Entertainment

Why I Refused To Rap In English For Global Validation – Olamide

When the conversation around Nigerian hip hop legends arises, Olamide Badoo’s name sits firmly at the top of the list.

From his breakout in the early 2010s to becoming a full-blown cultural force, Olamide Gbenga Adedeji has built an empire around authenticity, consistency, and a fearless embrace of his roots.

The YBNL boss is not only responsible for his own catalogue of timeless street anthems, but for discovering and nurturing some of the country’s biggest modern stars, from Lil Kesh to Fireboy DML to Asake.

What sets Olamide apart isn’t just his ear for hits or his dominance on the charts. It is his refusal to conform. In an era when many Nigerian artists switched to English or diluted their sound in search of international recognition, Olamide doubled down on the streets that made him.

During a recent interview with Eddie Kaddi on BBC Radio 1 Extra, Olamide spoke candidly about the philosophy behind his decision to rap in his native language rather than switching to English for global appeal.

His words revealed a sense of pride that goes beyond music.

He said: “Growing up and seeing the likes of Awilo Longomba doing his thing, Brenda Fassi (…). These people never tried to infuse English by force or anything. They were just doing their thing. Key thing is you have to identify your audience. Once you identify your audience, then the rest of the world are going to catch up eventually. So I have to stay true to myself no matter what it is, where it is in this world.”

The 36-year-old star added: “I’m a Naija boy. If I want to wear my Agbada and my Dashiki, I will do it. Let them know what I’m really all about — my heritage, my lineage, my culture, my food. You just have to stay true to yourself and that’s the only way you can become comfortable in life. I’m comfortable in my skin, I’m a Naija guy, Yoruba boy. I’ve got H-factor and all that. And I’m proud about it.”

That statement alone captures the very essence of Olamide’s career, a superb balance of street confidence, cultural loyalty, and an unshakeable belief in himself.

It is the same attitude that has fuelled his rise from Bariga to global acclaim, without ever having to abandon his linguistic or sonic identity.

Entertainment

#SpotlightAfricaThrowbackSeries The Exclusive Wedding of Chief Sunday and Mrs Oluwatosin Oso in Akure

Joyful was the moment when the families of Oso in Ado-Ekiti and Ojo in Akure, Ondo State, as their children, Chief Sunday Oso and Mrs. Oluwatosin Ojo, formally sealed their lifelong union with an exchange of marital vows on November 6, 2021.

For the two lovebirds, the aura exuded nothing but love, as they both looked resplendent in their beautiful attire, gazing at each other with overwhelming excitement.

The event kicked off with a photo session by the couple at St. Jacobs Hotel, a 5-star hotel in Akure, Ondo State, which hosted notable guests from across Nigeria and abroad. At the same time, families, friends, and well-wishers converged at BAS Event Centre, Akure, Ondo State, the venue for both the traditional marriage and reception.

The two families expressed their joy as they warmly welcomed one another during the engagement. Guests were enlivened with rib-cracking jokes by the popular actress, Ronke Ojo, popularly known as Oshodi Oke, who anchored the event. The Ogbomoso-based Fuji maestro, Ramoni Akanni, did not fail to entertain guests with lively music. It was an all-you-can-eat menu accompanied by varieties of drinks, wine, and liquor.

Dignitaries in attendance include top politician, Hon. Olu Araoyinbo, Chairman, West Park Hotel, Mr Rasaq Oseni, Aare Khalif Adebiyi, Nigerian-based businessman, Mr Sesan Adelabu, Emirates, Chairman, St. Jacobs Hotel, Mr Babatope Adebiyi (Jafil), the Waziri of Ekiti State, Alhaji Ajijola, former Chairman, Ado-Ekiti Local Government, Hon. Chief (Mrs) Tosin Aluko, among others.

Hearty Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Oso!

Entertainment

Couple makes history with Nigeria’s first train wedding

As the rhythmic clatter of wheels echoed along the Lagos–Ibadan railway route, a different kind of journey unfolded inside some of the coaches. Nigerian actor Shawn Faqua and his partner, Sharon Ifunnaya, an event planner, made history by exchanging vows on a moving train, marking the first wedding of its kind in Nigeria.

