A round-up of top entertainment stories you might have missed last week.
Akon’s wife filed for divorce
Tomeka Thiam, wife of Senegalese-American singer Akon, filed for divorce after nearly three decades of marriage. According to TMZ, Thiam, who married the Grammy-nominated artiste on 15 September 1996, cited irreconcilable differences as her reason for seeking the divorce.
Thiam sought joint legal custody and requested physical custody of the child. She also demanded spousal support and moved to block the court’s ability to grant Akon any support. Akon, who rose to fame in 2004 with his breakout single “Locked Up” featuring Styles P, had not publicly commented on the development.
Yemi Solade’s controversial views on female colleagues
Veteran actor Yemi Solade stated during an interview on the “Honest Bunch Podcast” that no actress could afford a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon through acting income alone. He argued that filmmakers never paid the N50 million fee to finance such a luxury purchase. The actor insisted that most of the wealth flaunted by movie stars came from side businesses or, controversially, gifts from questionable sources. Solade added that people joined the industry for different reasons, but he would continue to focus on the core professionals. The 65-year-old is known for films such as “Ijogbon”, “Oloture”, “Family Gbese”, “Sade Blade”, “Ayomida”, “The Trade”, and “Ayomi.”
Terry G withdrew retirement decision
Rapper Gabriel “Terry G” Amanyi declared on his X page that he had abandoned his retirement plans and vowed never to leave the music industry. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that in January 2024, the “Akpako Master” announced his retirement from music, citing personal reasons. The 39-year-old said he fully embraced being regarded as an “upcoming artiste,” arguing that one only becomes a legend after retirement. Terry G, known for his eccentric style and controversial lyrics, rose to prominence with hits such as “Free Madness” and “Pass Me Your Love.”
Spyro’s multi-million naira deals rejection
Singer Olusipe “Spyro” David revealed via his Instagram stories that he rejected endorsement deals worth millions because they conflicted with his Christian faith. The 27-year-old disclosed that he had personally financed his concerts because brands avoided associating with him due to his outspoken faith. He also revealed that his greatest opposition came from fellow Christians, whom he once considered family.
Tunde Onakoya quit X for mental health
Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya announced on his X page that he had quit the platform to protect his mental health. He described X as overwhelming and said he needed to “guard his heart.” He explained that the platform had grown too heavy for him and, as an empath, he felt weighed down by the world’s darkness. Onakoya rose to global prominence after breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
Adekunle Gold announced sixth album “Fuji”
Singer Adekunle “Adekunle Gold” Kosoko announced on Instagram that his sixth studio album, “Fuji”, would be released on 3 October. He revealed that he began writing the album in 2019 and spent five years completing it. He described the project as carrying “history, grit and soul,” stressing that it was more than entertainment — it was about survival, storytelling and Lagos itself. The father of one added that “Fuji” belonged not only to the past but also to the present and future. Adekunle Gold rose to fame with “Sade”, a highlife cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life”, and later joined YBNL in 2015. He has since released five albums, including “Gold (2016)”, “About 30 (2018)”, “Afro Pop, Vol. 1 (2020)”, ‘Catch Me If You Can (2022)”, and “Tequila Ever After (2023).”
Media personality Shade Ladipo apologised in an Instagram video to Tiwa Savage for criticising her after her sex tape leaked in 2021. She admitted she was among those who “blasted” Savage when the tape surfaced but said listening to Savage’s new album “This One is Personal” made her connect with the singer’s vulnerability. In October 2021, an intimate video involving Savage and her partner leaked online after her partner mistakenly uploaded it to Snapchat. She later revealed she was blackmailed over the footage.
Terry Apala’s interesting views on gyms
Singer Terry “Terry Apala” Ejeh revealed during an interview on “Echo Room” that he wouldn’t allow his partner to visit the gym, claiming most women went there for social reasons or content creation rather than exercise. He based his view on experiences at upscale gyms such as iFitness VGC and Megamound Estate, arguing that only a minority of women attended for genuine workouts. The 36-year-old, who began as a church drummer and guitarist, is known for songs such as “No Sege”, “Baca”, “Joosi”, and “Bad Girl.”
Bose Akinola welcomed grandchild
Actress Bose Akinola announced on Instagram that she welcomed her grandchild on her birthday. She posted photos of herself cradling the newborn and expressed joy that months of waiting and prayers had been fulfilled. Akinola, who began acting in 1997, rose to prominence with her role in “Idunnu Okan.”
Asake announced African tour for “Mr Money”
Singer Ahmed “Asake” Ololade announced on Instagram that his African tour, named after his debut album “Mr Money”, would begin in December. According to his flyer, concerts would be held in Nairobi on 20 December, Lagos on 24 December, and Côte d’Ivoire on 27 December. More countries and dates would follow. Asake rose to fame in 2020 with “Lady” and joined YBNL in February 2022. He has since released three albums: “Mr Money With The Vibes (2022)”, “Work of Art (2023)”, and “Lungu Boy (2024).”
Eniola Badmus celebrated her weight loss
Actress Eniola Badmus revealed on Instagram that her transformation from 170kg to 90kg was her greatest achievement. Marking her 43rd birthday, she said the journey went beyond appearance, expressing gratitude to God for life, growth, and open doors. Badmus began acting in 2000 but shot to fame in 2008 with Yoruba blockbusters “Jenifa” and “Omo Ghetto.”
Ibrahim Chatta clarified child’s death
Actor Ibrahim Chatta clarified on Instagram that reports claiming he lost a son were false. He explained that while he mourned the death of his godson, he had not lost his biological child. Chatta gained prominence with his role in “Aiyekooto”, directed by Adebayo Tijani.
Rockson Igelige, Pedro Obaseki, others received UNIBEN alumnus awards
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) Faculty of Arts will confer Distinguished Alumnus Awards on legal practitioner Rockson Igelige, filmmaker Pedro Obaseki, and other notable figures as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. The two-day event will begin on 16 September with an opening with a lead ceremony led by the Dean of Arts, Professor Osarhieme Osadolor. Awardees include UNIBEN Vice-Chancellor Edoba Omoregie, Senator Neda Imasuen, politician Dan Orbih, industrialist Leemon Ikpea, Registrar Ademota Bobola, scholar Austin Moye, historian Edward Eshagbe, academic Raymond Elsho, and Francis Egbokhere, former president of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. The awards will recognise excellence in politics, academia, industry, and law.
Motunde denied pregnancy rumours involving Mr Macaroni
Actress Omotunde Sogunle, popularly known as Motunde, denied rumours that she was ever pregnant for skit maker Mr Macaroni. Speaking to BBC Pidgin, she said she was devastated when false claims linked her romantically with the comedian and alleged she had terminated a pregnancy. She described the allegations as “shocking and impossible” but said she had moved on and now laughed about it with Macaroni, who played her father in skits.
Phyna’s younger sister was buried in Ogun State
Ruth Otabor, younger sister of BBNaija Season 7 winner Phyna, was laid to rest in Ogun State. Follow, Hope News for more entertainment news
