CELEBRITIES
Barry Manilow needs surgery for lung cancer, singer reveals | Ents & Arts News
Barry Manilow is being treated for lung cancer and has been forced to reschedule live shows, the 82 year-old has revealed.
The Copacabana popstar announced on Instagram that a cancerous spot had been discovered on his left lung.
“As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks,” he wrote.
“Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK.
“The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed.”
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Manilow, 82, added that the cancer had been found early thanks to “pure luck” and a “great doctor”.
And while he would not require chemotherapy or radiation treatment, he wrote, he would have to undergo surgery, forcing him to reschedule his January shows.
He had been due to embark on a string of arena concerts in US cities including Orlando, Tampa, Charleston, Greensboro and Columbus.
He wrote: “I’m going into surgery to have the spot removed. The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis.
“The only follow-up is a month to recover and that means we have to reschedule the January arena concerts.
“I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans.
“Just like you, we were all looking forward to the January shows and hate having to move everything around.”
Barry Manilow poses for photographers ahead of a run of shows on Broadway in New York City in 2019. Pic: Reuters
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The Grammy Award-winning singer has released a string of hits over the course of more than 50 years recording music.
They include Could It Be Magic, Looks Like We Made It, Mandy, and Can’t Smile Without You.
His announcement comes after Cliff Richard revealed he had been treated for prostate cancer.
Actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has made an emotional plea to regulators and the public, urging them not to ban her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, insisting that it does not mock Christianity.
In a video shared on her Instagram page, Edo begged critics to watch the film before judging, saying she would pull it down if it was found to be offensive.
“Just don’t pull my film, please. Just allow people to watch. Watch the film and come back and say that this film degrades Christians or degrades Christianity. Then I will pull it.
“If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I will pull it and bear the consequences. I will not be part of something like that,” she said.
The controversy surrounding the film’s title has sparked concerns from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which described it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
Edo explained that the title was never meant to demean the Christian faith, saying the film highlights family conflicts and secrets unfolding, without ridiculing Christians.
“We chose ‘A Very Dirty Christmas.’ It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God.
“This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians.
“I did take money from investors to do this film. We have over about 70 cinemas nationwide. We’ve done print, media and digital. I don’t know how we are going to do it,” she said”, she added.
The actress, a devout Christian, apologised to anyone offended by the title, insisting there was no malicious intent.
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has requested the producer to modify the title.
“However, the Board recognises that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation.
“In light of the concerns raised by CAN, and in the spirit of responsiveness and dialogue, we have requested the producer to modify the title,” the NFVCB said.
Edo has offered to change it, saying Christians are not the people she wants a problem with.
“They’ve asked us to change the title, or they’re going to pull the films from the cinemas. How do I change the name, the title? Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I will try to change the title. Just give us some time. Don’t pull the film.
“I am a Christian. Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I would never sit in a gathering where Christians are ridiculed,” she said.
She appealed for understanding, asking that her film be given a fair chance and not be pulled from cinemas.
“All I’m asking is, don’t pull my film. Give me a fair fighting ground. Let people watch it.”
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A chief magistrate court in Abuja has summoned Okafor Victor, the rapper popularly known as Mr Real, over allegations of criminal defamation involving Nigerian music star D’banj.
In a court summons dated December 18, 2025, and obtained by TheCable Lifestyle, Chief Magistrate Farida Ibrahim directed Mr Real to appear in person before the court on January 19, 2026, to answer charges brought against him by the complainant.
The legal dispute stems from claims made by Mr Real in November, in which he alleged that D’banj, whose real name is Oladapo Oyebanjo, failed to honour a ₦20 million ambassadorial deal. The comments, which were reportedly made publicly, prompted D’banj to seek legal redress.
In a petition filed before the court, Pelumi Olajengbesi, counsel to D’banj, urged the magistrate to issue a criminal summons against the rapper, arguing that the statements amounted to defamatory publications capable of damaging the singer’s reputation.
