‘Only few Nigerian artists are not cultists’ – Naira Marley claims

Rapper and singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has expressed deep concern over the menace of cultism in the Nigerian music industry.

Lamenting about the negative trend, Marley claimed that only a few Nigerian artists, including himself, are yet to join a cult.

He mocked artists who joined cults for power and protection, pointing out that even those who influenced them to join still move around with police escorts for security.

On his X handle, the rapper wrote, “We no reach 5 weh never join cult for this [music] industry. Person weh put u for cult self dey carry police escort up and down.”

Meanwhile, Naira Marley has previously debunked rumours that he is a cultist, claiming that he was once threatened by cultists for refusing to join.

‘Only few Nigerian artists are not cultists’ – Naira Marley claims

2026 OSCAR Nominations [ FULL LIST]

Hollywood has officially announced the nominations for this year’s Academy Awards, celebrating the most acclaimed films and performances of the past year, with one title rewriting the record books.

Leading the pack is Sinners, which earned a record-breaking 16 nominations, surpassing the long-standing benchmark jointly held by All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016).

The achievement firmly positions Sinners as the dominant force of this awards’ season.

Close behind is One Battle After Another with 13 nominations, while Marty Supreme, Frankenstein, and Sentimental Value each secured nine nods.

Hamnet also made a strong showing with eight nominations.

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 15 March, with U.S. comedian, Conan O’Brien set to host the star-studded event.

Best Picture Nominees

Bugonia

F1: The Movie

Frankenstein

Hamnet

Marty Supreme

One Battle After Another

The Secret Agent

Sentimental Value

Sinners

Train Dreams

Acting Categories

Best Actor

Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme)

Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another)

Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon)

Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)

Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent)

Best Actress

Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)

Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You)

Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue)

Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value)

Emma Stone (Bugonia)

Best Supporting Actor

Benicio del Toro (One Battle After Another)

Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein)

Delroy Lindo (Sinners)

Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)

Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value)

Best Supporting Actress

Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value)

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value)

Amy Madigan (Weapons)

Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners)

Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another)

Directing and Screenwriting

Best Director

Chloé Zhao (Hamnet)

Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme)

Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)

Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value)

Ryan Coogler (Sinners)

Original Screenplay

Blue Moon – Robert Kaplow

It Was Just an Accident – Jafar Panahi

Marty Supreme – Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie

Sentimental Value – Eskil Vogt & Joachim Trier

Sinners – Ryan Coogler

Adapted Screenplay

Bugonia – Will Tracy

Frankenstein – Guillermo del Toro

Hamnet – Chloé Zhao & Maggie O’Farrell

One Battle After Another – Paul Thomas Anderson

Train Dreams – Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar

Other Major Categories

Animated Feature

Arco

Elio

KPop Demon Hunters

Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

Zootopia 2

Documentary Feature

The Alabama Solution

Come See Me in the Good Light

Cutting Through Rocks

Mr Nobody Against Putin

The Perfect Neighbor

International Feature

The Secret Agent (Brazil)

It Was Just an Accident (France)

Sentimental Value (Norway)

Sirāt (Spain)

The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia)

2026 OSCAR Nominations [ FULL LIST]

VeryDarkMan knocks Wizkid for insulting Fela

Social media influencer, VeryDarkMan, popularly known as VDM, has accused Afrobeat musician Wizkid of disrespecting music legend Fela Kuti.

In a viral video released on Thursday, VDM stated that Nigeria is the only county that do not recognize music legends, stating that while other countries honors great artists, Nigerians disregard theirs as “past glory”.

He further went ahead to say that some Nigerian music pioneers and veterans who voice out their concerns on national and industry issues are either insulted or ignored.

His comments came amid the ongoing clash between Seun Kuti and Wizkid.

Calling names like Eldee the Don, African China, Plantation Boiz, Psquare, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Weird MC, 2Face Idibia and Blackface, he said, “People you are supposed to idolise and respect are called ‘past glory’ in this country.”

