Amid widespread social media speculation, Suzan Murora, Kinyinya Sector’s civil status officer, exclusively confirmed to The New Times that 22-year-old gospel singer Vestine Ishimwe, of the acclaimed duo Vestine and Dorcas, legally married her Burkinabe partner, Ouedraogo Idrissa. UPDATE: Suzan Murora, in charge of Social Affairs in Kinyinya sector, confirmed to The New Times that popular gospel singer Vestine Ishimwe’s civil wedding was held on Wednesday, January 15. The civil ceremony occurred on Wednesday, January 15, at 4 PM at the Kinyinya Sector offices in Kigali. The absence of photos or videos from the event fueled doubts among fans, with many questioning the validity of the marriage. However, it has been clarified that the ceremony was intentionally private, with strict restrictions on capturing any visual evidence.

In a video posted on his TikTok page, he showed the luxurious mansion he left behind and explained what led to his relocation. Gabs disclosed that he once fell seriously ill in Ghana and had to sleep on the bare ground due to a lack of hospital beds. This experience, he said, pushed him to seek a better quality of life abroad. He stated that moving to the Netherlands has been one of the best decisions of his life. Gabs highlighted access to proper healthcare, quality education for his children, and other benefits of living in the Netherlands. Now a Dutch citizen, he says he enjoys additional privileges, including the ability to travel freely across Europe. In the past, Kofi Gabs has caused a stir with his Dutch passport. He argued that his Dutch passport was better than a PHD from Ghana, generating a nationwide debate. He further argued that the practical benefits of holding a Dutch passport outweighed the prestige of earning a PhD in Ghana.

Okyeame Kwame looked stylish in a long white Kaftan top designed with embroidery that he paired with white trousers. Ghanaian entrepreneur and celebrity mother Annica Nsiah-Apau wore a custom-made two-piece ensemble for the lovey-dovey photoshoot. Okyeame Kwame shared the beautiful photos on Instagram with this caption: "16 years of marriage with the best wife alive. 16 years of trying to figure you out and coming to know it is impossible. Sixteen years of knowing to be able to love you, I must first love you. 16 years of dependency and connecting at the spiritual level. 16 years of conflicts and resolutions, knowing the resolutions will always win. We have 16 years of shared culture and unrealistic goals. We have 16 years of forgiving each other, knowing we will surely hurt each other again.

Ghanaian choreographer Combos Man has announced the passing of his father on social media. His father's demise comes after the dancer's terrible accident in Kumasi, which left him hospitalised for several days. The viral sensation shared the information about his late father on social media. He posted his childhood photos of him and his dad, saying: "I don’t even understand what’s going on at all Upon all these .. I lost my Papa God why?" Combos Man has garnered significant traction online thanks to his infectious dance routines, which have earned him cosigns from top celebrities, including Nana Ama McBrown. In 2023, the seasoned media personality invited the dancer to her Onua Showtime program for an up close and personal interaction about his life and craft. In December last year, the young dancer sustained severe injuries after a close brush with death while riding a motorbike in Tanoso on December 21. His girlfriend was also involved in the crash.

The Killa Ji Mi hitmaker had a stellar 2024, which saw him release his highly anticipated 10th studio project, Shatta and Fans Album (SAFA), on digital music platforms on Friday, September 20, 2024. SAFA is the dancehall artist's second album of 2024, following the release of his eight-track Konekt album on February 2. The 14-track music project featured collaborations with Wendy Shay and Amerado and amassed significant streaming numbers on major platforms. Shatta Wale capped off his impressive year by sharing the same stage as Spice, Popcaan, Bounty Killer and others at Vybz Kartel's Freedom Street concert at the Jamaica National Stadium in Kingston on December 31, 2024.

