CELEBRITIES
Egungun of Lagos Gifts Staff Plots of Land as Christmas Reward
- Egungun of Lagos surprised his three staff members with plots of land as a Christmas and end-of-year reward, a gesture many described as life-changing.
- Shared on Instagram, the presentation showed his videographer, personal assistant, and maid receiving ownership documents and reacting emotionally.
Popular content creator Egungun of Lagos has drawn widespread admiration after gifting each of his three staff members a full plot of land as a Christmas and end-of-year reward.
Sharing the moment on Instagram, Egungun posted videos of the presentation ceremony, where each staff member was called forward and handed documents confirming ownership of their respective plots. The beneficiaries—his videographer, personal assistant, and professional maid—were visibly emotional as they received the life-changing gifts.
With land prices in Lagos continuing to soar, many social media users noted that the gesture went beyond festive generosity, describing it as the gift of long-term security and investment.
Online reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising Egungun as a thoughtful employer who values loyalty and hard work. Some users jokingly offered to submit their CVs, while others encouraged influencers and business owners to rethink staff appreciation beyond cash bonuses and hampers.
In other news….The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has formally announced the safe return of every student and staff member abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, Papiri, in Niger State. This final confirmation marks the end of a harrowing month-long ordeal that began on November 21, 2025.
In a detailed reconciliation statement, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Bishop of Kontagora and proprietor of the school, verified that 230 persons were rescued and have since been reunited with their families.
Breaking Down the Figures
The Diocese provided a clear breakdown of the rescued individuals to resolve earlier conflicting reports:
- Nursery/Primary Pupils: 204
- Secondary Students: 14
- Staff Members: 12
- Total Verified Abductees: 230
Addressing why initial reports suggested over 300 people were missing, Bishop Yohanna explained that the panic following the predawn raid led to significant discrepancies.
“A joint verification exercise by the state government, security agencies and school authorities later revealed that not all parents were present during the exercise… Some pupils fled into nearby bushes and did not immediately return for the first headcount, while some parents were absent during verification.”
The Bishop clarified that of the initial 315 listed as missing:
- 50 escaped in the first 48 hours.
- 35 were later found to have never been abducted or had escaped early and gone straight to their homes.
- 100 were released on December 7.
The final 130 were secured on December 21, bringing the verified total to 230.
The rescue was a coordinated effort involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the DSS, the Armed Forces, and the Niger State Government. Bishop Yohanna described the homecoming as the “best Christmas gift” the church could receive.
“A second and final verification conducted by the school authorities in collaboration with the Parents-Teachers Association established that an additional 35 persons had either not been abducted or had escaped earlier… We are deeply grateful to the Nigerian government, the Niger State government, and all security agencies whose interventions were instrumental in bringing this painful episode to an end.”
The school remains committed to providing counseling and healing support for the affected families as they begin their recovery process.
CELEBRITIES
I’m Innocent, I Don Stop To Dey Give Belle Anyhow – Singer 2Baba Confesses On Stage (Video)
Speaking before his performance, the musician, who said he had a confession to set the record straight, revealed that he had stopped impregnating women.
Innocent Idibia, the world-famous Nigerian musician, who is popularly known as 2Face or 2Baba, has made a public confession.
2Baba, who is widely documented as having children with multiple baby mamas outside his marriage, made the confession in Benin City during the MC EdoPikin Undiluted with StarBoy and Legends show.
Speaking before his performance, the musician, who said he had a confession to set the record straight, revealed that he had stopped impregnating women.
“But see, I get confession. I dey make this confession everywhere I go now to set the record straight. I don stop to dey do that kind of thing, I don stop to dey give belle anyhow. I swear, ask anybody now, they will tell you that I’m innocent.”
2Baba’s first baby mama is Sumbo Adeoye, with whom he shared two sons, Zion and Nino. Their relationship ended around 2009 following revelations of his relationships with other women.
Also, Pero Adeniyi, his second baby mama, had three kids with him between 2006 and 2012.
He also shared two daughters with his publicly recognized wife, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, from 2012 until their divorce in 2025.
