In a recent interview on Rubbin’ Minds hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on Channels TV, Beverly Osu candidly discussed the challenges she faced while filming in Mauritania for the Netflix series “Oloture – The Journey.”

“Filming in Mauritania for about a month was quite intense. In that desert environment, we really bonded as a cast and crew,” she shared. “The weather fluctuated dramatically from scorching hot days to chilly nights, which required us to adapt constantly. It was a rigorous experience, but we immersed ourselves deeply into our roles.”

“Oloture,” produced by Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Studios, portrays the story of an undercover journalist entangled in a sex trafficking ring, forced to find a way out as she seeks to expose it. Osu portrays Peju, a young woman on a perilous journey from Nigeria to Europe by road.

Reflecting on her determination during the challenging shoot, Osu emphasized her focus on the eventual outcomes despite the temporary hardships. “I knew it was a part of the job, and I understood that nothing worthwhile comes without effort,” she explained. “Acting is not just a career for me; it’s a calling. It’s something I feel destined to do, and I couldn’t imagine myself in any other profession.”

Looking forward, Osu expressed optimism about her future in the creative industry, anticipating continued growth and new opportunities in her 30s and beyond. She emphasized her commitment to creativity and hinted at her enduring passion for acting and related creative endeavors.

At the “Money in the Bank” event hosted by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), John Cena, a 16-time WWE world champion, made a surprising announcement of his upcoming retirement from wrestling. The 47-year-old wrestling legend, who has been a central figure in WWE since his debut in 2000, revealed his decision amidst a mixed reception from the audience, including some boos.

During his announcement, Cena expressed gratitude to the fans, acknowledging their role in his career: “Thank you for letting me play in the house that you built for so many years.” Following the event, in a press conference, Cena elaborated on his retirement decision, emphasizing that while he cherishes his time in WWE, he feels it’s the right moment to transition.

Cena plans to complete 30 to 40 wrestling dates through 2025, effectively marking the conclusion of his wrestling journey. Despite his immense success in WWE and tying Ric Flair’s record of 16 world championships, Cena clarified that his retirement is definitive, contrasting it with wrestlers who have returned after announcing retirement. He stated firmly, “I’m done. This is it.”

Looking ahead, Cena highlighted his upcoming projects in Hollywood, including his involvement in films like “Barbie,” “The Suicide Squad,” and the “Fast & Furious” franchise. He expressed pride in being part of WWE’s history and remains committed to creating meaningful experiences for his global audience beyond wrestling.

Cena’s retirement marks a significant milestone in his career, signaling the end of an era in WWE while opening new chapters in entertainment and beyond.

Osas Ighodaro, the Nigerian-American actress, shared insights into her upbringing and early exposure to acting during a recent interview on Pulse One-on-One. Raised in New York in a strict Nigerian household, Osas described her childhood as grounded in Nigerian values, even outside the home where she was reminded to uphold family expectations.

Reflecting on her journey into acting, Osas revealed that she initially faced resistance from her parents, who were hesitant about her pursuing a career in the arts. Despite their concerns, she persisted, driven by her own determination and a transformative experience in modeling school. At the age of 13, she received a scholarship for acting classes, which sparked her passion for the craft.

Recalling her introduction to acting, Osas shared, “I had low self-esteem growing up, and they put me in modelling school. I went through that experience, and after that, the president of that school offered me a scholarship to take acting classes. I wasn’t exposed to acting till I was 13, then I took my first acting class, and I never turned back since, and I was like, ‘What is this? I want to indulge in this craft of acting.’ So I’ve never turned back since.”

Her journey underscores her resilience and passion for acting, which has propelled her career in both Nigerian and American entertainment industries.

Child custody battles can often be emotionally challenging and highly publicized, even for celebrities who are accustomed to the limelight. Here’s a closer look at several Nigerian celebrities who have openly shared their experiences with custody disputes:

1. **Davido and Sophia Momodu**: Nigerian singer Davido has been involved in a contentious custody battle with Sophia Momodu, the mother of his first child, Imade. The dispute has revolved around allegations of financial support and parental responsibilities. Despite emotional public statements, including on social media, the legal proceedings continue to determine custody arrangements.

2. **Queen Mercy Atang and Lord Lamba**: Former Big Brother Naija star Queen Mercy has also faced a custody dispute with Lord Lamba over their daughter, Princess Keilah. This legal battle has seen petitions and court adjournments, highlighting the complexities and legalities involved in such cases.

3. **Buchi Comedian**: Nigerian comedian Buchi publicly discussed his custody battle with his former in-laws, who had custody of his children in the United States. He highlighted challenges in accessing his children and alleged financial demands, which eventually led to a breakthrough where he gained access to his kids.

