CELEBRITIES
I Don’t Care About Ratings – Nigerian Singer, Fireboy DML Says, Explains Why (Video)
Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan, the Nigerian singer, who is popularly known as Fireboy DML has spoken candidly about his view on how people rate him and his music.
Speaking in an episode of the 90s Baby podcast, the Peru hitmaker explained that he doesn’t care about how music buffs rate him.
He emphasized that how his fans perceived him was more important to him.
Fireboy said he is contented with his fans’ support, adding that to some of them, he is the best musician in the world.
“I don’t really care about Top 5 or Top 10, as long as I have fans who rate me. I know that I have fans that think I’m the best artiste in the whole world. And that is good enough for me. I’m a very contented person,” he said.
I don’t really care about top 5 or top 10 lists. As long as I have fans who rate me — and I know I do — I’m content. I’m a very contented person.
— Fireboy DML pic.twitter.com/EABuvew30j
— Solo Mon (@guylikesolomon) December 12, 2025
SOURCE PAGE
- Nicki Minaj expressed serious concern about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria via posts on X.
- She called for an immediate halt to the killings and violence affecting Christians.
- Minaj’s message extended globally, urging protection for Christians worldwide.
Nicki Minaj has taken to X to express serious concern over what she described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Through a series of emotionally charged posts, she called for an immediate stop to the killings and violence.
The rapper extended her message beyond Nigeria, urging protection for Christians around the world.
In one post, Nicki referenced a well-known Christian hymn while calling for urgent action:
“On Christ the solid rock I stand.
All other grounds is sinking sand.
All other ground…
is sinking sand
FREE THE CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA!!!!!!!!!!
STOP THIS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#FreeChristians”
She shared another post condemning the violence and appealing to spiritual accountability:
“You have grieved the Holy Spirit.
STOP THIS, NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#FreeChristians everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!”
Nicki concluded her series of posts with a warning aimed at nations and leaders worldwide:
“SHED NOT THEIR BLOOD ANYMORE.
ALL NATIONS HEAR THIS!!!!!!!!
SHED NOT THEIR BLOOD.
YOU HAVE SHED THE BLOOD OF THOSE THAT CALLED UPON MY NAME.
#FreeChristians”
Her posts quickly drew attention online, sparking discussions about religious freedom, insecurity, and ongoing violence in parts of Nigeria.
Supporters praised her for using her global platform to highlight the issue, while others debated the complexity of the situation and the broader security challenges the country faces.
CELEBRITIES
How Don Jazzy Reacted After A Man Accused Him And Other Men Of Encouraging Bad Behaviour In Women
Don Jazzy has reacted to a male X user who accused the music executive and other men of encouraging bad behaviour in women.
Earlier, Tori News reported that it all started on Friday when a lady on X asked for a Christmas gift from the music producer.
Whe je asked her what she wanted, she told him to pay her debt as well as help her with some money to start up an NGO that caters to people battling Kidney ailments.
Many Nigerians faulted her for making such a request. However th lady went on to inform all who cared to listen that she is not poor but just needs to start up the NGO as it has always been her dream becaus she lost a loved one to the ailment.
Don Jazzy later gave the lady some money. An X user faulted his gesture, describing it as men encouraging bad behaviour in women.
Don Jazzy spotted his comment and responded.
See the exchange below:
- Fireboy DML, a Nigerian music star, discussed his views on public opinion and music rankings.
- He expressed that he is not affected by how critics or music fans rate his work.
- The comments were made during an episode of the 90s Baby podcast.
Nigerian music star Fireboy DML has opened up about his stance on public opinion and music rankings.
While speaking on an episode of the 90s Baby podcast, the “Peru” crooner revealed that he is not bothered by how critics or music enthusiasts rate him.
According to Fireboy, the opinions that matter most to him are those of his fans. He explained that he is satisfied with the love and support he receives, noting that in the eyes of many of his supporters, he is already the greatest artist in the world.
“I don’t really care about Top 5 or Top 10, as long as I have fans who rate me. I know that I have fans that think I’m the best artiste in the whole world. And that is good enough for me. I’m a very contented person,” he said.
In other news… Nigerian comedian Carter Efe has set a new record for an African streamer on Twitch, quickly reaching 10,000 subscribers. During one emotional live session, his channel pulled 7,000 viewers in under a minute.
