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Tope Alabi Addresses Critics Over Her Fashion Choices
Renowned gospel singer Tope Alabi has responded to critics questioning her fashion choices, asserting that her decision to wear accessories and cover her hair is a personal one, not a directive from God. In a recent livestream session, the celebrated singer addressed the misconceptions surrounding her appearance, making it clear that every aspect of her style is intentional. She explained that while she has always had a deep love for fashion, financial constraints in the early years of her career limited her ability to fully express her taste. "I love beauty and fashion, but I didn't have the money for it back then. God has never told me not to wear earrings, necklaces, or wigs, never," she firmly stated. Tope Alabi further clarified that her decision to cover her hair while ministering was a personal conviction rather than a divine instruction. "The hair I cover in church was never under God's directive. It was my own decision. I told myself that whenever I am ministering, I would cover my hair unless I am unexpectedly called to sing while already wearing a wig." She also shed light on her minimalist approach to jewelry, emphasizing that her appearance often aligns with the themes of her music videos. "If you see me in a video without earrings, it's because I chose not to wear them. The theme of the song sometimes does not warrant earrings. I am a trained theater practitioner, so I know what look best suits each song." Reflecting on her early career, the gospel artist revealed that people often assumed she preferred small earrings, unaware that financial limitations played a role in her choices. "Back then, people thought I wore small earrings by choice. They didn’t realize it was because I couldn’t afford bigger ones. I also factored in the theme and setting of each music video. Do suffering people wear earrings?" Her remarks have sparked discussions about self-expression in gospel ministry, with many applauding her transparency and commitment to authenticity.
24/03/2025, 16:40:46
views 12026
Tems Stuns South African Fans with a Sold Out, Electrifying Performance
Nigerian music sensation Tems delivered a breathtaking performance in Johannesburg, leaving fans in awe during the South African leg of her 'Born In The Wild' world tour. The sold-out concert took place at The Dome, Nasrec, a state-of-the-art venue in Johannesburg with a seating capacity of 6,000. Tems enchanted the audience with a stellar lineup of her biggest hits, showcasing her signature sound and vocal prowess in a performance that will be remembered for years to come. Beyond the thrilling stage act, the Grammy-winning artist also took time to personally connect with fans during an exclusive meet-and-greet session, further intensifying the excitement surrounding the event. This Johannesburg show marked the first African stop on Tems' global tour after the cancellation of her scheduled performance in Kigali, Rwanda. On January 30, the singer took to her X account to announce the decision, citing geopolitical tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In her statement, Tems acknowledged that she had been unaware of the ongoing crisis at the time of planning and expressed sincere regret to anyone who may have perceived her initial decision as insensitive. She also extended her heartfelt thoughts to those affected by the conflict. The 'Born In The Wild' tour follows the release of her highly acclaimed debut album of the same name, which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album. The year 2025 has already been monumental for the 29-year-old superstar, as she recently won her second Grammy Award for Best African Song Performance at the 67th Grammy ceremony. Further cementing her global dominance, Tems recently took center stage at the prestigious O2 Arena during the unveiling of Aston Martin’s latest car for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Her participation in such a high-profile international event underscores her rising influence and status as one of Africa’s biggest music exports.
24/03/2025, 16:20:44
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Pastor Femi Lazarus Exposes High Fees Charged by Gospel Artists for Church Performances
In a recent sermon shared online, renowned Abuja-based pastor, Femi Lazarus, shed light on the exorbitant fees charged by gospel musicians to perform in churches. He revealed that some gospel artists demand as much as $10,000 for a single church performance, a practice he strongly condemned. Pastor Lazarus disclosed details from a contractual document, commonly known in the music industry as a "Rider." The document outlined the requirements of an unnamed gospel artist, who insisted on traveling with an entourage of 40 individuals, all of whom were to be fully accommodated and catered for by the church. Among the listed demands were a first-class seat for the artist, economy-class tickets for the entourage, and accommodations in a five-star hotel. The musician requested an executive suite for himself, while four of his primary assistants were to be lodged in another executive suite. The church was also required to provide three full meals per day, with a preference for local cuisine, for the entire crew. The most startling part of the document, according to Pastor Lazarus, was the financial demand. The artist’s honorarium was set at $10,000, with a non-refundable 50% deposit required upfront. The remaining balance was to be paid no later than two days before the scheduled performance. Pastor Lazarus has been vocal in his criticism of gospel musicians who charge fees for church performances, arguing that such practices commercialize what should be a divine calling. He emphasized that the gift of music is a blessing from God and should be used in service to Him rather than being treated as a business venture. His remarks have sparked widespread discussions about the ethics of gospel artists charging high fees for church performances, with many debating whether ministry should be monetized in such a manner.
