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Davido and Chioma Rowland are getting married on Tuesday, June 25, and it’ll be one of the biggest celebrity events of 2024.
Ahead of the ceremony, here’s our prediction of some of the drama going down at this star-studded event.
Pretty Mike moving unhinged
We can’t say if the socialite is invited to the wedding, but if he is, he’ll probably show up with a dozen heavily pregnant ladies, shirtless dwarves or some batshit crazy idea.
Cubana Chiefpriest spraying bundles
The socialite is facing three counts related to abusing the national currency at social gatherings, but this won’t stop him from doing the most for his best friend. He’ll probably spray bundles.
30BG reunion
We’ve not seen the 30BG crew together in a hot minute. From Peruzzi to Mayorkun and Dremo, the gang might pull up for a joint performance to honour Davido.
The wedding guests reveal
Davido is bent on proving he’s not as accessible as people assume, so the guest list for this wedding is pretty tight. Apart from some close allies, it’s hard to tell who snagged an invite to the ceremony.
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Governor Adeleke on the dance floor
We all know how much Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke loves his nephew. He’s definitely one to look out for on the dance floor at the wedding ceremony.
Isreal DMW doing the most
Davido’s aide is one of the happiest people alive to see his boss get married. From causing a scene on the dance floor to praise singing and sharing hot takes on Instastory, it’s hard to tell what mischief he’ll come up with.
Nikos Babi serving live updates
If you need to catch up with all the inside drama from the wedding, you should probably sleep on Davido’s cousin’s Instastory. She’s got you covered.
Wizkid tweeting unhinged all-day
His tweets in the last 24 hours show that he’s clearly not invited to the wedding. And he probably still has more chaos cooking in his drafts for today. God, abeg.
Yoruba Nollywood brawls will have you questioning your life choices on Obasanjo’s internet. As an observer, you’re locked in a perpetual loop of “This isn’t my business” and “How did XYZ respond?”
Listen, you’re not alone. Their spectacle has more entertainment value than whatever airs on DSTV these days. So why are these unscripted brawls so bloody intriguing? Let’s answer the question together.
Public shade that leaves no room for guesses
You’ll hardly catch the Yoruba Nollywood players on X. Instagram is their war zone, and they’ll throw that shade with enough clues to get the battle started.
In February 2023, during the heat of the presidential elections, Dayo Amusa took to Instagram to shade a colleague who enjoyed favours from MC Oluomo but turned against him during the election season. It didn’t take long for followers to put the puzzle together and draw a line to Iyabo Ojo. In her response, she maintained she wasn’t the one being addressed, but thanks to the many clues Dayo shared, the online FBI were convinced she is.
Instagram live sessions that rival Netflix shows
The last thing you should struggle with during a Yoruba Nollywood brawl is poor internet or no data. You’ll miss out on the best parts. For example, Lizzy Anjorin has had more than a dozen Instagram Live sessions in which she slanders Iyabo Ojo in great detail. And as you may imagine, they’re hot and spicy from beginning to end.
A slap when the situation calls for it
Physical violence is hardly ever the case in these brawls, but it’s not to be entirely ruled out.
In 2021, actresses, Remi Surutu and Fathia Williams, had the internet in a complete chokehold. What happened? Remi confronted Fathia, whom she claimed had been talking about her everywhere, at an event and slapped her face. In an interview after the event, the actress owned her actions with her full chest.
“I decided to confront her and deal with her at that event because somebody needed to call her to order.”
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They always come with receipts
One thing is sure when two Yoruba Nollywood actresses go at it. You’ll get unfettered access to WhatsApp screenshots, legal documents and voice note recordings. They never joke with their receipts.
Family is hardly ever left out
At the height of these brawls, moral lines are blurred. These movie stars often extend the vitriol to loved ones, not minding public backlash.
In 2021, during online warfare with Lizzy Anjorin, Toyin Abraham had to beg the actress not to involve her husband and children. “That woman kept cursing my son and husband. You can curse me, but do not curse my son.”
But it hasn’t stopped Anjorin from towing the same lines in her ongoing battle with Iyabo Ojo. Anjorin dragged Ojo’s children, lover and didn’t even spare her late mum.
Nothing is quite as chaotic as Nigerian celebrity news. Whether you pay deliberate attention or not, these people get you to look, one way or another, no thanks to the blogs that hyperfocus on their extracurricular activities.
If you pulled 2023 aside for a tête-à-tête, the conversation would open with: “I’ve been through a lot”. But which celebrities stood out the most throughout the year and got us talking? We ranked eight of them.
8. Seun Kuti
Image source: Instagram/@bigbirdkuti
Big Bird Kuti is as controversial as his daddy, Fela Kuti. But even for him, assaulting an officer of the law was extreme. After a road user shared a video of the singer slapping a policeman, Kuti posted an Insta Story saying, “He tried to kill me and my family. I have the proof, but I no dey chase clout. He has apologised, and I have agreed not to press charges. Make una mind una business make the poor guy no lose him job.”
But he was still arrested and charged to court over the assault. The last update on the matter was a court hearing slated for September 27.
7. Verydarkblackman
Image source: Instagram/@Verdarkblackman
Self-made skincare people had no peace thanks to Abuja-based influencer turned celebrity, VeryDarkBlackman. His epic battle with skincare entrepreneur, Jennifer Osasenaga (@jennysglownigeria), saw NAFDAC lock her store up, but that wasn’t all. The influencer spent the better part of 2023 in a protracted battle with skincare business owners, influencers and celebrities, including Iyabo Ojo.
6. Nedu Wazobia
Image source: Instagram/@Nedu_official
Nedu and his Honest Bunch podcast were the harbingers of chaos throughout 2023. Each episode got worse than the last with the OAP leading the conversation on controversial topics about people. From Nedu’s statement about BBNaija female housemates sleeping their way to the top to claiming he walked in on some female influencers in a threesome situation, he was always found wanting for his takes.
5. Do2dtun
Image source: Instagram/@do2dtun
The media personality was embroiled in a messy child custody battle with his ex-wife, Taiwo Oyebanjo. The drama extended to his brother-in-law, Dbanj, whom he accused of playing an active role in keeping his two daughters away from him.
