Entertainment
Sakoba Takes Home Top Prize At Ara’s Female Drummer Fiesta
Female singer and talking drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa, known professionally as Ara, recently hosted the first-ever Female Drummer Fiesta in Lagos.
The event, titled “Ajo: The Journey of the Talking Drum,” featured a competition in which female drummers from across the country showcased their skills on the talking drum. Among the contestants were 5-year-old Anyandunni and 8-year-old Anyanwura, as well as seasoned performers like Abike Gangan, Dorcas Omele, Ife Ara, Sakoba, Queen Drums, and Anyanbiyi Ebunoluwa Bata.
After all the performances, the judges shortlisted five finalists: Owo Ara, Abike, Ife Ara, Ayanbukola, and Sakoba. In the end, Sakoba from Akure in Ondo state was crowned the winner, taking home the star prize of N300,000. Ife Ara placed second and won N200,000, while Anyanbukola came in third and received N150,000. Anyandunni and Anyanwura received a consolation prize.
The event also featured a special performance by Ara herself, accompanied by legendary storyteller Jimi Solanke.
Speaking about the purpose of the event, Ara said, “This event is to celebrate females in traditional drumming. When I started out it was just me over 20 years ago, today we have as young as 5 years old who have picked up the talking drum. For me, it’s about empowering the girl child to see that their gender is no barrier to achieving anything in life.
“When you celebrate those who have done well in this field, others will come. Our culture needs to be preserved. Music is part of our culture, drumming is part of our cultural heritage. So, we need to promote, preserve, and project it so that our children yet unborn can understand who they are and how their history came about, not only in the art of music but generally. I want to implore everyone to please project our culture.”
Entertainment
2Baba Disowns Divorce Announcement, Says Account Was Hacked
Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, widely known as 2Baba, has debunked a viral announcement about his alleged separation from his wife, actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia.
The now-deleted post, which appeared on his Instagram account, claimed the couple was parting ways, sparking widespread speculation among fans and the entertainment community.
RELATED NEWS: Shock As 2Baba Announces Separation From Wife, Annie Idibia
In a swift response, the legendary singer clarified the situation on Sunday through a new statement shared on his Instagram page.
He assured his followers that the earlier post did not originate from him, explaining that his account had been compromised.
“My Instagram account has been hacked, efforts are being carried out to take back control #onelove!” 2Baba wrote, urging fans to disregard the false information.
2Baba and Annie, who tied the knot in 2012, have two children together and are celebrated as one of the most enduring power couples in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Despite occasional rumors, the duo has often shared glimpses of their strong bond, silencing critics and admirers alike.
Entertainment
Shock As 2Baba Announces Separation From Wife, Annie Idibia
Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, widely known as 2Baba, has announced that he and his wife, actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia, have been separated for some time and are now in the process of filing for divorce.
The singer broke the news in a statement shared on his Instagram page on Sunday.
While addressing his fans, 2Baba expressed his intention to release a formal statement soon to clarify his side of the story.
READ MORE: Cubana Chief Priest Breaks Silence On Paternity Drama, Says His Marriage Is Untouched
He wrote “Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long. I and Annie Macaulay have been separated for a while now and currently filed divorce.
“I would grant a press release soon to say my story—not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life, but because I love my people, and I need them to know my innocence or offense. Stay blessed my people. I love you all.” he added
Entertainment
Cubana Chief Priest Breaks Silence On Paternity Drama, Says His Marriage Is Untouched
Nigerian socialite and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has refuted allegations of fathering a child with a Kenyan woman named Helen.
The socialite, during an interview on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds on Sunday, described the claims as a calculated attempt to disrupt his marriage.
Helen has publicly accused Chief Priest of abandoning her after she gave birth to a son she claims is his.
READ MORE: Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Allow Trump A Third Presidential Run
However, the businessman has repeatedly denied the allegations, asserting that he has no connection to the woman or her child.
“Children are a gift from God regardless of how they come, and I have more than enough to take care of my children, as many as possible that will come my way,” Chief Priest said.
“I have a beautiful marriage; this is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and if you watch the whole attack, it is on the marriage.”
When asked whether he would have accepted the child if proven to be his, the socialite responded, “Of course.”
He also expressed his willingness to undergo a paternity test but criticized the tone of the allegations. “You cannot bash me this hard and expect my loyalty,” he added.
Chief Priest further stated that the controversy has not impacted his marriage, emphasizing the strength of his bond with his wife. “We are not just husband and wife; we are business partners and associates that are inseparable,” he said.
He also suggested that the timing of the allegations raised questions about the accuser’s motives.
“The woman is always popping up every time I have an issue that goes viral. This shows that she has an ulterior motive rather than genuinely looking for the father of her child,” he stated.
The businessman noted that the saga has persisted for some time but maintained that he has no knowledge of the individuals orchestrating the accusations.