Entertainment
Bobrisky: Falz Reflects On Defamation Case Against VDM
Nigerian rapper Falz has spoken out regarding his ongoing defamation case against social media personality Very Dark Man (VDM).
The case stems from VDM’s allegations that Falz and his father, renowned lawyer Femi Falana, helped Nigerian crossdresser Bobrisky evade money laundering charges.
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During a recent episode of the Afrobeats Podcast, Falz reflected on the incident that sparked the controversy.
According to the rapper, VDM had posted a viral video accusing Falz and his father of intervening in Bobrisky’s legal issues, suggesting that the two were responsible for dropping the charges.
Falz recounted his attempt to engage VDM in a conversation after the video went viral.
“This guy was instantly defensive from the beginning; I’m like bro, try and listen. What are you instantly fighting about? And he said to me, without minding words, ‘shebi you’re a lawyer; go to court,'” Falz explained.
The rapper emphasized that while there was a potential criminal element to the defamation, he chose not to pursue that route, instead demanding an apology and retraction.
“He could have very well been arrested. What you’ve posted is a load of bollocks, absolutely false, and I need you to take it down and offer an apology within a certain amount of time, and what did he do? Nothing,” Falz added.
Falz made it clear that he had no prior issues with VDM but was particularly offended when his father’s reputation was called into question.
“You set your ring light and begin dey talk all this nonsense about me, and you expect me to sit down? He trampled on every single thing my father stood for,” Falz stated, referring to his father’s longstanding work as an advocate for the oppressed.
He added “If you say you want to find trouble, trouble is my work; it’s my work. If that’s what you’re looking for, let’s go.”
The controversy began on September 24, 2024, when VDM released a purported voicetape of Bobrisky, in which the crossdresser claimed that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and his son helped in getting money laundering charges dropped.
VDM alleged that Falz and his father were involved in the matter, further insinuating that Falz had a personal relationship with Bobrisky.
Following the widespread reaction to the video, Falz issued a public statement on Instagram, giving VDM 24 hours to retract his accusations and apologize.
VDM, however, refused to do so and declared his willingness to take the matter to court.
On October 15, 2024, the Lagos High Court ruled that VDM must retract his defamatory statements. To date, VDM has yet to comply with the court’s order, leaving the case ongoing.
Controversial street-hop singer, Okikiola Badmus, better known by his stage name Portable, has been remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State, after failing to meet the bail terms set by an Upper Area Court.
The singer was arraigned on Monday following allegations of defamation filed against him by veteran Fuji star, Akorede Saheed, popularly known as Saheed Osupa.
Although the court approved bail for Portable in the sum of N1 million, the conditions attached proved difficult for the singer to meet immediately.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Court Grants Singer Portable ₦1m Bail Over Criminal Charges
The court stipulated that he must produce two sureties in like sum — one of whom must be “either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria,” while the second must be “a property owner within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.”
More to follow……….
Entertainment
‘Nigeria Jaga Jaga’ Will Remain Unofficial National Anthem Until Change Happens – Eedris Abdulkareem
Renowned Nigerian rapper and activist Eedris Abdulkareem has boldly asserted that his 2001 protest anthem Nigeria Jaga Jaga will continue to serve as Nigeria’s unofficial second national anthem, insisting it will remain so until the country addresses the systemic issues it critiques.
Abdulkareem, famed for his fearless criticism of corruption and social injustices, made these remarks in a recent interview with Channels TV.
The song, which has seen a resurgence in popularity on platforms like TikTok, was groundbreaking for its uncompromising portrayal of Nigeria’s governmental failures, rampant corruption, and decaying infrastructure.
READ MORE: Rapper Eedris Abdulkareem Drops New Single ‘THANK YOU‘
Abdulkareem declared, “Nigeria Jaga Jaga will continue to be the second national anthem, whether anybody likes it or not. But I always pray to wake up one day and find the song is no longer relevant. That would make me very happy.”
Released nearly a quarter of a century ago, Nigeria Jaga Jaga caused a national stir with its sharp criticism of the nation’s political and economic decay.
Even though the song faced government bans and significant backlash at the time, it has stood the test of time, resonating with generations of Nigerians who continue to grapple with the same issues.
Abdulkareem expressed regret that the song’s message remains as relevant today as it was when it was first released: “Until we see real development—constant electricity, security, and good leadership—Nigeria Jaga Jaga will remain relevant. Sadly, 24 years later, the message of the song is still our reality.”
Aside from revisiting his iconic hit, Abdulkareem also addressed the controversy surrounding his latest track, Tell Your Papa. The song, which was recently banned by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and marked “Not to be Broadcast” (NTB), has ignited a fresh debate on the state of censorship and freedom of expression in Nigerian music.
Many believe that Tell Your Papa is a direct rebuttal to a viral video in which Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, passionately defended his father’s administration.
Abdulkareem explained his motivation behind the song, revealing, “I was inspired by Seyi Tinubu. In the video, he kept repeating, ‘My father is the greatest president.’ But I differ. He may be the best father to Seyi, but he’s the worst president to Nigerians.”
The rapper went on to criticize the current administration for its failure to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, insecurity, and widespread youth unemployment.
Abdulkareem contrasted the privileged life of Seyi Tinubu with the struggles faced by everyday Nigerians, saying, “I told him to travel by road without security and feel the pain of the people.
Nigerian youths are asking for basic things—electricity, security, job opportunities—not palliatives.”
Despite the ban, Abdulkareem maintained that his song was not an insult but a truthful commentary on the country’s leadership.
“If you listen carefully, there’s nowhere in the song that I insult him. I just stated the truth. He spoke publicly, so I responded publicly. If he had remained silent, I wouldn’t have recorded the song,” Abdulkareem clarified.
Drawing comparisons to the legendary Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti, Abdulkareem emphasized that his criticism comes from a deep love for Nigeria.
“I’m a passionate Nigerian. I love this country deeply. But truth is bitter, and those in power don’t like hearing it,” he said. “I want a better Nigeria, and I’ll keep speaking out until we see real change.”
An Upper Area Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has granted bail to controversial Nigerian singer, Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, in the sum of ₦1 million.
Portable was arraigned before the court on Sunday on charges bordering on criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking.
Ruling on his bail application, the court ordered that the singer must produce two sureties in like sum.
READ ALSO: I Want To Fight Anthony Joshua – Portable
One of the sureties is required to be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the other must own a landed property within a Government Reserved Area (GRA) and present a valid Certificate of Occupancy as proof.
The court has adjourned the case, with further proceedings expected to continue in the coming days.
Details later…
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