Lastly, 2Baba recently welcomed a new baby with his new partner, Natasha Osawaru, with whom he has a controversial marriage.
Watch him speak:
Simi, along with her husband, singer Adekunle Gold and their daughter, Deja, twinned in matching pajamas in the photos.
Nigerian singer Simi has flaunted her baby bump in heartwarming Christmas family photos.
Simi, along with her husband, singer Adekunle Gold and their daughter, Deja, twinned in matching pajamas in the photos.
The family struck poses in front of a Christmas tree, radiating warmth and family bonding.
Sharing the photos, she wrote: “Merry Christmas from the Kosokos 🎄
“All our love to you and we thank you for all your love to us.”
Earlier, Tori News reported that the couple on Wednesday announced they are expecting their second child through Adekunle Gold’s new music video.
CELEBRITIES
Singer Timaya Falls On Stage While Trying To Lift Plus-Sized Woman During Performance (Video)
Nigerian singer Timaya took a fall on stage after attempting to lift a plus-sized woman during a performance.
The incident occurred during his ‘Ukwu’ performance at the Gbaramatu Christmas Carnival in Delta State.
Timaya in a now trending video on social media collapsed after the plus-sized woman jumped on him midday into his performance.
The singer later got up and continued his performance amid cheers from the crowd.
Watch the video below:
Moment Timaya fell on stage while trying to lift a fan during his “UKWU” performance at the Gbaramatu Christmas Carnival in Delta State 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/ww1YvV1ip4
— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) December 25, 2025
SOURCE PAGE
CELEBRITIES
‘Tyranny is booming’: Jimmy Kimmel targets Trump in alternative Christmas message | US News
American talk show host Jimmy Kimmel delivered an alternative Christmas message this year, taking aim what he said was the rise of fascism under Donald Trump’s government.
Kimmel has a long-running feud with the US president which has escalated since his show was suspended in September by broadcaster ABC due to criticism he launched at Mr Trump and his “MAGA gang” over their handling of Charlie Kirk’s death.
Mr Trump celebrated the suspension, saying Kimmel was “not a talented person”, and was “fired for lack of talent,” before calling for other left-wing hosts, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, to face the same fate.
The show was reinstated the following week after Disney-owned ABC faced backlash from celebrities, fans and free speech advocates.
Protesters out in support of Kimmel in September. Pic: Reuters
Speaking in his Christmas message for Channel 4, a spoof of the official royal message on Christmas Day, Kimmel said: “From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year. Tyranny is booming over here.”
He reflected on the cancellation and reinstatement of his show, saying: “We won, the president lost – and now I’m back on the air every night, giving the most powerful politician on Earth a right, and richly deserved, b****cking.”
He referred to the president as “King Donny the Eighth” and suggested he was “calling for executions”.
Read more:
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He added: “Here in the United States right now, we are both figuratively and literally tearing down the structures of our democracy. From the free press, to science, to medicine, to judicial independence, to the actual White House itself, we are a right mess.
“And we know this is also affecting you, and I just wanted to say sorry,” he said with a shrug.
“And we want you to know or, at least I want you to know, that we’re not all like him. We’re not all like that.”
Towards the end of the broadcast, he said: “We are not bright. We’re Americans. No one knows better than you we’re always just a little bit late to the game, but do we come through in the end? Maybe. Give us about three years. Please.”
First airing in 1993, the annual broadcast has served as an alternative to the monarch’s annual televised address and aims to bring viewers a message about the year’s events.
Comedian Chris McCausland, Sir Stephen Fry and actor Danny Dyer have delivered the speech in recent years.
Griff Rhys Jones has been campaigning for decades to preserve Britain’s old buildings.
From helping save the Hackney Empire to campaigning for Liverpool Street station, the comedian and presenter has been a loud voice for the country’s heritage.
He now wants the rest of us to help save some of the hidden treasures in our own communities.
Rhys Jones is president of the Victorian Society, which is calling on the public to nominate threatened buildings for its new “Top Ten Endangered” list.