Olajengbesi also requested an interim injunction restraining Mr Real and anyone acting on his behalf from making or circulating further statements deemed defamatory pending the determination of the complaint.
“The defendant, either by himself or through his agents, servants, privies, cohorts or representatives, should be restrained from further publishing, disseminating, broadcasting or circulating any defamatory videos, comments, statements or publications against the complainant,” the petition read.
Following the filing, the court granted the interim injunction and ordered Mr Real to refrain from making any further public statements about D’banj until the case is resolved. The matter is expected to come up for hearing when the rapper appears in court on January 19, 2026.
CELEBRITIES
Nollywood Actress, Doris Ogala Released Two Days After Arrest Amid Pastor Chris Okafor Controversy
Nigerian actress Doris Ogala has been released from police custody.
Doris was released on Monday after spending two days in police detention.
Earlier, Tori News reported that Doris was arrested on Saturday evening after calling out a popular Lagos-based pastor, Chris Okafor, on social media for allegedly deceiving her with a marriage promise, among other allegations.
Her arrest sparked diverse reactions from Nigerians, with many online personalities including VeryDarkMan calling for her release.
Celebrating her release, Doris in a post on her Instagram page Monday afternoon, thanked human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore and VeryDarkMan for their efforts.
In the short post, she wrote “Thank you Sowore. Thanks so much to my ratel king.”
CELEBRITIES
Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind the Scenes’ becomes the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2025 and the fastest Nollywood movie to gross ₦500 million
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Funke Akindele has once again cemented her place in Nollywood history with her latest film, Behind the Scenes, which has officially become the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2025 while also setting a new record as the fastest Nigerian movie to reach ₦500 million at the box office, pulling in ₦512 million and topping weekend charts across West Africa. The film surpasses the popular action-comedy Gingerr, making Akindele’s achievement all the more remarkable.
Taking to social media, Filmoneng thanked fans for their support, writing, “Thank you, West Africa, for showing up, filling cinemas, and carrying this story with love. This is what belief looks like.”
Behind the Scenes follows Ronke Fernandez (played by Akindele), a wealthy philanthropist whose family’s constant demands push her to her breaking point, revealing hidden emotional and emotional struggles. The film explores truth, pressure, healing, and unspoken burdens, delivering a story that is both relatable and emotionally resonant for audiences.
The movie features a star-studded cast, including Big Brother Naija stars, DJ duo Wanni x Handi, Uche Montana, Scarlet Gomez, Tobi Bakre, Uzor Arukwe, Vee, Mr Macaroni, Ini Dinma Okojie, Iyabo Ojo, Ibrahim Chatta, Dele Odule, Destiny Etiko, Kamo, Afeez Oyetoro, and Ejiro Onojafe. This marks Akindele’s third consecutive December hit, following Tribe of Judah (2023) and Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024), solidifying her position as a leading filmmaker for holiday Nollywood releases.
Chris Rea, known for hits including Driving Home For Christmas and The Road To Hell, has died after a short illness, according to a family spokesperson.
A statement on behalf of his wife and two children stated: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris.
“He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”
Chris Rea arrives at the Odeon Leicester Square for the opening of the London Film Festival in 1996.
The Middlesbrough-born musician was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had his pancreas removed in 2001, and in 2016 he suffered a stroke.
Follow our blog for the latest reactions to Chris Rea’s death
Rea found fame in the late seventies and eighties with hits such as Fool (If You Think It’s Over), Let’s Dance and The Road To Hell.
Rea’s debut album, titled Whatever Happened To Benny Santini?, a reference to the stage name his record label wanted him to adopt, was released in 1978.
His track Fool (If You Think It’s Over), from the album, went on to be nominated for a Grammy.
He did not find such success again for a few years, but by the time his eighth album On The Beach was released, he was a star in the UK and around Europe, with sporadic hits in the US.
When Road To Hell was released in 1989, he became one of the biggest solo stars in the UK. Two of his studio albums – The Road To Hell (1989) and Auberge (1991) – went to number one in the country.