The social media influencer and activist further criticized Wizkid’s comments, saying they caused his fabs to insult Fela.

He claimed that although disagreements are normal, Wizkid should have handled the situation better.

He address the ongoing comparisons between Wizkid and Fela Kuti, especially arguments centred on the Grammy Award.

He dismissed claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above the late Afrobeat icon.

VeryDarkMan argued that the award was largely influenced by Beyoncé, not Wizkid’s solo artistry.

Wizkid had won a Grammy in 2021 for Best Music Video as a featured artiste on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, alongside Blue Ivy.

VDM pointed out that international music superstar, Beyoncé, has repeatedly celebrated the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, recalling how she once performed Zombie as a tribute and praised Fela in several interviews.

According to him, Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025, while Fela Kuti is also expected to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.

In contrast, VeryDarkMan singled out Burna Boy and Tems as Nigerian artistes whose Grammy wins were based purely on individual musical contributions.

He referenced Burna Boy’s Best Global Music Album win for Twice As Tall, as well as Tems’ multiple Grammy awards, arguing that their recognitions were a direct reflection of artistic merit.

The activist also came to Fela Kuti’s defence over criticisms of his personal life, particularly his multiple marriages.

He questioned why historical figures such as King Solomon are widely revered despite similar controversies, while Fela continues to face harsh judgment.

VeryDarkMan insisted that Wizkid, musically and artistically, has not surpassed Fela Kuti or other members of the Kuti dynasty, including Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Made Kuti.

According to him, the Kuti family’s enduring influence on African music and global cultural discourse remains unmatched by many contemporary stars.

VeryDarkMan knocks Wizkid for insulting Fela

Fela: ‘Wizkid is my padi’ – Yeni Kuti reacts to singer’s clash with Seun [VIDEO]

Yeni Kuti, the first child of the late Afrobeat founder, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has finally reacted to Wizkid’s online fight with her brother, Seun Kuti.

DAILY POST reports that Seun Kuti started dragging Wizkid’s fanbase popularly known as Wizkid FC last week for comparing the singer’s legacy and influence with that of his father, late Fela Kuti.

The fight escalated on the sixth day of the constant dragging when Seun dared Wizkid to prove he truly cared for his fans by protecting them from him.

Breaking silence in solidarity to his fans, Wizkid told Seun that “I’m bigger than your father”, and challenged Seun Kuti to do his worst.

His response sparked controversy online, with many blaming Seun for pushing the singer to the wall while some netizens including some of Fela’s children berated Wizkid for disrespecting the late legend.

The development which led to public debate on Wizkid and Fela’s legacy and influence sparked mixed reactions among Nigerian celebrities.

However, amid the controversy, Yeni Kuti, speaking on ‘Your View’ program on TVC, on Thursday, said she refused to involve herself in the fight with Wizkid because the singer is her close friend and she loves him a lot.

Speaking about Wizkid’s longtime relationship with Fela’s family, Yeni, who said “Wizkid is my padi”, further urged the public to come together to celebrate Fela at this year Grammy awards.

Yeni said, “I love Wizkid a lot. You know, Wizkid is my padi now. When two giants fight, it’s the grass that suffers. I refuse to enter some of the insults that they are hauling because I love Wizkid a lot. Wizkid is my padi now and my so friend. We have come a long way together. I remember when we started that shrine, he was a backup singer and the shrine during Felabration.

“So, there’s no way I can ever no like Wizkid. I like him and I wish at the beginning, he had quickly put a stop to it but he didn’t. Let’s mend fences , we are one people. We’re just about to go and celebrate our icon at the Grammy and you’re all doing as if you are trying to dent it. It’s not Fela or Fela family that you are denting, it’s all Nigeria. Did you Bob Marley people do that? They don’t do that.

