Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: celebrity news

  • Afrobeat Royalty: 2Baba and Natasha Dedicate First Child in Church Ceremony

    Afrobeat Royalty: 2Baba and Natasha Dedicate First Child in Church Ceremony

    In a colorful update published by The Punch, legendary Nigerian musician 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) and his wife, Natasha, held a high-profile church dedication for their first child together. The ceremony, which took place in Lagos, was attended by a galaxy of stars from the entertainment industry, making it the most talked-about social event of the week.

    Reporting by The Punch indicates that the couple, who have kept much of their private life out of the headlines recently, shared emotional moments during the service. 2Baba expressed gratitude for the new addition to his family, while Natasha’s presence highlighted the couple’s unity amidst long-standing public interest in their relationship.

    Videos from the event have since gone viral on social media, showing the couple dressed in elegant traditional attire. The dedication marks a joyful milestone for the singer, who remains one of the most influential figures in African music history.

    Vanguard and Channels TV also covered the celebrity event. Vanguard described the ceremony as “a beautiful blend of faith and glitz,” while Channels TV reported that “the event briefly shut down social media as fans sent in thousands of congratulatory messages.”

    Echotitbits take: 2Baba’s ability to remain relevant and beloved after decades in the industry is a testament to his brand. This personal milestone provides a positive narrative for the veteran artist, reminding fans of the human side of the “African Queen” crooner.

    Source: Legit.ng – https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1696676-joy-2baba-wife-natasha-osawaru-dedicate-son-church-god/, February 13, 2026

    Photo credit: Legit.ng

  • Nollywood Star Amanda Oruh Speaks on “Bittersweet” Sundance Success Amid Visa Hurdles

    Nollywood Star Amanda Oruh Speaks on “Bittersweet” Sundance Success Amid Visa Hurdles

    A YouTube video by Amanda Oruh has gone viral after the actress shared her emotional journey of missing the premiere of her film LADY at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Despite the film being a major success at the prestigious US festival, Oruh revealed that visa restrictions prevented her from being physically present to celebrate her career’s biggest milestone.

    The actress described the “pride and pain” of watching her success from thousands of miles away in Lagos. Her story has sparked a wider conversation about the systemic barriers Nigerian creatives face when trying to access the international stages they have legitimately earned through their work.

    In a corroborating post on BellaNaija, the platform noted, “Amanda Oruh’s film LADY premiered… but visa restrictions kept her from being there.” Furthermore, The Punch echoed the sentiment of the industry, quoting her: “Success doesn’t always look the way we imagine; sometimes you achieve something incredible and still feel the sting of what you lost.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Oruh’s story is a sobering reminder that talent alone isn’t always enough to overcome geopolitical hurdles. While LADY is now heading to the Berlinale, the “visa ban” issue remains a major bottleneck for the global expansion of Nollywood. Expect this to fuel more calls for streamlined cultural exchange visas for top-tier African artists.

    Source: Amanda Oruh (YouTube) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6me-KKrEXo February 1, 2026

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • James Brown Seeks Spiritual Deliverance Amid “Famous But Haunted” Claims

    James Brown Seeks Spiritual Deliverance Amid “Famous But Haunted” Claims

    A TikTok video by @jamesbrown_idn shows the popular and controversial Nigerian crossdresser, James Brown, attending a church service for spiritual deliverance. During the session, the “Princess of Africa” claimed that his battles are not physical but spiritual, suggesting that his fame has brought about supernatural challenges that require divine intervention.

    The video, which has since gone viral, shows James Brown in a surprisingly somber state, speaking to a congregation about the weight of his public persona. This move has sparked a massive debate online, with some praising his vulnerability while others, including certain religious groups, have condemned his choice of attire for the sacred setting.

    Legit.ng reported on the backlash, stating, “Celestial pastors and members strongly condemn video of James Brown in female outfit in church.” Conversely, Naija Gist noted the emotional weight of the moment, quoting James: “Being famous is not physical; I am fighting spiritual battles.”

    Echotitbits take:

    This is a classic James Brown move—blurring the lines between viral performance art and genuine personal struggle. Whether this is a sincere spiritual awakening or a clever “clout-chasing” tactic remains to be seen. However, it highlights the ongoing tension between Nigeria’s ultra-conservative religious institutions and the rising visibility of non-conforming public figures.