4. **Do2dtun and Taiwo**: Popular media personality Oladotun Kayode, known as Do2dtun, has been embroiled in a messy custody battle with his ex-wife Taiwo. Allegations of denied access despite joint custody agreements have underscored the difficulties faced in co-parenting relationships.

5. **Tonto Dikeh and Oladunni Churchill**: Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh’s custody battle with her ex-husband Oladunni Churchill over their son, King Andre, has been highly publicized. The legal proceedings have involved claims and counterclaims regarding parental rights and access to their child.

These cases demonstrate that child custody disputes are complex and emotionally draining for all parties involved, regardless of their public profile. They also highlight the importance of legal processes in resolving such sensitive family matters.

Nigerian superstar Rema surprised fans on July 8, 2024, with the announcement of his upcoming second album titled ‘He Is’, scheduled for release on July 11, 2024. This revelation came shortly after dropping his second single of the year, ‘Hehehe’, which not only took shots at his critics but also reaffirmed his stature in the music industry alongside Nigeria’s top artists.

Since the beginning of 2024, starting with ‘Benin Boy’ featuring Shallipopi, Rema has been teasing new music on social media. His recent releases have incorporated elements of gothic imagery and fast-paced rock-inspired beats, blended seamlessly with Afrobeats rhythms and lyrical themes.

‘He Is’ is poised to build upon the artistic exploration seen in his acclaimed 2023 EP ‘Ravage’. The album aims to surpass the success of his debut ‘Raves & Roses’, which was bolstered by the global hit ‘Calm Down’ featuring Selena Gomez. While the full track list is yet to be revealed, collaborations are expected with Shallipopi and rapper Odumodublvck, promising a diverse and compelling musical journey for Rema’s fans.

Simi, the Nigerian singer, recently addressed criticism with humor and grace after facing backlash for wearing a swimsuit to a pool party as a married woman. Taking to Instagram on July 9, 2024, she began by humorously acknowledging her mistake and apologizing for her choice of attire.

“I just came here feeling repentant; yesterday I went to the swimming pool and I wore a swimsuit, guys, and I’m just so sorry,” Simi started, admitting that she hadn’t considered the implications beforehand. She recounted a friend advising her against wearing a swimsuit, reminding her of her marital status. Simi then promised to wear a more modest kaftan to future pool parties out of respect for her husband and her critics.

In a light-hearted twist, Simi encouraged her followers and critics to support her music amidst the controversy, playfully stating, “If nothing, please stream my album Lost and Found, because I was lost at the pool and now I’m found.”

Her post garnered playful responses from fans and fellow celebrities alike, including humorous comments from Falz and Teni, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere of the exchange.

Simi’s response showcases her ability to address criticism with humor while gracefully steering the conversation back to her work and creativity, emphasizing resilience in the face of public scrutiny.

Kanayo O. Kanayo, a renowned Nollywood actor, recently shared a heartfelt message on Instagram emphasizing the importance of cultivating a mindset of gratitude in interpersonal relationships. In his post on July 8, 2024, Kanayo expressed concern over what he perceives as a growing trend of ingratitude among people.

He questioned why many individuals respond to acts of kindness with minimal acknowledgment, such as a simple “seen” message after receiving money. Kanayo likened this behavior to an entitlement mentality and stressed that gratitude, whether spoken or unspoken, is crucial in fostering positive interactions. He urged people to appreciate whatever gestures are made towards them, as no one is inherently owed anything.

The veteran actor’s words resonated deeply with his audience, eliciting supportive comments and discussions about the importance of genuine appreciation in human interactions. Many agreed with Kanayo’s sentiments, highlighting the need for a cultural shift towards more heartfelt expressions of gratitude.

Paul Okoye, also known as Rudeboy from the PSquare group, recently took to his social media platforms to advocate for a shift in the expectations around financial stability in relationships. He expressed concern over the increasing pressure on men to achieve financial success before entering into relationships or marriage with women.

In his message, Rudeboy urged men to focus on their own financial growth and suggested that they consider marrying financially secure women to challenge traditional gender norms. He emphasized the need for both genders to strive for financial independence and not limit expectations based on gender stereotypes.

Rudeboy’s advice comes amidst societal discussions about gender roles and financial expectations in relationships. His recent marriage to Ivy Ifeoma Iboko, which took place in a traditional ceremony in Igbere, Abia State, reflects his personal stance on these issues.

Nollywood actor Ugezu J. Ugezu recently expressed strong disapproval of a growing trend in Nigeria where guests are charged for food at parties. Taking to his Instagram on July 8, 2024, he recounted a concerning incident involving a friend who attended such an event.