4. Davido
Baba Imade returned to the internet in March, after he released his latest album, Timeless. What followed was baby mama drama that lasted months. A US-based model, Anita, claimed the singer impregnated her and tried to bail. French model, Ivanna Bay, also came out, claiming she was pregnant for the singer. The ladies then proceeded to scatter screenshots of private convos with Davido on social media. And Chioma supporters came hard on the singer for not respecting his marriage.
3. Tbaj
Image source: Instagram/@tolanibaj
Tolani Baj kept a relatively calm profile since her exit from the BBNaija house in 2020, but she deliberately chose chaos in 2023. The reality star’s romance with controversy kicked off in March when she tweeted about her disgust for men who dance in clubs.
Image source: X/@tolanibaj
Fast forward to July, she got into the BBNaija All-Stars house with one single mission: fight for a man’s love on national TV.
The icing on the cake followed in October when Tbaj launched her Bahd & Boujee podcast. As expected, each episode has been engineered to stir controversy with “gba” takes left and right. The last episode is still getting the heat for guest, Koko By Khloe’s remark on women with natural hair.
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2. Iyabo Ojo
Image source: Instagram/@iyaboojo
Iyabo Ojo and her black bonnet had a swell 2023. The Nollywood actress took on Naira Marley and his friend, Sam Larry, over their alleged involvement in Mohbad’s demise. She and fellow actress, Tonto Dikeh, received heavy backlash in October after making public videos of their attempt to buy the singer a luxury casket. However, it didn’t stop the actress from leading the campaign for justice for the late Mohbad.
Meanwhile, each episode of The Real Housewives of Lagos season 2 came with drama that touted Iyabo as a bully towards new cast member, Faith Morey.
1. Oladips
Image source: Instagram/@oladips
After a relatively quiet year, the singer rounded up his 2023 on a highly troubling note. On November 14, his management released an official statement announcing his death. The news came as a shock just weeks after Mohbad’s passing. But things got weird after colleague, Qdot, posted “My Gee is alive” on Instagram. Was it just another Skibii-themed PR stunt? Soon after, the singer’s team were promoting his album.
Image source: Instagram/@oladips
They took down the obituary post, and the singer shared an Insta Story video confirming his “aliveness”. In subsequent media appearances, he’s made it a point to drag his management for posting about his death.
It’s become a norm for Nigerians to juggle their 9-5 with a side gig. The economy moves funny, and if you want to secure your spot among the 1% of the 1%, you’ll need more than one job. You may even need seven.
These seven Nollywood gems understand this and have diversified way beyond their first job, dabbling into all aspects of filmmaking, running their own business empires and even entering politics.
Funke Akindele
Source: Instagram/@funkejenifaakindele
When she isn’t in front of the cameras, you’ll find the comedic actress putting on her director cap. Akindele made her directorial debut in 2019 while working on Ebonylife’s political comedy, Your Excellency. The movie would go on to gross over ₦186m, inspiring her to direct her second film in 2020. She co-directed Omo Ghetto: The Saga with her ex-husband, JJC Skillz, and it grossed over ₦630m, cementing Akindele’s place as a movie director to look out for. Some of her self-directed titles include Battle on Buka Street and the upcoming A Tribe Called Judah.
Desmond Elliot
Source: Instagram/@desmondelliot
The OG actor and director proved he could do a lot more than bring scripts and characters to life after he launched his political career in 2014 and declared his intentions to run for the Lagos State House of Assembly (HOA) under the All Progressives Congress (APC) party.
Elliot emerged the winner of the elections in April 2015 and went on to represent the Surulere constituency in the HOA. He won a second term in the 2019 general elections and won the seat again in the 2023 general elections.
Although consumed by the demands of representing his constituency, the actor still makes the time to appear in Nollywood movie productions. His last directorial effort was the 2022 film,Twice Shy.
When you’ve been a screen goddess with acting experience that spans over two decades, it makes total sense that your directorial debut will shatter records and even be involved in the OSCAR conversation.
Genevieve wore double hats in the 2018 film, Lionheart, acting the lead and directing. Although originally considered for an Academy Award nomination for the International Film Category, the movie was later disqualified over the use of the English language.
Five years later, the actress is showing up and showing off again as co-executive producer on the film adaptation of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s award-winning debut novel, I Do Not Come To You By Chance.
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Mo Abudu
Source: Instagram/@moabudu
The OG queen of talk shows in Africa has since been behind some of the biggest films in Nollywood, but it wasn’t until recently that she showed yet another side to her. In 2019, she launched The Ebonylife Place, a lifestyle and entertainment resort with a cinema, hotel and restaurant. She also partnered with the Lagos State Government in 2020 to launch a film school, The Ebonylife Creative Academy.
In August 2022, Abudu announced in an Instagram post that she was set to take her spot on the director’s chair with two short films: “Directing is an art form that takes years to master, so I’m beginning with baby steps and we started shoot today. I have written two short films that I will be directing – HER PERFECT LIFE and IYAWO MI (My Wife), a predominantly Yoruba language film”.
Iyawo Mi premiered at the Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner in May 2023.
Ramsey Nouah
Source: Instagram/@ramseynouah
Another OG screen god made his directorial debut in 2019 with Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, a sequel to the 1992 hit classic, Living in Bondage. The movie’s reception and impressive box office numbers became pointers to the fact Nouah can act his ass out as well as he can direct.
He took on another ambitious directing project with Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story (2020) and directed his third major blockbuster, Tokunboh, set to release later this year.
Tonto Dikeh
Source: Instagram/@tontolet
The actress has taken a noticeable break from Nollywood but made a brief return in 2021, for the Tchidi Chekere-directed movie, Beggar’s Children.
In June 2022, she emerged as the running mate of Tonte Ibraye, the 2023 governorship candidate of the African Democratic Party (ADC) in Rivers State. However, in March 2023, the actress and her running mate stepped down for the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Tonye Cole.
If there’s one Nollywood actress known to wear multiple hats at once, she is HER. Omoni Oboli is a producer, scriptwriter and director. She made her directorial debut in 2014 with Being Mrs Elliot, and has gone on to direct other titles like The First Lady (2015), Okafor’s Law (2016) and Wives on Strike (2016).