“Whichever way you look at it, this one is bigger than Fela, that one is bigger than Fela. He started the journal of music, he’s an icon, and so if you have problems, why are you attacking him? He has done his own, he has gone. What people don’t understand is Fela has been dead for 27 years. And you are still mentioning his name. That’s just answer to his greatness. So let’s just respect that. Fight yourselves you that are alive and leave the man that has done his own and gone.”

Watch video

Fela: ‘Wizkid is my padi’ – Yeni Kuti reacts to singer’s clash with Seun [VIDEO]

Davido appreciates his father for publicly defending him amid fresh paternity drama

Famous Nigerian musician, Davido, has appreciated his father, Adedeji Adeleke, for coming to his defense amid the ongoing paternity drama with his alleged baby mama, Ayo Labinjoh.

DAILY POST reports that Ayo Labinjoh’s teenage daughter, Aanu Adeleke, had a week ago written an open letter to her alleged father, Davido, demanding a paternity test.

While denying ever seeing the lady before, Davido, in a series of posts on X, stated that five DNA tests conducted before now showed that Aanu Adeleke is not his daughter.

In response, Ayo Labinjoh, who insisted that Davido is her daughter’s father, tagged the DNA test as fake.

Defending his son amid the controversy, Adedeji Adeleke, during a press conference on Wednesday, disclosed that the child’s paternity test was conducted on both Davido and his cousin, singer B-Red.

Reacting to the development in a post on his Instagram page on Thursday, Davido thanked his father for the public support

Sharing a picture of them together, the singer wrote “Thank you my loving Father.”

Davido appreciates his father for publicly defending him amid fresh paternity drama

Alleged love child: We conducted multiple DNA tests to settle paternity claims – Davido’s father opens up 

Adedeji Adeleke, father of Nigerian music star Davido, has opened up on how the family coordinated several DNA tests to determine whether 12-year-old Anuoluwapo is the singer’s daughter.

DAILY POST recalls that the paternity controversy involving Davido and the alleged daughter surfaced mid-January.

In an Instagram post shared on January 15, Anuoluwapo alleged that she had been subjected to bullying and mockery over claims that Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, is her father.

She said the situation had affected her mental health and subsequently demanded that the singer undergo a DNA test to confirm her paternity.

Reacting, however, Adeleke told newsmen that before the matter reached them, social media personality Kemi Olunloyo had alleged that the child might be B-Red’s, Davido’s cousin.

He said: “Because B-Red’s name is Adebayo, but his middle name is also David Adeleke, when the aunty of the little girl came, I said, ‘Look, this is what we are going to do.’

“You go and pick your own clinic of your choice, come to Lagos, I will make sure it is available, bring the little girl, and we will go to your clinic and do the test.

“But I said before we do that, I am going to arrange for another clinic in Lekki apart from the one we went to before, so that David and the little girl will do two more tests, and then I will arrange two clinics for my nephew Bayo to do two tests.

“So the day you come, we are going to have four different tests. That’s why you must have heard we’ve done five DNA tests.”

According to Dr. Adeleke, three of the tests were conducted for Davido, while two were for B-Red.

He recounted how the family first became aware of the child:

“I received a document in my mail, sent to me from Ibadan in 2014 via DHL, and in the package there were pictures of a little girl, pictures of David with the little girl, and a picture of the mother of the girl. In that mail, there was also a birth certificate of the child, and what caught my attention was that the record of the birth certificate stated the full name of the father as Adeleke David and the full name of the mother as Adeleke Ayoomide.

“How can she be Adeleke? That caught my attention. Also in that package was a letter from the grandmother of the girl, Anu, with her telephone number.”

The letter read: “Dear Sir, I know you and your family are in good health. I know the Lord has been good to you, and I do not expect otherwise, Sir. I am a widow with two daughters; I lost my husband 13 years ago and have singlehandedly cared for both of them with the help of God, but was challenged. Early last year, my eldest daughter Ayotomide informed me that your son David Adeleke was responsible for her pregnancy.