The groom couldn't contain his joy moments after the DJ blasted the viral tune, which was originally composed as a political campaign song. The groom's unexpected song choice for their entrance brought joy to the faces of the guests at the wedding reception as they joined them on the dancefloor to dance to the irresistible song. It's unclear if the young man is a sympathiser of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), however, the caption on the video gave an indication. "NDC genes in the groom Mahama must see this," the caption read. Nacee's "Kwen Kwen" was released in November last year as the official campaign song for the NDC in the run-up to the general elections held on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The song became an instant hit, with many social media political activists and content creators using it for various purposes. Furthermore, the song's popularity further soared following the NDC's resounding victory in both the parliamentary and presidential elections.

Afrobeats singer, Spyro, has stated that his colleague Banky W started encountering problems in the music industry after he proclaimed Jesus Christ. Speaking in a recent chat with Echo Room, Spyro disclosed that Banky told him that when he was a bad boy everything was going on well, but when he decided to be Godly, war started. Spyro said that being a “Jesus boy” has led people to deny him goodwill and support in the music industry. He said, “My biggest challenge in the music industry right now is discrimination. I came out with the ‘Jesus boy’ brand and I’ve received the biggest criticisms. “If you want to be truthful to yourself, how many media moguls support or post me when I drop songs? You see them posting other artists but outside from the blogs that I paid to post me, how many media moguls post me? “Do you see these guys post me? Sometimes, I ask myself why because people who are not doing as well as I am, they post them.

Veteran actress Ngozi Ezeonu is trending on social media following her passionate call for decency and professionalism among aspiring actors. For decades, Nollywood has been plagued by controversies surrounding indecent dressing, particularly during auditions for aspiring female actresses. Critics argue that this practice often influences casting decisions, with some actresses securing roles based on appearance and perceived allure rather than talent and skill. This raises serious concerns about the integrity of the audition process today and the industry’s fairness and professionalism. Kanayo o ‘Kanayo’, Zack Orji, Patience Ozokwor, and others previously decried indecent dressing during auditions and in the industry.

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) played a pivotal role in the Nigerian film industry in 2024, classifying 1,088 films. The NFVCB disclosed this on its website on Wednesday. According to the board, during the period under review, 124 films were classified in January, 121 films in February, 56 in March, 71 in April, and 109 in May. Fifty-five films were classified in June, 95 in July, 135 in August, 82 in September, 137 in October, 59 in November and 44 in December. The NFVCB, a Federal Government agency, is deeply committed to regulating Nigeria’s film and video industry. The board is legally empowered to classify all films and videos, whether imported or produced locally, ensuring the industry’s growth and sustainability.

South African music sensation Young Stunna has come to the party with a new track featuring the soulful voice of Elaine, much to the delight of fans. The collaboration has been hotly anticipated, building an electric buzz on social media and within the music community, as enthusiasts eagerly await its release. In a snippet shared on social media, Young Stunna wrote: “I know you, you know that one person you can’t stop loving. @elaineofficial_ let’s finish this one and hand it out, mama. Lovers’ month is around the corner.” The heartfelt message left fans eager to hear more, with many flooding the comments section to express their excitement and anticipation for the full release. One user wrote: “I’m ready to abuse this song.” A second user wrote: “Stunna never disappoint.” A third commented: “When it comes to Young Stunna, lyrically iGifted lentsizwa (he is gifted).”

One of the most colourful and interesting periods in ancient West African history is set to be relived in an epic musical theatre production titled “Mansa Musa and the Trail of Lost Gold, The Prelude”. This spectacular 150-cast and crew African production created by Ghanaian theatre maestro Chief Moomen will premiere at the National Theatre of Ghana on Friday 24th January 2025 at 7:30 pm; the first in a series of world premieres across Africa, Europe, America, The Middle East and Asia. “Mansa Musa and the Trail of Lost Gold, The Prelude” is a unique African musical theatre production where a group of young heroes and heroines embark on a fascinating adventure back in time to discover the lost gold of Mansa Musa, an ancient West African ruler of the Mali Empire said to be, possibly, the richest man to have ever lived.

