Tag: Nigeria entertainment

  • Davido Abandons Imade Custody Battle Following Courtroom Clash

    Davido Abandons Imade Custody Battle Following Courtroom Clash

    According to News Ghana, Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has officially withdrawn his legal bid for joint custody of his daughter, Imade. The decision follows a heated confrontation in a Lagos High Court where the legal counsel for Sophia Momodu reportedly referenced the tragic 2022 drowning of Davido’s son, Ifeanyi. The singer expressed that the mention of his late son was a “low blow” that made the legal struggle no longer worth the emotional toll.
    In a series of emotional updates on X, Davido clarified that his intention was never to take the child away but to secure a structured visitation schedule. He lamented that the legal process had become toxic, stating, “Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade.” The singer’s refusal to apologize to the court after the outburst eventually led to the cessation of the proceedings.
    Confirming the development, The Punch reported on the courtroom drama, noting that the judge had to temporarily halt the session due to the tension. The outlet quoted the singer’s social media post where he stated, “I fought for her, but at this point, they can have it.” Additionally, Legit.ng verified the withdrawal, highlighting Davido’s direct criticism of the opposing lawyer. They quoted his post: “Mentioning my deceased son is a no… Onbody won, Imade lost.”
    Echotitbits Take
    This is a heartbreaking conclusion to a long-standing dispute that highlights the “ugly” side of celebrity family law. While Davido is prioritizing his mental health and the memory of his late son, the lack of a legal custody agreement could lead to more friction in the future. Watch for whether Sophia Momodu releases a counter-statement to address the allegations of “unprofessional” legal tactics.
    Source: News Ghana — https://www.newsghana.com.gh/nigerian-singer-davido-withdraws-custody-case-after-court-confrontation-over-late-son/ February 14, 2026
    Photo Credit: News Ghana

  • 2Baba and Natasha Celebrate First Child with Heartfelt Church Dedication

    2Baba and Natasha Celebrate First Child with Heartfelt Church Dedication

    In a post shared by Olori Supergal, legendary musician Innocent “2Baba” Idibia and his wife, Natasha Osawaru, were seen celebrating the church dedication of their first child together. The ceremony was an intimate affair attended by close family and friends.
    Photos circulating online show the couple in high spirits, marking a joyful milestone in their marriage. This development comes as a positive headline for 2Baba, who has recently been open about the challenges and regrets associated with raising children from different mothers.
    Fans have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, praising the couple for their resilience and the growth of their family. The dedication follows months of private celebrations since the child’s birth was first teased on social media.
    This event offers a rare glimpse into 2Baba’s private life amidst the ongoing music industry debates. It serves to humanize the icon and focuses the narrative on his family growth, which he has recently described as his most important priority.
    * TheNet.ng (Website): “Nigerian music icon 2Baba and his wife, Natasha Osawaru, have dedicated their first child together in a heartfelt church ceremony.”
    * Naija News (Website): “Internet buzz as photo of private baby dedication of 2Baba and Natasha trends.”
    Source: Daily Post — https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/12/2baba-wife-natasha-celebrate-child-dedication/ February 13, 2026
    Photo Credit: Daily Post

  • Entertainment Industry Shaken as 960 Music Group Sues Over Burna Boy Catalogue

    Entertainment Industry Shaken as 960 Music Group Sues Over Burna Boy Catalogue

    According to Channels Television, the Nigerian music industry is facing a high-stakes legal battle as the 960 Music Group has filed a lawsuit to void the multi-million dollar sale of Burna Boy’s music catalogue. The group, which claims to be a major shareholder, argues that the sale of the “crown jewel” assets was finalized without their knowledge, consent, or board approval.

    The lawsuit seeks to freeze the proceeds of the sale and restore the ownership rights to the original stakeholders. This case highlights the growing complexity of music rights and intellectual property in Africa’s booming entertainment sector, where global investors are increasingly looking to acquire the libraries of Afrobeats stars.

    Burna Boy’s catalogue is considered one of the most valuable in African music, containing global hits that generate significant streaming and licensing revenue. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for how contracts are structured and how minority shareholders are protected in the Nigerian creative industry.

    Further reporting from The Punch and Tribune provides additional context. The Punch reported that “international buyers are closely watching the case as it affects the stability of Nigerian music investments,” while Tribune noted that “Burna Boy’s management has yet to release an official statement regarding the litigation.”