His famous song Driving Home For Christmas, first released in 1986, features in this year’s M&S Food Christmas advert – which sees comedian Dawn French sing along to the single in her car.
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Nigerian comedian Wale Gates is marking his 17th wedding anniversary with his wife.
The British-Nigerian funnyman went on a date with his wife to mark their anniversary.
He shared photos from the date across his social media accounts.
He then wrote: “Since you asked…. It was our 17th wedding anniversary #DateNight yesterday.”
CELEBRITIES
“He’s Addicted To Immorality”- Pastor Chris Okafor’s Wife Receives Candid Advice From Cleric
- Dr. Charles Apoki, a Nigerian clergyman, has released a video discussing Pastor Chris Okafor’s marriage to his new wife, Pearl.
- The video addresses Pearl’s aspirations of having children with Okafor.
- Apoki cautions Pearl against expecting her husband to change after marriage.
Dr. Charles Apoki, a Nigerian clergyman and international conference speaker in several denominations, has released another video about Pastor Chris Okafor‘s marriage, this time focusing on his new wife, Pearl.
Reacting to Pearl’s comment about her dream of having children with Okafor, Apoki, in a video shared via his Facebook page, warned her about expecting her husband to change.
The Christian leader boldly alleged that Okafor is addicted to ‘copulation and immorality,’ claiming there were reports about his promiscuity from around the world.
He added that Pearl will be faced with the challenges of trying to keep a good image of her marriage in public and the reality of a promiscuous husband.
In his words, “I can see you have a lot of aspirations of raising children for him that would be as huge as himself. Chris Okafor will not change. From all the reports right from the United States, from Cameroon, from all over the world. He is addicted to copulation, to immorality, and you are going to be battling with trying to maintain sanity at home by not letting people see you as having made the bad choice and the reality of a promiscuous husband.”
He added in the caption of the video, “An advice for Pearl, Dr. Chris Okafor’s new wife: The reality of promiscuity.”
Recall that Dr. Charles Apoki had previously criticised Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, expressing deep disappointment with his involvement in Chris Okafor’s wedding with Pearl.
Apoki questioned the moral implications of officiating at the wedding amid unresolved allegations.
See post below:
Read some comments below:
@Hope Joseph Joe:”My brother…. what kind of talk be this Na?”
@Okeimute Emuobosa:”Dr, I hope you have not become “Assistant Jesus “?”
@Asika Igbokwe:”Some ladies are ready to stay in such marriage as long as there’s money and affluence. It’s possible she’s aware of all those reports. Looking at the rush with which the wedding was done despite the news in public space. She’s just carried away by the money.”
@Mayaki-Obende Blessing:”She no go hear She Don win jackpot.”
@Steve Paul:”Hmmmmm. Na wa oooo. Social media has done more harm than gud. So this is how an elder can advise a newly wedded couple.”
@Adewumi Zainab:”The fact is the man will want to make this new union with the new lady be a wonderful experience for her, because basically a lot has been said about him and he will not want his new wife to see those characteristics in him…….”
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Davido delivered a show-stopping performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) during the opening ceremony on Sunday, December 21, during the opening match between the Host nation, Morocco, and Comoros, reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s most influential global music exports. Taking center stage in Morocco, the Nigerian superstar thrilled fans with an electrifying performance of the tournament’s official soundtrack alongside American rapper French Montana, blending music, football, and continental pride.
The moment marked a powerful full-circle return for Davido, who last appeared at AFCON in 2017. Eight years later, his comeback reflected both his artistic growth and the global rise of African music, as he captivated thousands in the stadium and millions watching across the continent. The performance stood out as one of AFCON 2025’s most memorable off-pitch highlights.
Davido’s AFCON appearance also added to his growing legacy at football’s biggest events. In 2022, he performed at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, having featured on the tournament’s official soundtrack.