But that’s not all there is to the thespian. Outside of the entertainment scene, she works as a success coach and runs her own health and wellness business.
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We’ve wondered what our favourite celebrities would be like as our classmates, therapists and co-workers. So with the 2023 presidential elections less than 24 hours away, it’s time to reimagine them as presidents.
Reminder: Before your fave celebrity runs for president, remember to vote for the real-life candidates at tomorrow’s polls.
Pete Edochie
The no-nonsense president, he’d make strict policies based on life “back in the days”, and we’d have no choice but to follow them. If we don’t, he’d stress us with one parable after another until we’re frustrated. Chiwetalu Agu would be on board as his Vice President.
Osas Ighodaro
Outside of being the finest president in the world, Osas would exchange boring Agbadas for Dye Lab boubous and custom Jewel By Lisa print dresses. As for her primary goal, based on her Joyful Joy Foundation, it’s clear she’d focus on strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Wizkid
If you think we didn’t see Buhari most times because he was focused on his travel blogging side hustle, get ready because with Wizkid as president, we’d only see him on Independence and Democracy days. Even though he’d spend 80% of his time airing us, he’d still set up an effective committee to do the work because, in the end, he has his Starboy rep to maintain.
Ayra Starr
Nigeria’s first Gen Z president? Big slay. Best believe short skirts, crop tops and blonde hair would become our official uniform. Ayra would fight for world peace, ensure good vibes for all and prioritise mental health for the youth. She’d also let go of all the gragra titles that come with being president. No more MFR, OON, NTA, PWC. Just President Ayra.
Burna Boy
A country where the government gives you copious amounts of igbo and shayo every time you chop breakfast? Inject it, please. The only problem with a Burna Boy presidency is we won’t be able to correct him when he’s wrong. If you talk too much, President Burna would kick your head and insult you.
He’d put all of us in trouble by mocking the US military on Twitter until they launch nukes at Nigeria. But Blaqbonez would be an excellent commander of the Federal Republic with enough bling-bling to rival an American rapper. A swagged-up leader for sure.
Patience Ozokwor
Patience Ozokwor’s presidency would be the opposite of Ayra Starr’s. She’d make everyone dress appropriately and call her “Mummy President”. Every office in Nigeria would be mandated to do morning devotions, and she’d tell foreign leaders to “Fuck off” in a way that pleases God.
Portable
Portable’s presidency would be chaotic AF because he’d turn Nigeria into a reality show. He’d call out ministers, governors and even the First Lady on his Instagram Live if they do anything wrong. But at least, he’d curb looting of funds with his callouts, and no one will be able to do anything about it because, like he’s said so many times, you can’t R.I.P him.
Odunlade Adekola
No one would take President Odunlade seriously, and that’s what he’d use to his advantage. Even though Odunlade would crack jokes and deliver memeable moments on most of his broadcasts, his tenure would bring improvement for Nigerians because he’d work with his conscience. A fun effective leader? I stan.
Tems
No one knows how Tems would blow up and win the elections despite going against popular candidates, but she’d be so good at being president that we wouldn’t mind. Tems will be a stress-free president who wants to do her work and return to Aso rock to paint and sip wine. She’d also be the first president to wear sunglasses at every presidential event, from inauguration to handover.
It’s one thing to see a Nigerian musician in a photo with an American one at some fancy “eat the rich” people event. But when you start seeing international celebrities drinking Limca behind high tables in Nigeria, you know it’s time to ask serious questions. That’s precisely what I did.
Beyoncé and Jay Z on a high table in Ilorin
I know what you’re thinking: Is this image photoshopped? The answer is no, and there’s more.
This image of Jay Z and Beyoncé sitting on a high table with Fanta and Coca-Cola has become a popular meme. But if you were ever wondering how it happened. The gist is that the couple were invited to Ilorin by Bukola Saraki, the governor of Kwara State at the time, to look at efforts made by the government to provide clean water for its people. I shit you not. Fun fact: Jay Z got turbaned the Serikin Waka of Ilorin and had a street named after him.
BTS and Tony Elumelu
Nothing prepared the internet for this image of K-pop icons BTS and UBA Board Chairman Tony Elumelu. I get it, K-pop is huge, but I didn’t think Mr Elumelu was a fan of Dynamite or Boy With Luv. Even though the picture was taken at the 2018 United Nations General Assembly, where they were all guests, Mr Elumelu has come out to say he’s part of the Nigerian BTS ARMY.
Osita Iheme and Eddie Murphy
Two comedy legends, one picture. Although it would’ve been fun to learn that Eddie Murphy and Osita Iheme are shooting a secret film or TV show together, this just happens to be a fan picture Osita took when he ran into Eddie Murphy. But with Nollywood and Hollywood collaborating more often, we might still see these two in a comedy as co-workers who can’t stand each other.
Davido and Ellen Pompeo (Grey’s Anatomy)
Davido and Ellen Pompeo “Meredith Grey” Of Grey’s Anatomy at the Knicks Basketball Game In Madison Square Garden. #AGoodTimepic.twitter.com/YCrePcLnCp
As a Davido fan who’s also seen approximately 13 and a half seasons of Grey’s Anatomy, my whole life turned upside down when I saw Ellen Pompeo with my Nigerian Shakespeare. Even though I would’ve loved seeing Davido guest star on Grey’s as a neurosurgeon from Nigeria, these two are just basketball fans. That’s all.
You just had to be there in 2013 when this picture of Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Akon dropped on the interwebs. Everyone had something to say about the image, from dating to new music rumours (have you forgotten “Naija lo wa. Kilonsele?“). But alas, it was all promo for their cameo on the US TV show, Hit the Floor. Would’ve loved to get some music, though.
CKay, Luka Sabbat (Grown-ish) and Manu Rios (Elite)
We all know CKay is one of Nigeria’s biggest musical acts of the moment, but does that mean we’ll be seeing him on the grounds of Grownish‘s Cal U with Luka Sabbat or in the classes of Elite‘s Las Encinas with Manu Rios? Sorry to disappoint you, but these three were just guests at a Ralph Lauren fragrance launch in London. Don’t give up, though. He might still cameo on one of our fave shows.
