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Nollywood loses another veteran Olusegun Akinremi at 70

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Veteran Nollywood figure and celebrated performer, Olusegun Akinremi — widely known to fans as Chief Kanran — has reportedly died at the age of 69, just three days before his 70th birthday.

A close family source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the prominent Yoruba film star passed away in a Lagos hospital on Friday following a brief illness. By 5:00 p.m. the same day, no official announcement had been made regarding his demise.

READ ALSO: Save me, I’m going blind, Emeka Ani, veteran Nollywood actor begs Nigerians

Chief Kanran built his reputation playing dynamic, often wealthy characters in Yoruba-language films, while also making a mark on stage and television over a career that stretched for decades.

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In later years, he faced a series of personal and financial hardships. In 2017, a destructive fire consumed his home along with valuable filmmaking equipment, a loss he described as a turning point in his life.

In a 2015 radio interview — commemorating his 50 years in acting — he revealed that he had been seeking assistance to secure a place to live.

Speaking in Yoruba during the heartfelt interview, Akinremi detailed how the fire, the death of his wife from cancer, and abandonment by his family left him in dire circumstances.

“Seven years ago, things became bad for me—not because of illness, but due to misfortune. My house got burnt, my wife and children left me, and I lost my studio and all my film equipment. I’ve been sleeping in a church for over a year. Feeding has been difficult, and I have no money to rent an apartment. All my four cars were gone—some sold, one burnt, and another knocked,” he had said.

Akinremi’s journey into acting began as a child, performing in stage plays during Easter and Christmas celebrations. He went on to receive formal training in the arts at the Centre for Cultural Studies (now the Department of Creative Arts) at the University of Lagos in 1974/75. He later obtained a diploma in directing, acting, and film production from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

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His career gained momentum after mentorship from the late Ayanfemi Phillips, the husband of veteran actress Iya Rainbow. Chief Kanran later hosted a television show on MTV in Lagos before fully committing to filmmaking.

He successfully crossed over into English-language productions, notably appearing as General Phillips in 13 episodes of the defunct TV drama Megafortune.

A devoted member of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, he was known for wearing his own clothes in movie roles, preferring them to borrowed costumes.

Chief Kanran’s contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry spanned more than fifty years, during which he inspired countless younger actors and played a significant role in shaping Yoruba cinema.

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Grammy: Again Nigerian stars lose! S’Africa’s Tyla dusts Davido, Burna Boy, others

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Tyla, South African pop sensation, on Sunday, snatched victory once again from Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr and Wizkid, his Nigerian opponents at this year’s edition of Grammy Awards.

In a fiercely contested category, the South African icon, took home for the second time, the Best African Music Performance award category at the 2026 Grammy Awards, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, in the United States.

Tyla secured the honour with her viral record, “Push 2 Start,” ahead of Burna Boy’s “Love,” Davido and Omah Lay’s collaboration “With You,” Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s “Gimme Dat,” as well as Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin’s “Hope & Love.” The category, introduced to spotlight African creativity, continues to draw global attention as Afrobeats and African pop gain mainstream appeal worldwide.

The victory extends Tyla’s fast-rising dominance in international award circles and highlights South Africa’s growing footprint in the African and global music ecosystem.

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For Nigeria, however, the night ended in disappointment. Despite heavy nominations across top categories, no Nigerian artiste returned home with a Grammy trophy in 2026. Established stars such as Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr and Wizkid all fell short, marking one of the rare years Africa’s most influential music nation failed to record a win at the Grammys.

Burna Boy also suffered a setback in the Best Global Music Album category, where his project, “No Sign of Weakness,” lost out to Brazilian legends Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia, whose collaborative live album, “Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo,” claimed the prize.

Tyla’s latest Grammy moment carries historical weight. She is now a two-time winner of the Best African Music Performance category, having first made history in 2024 with her smash hit, “Water,” which earned her the title of the category’s inaugural recipient. Her repeat success signals consistency, global acceptance and the widening space for African female stars in the international music market.

With chart-topping singles and a growing international fan base, Tyla’s rise reflects a broader shift in how African music is consumed and celebrated worldwide. As Afrobeats, Amapiano and African pop continue to dominate playlists across Europe and the United States, competition among African stars at the Grammys is becoming tighter, signalling a new era for the continent’s sound on the world stage.

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Nigerian Idol Star Raymu Set to Release New Love Ballad “With You”

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Nigerian singer and songwriter Raymu, first runner-up of Nigerian Idol Season 10, is set to release a new single titled “With You,” following his recent release “Like You.”

Known for his soulful vocals and emotional depth, Raymu delivers a heartfelt love ballad that leans into intimacy, devotion, and emotional honesty. “With You” is written from real-life experience, allowing listeners into a tender, stripped-back soundscape driven by sincerity rather than trend.

Formerly known as Amb. Lawrence, Raymu’s rebrand reflects a clearer artistic direction focused on authenticity and timeless songwriting. With earlier releases such as “Love Me” and “Like You,” he has continued to build a catalogue centered on vulnerability, connection, and relatable storytelling.

“With You” further establishes Raymu as an artist unafraid to slow things down and lead with emotion, reinforcing his growing presence in Nigeria’s contemporary music space beyond genre expectations.

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Ned Nwoko alleges wife Regina Daniels battling with substance abuse 

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Senator Ned Nwoko has addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video showing his wife, actress Regina Daniels, in distress, describing her recent behaviour as a result of “drug-influenced” actions.

In a post accompanied by a short video on his Instagram page, Nwoko alleged that the actress was struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, which he claimed had caused turbulence in their marriage.

READ ALSO: Regina Daniels reportedly accuses husband Senator Ned Nwoko of domestic violence 

“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem.

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“She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety,” he wrote.

According to the senator, the actress recently went on a violent rampage in his absence, assaulting domestic staff and damaging property.

“She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.

“Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,” he alleged.

Nwoko said he had offered his wife two rehabilitation options—in Asokoro and Jordan—“where she will not have access to drugs,” but claimed her associates continued to worsen the situation.

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“While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier.

“Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,” he alleged.

The senator’s statement followed a viral clip showing Regina Daniels in a heated confrontation, during which she was heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

Her brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman, popularly known as Sammy West, later accused Nwoko of violence against his sister, writing on Instagram, “Anywhere wey man dey beat woman, whether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood.”

Neither Regina Daniels nor her representatives have responded publicly to the senator’s claims. The couple, married since 2019, have long been in the spotlight due to their age difference and high-profile public life.

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