    Source: Gistreel — https://www.gistreel.com/james-brown-goes-for-deliverance-in-church-as-he-decides-to-repent-from-past-life/ February 4, 2026

    Photo Credit: Gistreel

  • Snoop Dogg Mourns the Tragic Loss of 10-Month-Old Granddaughter

    Snoop Dogg Mourns the Tragic Loss of 10-Month-Old Granddaughter

    A TikTok video by @enews and reporting by Punch Newspapers confirm the heartbreaking passing of Snoop Dogg’s granddaughter, Codi, who was only ten months old. The family has shared their grief publicly, requesting privacy during this difficult time as they navigate the loss of the young infant.

    The Hip-Hop mogul and his family have received an outpouring of support from the global music community, including many Nigerian artists who have collaborated with Snoop over the years. Details regarding the cause of death have not been fully disclosed, as the Broadus family focuses on mourning.

    Snoop Dogg, a central figure in US Hip-Hop culture, has often shared glimpses of his life as a grandfather on social media, making this news particularly poignant for his millions of followers. The tragedy has cast a somber mood over the “History to Hip Hop” celebrations currently taking place in the US for Black History Month.

    Tributes have flooded in from peers like Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, and various Afrobeats stars, highlighting Snoop’s influence and the respect he commands across international borders. The family has asked for prayers instead of flowers as they prepare for private funeral arrangements.

    * Punch Newspapers (Official Website): “Snoop Dogg’s granddaughter, Codi, has tragically passed away at ten months old.”

    * TheCable (Official Website): “Snoop Dogg’s granddaughter dies at ten months… family is in mourning.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Snoop Dogg has successfully transitioned from a “gangsta rapper” to a beloved “global uncle.” Seeing him deal with such a personal tragedy humanizes a larger-than-life figure. In the fast-paced world of celebrity gossip, this serves as a sobering reminder of the real lives behind the headlines. Expect a temporary social media hiatus from the rapper as he supports his son.

    Source: Vanguard — vanguardngr.com/2026/02/snoop-dogg-mourns-tragic-loss-of-10-month-old-granddaughter/ February 1, 2026

    Photo Credit:  Vanguard

     

  • Ini Edo calls herself “overambitious” as ‘A Very Dirty December’ promo conversations heat up

    Ini Edo calls herself “overambitious” as ‘A Very Dirty December’ promo conversations heat up

    According to NaijaNews, Ini Edo admitted she was “overambitious” about the rollout and expectations around A Very Dirty December, a project that’s been pulling attention in Nollywood circles. Her tone reads like a mix of honesty and recalibration—acknowledging the pressure of audience expectations while still keeping the project positioned as a big moment.

    Echotitbits take: When a star publicly resets expectations, it usually means the audience feedback is loud. The next thing to watch is whether the marketing shifts (new teasers, cast push, influencer campaigns) to control the narrative before release momentum dips.

    Source: Ripples – https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/ini-edo-admits-overambition-as-she-praises-funke-akindele-toyin-abrahams-dominance/ January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: Ripples

  • Ye Buys Full-Page Wall Street Journal Ad to Apologize for Antisemitic Outbursts

    Ye Buys Full-Page Wall Street Journal Ad to Apologize for Antisemitic Outbursts

    Ye (formerly Kanye West) has taken out a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal titled “To Those I’ve Hurt,” offering an apology for the antisemitic remarks and other conduct that sparked widespread condemnation.

    According to Reuters, Ye wrote that he “lost touch with reality,” and connected his behavior to what he described as an undiagnosed right frontal-lobe brain injury from his 2002 car crash, alongside bipolar type-1 disorder and manic episodes that he says worsened without effective treatment.

    Vanity Fair reported that the ad ran in Monday’s print edition of the Journal (as the back page to Section A) and included Ye’s request for “patience and understanding” as he seeks stability through medication, therapy, exercise, and sober living.

    The Washington Post noted that Ye also stated he is “not a Nazi or antisemite,” while acknowledging the global impact of his words. Reuters added that the Anti-Defamation League responded by recognizing the apology but stressing that it does not erase his prior history.

    Echotitbits take: This is a high-cost, old-school reputational reset—moving from viral controversy to a permanent, print-record apology. But the public and brands will judge it less by language and more by sustained conduct over time, including whether his future releases and public messaging show consistent change.
    Source: The Guardian – https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jan/26/kanye-west-takes-out-full-page-ad-apologising-for-antisemitic-behaviour-and-denying-he-is-a-nazi-ye 2026-01-26
    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Fans Raise Alarm Over Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo’s Long Absence

    Fans Raise Alarm Over Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo’s Long Absence

    Concern is growing among Nollywood fans as actor Alex Ekubo has remained largely absent from public digital spaces for over a year. The usually active celebrity’s silence has triggered a range of online theories, from a quiet marriage to a career pivot.

