Entertainment
Tito Jackson, Founding Member of Jackson 5, Dies At 70
Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5 and brother to the late Michael Jackson, has died at the age of 70.
Jackson’s death was confirmed on Sunday by family friend and former manager Steve Manning.
The Jackson family, renowned for their lasting impact on the music industry, is mourning the loss of yet another iconic figure.
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Tito Jackson was instrumental in the success of the Jackson 5, alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. The group skyrocketed to fame in the 1960s with timeless hits such as “ABC” and “I Want You Back.”
Jackson’s sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, expressed their grief in a heartfelt statement on social media. “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken,” they wrote. “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone.
He will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached: ‘Love One Another.’ We love you, Pops.”
A Legacy in Music
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito Jackson was a pivotal figure in the rise of the Jackson 5. His skill on rhythm guitar and contributions to the group’s vocal harmonies played a critical role in shaping their sound, which propelled them to international stardom after signing with Motown Records in 1968.
The Jackson 5’s debut single, “I Want You Back,” quickly topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking the beginning of a string of hits that included “ABC” and “The Love You Save.” Though his younger brother Michael often took the spotlight, Tito’s musical talents were an integral part of the group’s success.
After leaving Motown in the 1970s, the group rebranded as The Jacksons and continued to enjoy chart success with albums such as Destiny and Triumph. These albums helped solidify the group’s enduring legacy throughout the 1980s.
Solo Ventures and Later Years
In addition to his work with The Jacksons, Tito Jackson pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album Tito Time in 2016. The album’s single, “Get It Baby,” reached No. 19 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart, further highlighting his musical versatility.
Jackson’s death comes after the loss of his younger brother Michael in 2009, who died of acute propofol intoxication, and their father, Joe Jackson, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 89. Joe Jackson managed the Jackson 5 during their early years, playing a key role in guiding them to worldwide fame.
Tito Jackson is survived by his three sons—Taj, Taryll, and TJ—who formed the group 3T in the 1990s, as well as his grandchildren. He was previously married to Delores “Dee Dee” Martes, who passed away in 1994.
The Jackson family’s contributions to music remain monumental, and Tito’s passing marks the end of an era for one of the most influential families in entertainment history.
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.
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.
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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