financial assistance to fund his foundation, a move that didn’t sit well with the actress.

She also revealed that Falegan was a jobless man who would stay at home for months without doing anything.

“If they ask me what my so called boyfriend does for a living, walai I don’t have an answer. 3 weeks in London you no wake up go work, sleep and wake up for live video. If joblessness was a person…Tueh,” she wrote.

The news of the couple’s split broke about 24 hours ago.

According to several reports, the marriage crashed over infidelity allegations.

However, the movie star’s estranged husband, Falegan may have confirmed the end of their marriage after he went live on Instagram.

The actress later shared a post on her Instagram Stories she denied being dumped. According to her, she did the walking away from the marriage.

“The one wen I nor like na if you lie say you leave me. Nobody ever does…I simply take a walk and not say my side of the story cus really its not worth it. Say all you want to say but you see lie? We wear same trousers, na there you go vex me,” she wrote.

Blessing later took to her Instagram Live where she started off by mocking those spreading the rumours that she’s a lesbian.

She later broke down in tears as she swore for the blogger behind the reports that she cheated on her husband.

She disclosed that she was going to curse the blogger for twenty-one days.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Bruce Willis confirms retirement from acting following Aphasia diagnosis

Bruce Willis is quitting his nearly three decades acting career following an Aphasia diagnosis.

The ‘Die Hard’ star’s family made the shocking announcement on Wednesday.

“To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” the family wrote on Instagram.

“As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him. This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support. “We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, “Live it up” and together we plan to do just that.”

The statement was signed by the actor’s wife Emma Heming-Willis, his ex-wife Demi Moore and their five daughters.

Willis is best known for starring in the ‘Die Hard’ franchise as John McClane. The actor has a total of three notable awards which include a Golden Globe for his role in ‘Moonlighting’ and two Emmys.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

‘Sometimes some family members are your worst enemy’ – 2Face Idibia reacts to wife’s brother’s allegation

Nigerian music icon 2Face Idibia has reacted to the allegations levelled against his wife Annie by her elder brother, Wisdom Macauley.

The singer took to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, where he penned a short note about the frosty relationship between his wife and her brother.

“Respect to family but sometimes some family is your worst enemy,” he wrote.

According to him, Annie turned him into a slave and refused to pay him all his dues during the period he worked for the actress.

“Hello Nigerians, my name is Wisdom Macaulay, I am the elder brother of Annie Macaulay Idibia. I’m crying out for help at this moment because my life is been threatened. I have been working with my sister for some time but she would never pay me my dues,” he said.

He also accused his sister of being a drug addict and a thorn in the flesh of everyone in their family.

“Annie introduced me to drugs, hard drugs, Annie takes drugs, she is a drug addict, she takes it every day, she is so violent, she doesn’t have peace with anyone, she fights everybody.”  In her response, the actress accused her brother of being irresponsible.

Apparently, their rift started after she refused to make him her manager, a position she wasn’t comfortable with. She also alleged that she has been responsible for the upkeep of his family for a very long time.

The actress said her brother had several times threatened to kill himself over petty reasons.

She finally advised him to stop acting like he is entitled to money and to leave her family alone.

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Movies / News

Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva’s son’s marriage crashes after 3 years

The marriage between Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva’s son, Olusoji and his wife Blessing has crashed.

Blessing made this known in a now-deleted post while answering questions from her followers via her Instagram Stories.

“Are you still married? my bro who is in the UK is madly in love with you,” a follower inquired.

The UK-based mum responded by saying no.

“No. He will have to register for interview o.”

Apparently not satisfied with the response another follower pushed further with the question.

“Are you still married to your husband?”

Her response may have finally put a rest to the reports of their failed marriage.

“No. Oya make una rest,” she replied.

The couple’s traditional wedding was held in Buguma, Port Harcourt while the church ceremony on July 21, was held in Lagos where Pastor Tony Rapu of This Present House Church officiated the ceremony, overseeing the couple’s exchange of wedding vows.