A recent controversy involving Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli has sparked discussions on originality and intellectual property within the Nigerian film industry. Oboli took to Instagram to apologise and clarify the circumstances surrounding her latest YouTube film, which was removed from her channel following accusations of striking similarities to another YouTube movie titled, Hope Given. In her public statement, Oboli expressed regret over the incident and emphasised her commitment to originality. She explained that the issue stemmed from a script she had purchased from a screenwriter, which was later revealed to have already been sold to another producer in 2022. This breach of trust has raised questions about the ethical and legal challenges faced by producers, YouTube content creators, and screenwriters in Nollywood.

Months after promising to help a mother with her children's outstanding school fees, Pearl Thusi is topping social media trends after apparently failing to commit. In 2024, the former Queen Sono actress pledged to help a desperate mother asking for donations towards her kids' fees. Not only that, but she also roped in DJ Zinhle for the generous deed that never was. The mother revealed how she was promised heaven on earth but later ghosted, saying Pearl even pretended to have sent the funds, only to go silent for good. This after the actress vented about being cyberbullied for unknown reasons. In a heartwrenching realisation, Siviwe_Matroos declared that single mothers are on their own and shouldn't think anybody will save them: "The sooner you realise these are your kids, the minimum the heartbreak when help doesn't come."

Ghanaian gospel singer Joyce Blessing has expressed her intention to remarry, stating, “I will definitely marry again, I am still young.” She made this declaration during an interview with Andy Dosty on Daybreak Hitz. Joyce Blessing’s previous marriage to her ex-manager, Dave Joy, ended in 2020 after nearly a decade together. The union, which produced three children, faced challenges, including allegations of infidelity and disputes over paternity. Despite these past difficulties, Joyce remains optimistic about love and marriage. She emphasized the importance of entering relationships that preserve one’s peace of mind, rather than trying to please partners at the expense of personal well-being.

Ghanaian gospel musician Joyce Blessing has expressed her desire to collaborate with prominent secular artists, including Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Shatta Wale. In a recent interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, she stated, “I want to do a collaboration with Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Shatta Wale.” Joyce Blessing has previously collaborated with artists such as Becca, the late Jewel Ackah, Amerado, and King Paluta. She emphasized her openness to working with secular artists, stating, “I am ever ready to collaborate with any secular artiste who is willing to make songs with me in the gospel way.” Addressing potential criticism for featuring secular artists, Joyce remarked, “No one has been bold enough to ask me why I feature secular artists.”

Teddy Osei, one of the pioneering founder of Afro-rock band Osibisa, has died in London. The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) President Bessa Simons confirmed his passing on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Osei’s journey from Kumasi, Ghana to international stardom embodied the spirit of African music innovation. Born in December 1937, he transformed from a self-taught saxophonist into a groundbreaking bandleader who helped define the Afro-rock genre. His musical path began unconventionally – he picked up the saxophone by chance when another musician failed to show up for band practice during his college days in Sekondi. This twist of fate led him to master the instrument by playing along to jazz records. Before founding Osibisa, Osei led The Comets, a successful Ghanaian band influenced by Highlife music. In 1962, he embarked on a transformative journey to London, where he initially worked as a dishwasher before securing a government grant to study music and drama.

Nigerian musician May D has opened up about the challenges that led to the collapse of his marriage to his Swedish wife. Speaking on the Honest Bunch podcast, May D shared details about his journey from dating his wife since 2014 to getting married and settling in Sweden. Their arrangement saw him take on the role of a stay-at-home dad, looking after their child while his wife worked. However, the COVID-19-induced lockdown brought unexpected challenges, including international travel restrictions and the shutdown of airports. May D revealed he was stuck in Nigeria for almost a year, contrary to the agreement he had with his Swedish wife.

In a heartwarming display of dedication to his community, Ghanaian-trained nurse and musician Scrip T has embarked on a mission to empower fellow African nurses in the UK diaspora. Through his OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) training program, Scrip T aims to give back to his community and make a lasting impact. This month, Scrip T successfully concluded his third cohort of OSCE training, achieving an impressive 98 percent pass rate on the first sitting. This accomplishment is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his passion for helping others succeed. Scrip T’s journey as a nurse and musician is unique. Born and raised in Ghana, he pursued a career in nursing before relocating to the UK to further his education and career. However, his love for music never wavered, and he has successfully balanced his nursing career with a thriving music career.

