Category: Entertainment

Veteran Nollywood actress, Bimbo Akintola has explained why she does not live as lavishly as some of her colleagues, attributing it to the tough financial realities of Nigeria’s film industry.

Speaking in a recent interview, Akintola dismissed the notion that acting alone can make many actresses wealthy, stressing that earnings from movie platforms such as Africa Magic are often insufficient to sustain extravagant lifestyles.

“We hear stories of some actresses who do things with politicians for money. So when people ask me why I am not rich like the others, I tell them to go ask them what other jobs they do.”

“Cus we know how much Africa Magic & other platforms pay for a movie,” she said.

The veteran actress, who has spent decades in Nollywood, noted that the public often misunderstands the true sources of wealth in the entertainment industry, adding that many of the flashy lifestyles seen online cannot be justified by acting fees alone.

Why I’m not rich like other actresses — Bimbo Akintola opens up 

Award-winning filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, has revealed that there has been a tense phone call with actress and producer Funke Akindele.

The conversation came after controversy over Afolayan’s remarks on film promotion strategies in Nollywood.

In an interview with Arise News on Sunday, Afolayan said Akindele called him personally after his comments, which seemed to suggest he had dismissed colleagues who promote their movies through dance-driven campaigns.

“She called, and she said, ‘I know you don’t like me, but don’t mention my name in your interviews,’ she was yelling, and she dropped the phone after that,” Afolayan said.

He insisted that there was no bad blood between them and claimed their relationship is long-standing and professionl.

“It was weird, and I’m like, where is this coming from. She’s like a sister to me. In Unilag, I would go to her hostel, her sister is also my friend, so I am not sure where this is coming from,” Afolayan added.

Don’t mention my name – Funke Akindele warns Kunle Afolayan

Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has etched his name into history as the first African musician to be conferred with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy.

The honour was bestowed posthumously at the 2026 Special Merit Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, a day before the main Grammy Awards ceremony. His children Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa and Femi Kuti were present to receive the award on his behalf.

While addressing the audience, Yeni Kuti thanked the Recording Academy and said she believed their father would be “smiling down on us.”

She also recognised her siblings Motunrayo and Seun, who were absent, and applauded her nephew Made Kuti for pushing Afrobeat to greater heights.

“I’m sure my father is smiling down on us. I want to acknowledge my siblings who couldn’t be here tonight, Motunrayo and Seun, and my nephew who is carrying Afrobeat to another level, Made.”

Femi Kuti, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to those who have helped sustain and spread Afrobeat across the world, including DJs, media practitioners, their record label Partisan, legal teams and fans globally. He described the recognition as a milestone not just for their late father, but for Africa and the global fight for justice.

“I would like to thank all the people carrying Afrobeat that are in this place tonight. DJs, the press, our label Partisan, our lawyers, fans all over the world. Thank you for bringing our father here, it’s so important for Africa. It’s so important for world peace and struggle., Femi said.

Fela shared the prestigious honour with other celebrated figures in global music, among them Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher and Paul Simon.

Fela receives Grammy Lifetime Achievement award

Nigerian Afrobeat songstress, Ayra Starr, has named Burna Boy her top collaboration choice.

Ayra Starr made this known while speaking with Love Island USA star, Chelley Bissainthe, during a Billboard interview shared about her nomination for the 2026 Grammy.

While tagging it a moment of reassurance in her career, Ayra Starr said “I am very grateful that I’m actually a two-time Grammy nominee. The first time I got nominated, it was like oh my God, I got nominated.

“But the second time I was like maybe I need to trust God and myself a bit more. I have collaborated with many people, and I still want to collaborate with more people. But everyone knows Burna Boy is like my number one person I want to collaborate with”, she said.

DAILY POST reports that the songstress earned a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance for ‘Gimme Dat’ with Wizkid, released in April 2025.

The nominations were announced in November 2025 ahead of the February 1, 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony.

Reacting to the recognition, the singer described the nomination as a moment of reassurance in her career.

‘Burna Boy is my number one collaboration choice’ — Ayra Starr reveals

Famous Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has responded to her colleague, Kunle Afolayan’s comments on profit making strategies and N2 billion cinema gross.

