Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Entertainment

  • Lagos Police Detain TikToker Peller After Reckless Driving Livestream Sparks Outrage

    Lagos Police Detain TikToker Peller After Reckless Driving Livestream Sparks Outrage

    Photo Credit: Vanguard News

    2025-12-17

    In an update shared by *The Punch*, the Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested and detained popular TikToker Habeeb Hamzat (Peller) following a viral video showing reckless driving and a crash during a livestream.

    Police officials described the conduct as dangerous to the suspect and other road users, adding that the case has been transferred for further investigation and that prosecution will follow based on findings.

    The episode has reignited the debate around “content stunts” on social media and the boundaries between entertainment, public safety, and criminal liability.

    Other reporting on the same development includes:
    – The Nation: “The police warned influencers against promoting unlawful and dangerous acts online.”
    – Premium Times: “Authorities say enforcement will be strengthened to deter similar behaviour.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is a test case for Nigeria’s response to risky influencer culture. Watch whether the case ends in a clear court outcome (not just detention), and whether Lagos pairs enforcement with road-safety education targeted at young creators.

    Source: The Punch — December 17, 2025 (https://punchng.com/police-arrest-popular-tiktoker-peller-over-reckless-driving/)

     

  • ‘Seven Doors’ and ‘Farmer’s Bride’ lead the night as 2025 BON Awards crown winners

    ‘Seven Doors’ and ‘Farmer’s Bride’ lead the night as 2025 BON Awards crown winners

    Photo credit: Best of Nollywood Awards (Instagram profile)

    According to TheCable Lifestyle, the 2025 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards ceremony celebrated standout films and performances, with major wins spread across top titles.

    The event’s headline story was the strong showing by ‘Seven Doors’ alongside ‘Farmer’s Bride’, as the awards spotlighted craft categories and marquee acting honors.

    Beyond trophies, the winners list has already started shaping audience watchlists and streaming demand going into the year-end holidays.

    • Premium Times (website): “Femi Adebayo’s cinematic thriller ‘Seven Doors’ was the biggest winner at the 2025 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards…”
    • The Eagle Online (website): “Seven Doors shines at 2025 BON Awards + Full list of winners…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: BON’s winners list is a quick signal for what Nollywood’s industry tastemakers believe is ‘working’ right now—and it often influences acquisition decisions, streaming placements, and promo budgets. Watch for post-awards reruns, new distribution announcements, and a surge in cast interviews as studios try to convert trophies into ticket/streaming momentum.

    Source: TheCable Lifestyle — 2025-12-15 — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/full-list-seven-doors-farmers-bride-win-big-at-2025-bon-awards/
    2025-12-15

  • Mercy Aigbe lands BON Awards supporting-actress win as ‘My Mother Is a Witch’ gets major nod

    Mercy Aigbe lands BON Awards supporting-actress win as ‘My Mother Is a Witch’ gets major nod

    Photo credit: Premium Times (image on story page)

    According to Premium Times, Mercy Aigbe was recognised at the 2025 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards for her supporting performance in ‘My Mother Is a Witch’.

    The recognition adds to a big night for multiple titles, with the awards rewarding both star power and craft across the slate.

    Fans quickly pushed clips and congratulations across social media, keeping the BON conversation trending into the next morning.

    • The Eagle Online (website): “BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – MERCY AIGBE (MY MOTHER IS A WITCH)”
    • TheCable Lifestyle (website): “The 17th edition of the award ceremony… celebrated the outstanding achievements of the industry…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: For Mercy Aigbe, a BON acting win is not just bragging rights—it can translate into stronger negotiating power for future roles, higher demand for press tours, and renewed attention for the film itself. Watch for distributor/streaming pushes and award-season campaign positioning as Nollywood’s calendar shifts toward bigger international visibility.

