NIGERIAN MUSICIANS WHO FEEL FROM FAME
NIGERIAN MUSCIANS WHO FELL FROM FAME In the fast-paced Nigerian music industry, many artists rise to stardom only to experience sudden declines in their careers. While some make comebacks, others face challenges that prevent them from maintaining the level of success they once had. In this article, we will explore the stories of Nigerian musicians like Dammy Krane, Sean Tizzle, Tekno, Klever Jay, and Runtown—who once topped the charts but are now navigating periods of struggle. Eyes Of Lagos reports, Though Dammy Krane has tried to revive his career with new music and collaborations, the impact of the scandal has lingered, and he has not regained the level of success he once enjoyed. Several years passed without major hits, and fans began to question his whereabouts. Though he returned with new music in 2019 and 2020, Sean Tizzle’s popularity has never reached the height it once did. His failure to maintain consistency and follow-up with hits has led to a decline in his fanbase, making him one of the most notable examples of a career that went from grace to grass. Despite the controversy, Tekno tried to stay relevant by releasing new music, but his career has not quite returned to its previous level of success. While he is still active in the music scene, his peak seems to have passed, and he has faced increasing competition from newer artists. Despite several releases, Klever Jay never managed to get back to the same level of fame and recognition he once had. His lack of consistent hits and the ever-changing nature of the music industry left him struggling to reclaim his place in the spotlight. However, Runtown’s career took a hit after his legal battles with his former record label, Eric Many. The dispute led to a hiatus, and Runtown struggled to keep up the momentum. Though he returned with new music in 2020, it wasn’t enough to completely revive his career. His absence from the limelight and ongoing legal troubles contributed to a significant decline in his popularity, showing how even top stars can falter when faced with personal and professional obstacles. ConclusionThe stories of Dammy Krane, Sean Tizzle, Tekno, Klever Jay, and Runtown serve as important reminders of the challenges that come with fame in the ever-evolving Nigerian music industry. While many of these artists once enjoyed massive success, they have faced personal and professional setbacks that led to their fall from grace. Whether it’s scandal, lack of consistency, legal battles, or simply the intense competition in the industry, these musicians’ experiences highlight the unpredictability of a music career. For aspiring musicians, the rise and fall of these stars also offer valuable lessons about maintaining relevance, staying grounded, and adapting to change in order to sustain long-term success.
NGOZI EZEONU, VETERAN NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, SLAMS UPCOMING ACTRESSES – HOW CAN YOU COME HERE WITHOUT BRA?
NGOZI EZEONU, VETERAN NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, SLAMS UPCOMING ACTRESSES – HOW CAN YOU COME HERE WITHOUT BRA? – Veteran Nollywood actress, Ngozi Ezeonu, has slammed two upcoming actresses over their choice of outfit for an audition. The movie star was one of the judges sitting at the audition table when two ladies wearing crop tops and leggings came for the audition. Ngozi berated the ladies for not wearing bras and the kind of crop top they were wearing. The thespian added that any day she oversees an audition and any lady shows up dressed like the ladies before her, she would disqualify the person In other news, Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus has disclosed that her family name was changed during the Nigerian civil war. According to the actress, her family name was initially Ojukwu before the civil war forced them to change it in order to avoid attack and criticism. She said this during an interview with popular media personality, Ebuka Obi Uchendu. While reacting to the mistake people make with her name, ‘Damasus’, she explained that her family’s name was assumed to be related to the late Biafran war general, Ojukwu. Ebuka said; ” It was interesting that so many people didn’t even understand that your surname was not what it was. So many people were shocked at the revelation, are you as shocked as a lot of people were?”