“Their meeting occurred when your son came to Ibadan for a show. I sat with her as a mother to ask her who the father of the child was. She has confided in me so many times that your son is indeed the father of her child. She put to bed on November 19 and gave birth to a baby girl.”

Adeleke described how he contacted the grandmother and arranged for the DNA tests:

“Immediately I saw this letter, even before I called David, I called this woman and said I had not spoken to my son yet, but I was going to speak to him. I suggested she give me her address in Ibadan; I would send my driver to come and see where she lived. I assured her that if this girl is my granddaughter, she would have no problem with me; I would welcome her into my family. She gave me her address, and I told her the hospital I use in Lekki is an Indian hospital, that’s where I do my check-ups and everything. I asked the hospital to arrange for a DNA test.”

He added that the test was conducted via saliva samples and analyzed in South Africa:

“When the day came, my driver brought the mother of the child, the baby, and the grandmother. We all met at the hospital. David, myself, and Lati went up first, and the doctor told us the procedure. It was not done by blood but from saliva collected and sealed, then sent to South Africa for analysis.

“When the result was ready, the mother, the grandmother, and I signed that both of us would be the ones to receive the result. When the result was ready, I called her, and we opened the test result together.”

Alleged love child: We conducted multiple DNA tests to settle paternity claims – Davido’s father opens up 

Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo: Shina Peters reacts to comparison with Jim Ovia

Legendary Nigerian Juju singer, Sir Shina Peters, has reacted to Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, the founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre, KICC, for comparing his financial decisions with that of Zenith bank founder, Jim Ovia.

DAILY POST reports that Mathew Ashimolowo had while preaching about ‘wealth and timing’ at COZA 12DG, said, “Don’t buy a big house until you cross a certain age. What do you need it for? To show? In 1990, two men had N20 million in Nigeria. One used his own to build a big house, the second one used it to start a bank.

“The house that was built in 1990 cannot look beautiful to today. Systems and designs have changed. In 1990 everybody dey build 4 flats but now is contemporary houses. Now the bank is worth about N20 trillion, I will mention the musician, it’s not a crime, it’s what he did. His name is Shina Peters, using N20 million to build a house. Jim Ovia’s N20 million started a bank.

“One man is now fixing leaking roofs, broken toilets, door wey no dey shut anymore. And the other one, every country I go to in Africa, I see a branch. So, I’m speaking to someone now, delay your gratification, God will lift you up,” he said.

The sermon has sparked criticism from netizens, including singer Daddy Showkey, who condemned the cleric for mocking Shina Peters’ career.

Reacting to the trending video in a post on his Insta story on Wednesday, Shina Peters described the cleric’s claim as false and derogatory.

While appreciating his junior colleague, Daddy Showkey, for bringing his attention to Ashimolowo’s claim concerning him, Shina Peters, who is now also a pastor, noted that he would not take legal action because of his dedication to the body of Christ.

He wrote, “Thanks to @daddyshowkey for speaking on this matter and bringing it to my attention. I’m not one to judge people and their opinions of me, but as a man of God myself, and for the sake of the legacy of our Christ Jesus, I will not be taking legal actions nor will I speak ill against you, despite your false & derogatory statements.

“God has really blessed me beyond words, you can’t even begin to imagine the blessings of God upon my life all these decades. People close to me know what I’m talking about. On the other hand, God being a loving father that He is, has also blessed you, His son, @matthewashimolowo.official.

“How we use our blessings to set good examples for people is what matters now. May God almighty continue to bless all my fans all over the world. Amen.”

Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo: Shina Peters reacts to comparison with Jim Ovia

‘If I catch you, nobody will save you’ – Tonto Dikeh warns impersonator

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has issued a stern warning to those impersonating her on social media, especially on TikTok, threatening legal action.

The movie star revealed that a lady is impersonating her on TikTok and scamming her fans by extorting money from them.