24/03/2025, 16:19:05
views 12039
Ayo Adesanya Reveals How Domestic Violence Almost Turned Her Into an Alcoholic
Nollywood veteran actress Ayo Adesanya has bravely opened up about the harrowing decade she spent enduring domestic abuse at the hands of her ex-husband. In an emotional interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the actress recounted her painful journey, revealing how the relentless abuse drove her into depression and led her to alcohol as a means of escape. For ten long years, Adesanya was trapped in a cycle of violence and emotional distress. While there were fleeting moments of laughter and happiness, they were overshadowed by the persistent physical and emotional abuse she suffered. “It was something I was involved in for ten good years. It was up and down. We had moments when we laughed, though, but it wasn’t all that. The beating was there, the domestic violence was there, it wasn’t going away. For ten good years, it wasn’t going anywhere,” she shared. Her candid revelation highlights the silent suffering many victims endure, often holding onto fleeting good moments in the hope that things will change. But for Adesanya, the violence was a constant presence, one that ultimately took a severe toll on her mental and emotional well-being. The prolonged abuse led the actress into a deep state of depression, though she did not recognize it at the time. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed, she found an escape in alcohol, gradually spiraling into alcoholism in a desperate attempt to numb the pain. “I was so depressed. I didn’t know it was depression; I started drinking. I would just sneak out, go and buy a bottle of brandy for real, for real go to a corner and drink. I just wanted to be numb. I would drink like a whole bottle. I was a drunk, forget it,” she confessed. For Adesanya, drinking was more than just a habit; it became a coping mechanism to dull the agony of her reality. She described how she would secretly purchase alcohol from a local chemist in Surulere, sneaking it home to consume in private. “There used to be a chemist where we stayed at Surulere. So I would just go and buy the bottle, hide it, bring it home, and drink. I became an alcoholic. It was just God. I became something else. I didn’t want to feel the pain from any beating from my ex,” she said. Adesanya’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite enduring years of suffering, she has emerged stronger, using her experience to raise awareness about domestic violence and the mental health struggles that often accompany it. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that victims of abuse are not alone and that there is always a path to healing and recovery. Today, the actress stands as a beacon of hope, urging others in similar situations to seek help and break free from the cycle of abuse. Her courage in speaking out sheds light on the silent battles many women face and emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and support for survivors of domestic violence. For those experiencing domestic abuse, Adesanya’s story is a call to action, an encouragement to seek help, speak out, and reclaim their lives. With support systems and resources available, no one has to endure such pain alone.
24/03/2025, 16:17:23
views 15030
Mohbad: Naira Marley Testifies As Coroner Summons Sam Larry
Music artiste Naira Marley testified virtually before a Magistrate Court in Ikorodu on Friday during the Coroner’s inquest into the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad. Marley told Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi that Mohbad had signed a four-album contract with his label, Marlian Records, but the albums were never completed due to ongoing disputes between the late singer and his manager, Opere Babatunde. Denying any threats or harassment against Mohbad, Marley cited a police report that cleared him of wrongdoing. He dismissed the allegations as baseless, claiming they existed only in people's imaginations. Regarding a viral video in which Mohbad accused him and his crew of being responsible for any harm to him, Marley testified that Mohbad and his parents later apologized, attributing the video to the singer’s drug-induced state. Marley also insisted he had no disputes with Mohbad and was not involved in his death, stating he last saw the singer a year before his passing and was not in the country at the time. However, Mohbad’s lawyer, Oluwasanmi Falade, contradicted Marley’s claims, confirming that a dispute existed over unpaid royalties. He said he wrote multiple letters to Marlian Records on Mohbad’s behalf but received no response. The matter is now before the Federal High Court. Falade also testified that Mohbad was attacked at Lekki Beach by music promoter Sam Larry. Following his advice, Mohbad reported the incident to the police, who twice attempted but failed to arrest Larry. After hearing the testimonies, Magistrate Shotobi summoned Sam Larry to testify at the next hearing on April 11. The Coroner also ordered that Mohbad’s driver be served a witness summons and directed the pathologist who conducted the autopsy to submit his report to the court and the Chief Coroner.
