Entertainment
Portable describes near-death experience while touring Europe
By Funmilayo Olusanya
Street sensation, Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, has shared how he overcame a near-death encounter in Padova, Italy.
On his Instagram page, the “Zazuu” singer made this announcement and called the Italian performance organisers “inexperienced, unscrupulous and disreputable.”
The singer further disclosed that when he arrived at the concert, he was met by “thugs and kidnappers” who seized his driver’s car key against his will and demanded $2000, which his management had to pay in order to save their lives.
The artist also uploaded a video of the musician with his team and the event promoter, whom he lambasted for his inexperience and incompetence to offer protection.
Read also>>>I’m Patiently Waiting To be Ooni’s Next Queen – Nkechi Blessing
On Portable’s Instagram account, @Portablebaeby, the singer wrote in part; “After my successful eight shows so far in Europe. Had a successful Tahoe in Parma Italy the previous week. But the Padova Promoters turned to be inexperienced, inadequate, unprofessional, unscrupulous and disreputable.”
“On faithful Saturday29th October 2022, I arrived from Dusseldorf Germany alongside my team at 16:20 at Venice airport (Marco Polo Italy and waited for over two hours before the so-called promoters came (Blessed entertainment and Alex Jeffizy) they couldn’t even pay the taxi guy the complete fares not until my Manager payoff the fares.”
“On getting to the hotel we discovered that the hotel was located in Vigonovese while the event location was in Padova (You n google map the distance) and also the room reserved was one instead of three rooms.”
“My manager rejected and Alex Jeffizy began to cry that he has no money with him but pleaded we should kindly manage the room. My manager found another hotel that was closer to the venue of the event but they refused.”
“Not until we arrived and they said they don’t have a balance until they sell drinks till 4 am before they can balance us and I can perform by then, we agreed and waited not until Alex and driver came back at 3:40 am to pick us to the venue.”
“The driver repeatedly missed the route and we spent over 2h 40mins on the road instead of 50mins. On getting closer to the venue, we discovered there had been shooting, stabbing and arson in the venue. Even Jeffizy himself received a series of calls that we should not come to the venue because there has been a serious massacre and we should back off.”
“No security, bodyguard, or professional We forced the driver to stop the car before getting to the dangerous scene. Unknowingly for us that they got their thugs around the corner and they collected the car key and demanded €2,000 which my manager gave to them to enable us to leave the unsafe scene.”(sic)
On October 26, 2022, Singer Portable announced that he and his team would be traveling to Europe for a tour.
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.
Watch Video here
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.