Entertainment
T-Pain To Receive Recognition At Soul Train Awards 2023
T-Pain is set to be honored with the ‘Legend’ award at the 2023 Soul Train Awards by BET.
The six-time Grammy-winning artist, Faheem Rashad Najm, known as T-Pain, who hails from Tallahassee, has not only transformed pop, hip-hop, and R&B but has achieved remarkable success with over 50 million singles sold.
His repertoire includes ten #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, billions of streams, and sold-out performances around the world.
Prepare for a harmonious fusion as Arin Ray, Eric Bellinger, Marsha Ambrosius, and Nicci Gilbert come together for the Soul Cypher at this year’s “Soul Train Awards” 2023.
The turntables will be under the command of multi-platinum music producer Bryan-Michael Cox. Adding to the lineup, Maeta will perform, and the BET Amplified stage will feature Honey Bxby and October London.
This edition of the awards, hosted by the multi-talented Keke Palmer, promises to showcase the best in Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop, recognizing both established legends and promising newcomers.
The show will be premiere on Monday, November 27, at 2:00 am, with a repeat at 07:00 pm WAT on BET Africa, DStv Channel 129.
Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, expressed admiration for T-Pain’s unparalleled musical genius, stating, “When it comes to his overall approach to music as a songwriter, the genius of T-Pain stands among the most memorable and enviable in the business.
“He has reshaped the fabric of the music industry, and his influence transcends generations in pop, Hip Hop, and R&B.
“We are honored to celebrate his limitless contributions to the culture at the soulful party of the year: “Soul Train Awards 2023.”
“To be honest, it feels incredible to be recognized by BET as this year’s “Soul Train Awards” Legend honoree,” said T-Pain. “Not that I’m looking for recognition at this point in my career; I’m just doing what I like and what makes me happy, but it still feels great when you receive it. I’ve done a lot in the last 20 years, and for BET to be one of the first networks to recognize that is pretty cool.”
In Los Angeles, CA, the “Soul Train Awards” 2023, being taped, will pay tribute to artist Janelle Monáe, presenting her with the prestigious ‘Spirit of Soul’ award.
The event will feature performances by BJ The Chicago Kid, Coco Jones, Danté Bowe, Fridayy, Keke Palmer, Muni Long, and SWV.
A historic three-way tie sees Summer Walker, SZA, and Usher leading the nominations for the “Soul Train Awards” 2023 with an impressive nine nods each.
The official nominees were chosen by a distinguished voting academy comprising music industry insiders, performers, and presenters.
Presented by BET, the “Soul Train Awards” 2023 promises a dynamic showcase of electrifying performances, special moments, and appearances by influential figures in Black culture and entertainment.
This annual event remains dedicated to highlighting the enduring impact of Soul Train on music and dance, spanning from the ’70s to the present day.
The annual show will be overseen by Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, who will also serve as Executive Producer for BET.
Joining her in the executive production role is Jamal Noisette, VP, Specials & Music Programming. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, will take on the position of Executive Producer for the “Soul Train Awards” 2023, alongside Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon from Jesse Collins Entertainment.
Entertainment
After Years of Controversy, Tonto Dikeh Declares Love for Ex-Husband Churchill
Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has publicly declared love and appreciation for her former husband, Olakunle Churchill, years after their highly publicised split.
The emotional moment occurred during their son King Andre’s 10th birthday celebration held in Abuja, where Dikeh offered heartfelt prayers and words of affirmation for Churchill in the presence of guests.
In a video from the event that has since gone viral on social media, the actress described Churchill as “an amazing father” and expressed gratitude for his role in their son’s life.
SEE MORE: Tonto Dikeh, Bodyguard Summoned To Court Over Alleged Assault, Others
“You are an amazing father, thank you so much,” she said. “Your businesses will flourish; whoever curses you shall be cursed. I love you with the love of God.”
Dikeh further prayed for Churchill’s family and children, asking for divine protection, success and progress in all their endeavours.
“I pray for your family. I pray for your business. I pray for all the children. They will progress. Failure will not meet them. Everything that they touch will be blessed,” she declared.
The development marks a significant shift in the relationship between the former couple, whose marriage ended in 2017 amid allegations and public disputes that dominated entertainment headlines for years.
Recently, Dikeh revealed that they had reconciled and “buried the hatchet,” signalling an end to their long-running feud and a renewed focus on peaceful co-parenting.
Churchill later married actress Rosy Meurer in 2021, and the couple have two children together. Despite past controversies, both families appear to have embraced maturity and mutual respect.
The birthday celebration and Dikeh’s public declaration have since sparked mixed reactions online, with many applauding the former couple for putting aside differences for the sake of their son.
Entertainment
Monday Okpebholo Names Mercy Johnson-Okojie Special Adviser
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor.
According to the statement, the governor approved the appointment as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen communication between the government and the people of Edo State.
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“This is to inform the general public that Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy,” the statement read.
Johnson-Okojie, a renowned actress, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most celebrated figures, with nearly two decades in the industry and appearances in over 200 films.
Beyond her acting career, she is the founder of the Mercy Johnson Okojie Foundation, which focuses on women empowerment, child welfare, educational support, and healthcare outreach.
The Edo State Government expressed confidence that her influence, public appeal, and grassroots connection would help boost awareness of government programmes and encourage citizen participation in state policies.
Her husband, Odianosen Okojie, represents Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The appointment has sparked conversations across social media, with supporters describing it as a strategic move to bridge the gap between governance and the entertainment industry.
Entertainment
How Two Nollywood Crew Members Died On Set, Experts Investigate
Preliminary autopsy results have ruled out food poisoning as the cause of death for two Nollywood production crew members found dead at a movie set in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, on February 7, 2026.
The victims, 36-year-old cinematographer Walter Odediran and his childhood friend Godstime Imeh, Lighting Director and Chief Officer of GeeTee Light, were discovered lifeless inside a Nissan car owned by Imeh, parked within the premises of Evercare Hospital, where a film was being shot.
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According to sources, the autopsy revealed that one of the victims had an empty stomach, while the other had only a small amount of food — “almost as if he hadn’t eaten anything,” a source said.
Walter Odediran’s elder brother, Kola Odediran, confirmed that the family had received the preliminary autopsy report. He said: “The autopsy itself is complete, and no food was found in my late brother.
“The results indicate he did not eat anything. But they are going to carry out toxicology and histology tests, which will provide the definitive answers we are looking for.”
To determine the exact cause of death, experts will conduct additional tests on blood and tissue samples to find out whether the victims ingested or inhaled any harmful substances before their deaths.
These results are expected in two to three weeks.
Relatives of the deceased, as well as colleagues in the Nollywood industry, are awaiting the findings with bated breath, hoping the upcoming tests will shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.





