Entertainment
OlaDips’ Stunt: Did Faking Death Boost Album Sales?
In the ever-evolving world of the music industry, artists often go extra lengths to grab attention and boost their careers and promote their work. Recently, Nigerian rapper Oladipupo Oladimeji better known as OlaDips stirred controversy by allegedly faking his own death as a publicity stunt to generate buzz around his new album ‘Superhero Adugbo.’
Recall that Oladips’ management, in a statement released via his Instagram page on Wednesday, announced that the rapper passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
The news of OlaDips’ supposed demise spread like wildfire on social media platforms, leaving fans in shock and disbelief.
However, as the dust settled, one of his associate announced that the singer is alive, that is a stunt to promote his album. With that many began to question the authenticity of the incident, pointing to the timing of the announcement and the subsequent revelation that it was all a promotional tactic.
Opinions on this daring move are divided. Some argue that faking one’s death is an extreme and insensitive way to gain publicity, as death is a serious matter that should not be trivialized for commercial purposes. They believe that such actions could be distressing for fans who may have genuinely mourned the artist’s passing.
On the other hand, supporters of OlaDips defend his bold strategy, emphasizing the cutthroat competition in the music industry. They argue that breaking through the noise requires unique and attention-grabbing tactics, and OlaDips’ staged death succeeded in getting people talking about him and his new album.
Critics, however, question the ethics behind using such a controversial method for promotional purposes. They argue that it undermines the genuine emotions tied to death and could have long-lasting negative effects on an artist’s reputation. Trust, once broken, is challenging to rebuild, and some fans may feel betrayed by the artist they once admired.
The question on everyone’s mind now is whether this stunt successfully propelled his album sales to new heights as the artist, known for his unconventional tactics, left fans in shock when news of his demise circulated
The impact on album sales remains a subject of debate. Some argue that the sensational stunt garnered widespread media coverage, drawing more eyes to OlaDips’ work than ever before. The heightened curiosity might have translated into increased album purchases, as intrigued fans sought to explore the artist’s discography.
On the flip side, critics contend that such a controversial maneuver could backfire, alienating fans who may view it as a tasteless publicity stunt. Authenticity is crucial in the music industry, and faking one’s death could erode trust.
In the end, whether OlaDips’ death hoax boosted album sales or damaged his credibility is uncertain. Only time will reveal the true repercussions of this audacious move in the ever-evolving landscape of the music business.
Entertainment
‘I’ll Control Him’ — Ayra Starr Reveals What Happens If She’s Richer Than Her Partner
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has sparked a debate over money and power in relationships after revealing how she would behave if she were financially richer than her male partner.
The “Bloody Samaritan” hitmaker shared her views on financial disparity in relationships while speaking on an episode of the Wahala podcast.
SEE ALSO: Ayra Starr Breaks Records, Hits One Billion Views On YouTube
Ayra Starr said that if she dates a man who is not as wealthy as she is, she would naturally have control over him because of her financial advantage.
According to the singer, however, being richer than her partner would not mean he would be exempted from providing for her.
“If I date a man who I am richer than, I will control him. But even if I am richer, he will still be providing, and I won’t let him know I have a lot of money,” she said.
Ayra Starr also disclosed that she would deliberately keep the extent of her wealth away from such a partner, meaning he would not necessarily know that she has substantial financial resources.
Her comments have since generated mixed reactions from members of the public.
While some people agreed with the singer’s position, arguing that “it is a man’s job to provide” regardless of how much his female partner earns, others criticised her stance.
Critics particularly questioned her decision to hide her financial status from a future partner, arguing that openness about finances is an important part of a relationship.
The singer’s comments have consequently reignited conversations about financial power, control, transparency and traditional gender expectations in relationships.
The debate also comes amid growing conversations about changing gender roles, as more women attain financial independence and, in some cases, earn significantly more than their male partners.
Ayra Starr, who has established herself as one of Nigeria’s prominent Afrobeats artistes, continues to attract attention both for her music and her outspoken comments on issues surrounding relationships and society.
