Entertainment
Ruger Criticises Nigerian Music Industry
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Michael Adebayo Olayinka, better known as Ruger, recently took to social media to express frustration with the state of the country’s music industry, highlighting concerns about talent dilution and the excessive use of autotune.
The “Asiwaju” singer voiced his discontent on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing how artists with limited talent gain popularity due to heavy promotion. According to Ruger, the Nigerian music scene is becoming more about financial backing than skill. He shared, “The music scene has been hurting me coz no matter how shit an artist is, once there’s money for hype, Otilo.”
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Ruger also pointed out the use of autotune during live performances, questioning the authenticity of some artists’ abilities. “Now, let’s talk about the gaddamn autotunes on the mic when y’all perform. Next time, tell your engineer to shut it down when you’re about to speak coz you be speaking in Tunez wahalaaaaaa. Well, Ruger don’t need that shit. thank you,” he wrote, adding that he prefers performing without relying on vocal enhancements.
Known for his distinctive style and hit songs, Ruger’s remarks have sparked discussions among fans and industry insiders. Many have debated the influence of autotune and promotional spending on music quality, with some supporting Ruger’s stance on the need for authenticity in Nigerian music.
As one of the rising voices in Afrobeats, Ruger’s comments highlight the challenges faced by artists striving to maintain originality in an increasingly commercialized industry.
Entertainment
Speed Darlington Released From Kuje Prison After Court Order
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
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Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Entertainment
Dele Odule Reflects On His Saddest Life Moment: Losing His First Child
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
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Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
Entertainment
What Burna Boy Told Me After Giving Me $30,000 — Cubana Chief Priest’s Cousin
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
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Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
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