Actor, Kunle Afolayan had in series of videos criticised current marketing strategies used for cinema movies.

While addressing his colleagues on his approach to filmmaking and profitability, the filmmaker during the launching of his movie ‘Anikulapo’, said “There is no competition between us. I don’t just want N1 billion or N2 billion in the cinema that I won’t be able to personally receive N10 million from.”

Also, when asked why he does not collaborate with cinema, Kunle Afolayan, during his recent appearance on ‘Lagos Business of Film Summit’, said “I want to make a film if you can guarantee I don’t have to dance to sell. We need to come up with other strategies. How do we sell without exhausting ourselves? I don’t know how the likes of Funke Akindele and others are doing it. Creating skits every day, changing costumes all the time. I can’t do it.”

However reacting to his cmments on her Instagram story, Funke who attribute Kunle’s statement to jealousy, said “I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye ni n ye ni

“If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. No allow jealousy burn you. The sky is so big for everybody to fly. Eyin Werey jojo. You can do it! The opportunities are endless, and everyone has their own path. I’m focused on mine, and I have faith in God’s plan for me.

“Go ahead and create alternative promotion or marketing strategies for promoting your business, or hire a company to handle it”, she said

DAILY POST reports that the actor and filmmaker made the comments amid box office records of N1 billion and N2 billion set by actress Toyin Abraham, and Funke Akindele.

Watch Kunle Afolayan speak

‘Dont let jealousy burn you’ – Funke Akindele replies Kunle Afolayan over remarks on cinema movies

Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has described his emergence as the Oloja of Lagos-elect as a solemn call to service that comes with significant cultural and communal responsibilities.

Kosoko, 72, was formally presented as Oloja-elect on January 24 at the palace of the Elereko of Lagos, marking a new chapter in his public life beyond the film industry.

Speaking during to newsmen on Friday, the actor expressed excitement over the development, noting that he considers the selection well-deserved. He, however, did not clarify whether his new traditional role would have any impact on his acting career.

Reacting to the announcement, Nollywood actor and theatre practitioner Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, congratulated Kosoko, describing the appointment as further proof that practitioners in the film industry are disciplined, responsible and relevant contributors to society.

“Jide is not the only prince in Lagos or in the Kosoko family, but because of his intelligence and respect in the community, he was chosen as Oloja of Lagos,” Amusan said.

Kosoko now joins a growing list of entertainers who have taken up traditional leadership roles, following the coronation of comedian and actor Okey Bakassi as a monarch in his Imo State community last year.

The Oloja of Lagos stool had remained vacant since the death of Chief Adebola Ige in 2017.

The announcement of Kosoko’s emergence was made by Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, who publicly presented him to the gathering.

During the ceremony, she raised his hand before members of the royal family and guests, while traditional rites and prayers were performed. She was joined by the Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, who also heads the Meshimo Ruling House.

My emergence as Oloja of Lagos-elect call to service – Jide Kosoko

Femi Kuti, Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician and first son of Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has reacted to the recent controversy over the comparison of singer Wizkid to the late musical genius.

DAILY POST recalls that Wizkid sparked outrage after claiming he is “bigger” than Fela while responding to Seun Kuti’s criticisms of him and his fans over the comparison of the Ojuelegba crooner with the Afrobeat legend.

Speaking in a recent interview with Arise TV via Skype from Los Angeles, Femi said he wished the controversy didn’t come up because he has good relationships with his brother Seun Kuti and Wizkid, who are at the center of it.

He expressed regret over the controversy, describing it as a misplaced priority. He argued that younger artists and musicians in general should focus on demanding for better governance and not bringing up trivial issues.

Femi, however, noted that Fela is in a league of his own and defies comparison with any other artiste.

He added that the late Afrobeat pioneer should be idolised and respected.

He said, “Fela is our father and all, even the younger artists respect him. The Fela vs Wizkid controversy is not an issue that should be brought up. Fela is the musical and artistic template in Nigeria.

“So, Fela should just be put in a sector of his own and we just idolise and respect him. I don’t want to go into Seun and Wizkid’s matter because Seun is my brother and Wizkid is like a son to me. I just wished it didn’t not arose.”