Peter Obi and Akon
Is Akon obidient? While I don’t have the answer to this question (and he doesn’t have a PVC), this random link-up with Nigerian presidential candidate, Peter Obi, happened at an event celebrating the launch of the Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation in London.
The lack of pictures from this year’s Headies has been very suspect, so we decided to find out why. It took some Gmail-account-protection level of commitment, and some bribery, but we’re finally sure it happened. People actually attended The Headies Awards 2022.
Find attached our evidence: photos of what our POP stars wore to the 15th edition of the most prestigious African music awards, in Atlanta, US.
Our very own Adekunle Gold (aka Simi’s husband) went full Rockstar in a red sequined pantsuit. Does he look like a red disco ball from an 80s highlife gathering that got some people’s parents pregnant? Yes, but AG Baby can do no wrong in our eyes.
The host of the day channelled modern owambe glam in a floor-length glittery gold dress [We’re not sure if it’s gold or yellow, tbh]. The matching gloves and thigh-high slit screamed golden-age Hollywood, to remind us she’s in fact a movie star.
Osas Ighodaro [@officialosas]. (2022, September 6). “It was such fun times hosting the #15thHeadies – Thanks for having me” [Photograph]. Twitter.
The YBNL Boys
The president and top citizens of the “Yahoo Boy No Laptop” nation came out to show us they run Afrobeats right now. Asake, Fireboy DML and Olamide Baddo gave us what I can only describe as Afro-mafia vibes.
The reigning princess of Mavin, and Headies viewers’ choice winner, chose simplicity in a silver metallic halter dress. The one stripped glove gave it some edginess, and the golden cornrows is what every Nigerian secondary school girl wishes they could take to school.
Celestial being 👼🏾🤍⭐️ [@ayrastarr] Verified. (2022, September 6). “E dey rush 👼🏾🤍@whosiggy” [Photograph]. Instagram.
Future grooms have a new style inspiration in AY’s gold-detail double-breasted pantsuit. But first, you need to find love, which you can learn how to do with this article we wrote on finding long-lasting love.
Waje
We heard Waje recently went gospel. She confirms it with this outfit. If not for the low neckline, it could’ve been mistaken for church wear. Which isn’t so bad, actually.
Waje [@officialwaje] Verified. (2022, September 6). “Have you listened to Unbroken? Stay is one of my favorite songs...” [Video]. Instagram.
Ladipoe
Nothing says dapper rapper like a well-tailored co-ord. Poe (L) has given the waistcoat a new meaning with this look.
Leader of The Revival [@ladipoe] Verified. (2022, September 6). “I had a lot more to say, but most of all I want to thank my day one supporters who saw moments like these before I did. Another year. Another Headie 🏆⚡️” [Video]. Instagram.
Mr P of P-Square
Peter Okoye stuck with the 00s hip-hop style of his glory days, and we love the consistency. It reminds us he’s been around and has stayed relevant for a long time. The only thing missing is Paul in a black version of this fit, shouting, “we bring it back again!” to make the nostalgia complete.
Mr P [@peterpsquare] Verified. (2022, September 5). “About last night after party! 😁 Houston Texas it’s your turn tonight! We are on our way to you! See y’all👌🏾 #psquare100citiesworldtour🌎” [Photograph]. Instagram.
Nigerian singer, Tems has become the hottest thing after morning akara. With both national and international recognition, if Tems is not on your playlist, sorry, we don’t rate your taste in music.
If there’s one thing that’s become common with elections in Nigeria, it’s the announcement that one or two of our fave celebrities will be running for office. In 2022 alone, we’ve gotten announcements from Funke Akindele, Tonto Dikeh, Yul Edochie and Carolyna Hutchings — we’re sure there’s going to be more.
With politics also working as a popularity contest, I’ve taken it upon myself to investigate this transition from red carpet and TV screens to the corridors of political power.
Not the first time
The celebrity to politician narrative is not new to Nigerians or elsewhere in the world. And in Nigeria, specifically, there’s a history of celebrities running for office — and winning — long before those running for office next year.
Desmond Elliot won a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015, and way before him in 2003, NTA TV presenter Abike Dabiri contested and won a seat in the National House of Representatives.
These wins aren’t shocking. After all, elections are in fact popularity contests, and who better to excel at something like this than the actors, athletes and singers whose lives — fictional and otherwise — play out on our screens daily.
While the recognition may place celebrities one step ahead of some of their competitors, their political dreams don’t always come to pass, with top Nollywood stars like Kate Henshaw, Banky W and Kanayo O. Kanayo having lost elections over the years.
Once upon a time, celebrities were only involved in politics whenever they were “inspired” to throw their weight behind a candidate in one of those cringe worthy videos that always felt forced. Another entry point into politics in the mid-2000s that also became popular was state governors handing out “Special Adviser” roles on random issues to Nollywood celebrities like party rice.
“Celebrities aren’t much better or worse than any of the other types of people running for office,” says Zikoko Citizen Editor, Samson Toromade. “The reaction to celebs doing the same just stems from the fact they’re usually more well-known already and there’s a see-finish angle to it.”
But do celebrities taking up political roles work out well for the Nigerians they’re supposed to serve?
Looking at the cases of Desmond Elliot and Abike Dabiri — two veterans with infamous transitions — I have my doubts. Desmond Elliot is known more for his insensitive statements during the #EndSARS protests and that infamous wooden bridge than he is for achieving anything positive for his constituent.
— The Crypto Shiba 💎 (@TheCryptoShib_) July 25, 2022
This is not to say celebrities going into politics is bad, but when I look at the material before me, it’s not saying it’s a great idea either. But is it the celebrities or the trope that power corrupts?
Social media publicity stunts
Social media’s chokehold on us as a people and, inadvertently, our political process cannot be taken for granted. Funke Akindele announced her bid on Instagram even before making an official statement to the press. Carolyna Hutchings, Banky W and Yul Edochie have all done the same.
