TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nigerian singer

  • Do not let one bad man use you as a tool – Ruggedman breaks silence on police ‘arrest’

    Do not let one bad man use you as a tool – Ruggedman breaks silence on police ‘arrest’

    Nigerian singer, Ruggedman has denied widespread reports that he was arrested for financial misconduct alongside fellow musicians Zaki Azzay, Sunny Neji, Boniface Itodo, and Fega Michaels.

    In a video shared on his social media, Ruggedman clarified that the news of his arrest is completely false and part of a smear campaign allegedly orchestrated by Pretty Okafor, the suspended former president of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (P-Man).

    “There was a petition written against myself, Sunny Neji, Zaki Azzay, Boniface Itodo, and a couple of others. It’s not about us stealing money. It’s about money allegedly missing in the P-Man office—which has not been proven,” Ruggedman stated.

    He explained that the petition came shortly after the National Working Committee (NWC) of P-Man, which includes him and the other named artists, suspended Pretty Okafor for illegal actions against the union.

    “So you see how this is going? The same people who suspended him are the same people he wrote a petition against,” he said.

    Ruggedman insisted that neither he nor the others named were caught with any money, adding that some of those listed in the reports—like Sunny Neji, Zaki Azzay, and Yinka Davies—weren’t even in Lagos when the court case was first reported.

    He also addressed media houses spreading the false news:

    “I advise you take down those publications before I say I’m going to sue you for defamation. You’re sharing false information.”

    Ruggedman further stated that the newly recognized president of P-Man, Chief Fruitful Mekwunye, who only stepped into office in May 2025, was also wrongly included in the revised petition—despite the incident allegedly happening in March.

    “How can someone who wasn’t even there at the time be named in the petition?” he questioned.

    He ended the video reaffirming his innocence and commitment to defending Nigerian musicians:

    “Do not let one bad man use you as a tool to tarnish the image of innocent people. Ruggedman say so.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DKCivYnCqN9/

  • Ric Hassani reveals reason artistes cancel tours

    Ric Hassani reveals reason artistes cancel tours

    Ric Hassani, a Nigerian singer and songwriter has revealed that artistes cancel their tours due to circumstances beyond their control.

    The singer during a recent interview with Hip TV on Thursday, explained that low turnout in ticket sales could lead to cancellation.

    He explained that high-level production shows or concerts involve various individuals, including stakeholders, management teams, and even touring companies.

    “I do not know why that happens. I feel like a lot of artistes who cancel their tours, there are a lot of other companies that are involved. From touring companies to management companies, on that level. Maybe some funny contracts somewhere, or maybe it could be ticket sales or whatever,” he said.

    Hassani shared more insight, stating that it could be the artiste’s decision but there are usually several reasons why tours get cancelled.

    “This is our job, this is our career, we sacrifice a lot to perform. I believe it might be entirely the artist’s decision. So, these levels of tours that are being cancelled are high-level production shows, if you check it. There are a lot of people and companies involved, so it can be cancelled for whatever reason,” Hassani revealed.

  • Burna Boy announces death of ‘African Giant’ ahead of new album

    Burna Boy announces death of ‘African Giant’ ahead of new album

    Nigerian singer, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu MFR, known professionally as Burna Boy, has announced the death of his self acclaimed title, ‘African Giant’ ahead of his upcoming music project, ‘No Sign of Weakness’.

    In 2019, Grammy Award winner while expressing displeasure following how his name was written at the Coachella festival in 2019, had first used the pseudonym ‘African Giant’ pronouncing himself as  a major musician in the entertainment industry and across Africa.

    Despite the mainstream success he experienced with the pseudonym and the niche that he carved for himself in the early 2020s, the 32-year-old musician has taken to his Instagram page to claim that the title has left him with a broken heart.

    Speaking via his IG page, the one-time Grammy award winner blamed Nigerians for “killing” the old version of him.

    The singer revealed that the new and old versions of him are constantly in conflict.

    He wrote, “The ‘African Giant’ Burna Boy died. His own people killed him. Then ‘Big 7’ was born to protect what was left of ‘Burna Boy.’

    “Burna Boy and Big 7 fight each other a lot because while Big 7 is only protecting the final and only existing piece of Burna Boy’s broken heart, the ‘African Giant’ still haunts Burna Boy.”

    Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu MFR, known professionally as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He gained recognition in 2012 after releasing “Like to Party“, the lead single from his debut studio album L.I.F.E.

    In December 2023, Burna Boy shared the single “Bundle by Bundle,” and he followed it with “Update” and “Sweet Love.” Those three tracks, along with the newly released single “TaTaTa,” featuring American rapper Travis Scott, will appear on the 16-song ‘No Sign of Weakness’.