What followed the church ceremony was a big celebration which had a host of celebrity names and faces such as Richard Mofe Damijo, Hilda Dokubo, Chidinma Ekile, Kate Henshaw, Monalisa Chinda, Iretiola Doyle and a host of others.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Alec Baldwin expecting 7th child with Hilaria Baldwin

American actor Alec Baldwin is expecting his seventh child with Hilaria Baldwin.

Hilaria made this known via her Instagram page on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

“After many ups and downs over the past few years, we have an exciting up and a huge surprise: another Baldwinito is coming this fall 💛. We were pretty sure our family was complete, and we’re beyond happy with this surprise,” she wrote.

“I’m sharing with you the moment we told the kids—as you can see, they are super excited! Our new baby is a very bright spot in our lives.” 

“A blessing and a gift during such uncertain times. I’ve missed you during my break from social media…I’m back and looking forward to continuing with you this wild journey that we call “life.” Our love to you and your loved ones ❤️”

The former yoga instructor and the “Boss Baby” star, 63, are already parents to daughters Carmen, 8, and María Lucía, 13 months, and sons Rafael, 6, Leonardo, 5, Romeo, 3, and Eduardo “Edu,” 18 months.

The news of their baby is coming a few months after Alec’s movie set accident.

In October 2021, the actor accidentally killed a woman on set.

According to several reports, the actor fatally shot a cinematographer and injured a director during a tragic accident when a prop gun discharged on the New Mexico movie set of the film ‘Rust.’

“There was an accident today on the New Mexico set of ‘Rust’ involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks,” a production spokesperson told Deadline.

The Western drama’s director of photography, Halyna Hutchins, and its director, Joel Souza, were struck in the incident, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.

Hutchins was airlifted to the hospital and died from her injuries.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Michael B. Jordan to star alongside Will Smith in ‘I Am Legend’ sequel

Fans of ‘I Am Legend’ finally have a sequel to look forward to many thanks to Michael B. Jordan.

According to reports, the ‘Black Panther’ star will star and co-produce the upcoming sequel of the film alongside Oscar nominee Will Smith who is set to reprise his role as scientist Robert Neville.

In an exclusive with ET, Smith revealed that the idea for the sequel was pitched by Jordan.

While a director is yet to be confirmed, Deadline reports that the film’s screenplay will be by Academy award winner Akiva Goldsman while Smith will co-produce the sequel with Jon Mone, co-president of Westbrook Studios, Elizabeth Raposo and Jordan. James Lassiter will serve as executive produce the film.

The 2007 post-apocalyptic thriller is based on the 1954 novel of the same title by Richard Matheson.

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Movies / News

Yul Edochie ask Reps not to blame Nollywood for rituals

Following the accusation implied by the House of Representatives who recently tasked Adedayo Thomas, the executive director, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) “to rise to the mandate of the agency as the clearinghouse for all movies produced in the country” to stop portraying ritual killings in a good light in their movies following the spike in ritual killings being experienced in the country. The veteran actor has now responded to the lawmakers via an Instagram post faulting the allegations.

Edochie said in his post that the portrayal of rituals in their movies only mirrors the reality on the ground within the country, in order to draw attention to the vices. He then continued to insist that the lawmakers who have true power are the ones who can bring about lasting change in the country.

“Nollywood is only showing what happens in society. Nigerians are wallowing in extreme poverty. A hungry man is an angry man, fix the country and crime will go away. Don’t blame Nollywood.” he said in the post.

He then urged the lawmakers to face their jobs of bringing lasting change through policy rather than criticising Nollywood efforts.

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Awards / Foreign / Movies

The Oscars 2022 nominations are in! Check out full list

Nominations for the 94th Academy awards are finally in! The announcement made on Tuesday, February 8, expectedly got the internet buzzing.