FAME, FORTUNES, FAREWELLS IN NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN 2024
FAME, FORTUNES, FAREWELLS IN NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN 2024 The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with Nollywood delivering box office hits and Nigerian artistes dominating global music charts, the nation witnessed some of the most talked-about weddings and controversies that made headlines. In this feature, Weekend Trust takes you on a journey through these highlights, celebrating the stories that made this year unforgettable. Gone but not forgotten Saratu Gidado – Daso In April 2024, the Hausa film industry was plunged into mourning with the announcement of the sudden death of famous actress Saratu Gidado also known as ‘Daso’. The actress died in her sleep at her home in the Kano metropolis. John Okafor (Mr Ibu) John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, was a celebrated Nigerian actor and comedian known for his roles in over 200 Nollywood films. Born on October 17, 1961, in Umunekwu, Enugu State Nigeria, he became a household name through his comedic portrayals that resonated with audiences nationwide. Tragically, Mr. Ibu passed away on March 2, 2024, in Lekki, Lagos State, after a prolonged battle with diabetes. El-Mu’az Birniwa In early December 2024, famous Kannywood singer Muhammad Mu’azu Birniwa popularly known as El-Muaz Birniwa died. The singer, according to sources close to the Hausa filmmaking industry, slumped while playing a football match in Kaduna. The match was said to have been organised to celebrate the marriage of one of his colleagues in the industry Auta Waziri who is also a singer. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Inside life of Nigerian inmates awaiting trialHow Southern Kaduna cultural festival is reviving lost bonds Amaechi Muonagor Amaechi Muonagor was a veteran Nigerian actor, comedian, and producer, known for his roles in films such as “Aki na Ukwa,” “Karishika,” and “Igodo.” In 2016, he was reported to be suffering from diabetes, which led to his withdrawal from the film industry. In 2023, he suffered a stroke that resulted in partial paralysis of his left leg. He passed away on March 24, 2024, due to kidney failure, at the age of 62. Fati Slow In May 2024, veteran Kannywood actress Fatima Usman popularly known in the Hausa entertainment industry as Fati Slow died. The actress who has been in the entertainment sector for over two decades died in a town called Adasha which is close to Sudan after a protracted illness. The death was announced by her colleague in the entertainment industry Mansura Isa when she posted the news on her verified Facebook account. Charles Olumo (Agbako) Alhaji Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, known professionally as Charles Olumo or Agbako, was a veteran Nigerian actor from Abeokuta, Ogun State. Born in July 1923, he began his acting career in 1953 and became a prominent figure in Yoruba-language films. He passed on October 31, 2024, at the age of 101, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over seven decades. Onyeka Onwenu Onyeka Onwenu was a multifaceted Nigerian entertainer, known for her work as a singer, actress, journalist, and politician. As a musician, she was celebrated for soulful hits like “One Love” and “You and I.” Onwenu’s extensive career made her a cultural icon in Nigeria. She passed away on July 31, 2024, at the age of 72, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s entertainment industry. Dayo Adewunmi (Sule Suebebe) Veteran Nollywood actor Dayo Adewunmi, popularly known by his stage name Sule Suebebe, was renowned for his roles in Yoruba-language films. He passed away on June 12, 2024. Most streamed artistes of the year Asake Asake was named as the most streamed Nigerian artiste in Sub-Saharan Africa on Spotify wrapped in 2024. His hit songs like “Fuji Vibe” and “Active” continued to dominate playlists but locally and internationally.…
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN CROWNED 2024 CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN CROWNED 2024 CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman, has been named the CAF Footballer of the Year for the past year. Lookman was announced as the winner at an elaborate event in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday night. The Atalanta star won the prize ahead of Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. It has been an incredible year for Lookman, who became the first player to score a hat-trick in the Europa League/UEFA Cup final since 1975, netting the three goals within 26 minutes against Bayer Leverkusen. Lookman was included in the Team of the Year for the Europa League, and ended the season having had a direct hand in 18 top flight goals for La Dea. The 27-year-old was ranked the 14th best player during the Ballon d’Or gala on October 28.
FOR ME, NO MORE BEAUTY CONTEST – CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA
FOR ME, NO MORE BEAUTY CONTEST – CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA Miss Universe runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina, has announced her decision to quit pageantry. Speaking during a recent interview with Silverbird TV, Adetshina said pageantry has been a traumatic experience for her. She said she’s quitting for personal reasons and relocating to Nigeria from her estranged country, South Africa. “Finishing in the top 2 [at the Miss Universe competition] is still a shocker for me… Honestly, I am done. Pageantry was a real traumatic experience for me,” she said. “People still don’t understand how I felt. There were times when I almost quit during the Miss Universe contest. I’m really done with pageantry. I want to focus on myself and establish who I am. And forward my education as well.” After finishing as 1st runner-up at the Miss Universe competition, Adetshina was named Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. She won Miss Nigeria after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa contest after she attracted scrutiny over her nationality.