  • This is disgraceful – Jaywon blasts Governor Ododo for sharing palliatives amid high insecurity

    This is disgraceful – Jaywon blasts Governor Ododo for sharing palliatives amid high insecurity

    Popular Nigerian singer Oluwajuwonlo Iledare, better known as Jaywon, has berated Kogi State governor, Ahmed Ododo for distributing pallatives to widows amid widespread insecurity in the state.

    This is coming shortly after the governor, in a bid to cushion the hardship, distributed palliative packages to 1,500 widows across the state.

    Applauding the governor for his notable work, the Kogi community, via X.com, shared photos of the palliatives and disclosed that the initiative covers all 21 LGA across the state.

    The post reads: “His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo shared palliative packages to 1,500 widows across the state. This initiative, which covers all 21 local government areas, is a deliberate effort aimed at easing the economic struggles encountered by widows.”

    In response to the post, the singer criticized the State governor, labeling the situation as ‘disgraceful’ and highlighting a failure in leadership.

    He pointed out that it was insensitive for the State government to provide palliatives to citizens while violence and insecurity continue to escalate in the state.

    Additionally, he emphasized that distributing rice, rather than offering real solutions to the growing insecurity, was an inappropriate response.

    In his words: “Sharing palliatives while citizens are being killed and abducted is not just insensitive — it’s a failure of leadership. Rather than addressing the insecurity plaguing Kogi State and finding real solutions, you’re distributing rice as a distraction. This is disgraceful, Governor Ododo.

    “Anyone praising your performance is only feeding your delusion, not helping the people.”

  • Small Doctor expresses deep concern over the effects of drug abuse on Nigerian youths

    Small Doctor expresses deep concern over the effects of drug abuse on Nigerian youths

    Popular Nigerian singer, Adekunle Temitope, popularly known as Small Doctor, has taken to social media to express a deep concern over the alarming rate of substance abuse amongst young people in his community.

    The “Penalty” crooner, in a heartfelt post on his official X page, shared his distressing experience of witnessing vibrant young Nigerians in his community whose lives have been ravaged by substance use.

    Small Doctor recounted how he was recently walking in his neighborhood when he saw heartbreaking scenes of young people struggling with addiction.

    He wrote: “Most Heartbreaking Was When I Arrived My Hood, I Saw Some Promising Guys We Grew Up Together Sleeping While Standing 🤦🏾‍♂️, Some Were Even Making Some Crazy Postures While Sleeping. So Sad 😭.”

    What’s more, Small Doctor revealed that his senior colleague, Wasiu Ayinde, had predicted the need for rehabilitation centers six years ago.

    According to Small Doctor, Wasiu Ayinde advised him to establish a rehabilitation center, stating that it would be a profitable venture in the future. He said: “Wasiu Ayinde Told Me 6 Years Ago To Establish A Rehabilitation Centre, Stating It Is The New Oil. That Man Saw The Future.”

  • Banky W obtains master’s degree from Georgetown University

    Banky W obtains master’s degree from Georgetown University

    Music mogul Banky Wellington shared the remarkable story of his journey to earning a Master’s degree in Policy Management from Georgetown University.

    The 44-year-old shared the news with fans on Tuesday via Instagram, posting photos from the graduation ceremony alongside family and friends.

    According to  the father of two, the past few years have been a season of growth, reflection, and resilience. He emphasized the importance of taking time to step off the dance floor and onto the balcony to reflect on one’s journey, identity, and aspirations

    In his words: “The past few years have been a stretching season for my family and I. I learned that you can’t pour from an empty cup, and so sometimes, it is necessary to step off the dance floor and onto the balcony… to reflect on how far you have come, who you are, and who you would like to become. Because success in life and leadership isn’t just about a specific destination or the journey to get there, but about who you become along the way.”

    The father of two spoke on how balancing his academic responsibilities with parenting two young children in the US, including the birth of his second child, Hezekiah Oluwadarasimi Wellington, during the program, was undoubtedly a daunting task.

    “I’m even more grateful that we welcomed our 2nd child – Hezekiah Oluwadarasimi Wellington into the world in the middle of earning this degree in Washington DC.

    Parenting 2 children in the US, while earning a full-time Master’s and serving as a Fellow on Capitol Hill all at the same time was completely exhausting, but by the grace of God, the strength of faith and the support of family, friends and mentors, we did it!

    So as I prepare to step off the balcony and return to the dance floor, I hope you take this as a sign that it’s never too late to dream a new dream, or redefine the ending of an existing one.”

  • How my mum lost her bakery in the 1999 Odi massacre – Timaya

    How my mum lost her bakery in the 1999 Odi massacre – Timaya

    Inetimi Odon, the Nigerian singer better known as Timaya, has recounted how his family was affected by the 1999 Odi massacre in Bayelsa state.

    The Odi massacre was a brutal attack on the Ijaw community of Odi by the Nigerian armed forces during the Niger Delta conflict, which stemmed from disputes over oil resources, environmental degradation, and indigenous rights.