3/22/2025, 7:42:38 AM
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Beyoncé and Jay Z Make First Public Appearance Following Rape Case Dismissal
Music power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been spotted in public for the first time since the dismissal of a rape case involving the rap mogul. The case, which included allegations from an anonymous woman claiming that Jay-Z and Sean 'Diddy' Combs assaulted her as a teenager in 2000, was recently thrown out by the court. The 43-year-old global superstar and her 55-year-old husband, whose real name is Shawn Corey Carter, were seen enjoying a date night in West Hollywood on Sunday. The appearance has sparked widespread reactions among fans, many of whom have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the couple's outing following the legal proceedings. While neither Beyoncé nor Jay-Z have publicly addressed the case, their recent sighting has drawn attention, with supporters rallying behind them and critics continuing to discuss the controversy. The high-profile couple remains focused on their careers and family as they navigate public scrutiny. Kanye West Criticizes Kim Kardashian Over Control of Their Children’s Names and Likeness Renowned rapper and fashion mogul Kanye West has publicly expressed his frustration over his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian’s, control of their children’s identity and branding. West, 47, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice his concerns, particularly in response to a reported musical collaboration between their 11-year-old daughter, North West, and rapper Playboi Carti, 28. “So Kim got the name and likeness over my Black children,” West wrote, questioning the legal and creative authority Kardashian holds over their four kids. The 24-time Grammy-winning artist went on to express his discontent with the situation, adding: > “So a white woman has control over the name and likeness of my Black children and then speaks to Carti about putting my daughter on a song with him.” West, known for his outspoken nature, further criticized celebrities who, according to him, attempt to manipulate him. “These [dumb a**] celebrities be trying to play with me in my face,” he wrote. West and Kardashian, who finalized their divorce in 2022, share four children—North, 11; Saint, 9; Chicago, 7; and Psalm, 5. This is not the first time West has publicly challenged Kardashian’s decisions regarding their children. Previously, he raised concerns over their exposure to social media and alleged attempts to control their public image without his input. As the debate over parental rights and celebrity influence continues, West’s latest outburst adds another layer to the ongoing tension between the former couple.
19/03/2025, 18:39:35
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Adenike Adeniji Advocates for Social Media Regulations in Nigeria
Prominent showbiz entrepreneur, Adenike Adeniji, popularly known as Anik Entertainment, has voiced her concerns about the unchecked activities on social media, calling for regulations to curb misinformation and online excesses. In a recent statement, Adeniji emphasized the need for boundaries regarding online content, particularly in Nigeria. “I wish there were boundaries, rules guiding what people post online. Especially in Nigeria, it needs to be regulated. People post all sorts of horrible and untrue things that shouldn’t even be online, and they get away with it,” she stated. Beyond her advocacy for digital responsibility, Adeniji is making significant strides in the entertainment industry. As the CEO of Anik Entertainment, she is dedicated to promoting young Nigerian artists on international platforms and expanding her company’s influence through upcoming movie productions. Reflecting on her journey into show promotion—an industry largely dominated by men—Adeniji shared her passion for entertainment. “I’m a lover of good music and entertainment. Right from the onset, I’ve always loved this industry. I even acted in two home videos in 2005, but my parents discouraged me, so I stepped away. Now, I focus on event promotion, bringing Nigerian artists to the UK for shows. However, I still love acting and plan to venture into movie production soon,” she revealed. Speaking on the challenges she faced in the industry, she admitted that breaking into event promotion was no easy feat. “Promoting is tough. You have to be strong and hardworking to thrive in this profession. When you’re new, it’s difficult to get support from other promoters. Genuine love and support are rare, especially for newcomers,” she explained. She also highlighted the key attributes of a successful music promoter, stressing the importance of resilience and adaptability. “A good promoter must know how to manage clients and various situations. You encounter people with different characters, and tolerance is key. You must be humble yet strict. Also, research is essential before investing in any business—there’s no room for sentiment or favors,” she advised. In addition to her entertainment career, Adeniji is a certified Mental Health Specialist in the UK. She works both in hospitals and within communities, assisting individuals with learning disabilities and mental health challenges. With her expanding influence in entertainment and her advocacy for digital responsibility, Adenike Adeniji continues to carve a unique niche for herself in multiple fields.