Here are six Nigerian artists who have performed on football’s biggest stages, including the FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, AFCON, and the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
1. Tems (2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final)
Tems performed at the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on July 13 at the MetLife Stadium in the United States, sharing the stage with American rapper Doja Cat and Latin star J Balvin. She performed her grammy-winning single, ‘Love Me Jeje’ off her 2024 debut album. Her performance marked a major milestone as she made her debut appearance at a football event of such global scale and etched her name into the history books on Sunday night as she became the first African artist to perform at the FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was the inaugural edition of the expanded tournament, which brought together top clubs from around the world, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG, Juventus, Al Hilal, Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly, Flamengo, Inter Miami and others. The competition began on June 14 and concluded with a high-profile final in which Chelsea defeated PSG 3-0 thanks to a brace from Cole Palmer and a goal from Joao Pedro to be crowned world champions.
2. Davido (2022 FIFA World Cup Final)
Davido performed the official FIFA 2022 World Cup soundtrack, “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)”, alongside Aisha and Trinidad Cardona. He became the first Nigerian artist to perform at a FIFA World Cup final event, appearing during the closing ceremony on December 18, 2022.
The final saw Argentina defeat France 4–2 on penalties after a dramatic 3–3 draw following extra time. Kylian Mbappé scored a historic hat-trick, while Lionel Messi played a decisive role, scoring twice to lead Argentina to World Cup glory.
3. Burna Boy (2023 UEFA Champions League Final)
Burna Boy delivered a memorable performance at the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show by Pepsi at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. He co-headlined the show alongside Brazilian star Anitta, with Swedish DJ Alesso making a guest appearance.
The Afrobeats star thrilled over 80,000 fans with performances of “Last Last” and “It’s Plenty”. On the pitch, Manchester City secured a 1–0 victory over Inter Milan, with Rodri scoring the winning goal to hand the club its first Champions League title.
4. Yemi Alade (Africa Cup of Nations 2023)
Yemi Alade performed at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which took place in 2024, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. She joined Ivorian group Magic System and Egyptian singer Mohamed Ramadan to perform the tournament’s official theme song, “Akwaba”.
The ceremony was held at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, which has a capacity of 60,000 spectators. The final of the tournament saw Ivory Coast defeat Nigeria 2–1 to be crowned champions of Africa.
5. Rema (Ballon d’Or Ceremony 2023)
Rema made history on October 30, 2023, by becoming the first African artist to perform at the Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. He performed his global hit “Calm Down”, marking a landmark moment for African music.
During the performance, Rema interacted with football stars in attendance, exchanging handshakes with players including Kylian Mbappé, Emiliano Martínez, Aitana Bonmatí, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, İlkay Gündoğan, Rúben Dias, Rodri, Alejandro Balde, Erling Haaland, and Bernardo Silva. Lionel Messi went on to win his eighth Ballon d’Or on the night.
6. D’banj (2013 Africa Cup of Nations)
D’banj performed at the closing ceremony of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. He performed “Top of the World”, a song that later featured visuals from his performance alongside highlights of Nigeria’s tournament run.
The final was contested between Nigeria and Burkina Faso on February 10, 2013. Nigeria won the match 1–0 thanks to a goal from Sunday Mba, securing their third AFCON title after previous triumphs in 1980 and 1994.
CELEBRITIES
Why I Spoke Out On Attacks Against Christians In Nigeria — Popular Rapper, Nicki Minaj Reveals
American rapper Nicki Minaj has revealed why she chose to speak out publicly on the situation facing Christians in Nigeria, pointing to her personal connections to the country and disturbing reports of attacks on worshippers.
Minaj spoke on the issue during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest, where she responded to questions from the audience.
While answering a question about Nigeria, she said the country holds deep personal significance for her and that reports of attacks on Christians have been deeply distressing.
She revealed that her pastor is a Nigerian and that she has a strong fan base in the country, popularly known as “Nigerian barbs,” noting that these connections made it difficult for her to remain silent.
According to Minaj, reports of kidnappings and killings of Christians during church activities should provoke global concern.
She said, “Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved. Someone very dear to me, my pastor, is Nigerian, and I have lots of Nigerian barbs.