Femi Kuti is currently in Los Angeles where he is expected to receive Fela’s posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony this weekend.

Fela should be idolised, respected – Femi Kuti reacts to Wizkid’s comparison 

Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti has said he regrets the emergence of comparisons between contemporary Nigerian stars and his late father, legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing the debate as unnecessary and unhelpful.

Femi made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television, where he stressed that he would not participate in the discussion, insisting that Nigeria faces far more urgent challenges than celebrity comparisons.

“I wish it never came up. I’m not participating in it,” he said.

“The government doesn’t even know how to move people positively forward. It’s shameful.”

The debate resurfaced following claims by Afrobeat star Wizkid that he was bigger than Seun Kuti’s father, Fela. Wizkid was quoted as saying, “ I big pass your papa.”

Shortly after the debate, the late Fela was nominate for a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys, an honour that has renewed conversations around Fela’s influence on the new generation of singers.

According to Femi, his father should not be placed in competition with today’s artistes, noting that Fela remains the foundation upon which Nigeria’s music industry was built.

“Fela is the template musically and artistically in Nigeria. He should be put in a sector of his own and respected,” he said.

While acknowledging the global success of contemporary Afrobeat artistes, Femi said the focus should be on unity and nation building rather than rivalry narratives.

He further lamented Nigeria’s slow political and social progress, pointing out that many of the issues Fela sang about decades ago remain unresolved.

“For 29 years, he has been gone, yet we are still discussing the same issues,” Femi said, adding that corruption, insecurity, tribalism and terrorism now pose even greater threats to the country.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to channel the global recognition of Nigerian music into building the nation and addressing its core problems.

“This recognition is good for Nigeria and Africa. We should use it to build the country, build our music industry, and come together,” he added.

Wizkid vs Fela: I wish It never came up, Nigeria faces bigger challenges – Femi Kuti

Hollywood actress Catherine O’Hara, best known for her roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, has died at the age of 71.

Her agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), confirmed that O’Hara passed away at her home in Los Angeles’ Brentwood area.

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

O’Hara rose to global prominence as the frantic but devoted mother of Macaulay Culkin’s character in the first two Home Alone films.

She later earned critical acclaim and a new generation of fans for her portrayal of Moira Rose in the Emmy-winning comedy series Schitt’s Creek, a role she played across 80 episodes.

Her film credits include Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and several other projects that established her as one of comedy’s most distinctive performers.

A Canadian native who began her career in improvisational comedy, O’Hara enjoyed a decades-long career spanning film, television and stage.

She is survived by her family and leaves behind a lasting legacy in comedy and popular culture.

‘Home alone’ star Catherine O’Hara dies at 71

Popular Nollywood stars, including Wumi Toriola, Mide Martins, Afeez Owo, and Ronke Oshodi Oke, have solicited financial assistance for small-screen actress Aunty Ajara amid her battle with liver disease.

DAILY POST reports that Aunty Ajara was seen in a viral video on social media, begging the general public to save her life.

The pregnant Ajara, who was placed on oxygen in the hospital, was heard saying, “Please help me.”

Shortly after the short video surfaced online, many Nollywood stars took to their individual social media pages to solicit financial support for her.

Reacting to the development, netizens berated the celebrities for constantly seeking public help for colleagues while they waste bundles of money at parties.

Speaking amid the backlash, actress Mama No Network, in a video on her Instagram page, explained that they have contributed over N5 million for the ailing actress, but her health keeps deteriorating.

Revealing the nature of her sickness, No Network said: “Good evening everyone. I’m here because of Ajara. It was you guys who advised us that the way we posted RIP is too much. Please, for God’s sake, I’m pleading with you. Ajara is in critical condition.

“This is not content. We need financial support from the public and serious prayers. It’s not that Ajara has not been working, but she has been using most of her earnings to care for her mother, who is suffering from a stroke. The funniest part is that she’s pregnant. I’m also surprised to now hear that she’s also battling a liver-related illness,” she said.

Celebrities who also solicited help for her include actress Kemity, actor Jamiu Azeez, actress Bimpe Oyebade, and singer Lanre Alewilese, among others.

Nollywood stars solicits financial assistance for Aunty Ajara amid battle with liver disease