MISS UNIVERSE FIRST RUNNER UP, CHIDINMA ADETSHINA, THANKS NIGERIANS: AT MY LOWEST, YOU PICKED ME UP
MISS UNIVERSE FIRST RUNNER UP, CHIDINMA ADETSHINA, THANKS NIGERIANS: AT MY LOWEST, YOU PICKED ME UP Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe competition, has expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians and Africans for their support, which contributed to her historic achievement at Miss Universe 2024. During the final moments of the prestigious event at Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday morning, a thrilling showdown unfolded between Adetshina and Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, as the two women vied for the coveted crown. In the end, Miss Denmark, Theilvig, claimed the title, succeeding Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. Following the competition, Adetshina took to Instagram to share her appreciation. The beauty queen recalled how Nigerians supported her during her lowest, and how Africa as a continent taught her the power of unity in the pursuit of success. She wrote, “To Nigeria: THANK YOU is not enough for all the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest. I’ve never opened up much but I was ready to give up on my life but you became my strength. On days I never wanted to fight you gave me the strength to fight. I’m so grateful for each and everyone for walking this journey with me. She also addressed the African continent, saying, “To Africa: thank you for showing your love and support. As much as I represent Nigeria, Africa fought for me. My voice, my story touched many and brought us together. This journey has taught me the power of Unity. I want us to live in a society where we can all accept and celebrate one another.” Chidimma Adetshina concluded by emphasising that this moment marks the beginning of her journey, not its end.
CHIDINMA ADETSHINA FIRST RUNNER UP AT MISS UNIVERSE CONTEST
NIGERIA’S CHIDINMA ADETSHINA FIRST RUNNER UP AT MISS UNIVERSE CONTEST Chidimma Adetshina, representing Nigeria, has finished as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe competition. The event took place in Mexico. The finale, held in the early hours of Sunday, was a tense and exciting moment as Chidimma stood alongside Denmark’s representative. Both contestants held their breath as they waited for the winner to be announced. In the end, Denmark claimed the crown. “The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment,” the organisers said on Instagram before the announcement of the winner. This year’s Miss Universe was one of the most competitive in recent memory. Contestants showcased not only their beauty but also their intelligence, talents, and cultural pride. The organisers openly admitted to it. Chidimma’s journey to the Miss Universe stage was one without no controversy. Earlier this year, she faced criticism and xenophobic attacks while participating in the Miss South Africa competition. Many questioned her eligibility due to her mixed heritage—born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother with Mozambican roots. The hostility forced Chidimma to withdraw from the Miss South Africa contest. She eventually accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. In August, Chidimma competed at the event in Lagos and came out victorious.
PLATEAU UNITED FANS ATTACK, BEAT ENUGU RANGERS COACH, PLAYERS
PLATEAU UNITED FANS ATTACK, BEAT ENUGU RANGERS COACH, PLAYERS Some irate fans of Plateau United on Sunday evening attacked the team bus of Enugu Rangers after the Flying Antelopes held their football club to a goalless draw on the Match Day 11 of the 2024/2025 Nigerian Football League. This was disclosed by an official of the team, Felix Ifeanyi, who said the team’s bus and some of their players were attacked by the fans of the host team after the match. He said: “Today, just a draw in Jos, Plateau United fans ‘scatter’ (damaged) our bus and beat our players. The damage done to the bus alone can’t be repaired with nothing less than millions. Is this the league we wanted? It’s well anyway… God dey!!!” A picture obtained by SaharaReporters shows one of the assaulted players with a bloodied face. A press statement issued by the Enugu Rangers management revealed that the team has petitioned the appropriate authorities to probe the attack on their players and bus in Plateau. The statement reads: “We wish to inform you about the unfortunate incident that occurred during our match against Plateau United in Jos. “The attack on our team was unwarranted, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure justice is served. A petition has been submitted to the relevant authorities, and we will not rest until this issue is thoroughly addressed and resolved.” Reacting, Plateau United management, in a separate statement, claimed that the attack on the visiting team occurred outside the stadium. The statement added that the host team should not be liable for the ugly incident. The statement reads: “At the Culmination of NPFL25 Match Day 11 game involving Plateau United FC and Rangers International of Enugu in Jos, viral photographs and videos flooded diverse media platforms showcasing an injured player of Rangers International of Enugu. “The Rangers team claimed fans of Plateau United FC attacked them using harmful pebbles, resulting in the injury of one player and destruction of property. “It must be stated that at the culmination of the Match Day 11 game, players and officials of Rangers International of Enugu departed the New Jos Stadium safely without any form of molestation. “More so, the technical team successfully held a post-match interview at the media conference room before departing. “On cross examination, reports say the visiting team had covered almost two kilometres off the stadium facility before the incident occurred. “While It remains unclear how and why the incident occurred, it is key to note that once the visiting team leaves the parameters of the stadium, security pulls off the grasp of the host team by virtue of jurisdiction. “While Plateau United FC condemns any form of hooliganism amongst its fan base, the club is insistent it knows nothing about the attack nor has anything to do with the accused persons that attacked. “According to Plateau United FC General Manager, Habila Hosea Mutla, ‘we are a peaceful club who believe in either of three outcomes when we step out for an encounter is to win, lose or draw’. “Hence, we will do everything within our powers to maintain law and order within the stadium perimeter.”