“So hearing that people are being kidnapped while they’re in church, people are being killed, brutalised, all because of their religion that should spark outrage.”
The rapper emphasised that silence only emboldens oppression, declaring that she is no longer willing to stay quiet on matters of faith and persecution. She said.
“We’re not backing down anymore. We are not going to be silenced by the bullies anymore. We will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world,” she said.
Minaj also spoke on the broader issue of religious freedom, pointing out that many people globally do not enjoy the basic right to worship openly.
She warned that such freedoms are often taken for granted in countries where they are protected.
She said, “We take for granted that there, right now in this world, are people who cannot worship God as they please, where they please.
“Every time we pray in fellowship, we have to remember the people that are right now in this world hiding to pray in fellowship, and we have to pray for them.”
Her remarks come weeks after she reacted to a social media post by United States President Donald Trump, who claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.”
At the time, Minaj expressed gratitude for the freedom to worship and condemned religious persecution.
She wrote, “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever be persecuted for practising their religion.”
During the AmericaFest event, Minaj also praised Trump and Vice President JD Vance, saying they understand the concerns of ordinary people.”
“She added that Christians face challenges even in the United States, stressing that leadership is crucial in safeguarding religious freedom.
“Christians have been persecuted right here in our country in different ways. So when we talk about Nigeria and other countries, know that prior administrations saw nothing wrong with that, and that’s what was wrong with them,” she concluded.
Controversial Nigerian influencer and social critic, Verydarkman, has pledged to expose what he claims is scandalous evidence involving Pastor Chris Okafor and Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin.
Verydarkman made the threat on Sunday afternoon in a video shared on his Instagram page while reacting to the arrest of actress Doris Ogala.
While calling for Doris’s release before Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Verydarkman vowed to make public alleged criminal evidence against Pastor Chris Okafor of the Grace Nation Bible Ministry and Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin.
Sharing details of his phone conversation with Doris before her arrest, Verydarkman claimed that the actress had already sent all the evidence to him.
“Doris is not as evil as the pastors that use her to cover atrocity, the pastor that manipulated her and promised to buy her a car so that she could do their bidding. These so-called evil men of God hide under the name of Jesus Christ to take advantage of women, girl children, boys, and married women under the name of Jesus Christ.
“Doris is one of the many that have been manipulated by the so called men of God. A lot of women out there have different stories to talk about. Please note that Doris was used; she was an accomplice. Take it from me. Now, to the Nigeria Police, or DSS or whoever that arrested her, I know your plan is because she said she get evidence. Your people’s move is to take the evidence from her, mess her up and then release her later.
“Let me advise you, just let her go. Everything you think is on her phone is with me. So, you better let her go. I give you until Tuesday to let her go. If you don’t let her go, there’s no problem, then we all start. And you know what I do? I go very hard. I’m talking to you, Chris Okafor. I’m talking to you Jeremiah. If by Tuesday I don’t see that lady, hell will be let loose. It will be very, very messy if by Tuesday she’s not out.
“Trust me, I have so much proof. It will be very messy. And guess what? The people can’t do me anything because the EFCC encounter has taught me a lot. I have sent all the evidence to 20 different persons and I will wipe the chats. I will wipe the chats after they have received it. You cannot even know who I sent it to, just in case the police pick me up , they will just be seeing evidence flying right and centre,” he stated.
VeryDarkMan shares voicenote with Doris Ogala, gives Pastors Chris Okafor and Jeremiah a warning to release her before Tuesday else “Things Will Get Very Messy”.pic.twitter.com/gWJREzPvge
— Rita Sunshine (@1RitaSunshine) December 21, 2025
Doris Ogala was arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, after calling out the founder of the Grace Nation Bible Ministry, Chris Okafor, over his alleged failure to fulfil a marriage promise to her.
In a series of posts on Instagram, the actress disclosed how she allegedly helped Pastor Chris Okafor and Jeremiah Fufeyin to silence the case of a missing child, Testimony, as well as other criminal cases levelled against them.