Popular Nigerian music artist, Bella Shmurda, has opened up about his current stance in the music scene, expressing that he no longer aligns himself with the secular music industry. The singer emphasized a significant change in his musical direction, explaining that he has moved away from producing songs that simply chase trends. Instead, he now focuses on creating conscious music that resonates deeply with listeners. During a recent appearance on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, hosted by renowned music journalist Joey Akan, Bella Shmurda shared personal insights about his evolving purpose as an artist. He stated, “At this point, I feel like I’m not in the [secular music] industry anymore. In that sense that I no longer make music that follows trend. I no longer do songs for trends. I don’t think I’m in that space anymore.” Shmurda further expressed his commitment to making music that uplifts and connects with the soul, rather than following commercial formulas or fleeting popularity. “I just want to make music for the reason I want to do it, which is to uplift people’s souls, making people self-conscious and being aware of who they are. And, helping people go through life with my music. And, I don’t really think any of my colleagues want to do that. I can still do trendy songs once in a while. But I feel like I know my space already now. Even if I want to make trendy music, I do that and quickly return to my purpose. And I feel like that’s the balance.”
Nigerian Afrobeats icon Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, widely recognized as Wizkid, has voiced his desire for better governance in Nigeria and throughout the African continent. During the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on Friday, where his documentary titled “Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” was showcased, the Starboy Entertainment frontman emphasized the significance of leadership in Africa. He highlighted governance as a core issue he hopes to see transformed across African nations. Wizkid took the opportunity to urge fellow African creatives to speak their truths through storytelling. Despite the ongoing challenges facing the continent, the global music star expressed optimism for a brighter future driven by artistic expression. “I hope every African artist gets the platform to share their journey in this way. I’m not alone in this experience; many of us come from similar backgrounds,” he said. He further added, “I constantly hope for growth across all aspects of our culture — from the music scene to film and sports. My wish is for improved leadership. At the core, I’m an optimist. I truly want the best for everyone creating extraordinary music and inspiring art in Africa.”
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Nigerian dancehall singer Cynthia Morgan, widely known as Madrina, has responded directly to comments made by Peter Okoye of the iconic music duo P-Square. According to LMSINT MEDIA, Peter Okoye had earlier posted on his Instagram page, leveling serious accusations against his twin brother Paul Okoye and their older sibling Jude Okoye, who also served as their former manager. Peter accused the two of betrayal and misappropriation of funds. While venting his frustration amid an ongoing legal confrontation with his brothers, Peter referenced past disagreements involving their ex-signee, Cynthia Morgan. In his post, Peter said: “Exactly what I was talking about: their publicist doing everything to make me look like a liar. I’m not MayD or Cynthia Morgan. I’m PETER OKOYE, the one and only ROCK/OKWUTE of the Okoyes. The truth shall prevail.#UnaThiefAbiUnaNoThief#FamilyDoesNotStealFromFamily.” Reacting to this statement via her Instagram story, Cynthia Morgan expressed dismay over her name being dragged into the public exchange. She wrote: “I have a mixed feeling about my name popping up like this. I’m not a weak person. Certain family members made it look so. @peterpsquare included. Until you found out what they were doing to you too. Na me listen to una sha.” LMSINT MEDIA also remembers that Cynthia Morgan’s fallout with the Northside Entertainment label—owned by Paul, Peter, and Jude Okoye—was highly publicized, with the singer detailing her experiences of industry manipulation and alleged contractual disputes.