Carter Efe cried on stream, reflecting on his journey. He noted that while his skits were often overlooked by Nigerians, his streaming efforts are now getting huge support.
The massive growth was largely driven by an invite from music superstar Davido for a joint stream. Davido joked he would need a “face shield” for their upcoming collaboration.
However, the session was not entirely smooth. Carter Efe voiced frustration with Wizkid for not showing similar support. A video call with footballer Victor Boniface also became tense over access complaints.
Despite the friction, fans are celebrating Carter Efe’s rapid success on the streaming platform.
- Fola has revealed that he worked as a manager and cashier at his father’s bet shop in Ibadan to raise money before his music career took off.
- He said he faced severe financial struggles, including not owning a phone, before moving to Lagos, where meeting the late Mohbad and later collaborating with Bella Shmurda helped launch his rise in music.
Fast-rising Nigerian singer Fola has opened up about his humble beginnings, revealing he once worked at his father’s betting shop before successfully launching his music career.
Fola’s passion for music began in high school, where he was part of a band, but he lacked the resources to pursue it professionally. He recalled, “I started making music in high school obviously not professionally, but I had a band I was playing with,”.
After graduating, the struggle intensified, as he did not even own a phone and had to rely on a friend’s device. He remembered the difficulty: “It was difficult for me because I didn’t even have a phone, I was using my guy’s phone to do stuff,”.
Faced with limited opportunities in Ibadan, Fola decided to work at his father’s small bet shop. He stated, “I checked my environment and it wasn’t encouraging so I started working at a bet shop owned by my dad. I worked as a manager and cashier so that I could raise some money for myself,”.
His career turning point came when he left Ibadan for Lagos. There, he met the late artist Mohbad, whom he credits for opening doors for him. “I met Mohbad. Mohbad did a lot of things for me,” Fola said.
Mohbad introduced him to Bella Shmurda, leading to an informal 2022 collaboration. Fola noted, “Mohbad and Bella were very close so Mohbad was always telling Bella about me. I and Bella did a song together in 2022 without any paperwork and it was just great,”.
Fola remains grateful that Bella agreed to the collaboration without seeking profit, despite the large gap in their profiles at the time. “The gap was so much between us but Bella did it anyway even when he wasn’t going to make a dime out of it,” he added.
Looking back, Fola expressed gratitude for his journey, saying, “I thank God for where we are today,”.
Fola, the fast-rising Nigerian singer, has spoken about his humble beginnings, revealing that he once worked at his father’s betting shop before carving out a place for himself in the music industry.
Fola, who shared his story in an interview, said his passion for music began in high school where he played in a band but lacked the means to pursue it professionally.
“I started making music in high school obviously not professionally, but I had a band I was playing with,” he said.
After graduation, the struggle became more pronounced. According to him, he did not own a phone at the time and relied on a friend’s device to make progress.
“It was difficult for me because I didn’t even have a phone, I was using my guy’s phone to do stuff,” he recalled.
Faced with limited opportunities in Ibadan, he decided to take up work at a small bet shop owned by his father.
“I checked my environment and it wasn’t encouraging so I started working at a bet shop owned by my dad. I worked as a manager and cashier so that I could raise some money for myself,” he said.
Fola later left Ibadan for Lagos, a move he described as the turning point in his journey. In Lagos, he met the late Mohbad, whom he credits for creating pathways that helped shape his career.
“I met Mohbad. Mohbad did a lot of things for me,” he said.
Through Mohbad, he was also introduced to Bella Shmurda, a relationship that led to an informal collaboration in 2022.
“Mohbad and Bella were very close so Mohbad was always telling Bella about me. I and Bella did a song together in 2022 without any paperwork and it was just great,” he said.
Despite the gap in their profiles at the time, Bella agreed to the collaboration without financial interest, a gesture Fola still speaks highly of.
“The gap was so much between us but Bella did it anyway even when he wasn’t going to make a dime out of it,” he added.
Looking back, the singer said he remains grateful for how far he has come.
“I thank God for where we are today,” he said.
CELEBRITIES
Actor Peter Greene, known for villainous roles in Pulp Fiction and The Mask, dies at 60 | Ents & Arts News
Peter Greene, the actor known for roles in Pulp Fiction and The Mask, has died aged 60.
