2018 has indeed been an eventful year in the Nigerian entertainment sector. From success stories to tragic occurrences, the year hasn’t been devoid of the good, bad and ugly.
In no particular order, TNG takes a look at 18 personalities, events and controversies that shaped 2018
- Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage would probably make the list of everything related to music in 2018.
From her single ‘Lova Lova’ featuring Duncan Mighty which according to her, is the biggest song of her career to her 2017 song ‘Malo’ which hit over 20 million YouTube views in 2018, she sure has many wins to celebrate in 2018.
- Yemi Alade
This year, the ‘Johnny’ crooner went on a tour of Europe that saw her and her band hold successful concerts in major cities including selling out the 1,500 capacity Melkweg centre in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
At the 2018 edition of Essence Street Style Festival held in Brooklyn, Yemi was one of the headlining acts performing alongside Teyana Taylor.
3. Timaya
The dancehall singer became a father in July after the birth of his first son.
4.Yvonne Jegede
Beautiful actress, Yvonne Jegede had her life change when she welcomed her baby in faraway United States of America.Many of her fans and the media didn’t know about her pregnancy.
5. Funke Akindele-Bello
Sensational actress and comedienne, Funke Akindele-Bello delivered a set of twins in December. Her social media page was on fire with congratulatory messages over the last weekend.
6. Tosyn Bucknor
Popular Nigerian media personality, singer and writer, Tosyn Bucknor passed on the 19th of December 2018. The deceased was reportedly found dead by her husband, Aurelien Boyer, when he arrived at home from work. The news was confirmed by her former colleague at Top Radio, Wale Adigun, via his Twitter account
- Juliet Ibrahm vs Nkechi Sunday
We won’t forget in a hurry the war of words between Juliet Ibrahim and Nkechi Blessing. The talented actresses lashed out on each other over a slap Arole gave to Nkechi during the shoot of a movie.
Nkechi uploaded a video on her Instagram page which triggered the feud.
In the video, she was captured being slapped by Nigerian comedian, Arole. Nkechi however called on the director of the movie to cut the scene because the slap was too intense.
Juliet Ibrahim, via a comment on Nkechi’s page, noted that telling the director to end the scene isn’t professional.
This resulted into an intense exchange of words between the two role interpreters which began yesterday.
- Mercy Aigbe’s mansion controversy
In 2018, the fashionable Edo State born actress, Mercy Aigbe got enmeshed in one social media trouble or the other. The beautiful role interpreter was in the news recently when it was speculated that her new mansion was gifted by a governor.
Reacting over the claims, an angry Aigbe wrote:” Dear Bloggers, the mumu upcoming script writer! and association of instablog bad belle, jobless commentators….this house you see in this picture was bought with my hard work and God’s grace( not that I owe y’all an explanation)……..since you have taken it upon yourselves to be in my business, pls employ a very good private investigator, a pastor, an Alfa or a Babalawo to help you in further investigations….so you won’t be peddling stupid rumours that has no iota of truth in it!….let me quickly warn you that more is coming oh!!! Because something HUGE is cooking . I am just getting started”.
- Bishop Imeh allegedly demanding sex from a prostitute
Nollywood comic actor ,Imeh Bishop this year was exposed over allegedly demanding sex from a prostitute. A chat he had with the hooker surfaced online .In the conversation, the lady accused the actor of pestering her for sex.
- Sola Sobowale
The veteran actress has proven times without number that age is no excuse to remain redundant. Many won’t forget in a hurry the role of Alhaja Eniola Salami she played in the movie ‘King of Boys’.
In ‘King of Boys’, Sobowale combined her trade mark authenticity, energy and unrivaled depth needed as a ruler of the underworld striving to win political battles in the movie.
- Ras Kimono
The Nigerian legendary music icon passed on in June at the age of 60 .
According to reports,the musician had slumped at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos while waiting to board a flight to the United States. Sadly, his wife died about three months after his demise.
- Teni entertainer
From being a melodious vocalist with that tomboyish mien, Teni has become more than just a talented singer. She has morphed into a social media sensation. Her groovy song, ‘Askamaya’ currently has over 2m views on YouTube. In addition, ‘Case’ a song she just released in less than two months has already become a street anthem, garnering more than a millon views on YouTube.
- Odunlade Adekola
This year Odunlade remained on top of his game. He appeared in more movies, signed endorsement deals, won the AMVCA and continued to blossom in his career.
- Davido
Talent aside, Davido is one of the most enterprising Nigerian artistes of his generation. The Afro-pop star continues to blaze the trail in his music career with groovy tunes. His melodious Afro-pop song, ‘Assurance’ dedicated to his girlfriend, Chioma has over 30m YouTube views as at the time of filing this report.
- Tiwa Savage -Wizkid
We won’t forget any time soon the storm created by Wizkid and Tiwa Savage after Wizzy released the visuals for his song ’Fever’.
The provocative video features pop star, Tiwa Savage who doubles as a sexy vixen and the Star boy’s love interest.
From lustful stares and near-kiss scenarios, the chemistry between Wizzy and Tiwa was just palpable in the visuals, making their fans speculate that there may just be more to their relationship than the musical synergy they share.
- Burna Boy
Burna Boy sure outdid himself this year with his sequence of hit songs released back to back. This aided the singer’s ‘Outside’ album which was released to critical acclaim in January.
Following the release of Kanye West’s album on June 1, fans searching for it on streaming platforms stumbled on Burna Boy’s ‘Ye’ and many downloaded it.As at the time of filing this report the song has 6.5 YouTube views
17. Olamide
The self-proclaimed Baddo continued to expand his YBNL empire by signing on more artistes. His songs, ‘Science student’ and Gbana’ are arguably one of the biggest tunes of 2018.
- Funlola Aofiyebi Raimi
We won’t forget in a hurry the role Funlola played in the movie ‘Tatu’. Funlola portrayed excellently the character of a catholic nun. She took on the character like a garb and gave it her best shot. Little wonder the movie got her a nomination at the 2018 edition of African Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