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Popular Nigerian music sensation Daniel Anidugbe, widely recognized by his stage name Kizz Daniel, has hinted at the possibility of stepping away from the music scene. Following the recent release of his EP “Lemon Chase,” the award-winning artist has announced another project, “Orange Chase,” which he is planning to drop within just a week of the former. The back-to-back releases, he explained, are part of a personal mission to release a large backlog of unreleased music. According to Kizz Daniel, he has accumulated more than 600 unreleased tracks and is determined to share them with fans before stepping down from the industry. While unveiling the guest artists featured on the forthcoming “Orange Chase” EP via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, a fan jokingly reacted, saying: “VADO wan finish us with overfeeding ✌” The singer responded with clarity: “I have over 600 songs I want to dish out before I hang boot, so ♂️.” In a follow-up post, Kizz Daniel shared a more personal update, revealing that he is pressing pause on recording to reconnect with his family. He confessed that his loved ones had expressed concern over him prioritizing studio sessions over spending time at home. He wrote: “No more recording for me … Just enjoying life like it should be … My family don diss me say I choose studio over them, I’m changing.” This heartfelt revelation shows a different side of the artist — one where family values take precedence over fame and music production.
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Peter Okoye, formerly one-half of the iconic P-Square music group, has aired his grievances online, accusing his brothers Paul and Jude Okoye of attempting to tarnish his public image amid an ongoing courtroom dispute. Peter explained that the friction intensified after Jude’s legal representative alleged in court that Peter submitted a false statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning a royalties dispute. The singer, through a sequence of Instagram posts, claimed that the media campaign to undermine him was orchestrated by his brother’s publicist in a strategic attempt to discredit his integrity. He voiced his frustration, declaring that he would no longer play the role of the ‘bigger person’—a stance he had previously maintained. Peter stated, “This is exactly the situation I was referring to—their publicist going to great lengths to portray me as dishonest. I’m not May D or Cynthia Morgan; I’m Peter Okoye, the one and only ‘rock’—Okwute of the Okoye family. The truth will surely emerge.” He further challenged his brothers, questioning their integrity with the words, “Did you steal, or did you not?” Peter also drew parallels with the tragic case of the late Nigerian artist Mohbad, revealing how the incident served as a turning point for him, compelling him to start defending himself against perceived injustices. He said, “After seeing all that transpired regarding Mohbad’s death and the current state of the investigation, I made up my mind to stop playing the ‘bigger person’ or acting like the mature one. That mindset was the root of all this drama. I tried to take the high road—never again!” Okoye concluded by describing the much-publicized 2021 reunion of P-Square as a manipulation. He disclosed, “I later realized I was being used during the November 2021 reunion. But now that we’re already in court, I’ll bide my time and eventually reveal the full story of what truly occurred.”
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Afrobeats superstar Davido has taken a swipe at former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, over a controversial statement he made recently. This came shortly after Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday amidst the current turmoil surrounding local government elections in the state. According to reports, local government allocations in Osun have been on hold since February 2025, due to an ongoing political dispute between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a new twist on Wednesday, President Tinubu welcomed Governor Adeleke, his elder brother Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, and Davido in Lagos State. The visit triggered widespread speculation, suggesting there might be a potential defection agreement brewing between President Tinubu and Governor Adeleke. Dismissing the rumoured deal, Hon. Owoeye held a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, where he declared, “The Adeleke family is not welcome in the APC. There is no place for PDP members or the Adeleke family in our party.” Responding on X (formerly Twitter), Davido mocked Owoeye’s statement with a comment that sparked reactions:“No be this guy naked for bush?” It’s worth noting that in 2018, a viral video circulated online showing Owoeye allegedly caught unclothed during a nighttime ritual. LMSINT MEDIA confirms that this incident caused widespread uproar at the time.
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Popular Nigerian rapper and songwriter, Folarin Falana, professionally known as Falz, has reaffirmed his stance that fornication is not a sin in the belief system he follows. Recently, the award-winning artist made headlines after stating via his X (formerly Twitter) page that fornication is not a sin, sparking widespread controversy. This bold statement triggered reactions, especially from Christian and Muslim communities, who responded by quoting various religious scriptures in an attempt to challenge his claim. In a follow-up interview with Arise TV, Falz addressed the backlash and further explained his position. He emphasized that his statement was not made from a Christian perspective, as many had assumed, but rather from his own spiritual viewpoint, which he defines as the “religion of love.” “I think people read the tweet and assumed I meant it from a Christian viewpoint,” Falz said during the interview. He elaborated that he no longer identifies as a Christian and that his personal belief system, centered around love, does not classify fornication as sinful. “I wasn’t speaking from a Christian angle,” he clarified. “I practice the religion of love. Under that belief, I don’t see fornication as a sin.” Falz challenged the traditional religious stance on premarital sex, questioning its moral implications and asking who it truly offends. “Why are we not allowed to engage in premarital intercourse? Who is it hurting? These are two unmarried, consenting adults. Personally, I don’t think there’s a problem,” he explained. Concluding the interview, Falz stated again with conviction: “I’m no longer a Christian. I now follow the religion of love.”
