U.K.-based Nigerian reality star Natasha “Tacha” Akide has sharply criticized the behavior of certain Nigerian Christian pastors, asserting that 90 percent of them wouldn’t be tolerated abroad for the same conduct they display at home. Her comment came in response to the controversy between Paul Adefarasin, senior pastor at House on the Rock Church, and a parked-car videographer. In the viral footage, Adefarasin appears to brandish what looks like a handgun at a young man filming his vehicle. The pastor has denied it was a firearm or that it was aimed at anyone, claiming the man acted aggressively. But Tacha, speaking via a video shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account, disputed that version. She insisted the clip clearly shows Adefarasin holding a pistol-like item, and contested any claim that the videographer was aggressive. She accused the pastor of “gaslighting” the public: “Everybody saw the video. We all saw the video. And from the video, we can tell who the aggressor was.” Tacha added the man was prophetizing praise in the clip and saw no reason for panic or aggression. She was also critical of congregants who applauded Adefarasin’s actions, questioning their awareness of what truly transpired. She issued a direct warning: “90 per cent of our Nigerian pastors will not get away with what they do in Nigeria outside Nigeria… their churches would shut down within a year.” She contrasted how society would react if politicians like Seyi Tinubu or Nyesom Wike “brandished a weapon” — implying a far more severe backlash than pastors currently receive. She further brought up another incident involving Adefarasin, where he allegedly smashed a bus’s windshield during a traffic dispute: “This is the same pastor who allegedly stepped out of his car last year to smash the windscreen of a bus… So anybody holding a phone now is aggressive?” Tacha concluded by condemning the hypocrisy she sees in permitting pastors to act with impunity and urged Nigerians to stop making excuses for them
Nigerian music star Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, has paid heartfelt tribute to Afrobeats legend D’banj for his foundational impact on the genre’s international rise—especially in the United Kingdom. He commended D’banj’s groundbreaking 2012 single “Oliver Twist,” which became the first Nigerian song to break into the top 10 of the UK Official Singles Chart, a feat that set the tone for other Afrobeats tracks to achieve similar success. During his sold-out performance at the O2 Arena in London on Sunday, Rema invited D’banj on stage and emphasized how vital the veteran artist’s success was to the current global visibility of Nigerian music. He expressed that D’banj’s UK crossover milestone paved the path for artists like himself to thrive in the international music scene. “First of all, I want to appreciate you for opening the doors. We [the new generational artists] do not do it alone,” Rema stated emotionally.“You were one of the first ones to bring Afrobeats to the UK. You and Don Jazzy held it down. Y’all opened that door.I appreciate you for life. I love you from the bottom of my heart. If you never existed, I would have never existed.” Rema’s gesture has been widely praised as a powerful acknowledgment of Afrobeats history and the importance of honoring pioneers who laid the groundwork for today’s global recognition.
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Renowned Nigerian music artist Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has openly criticized a growing trend in the entertainment industry where successful musicians create record labels merely to sign new talents as a status symbol. In a candid conversation during her recent interview with VJ Adams, Simi revealed that although she’s open to mentoring emerging artists, she views it as unjust when well-known artists sign others purely to mark a career achievement. “I can sign an artist,” she stated, “but I think it’s not fair when an artist signs another artist just as a milestone. Because for that artist, it’s just a passion project for them and not necessarily to accomplish a goal. But then, that’s their life.” Simi emphasized that running a record label should be a task reserved for individuals with genuine interest and dedication to the music business. According to her, only those who are truly committed to the success of others should take on such responsibility. “I think the only people that should sign artists are people who really have passion for music business,” she added. “So that whether or not the artist is thriving at the moment, they will still believe in the artist. Whether or not the song that you thought would blow did not blow, are you willing to keep going?” Highlighting the emotional and career impact on young talents, Simi stressed the importance of long-term dedication and belief in an artist’s potential. “Are you willing to last on it? Because that’s actually somebody’s life. That’s their dream. And that was the way that I saw myself when I was getting signed like, ‘How do you see me? Am I just a box you are ticketing or is it as important to you as it is to me?’” While acknowledging that she might consider signing someone in the future, Simi admitted uncertainty about having the persistent passion and energy it takes to fully support another artist’s journey. “That’s why I said I could [sign another artist] but I don’t know if I have that passion, if I have that drive to see someone through, if I have the constant energy. Because it takes a lot.”
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Renowned Nigerian actress and film producer, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has called for a thorough structural overhaul in Nollywood, Nigeria’s movie industry. In a widely discussed Instagram post shared on Saturday, the screen veteran with a career spanning more than three decades in the Nigerian film scene, emphasized the need for systemic change. Reflecting on her experiences in both Hollywood and Nollywood, Omotola drew attention to a key area of disparity between the two industries: royalty payments. She conveyed her dissatisfaction with how Nigerian actors are treated, especially concerning the non-existence of residual income in Nollywood. Contrasting it with her experience abroad, she noted that in Hollywood, she receives monthly residuals from just two experimental projects completed within a short four-year span. “Only four years in Hollywood. Two pilot projects. Still getting monthly residuals,” she wrote. In the post, she included a photo of a mail envelope from SAG-AFTRA, the American guild for film and media professionals. She then contrasted this with her career in Nigeria. “Meanwhile, 30 years in Nollywood, over 310 film roles – not a single residual. #NollywoodNeedsStructure #UnlearntoRelearn”
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Nigerian music sensation and Grammy Award winner, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, widely recognized as Wizkid, recently shared his thoughts on the path to achieving success. Speaking candidly, the 34-year-old artist emphasized that having a clear vision is a vital step toward reaching one’s goals. During a conversation with NBC 4 at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, where his documentary “Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” premiered, the Starboy Entertainment founder highlighted that envisioning success is a foundational principle. The interviewer asked Wizkid:“Did you always foresee yourself reaching this point? Did the vision exist before the reality?” He responded:“Absolutely, man. You must visualize it before it comes to pass. So yes, I’ve always believed I’d become successful.” Known globally for his smash hit “Essence”, Wizkid used the opportunity to inspire younger generations. He encouraged aspiring individuals to remain authentic, stay diligent, and keep their faith in God unwavering. In a heartwarming moment at the event, Wizkid and his partner Jada Pollock publicly introduced their daughter, Morayo, to the world. The singer lovingly held his child while posing for photos alongside Jada and close members of his crew.
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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.”
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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.”