    Echotitbits take: This is the “Big Corporate” side of Afrobeats. As our music goes global, the legal battles will only get messier. This case will be a litmus test for IP laws in Nigeria and how “Legacy” labels handle the exit of their biggest stars to global giants.

    Source: Channels TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/09/960-music-group-sues-to-void-multi-million-dollar-burna-boy-catalogue/, February 10, 2026

    Photo credit: Channels TV

  • Funke Akindele Honored by Federal Government for N2 Billion Box Office Feat

    Funke Akindele Honored by Federal Government for N2 Billion Box Office Feat

    Reporting by Channels TV indicates that the Federal Government has lauded Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele for a record-breaking box office performance reportedly surpassing N2 billion. The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy described the feat as a benchmark for the creative economy and a signal of Nollywood’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to GDP.

    Officials said the recognition reflects growing interest in positioning the creative sector as a serious economic pillar. Plans were also referenced around institutional support through a Creative Economy Fund, aimed at enabling larger-scale productions and industry financing.

    Vanguard corroborated the commendation and quoted the minister praising Nigerian stories as commercially powerful, while The Punch amplified the milestone as a historic Nollywood commercial height in a single theatrical run.

    Echotitbits take: Funke Akindele has evolved from superstar to commercial institution. This N2bn signal is exactly what investors look for—expect more private equity-style financing structures, distribution partnerships, and higher-stakes marketing plays across Nollywood.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/fg-hails-funke-akindele-on-box-office-record/ 2026-01-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Nigeria Emerges as Hub for Africa’s Top Content Streamers in 2026

    Nigeria Emerges as Hub for Africa’s Top Content Streamers in 2026

    New data from Twitch and Kick platforms for January 2026 indicates that Nigerian creators dominate Africa’s most-followed live streamers, occupying the majority of the continent’s top 10 positions. The shift reflects growing audience engagement and a broadening of content formats—from gaming to lifestyle and celebrity-driven programming.

    Analysts attribute the surge to rising digital participation and the increasing viability of streaming as a full-time career for young Nigerians. The momentum has also drawn interest from international brands seeking credible entry points into Africa’s youth demographic.

    Separate reporting has published lists of the highest-ranked streamers and described the trend as a transfer of “streaming leadership” from Southern Africa to West Africa, with Nigeria at the center. Industry observers say this is likely to intensify competition for advertising budgets as streamers become more influential within entertainment and pop culture.

    Echotitbits take: This is the new “Nollywood” of the digital age. As internet penetration increases, expect these streamers to rival traditional media for advertising revenue and cultural influence.
    Source: Pulse.ng – https://www.pulse.ng/story/africas-biggest-streamers-2026012414530720943  2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: Pulse.ng

  • New Nollywood release from Funke Akindele’s stable crosses ₦1.77bn at box office

    New Nollywood release from Funke Akindele’s stable crosses ₦1.77bn at box office

    According to The Punch, Funke Akindele’s latest cinema-backed project hit about ₦1.77 billion in box-office receipts, reinforcing her reputation as one of Nollywood’s most bankable filmmakers.

    The report highlights the growing scale of Nigeria’s cinema economy, where marketing, distribution and opening-week momentum can determine whether a release becomes a breakout success.

    Industry observers say record grosses can attract more investment into production quality and distribution—but also raise expectations for storytelling, professionalism and transparent reporting of figures.

    The performance adds to broader conversations about job creation in the creative sector and the export potential of Nigerian film content.

    Echotitbits take: The next frontier is sustainability—can Nollywood turn blockbuster moments into repeatable pipelines? Watch for stronger cinema infrastructure, anti-piracy enforcement and international distribution deals.

    Source: Pulse – https://www.pulse.ng/story/funke-akindele-makes-box-office-history-as-behind-the-scenes-crosses-naira177bn-2026010612012495665 5 January 2026

    Pulse 2026-01-05

    Photo Credit: Pulse

  • Davido’s Billboard Arabia Moment Becomes a Rollout Weapon as Fans Track the Next Drop

    Davido’s Billboard Arabia Moment Becomes a Rollout Weapon as Fans Track the Next Drop

    According to The Guardian Nigeria, Davido’s Billboard Arabia cover moment is doubling as a launchpad for bigger global headlines, with the interview cycle feeding fan speculation about what’s next.

    The article frames the cover as a milestone that reinforces his global positioning across regions and audiences.