SOUTH AFRICAN GROUP LAUNCHES PETITION TO BAR CHIDINMA ADETSHINA FROM MISS UNIVERSE
SOUTH AFRICAN GROUP LAUNCHES PETITION TO BAR CHIDINMA ADETSHINA FROM MISS UNIVERSE A South African group, Progressive Forces, has launched a petition against Chidimma Adetshina from competing in the Miss Universe 2024. This comes after the arrival of Adetshina in Mexico on Wednesday. The newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria arrived in Mexico to represent the country at the 2024 edition of the global competition scheduled to be held in November. Chidimma Adetshina had faced criticism in South Africa during the announcement of her Miss South Africa contest. In response to the controversy, the South Africa Department of Home Affairs, DHA, said preliminary evidence suggests Chidimma’s mother committed fraud and identity theft. Following the allegations, she withdrew from the pageant and accepted an invitation to join the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. In the wake of the development, Progressive Forces of South Africa petitioned the organisers of the Miss Universe on Wednesday to prevent Chidimma from participating in the competition, arguing that her involvement could jeopardise the integrity of the Miss Universe brand. The petition has recorded over 1,000 signatures in 24 hours. “We are greatly concerned about Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Universe Nigeria, whose mother has been found guilty of committing identity fraud. “On the 29th of October, Home Affairs cancelled Chidimma Adetshina and her mother’s identities by court order. We are writing on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with Miss Universe to cancel her entry,” the group wrote in its petition.
LIBYA TO APPEAL CAF VERDICT ON BOTCHED SUPER EAGLES AFCON QUALIFIERS
LIBYA TO APPEAL CAF VERDICT ON BOTCHED SUPER EAGLES AFCON QUALIFIERS Following the Confederation of African Football’s decision pertaining to the cancelled Africa Cup of Nations second leg qualifier against Nigeria, the Libya Football Federation (LFF), will appeal the decision to rule in favor of Nigeria. A source revealed to Brila.net that the LFF is preparing to contest the ruling, believing it does not accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding the forfeited match. The source indicated that Libya’s appeal is likely to be filed within the stipulated three-day window and will be handled discretely, without media fanfare. “They will respond to CAF with a special lawyer without any media show,” the source noted. On Saturday, an official by CAF confirmed that its Disciplinary Board found Libya guilty of breaching several regulations, resulting in the forfeiture of the October 15 match. The decision was made after the Nigerian team faced severe logistical challenges, including an unexpected diversion of their flight to Al-Abraq International Airport, where they were stranded for over 18 hours with no basic amenities. The LFF is now faced with the challenge of mounting a compelling case against CAF’s ruling. While the specifics of their appeal strategy remain unclear, it is evident that they are intent on reversing the decision that has placed them at the bottom of Group D in the AFCON qualifiers. Though it seems unlikely that the appeal will change the outcome, all eyes will be on CAF’s response as Libya prepares to take this step. The Federation’s reaction will determine whether they uphold their initial ruling or reconsider the circumstances of the match. The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for the ongoing qualification process, particularly for Nigeria, who currently needs only one more point to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.