Entertainment
Nollywood mourns two actresses in 24 hours
Ada Ameh and Oluwasolamipe Onayiga, two of the country’s talented actresses, died within a 24-hour period, sending the movie industry in Nigeria into yet another state of sadness.
Onayiga passed away yesterday morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, while Ada Ameh reportedly passed away in Warri, Delta State, around 11 p.m. on Sunday.
Although the actresses came from very different backgrounds and acting schools, they both left behind a rich body of filmic work and millions of distraught fans and coworkers.
Mr. Emeka Rollas, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, confirmed Ada Ameh’s death Wednesday and called it “an unfortunate incident”.
He disclosed that the actress passed away on Sunday at a facility run by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Warri, Delta State.
Additionally, Mr. Emma Onyemeziem, the chairman of the Delta State chapter of the AGN, confirmed the sad news to Vanguard yesterday. He said they were shocked to learn of Ada Ameh’s passing.
“I’m shocked hearing the news of her demise. I have not been briefed properly on the circumstances surrounding her death. But I learnt that she died in a hospital in Warri, Delta State on Sunday night,” Onyemeziem said.
As soon as the news started spreading, celebrities took to Twitter to mourn the star actress of the popular sitcom, ‘The Johnsons’.
Nancy Isime said: “My heart is so heavy, I don’t even know what to say! one of the people I look up to in the film industry. Rip aunty Ada Ameh. I’ll miss you so much.”
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BBNaija’s Angel Smith wrote: “The fact that we have to experience grief at some point in our lives and then try to live with such an intense emotion is so mind-blowing. If the news is true, Rest well Ada Ameh, I loved watching you on tv. I hope you’re at a place where pain is a fiction of our imagination.”
Do2dtun said: “Ada Ameh’s death is so painful. One of My fav on The Johnsons especially when she says “a lucky lo lo” “Apor” .. she just lost a child and now.. May God put us through our tough times. This one is very painful.”
R.I.P Ada Ameh..Still shocked that she’s dead. She brought laughter & happiness into many homes yet her mental health was ruined with depression! Spiff, Jennifer, Blessing left “The Johnsons” they managed to keep the program going but this is surely the End” Empress Njamah
“I met this woman once on set and she was so sweet like she had known me before. All I could think of was the grief she was experiencing, cause I had seen several videos where she spoke about her mental health. This is really sad. Rest well Ada Ameh.” Saskay.
Before 2020, Ada Ameh lost 6 of her siblings to death (3 brothers, 3 Sisters)
On October 20,2020,she lost her only child, a beautiful daughter which she gave birth to at Age 14.
In March of 2022, she lost yet another sister.
Adah Ameh suffered mental issues which she claimed is taking her life but assured everyone that she will get over it.
She stated that a company sued her because of a job undone due to her mental illness and was asking for a huge amount of money she can’t afford.
Perhaps the actress demise would bring peace into her soul against all odds that becloud her.
In her last post on Instagram on that black Sunday, Ameh wrote: “Happy new week fans. This trip for my friend’s elder sister is just an enjoyment!!!
Ireti’s death
Veteran Actress, Oluwasolamipe Onayiga, who was best known for her role as Ireti in the iconic TV series, Fuji House of Commotion, also died yesterday morning.
Biztellers gathered that she died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital where she was admitted for an undisclosed ailment.
Sola Awojobi husband, Pastor Tosin Onayiga, confirmed the incident.
He said she died around 3:45am on Monday.
Also announcing her demise on his Facebook page, is film critic, Dr Shaibu Husseini, wrote: “I have just been informed that the accomplished stage and screen actress and Fellow of Theatre Arts, Auntie Sola Awojobi Onayiga ‘has’ passed on.
“Auntie Sola, who is best known for the role of Ireti a.k.a Catering Practical in the defunct television sitcom, ‘Fuji House of Commotion delightfully,’ reportedly passed on this morning. Journey well, Ma! Journey Well!” he said
After completing her secondary education, the successful actress began working for the Federal Capital Development Authority, or FCDA.
She spent two years as a student at the National Institute of Internal Auditors before leaving to enroll in the Theatre Arts program at the University of Ife, OAU. She began her acting career as a novice. She performed in Fred Agbeyegbe’s The King Must Dance Naked as her first professional gig.
Entertainment
Nicki Minaj Teams Up With Davido On ‘The Pink Print’ Anniversary
On November 22, 2024, Nicki Minaj celebrated the 10th anniversary of her critically acclaimed third studio album, ‘The Pink Print’, by releasing a special edition packed with four new tracks featuring a lineup of global stars, including Nigerian sensation, Davido.
First released in December 2014, The Pink Print became a cultural milestone, delivering smash hits like “Anaconda” and “Only” featuring Lil Wayne and Chris Brown.
A decade later, Nicki Minaj reinvents the magic with fresh collaborations, one of which sees Davido appear on “If It’s Okay,” a track that also includes the talents of French DJ and producer David Guetta.
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This collaboration marks the second time Davido and Nicki Minaj have joined forces, following their hit “Holy Ground” from Davido’s 2020 album A Better Time.