Surprising for most was the Lady Gaga snub for her role in Ridley Scott’s ‘House of Gucci’.

Meanwhile, Netflix’s ‘The Power of the Dog’ swept the most nominations with 12 nods including a history making nomination for Jane Campion.

The film’s director became the first woman to be nominated more than once in the best director category. (The first being ‘The Piano’).

Following closely with 10 nominations is ‘Dune’ then ‘Belfast’ and ‘West Side Story’ with seven nominations each.

Denzel Washington further extended his record as the most nominated Black actor, earning his tenth Oscar nomination for his performance in ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’.

Here is a full list of nominees:

BEST PICTURE

“Belfast”

CODA”

“Don’t Look Up”

“Drive My Car”

“Dune”

“King Richard”

“Licorice Pizza”

“Nightmare Alley”

“The Power of the Dog”

“West Side Story”

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Jessie Buckley, “The Lost Daughter”

Ariana DeBose, “West Side Story”

Judi Dench, “Belfast”

Kirsten Dunst, “The Power of the Dog”

Aunjanue Ellis, “King Richard”

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Ciaran Hinds, “Belfast”

Troy Kotsur, “CODA”

Jesse Plemons, “The Power of the Dog”

J.K. Simmons, “Being the Ricardos”

Kodi Smit-McPhee, “The Power of the Dog”

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

“Drive My Car”

“Flee”

“The Hand of God”

“Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom”

“The Worst Person in the World”

DOCUMENTARY (SHORT)

“Audible”

“Lead Me Home”

“The Queen of Basketball”

“Three Songs for Benazir”

“When We Were Bullies”

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

“Ascension”

“Attica”

“Flee”

“Summer of Soul”

Writing with Fire”

ORIGINAL SONG

“King Richard”

“Encanto”

“Belfast”

“No Time to Die”

“Four Good Days”

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

“Encanto”

“Flee”

“Luca”

“The Mitchells vs. The Machine”

“Raya and the Last Dragon”

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

“CODA”

“Drive My Car”

“Dune”

“The Lost Daughter”

“The Power of the Dog”

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

“Belfast”

“Don’t Look Up”

“King Richard”

“Licorice Pizza”

“The Worst Person in the World”

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Javier Bardem, “Being the Ricardos”

Benedict Cumberbatch,

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Pete Davidson calls Kim Kardashian his ‘girlfriend’ for the first time

Pete Davidson has for the first referred to Kim Kardashian as his girlfriend in public.

The comedian made this known while answering questions during a chat with People’s TV about his fame and how it has changed his lifestyle.

“Or, if I’m off, I just either hang with my friends or chill with my girlfriend inside. So I don’t do much,” he said. This will be the first time Davidson has publicly addressed the status of their relationship. Kim and Davidson first sparked relationship rumors in October 2021, after they were spotted holding hands on a rollercoaster ride, during a trip to Knott’s Scary Farm in Buena Park, California.

This was followed by another private dinner date about a week later.

Weeks after, they took trips to Davidson’s native New York City and Kardashian’s hometown of Los Angeles.

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Movies / News

Kunle Afolayan kicks off production for Game of Thrones-like epic film

Kunle Afolayan has confirmed his KAP studio’s first film project of the year.

In a recently shared Instagram post unveiling first-look images, the filmmaker revealed that production is ongoing at KAP newly acquired film village in Oyo state.

According to Afolayan, the period piece promises to leave film lovers bedazzled especially as it will explore similar themes as HBO’s hit series ‘Game of Thrones’ but with a representation of the Yoruba culture. “Imagine a movie like the game of thrones recreated in Nigeria but with a better representation of our culture. If you are a true fan of productions born out of Golden Effects Pictures and KAP Motion Pictures, then your imaginations should be running wild,” Afolayan shared on Instagram.

 

“The movie is being shot on our latest project site KAP Film Village Studio and Resort Igbojaye, Komu in Itesiwaju Local Government, Oyo State.”

