Category: Entertainment

American rapper A$AP Rocky has revealed that his mom had always wanted him to be with Rihanna, disclosing that she once advised when he was in a relationship with another woman to end it and date the Barbadian singer instead.

In an interview with The New York Time, Rocky shared that then he was just friends with Rihanna and didn’t want more with her.

He said he was grateful he didn’t rush things back then to be with Rihanna because he wasn’t ready for commitment and Rihanna was also not ready for family life.

“Rihanna has always been my boo. I always f*cked with her. My mother used to say, ‘I know you like this girl that you are with right now, but I want you with Riri.’

“And I would tell her that Rihanna is just a friend. But my mother would insisted that Rihanna is a real one and that I should go for her. I’m telling you, mothers know best.

“However, I am thankful that my relationship with Rihanna started when it did. Because at anytime prior to that, I don’t think I was ready for something like that. I don’t think she was, either,” he said.

A$AP Rocky and Rihanna became close after he joined her Diamond Tour in 2013.

Rumours of their romance first started shortly after Rihanna split from billionaire boyfriend Hassan Jameel in January 2020, after three years together.

Rocky previously dated Kendall Jenner in 2016; their relationship ended in 2017.

Rihanna and Rocky welcomed their first child together in 2022, second in 2023, and third in 2025.

My mom asked me to dump my ex-girlfriend for Rihanna – A$AP Rocky

Popular Nigerian reality star and comedian, DeeOne, has called on the Nigeria government to investigate financial management of all Non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs in the country.

DeeOne made the call in a video on his Instagram page on Wednesday while calling the attention of the government to the unlawful activities of some of the NGOs.

He further disclosed that some of the non-governmental organizations are now being used to fund terrorism, kidnapping, trafficking and other atrocities

“Federal government of Nigeria, please investigate all the NGOs accounts in the country. A lot of them are being used to sponsor terrorism, for kidnappers, child trafficking sponsorship, a lot of them are being used for human harvesting sponsorship.

“Please do a thorough investigation on all these NGO accounts. In Nigeria today, if somebody should rescue somebody, the next thing the people will open an NGO, and the next thing they become a multi millionaire. We’re not saying you should not make money, but it has to be legit not at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Investigate all NGOs, many used to fund terrorism – DeeOne tells Nigeria government

Afrobeats singer, Davido has lost a $50,000 bet on Nigeria to beat Morocco in the African Cup of Nations semifinal clash on Wednesday as the Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties to the Atlas Lions.

Hours before the match, the singer posted his bet slip on social media, showing that he placed a $50,000 bet on the Super Eagles to beat Morocco.

However, he lost the bet after the game ended in a goalless draw in regulation time.

Meanwhile, popular Nigerian TikToker Peller has cried out after losing a $3,000 bet on Nigeria to beat Morocco in 90 minutes.

“Thank you Super Eagles for playing very well,” he said sarcastically. “I have lost my $3,000 bet. You guys were playing well the previous games before I decided to place a bet and watch your match.

“Maybe, if I stop watching your games, you will start playing well again,” he lamented during a livestream on Wednesday night.

AFCON: Davido, Peller lost $50,000, $3,000 bets on Nigeria to win Morocco

Popular social media influencer VeryDarkMan, popularly known as VDM, has responded after reality TV personality Phyna described him as a “Very Dirty Boy” and blamed him for the collapse of her relationship with actress Iyabo Ojo.

Phyna had earlier claimed that her closeness to VeryDarkMan significantly contributed to the strain between her and Iyabo Ojo.

In a detailed public response, VeryDarkMan said he was deeply disappointed by the accusation, maintaining that his support for Phyna was always sincere and without conditions.

He explained that he consistently showed up for the former reality star at different stages of her career, including reposting promotions for her movies and offering guidance on both personal and professional issues.

According to VDM, he made himself accessible whenever Phyna reached out whether she needed advice, paid promotional support, or help with family-related concerns stressing that he often listened and assisted without expecting anything in return.

He also questioned what benefit he personally derived from the relationship, emphasizing that his actions were motivated by loyalty and goodwill, not personal gain.

Reflecting on a past controversy, VeryDarkMan hinted that greed and certain choices eventually strained the relationship, adding that several people who once supported and promoted Phyna have since stepped back as public interest in her waned.

Despite the disagreement, the influencer concluded on a peaceful note, saying he bears no bitterness and sincerely wishes Phyna success in all her future pursuits.

I gained nothing from her — VeryDarkMan fires back at Phyna

Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Young Game has drawn attention to the often-ignored hurdles confronting African diaspora artists seeking recognition within the Afrobeats industry, despite their growing contributions to the genre’s global success.

Young Game, born Sunday Paul Bassey and a native of Ndi Okpo Ihechiowa, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, is currently based in Italy. He is part of a rising generation of African creatives abroad who proudly project their culture beyond the continent but struggle to gain equal visibility with artists operating from Nigeria.

According to the singer, physical distance from Nigeria’s music ecosystem remains a major disadvantage. “Afrobeats is global now, but access is still very local,” Young Game said, noting that artists outside the country often lack the industry connections, media exposure, radio support and live performance opportunities needed to break records.

He explained that while many diaspora musicians invest heavily in music production, promotion and distribution, their efforts are frequently sidelined due to industry gatekeeping and location bias. “You can have the sound, the story and the consistency, but without proximity to the industry, it’s easy to be ignored,” he stated.