Ugezu emphasized the cultural importance of hospitality in African traditions, highlighting that guests are traditionally treated with generosity and not expected to pay for food when invited to a party. He criticized the adoption of this foreign practice, noting that while it may be commonplace in places like America, it does not align with Nigerian cultural norms.

The actor stressed that inviting guests to a party should be an act of generosity, where people are welcomed to enjoy themselves without the burden of paying for their meals. He urged Nigerians to preserve their cultural values and be mindful of what they adopt from other cultures, emphasizing that such practices should not take root in Nigeria or Africa as a whole.

It’s set to be an unforgettable affair at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where renowned musicians Celine Dion, Dua Lipa, and Aya Nakamura will headline live performances. This prestigious event, running from July 26 to August 11, 2024, will showcase their talents on a global stage, continuing a tradition that began over a century ago in Athens, Greece.

Performing at the Olympics offers these artists unparalleled exposure to billions of viewers worldwide, solidifying their place in music history and potentially expanding their fan base significantly. Moreover, Jin from BTS will be among the torchbearers, enhancing South Korea’s representation at this iconic sports event.

The opening ceremony, directed by Thomas Jolly, promises to be a grand spectacle held outside a traditional stadium for the first time in Olympic history. With an estimated audience of 600,000 spectators and broadcasts to 80 giant screens, this event underscores Paris’ role as a cultural epicenter and sets the stage for a momentous celebration of music, sport, and international unity.

The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) has unveiled the nominees for its upcoming 2024 awards ceremony, set to take place in September. This prestigious event, celebrating the achievements of Nigerian and African cinema, marks its eighth year and is recognized by Telefilm Canada and the Canadian Screen Awards.

Among the standout films this year, ‘The Subterfuge’ and ‘Merry Men’ lead the nominations, reflecting their impact and excellence in storytelling. The festival, scheduled from September 8 to 15, 2024, will culminate in a gala and award night on September 14 and 15, respectively.

Key nominees include esteemed actors like Wole Ojo, Pete Edochie, and Uzor Arukwe for Best Actor, and talented actresses such as Tope Olowoniyan, Omowunmi Dada, and Sharon Ooja-Nwoke for Best Actress. In the category of Best African Female Filmmaker, standout nominees include Cordelia Emeh and Biodun Stephen for ‘The Subterfuge’ and Tana Egbo-Adelana and Ego Nworji for ‘Tender Hedges’.

The diversity and depth of the nominations underscore the vibrancy of African cinema and its growing influence on the global stage, promising an exciting showcase of talent and creativity at this year’s TINFF awards.

Candy Bleakz, speaking on the Honest Bunch Podcast, addressed the challenges faced by female artists in the Nigerian music industry, particularly focusing on issues such as collaboration and societal expectations.

She acknowledged a historical lack of support among female artists in Nigeria, highlighting recent collaborations like those between Simi and herself, and Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage as positive shifts. However, she noted that such support has been a recent development.

Candy Bleakz, known for her street-pop style and signed to Chocolate City, also discussed the high expectations placed on female artists. She pointed out that labels often hesitate to sign female artists due to biases related to personal life decisions such as marriage, children, or relationships with managers, which are seen as potentially detrimental to their careers.

Reflecting on her own journey, Candy Bleakz shared insights into the obstacles she has overcome to achieve success, emphasizing the resilience and determination required in navigating the industry.

Recently releasing her new EP ‘Better Days’, Candy Bleakz continues to advocate for greater unity and support among female artists while challenging stereotypes and biases in the music industry.

Burna Boy, the Nigerian international superstar, headlined the 2024 SummerJam Festival in Germany, solidifying his status as a global ambassador for African music. Known for his award-winning tracks and record-breaking concerts, Burna Boy delighted the audience with a lineup of his chart-topping hits, including the Grammy-nominated single ‘City Boy’, which had fans singing and dancing along.

Joining other luminaries in dancehall and reggae music like Busy Signal and Bounty & Cocoa, Burna Boy brought his signature style to the Caribbean-themed festival, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Prior to his performance at SummerJam, Burna Boy achieved monumental success with his sold-out concert at London Stadium, marking the second time he filled the 80,000-capacity venue. His ongoing ‘I Told Them’ tour has been historic, setting records as the highest-grossing tour by an African artist in both the United States and Canada.

Recently, Burna Boy released ‘Higher’, his first single of 2024, reflecting on his roots in Port Harcourt and engaging in meaningful humanitarian efforts. His presence at the 2024 SummerJam Festival underscores his role in advancing African music globally.