19/03/2025, 18:34:22
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Falz Condemns Suspension of Rivers State Governor
Nigerian rapper and activist, Falz, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu's decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declare a state of emergency in the state. The outspoken artist took to social media platform X on March 18, 2025, to express his disapproval, labeling the move unconstitutional. Falz emphasized that there is no legal provision allowing a president to suspend a governor, noting that a governor can only be removed through impeachment. He questioned the justification for the state of emergency, asking whether Rivers State was at war or experiencing a breakdown of public order severe enough to threaten national security. Quoting the Nigerian Constitution, Falz outlined the specific conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared: “The President shall have power to issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency only when - (a) the Federation is at war; (b) the Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war; (c) there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security.” In response to a query from an X user who asked if the president had the authority to suspend a governor, Falz firmly stated, “Simple answer is NO.” President Tinubu, in a nationwide address on March 18, justified the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as a necessary step to restore order amid the ongoing political turmoil in the state. Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, he argued that the intervention was crucial in preventing further escalation of the crisis. “We cannot afford to let political instability threaten the peace and governance of Rivers State,” Tinubu declared. The decision has sparked widespread debate, with critics and legal experts questioning its constitutional basis and potential implications for democratic governance in Nigeria.
19/03/2025, 18:21:38
views 10044
Nathaniel Bassey's side on Charging for Church Ministrations:
The ongoing debate about whether gospel artists should charge for guest ministrations in churches has sparked diverse opinions within Christian circles. Adding his voice to the discussion, renowned gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey has explained why he chooses not to demand payment when invited to minister in churches. During a recent sermon, Bassey shared his personal conviction on the matter, emphasizing that ministry is fundamentally a service to God and His people. He stated, "If a church invites me to come and minister, they are doing two things: inviting me to minister to God and to His people. To my own understanding, when you tell me to minister to God, I can't charge God to minister to Him. How much did He charge me for His blood on Calvary? The blood that is the very reason for my ministry. It's a personal conviction for me, and it has worked for me, so why leave what is working?" Bassey’s remarks come in response to a recent controversy ignited by Apostle Lazarus, who criticized gospel artists for commercializing ministry by charging fees for church performances. The pastor recounted an instance where a singer requested five million naira to perform at his church, arguing that such financial demands detract from the spiritual essence of gospel music. His statement sparked widespread debate within the gospel music industry and the broader Christian community. On the opposing side of the argument, gospel artist Timi Dakolo defended the need for gospel musicians to be compensated for their work. In a detailed post, Dakolo highlighted the financial investments required to sustain a music career and urged Christians to acknowledge that gospel music, while spiritual, is also a profession. "My dear Christians, a quote or conversation can sound intelligent and deep yet be untrue. Just like everyone else, you deserve the best things life has to offer. You should be paid what you deserve. Studio sessions, production, and promotion cost a lot. You have a family to feed, you have rent to pay. You have more songs to put out. We should stop these attacks on people’s work. As much as it is spiritual, music is also an art. If you can’t pay people, use your choir members and pay them whatever you would have given the guest artist," Dakolo wrote. The discussion surrounding financial compensation for gospel musicians remains divisive, with opinions split between those who believe ministry should be entirely selfless and those who recognize gospel music as a professional craft requiring financial support. As the conversation continues, gospel artists and church leaders will need to navigate the delicate balance between spiritual service and economic sustainability.
19/03/2025, 18:17:38
views 6029
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