“These buildings are important… There are many reasons we should think about them. They’re part of the story and the history of the areas they’re in,” he said.
Buildings on last year’s list are now closer to salvation.
They range from iconic seaside landmark The Kursaal in Southend-on-Sea to a former vicarage in Liverpool.
“These are just things that people may not have been aware of and, if we want to save buildings, then advertising their belief in them is a really important part of preserving that building,” he says.
Sandfield Tower in Liverpool has been empty since the 1980s
Campaigns to save it have been unsuccessful and it’s now in a parlous state
A former doctor’s surgery in Anglesey, which stood derelict for years before appearing on the list in 2020, has now been renovated as social housing for four families.
It is a lesson, Rhys Jones says, at a time when pressure for housing is such a talking point.
“There’s been an enormous amount of talk about blockers and growth and it’s only the most stupid, who know nothing whatsoever about urban fabric, who think that growth is about clearing the ground and starting again.
“That’s about the most wasteful thing, it’s the least green thing to do, to just demolish and start again. Some of the most successful areas that we have in this country, in terms of growth, have been a mixture of new and old.”
Having leaped to fame in Not The Nine O’Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones in the 1980s, he demonstrated his love for preservation in the BBC’s Restoration and two series about the renovation of a farm in Pembrokeshire.
And the building industry is increasingly conscious of the potential for re-use.
“There are all sorts of complexities and technical challenges in working with historic places and they translate into financial challenges,” says Elizabeth Smith, partner and chairman of Purcell Architecture in London.
“It can often be really expensive, but when we do it right, we get great examples.”
Architect Elizabeth Smith says renovating historic buildings can be costly but ‘we get great examples’ when done right
Read more from Sky News:
Lottery winner scoops $1.8bn just before Christmas
Royals attend church in Sandringham – in pictures
Ms Smith says the conservation movement grew up in post-war Britain in response to the loss of so many historic buildings. Now there’s a new emergency.
“It’s about addressing climate change, and historic buildings have a role to play in that, both practically in terms of the resource that they offer, but also in terms of communities, societies, historic buildings and places bringing us together.”
Griff Rhys Jones says he is always startled by the quality and impressive nature of the buildings that are nominated.
The deadline for people to make their own suggestions to the Victorian Society is 5 January.
- A Nigerian lady gained viral attention by showcasing GehGeh’s mansion and revealing its location.
- This revelation followed reports of a fire at GehGeh’s home.
- The fire news emerged shortly after GehGeh unveiled her luxurious mansion.
A Nigerian lady has gone viral online after giving viewers a sneak peek of GehGeh’s mansion and revealing its exact location.
This comes following recent online reports that claimed a fire had occurred at the social media influencer’s home. The news surfaced just a day after GehGeh officially unveiled her luxurious mansion, which had drawn a flood of congratulatory messages.
In a TikTok video shared by @abigalinice360, the mansion is shown intact, debunking earlier claims of a fire. The woman in the video, whose face was not shown, dismissed the rumors with laughter.
Comments under the viral clip, which has racked up over 2 million views, confirmed that GehGeh’s mansion is situated in Uwherue, Delta State.
See post below:
Read some comments below:
@Eriga Ukane, “Building a house of almost 100m on a land that doesn’t worth up to 10m is financial mistake”.
@️Lastmoni, “Now can we all agree that Gehgeh defeat Saidaboj ? Gehgeh bought benz and built a mansion whilst saidaboj couldn’t even pay Portable for a feature”.
@{BĩĽĽŶ}, “Nah once I realized say, social media are not to be trusted”.
@Gifted arena, “Na only him din build house for there?”.
CELEBRITIES
Nollywood Actress, Regina Daniels Shares Christmas Photos With Her Kids Amid Custody Battle With Ned Nwoko
As Christians around the world mark the Christmas celebration today, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has taken a moment to reflect on motherhood and her children.
The actress and mother of two shared a series of throwback Christmas photos on her Instagram page, featuring herself and her children dressed in matching green pyjamas.
Though she acknowledged that the pictures were taken some time ago, Regina described them as timeless and deeply meaningful to her.