    Source: Premium Times — 2025-12-15 — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/843149-bon-awards-2025-farmers-bride-wins-movie-of-the-year-as-seven-doors-sweeps-technical-awards.html

    2025-12-15

  • Tonto Dikeh shares testimony of quitting smoking after 27 years, says the turning point came through faith

    Tonto Dikeh shares testimony of quitting smoking after 27 years, says the turning point came through faith

    Photo/Video credit: DCLImagery (YouTube)

    According to Punch, actress Tonto Dikeh narrated a personal testimony at Streams of Joy International Church, saying she quit smoking after a 27-year habit that began in her teens.

    The account was shared widely online as clips of the service circulated, with commenters debating addiction, healing, and the role of community support.

    Dikeh framed the story as a new chapter, urging people who are struggling privately to seek help and stay accountable.

    • Vanguard (website): “Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh has recounted… a personal breakthrough from years of smoking…”
    • TheCable Lifestyle (website): “Speaking during a recent Sunday service… Dikeh framed her story… as an act of thanksgiving.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Celebrity testimonies can be polarizing, but they also open up real conversations about addiction, relapse risk, and where to find support. What matters next is follow-through—watch for whether Dikeh partners with credible wellness/mental-health or stop-smoking initiatives, and whether the discussion shifts from ‘viral moment’ to practical resources for the public.

    Source: Punch — 2025-12-15 — https://punchng.com/i-smoked-for-27-years-started-at-13-tonto-dikeh/

    2025-12-15

  • Newark declares Dec. 12 ‘Burna Boy Day’ after sold-out Prudential Center show

    Newark declares Dec. 12 ‘Burna Boy Day’ after sold-out Prudential Center show

    Photo/Video credit: Burna Boy (Instagram reel page)

    According to TheCable Lifestyle, the city of Newark, New Jersey, declared December 12 as ‘Burna Boy Day’ in recognition of the artist’s cultural impact and global reach.

    The proclamation was presented in the glow of a major tour stop, adding another headline milestone to Afrobeats’ U.S. arena era.

    Online, fans treated the honour as a symbol of how far the genre has travelled—from local hits to municipal recognition abroad.

    • The Nation (Threads): “…present a framed proclamation declaring the day ‘Burna Boy Day’.”
    • EII Ghana Africa (website): “Thank you for the incredible honour and recognition… It’s only UP from here,” he wrote.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: City proclamations can be ceremonial, but in pop culture they act like ‘soft power’ proof—helping artists deepen brand partnerships, tour leverage, and diaspora visibility. Watch for whether the proclamation fuels more U.S. cultural collaborations, sponsorships, or civic-facing events tied to Afrobeats artists.

    Source: TheCable Lifestyle — 2025-12-14 — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/us-city-of-newark-declares-dec-12-as-burna-boy-day/

    2025-12-14

  • Cardi B and Davido light up Riyadh as Soundstorm 2025 turns into a cross-genre spectacle

    Cardi B and Davido light up Riyadh as Soundstorm 2025 turns into a cross-genre spectacle

    Photo credit: MDLBEAST (official Soundstorm timetable page)

    According to Punch, Cardi B and Davido were among the headliners who thrilled fans at the 2025 Soundstorm festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    The report described Cardi B’s set as a ‘late-night block party’ moment, while Davido’s appearance underscored Afrobeats’ growing festival pull in the Middle East.

    The lineup and schedules shared by organisers helped fans track the biggest sets across the multi-night event.

    • MDLBEAST (official timetable page): “Davido 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM… Cardi B 12:45 AM – 01:45 AM”
    • Yahoo Entertainment (article): “…Cardi B turned Soundstorm Festival 2025 into her own late-night block party…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Global festivals are increasingly booking Afrobeats as a must-have sound—not a ‘special guest’ slot. That shift can reshape touring routes, sponsorship value, and streaming discovery in new markets. Watch for follow-up announcements: additional Middle East dates, brand partnerships, and collaboration teases that often drop right after festival weekends.

    Source: Punch — 2025-12-14 — https://punchng.com/cardi-b-davido-perform-at-saudi-arabias-soundstorm-festival/

    Photo credit: Photo credit: MDLBEAST (official Soundstorm timetable page)

    2025-12-14

  • Streamer Peller’s crash during live session sparks renewed calls for road and content safety

    Streamer Peller’s crash during live session sparks renewed calls for road and content safety

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, popular online personality Peller was involved in a vehicle crash during a livestream, triggering widespread concern and debate about risky content and road behaviour.

