TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nigerian singer

  • Why most artistes are not financially stable – Bella Shmurda

    Why most artistes are not financially stable – Bella Shmurda

    Nigerian singer, Bella Shmurda, has spoken about how frivolous spending is affecting the finances of many Nigerian artistes.

    Shmurda claimed that many of his colleagues are unable to fund their projects without the backing of major labels because they lavish their money on trivialities.

    Featuring in a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, the ‘Cash App’ crooner explained that he too, made a similar mistake at the beginning of his rise to stardom but later corrected it.

    The singer argued that artistes do not need to spend the bulk of their earnings on expensive jewellery and cars to build a brand, noting that simplicity is also a form of branding.

    He said, “I don’t think packaging has to be materialistic. Having good clothes on you, looking nice, nice skin, brushing your teeth, smelling well is okay, if you know how to dress without chains. I mean some of us don’t have these things before, and we looked good. This guy doesn’t have a chain on, and he looks good. He’s not dirty. I mean, that’s packaged enough for your purpose.

    “It’s because of the too much emphasis on expensive packaging that our young artists now run towards advances and they end up being indebted to those companies. And the companies have to hold their catalogue for years. It’s because of these materials things that they go into debts. They can’t even fund their next project because they do use their money buy big motor. I made that mistake too but I learnt. And I feel like we just have to educate ourselves about these things.”

  • Wizkid unveils daughter’s face at Tribeca film festival

    Wizkid unveils daughter’s face at Tribeca film festival

    ‘Long Live Lagos’, the highly anticipated documentary chronicling the life and career of Nigerian-born global music sensation Ayo Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, premiered on Friday at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival.

    The Tribeca festival is an annual film festival in New York City showcasing a diverse selection of film, episodic, talks, music, games, art, and immersive programming.

    In footage that surfaced on social media, the 34-year-old singer was seen with his cute six-month-old daughter, Morayo, at the premiere event and live conversations of the documentary directed by Karam Gill.

    The film traces Wizkid’s remarkable journey from his humble beginnings in Lagos to his rise as a global music icon.

    The documentary highlights his influence on both the African and international music scenes, featuring insights into his creative process, career milestones, and cultural impact.

    The film also features intimate interviews with key figures in his life and career, including Femi Kuti and Jada Pollock, offering a glimpse into the experiences that have shaped Wizkid into the artist he is today.

    Wizkid had expressed his excitement about the documentary, saying, “We made this documentary when life got crazy for me. Playing Tottenham Hotspur stadium while dealing with life! Glad I get to have my amazing fans and family on this journey with me. This is love! From a real place!”

    Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Wizkid, 34, rose to prominence with ‘Superstar’, his debut album in 2011.

    He has released other successful albums, including ”Ayo’ (2014), ‘Sound from the Other Side’ (2017), and ‘More Love, Less Ego’ (2022).

    Wizkid’s last album ‘Morayo’ was released on November 22, 2024, as a tribute to Jane Dolapo Balogun, his late mother, who passed away in August 2023.

  • How Bobrisky sought my help during naira abuse case – Falz

    How Bobrisky sought my help during naira abuse case – Falz

    Nigerian rapper, Falz has opened up on how Nigerian male barbie, Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju better known Bobrisky sought his help over the Naira abuse case.

    It would be recalled that the controversial crossdresser was in the news last year after he was arrested and sentenced to six months in prison for abusing the Naira.

    Social media critic, VeryDarkMan had shared an audio conversation purported to be between Bobrisky and Falz.

    In the audio, Bobrisky was portrayed as claiming Femi Falana and Falz contacted him while he was serving his sentence. However, the crossdresser denied the recording’s authenticity and threatened to sue VeryDarkMan for alleged defamation.

    Speaking, Falz during a recent interview said Bobrisky sent a message to him via Instagram, asking for his aid with the Naira abuse case. The rapper said he gave audience to Bobrisky just like he would to other people seeking legal assistance from him.

    The ‘Jeje’ hitmaker said out of his sincere heart, he intended to offer his help, but it turned out otherwise.

    The 34-year-old added that despite the backlash he received from the situation, he would not refrain from helping other people seeking legal advice.

    “Before that incident or phone call, I never had a relationship. She would message me on Instagram, saying I am in this so-so case. I want to speak to you about how you can help me,” he said.

    “Tons and tons of people message me about similar issues like that. And this is not a social case. It is not an exception. In all those cases, I would give them an audience and ask what the plea is. How can I help?

    “I would do that with my heart of hearts passionately. Little did I know. As they say, once beaten, twice shy.  At the end of the thought, I would not say I will never go to help anybody in my life again. It is just to be a little bit more cautious.”

  • I am not MayD or Cynthia Morgan – Peter Okoye reacts to allegations of false statement to EFCC 

    I am not MayD or Cynthia Morgan – Peter Okoye reacts to allegations of false statement to EFCC 

    Peter Okoye, twin brother of the defunct music group (P-Square) also known as Mr. P has reacted to claims of lying in his statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing fraud trial involving royalties and company finances.