    Daily Post reported that there has been no official statement from Ekubo’s management about his whereabouts. Tribune Online also noted that colleagues have remained tight-lipped, adding fuel to ongoing speculation.

    Echotitbits take: In an era of oversharing, a celebrity going dark for a year is a loud statement. While some speculate health issues or a personal crisis, it is equally plausible he is executing a deliberate rebrand or embracing privacy. Until he posts, the “Missing Alex” trend will likely continue to cycle across TikTok and entertainment blogs.
    Source: The Whistler – https://thewhistler.ng/fans-ask-questions-as-alex-ekubo-vanishes/ 2026-01-25
    Photo Credit: The Whistler

  • Yeni Kuti Calls for Calm in Wizkid–Seun Kuti Legacy Feud

    Yeni Kuti Calls for Calm in Wizkid–Seun Kuti Legacy Feud

    Vanguard News reports that Yeni Kuti, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s eldest daughter, has intervened in the online clash between her brother Seun Kuti and Wizkid over Fela’s musical legacy. The feud has sparked days of heated commentary across Nigeria’s celebrity ecosystem.

    The Nation is cited for Yeni’s call for calm and mutual respect across eras, while Daily Post Nigeria notes other celebrities have weighed in with conflicting views.

    **Echotitbits take:** Yeni is protecting the Kuti brand. By publicly framing Wizkid as a friend, she is trying to prevent an “old guard vs new school” culture war that could make the Kuti estate appear hostile to modern Afrobeats. It is prudent crisis‑containment.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/video-felas-daughter-calls-for-calm-in-wizkid-seun-kuti-feud/(January 23, 2026)

    Photo Credit: The Punch 2026-01-23

  • Bruno Mars says the new album is done—and 2026 could be a major rollout year

    Bruno Mars says the new album is done—and 2026 could be a major rollout year

    In a post quoted by Pulse Nigeria, Bruno Mars declared: “My album is done,” immediately triggering fan speculation about singles, features, and tour timing.

    Pulse frames the moment as a possible inflection point: a finished project typically signals label scheduling, marketing calendars, and teaser content about to move quickly.

    If accurate, the next few weeks often become the breadcrumb phase—cryptic posts, studio photos, and collaborator hints.

    Two additional public references echoed the same development:

    Pulse Nigeria (Report): “My album is done.” (link)

    Pulse Nigeria (Secondary framing): “biggest year yet” (link)

    Bruno doesn’t need volume—he needs timing. A controlled rollout can dominate playlists, TikTok audio trends, and festival bookings. Watch for a lead single announcement, producer credits surfacing, and whether he ties the drop to a big live-performance moment.

    Source: Pulse Nigeria — 06 January 2026 — https://www.pulse.ng/story/bruno-mars-new-album-2026010613010289711

    Source: Pulse Nigeria 2026-01-06
    Photo Credit: Pulse Nigeria

  • Funke Akindele Robbery Detail Emerges via Bimbo Thomas

    Funke Akindele Robbery Detail Emerges via Bimbo Thomas

    In a recent interview shared by The Punch, Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas recounted a terrifying incident where she and Funke Akindele were attacked by armed robbers during the filming of ‘Omo Ghetto.’ The story highlights the security risks faced by Nigerian film crews on location.

    Thomas described how the gunmen stormed the set, threatening the cast and crew. She praised Akindele’s bravery during the ordeal, noting that the ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ star tried to protect her team despite the life-threatening situation.

    The incident happened during a night shoot in a volatile area of Lagos. Since the story went viral, many industry veterans have come forward with similar tales, calling for the establishment of a dedicated security task force for movie sets.

    Vanguard Nigeria corroborated the account, reporting: ‘Bimbo Thomas recounts how armed robbers attacked her and Funke Akindele, revealing the trauma they faced.’ The Nation Nigeria also covered the interview, quoting Thomas: ‘Funke was a lioness that day, standing up for all of us.’

    Echotitbits take: Nollywood’s growth has outpaced its infrastructure. Funke Akindele is the industry’s biggest star, and the fact that she was exposed to such danger is a wake-up call for better production safety.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/armed-robbers-attacked-funke-akindele-during-omo-ghetto-filming-actress-bimbo-thomas/#google_vignette January 5, 2026
    Photo Credit: The Punch