    It also shows how fans convert interviews into marketing engines—snippets and throwbacks become countdown content.

    For verification, the Guardian ties the interview coverage to renewed collaboration talk; major music and entertainment pages have echoed the same cover-and-rollout narrative in their recaps.

    Echotitbits take: Interviews are now rollout assets. Watch for a region-by-region media run that targets new audiences beyond the usual US/UK circuit.

    Source: The Guardian Nigeria — January 10, 2026 — https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/weekend-beats/davido-ignites-excitement-as-date-for-project-with-chris-brown-is-unveiled/

    The Guardian Nigeria 2026-01-10
    Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria

  • Tiwa Savage Claps Back After Troll Comments Cross the Line Into Parenting

    Tiwa Savage Claps Back After Troll Comments Cross the Line Into Parenting

    According to The Guardian Nigeria, Tiwa Savage responded to a persistent online troll after comments reportedly escalated into attacks involving her son, signaling she’s done ignoring harassment.

    The report frames it as a boundary-setting moment, highlighting how female stars often face extreme policing of their bodies and private lives online.

    It notes the incident reignited broader conversations about cyberbullying and the limits of “comment section culture.”

    For verification, the story references Tiwa’s own reaction on social media and subsequent amplification by major entertainment platforms that summarized the episode, quoting her stance that she will “no longer tolerate such behaviour” where her child is concerned.

    Echotitbits take: This is bigger than a clapback—it’s a warning shot that may push more stars toward legal or platform-based action. Watch whether brands and industry groups begin openly backing talent against cyberbullying.

    Source: The Guardian Nigeria — January 10, 2026 — https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/weekend-beats/savage-mode-activated-as-tiwa-fires-back-takes-brave-step-against-online-hate/

    The Guardian Nigeria 2026-01-10
    Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria

  • Tems and Dave Spark Fresh Romance Chatter as “RAINDANCE” Visuals Hit

    Tems and Dave Spark Fresh Romance Chatter as “RAINDANCE” Visuals Hit

    According to Pulse Nigeria, fans are again debating romance rumors after Tems and UK rapper Dave appeared closely linked to the rollout of “RAINDANCE,” with social chatter pointing to chemistry that looks bigger than a feature.

    The report notes speculation surged as clips and reactions spread across platforms, with commenters reading recent moves as a “soft launch” rather than a formal confirmation.

    Beyond the gossip, the collaboration is also widening both artists’ reach as Afrobeats and UK rap continue to blend on global playlists.

    For verification, Tems’ own post helped anchor the rollout narrative, writing: “RAINDANCE Video out now! @Santandave1” (X/@temsbaby). BBC Radio 1’s interview clip also supports the creative framing, quoting her describing the record as “real, genuine and honest.”

    Echotitbits take: This is as much about global positioning as gossip. If the romance angle stays unconfirmed, expect controlled “breadcrumb” moments—visual-era clues and selective public appearances—rather than a direct statement.

    Source: Pulse Nigeria — January 10, 2026 — https://www.pulse.ng/articles/entertainment/celebrities/fans-angry-about-tems-and-dave-rumored-romance-2026011014074602887

    Pulse Nigeria 2026-01-10
    Photo Credit: Pulse Nigeria

  • Peller apologizes after restaurant altercation clip sparks backlash

    Peller apologizes after restaurant altercation clip sparks backlash

    Reporting by PM News Nigeria indicates that Nigerian TikToker/content creator Peller released an apology following backlash over a video linked to a restaurant altercation involving a woman identified in coverage as Oginika.

    The apology message spread quickly across platforms, with commenters debating boundaries around filming, public shaming, and how creators handle conflict when cameras are rolling.

    The incident has also reignited conversations about when “content” crosses into harassment and what meaningful accountability looks like after a clip has already traveled.

    • Legit.ng (Web): “Peller apologises after clash with Oginika in a restaurant.”
    • Instagram repost (Reel): “Oginika, I’m sorry.”

    Echotitbits take: Influencer reputations now turn on crisis response speed—apology, restitution, and clarity. Watch for any direct restitution to the affected party and whether brands quietly step back or double down.

    Source: Legit.ng — 2026-01-09 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1691593-peller-finally-apologises-lady-heated-restaurant-clash/

    Source: Legit.ng 2026-01-09
    Photo Credit: Legit.ng