But with social media and politics becoming new ways to get audience attention, Samson also thinks some of these announcements are nothing more than daylight clout-chasing. “I guess everyone wants a bite of the national cake? It’s hard to tell,” he admits. “Some of them also come off as publicity stunts because they’re mostly on platforms that don’t have any real chance of actually winning the election.”
Do voters even care?
Going by the number of celebrities that have won elections, I’m forced to consider that Nigerian voters back then weren’t swayed by celebrity ginger when it came to leadership.
But in an era of increased social media penetration and more Nigerians having to choose the least of evils when it comes to the major political parties, there’s a high chance things might change.
While I stand by my choice, Samson doesn’t see it that way, explaining that a celebrity on a ticket doesn’t significantly swing the contest in any party’s favour. According to him, “A meaningful portion of the electorate won’t be compelled to vote based on “I’ve seen this person on my TV before” energy — a fair point to make. But whether they win or not, every election cycle seems to bring more celebrities with little or no political experience.
While I’m not the biggest fan of this movement, I doubt it will stop anytime soon.
Since time immemorial, people that made names for themselves in the public sphere have either been worshipped, loathed or deemed heroes. But most of all—scrutinized. After all, with vast influence and exposure comes great responsibility.
Think controversial Egyptian queen Cleopatra or 20th century prima donna Maria Callas. In the modern day, the roles that people like Callas represent are fulfilled by celebrities like the Kardashians, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, and even politicians.
These famous personalities are known to have given up the chance for a ‘normal life’. However, it is not as if they sign up as public figures without knowing the consequences of it. Obviously, they are aware that choosing the limelight as superstars constitutes a lifelong lack of privacy; and so they try their best to keep their sanity by staying indoors when work hours are over.
This serves to amplify the celebrity’s ‘mystery factor’ and pushes people to become even more intrigued, to try to find out what goes on behind the curtains, and this becomes a major factor to drive media consumption in the press. No wonder being mysterious is used as a strategic move to make an up and coming celebrity become even more famous(—and it works!) As a result, they become the subject of various, intensive research projects. This article is one such, except it will focus on suggesting ideas for a project that will further help dissect the culture and mechanics of celebrity life.
However, no matter how important or exciting your research is, sometimes it can be pretty challenging. If you feel that this task takes too much time and energy, you can delegate part of it to professional writers. Luckily, there are many ways to do it nowadays. The easiest one is to try this research paper writing service available online. By collaborating with this company, you create top-notch research that will bring you the highest grade. But most importantly, you will learn something new and avoid study-related stress. Isn’t it great?
When it comes to research, you might be excited by its topic. However, you also might be scared by its complexity. Sometimes, students have no idea how to approach such an extraordinary task as a research project on celebrities. If you are in a similar situation, don’t worry! Below, you can find some great ideas on how to complete this assignment. Keep reading!
Local celebrities
If you don’t know what kind of famous people you can analyze, think about your local community. For sure, in every town, even the smallest one, there are famous individuals. And oftentimes, their life stories are very interesting! So you can create a project on a celebrity who was born in your area. What’s more, if their relatives are still living in your town or village, you can interview them. It would be great to add your own photos of a celebrity’s birthplace or their school. Note that a research paper on a famous local resident can teach you about the history of your own town.
People you like
If you don’t know what celebrity to choose for your project, the most obvious thing to do is to pick a famous person you admire. Besides, you can research someone to whose life you can relate somehow. For example, if you struggle with a learning disability, you can find out what celebrities have overcome the same challenges. There must be famous people who share something in common with you, even if it’s dyslexia or ADHD. If you love sports, like baseball or football, you can do a research project about a famous athlete. Believe it or not, a common passion or challenge can make it more fun to learn about a famous person.
A list of celebrities
If you can’t decide on one particular person to research, why not put together a list of celebrities who have something in common? The criteria shouldn’t necessarily be something serious. For example, you may pick such a common thread as “famous people who have blonde hair” or “celebrities who experimented with tattoos.” You can compile your list in an unusual format that makes sense for your particular subject. To make it look more interesting, create a slideshow with nice photos and design.
A few more research ideas:
● A Study on Celebrity Beauty Brands (This will focus on the trend of celebrities starting their own makeup, clothes, and fragrance brands and how it affects pop culture.)
● Celebrities and Versatility in their Roles (Real life, onscreen, etc.)
● The Celebrity’s Persona: Sustainable or…?
● The Question on Celebrities Becoming Irrelevant (Do they really?)
● The ‘Child Star Curse’ (Why do most child celebrities fail to ‘grow up’ in the eyes of the audience, and thus become irrelevant in mainstream media overtime?)
Author’s BIO
Cameron Debenham is writer, academic expert and researcher. He works mainly for students, helping them get enrolled in top US institutions. Cameron is also a big fan of celebrities, which is the reason why he focuses his research around them.
Let’s be honest, there are celebrities we wish we could bag, but those celebrities overlook us and get married to someone else. Yes, we are heartbroken, but their partners are equally hot and gorgeous, so nothing spoil. We just want these celebrities to open their marriage for us to enter.
Here’s a list of some of the celebrities we are begging to do this for us:
1. Nse Ikpe-Etim and Clifford Sule
Each time Nse Ikpe-Etim appears on the screen, we are blown away by her hotness. Now imagine how we felt when we found out about her equally hot husband. See ehn, we are not even asking for much. If it’s to be sleeping on the bedroom floor, we will take it like that. They should just open this marriage small, we are already at the door.
2. Daniel Etim Effiong and Toyosi Phillips
Daniel Etim Effiong can get it anytime. And his wife? She can own it forever. But do they want it though? That’s why we are praying and fasting for them to open this marriage. We promise not to bring anybody else in. Once we enter, they can padlock it back.
3. Linda Ejiofor and Ibrahim Suleiman
Each time we see this couple declare love and sweet things to each other, we are reminded of how single we are and how tired our duvets are. Dear Linda and Ibrahim, we beg you in the name of Eros, the Greek god of love. Please nau, give us some of this sweet things you are enjoying. We just want to wear matching pyjamas with you this Christmas.