    Reports indicate that over 900 civilians were killed and the town was nearly destroyed.

    In a recent interview on Joey Akan’s Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Timaya explained that the Nigerian Army carried out the attack against the predominantly Ijaw town on the order of the government.

    The massacre was also a personal ordeal, stressing that his mother owned a bakery in the town of Odi.

    According to him, the military operation resulted in the loss of lives and property.

    Timaya said he was conferred with the title of Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa after he sang about the Odi massacre in his hit song, ‘Dem Mama’, in 2007.

    He said, “It [Odi] was part of me, too, because my mum had a bakery in the village and was supplying the whole village… It was the village that was attacked.

    “It’s very touching because we lost lives, a lot of things, and history. You know, when the government just says, ‘go and shoot these people down’.

    “I sang about it [the massacre]. That is the most I can do. In fact, I told the story, how they sent the military to burn down the village. I narrated my story, and it helped me to make an impact. I became the voice, which they gave me the title of the Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa State. That is the mouthpiece of the people.”

  • Why I surround myself with Igbo people – Davido responds to critic

    Why I surround myself with Igbo people – Davido responds to critic

    Nigerian singer, Davido has declared on his X account that he is Igbo by blood.

    The singer made this revelation on Tuesday, May 20, via his X account following a troll who scrutinized him for being too ‘accommodating’ of Igbos.

    The troll wrote, “Davido just dey carry Ibo full body, until when dem betray am before e rest, Yoruba boy dey frolick with Ibos in 2025, they want your head and everything you have to belong to them, you can never satisfy Ibos ooo, IBOs are not people you surround yourself with as a Yoruba man“

    Responding to the troll, Davido wrote, “I am Igbo by blood.”

    Davido, who is one of the most influential musicians is of mixed Nigerian ancestry. His father, Deji Adeleke is a Yoruba man who hails from Osun state, however, his mother (Davido’s grandmother) is Igbo, while his late mother, Veronica Adeleke is from Edo state.

  • Having a child changes your life in the most incredible ways – Johnny Drille opens up on being a father

    Having a child changes your life in the most incredible ways – Johnny Drille opens up on being a father

    Johnny Drille, a former Nigerian singer, has opened up about his experience on being a parent, revealing that the experience changed his life in the most incredible ways and made him appreciate his parents more.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that Johnny Drille and his wife, Rima Tahini, announced the birth of their first child, Amaris Esohe Ighodaro, on November 17, 2023, barely a year after they got married.

    Speaking in a recent conversation with ‘Dose Of Society’, the singer also revealed that his family is his support system, adding that he would abandon anything he’s doing anywhere in the world for them.

    He said, “The one rule I live by is family first. I would abandon anything I’m doing anywhere in the world if my family needs me, super importantly.

    “Family has always been my support system. Every time I got overwhelmed by the world around me, I always run back to family. And, it all felt better. They have been there for me, especially, my parents. My biggest dream in life is to be able to take care of them, and get them to see the world.

    “My parents didn’t have much. I remember it was really hard sometimes and we would not have food to eat and they would figure out a way to be able to provide food for us.

    “They just made it work and made it fun for us. Back then it looked fun, but now when I think about it, I just know they were trying to shield us from a lot of things at that time.

    “Now I have a daughter and I understand what it feels like to be able to nurture someone. Right now, I appreciate my parents even more for what they did for me and my siblings. Having a child changes your life in the most incredible ways.

    “And I think that’s not talked about enough, but I’m grateful that I have parents that were able to nurture me, especially in a crazy world like this, and to be able to navigate the different aspects of life.”

  • Popular Nigerian singer Omah Lay involved in motor accident

    Popular Nigerian singer Omah Lay involved in motor accident

    Stanley Omah Didia, the Nigerian singer fondly called Omah Lay, has been involved in an accident alongside his two Tesla trucks in Lagos.

    It is unclear how the incident occurred, but footage that surfaced on social media showed someone had crashed into the singer.

    Photos of the singer’s damaged truck, as well as a clip featuring an ongoing altercation were shared on social media.

    Omah Lay involved in motor accident
    Omah Lay’s damaged truck

    Reacting to the incident, fans expressed concern over the singer’s condition, inquiring if he was okay.

    Omah Lay involved in motor accident
    Omah Lay’s damaged truck

    To reassure them, the 27-year-old singer via the microblogging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, tweeted, “Clarity of Mind. God over everything.”

    Omah Lay started his music career at 15. He gained fame in 2020 following the release of hits ‘You’ and ‘Bad Influence’.

    He has won a plethora of awards and recognition. In 2022, the singer revealed how he battled with depression while recording ‘Boy Alone’.

    He, has however continued to make a name for himself in the Nigerian music industry, especially with his unique music style.