    Recall that, the anti-graft agency had arraigned Jude Okoye alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, on a four-count charge bordering on fraud.

    During cross-examination by the defence counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, presented evidence to the court presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, which revealed that Peter’s testimony was riddled with inconsistencies and outright fabrications intended to mislead the EFCC and tarnish the reputation of the defendant, Jude.

    The defence also discredited Peter’s earlier statement to the EFCC in which he described himself as a graduate of the University of Abuja. Onwuenwunor revealed that Peter had, in fact, dropped out of the institution contrary to his earlier claim.

    When confronted with the discrepancy between his oral claims and written EFCC testimony, Peter attempted to backtrack, stating that he had only said he “attended” the University.

    Speaking after court session, Singer Peter Okoye noted that he will continue to speak his truth, especially after seeing what became of late Nigerian singer, Mohbad who died under suspicious circumstances.

    Peter wrote: “Exactly what I was talking about: their publicist doing everything for me to look like a liar. I am not MayD or Cynthia Morgan; I am PETER OKOYE, the one and only THE ROCK/OKWUTE of the Okoyes. The truth shall surely prevail#UnaThiefAbiUnaNoThief#FamilyDoesNotStealFromFamily.”

    “After watching everything about Mohbad’s death and how the whole thing played out to date, I decided to myself that I would never play the bigger person nor act as the mature one. And that’s exactly what led to this whole madness. Simply because I was trying to be the bigger person and act maturely! Omo! Never again. So love me or hate me, I will continue speaking my truth,” he noted

  • Move on from my body – Tems tells trolls

    Move on from my body – Tems tells trolls

    Nigerian singer, Tems has urged trolls to desist from always talking about her derriere.

    This comes after a troll in reaction of a recent video of singer, made some comments about her physique.

    Responding, Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter via the microblogging platform, X on Tuesday fired back at critics stating that she doesn’t see the need to flaunt her derriere or garner validation from her male audience.

    She stated that she has had enough and would prefer her admirers to either flaunt theirs or move on from always talking about her physique.

    “Okay, 7 years in. It’s time to pack it up”, she wrote.

    I never thought I’d need to say it, but you are all weird. “It’s small, it’s flat, it’s fat.”
    Dog, it’s mine. “Show us your bumbum” lol so me too I will turn and say “see”, she added.

    Nah, show ME yours first?? See how that feels? It’s just a body, I will add and lose weight.
    I never once hid my body; I just didn’t feel the need to prove or disprove anyone. The more you don’t like my body, the better for me, actually.But it’s enough now. Move on from my bum.”

  • Falz gives reason for not wanting to raise his kids in Nigeria

    Falz gives reason for not wanting to raise his kids in Nigeria

    Nigerian singer, Falz has revealed that he might not raise his kids in Nigeria.

    The ‘This Is Nigeria’ crooner cited threats due to his activism, and the country’s security and economic challenges as reasons.

    Falz featured as a guest in a recent episode of the Dear Ife Series Podcast hosted by Ifedayo Agoro.

    The host asked: “Would you raise your children in Nigeria if you were going to have any?”

    Falz replied: “Ah! That’s a deep question. I didn’t expect to here this question. I haven’t really thought that far, let me not lie.

    “But it’s something that I can’t actually said ‘yes’ to because of what we are talking about [the insecurity in the country, threats due to my activism, and Nigerians’ docility].

    “It’s something I cannot outrightly say ‘yes’ to. And it’s so sad. But I can’t also outrightly say ‘no’ because I’m pro-Nigerian and I really believe that we can actually get it right. But I don’t know, I don’t know, but let’s see [laughs].”

    The rapper is currently single and yet to have a child.

  • ‘Tems only had 200 naira when I met her’ – Manager

    ‘Tems only had 200 naira when I met her’ – Manager

    Muyiwa Awoniyi, the manager of Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has recounted the singer’s humble beginning, revealing that she had only N200 in her bank.

    TheNewsGuru reports Muyiwa during a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast shared how he met Tems and what made him decide to enter into a business relationship with her.

    According to Muyiwa,  the singer is different from anyone he has ever met in Nigeria, as she was very generous towards him when they first met, despite having no actual means of earning an income.

    He said, “Back then when I was doing my podcast, she would just be sitting down while me and my cousin are talking.

    “Then obviously, she wasn’t financially buoyant in any capacity. When I met Tems, she only had about 200 Naira in her account.

    “Then I had a production company. So, if I had money, I would buy food. Another thing that shocked me was that even though she didn’t have money, she will order food for us. She didn’t even have a way of earning.

    “So, I just realised that she is different from everyone I have seen in Nigeria.”

    He added that Tems’ determination and dedication particularly caught his attention. He further noted that her eagerness to formalise their working relationship made him realise he wanted to have a business relationship with her for life.

    He said: “There was something Tems did that made me say, ‘I don’t want to do a managerial contract with you, let’s do a company.’

