Entertainment
BON Awards: Adeleke Unveils Creative Industry Agenda
After hosting the 2023 BON Awards in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke unveiled his administration’s plan for the creative industry, entertainment, culture and tourism, inclusive.
Spokesperson to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, made the disclosure in a statement in Osogbo on Sunday.
He revealed that Gov Adeleke hosted top stars of the Nollywood industry at his country home of Sunday, and opened up to them on his expansive agenda for the sector.
Biztellers reports that the agenda would involve hosting of several global standard events, creation of entertainment village in the three senatorial districts, infra upgrade of tourist sites, logistics support for Osun as a films location and cluster industry for craft sub-sector, among others.
The Governor, according to the statement, disclosed his intention to take advantage of the state’s global music stars such Davido and Bred to host global concerts and push towards an annual global Yoruba Heritage week to draw thousands of tourists from South America, Europe and North America.
The entertainment loving governor, Sen Adeleke, christened by his admirers as “a dancing and working Governor”, pointed out that the plan would also touch on the development of the hotel sector in terms of standardization and facilitation to secure and maintain high quality service for global visitors and national visitors the state.
The agenda would kick-off from next year, Sen Adeleke added.
He described Nollywood as the uncelebrated booster of the national economy, assuring that his administration is prepared to collaborate with the iconic platform to deepen Osun as a global tourist destination.
Sen Adeleke narrated that his focus on infra upgrade in the last one year was to attract investors and the creative industry people to the state, adding that “we are working to make the roads motorable, the health centers workable, the workers very happy, the water very accessible, the school facilities very conducive and security truly water tight.
“The entertainment sector is a huge money spinner. In other developed countries, national earnings run into billions of dollars. In Africa, Nollywood is a household name.
“Osun as the cradle of the Yoruba nation must rise to serve as the center of the creative industry. As the custodian of Yoruba major cultural assets, we must be the capital of the cultural creative industry. That is what my administration is committed to.
“We will support you as a very important economic driver. We will soon call for a further partnership meeting.”
Founder, BON Awards, Seun Oloketuyi who led the Nollywood team to the governor commended the governor for hosting the 2023 BON Awards.
He described the governor as a major of the entertainment industry.
“We appreciate your hosting us as well as granting new energy to the Awards by your active participation. We look forward to deeper collaboration”, Oloketuyi noted.
In attendance at the event was the publisher of Ovation Magazine, Akinrogun Dele Momodu, Fred Amata, Adebayo Salami, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Toyin Adegbola, and Shushu Abubakar, among others.
Entertainment
Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Others Dazzle Fans At Flytime Music Festival 2024
Lagos witnessed an electrifying night of Afrobeats excellence on December 23, 2024, as the Flytime Music Festival took center stage.
Headlined by Nigerian music powerhouse Olamide, the event brought together an impressive lineup of stars to deliver unforgettable performances.
Olamide, affectionately called “Baddest” by fans, captivated the audience with back-to-back hits from his extensive catalog, including fan favorites like Melo Melo and Duro Soke.
The night turned emotional when Zlatan Ibile joined Olamide on stage and knelt in homage, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd.
READ MORE: Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Former Ooni’s Wife, Others Remanded Over Stampede
The festival also showcased the generational impact of Olamide’s artistry.
Rising stars like Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, and Pheelz, who credit Olamide as a mentor, joined him on stage for a nostalgic display of talent.
Bella Shmurda, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal also made show-stopping appearances.
A highlight of the night was the powerful duet between Olamide and Wande Coal on their hit song Kpe Paso.
Afrobeats royalty turned out in full force to support Olamide. Icons like Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Peruzzi, and Iyanya performed alongside emerging stars such as Magixx, Omah Lay, Orezi, Khaid, and Lojay, making the event a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.
CKay added extra flair by joining Olamide for a vibrant performance of their collaboration, Wahala, while Tiwa Savage brought her signature energy to the stage, keeping fans on their feet.
Backstage, entertainers Tunde Perry and Farulee added a dose of humor, further elevating the night’s excitement. Flytime Music Festival 2024 was more than a concert; it was a testament to the unifying power of music and a celebration of the global dominance of Afrobeats.
Entertainment
Davido Spotted With Burna Boy’s Mother At Tony Elumelu’s All White Party
Nigerian music sensation Davido was recently seen engaging warmly with Bose Ogulu, the mother and manager of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, at Tony Elumelu’s exclusive all-white party in Lagos.
The event, hosted by the prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, gathered a star-studded assembly of celebrities, business leaders, and influencers.
The interaction between Davido and Ogulu drew significant attention, especially considering the previously reported tensions between Davido and Burna Boy.
Their cordial exchange at the event has sparked discussions among fans and observers, suggesting a possible easing of past disagreements.
READ MORE: Davido Announces 2025 Album 5IVE, Drops Single ‘Funds’
The all-white party, known for its elegance and high-profile guest list, featured performances from top Nigerian artists, including Davido and Burna Boy. Their individual performances were among the highlights of the evening, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Nigerian music industry.
Tony Elumelu’s gatherings are renowned for bringing together diverse talents and fostering a spirit of collaboration. The presence of both Davido and Burna Boy’s mother at the same event underscores the influential role such occasions play in bridging gaps within the entertainment community.
As videos and images from the event circulate on social media, fans express optimism about the potential reconciliation between the two music giants. Many hope that this encounter signifies a new chapter of collaboration and mutual respect in the Nigerian music scene.
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Entertainment
Tragic Funfair Crush In Ibadan Claims Children’s Lives
Several children lost their lives, and many others were injured in a tragic incident at a funfair in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.
The event, which was advertised as free entry, attracted a massive crowd, resulting in a crush as attendees struggled to gain access.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 5,000 children gathered at the venue, located at the Islamic High School Basorun. The tragedy unfolded when the main organisers arrived to begin the event. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains unclear, the situation escalated into chaos, leaving scores injured.
READ MORE: Osun’s Mining Reforms Focused On Fairness, Equity – Governor
The Oyo state government confirmed the incident, stating that victims had been rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. In a statement, they acknowledged “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” Authorities have urged concerned parents to check local hospitals for their children’s whereabouts.
The devastating event has left the community in shock, with residents mourning the lives lost in what should have been a joyous occasion. Investigations are expected to shed light on how the situation spiraled out of control.