The feature film (title yet to be confirmed) will see Hollywood actor Hakeem K Kazeem star alongside ‘King of Boys’ star Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Ademoye, Kunle Remi, Taiwo Hassan, Fathia Balogun, Adebayo Salami, Moji Olayiwola, Kareem Adepoju aka Babawande.

Afolayan’s latest Netflix production comes in the wake of his ‘A Naija Christmas’ which debuted on the streaming platform to impressive reviews in December.

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Movies / News

Marvel debunks Letitia Wright’s ‘Black Panther’ exit & calls to recast T’Challa

Marvel has shut down new rumors suggesting that British actress, Letitia Wright has shunned the ongoing ‘Wakanda Forever’ production due to her anti-vax views.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a Marvel source dispelled the rumors making the rounds while confirming that the actress will return to set as scheduled in January to continue filming for the anticipated sequel.

Wright’s speculated exit comes in the wake of a video of her questioning the safety of Covid-19 vaccinations, an unarguable red flag especially as the production company has maintained its view of having vaccinated cast or crew on production sets.

Rumors of Wright’s exit recently sparked a Twitter trend with fans calling for the recasting of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa’s character. Recall that Marvel had repeatedly maintained that the character would not be recast.

Black Panther’s ‘Wakanda Forever’ will see cast Daniel Kaluuya, Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett and Duke Winston return to reprise their roles with the plot rumoured to center around Wright’s character Shuri.

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Movies / News

‘I miss you so much’ – Ada Ameh celebrates daughter’s posthumous birthday

Nollywood veteran, Ada Ameh on Saturday celebrated her late daughter, Aladi’s posthumous birthday.

The movie star who took to her Instagram page in commemoration of her daughter who died a year ago, described the deceased as a beautiful angel and gift of her youth.

“Happy posthumous birthday my beautiful Angel. I miss you so much my beautiful baby girl. Aladi I miss miss you my baby!! The gift of my youth oo😭😭😭💔💔💔,” she wrote.

Ameh’s daughter, Aladi Godgifts, died in October, last year, following an unsuccessful surgery in Abuja.

In a recent chat with Chude Jideonwo on his show #WithChude, the movie star revealed that she welcomed her daughter at the age of 14.

“I became a mother at 14, I got pregnant that same year. As a matter of fact, I got pregnant in March and I had my baby in December of the same year, that means I got pregnant when I was 13 plus,” she said.

She also recounted how her father sent her out of the house after she welcomed the child.

Ameh is one of the most popular actors in Nollywood with a career spanning over two decades.

She first rose to stardom in the 1996 hit movie ‘Domitila.’

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Law / Movies / News

Jussie Smollett found guilty of 5 out of 6 count charges

American actor Jussie Smollett has been found guilty of staging his attack a few years ago. The actor claimed to have been attacked by two men who beat him up, tied a noose around his neck, and poured bleach on him.

The actor was found guilty of five out of the six charges levelled against him. The jury of six men and six women deliberated for more than nine hours on Wednesday, December 8 – December 9, 2021.

He was charged for disorderly conduct charge for a false crime report which is a Class 4 felony and punishable by up to three years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

It would be recalled that Smollett was hospitalised after he was reportedly injured by two men in what looks like a homophobic attack back in January 2019.

There were reportedly two men wearing ski masks that viciously attacked Jussie as he fought back.

He suffered a fractured rib, and the attackers put a rope around his neck and poured bleach on him as they yelled, “This is MAGA country.”

The Osundairo brothers were later named in the alleged attack on Smollett.

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Movies / News

Henry Cavill reveals he’s still got his Superman costume

British actor Henry Cavill has admitted that he is yet to let go of his Superman costume ‘just in case’ he gets asked to return to play the role.

Cavill who currently stars in Netflix’s ‘The Witcher’ revealed in a recent interview that he still anticipated a call back from DC years after his contract ended.