She warned that if the lady is caught, she would do everything legally possible to ensure that she is jailed regardless of any public outcry.

Speaking in a video broadcast, Dikeh said, “I know my impersonator is a girl because we have been trailing you, the police are on you.

“To the girl who is impersonating me on TikTok, collecting money from people, scamming people and also scamming me because you are taking my contents and posting on your TikTok page not as a fanpage, but posing to be me.

“I just want to tell you that when I catch you, nobody is going to save you. Only Jesus will save you. Because I’m not the kind of person that social media would make me back down. You will definitely go to jail.”

‘If I catch you, nobody will save you’ – Tonto Dikeh warns impersonator

Lizzy Anjorin’s husband not interested in getting her help – Iyabo Ojo claims [VIDEO]

Nigerian actress, Iyabo Ojo, has claimed that Lizzy Anjorin’s husband does not have interest in getting her help.

Iyabo Ojo stated this during her viral live stream on Tiktok, while addressing the public over allegations made against her by Lizzy Anjorin.

While urging her fans to stop giving Lizzy attention on social media, the actress stated that Lizzy is suffering from Schizophrenia.

Expressing worries over Lizzy’s alleged helpless situation, Iyabo claimed latter may not stop attacking her until she receives medical attention.

Emphasising on the importance of education, Iyabo alleged that Lizzy Anjorin’s husband is either ignoring the signs or refusing to getting her help.

She said, “You see, you can’t fight the whole world. So, it’s crazy, she’s so stressed out and unfortunately for her, she’s married to someone who is not learned. She’s married to someone that’s either ignoring the signs or not just interested in getting her help because what she needs typically is help. She’s not ok upstairs.

“Me right now, I just laugh if I stumbled on any of her videos. I don’t take anything she is saying serious anymore because God has kept blessing me. I’m hale, I’m healthy, and I’m of the sound mind. And I’m grateful to God because of the blessing that he had blessed me with in 2025, I’m telling you, it’s not going to be compared to the blessing He’s going to bless me and my family and my children with in 2026.

“I’m going to stay positive for my sanity, my children, my life, and for everybody around me. I need you my fans to just leave her alone. Ignore her video or laugh it off. Don’t take it too seriously. The fact is that this fight is of God. It is only God that can heal and strengthen her”, Iyabo Ojo stated.

Watch the video 

Lizzy Anjorin’s husband not interested in getting her help – Iyabo Ojo claims [VIDEO]

‘You’ve old woman as partner’ – Seun Kuti hits Wizkid for insulting his wife

Maverick singer Seun Kuti has reacted after his colleague Wizkid attacked his wife, Yetunde Kuti, amid their ongoing feud.

Wizkid, who is engaged in a social media war with Seun Kuti over his incessant criticisms of him and his fans, had called Seun Kuti’s wife “ugly”.

This didn’t sit well with Seun Kuti, who had now gone on another livestream to lambast Wizkid, 35, and his partner, Jada Pollock, 43.

Kuti berated Wizkid for involving women and kids in their beef, stressing that he has no right to insult his wife considering that his partner is an older woman.

He said, “Real men don’t involve women and kids in their beef. Wizkid that has an old woman as a partner is insulting my wife. You are calling my wife ugly, should I be doing that with you and be insulting your wife?

“Your fans are insulting my wife and kid. They are all over my kid’s page. But all that can’t break me. I want my child to experience what I experienced so that she can be strong like me.”

Kuti claimed that Wizkid is depressed and urged him to rediscover himself.

“I know you are depressed fam. What you need to do Wizkid is to rediscover yourself, to become Wiz, Kid, or Big Wiz… You don’t have identity – is it Big Wiz? Is it Wizkid? Is it Biggest bird? Na me you still copy.”

Video:

‘You’ve old woman as partner’ – Seun Kuti hits Wizkid for insulting his wife