Al-Afak Theater in Taroudant announced the launch of a national competition for the award of theatrical texts directed at children, with the aim of supporting and encouraging writers to produce creative texts that contribute to enriching children’s literature, and opening new horizons for the emerging generations to understand themselves and interact with society through theater. The award, which is open until March 20, 2025, is an urgent response to the challenges facing children’s theatrical literature, emphasizing the need to promote this unique literary genre. It is also a platform to encourage writers to present theatrical content that meets the psychological and social needs of children, and reflects their issues in diverse contexts. The award is supervised by a jury composed of theatrical artists: Abdel Majid Fneish, Al-Maskini Al-Saghir, and Bouserhan Al-Zaytouni.

The vocal OAP on social media decried the low replay value of most songs churned out by Nigerian artists in the last five years. He argued that music listeners are overwhelmed with choices as numerous tracks are released simultaneously, often driven by trends. He suggested that many of these songs are created primarily to cater to attention-seeking audiences, with a strong focus on streaming numbers. Taking to his X, he wrote: Most of the songs made now in the last five years have no longevity. You might not remember them not because they not good enough but the market is over saturated with so many songs made in a haste. It’s a race to be heard, a number game over anything else.

In a recent revelation, OBO as fondly called by his fans, has given new details of how his billionaire dad, Adedeji Adeleke bought him out of his first professional contract. Davido recalled that he signed a deal with Black Diamond in 2011 but his dad bought him out of the deal after he played the first cut of his smash hit ‘Dami Duro’ video for the concerned father. He explained that his dad, who had previously opposed his music career, bought him out of the contract to ensure he owned 100 percent of his masters. Davido disclosed this while corroborating the tweet made by his former label boss, Tosin Ashafa where he shared how he gave the singer his first deal and how his father reacted to it. Tosin joined a trending topic on X where a user asked users for their ‘Most random music fact’. He quoted the tweet saying:

Merely days after announcing the birth of his first child, Nigerian gospel musician Moses Bliss has taken to social media to urge the public to refrain from posting other people's children as his own. The new dad posted his plea on Facebook on January 14, 2025, reminding the public that he and his wife Marie have yet to post their child online. His post read, "Please stop circulating other people's babies as ours. We appreciate the love, but let's do the right thing. We have not posted our child. Let's shop with the AI images too, please,"

It's a new year but let's take some time to celebrate these editors behind some of the commercially successful Nollywood movies of 2024. The unsung heroes of Nollywood's cinematic success are finally getting their moment in the spotlight. While directors and actors often bask in the glory, editors are the architects of storytelling, meticulously piecing together raw footage to craft the movies we love. In 2024, a select group of editors has proven instrumental in delivering blockbuster hits that have not only resonated with audiences but also raked in record-breaking revenue. FilmOne took to its Instagram page to share a list of Nollywood’s highest-grossing editors. “Celebrating the unsung heroes who transform raw footage into cinematic masterpieces. These are the visionaries who shape the films we love, blending creativity, dedication, and brilliance,” the post said.

The Real Housewives of Lagos is back! The drama is brewing, the style is on point, bonds are forming, and most importantly, we’ve got two fabulous new cast members. But before diving into Episode 1, let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane. Last season was a whirlwind. From Mariam cutting ties with her long-time friend Toyin Lawani to Laura forming alliances with Faith Morey, it was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Faith was undoubtedly the star last season revolved around, delivering plenty of jaw-dropping moments. Despite the chaos, we were hooked, and now, Season 3 promises even more. But it wouldn’t be RHOLagos without a little drama. Laura brings up Mariam’s ex-bestie, Toyin Lawani; a topic Mariam is clearly over. “There are some conversations I do not want to have, and that name is one of them,” Mariam quips in her diary session. Is Laura poking at old wounds? Messy, but oh-so-classic Housewives.