In an emotional caption, she noted that despite her active social life and public image, her children remain permanently close to her heart.
She wrote: “Old? Maybe. Golden? Always in my heart. Merry Christmas everyone. Love, Mama MK.”
Her post comes amid an ongoing and highly publicized family dispute. About a week ago, Regina had publicly called out her husband, politician Ned Nwoko, accusing him of deliberately cutting her off from her children. She claimed she had not spoken to them since mid-November, alleging that he dismissed all her nannies, pressured them into making false statements, and filed for full custody of the children, despite already having them in his care.
In a follow-up post at the time, Regina shared screenshots of a conversation with one of her children’s nannies, who reportedly told her she had resigned because Nwoko was allegedly taking out frustrations from marital issues on the staff. Regina expressed sadness over being unable to care for her child, Moon, following these developments.
Responding to the allegations, Ned Nwoko dismissed Regina’s claims, describing them as misleading and inconsistent with their family’s long-standing practices. He stated that sharing photos and videos of their children had always been normal within the family and pointed out that Regina herself had publicly posted the children for years without raising privacy concerns. According to him, her absence from the children’s lives was a personal decision rather than a restriction imposed on her.
The video captured calm and loving family moments, as Simi appears alongside Adekunle Gold and their daughter, Deja.
Nigerian singer Simi is expecting her second child, a fact she proudly revealed by showing off her baby bump in her husband Adekunle Gold’s new music video, My Love Is The Same, which was released on Wednesday.
The video captured calm and loving family moments, as Simi appears alongside Adekunle Gold and their daughter, Deja.
The scenes reflected love, unity and growth, giving fans a closer look into their family life through music.
Congratulations to Simi and Adekunle Gold as they welcome their second child.🥰🎉 pic.twitter.com/bxFDkye9Lr
— Just Eniola 💜 (@JustEniola01) December 24, 2025
After the video dropped, social media quickly reacted as many viewers shared how touched they felt while watching.
Supporters spoke about Adekunle Gold’s steady journey in music and praised the blend of art and family life.
Many also expressed joy over the pregnancy news, sending warm messages and prayers to the couple.
Simi and Adekunle Gold welcomed their first child in 2020, and since then have continued to build a bond with fans by sharing parts of their real-life story through their work.
The new video has drawn more love for the couple as they prepare to welcome another child.
Congratulations continue to flood in as friends, fans and well-wishers celebrate this happy moment with the family.
Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, is celebrating an early win at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after successfully predicting the outcome of Nigeria’s opening Group C match against Tanzania.
Ahead of the fixture, which was played in Fes, Morocco, the singer tipped that both Nigeria and Tanzania would score during the match. His prediction turned out to be spot on, as the Super Eagles recorded a 2–1 victory in a lively encounter.
Nigeria secured all three points thanks to a late goal from Ademola Lookman, sealing a winning start to their AFCON campaign and confirming Davido’s forecast. Reports suggest that the correct prediction earned the music star a payout of $96,564, making the win both celebratory and financially rewarding.
The news quickly sparked reactions across social media, with fans praising the Super Eagles for their opening victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations while also hailing Davido for accurately calling the result before kickoff.
Davido wins $96,564 after placing a $25,000 bet on both Nigeria and Tanzania to score in their game at the 2025 AFCON. pic.twitter.com/V9Ri9ayCsB
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) December 23, 2025
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Let’s be honest, most 14-year-olds would jump at the chance to perform at every club, festival, and private event during the busy “Detty December” season. But Champz didn’t. Wizkid’s son, already one of Nigeria’s most promising young talents with hits like debut single ‘Champion Sound‘ and whose first music project, Champion Arrival, includes tracks like Champion Montana, Grind, Superstar, and Champiano decided to say no. This shows how focused he is to priotize growth.
This isn’t hesitation; it’s a careful choice. At 14, balancing school, personal growth, and a growing music career is already hard. Add the pressure of live shows, adult audiences, and media attention, and it’s easy to see why rushing him into fame could be harmful. Look at past young stars like Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, and Macaulay Culkin. They were talented, but fame at a young age caused serious problems. Talent alone doesn’t mean someone is ready but how to control it matters, and Champz and his family understand that.