4. Naeto C and Nicole Chikwe
See power couple nau. Just look at the beauty. Naeto C and Nicole Chikwe, we know you both are “5 and 6“, and there’s nothing between both numbers, but we beg you, can we be the “&” symbol so we are sandwiched between you both? 🥺
5. Simi and AG Baby
AG Baby and Simi should just hurry up and let us in. Is it Deja? They should not worry, we will take care of her. Just open this marriage and give us chair. We will braid AG Baby’s hair and do back-up for Simi, if we have to. Just let us in!
6. Banky W and Adesua Etomi
We are already a part of Susu and Banky’s marriage, they just don’t know it yet. It is when they wake up one midnight and see us blowing them breeze that they will realise it. Love kuku conquers all.
7. Ladipoe and whoever he is married to.
LADIPOE? LADIPOE? LADIPOE? How many times did we call you? First of all, we thought you were single, and then we heard the gist that you are married. We are not angry, we even wrote an article about 8 Simple Ways To Snatch Someone’s Husband And Go Scot-Free, but that did not work. So, we come to you as a publication to beg you for space. We don’t know who you’re married to, but we promise to love her equally.
8. Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs
We just want a love that will last, the same way Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva have lasted together this long. Please ma, please sir, just shift small, let us enter this union and tap anointing. Please.
9. Temi Otedola and Mr. Eazi
Yes, we know they’re not married, but we are booking space in advance for when they marry. Relationship is already sweet, and there is money plus fame. Even if they put us in the backyard, we are fine with it.
10. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Cynthia Obi-Uchendu
Ebuka is drop dead gorgeous with a top-notch fashion sense. As if that is not enough, he is married to Cynthia, an equally gorgeous woman. We often see their banter on Twitter, and their chemistry is enough to zap us out of loneliness. So, we beg and grovel and plead: Dear Ebuka and Cynthia, we have brought our own padlock and spare key. Please open the door of your marriage for us, let us enjoy some of what you are enjoying.
Ever looked at your TV and thought to yourself, “Damn, I’ve seen this face before”? Some celebrities look so much alike, there’s a strong chance even their parents might get confused. And for some, you can’t really tell what it is, you just get a feeling that somebody’s father must have played away match in the 1980s. Either way, it’s time to put on your glasses and help us solve this mystery.
Oge Okoye and Future
Nollywood campus bad girl, Oge Okoye, and the father of many nations, Future are two celebrities who look alike in a very weird way. Their case qualifies as one of those where you just can’t put a finger on what the facial connection is, but you just know it’s there. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
May-D and Adekunle Gold (Pre-AG Baby Glow Up)
Before manifesting DILF energy, Adekunle Gold could’ve easily passed for May-D’s younger brother. Take a close look; you see it, right? There’s just something there. Maybe it’s the lips. Maybe it’s the struggle on their faces. We’ll let you decide.
Funke Akindele and Taraji P Henson
Talented, successful and funny as hell, there’s no denying the fact that Funke Akindele and Taraji P. Henson have a lot in common. But have you noticed that they also look alike? The resemblance is lowkey unsettling.
2Face and Joe El
It’s one thing to look like someone (it was probably a photocopier issue in heaven), but to sound like the same person? No, we think it’s time to interrogate somebody’s dad. Joe El not only looks and sounds like 2face, he was also signed to Kennis Music, the same label that helped 2face breakout post-Plantashun Boiz.
The biggest women-only festival in Lagos is BACK. Get your tickets here for a day of fun, networking and partayyyyy
MI and Kendrick Lamar
One is a short black boy from Jos who came heavy into the Nigerian music scene and changed the rap game forever. The other is a Tupac-inspired rapper from Compton with flows that have won him multiple Grammys. Apart from being goats in their respective industries, MI and Kendrick Lamar also share the same face. Are we hoping for a joint album based on our busy body discovery? Hell yes!
Peter Okoye and Usher
We all saw this one the minute the video for Senorita dropped back in the day. Paul would’ve been on this list, but he decided to switch up his hairstyle and we don’t make the rules.
Nneka and Di’ja
Di’ja and Nneka are not related. We felt the need to say this out loud in the hopes that it would become real to us too. Looking at this picture, it’s easy to assume it’s the same person, but with different backdrops. The universe is playing tricks and it’s not funny at all.
Porsha Williams and Chioma Goodhair
You only need to stare at them for ten seconds to come to the conclusion that they’re related. Not only do they look alike, they’re also reality TV queens and are well-versed in the art of entertaining chaos.
Saucy Santana and Davido
We don’t know if Davido will ever cross-dress, but thanks to Saucy Santana, we know what Baba Imade will look like if he does. Just negodu their beard.
Naomi Campbell and Kika Osunde
The lips, the jawlines, the face, the cheekbones and the hair on these ladies? This is too much. If Queen Naomi hasn’t already gotten her relatives to take a lie-detector test and open up about her estranged relatives, now’s the time.
Naomi Campbell and Vee Iye
We’re still standing on business and maintaining that a lie-detector test is necessary cause ain’t no way. The uncanny resemblance between two Nigerian hotties is more than a mere coincidence. Anyway, Hollywood should better come for Vee or Kika when it’s time to roll that Naomi biopic.
Emeka Ike and Derek Luke
We don’t know what Derek Luke charges these days but if Nollywood needs to cast an identical twin for Emeka Ike, this is the man for the job.
Sam Dede and Ving Rhames
If their post and body buildup isn’t enough to convince you that these two are doppelgangers, look out for these three things: The smirk on their faces, their moustaches and noses.
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Wole Soyinka and Morgan Freeman
These iconic stars are both in their 80s. Soyinka is older with a three-year gap but looking at these pictures, one could easily assume that they were twin brothers in another life. Whoever plays Soyinka in a biopic might as well do a decent job in a Freeman biopic.
Kanayo O Kanayo and Meek Mills
One is a veteran in Nollywood notoriously loved for his movie roles as a ritualist. The other one is an American rapper who loves causing chaos on the internet. If you ask us what they share in common, it’s the fact that they can play the younger and older versions of each other thanks to their resemblance.
Sambasa Nzeribe and Chadwick Boseman
Rest in peace to the iconic Hollywood actor, Chadwick Boseman, but we need Marvel to cut our Nigerian brother a fat cheque for another Wakanda Forever instalment.