“I do still have the outfit… just in case,” the actor said. “Yes I do, ready and waiting for the phone calls.”

“It’s been so long since I put the suit on professionally.” Cavil added about playing the character. When asked if it still fits, he said, “Yes it still does, thankfully.”

“You look back and you just think, what a wonderful opportunity. And even if I were to stop acting tomorrow and go live on a yacht or a sailing boat and travel the Med… I can still look back and say I’ve worn a cape and leapt about the place and entertained some people.”

Cavill first played the superhero in 2013 ‘Man of Steel’ before moving on to reprise the part in DC’s ‘Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice’ and ‘Justice League’.

Away from what fans agree has been his most iconic role, Cavill has also expressed interest in replacing Daniel Craig as the new James Bond. Recall Craig’s time as Agent Bond recently ended with the recently released ‘No Time To Die’.

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Movies / News

‘Amina’ becomes first Nollywood title to hit Netflix’s global top 10 list

Izu Ojukwu’s newly released film, ‘Amina’ has broken a new Netflix record. The film which premiered exclusively on the streaming platform recently became the first Nigerian film to make the global top ten list.

Confirming the feat, director Izu Ojukwu shared a video of Netflix Director of Content for Africa, Ben Amadasun making the announcement at a press briefing.

“Netflix confirms that ‘Amina’ has become the first Nigerian film to hit the Top Ten list globally on its platform,” Ojukwu wrote on Instagram. “This stunning record-setting accomplishment was made possible by the sacrifices of both cast and crew, whom one can never thank enough”.

Starring Lucy Ameh in the lead role as Amina, the film explores the rise to power of the 16th century warrior and queen.

The film which is co-produced by ‘Living In Bondage’ producer, Okey Ogunjiofor also stars Clarion Chukwurah and Ali Nuhu.

 

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Awards / Movies / News

AMVCA announces call for submission ahead of 8th edition

After a one-year hiatus, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is ready to roll out its red carpets. Ahead of the award ceremony’s eighth edition, organizers of the event have announced a call for submissions.

Filmmakers are expected to submit their films in line with the awards’ guidelines between December 3, 2021 and January 14, 2022.

According to the organizers, films, made-for-television movies or television series are eligible for entry to the AMVCA if they were broadcast, publicly screened or exhibited from December 1, 2019 to 30 November 2021.

Speaking on the forthcoming eighth edition, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, said: “Last year was indeed a tough one for the world with the global pandemic, however the industry continues to thrive against all odds.

“We are proud of the improvements seen across different fields in the industry since the inception of the awards in 2013.

“The eighth edition of the AMVCAs once again demonstrates our commitment to spotlight the immense talent we have in the African film and TV industry and promises to leave a much bigger impact than previous editions.”

The eighth edition slated for 2022, will also see the addition of a new category to recognize the growing acceptance of content creators across Africa. The category is tagged Best Online Social Content Creator.

The seventh AMVCA saw Play Network’s ‘Living in Bondage’ sequel scoop the highest number of awards with a total of 8 wins including Best Overall movie. The show’s organizers also introduced the Best Dressed Male and Best Dressed Female categories.

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Entertainment / Movies

‘I thank God for making me a mother’ – Funke Akindele writes after spending time at her children’s school

Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has expressed the joy of motherhood after visiting her kids’ school.

The movie star wrote the special moment she experienced at her kids’ school via her Instagram Stories on Thursday, December 2, 2021.

”I’m here at my kids’ school watching their Xmas play. I keep fighting back the tears of joy. I thank God for making me a mother,” she wrote.

‘The feeling is so good. I pray for those looking up to God for the fruit of the womb that the lord will answer your prayers and give you a new song. Amen.”

Akindele and her hubby JJC Skillz welcomed their set of twins back in 2018.

The couple tied the knot in 2016 at a private wedding ceremony.

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