Champz’s mum shared on X that he received many offers to perform during “Detty December”, clubs, concerts, festivals, private events, and brand shows but he turned them all down. Some fans even thought he might perform at his father Wizkid’s concert on the 28th, but that seems unlikely now. This isn’t because he can’t perform; it’s because his management wants to protect him from pressure he isn’t ready for.
Growing up in a musical family as his father is Wizkid, and inspired by artists like J Hus, Asko, Nines, and Clavish, Champz is developing his own style, a mix of Afrofusion and rap. By taking time to improve his voice, build stage confidence, and develop his sound, he is being prepared for long-term success, not just a short viral moment.
In music today, young artists can become famous overnight and disappear just as fast. That’s why this careful approach is so important. Rushing young talents often kills creativity and makes them copy others instead of finding their own voice. By focusing on mental health, school, and learning skills instead of chasing fame, Champz’s mum is giving him a strong foundation.
Saying no to concerts isn’t avoiding work. It’s investing in himself: improving his music, gaining confidence, and creating a career that lasts. His upcoming releases in 2026 are part of a careful plan that focuses on growth first. In my opinion, this is exactly what young artists need: patience, guidance, and time to grow without being overwhelmed by fame.
Champz’s choice shows smart planning: focusing on learning, growth, and health over instant fame. This boycott is more than temporary, it’s a statement. It’s about valuing growth over fame, skill over clout, and building a lasting career. For a 14-year-old in one of the toughest industries, this is a very smart move.
CELEBRITIES
Talks Are Ongoing – Actress Doris Ogala Gives Update On Face-Off With Chris Okafor (Video)
Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has provided the public with an update on the ongoing controversy between her and Pastor Chris Okafor, the founder of Grace Nation Bible Ministry.
Earlier, Tori News reported that the actress was arrested by the Lagos State Police on Saturday for dragging Chris Okafor after he allegedly failed to fulfill his marriage promise to her.
She was released on Monday afternoon after spending two nights in police custody, where the pastor allegedly begged her for a peaceful resolution.
However updating the public about the current state of her issues with the clergyman, Doris, who has earlier requested compensation from Okafor, disclosed that table talks and resolution are ongoing.
“Talks is going on now, resolution is ongoing at the moment. I’m still in Lagos, I’m not back in Abuja. I want to know where it’s heading, and I want to know the end of this table talk. I will come back, and I will seek God’s face.
“I will ask God the next direction, what should I do because at the moment, I don’t know what to do. I will ask for his wisdom, what should I do, because I have a lot to say, I have a lot I want to reveal, I have a lot I want the world to learn from this.
“At the same time, I don’t want to have anyone’s blood on my hand. This is still bad than anyone thinks. I haven’t said anything. What I just said online is nothing to what I’m about to say before my arrest.
“But I will leave everything to God and pray and seek his direction to let him direct me on how best to go about it. I’m not afraid of anyone, I’m not afraid of going to jail. All I want is to speak my truth, and my truth I will speak,” she said.
Watch the video:
CELEBRITIES
I Am Single But Not Searching – Actress Anita Joseph Tells Guys Bombarding Her Phone Following Crashed Marriage
Nollywood actress Anita Joseph has said she is not ready to enter a relationship at the moment.
The movie star, who recently confirmed her crashed marriage to MC Fish, stated that she is single and not searching.
She noted that guys have been bombarding her with calls.
Anita noted how 8 years and 11 days with her husband isn’t 8 months and said she needs her head cleared.
She wrote: ”I’m single, yes !!
“I’m not searching plsssss”
“You guys should not crash my Phone, plzzzzzzzzz
“Zuonuike
“8 years and 11 days is not 8 months, I need my Head Cleared “
“Give me gigs biko thank you “
“That’s my song right there”.
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As 2025 draws to a close, the African entertainment industry pauses to remember the talents we lost this year. From seasoned actors and musicians to rising stars on film and digital platforms, each life carried a story that shaped the cultural landscape. Their contributions spanned stage, screen, music, and media, leaving an imprint on audiences and colleagues alike.