He was found dead at his New York City apartment on Friday, his manager confirmed. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Greene drew praise for the various villains and criminals he played in his acting career, which began in his 20s.
“Nobody played a bad guy better than Peter,” manager Gregg Edwards told Sky News’ US sister outlet NBC News.
“But he also had, you know, a gentle side that most people never saw, and a heart as big as gold.”
Greene played the character Zed, a sadistic rapist security guard in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction.
He also portrayed the villain Dorian in the Jim Carrey movie The Mask in the same year.
In addition to his supporting roles, Greene starred in the 1993 film Clean, Shaven, in which he played a man with schizophrenia who is suspected in a murder.
He is also remembered for his role in Training Day alongside Denzel Washington. Greene also appeared in The Usual Suspects.
Greene was born in Montclair, New Jersey, and leaves behind a sister and a brother.
The trial of Jude Chigozie Okoye, elder brother and former manager of music duo Paul and Peter Okoye of P-Square, resumed on Friday before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, with new revelations emerging over company ownership and alleged diversion of funds.
Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a four-count charge filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged theft exceeding $1million.
He has pleaded not guilty.
During Friday’s proceedings, the first prosecution witness (PW1), Peter Obumuneme Okoye, told the court that the defendant’s wife owns 800,000 shares in Northside Music Limited.
When confronted by defence counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), with bank statements linked to Northside Music Limited, the witness maintained that the documents reflected joint business accounts.
“These statements of account belong to me and my brother. We are P-Square. The company belongs to Peter and Paul. It was registered by him,” he said.
“I reported to the EFCC when I discovered funds were being diverted, and EFCC brought the matter to court.”
He further testified that he detected another entity, Northside Entertainment Company, allegedly diverting funds belonging to their entertainment business.
“My lord, we own an entertainment company together, and I discovered another company diverting our funds. I showed it to my brother,” he added.
The witness also confirmed that he petitioned the EFCC through his lawyer and that the defendant’s wife holds 800,000 shares in the company at the centre of the case.
The defence sought to tender documents said to have been attached to the original petition submitted to the EFCC.
But prosecution counsel, M. K. Bashir, objected, arguing that the documents were public records that did not meet legal requirements for admissibility.
“The defence merely produced copies stamped as Certified True Copies (CTC). They were not attached to the petition, and they were not in proper legal form,” Bashir argued, urging the court to reject them.
In a brief ruling, Justice Oshodi upheld the objection, stating that although the documents originated from the Corporate Affairs Commission and were later kept in EFCC custody, they failed to satisfy admissibility conditions.
“I reject the documents and mark them as rejected,” the judge ruled.
The witness also confirmed that he wrote a statement at the EFCC after his lawyer submitted the petition.
The case was adjourned to February 20 and 27, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
The case stems from a long-running internal dispute involving the Okoye brothers, whose music group P-Square dominated the African entertainment scene for over a decade.
Their business operations were largely managed by Jude Okoye, who also owned and oversaw Northside Music Limited, a label that previously handled artists including Cynthia Morgan.
Following P-Square’s split in 2017 and subsequent reconciliation efforts, disagreements reportedly persisted over shared business assets, revenue distribution, and corporate ownership structures.
Peter Okoye (PW1) has accused Jude of using affiliated companies to divert funds belonging to P-Square’s joint ventures, claims that eventually led to the petition submitted to the EFCC.
The EFCC launched its investigation after reviewing financial records and corporate registration documents, culminating in the charges now before the Lagos High Court.
The proceedings continue to attract significant public interest due to the prominence of the Okoye family in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
CELEBRITIES
‘An enigma’ to the end: John le Carré’s son on his father – and how his legacy lives on | Ents & Arts News
Writing 26 books and a memoir in his lifetime, John le Carré is widely considered to be one of the best spy novelists of all time.
His son, Simon Cornwell, told Sky News: “I think there was only one thing that was more important to him than his family and that was his writing.”
Rory Keenand and Mat Betteridge in The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. Pic: Johan Persson
Tom Hiddleston returns in season two of The Night Manager. Pic: BBC/Ink Factory/Des Willie
First gaining attention in 1963 with his breakout novel, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, cementing his reputation 10 years later with Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, his work is now enjoying a resurgence.