    “When she asked me to be her manager, I agreed and said I would send her a contract to sign. We had already verbally agreed on everything. You know, when you present paperwork for artists to sign, it’s always tricky. But she was chasing me to sign my own part. And I have never experienced that before.

    “I was like, ‘You don’t mind signing paperwork? Hold on, let’s not do this. You’re someone I can rock with for life. Let’s start a company.’ Prior to this, Tems and I were friends for about three months and we never spoke about working together.”

  • Davido reacts as Nasboi begins 36-day nationwide kneel plea for singer’ feature

    Davido reacts as Nasboi begins 36-day nationwide kneel plea for singer’ feature

    Superstar Afrobeats singer, David Adeleke professionally known as Davido has taken to social media to react after fast rising singer Nasboi expressed his desire to work with the Afrobeats star on a new song project in the most controversial way.

    In a bid to get the singer to work with him, Nasboi, who came into limelight when he started mimicking Davido in his skits, shared a photo of himself kneeling at Osun/Kano State government secretariats, with a placard that reads Day 1, Osun State, Day 2 Kano State, respectively.

    The skitmaker vows that he would kneel in front of all government houses across the 36 states in Nigeria to get a verse from Davido. 

    “1 state down! 35 more to go. Osun State first because were both from Osun”, he wrote.

    “In 2019, I started mimicking Davido to get his attention for my music, but the videos blew me up as a comedian.. (Gods plan) I am back to plea with 001. Bless me with a verse for this song king. I will be kneeling across 36 states for 36 days. I pray this dream comes to pass. Please as a fan of nasboi, just tag @davido everyday when you see the post…. Day 001 Osun state, 35 states to go,” he said in another post

    Davido, however, in his response did not reject or accept Nasboi’s request for a music verse, rather he commented ‘Set up’ on the post.

    Who is Nasboi

    Born Nasiru Bolaji Lawal, Nasboi gained fame through his comedic talents, particularly for his viral video mimicking Davido, the Grammy-nominated music star, which quickly catapulted him to stardom.

  • Davido overjoyed as he reunites with daughter, Imade

    Davido overjoyed as he reunites with daughter, Imade

    David Adeleke, a Nigerian recording artiste who is better known as Davido, has finally reunited with his first daughter, Imade Adeleke.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the music star was embroiled in a custody battle with his daughter’s mother, Sophia Momodu, since 2022.

    The 31-year-old singer filed a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court in April 2024, seeking custody of his daughter, Imade, after accusing Sophia of denying him access to her.

    In response, Sophia submitted a counter-affidavit consisting of 102 paragraphs to challenge Davido’s claims, asserting that the singer had failed to fulfill his responsibilities as a father after their sexual relationship ended.

    Following the intervention of the singer’s uncle, Governor, Ademola Adeleke, Davido was able to reunite with his daughter.

    Sophia’s uncle and journalist, Dele Momodu via Instagram on Wednesday night thanked the governor for his intervention. He shared a photo of the Osun State governor with Imade, captioning it, “Thank you my Twin Brother… LOVE conquers..”

    Davido also excitedly shared a reunion photo with Imade via his Instagram page and wrote, “Best day of my life.”

     

  • Outrage as Speed Darlington confesses to raping an underage virgin

    Outrage as Speed Darlington confesses to raping an underage virgin

    The public confession of controversial Nigerian rapper, Darlington Okoye, otherwise known as Speed Darlington, about getting intimate with a 15-year-old teenage girl has sparked outrage on social media.

    This is coming after Darlington during a recent live-session on Instagram recounted his experience with a  fifteen-year-old in one of the hotels in Lagos

    “I can’t imagine working in a hotel and being the one to clean bedsheets used by strangers cause I recently slept with a 15yr old girl at a certain hotel and she méssêd up the sheets with blood because she was still a virgin,” the self-acclaimed rapper was heard saying during his live session.

    He continued, “Before they could come change the sheets for me, I had to let go of N2,000

    “Because the thing is somehow, to tell an adult to come and clean bl**d; bl**d that I brought out of the body of a 15-year-old girl.

    “I can never work for anybody, lai lai. I only work for myself.”

    Reacting, some Nigerians took to micro-blogging platform, X (formerly known as Twitter) to call for his arrest, as they condemn the statements made by the rapper, referring to him as a paedophile.

    @moonlight_sira wrote: “Opening confessing to engaging in paedophilia, hope the authorities are watching?”

    rachikoye posted. “Speed Darlington will always irritate me  especially his abasa mouth like spit sprinkler. You people enable his nonsense too”

    Another user, @luvlybunnny posted, “Speed Darlington is an idiot and a very big ignoramus. He suppose Dey prison before next week… let’s see how it goes in Nigeria sha.”

    _cherii_coco remarked: “In a working country this guy will be arrested but we are in Nigeria so nothing will happen.”

    geovaniiiiiiiiiiiiiii posted: “Recently? 15yrs old? Someone detain this guy.”

    jessica_otii posted, “Speed darlington is such a creep. Wtf”

    In Nigeria the age of sexual consent is 18, although it is much lower in the Northern part of the country where the Penal Code Act is in use.