While the news of their passing brings sorrow, it also serves as a moment to reflect on the legacies they leave behind. In honoring them, we celebrate their artistry, their dedication, and the joy they brought to fans across Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and beyond. Their work continues to resonate, reminding us of the enduring power of creativity.
Nigeria
Akinloye “Akiin Shuga” Tofowomo (1975–2025)
Akiin Shuga was a musician and bandleader whose influence on Nigeria’s live music scene was profound. As founder of the Shuga Band, he championed professionalism, musical discipline, and artistic longevity, leaving a legacy rooted in performance culture and mentorship.
Obafemi Lasode (1955–2025)
Obafemi Lasode was a pioneering filmmaker, musician, and media entrepreneur whose career spanned decades of Nigerian cultural production. Best known for directing Sango, he was instrumental in advancing independent film production and media entrepreneurship, and was widely respected as a mentor and institution builder.
Fabian Adibe (1944–2025)
Fabian Adibe was one of the defining faces of Nigerian television drama, best remembered for his commanding performance as Ogbuefi Uzowulu in the NTA adaptation of Things Fall Apart. With a career spanning stage, television, and film, he appeared in hundreds of productions and belonged to a generation of actors who helped formalise screen acting in Nigeria.
Kayode Peters (1975-2025)
Kayode Peters (Photo: TVC)
Kayode Peters was a veteran Nollywood actor and producer known for his versatility and commitment to the craft. He appeared in numerous films across genres, earning respect for his ability to bring depth and authenticity to each role. His passing marked the loss of a steady and influential presence in Nigerian cinema.
Columbus Irosanga
Columbus Irosanga combined a distinguished academic career with an extensive body of work in Nollywood. A senior lecturer in Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, he was equally revered for his performances, often portraying elders and authority figures with nuance and gravitas. His legacy lies in both the students he trained and the cultural authenticity he brought to Nigerian cinema.
Nkechi Nweje (1964–2025)
Nkechi Nweje was a widely admired Nollywood actress, best known for maternal and morally grounded roles in Igbo-language films. Her performances carried emotional clarity and cultural familiarity, making her a recurring presence in stories centred on family, tradition, and social values.
Segun “Chief Karan” Remi (1952-2025)
Segun Remi, popularly called Chief Karan, was a familiar and beloved figure in Yoruba-language cinema. Renowned for his expressive comic timing and character roles, he helped shape the rhythm and humour of indigenous Nollywood films, leaving behind a body of work that resonated strongly with grassroots audiences.
Odunayo Olufemi Oloto
Known simply as Oloto, Odunayo Olufemi Oloto was an actor whose career was defined by consistency and mentorship. Active across several years of Nollywood’s growth, he was widely regarded as a guiding presence for younger actors and a dependable contributor to ensemble casts.
Odira Nwobu (1982–2025)
Odira Nwobu was a Nollywood actor whose career was cut short after health complications while abroad. Though relatively understated in the public eye, he was well regarded among peers for his dedication to craft and his growing body of work in Nigerian film.
Oluwanisola “Ayomeekun” Omobolanle (2000-2025)
Ayomeekun (Photo from YouTube/Ayomeekun)
Ayomeekun was a young Afrofusion singer and songwriter whose music blended contemporary sounds with personal introspection. The son of actress Peju Ogunmola, he was beginning to carve out his own creative identity when he died after a brief illness, prompting widespread reflection on promise cut short.
Pat Ugwu (1989-2025)
An actress and entrepreneur, Pat Ugwu represented a younger generation of Nollywood talent navigating both film and personal enterprise. Her sudden death shocked colleagues and fans alike, highlighting the fragility of emerging creative careers in the industry.
Tom Njemanze (1950-2025)
Tom Njemanze was a veteran Nollywood actor whose career spanned decades of Nigerian film and television. Known for his steady presence and versatility, he appeared in numerous productions that connected the early days of video films to contemporary Nollywood. He died after a battle with prostate cancer.