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Renowned Nigerian artist Timaya has expressed that joining the music scene in today’s era is significantly easier compared to the early 2000s to 2010s, the period during which he gained popularity alongside his peers. While appearing on a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, hosted by Joey Akan, the ‘Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa’ attributed the shift to the rise of digital technology and the widespread use of social media platforms. “Creating music is now simpler for today’s generation of artists compared to when I started. Back then, it was challenging to gain recognition. There was a time when just one person had control over everything,” he said. Recalling his collaboration with Flavour on the song Odeshi, Timaya revealed that acquiring rights to older tracks was complex. “For that ‘Odeshi’ track with Flavour, we discovered the catalog was owned by Premier Music. We tried to remake ‘Can I Have A Dance?’ and had to go back to Premier to pay again,” he explained. Timaya emphasized that aspiring artists today can easily acquire studio gear and go viral from home with just one hit track. “Nowadays, your parents can get you basic studio equipment. Create a solid track, register yourself, and go viral on TikTok. All you need is internet data,” he remarked. He further reflected on the struggle older musicians faced getting airplay on radio stations. “It was tough then. Before your song could even play on the radio, it took serious effort. Today, you just upload your song online, and you could blow overnight from your bedroom,” he said. Though he appreciates how much more accessible the music business has become, Timaya admitted the new digital era is still a bit overwhelming for him. “I like how fast it is now, but I didn’t start that way, so it’s stressful for me. Posting content frequently gets tiring. Sometimes I feel like I shouldn’t even bother. But this is showbiz—we have to keep up.”
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American rapper Offset has officially requested spousal support from his estranged wife, Cardi B, as their divorce process intensifies. According to LMSINT MEDIA, Cardi B initiated divorce proceedings against Offset back in August 2024, citing irreconcilable differences as the basis for their separation. Offset formally responded to the petition in February 2025, where he sought joint custody of their three children. He also proposed that the children primarily reside in Cardi B’s home. In a recent update to his response, Offset included a demand for spousal support as part of the divorce agreement. As reported by TMZ, Offset did not disclose a specific financial figure in his request. However, he did urge the court to ensure an equitable division of legal expenses between both parties. For context, Cardi B and Offset were married in a private ceremony back in 2017, marking the beginning of their high-profile union in the music industry.
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Nigerian entertainer Nasboi, widely recognized for his transition from comedy to music, has initiated a unique 36-day campaign journey across Nigeria’s 36 states in a bid to collaborate with Afrobeat superstar Davido. The campaign, which commenced recently, involves Nasboi kneeling in front of government establishments in each state, as a symbolic gesture of his earnest appeal for a musical feature from Davido. According to Nasboi, this unconventional tour is a heartfelt move following several unsuccessful attempts to get the singer’s attention. The talented artist revealed that he has spent the past five years impersonating Davido’s style and sound, hoping to capture his notice and earn a spot on a track with him. Despite his consistent efforts, a collaboration has not materialized—prompting this countrywide public plea. Nasboi made the announcement through an Instagram post that included a photograph of him kneeling while holding a placard in front of the Osun State Government Secretariat. The image marked the official start of the campaign. Continuing his effort, he was also seen on Thursday kneeling in front of the Kano State Government House, maintaining his pledge to traverse all 36 states on bent knees. In his Instagram caption, he expressed hope and urged fans to support him by tagging @davido in every post related to the campaign. He wrote: “I will be kneeling across the 36 states for 36 days. I pray this dream comes to pass. Please just tag @davido everyday when you see the post.” Nasboi’s campaign has begun gaining online traction as fans rally behind his determination and resilience. The story continues to unfold as he journeys across Nigeria, state by state, fueled by his passion for music and admiration for Davido.