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold has been adapted for the stage for the first time, with confirmation of a TV series to follow, while another of his works, The Night Manager, premieres its second season starring Tom Hiddleston in the new year.
There are further productions waiting in the wings, plus an unfinished le Carré play with the potential to be developed.
And archives of le Carré’s work – containing over 1,200 boxes of material – have gone on display at the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford.
Writing under a pen name, le Carré, who was born David Cornwell, died in December 2020.
His elder sons, Simon and Stephen, now manage the film, TV and stage rights of his work through their studio The Ink Factory, while his youngest son, Nick, expands the George Smiley universe.
(R-L) Nick Harkaway, John Le Carré, and Simon, Stephen and Tim Cornwell. Pic: Clare Cornwell
Smiley’s continuation ‘could have gone horribly wrong’
One of le Carré’s most well-known creations, Smiley was the antidote to James Bond – bespectacled, balding and a little out of shape – and a recurring character in le Carré’s books.
Simon says Nick, who has two more Smiley books in the pipeline, was “taking on a big risk” developing the character, but insists, “he is the only person who could have done it and done it that well”.
He goes on: “He could find my father’s voice… he grew up talking every day to my dad, as we did, and he just knows at an instinctive level what’s important…
“There are so many ways in which it could have gone horribly wrong, and it went brilliantly right.”
Nick Harkaway with his first Smiley continuation novel, Karla’s Choice. Pic: AP
‘A family enterprise’
Explaining how they all work together – calling it a “family enterprise in the best of ways” – Simon explains: “A lot of authors, when they die, they leave very strict instructions to their children, their estate as to how things should be managed and lots of rules and restrictions and everything else. My dad didn’t do that.”
Le Carré’s fourth son, Tim, sadly died aged 59 in 2022, shortly after editing a collection of his father’s letters, titled A Private Spy.
Le Carré is by no means the only author whose legacy lives on via others.
Announcing a staggered retirement, Lee Child passed his hit creation Jack Reacher on to his younger brother Andrew in 2020.
PG Wodehouse’s much-loved Jeeves and Wooster stories have been rewritten this Christmas by celebrity fans including Frank Skinner and Alan Titchmarsh, half a century after his death.
Daniel Craig at the No Time To Die world premiere in 2021. Pic: Reuters
Staying part of the conversation is key
While Ian Fleming’s James Bond has been continued by 15 authors so far, and spilling into the young adult genre, capturing a whole new generation of readers.
Mark Edlitz, intellectual expert and author of The Many Lives Of James Bond, told Sky News such continuations are essential to the survival of the work.
Author Mark Edlitz has written about the Bond continuation novels
“We have seen all these detectives and spies who don’t have a movie series or a TV series to bolster their eyeballs, and then they fade from public view.
“These books and movies help keep the author’s work present and viable and part of the public conversation.”
Sarah Baxter, senior contracts advisor for The Society of Authors, says remaining relevant and visible has another big benefit too.
“That kind of partnership can go on to give a whole new lease of life to works that may have been written many, many years ago, and it can go on to generate a lot of income for a literary estate.”
Le Carré – an enigma, even to his family, to the end. Pic: AP
‘An enigma’
More than 60 million copies of Le Carré’s books have been sold worldwide, with new adaptations likely to boost those sales further.
But Simon Cornwell says the investment in his father’s work is about more than just profits.
“We became very, very close as a family because he was very keen to be a proper dad and we were working with him and his material as well, so it was particularly towards the end of his life. It was a beautiful, thrilling thing.”
A master storyteller, the moral ambiguity of the fictional world he constructed reflected back on to its creator.
Simon says: “He remained an enigma. I think in some ways he was probably an enigma to himself…
“He was an extraordinary man to be close with, but do you ever understand somebody like that? Probably not.”
His work more widespread than ever, but the man himself – still a mystery.
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold is at @sohoplace in London’s West End to 21 February before embarking on a UK Tour.
John le Carré: Tradecraft is at the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford until 6 April.
CELEBRITIES
Primal Scream says video with alleged antisemitic imagery shown at gig was meant to provoke debate | Ents & Arts News
Primal Scream have said a video containing alleged antisemitic imagery was a “piece of art” and was intended to “provoke debate, not hate”.
Warning: This article contains alleged antisemitic imagery.