Monalisa Stephen (1992-2025)
Monalisa Stephen was an actress, model, and outspoken advocate for body positivity. Beyond her screen work, she became known for challenging beauty norms and engaging candidly with issues of self-image and mental health. Her public presence blended performance with activism, making her a distinctive voice among Nigerian entertainers.
Chijioke Ike
Chijioke Ike was a Nigerian director and producer whose influence was felt largely behind the scenes. Through his work in film production and storytelling development, he contributed to the technical and narrative maturation of Nollywood, supporting emerging talent and shaping projects that strengthened the industry’s creative infrastructure.
Omotola Odunsi (1994-2025)
Omotola Odunsi was a rising Nollywood actress celebrated for her performances in films such as Lisabi: The Uprising. Praised for her emotional range and dedication, her sudden death at 31 shocked the Nigerian entertainment community.
Vivian “Bigbutfit” Chinelo
Vivian Chinelo rose to prominence as a TikTok creator and influencer whose content centred confidence, humour, and body positivity. She built a substantial digital following and became part of Nigeria’s expanding online entertainment ecosystem before her untimely death.
Ghana
Charles “Daddy Lumba” Fosu (1964-2025)
Daddy Lumba was one of Ghana’s most influential highlife musicians, with a career that shaped modern Ghanaian popular music. His songwriting, voice, and longevity earned him iconic status across generations.
Nana “Dada KD” Kwakye Duah (1968/1969-2025)
Dada KD was a highlife musician known for emotionally resonant songs and enduring popularity. His music formed part of Ghana’s contemporary highlife canon.
Ernest Yaw Kumi (1984-2025)
Ernest Yaw Kumi was both an actor and a politician, navigating public life across entertainment and civic engagement. His career reflected the porous boundaries between performance and public service.
Abdullai “Taidu” Tahiru (19-2025)
Taidu was a Ghanaian actor recognised for his contributions to film and television. He was regarded as a dependable performer within Ghana’s screen industry.
South Africa
Rashid Lombard (1951-2025)
Rashid Lombard was a photographer and cultural documentarian whose work captured the intersections of art, music, and political history in South Africa. Closely associated with jazz culture and anti-apartheid movements, his photography served as both archive and activism.
Jonathan Pienaar (1962-2025)
Jonathan Pienaar was an actor, writer, and comedian with a career that spanned local and international productions. His work balanced dramatic roles with sharp humour, earning him recognition across multiple performance forms.
Nandi Nyembe (1950-2025)
A veteran actress with decades of experience in television and film, Nandi Nyembe was admired for her emotional depth and durability in the industry. Her career reflected the resilience of performers who sustained South African storytelling across changing eras.
Don Mlangeni Nawa (1959-2025)
Don Mlangeni Nawa was a respected actor whose performances on stage and screen made him a familiar presence in South African drama. Known for his gravitas and range, he contributed significantly to the country’s television canon.
Fezile Feya Faku (1962-2025)
Fezile Faku was a celebrated jazz trumpeter and composer whose work embodied the improvisational spirit of South African jazz. He was regarded as both a technical master and a custodian of musical heritage.
Manqoba Ntombela (1962-2025)
A musician and businessman, Manqoba Ntombela played a key role in music production and entertainment entrepreneurship. His career reflected the often unseen business structures supporting South Africa’s creative economy.
Darren “Dazzy” Scott (1964-2025)
Darren Scott was one of South Africa’s most recognisable radio voices, with a broadcasting career that stretched across decades. His influence extended beyond the microphone, shaping radio culture and audience engagement.
Victor “Doc Shebeleza” Bogopane (1973-2025)
Doc Shebeleza was a foundational figure in kwaito music, a genre that defined post-apartheid youth culture. His energetic style and hit records helped establish kwaito as a lasting cultural force.
Winnie Khumalo (1973-2025)
Winnie Khumalo was a singer and actress whose career bridged music and television. Known for her vocal strength and stage presence, she remained a recognisable figure in South African entertainment.