If you don’t know Burna Boy dropped an album this week, or you’ve not even listened to it, just come out of the rock you’ve been hiding under – we promise not to touch you, an ancient Rock of Ages. Meanwhile, there were literally a million reactions to the album on social media the midnight it dropped. We curated 7 types of reactions:
These ones hate plaintain. Nothing impresses them, even if Jesus sends bulk SMS that he is coming tomorrow, they’ll still say his coming is mid. Mid ko.
These ones believe Abacha’s wife can never be poor as Dangote, and that Nigeria once beat Brazil 99-0 in a World Cup match. Like, bros, can you just stop with the conspiracy theory. Let’s enjoy the music, biko.
Ehn, bros go outside if you want outside na. Just make sure you’re wearing a face mask, or else Lagos State Task Force will use you and do HappyWeekend.
These are the thoughtful people that will rewrite Nigeria’s obtuse same sex marriage prohibition laws. We stan emotionally intelligent Kings and Queens.
6. I Used To Support Burna Boy From Day 1
Burna boy wins and accolades hit special when you are a day 1 fan. When you were a fan when the world was sleeping. When they said he had talent than smoking…fr shii is emotional, seeing everyone now giving respect to the African Gaint 🦍#Ousiders 4L 🦍🖤 pic.twitter.com/l49HdbdHRk
These ones will pick beans and there will be no stone left. Don’t cheat on them o, because they will find out. These ones will pick out a hit in an album of hits. Just call them hitmen.
It’s important for people to break out of their comfort zones and try new things. It’s also important for people to know their limits. These 5 celebrities listed below did not know (or refused to acknowledge) their limits and it led to hilarious pieces of pop culture that’ll haunt them forever.
1) Genevieve Nnaji
In 2004, when she and a couple of other Nollywood big names were on a temporary ban from Nollywood for charging too much, Genevieve Nnaji stormed the music scene with a single that no one saw coming (or even wanted) named “No More.” It became a smash hit mostly because it carved a hole for itself in the “so bad it’s good” category.
What no ever talked about, though, was how the song was lowkey a women empowerment anthem. In it, Genevieve sings about how she finally has the strength she needs to move on from an abusive relationship. Here are a few lyrics from the chorus:
“No More hits oh. No more Crying oh. No more fighting oh. No more tears oh. I got my freedom power and more!”
Genevieve Nnaji: a feminist queen ahead of her time. This is why we have decided to stan forever. 🙌
2) Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YkFSAW25rk
2005 (a year during which she was under the same ban Genevieve was under) saw the release of Omotola’s debut album titled “Gba!“. It spawned the single “Naija Lowa,” a generic western-sounding party song that was very much a product of its time. In 2012, she released the single “Feel Alright” (the video above) to raise awareness for an album she planned to release that year named “Me, Myself, and Eyes.”
The album never came out.
3) Jim Iyke
This nigga woke up one morning in 2007 and decided to start his own record label. As if that wasn’t enough, he released a whole ass album and even managed to drag some music big names into the mess of a project. His debut single titled “Who Am I?” featured 2Face, and I’ve spent the better part of my adult life wondering how.
4) 2Face Idibia
In the early 2000s, when TuFace was at the height of his powers, someone convinced him to star in a movie named The Twist alongside Carol Dajuma (née Ekanem), and Emeka Enyiocha. The only thing funnier than his acting was the movie’s plot. In it, TuFace and Emeka Enyiocha play brothers who fall for the same girl (Carol Ekanem). While both brothers fight over who gets to have Carol’s character, she picks Tuface. This leads to a marriage proposal and an offscreen genital bump session. By the end of the movie, it is revealed that all three characters are somehow siblings. The end.
I guess you could say that this movie gave “Flowers In The Attic” a run for its money.
5) Kaffy
Dance queen and Guinness World Record breaker, Kaffy, is well known for choreographing music videos and live shows. However, in 2010, she decided to branch out into the music side of things by releasing a song titled, “Omo Gidi.”
The song was bad. But you know what was worse?
The music video.
6) Tonto Dikeh
I remember where I was seven years ago when Tonto Dikeh dropped this terrible autotune-laden banger. The internet exploded with jokes and parodies, which led to Tonto (who at this point had nicknamed herself “Poko Baby”) convincing herself that we were all haters. When she released the video not long after, the song had somehow become Dubstep, a genre makeover that did nothing to improve the song’s quality.
Celebrities. Sometimes you look at them and it seems like they’re heavenly beings but that’s not true. They’e just like us. They mess up and embarrass themselves just like everybody else. To prove this, here is a list of 5 times Nigerian celebrities messed up on social media.
1. That time Oge Okoye stole dogs from Instagram and did naming ceremony for them.
We all remember this. Oge Okoye stole a picture of American reality show star, Kenya Moore’s dogs and claimed them as hers. She even gave them different names! A Kenya Moore fan page on Instagram discovered Oge Okoye’s lie and exposed her to the world (i.e Nigeria) and in the process, referred to her as “some lady in Africa”. Nigerians went on social media and mercilessly dragged Oge Okoye by her weave and even started the #OgeOkoyeChallenge where people posted pictures of stuff that was obviously not theirs and then claimed to own it. One question remains on the minds of Nigerians tho, Just how many times has Oge Okoye done stuff like this in the past?
2. That time Tuface lied about collaborating with R.Kelly
The year was 2009. Tuface Idibia had just released the “Unstoppable” album. Tuface announced that he had a song coming out that he had done with American R&B superstar, R.Kelly and Nigeria collectively freaked out. We couldn’t wait for the song to drop. When it finally did, people were disappointed because something about the song was off. The beat used in the song had already been used in an old R.Kelly song and this made people question its authenticity. A few months after this, R.Kelly came to Nigeria for the ThisDay music festival and inside sources revealed that R.Kelly claimed to have never heard of Tuface before and laughed at the song they had supposedly recorded together. The inside sources also revealed that R.Kelly said to have made that beat a long time ago and Tuface probably found it somewhere on the internet. Tuface’s manager insisted that the song was legit and that R.Kelly recorded his part and sent it in. A classic case of lying to cover up more lies. Tuface and R.Kelly (with a bunch of other African artists) eventually recorded a song together named “Hands Across The World” so I guess you could say this was a case of Tuface predicting the future. LOL
3. That time Skiibii faked his death as a publicity stunt
There is a high chance that you don’t know who Skiibii is. Let us tell you why.