    Punch reports the incident drew reactions across social media, with many users urging responsible driving and calling for stronger safety messaging among influencers and their followers.

    The report underscores a recurring problem where high-engagement content overlaps with unsafe stunts, particularly on major urban roads.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Incidents like this often trigger short-lived outrage but limited change. Watch for any police/FRSC action, platform enforcement on dangerous stunts, and whether influencers adopt clearer safety standards in live content.

    Source: The Punch — December 14, 2025

    The Punch https://punchng.com/video-peller-crashes-car-during-livestream-sparks-public-concern/ December 14, 2025

  • FirstBank reopens refurbished basketball arena at Ikeja Army cantonment

    FirstBank reopens refurbished basketball arena at Ikeja Army cantonment

    2025-12-15 00:31:00

    According to The Punch, FirstBank has reopened a renovated Basketball & Games Arena at the Nigerian Army 9 Brigade Cantonment in Ikeja, Lagos, following a facelift.

    The report says the facility was inaugurated with senior military participation and positions the upgrade as part of sports development and community engagement.

    Bank-funded sports infrastructure typically falls under CSR, with brands seeking long-term visibility and youth engagement outcomes.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: CSR projects matter most when they’re sustained—equipment, coaching programmes, and open access rules. Watch for how the facility is managed, who can use it, and whether it becomes a hub for grassroots leagues.

    Source: The Punch — December 15, 2025 — https://x.com/FirstBankngr/status/1999809090315268597

    Photo credit: At FirstBank, our commitment goes beyond banking, it is about supporting people including the people
    X-twitter https://x.com/FirstBankngr/status/1999809090315268597 December 15, 2025

  • Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams Tapped to Co-Chair the 2026 Met Gala

    Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams Tapped to Co-Chair the 2026 Met Gala

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art / Costume Institute (press image page)
    2025-12-10 09:00:00

    According to Vogue, the Met Gala’s 2026 edition will be co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams alongside Anna Wintour, setting up another star-powered night for fashion’s biggest fundraiser.

    The announcement also teased the next spring’s Costume Institute show, with the gala expected to continue its role as both a cultural spectacle and a major driver of museum funding.

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art stated: “Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour will co-chair The Costume Institute Benefit.”

    The Guardian similarly reported: “Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams will serve as co-chairs of the 2026 Met Gala.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Expect weeks of brand negotiations, designer alignments and theme speculation. Watch for how the exhibition concept shapes red-carpet styling—and which celebrities get “moment” looks that dominate social feeds.

    Source: Vogue — Dec 10, 2025 — https://www.vogue.com/article/met-gala-2026-co-chairs-exhibition-theme-announcement

     

  • Shakira Brings Sons Milan and Sasha Onstage for a Rare Tour Moment in Buenos Aires

    Shakira Brings Sons Milan and Sasha Onstage for a Rare Tour Moment in Buenos Aires

    PEOPLE / Getty Images (via PEOPLE story page)
    2025-12-13 09:00:00

    According to PEOPLE, Shakira’s Buenos Aires stop produced a heartwarming surprise when her sons Milan and Sasha joined her on stage for “Acróstico,” matching in powder-blue suits as she described the moment as “magical.”

    The appearance offered fans a rare glimpse of the family dynamic on tour, with the boys singing parts of the song alongside their mother in front of a packed stadium.

    InStyle noted: “The performance featured the trio singing ‘Acróstico,’ with each son delivering solo verses.”

    Harper’s Bazaar also reported: “Milan and Sasha joined her on stage for a surprise performance of her song ‘Acróstico.’”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Celebrity family moments tend to travel fast across Instagram and TikTok because they feel intimate and unscripted. Watch for whether Shakira repeats the segment in other tour cities—and how fan clips shape the narrative more than official press photos.

    Source: PEOPLE — Dec 13, 2025 — https://people.com/shakira-s-2-sons-match-in-blue-suits-shares-how-magical-it-was-to-sing-onstage-11867765