The Scottish rock band have been reported to the Metropolitan Police for showing a film at their Roundhouse concert in Camden, London on Monday which appeared to include imagery of the Star of David entwined with a swastika.
The force is now assessing the report.
‘Film is a piece of art’
Primal Scream said in a statement on Instagram: “The film is a piece of art. It clearly draws from history to question where the actions of current world governments sit in that context. It is meant to provoke debate, not hate.
“In a free, pluralistic and liberal society freedom of expression is a right which we choose to exercise.”
Primal Scream, founded by frontman Bobby Gillespie in 1982, were playing a 25-year anniversary show for their album XTRMNTR.
As the group performed Swastika Eyes, pictures of political figures including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared behind them, showing what appeared to be the Star of David combined with a swastika in their eyes.
The video from the gig that sparked the report to police
Venue ‘appalled’
The Roundhouse has apologised, saying it was “appalled” that “antisemitic imagery was displayed”, adding it was done entirely without its knowledge.
It said in a statement: “We deeply regret that these highly offensive images were presented on our stage and unequivocally apologise to anyone who attended the gig and to the wider Jewish community.”
It added: “Our organisation absolutely condemns antisemitism in every form.”
Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once
Call for ‘urgent investigation’
The Community Security Trust (CST), which provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK, said it had reported the band to police and called on the venue to carry out an “urgent investigation”.
In a statement, a CST spokesperson said: “CST is appalled by the grossly antisemitic image displayed at Primal Scream. Entwining a Star of David with a swastika implies that Jews are Nazis and risks encouraging hatred of Jews.
“There needs to be an urgent investigation by the venue and the promoter about how this happened, and we have reported this to the police.”
What have police said?
Responding to that report, a Met Police spokesperson said: “On Wednesday, 10 December, we received a report in relation to a video shown on stage during a concert at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm Road, Camden on Monday, 8 December.
“It is being assessed by officers.”
Read more from Sky News:
Man found guilty of savage train glass bottle attack
Taylor Swift breaks down in tears over Southport attacks
‘Unadulterated hatred’
The charity Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “The Nazi swastika represents the ideology that inspired people to industrially slaughter six million innocent Jewish men, women and children by bullet, gas and any other means available.
“To visually combine that with the Star of David – the pre-eminent symbol of Judaism – is absolutely sickening and totally inexcusable.
“This isn’t art. This isn’t edgy. This isn’t political statement. It is unadulterated hatred and a clear breach of the international definition of antisemitism.
“We will be writing to the Camden Roundhouse and our legal team is examining the footage to consider further steps.”
CELEBRITIES
Nigerian Man Warns That Public Misconceptions May Jeopardize Sandra Areh’s Future Marriage
- A Nigerian man, Jerry Smart Ekele, has raised concerns that interior designer Sandra Areh may struggle to find a spouse due to persistent public rumors linking her romantically to Apostle Joshua Selman.
- Despite both parties denying any relationship and insisting their connection is purely professional, Ekele says many men now assume she is the Apostle’s partner.
- He urged Selman to make a definitive clarification, arguing that the speculation is hurting Areh’s chances with genuine suitors.
A Nigerian man, Jerry Smart Ekele, has publicly expressed concern that interior designer Sandra Areh might remain unmarried amid ongoing speculation surrounding her relationship with popular clergyman, Apostle Joshua Selman.
The controversy intensified after Apostle Selman reportedly addressed Sandra Areh as “my love” at his birthday celebration on December 9, 2025. While many social media users interpreted this as confirmation of a romantic link, both Selman and Areh have since publicly clarified that their relationship is strictly professional and based on mutual respect within their respective ministries.
Despite the clarification, the public perception persists, leading to Jerry Smart Ekele’s viral Facebook post. He voiced worry that the public confusion is negatively impacting Areh’s dating prospects, stating:
“As it stands, other men who ought to be seeing her as a potential suitor, are already seeing her as the Apostle’s wife. In fact, many people online think they’re already married. This confusion isn’t sitting well with me. We can’t make a sacrificial lamb out of this graceful woman.”
The man urged Apostle Selman to clarify his marital status decisively, emphasizing that the lingering uncertainty is delaying Ms. Areh’s opportunity to find another potential partner, as suitors view her as unavailable due to the strong rumors.