The ceremony took place aboard a train departing from the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in Alagomeji-Yaba, Lagos. The coaches, normally a functional passenger compartment, were transformed into a wedding venue, with guests seated at tables, floral arrangements along the windows, a small aisle, and a distinct sense of movement beneath the couple’s feet.

Videos and photos quickly circulated online, showing the train in motion, guests seated, the bride and groom exchanging rings, all of these happening while the train sped past skylines and small towns outside the windows, adding a cinematic touch to the celebration.

A viral clip captures the bride, announcing cheerfully, “Hey guys, we’re getting married on the train!” And Shawn adds with a grin: “First ever! Breaking record!” This light-hearted tone sets the affair apart as a bold idea executed with joy rather than a stiff and strictly formal event.

In a country where weddings often follow a popular route of banquet halls, churches, and lush locations, Shawn and Sharon’s choice stood out for its novelty and playful spirit. Instead of a stationary venue, they chose to literally move. The train symbolised motion, journey, and progress, which can be interpreted as a very clever metaphor for beginning a life journey together.

On top of that, the event subtly highlighted Nigeria’s rail travel, which is still bouncing back. The renovation and revitalisation of train lines, especially those linking Lagos with neighbouring cities, has brought trains back into the public eye. This wedding transformed that infrastructure into a setting for romance and celebration.

The wedding caught social-media attention, both for its uniqueness and the celebrity names involved. On Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, various video clips and images of the couple prompted jokes, praises, and reactions.

Weddings in Nigeria often carry a strong cultural and social load that includes multiple ceremonies (traditional, civil, white, religious), large guest lists, elaborate halls, and aesthetics. But this train wedding offered something different. It didn’t abandon tradition as the couple still held a traditional Igbo ceremony. But it added an unexpected and modern twist to the venue and setting.

This is probably a sign of how wedding culture in Nigeria is evolving. Couples increasingly seek personalisation, memorable experiences, and Instagram-worthy moments that reflect their personality, rather than simply replicating a standard format.

Entertainment

I don’t mind being a second wife – Tiwa Savage makes shocking confession

Tiwa Savage has, once again, left fans stunned. The 45-year-old music star, recently appeared as a guest on the popular Lip Service podcast.

During a candid discussion on love, dating, and intimacy, Savage delivered a bombshell: she is open to a polygamous marriage.

“If I can meet somebody who can really marry me, they are either in their 50s or already married. So, I don’t know, maybe I could be a second wife. I think so. I could be a second wife.”

She added, “I’m very respectful. I know that you are the first wife, and I would accord you that respect.”

Savage’s relationship history is inseparable from her public narrative, often overshadowed by her tumultuous marriage to her ex-husband, Teebillz

The couple had a high-profile, fairy-tale wedding in 2013, and welcomed their son, Jamil Balogun, in 2015.

However, their marriage collapsed publicly and dramatically in April 2016.

Teebillz posted a series of alarming messages on social media, making shocking accusations against the ‘Holding It Down’ singer and hinting at potential suicide.

Tiwa responded days later in an explosive 2016 interview with ThisDay’s Azuka Ogujiuba, where she offered her side of the story.

She detailed a marriage riddled with heartbreak, alleging infidelity, financial mismanagement, and drug abuse on her spouse’s part.

In the interview, she emphatically denied allegations of her own infidelity, stating, “I will say for the record, I have never cheated on my husband, NEVER!”

The couple officially divorced in 2018. Despite the separation, both Savage and Balogun have managed to maintain a cordial co-parenting relationship for their son, Jamil.

Post-divorce, Tiwa Savage has remained intensely private about her personal relationships, though she has often spoken candidly about the difficulties of dating as a high-profile figure.

The most viral moment of her recent past, the leak of an intimate video in 2021, only intensified the scrutiny on her private life.

However, Tiwa’s recent remarks suggest she has since moved on from the past and is open to walking down the aisle again.