Young Game also pointed to the identity dilemma faced by many African artists abroad, who are sometimes viewed as “too foreign” for the local market and “not African enough” for international audiences. “We are constantly trying to prove our authenticity, even though our roots are unquestionable,” he said.

Despite the challenges, the singer stressed that diaspora artists remain vital to Afrobeats’ global expansion. Their exposure to diverse cultures and audiences, he noted, enables innovation and helps introduce the genre to new territories. “Many of us are building Afrobeats quietly in Europe, America and beyond performing, promoting and planting seeds that later grow into global movements,” he added.

Calling for greater collaboration and inclusion, Young Game urged industry stakeholders to embrace diaspora creatives as an integral part of the culture. “Afrobeats is strongest when it is unified. Diaspora artists should not be treated as outsiders, but as extensions of the culture,” he said.

Nigeria’s afrobeats now global but access still very local – Young Game

Nigerian Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, has accused singer Wizkid of stealing his nickname.

He made the claim during a recent livestream after a Wizkid’s fan urged him to change his nickname from “Big Bird” because Wizkid also bears “Biggest Bird”.

Kuti told the fan to advise Wizkid to be original, stressing that he has been answering the name long before Wizkid.

“Wizkid stole my name. Tell your fave to be original. Why are you telling me to change my name? Sorry, I can’t change it. This name has been here since. I am the first to come up with it. I am not dragging it with anybody, please,” he said.

Video:

Wizkid stole my name – Seun Kuti claims

Big Brother Naija reality show star, Phyna has stated that actress Iyabo Ojo unfollowed her because she commented on Verydarkman’s post.

Phyna made this claim during her Twitch livestream.

The reality star explained that before her comment on Verydarkman’s post, the actress always liked and commented on her posts.

She noted that Iyabo withdrew her support and unfollowed her when she misunderstood her comment.

“She was having issues with V. So, I twitted to like replying to V because V made a statement but it was mistaken, and since then I think mama doesn’t like me that much again because before she used to comment on my posts, she used to like it.

“Now she no longer likes it and she no longer follows me. And I’m very sure it’s because of the dirty boy but it’s one I have to face”, Phyna said.

DAILY POST reports that Verydarkman, a popular social media critic, is known for his online disputes with public figures, especially the actress.

Iyabo Ojo unfollowed me because I commented on VDM’s post – Phyna

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Bunmi Akinnanu, best known for her hit song “Omije Ojumi,” has passed away.

The news of her death was confirmed on Tuesday evening by a close source familiar with the singer’s family.

As of now, the family has not released an official statement, though further details are expected in the coming days.

Akinnanu’s death follows months of public appeals for prayers and divine intervention as she battled a serious leg ailment.

In late 2025, a video of the singer at G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan, Oyo State, circulated online, showing her seated with her leg extended while prayers were offered for her recovery.

The footage drew widespread attention and concern over the severity of her condition.

During the service, the presiding cleric revealed that Akinnanu had been experiencing persistent bleeding in her leg, prompting an intense prayer session.

The video quickly went viral, with fans and well-wishers across Nigeria organizing prayer vigils and flooding social media with messages of support.

The exact medical details of her illness were never officially disclosed.

Bunmi Akinnanu’s music journey began at the age of 10. She later left a career in banking to pursue gospel music full-time, eventually gaining prominence with “Omije Ojumi,” a song that resonated deeply with Nigerians.

Over the years, she released several other gospel tracks, earning her recognition as one of the respected voices in the Nigerian gospel music industry.

Popular gospel singer, Bunmi Akinnanu dies

Controversial singer, Habeed Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was on Monday arraigned at the Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, on a nine-count criminal charge.

According to Ogun State Police spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the charges include assault, theft, causing harm and resisting arrest.

The arraignment follows a viral video on Sunday showing the singer in police custody, reportedly over a complaint filed by his estranged partner, Ashabi Simple.

The prosecution alleges that Portable assaulted Ashabi, along with several police officers and other individuals, at his bar in Iyana Ilogbo on New Year’s Day.

Other alleged victims named in the case are Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah.

Portable is also accused of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300, valued at N12 million, belonging to Ileyemi and purchased from Wally Dex Auto.

It was gathered that two siblings of Ashabi Simple testified as witnesses to the alleged assault, although Ashabi herself was absent.

The police further accused Portable of obstructing and assaulting Ogungbe Olayemi, a female police inspector, while she was performing her official duties.

The presiding judge denied Portable bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court.

The judge insisted that the officer must be present before he will consider bail.

Consequently, Portable was remanded in custody, with a fresh bail hearing scheduled for January 19, 2026.

Portable arraigned in court, sent to prison over alleged assault, car theft

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has kicked against allegations of theft against her amid the ongoing marital crisis with Senator Ned Nwoko.

During a live broadcast, the actress alleged that her estranged husband, Ned Nwoko, was responsible for the accusations.

Regina claimed that an arrest warrant had been issued against her and some members of her family over the alleged theft.

She, however, strongly denied the claims, insisting that they were false and unfounded.

According to the actress, the allegation that $40,000 was stolen from her husband’s home is illogical, as she maintained that the senator does not keep cash in his house.

She said, “It’s confirmed, it’s true, and I’ve verified that it’s Ned. There is a warrant on everyone, including myself.”

“He is claiming that we stole $40,000 from his house, yet he doesn’t even keep money at home. So how could we have stolen $40,000?”

‘There’s arrest warrant against me’ – Regina Daniels speaks on $40,000 theft allegation