Wiseman Sithole (1973-2025)
Wiseman Sithole was best known for his role as Lucky Mabande in Shooting Stars, a performance that endeared him to television audiences. His work showcased a natural charisma and ease on screen.
Oscar “Madluphuthu” Mgudlwa (1975-2025)
Oscar Mgudlwa was a comedian and actor celebrated for township humour and accessible storytelling. His work resonated with everyday audiences and contributed to the popularity of local comedy cinema.
Presley Chweneyagae (1984-2025)
Presley Chweneyagae achieved international acclaim for his lead role in Tsotsi, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His performance became emblematic of South African cinema’s global breakthrough.
Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock (1985-2025)
DJ Warras was a DJ and media personality whose death sparked renewed conversations about safety and violence within South Africa’s nightlife and entertainment industries.
Yolanda “Yallunder” Nyembezi (1994-2025)
Yallunder was a singer and songwriter whose soulful sound positioned her as a rising voice in contemporary South African music. Her work suggested a promising trajectory cut tragically short.
Dugulth “Junior King” Ferreira (1996-2025)
Junior King was a rapper, dancer, and choreographer associated with amapiano’s global rise. Through performance and online culture, he became a visible figure in youth-driven music movements.
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Leonard Mambo Mbotela (1940-2025)
Leonard Mambo Mbotela was a veteran broadcaster whose radio and television career made him one of Kenya’s most trusted media figures. His voice and presence shaped public broadcasting for decades.
Bilal Wanjau (19-2025)
Bilal Wanjau was an actor and director involved in Kenyan film and television, contributing to the growth of contemporary East African screen storytelling through performance and direction.
Betty Bayo (1985-2025)
Betty Bayo, born Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, was a celebrated Kenyan gospel singer known for her powerful, uplifting voice. She released numerous hits and navigated a public life that often intersected with faith and controversy with grace. Betty passed away in November after a private battle with advanced leukemia.
Zachariah “KK Mwenyewe” Kariuki (2002-2025)
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CELEBRITIES
Growth Happens Outside Of Comfort Zone – Actress Funke Akindele Writes, Reveals The Secret To Continuous Growth
While sharing new photos of herself on social media, she said with each film project, she is reminded that growth happens outside comfort zones.
Nollywood box office queen Funke Akindele has revealed the secret behind her sustained growth and success.
While sharing new photos of herself on social media, she said with each film project, she is reminded that growth happens outside comfort zones.
Funke said hard work, consistency, and focus leads to continuous growth.
“With each film project, I’m reminded that growth happens outside comfort zones. Hard work, consistency, and focus lead to continuous growth.
“Excited for what’s next! AfunkeAkindElenetworkproduction BehindTheScenes FilmmakingJourney”.
Speaking on the Echo podcast, JJC alleged that Don Jazzy, Dbanj, Ayo and DJ Abbas “conspired” against him at a time when he believed they were meant to help him connect properly with the Nigerian music industry.
Veteran Nigerian rapper and singer JJC Skillz has made bold claims regarding his fallout with Don Jazzy and other members of the former Mo’Hits crew.
Speaking on the Echo podcast, JJC alleged that Don Jazzy, Dbanj, Ayo and DJ Abbas “conspired” against him at a time when he believed they were meant to help him connect properly with the Nigerian music industry.
According to him, it was Cass who introduced Don Jazzy to him, while Ayo came with DJ Abbas. JJC said he met them through their TV station and openly told them he needed help getting introduced to the right people in Nigeria.
He claimed that Don Jazzy recorded a song with him, while Dbanj also had his own song, but unknown to him, the group allegedly had other plans.
JJC said he later heard from Ruggedman that the band had been making statements about him, including claims that he was cheating them and refusing to pay them.
Reacting to those allegations, JJC insisted he was shocked, stressing that he housed them, fed them, clothed them, and took them to shows.
“How can I be cheating you when you haven’t made any money?” he asked, adding that at the time, he was the one introducing them and putting them out there.
“Don Jazzy, Dbanj, Ayo, DJ Abass; all of them conspired against me.”
– JJC Skillz pic.twitter.com/Q4RYuhUcRp
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 23, 2025
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