Nicki Minaj expressed her appreciation for Davido’s contribution to the new track on her X account, a post that immediately sparked excitement among her Nigerian fans.
Known for her occasional use of Nigerian Pidgin English online, Minaj continues to resonate deeply with her audience in the region.
The 10th-anniversary edition also features “Turn Yo Cap Back” with Swae Lee, “Arctic Tundra” with the late Juice WRLD, and “Remember Me,” featuring Parker Ighile. These additions showcase Minaj’s ability to evolve while remaining true to her legacy.
Since the release of The Pink Print, Nicki Minaj has solidified her status as a global icon and one of the most influential female rappers in history. Her new tracks not only honor the original album’s success but also underline her enduring relevance in the music industry.
Check the post here
Entertainment
Wizkid’s “Morayo”: Critics, Fans Clash Over Album’s Quality
Renowned Nigerian artist Wizkid recently released his highly anticipated album, Morayo, but the project has ignited a storm of opinions online.
While some fans hailed it as another masterpiece, critics like popular Twitter commentator Daniel Regha have called the album a disappointment, labeling it “quantity over quality.”
In a scathing review posted hours after the album’s release, Daniel Regha rated Morayo 3.5/10, citing repetitive tracks, uninspiring lyrics, and a lack of emotional depth. Regha argued that the album appears designed for TikTok virality rather than offering meaningful musical content.
Key Criticisms from Daniel Regha
Regha pointed out that tracks like “Bend” felt shallow and overly simplistic, while collaborations such as “Bad Girl” featuring Asake failed to live up to expectations. According to him, the standout tracks “Pray” and “Kese (Dance)” provide a glimpse of originality, but they aren’t enough to save the album. He further criticized Wizkid for not dedicating any song to his late mother, an omission many fans found surprising.
READ MORE: Wizkid Drops Sixth Studio Album ‘Morayo’
Regha concluded by suggesting the album would have been better off as a four-to-five-song EP, stating, “Wizkid needs new musical ideas.”
Fans and Critics React
Regha’s critique sparked divided opinions on social media, with some fans agreeing and others fiercely defending the album. A Twitter user, @AdegboyeBodunde, echoed Regha’s sentiment, comparing Morayo unfavorably to projects by rising artists like Fola Baloranking and Minz. “Honestly, the album is so below average. Even new artists are coming out with bangers back to back,” he tweeted.
However, others were quick to dismiss Regha’s comments, questioning his authority to critique music. @africanvogue lashed out, saying, “Why give this wicked boy a voice? He knows he will get a response from Wizkid’s fans. @DanielRegha has never done anything of worth but pulls down the hard labor of others for his profit. That is criminal!”
Another user, @akinmusi, questioned Regha’s qualifications, writing, “What certifications does he hold in music? Has he authored any scholarly work, thesis, dissertation, or conducted research in the field? I’m genuinely curious.”
Is Morayo a Hit or Miss?
Despite the backlash, Morayo is expected to perform well commercially, driven by Wizkid’s loyal fanbase and widespread hype. The album experiments with new sounds and features top-notch production quality, which Regha himself acknowledged as one of its redeeming features.
However, the larger question remains: Is Wizkid delivering music for artistic growth, or is he leaning too heavily on commercial trends? The polarised reactions to Morayo suggest that Wizkid’s latest project will be a topic of debate for weeks to come.
The release of Morayo highlights the ever-present tension between artistic expression and fan expectations in the music industry.
While critics and fans continue to clash over its quality, one thing is certain: Wizkid remains one of the most talked-about artists in Africa, capable of commanding attention with every move he makes.
Entertainment
Yemi Alade Accuses Cool FM, Clout Africa of Blacklisting Her Music
Award-winning Nigerian singer and activist, Yemi Alade has accused Cool FM Nigeria and Clout Africa of blacklisting her music after she failed to perform at an event organized by the platforms in December 2023.
The singer, in a series of tweets on Thursday night, alleged that her music has been removed from the stations’ playlists for nearly a year, despite her efforts to resolve the misunderstanding.
Alade explained that she was invited by Cool FM to perform at their December event but couldn’t attend.
According to her, she apologized for her absence in January 2024 but faced a cold reception from the management.
She claims this eventually led to her entire music catalogue being banned from the station’s playlists.
“Mr Serge and Mr Joseph, this life is not hard like that. WE SEE YOU… I SEE YOU @cloutafrica @CoolFMNigeria. This world is a small village. My God will fight for me… Una dey form gatekeepers in 2024,” she tweeted, referring to Cool FM and Clout Africa executives Serge Noujaim and Joseph Adamu.
Alade expressed shock at what she described as a deliberate attempt to sabotage her career by refusing to play her songs. She accused the station of barring both her old and new music from the airwaves.
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“Since December 2023. I personally reached out in January. You are still refusing to play my music and giving my team a hard time. You’re not gatekeepers, and you are not God, Mr Serge Noujaim and Mr Joseph Adamu,” she wrote.
She further criticized the lack of communication from the management regarding the issue.
“The common decency to reach out and clear out any misunderstanding borne out of sheer carelessness on your path for a whole year, and your next move is to place an embargo on my songs? Remove my whole catalogue,” she added.