Entertainment
Funke Akindele, Ex-Husband JJC Skillz Reunite in Paris, Spark Reactions
Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, and her former husband, Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, have sparked reactions online after they were spotted together in Paris, France, during a family holiday.
The former couple were seen spending time with their twin sons while exploring different parts of the French capital.
In a video shared by JJC Skillz on Snapchat on Wednesday, Akindele and her ex-husband were seen with their children at what appeared to be a shopping centre in Paris.
SEE MORE: Nollywood Mourns as Veteran Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies at 66
The video was captioned, “Family time.”
In another clip, JJC Skillz asked Akindele, “Mama Ibeji, are we playing games?”
She replied, “Yess ooo.”
The former couple were also reportedly spotted at the Eiffel Tower, according to videos shared online.
Akindele also shared a video showing herself, JJC Skillz and their children at a PlayStation section of what appeared to be a mall in Paris.
The family outing comes after Akindele and her children travelled to the United Kingdom for a holiday following the completion of her latest cinema project, The Four.
Akindele and JJC Skillz got married in London in 2016 and welcomed twin boys in 2018.
However, in June 2022, JJC Skillz announced their separation in an Instagram post, citing
“irreconcilable differences.”
Despite their separation, the former couple have continued to maintain a relationship centred around their children.
Their latest reunion in Paris has attracted attention online, with the videos showing the pair enjoying family moments with their children.
The Paris outing is also not the first time Akindele and JJC Skillz have been seen together publicly since their separation.
In 2023, the former couple were spotted together at the Lagos premiere of their movie, She Must Be Obeyed. They were seen dancing and embracing as they joined other celebrities at the event.
JJC Skillz also directed the movie.
Entertainment
Billionaire Okoya’s Son Quits Music, Reveals Why He’s Leaving
Nigerian Afrobeats singer Raheem Okoya, popularly known as Siraheem, has announced his decision to stop releasing new music, citing the difficulty of balancing his music career with other commitments.
Siraheem, the son of billionaire industrialist Rasaq Okoya, made the announcement in a statement shared on his official Instagram page on Wednesday.
The singer said his journey into music began as a hobby with friends before gradually developing into a serious career.
SEE MORE: ‘Gospel Music Has Power To Transform Nigeria’ – Pastor Declares
“My career began simply, music was a hobby I made with my boys as a means of bonding and connection before it was anything else,” he said.
According to Siraheem, sustaining his music career alongside his other responsibilities had become increasingly difficult over the past year.
“Over the past year, holding that alongside my other commitments has grown harder. I’ve always believed in giving everything my best and I no longer feel I can give this craft the effort, patience, and dedication it truly deserves,” he said.
Explaining his decision, the singer said he owed his fans and colleagues a professional conclusion to his current chapter.
“So I owe it to my true fans, and to my colleagues in this industry a professional exit, I have decided to stop putting out new music,” he stated.
However, Siraheem stressed that his departure from music would not end his creative pursuits. He revealed plans to diversify into other fields and pursue new ventures.
“To my fans the ‘Siraheem music’ era may be closing, but the creative in me is still hungry for new challenges, still reaching. The future stays positive. I have plans to diversify my creative palette into other fields and I will be back with new ventures,” he said.
The singer also left the door open for a possible return to music, particularly with songs he has already recorded.
Siraheem said music remains therapeutic to him and disclosed that he had spent the past year working on what he considered his best material yet.
“Music still remains therapeutic for me. With time, maybe the album finds its way into the world somehow after all,” he said.
Siraheem began releasing music professionally around 2022 and gained attention with songs including Bad Bitch Syndrome, Kowope, SOWETO and TRU$T FUND.
His debut project, By The Order Of The City, an eight-track project, was released on May 1, 2026.
Despite announcing his exit, Siraheem did not completely rule out a comeback.
“Who knows what the future still holds. Never say never,” he said.
He also thanked his fans and collaborators, Mr Fantasy and Mr Miyagi, for supporting him during what he described as an unforgettable year.






