Entertainment
Aduke Gold, Renowned Gospel Singer Passes Away
The gospel music community is in mourning following the death of rising star Aduke Ajayi, known professionally as Aduke Gold.
The announcement of her passing was made on Tuesday by fellow gospel artist Esther Igbeke, who shared a tribute on social media, featuring a photo of Aduke Gold with the caption: “A general has fallen. RIP.”
Aduke Gold’s death comes shortly after the passing of another renowned gospel singer, Egbin Orun, who died on April 28, 2024. Esther Igbekele had previously confirmed Orun’s death via Instagram.
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Aduke Gold, despite the highly competitive gospel music scene, made a notable impact with her uplifting songs and fervent dedication, which garnered her a growing fanbase.
Her hit single, “Nitori 0go” (translated as ‘Because of Glory’), from her acclaimed eight-track album, achieved viral success on social media.
In sharing her journey on Instagram, Aduke Gold spoke about her early struggles, including selling slippers, yam, and fried fish.
She also detailed her experiences working at a frozen foods store and cooking with firewood due to a shortage of kerosene.
Overcoming significant personal hardships, including being orphaned at age four and suffering from severe vertigo, she channeled these challenges into her music career.
Aduke Gold’s academic achievements paralleled her musical success. She received a degree in History and International Relations from Lagos State University, supported by a scholarship from Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, then Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Lagos State.
Additionally, she earned a higher degree in Child Psychology, a Diploma in Montessori Education from the UK, and various qualifications in Special Education, Aquaculture, Cake Making, Cookery and Decoration, Music Rudiments, Business, and Piano.
Her commitment extended beyond music, focusing on assisting children with special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, and dyslexia.
Entertainment
Why Nigerians Think I’m Wicked — Patience Ozokwor Finally Reveals the Truth
Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor has opened up about the public perception that she is wicked in real life, explaining that the belief stems from the villainous roles she has played throughout her successful acting career.
Popularly known as “Mama G,” the 67-year-old actress said many Nigerians often struggle to separate her on-screen characters from her real personality.
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Speaking during a recent video chat, Ozokwor stressed that the tough and controversial roles she portrays are meant to expose societal problems rather than define who she is as a person.
According to the veteran actress, she deliberately takes on challenging roles that reflect real-life issues, including family conflicts, oppression, and other social vices that many people prefer to ignore.
“I feel bold to expose the ills in society. Those things happen and nobody wants to expose them. I am exposing them,” she said.
Ozokwor noted that while she is often cast as a strict mother, troublesome mother-in-law, or other antagonistic characters, those roles are simply part of her profession as an actress.
The Nollywood icon emphasized that she is nothing like many of the characters she portrays on screen and urged fans to understand the difference between acting and reality.
“I am not like that, but I expose it. I am extremely proud of myself and Mama G lovers are proud of me,” she added.
The actress further explained that storytelling plays an important role in addressing societal issues and encouraging positive change.
She expressed satisfaction that many of her fans appreciate the deeper messages behind her performances rather than judging her based solely on the characters she plays.
Over the years, Patience Ozokwor has built a reputation as one of Nollywood’s most respected actresses, earning praise for her powerful performances and ability to bring complex characters to life.
Entertainment
Grammy-Winning Singer Talay Riley Stabbed to Death in London
Grammy-winning Nigerian-British singer and songwriter Talay Riley has died after being stabbed in East London, a tragic incident that has prompted a murder investigation by British police.
Talay, whose real name was Mark Yinka Orabiyi, was reportedly attacked around 9 a.m. on Friday on Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown, East London. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene but were unable to save the 35-year-old musician.
Homicide detectives from the Specialist Crime Command have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
READ MORE: Talay Riley
Confirming the heartbreaking news, Talay’s family released a statement expressing their grief and paying tribute to the late artiste.
“It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark ‘Yinka’ Orabiyi professionally known as Talay Riley passed away yesterday morning,” the family said.
They described him as a Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling songwriter and artist whose humour, generosity and presence touched countless lives.
“We are deeply grateful for the enormous outpouring of love and support that we have received through messages, calls and visits over the past hours,” the statement added.
Talay, the brother of renowned music producer Scribz Riley, built a successful career spanning more than a decade in the R&B music industry.
He secured a publishing deal with Global Publishing at the age of 18 before later signing with Jive/Sony Records after featuring on rapper Chipmunk’s 2009 single.
Reacting to the tragic loss, Scribz Riley shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, describing his late brother as a mentor, inspiration and a light to many.
“My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream. Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do. I never imagined that would be our last conversation,” he wrote.
He continued: “Yinka wasn’t just my brother. He was my mother’s son, a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives. He had one of the purest hearts I’ve ever known. He loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people through his talent, kindness, and spirit.
“The outpouring of love already shows how many lives he impacted. You inspired so many people and your legacy will continue to live on through your music, your family, your friends, and everyone blessed enough to have known you.”
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the music industry, with notable artistes including Stormzy and Craig David among those mourning the late singer.
Police investigations into the fatal stabbing remain ongoing.
Entertainment
Singer Niniola Announces Death of Husband
Nigerian afro-house singer Niniola has announced the death of her husband, Michael Ndika, in a series of emotional posts shared on her Instagram story in the early hours of Wednesday.
The Grammy-nominated artiste disclosed the heartbreaking news with short but emotional messages accompanied by photos of herself and her husband.
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“God took him,” she wrote in one of the posts.
In another post, the singer added, “My husband died,” before sharing a third message that read, “God took him. 13 years. 13 f***ing years.”
Until his death, Michael Ndika was the Chief Executive Officer of NaijaReview, a multimedia platform known for promoting afro-house and contemporary African music.
Details surrounding the cause of his death were not immediately made public, as the singer has largely kept her private life away from social media and public attention over the years.
Niniola, 39, rose to fame after emerging as one of the top contestants on Project Fame West Africa in 2013. Since then, she has built a successful music career and gained international recognition for her afro-house sound.
Her hit single “Maradona,” released in 2017, earned global acclaim and attracted recognition from international stars including DJ Snake, Drake, Timbaland, and Beyoncé.
Fans, colleagues, and well-wishers have since taken to social media to sympathise with the singer over the tragic loss.