Skiibii (whose name sounds like an STD) is a Five Star Music music artiste that debuted in 2015 and in an attempt to quickly raise his popularity levels, decided it would be a good idea to fake his death and eventual resurrection in what eventually became known as the worst publicity stunt in Nigerian entertainment history. Five Star Music lied about him dying (releasing the picture above), lied about him ‘defeating death’ and then when Nigerians figured out that the whole thing was a hoax, they released obviously staged hospital pictures. Nigerians can’t be deceived tho so they dragged Skiibii and the entire record label on social media. The funny thing about this is that after the whole thing, Skiibii still did not blow. LOL!
4. That time Lizzy Anjorin destroyed us with her English
https://youtube.com/watch?v=BORgtEvWNDQ
It was supposed to be a cute video of her playing with her dogs. Things went wrong when one dog (named ‘Pretty’) got pissed at the other dog (named ‘Terror’) for some reason and began to attack him. Lizzy decided to step in and separate the fight and in the process screamed, “Pretty stop it! Stop JEALOUS!” when she should’ve said, “Stop being jealous”. Nigerians had a field day with this one on social media.
5. That time Denrele fell off the stage while dancing
https://youtube.com/watch?v=UIJ4KZmdy5Y
In 2015, the manic TV presenter that we know and love, Denrele Edun, was dancing violently on stage at an event in Port Harcourt when he tripped on his trademark insanely long braids and fell off the stage. It was freaking hilarious. It was funny until we found out that the accident resulted in him breaking his neck. That made it funnier. I swear we are not terrible people.
If you enjoyed this, read this next article to see really old pictures of some Nigerian celebrities.
Early in the morning of April 28, Tiwa Savage’s husband and former manager, TeeBillz, took to his Instagram page and poured his heart out.
He started by posting an old picture of Tiwa, sharing the first time they met.
“@tiwasavage this was you when I met you with 100% insecurity. I remember when Wale called me about a girl that’s got talent and u told him I wasn’t interested!”
How they fell in love and how much he had sacrificed for her career and success.
“Please just take care of JamJam. I sacrificed my life for you and put in work and my money to your success. You are Tiwa Savage the super star now right. You will never have peace with that fame. Your mother wants to turn me to what she turned your DAD to? I will rather Die. Ask her to confess what’s she’s done to me! All I did was look out for your success.”
He apologised to his children for letting them down…
“I’m sorry Olabisi, Gaetano. Onah and jamil. All daddy wanted to do is be a good father and take care all of you but they won’t let me. I have been fighting this spiritual battle since I was a kid my mother and father can testify. Went from family battle to mother inlaws battle. @tiwasavage ask your mother to confess what she’s done to me.”
And accused Tiwa Savage’s mother of witchcraft.
“Lord knows I tried. I can’t take it anymore. I decided that I wanted to take time out from music business so you and me will not be in the same basket of the music industry. You never supported me for day one every move I made and every project I layer my hands one was going all bad. Thanks to your mum witchcraft! Tell her to confess to you.”
It started to get really worrying when he began posting pictures about depression.
“Lord knows I tried. I have been mentally tortured by my the woman I gave everything to. I’m not perfect but I’m far away from being the best husband. Because when I dint have you paid bills and you took my man hood away.”“You have thrown my clothes out of the house more than 5 times because of the love I have for you I still take it and because of Jamil. I don’t want to go through divorce like my father that has been Married 4times. Your mother humiliated so much that I dint care.”
He thanked Omawunmi’s husband for being supportive and Annie Idibia for bringing him food when Tiwa threw him out.
“Tosin Yosuf aka Omawunmi’s husband. I wish I met you earlier when I just moved to Nigeria. You have been a great friend and brother to me in throne month. I should have done this 2weeks a ago but the joy of being around dint let me.”“You have wife that he not let the music business take the best of her. I know how Mrs Yusuf treats us when we at your house. I feel very at home and praying that I wish my wife can get a life and be like this. All she cares about is next single, her make and hair, her brand and all that BS.”“Pls tell the world have you asked your husband in the last 3yrs if he has eaten. Thank you to Ani Idibia and Anita my Neigbor that provides home cooked meal for me when I needed. That! Yes you became the bread winner when I decided I’m not in business with you again take everything I just want my wife. Tiwa. You will never have peace except my spirits forgives you. Tell your mother to confess what she mounted in the house for you shine with my star. It’s deeper than what you think.”
And accused his wife Tiwa, of sleeping with Don Jazzy, Dr SID and Tuface.
“With in what period of time did you Fuck jazzy and Dr Sid. And I dint care because the love I have for you. I looked at it that we all have a past even when at this same fucking time you were fucking with 2face.”
He even blamed his father for his failed marriages.
“To you Mr Ibrahim Olatunji Balogun Snr………. I tried my best not to be like you but instead of focusing on being a Better person I was worried about not wanting to be like you. I reached out and cry to you as my father but all you care about his yourself and your money…….. I ended up having kids like you by multiple women and my first marriage and only marriage dint make make it to 2years just like the one you had with my mum. Why the Fuck did God Made you my father.”
The worst part was when he said he didn’t have the strength to fight anymore and asked God to accept his soul.
“I’m sorry i must have disappointed you guys . I just dint have the strength to fight this battle any more. May God Forgive me and accept my soul in peace”.
In the last post, he said Tiwa will never find peace in her career.
“I hope the fucking in Tiwa Savage brand brings you peace. I used my money, soul and everything I had for you and everyone knows how I hustled hard with passion for you to get to where you at today. You will never find peace with your career”.
While he was having this meltdown, his friend and best man, Banky W, tried to reach out to him via his Instagram comment section.
This is a real cause for concern considering the fact that their 2nd wedding anniversary was only 24 hours ago.
We hope he gets help soon and resolves whatever problems he and his wife may be facing.