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Popular American model and media icon, Hailey Bieber, has reportedly sold her skincare and cosmetics brand, Rhode, in a high-profile acquisition deal worth $1 billion to beauty giant E.l.f Beauty. Hailey disclosed the milestone acquisition via a post shared on her official Instagram Story on Wednesday night. The update on her Instagram story read: “E.I.f acquired Hailey Bieber’s Rhode in a $1 billion deal.” According to details surrounding the agreement, E.l.f Beauty is purchasing Rhode for $800 million in cash and stock, with an extra $200 million dependent on the brand’s future sales targets and overall performance. Although the finalization of the transaction is projected to conclude later in 2025, Hailey Bieber is expected to retain her leadership role as CEO and Head of Innovation at Rhode. Additionally, she will also serve as a strategic advisor within the E.l.f Beauty corporation. As previously reported by LMSINT MEDIA, Hailey Bieber co-founded Rhode in the year 2022, quickly establishing the brand as a disruptive force within the beauty and skincare industry.
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A Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced popular TikTok influencer Murja Ibrahim Kunya to six months in prison for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act by abusing the Naira. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the conviction before Justice Simon Amobeda. Kunya was initially arrested in January 2025 for spraying Naira notes during her stay at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano. After being granted administrative bail, she failed to appear in court, leading to her re-arrest on March 16, 2025. She pleaded guilty to the amended one-count charge on May 20, 2025
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Kannywood actress Mansura Isa has publicly confirmed the end of her second marriage, describing the experience as abrupt and emotionally jarring—comparable to a dramatic film plot. In a candid discussion on the BBC Hausa programme Mahangar Zamani, alongside fellow veteran actress Fati Mohammad, Mansura disclosed that she entered the marriage driven by love, only to later realize that her husband’s intentions were not as sincere as she had believed. “I married for love. You know what they say, love is blind. But it turns out he had a different agenda, not real love,” she remarked. Fati Mohammad defended Kannywood actresses against the frequent accusations of marital instability. She emphasized that marital failures are not exclusive to celebrities but become public spectacles due to their fame. Fati argued that many men pursue actresses out of lust, and once their desires are fulfilled, they abandon the relationship. “People assume women refuse to stay in marriage because they’re used to luxury, but it’s not that simple,” she added. Mansura’s second marriage attracted public attention in June 2024, following her remarriage after separating from her first husband, actor Sani Danja. The former couple shares four children—Iman, Khalifa, Sultan, and Sudais—and their union was once regarded as exemplary within the industry. Viral videos from her second wedding revealed that the bride price was set at one million naira. However, Mansura has now disclosed that the marriage has ended. She recounted meeting her second husband through an uncle when she secured a contract in Lagos. Lacking a representative in the city, she reached out to the man to oversee the deal. Subsequently, she discovered that he harbored ambitions of controlling the project and used romantic interest as a facade. “He suddenly proposed marriage, and I accepted, thinking he was genuine. He even said I could continue with my film career. We got married at night, and the next morning he left for Lagos,” Mansura explained. She further revealed that during the wedding, he presented a contract agreement, requesting her to sign over the management of a N4 billion contract to him, citing their marital bond. From that point, he began communicating directly with the involved parties, effectively excluding her from the process. “I never saw him again after that. He stopped answering my calls, and eventually divorced me,” she stated. According to Mansura, when confronted in Lagos, he claimed to have forgotten about the marriage. Initially, he refused to issue a divorce but later relented under pressure. Despite the distressing ordeal, Mansura expressed acceptance of her fate.
