The Nigerian entertainment landscape saw an uproar of news in 2023 that ranged from charming to confusing, leaving fans in awe.
The year unfolded with a combination of good, terrible, and startling news that captivated Nigerians and global admirers alike.
Here’s a rundown of the stories that characterised the 2023 entertainment landscape:
1. Yul Edochie’s Loss:
Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, faced a heartbreaking moment as he lost his first son, Kambilichukwu Edochie, two months after celebrating the young boy’s 16th birthday with his wife, Mary Edochie.
2. Banky W’s Alleged Infidelity:
Singer Banky W found himself in the spotlight when rumours circulated about his alleged affair with his ex-signee, Niyiola. The speculations, fueled by the Instagram blog, Gistlover, led to a public outcry, with fans scrutinising the singer’s actions and responses.
3. Anita Brown’s revelation about Davido:
The American ‘model’ Anita Brown stirred up a storm by initially claiming to be carrying Davido’s child, only to retract the statement, citing a hacked Instagram account.
Subsequently, she provided evidence of her past relationship with Davido, including messages where the singer’s cousin allegedly requested her to terminate the pregnancy. Anita’s rollercoaster of accusations, repentance, and forgiveness left netizens on edge, anticipating further bombshells.
4. Yvonne Nelson’s Explosive Memoir:
While Nigerians grappled with Anita Brown’s revelations, Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson, captivated audience with her memoir, “I am Not Yvonne Nelson.” The book delved into shocking aspects of her life, including her mother’s deception about her father’s identity, an alleged pregnancy for Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie, and accusations of her ex-lover, Iyanya, cheating with actress Tonto Dikeh.
5. Seun Kuti’s Arrest:
Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, faced legal troubles as he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer. A viral video showed Kuti engaged in a confrontation with the officer, resulting in his arrest.
6. Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record:
Nigerian chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, known as Hilda Baci, surpassed the Guinness World Record for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual,” showcasing her culinary prowess by achieving a remarkable 93 hours and 11 minutes.
7. MohBad’s Death:
The Nigerian music scene mourned the loss of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, aka MohBad, a former Marlian record signee who passed away at the age of 27. The news left the industry in sorrow and led to unsolved controversies.
To say that the death of a singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, on September 12, 2023, shocked many would be an understatement.
His death, in controversial circumstances, was practically a nationwide issues, as many people took to the streets and social media to call for justice.
He was formerly signed to Marlian Records, which is owned by a controversial singer, Naira Marley, but left in 2022.
His death sparked many protests, and the police set up a special team to investigate the circumstances of his demise.
During the course of the investigation, Naira Marley, Sam Larry (who was seen in videos constantly harassing the deceased), the nurse who treated him, Prime Boy (the friend he fought with), among others were arrested by the cops.
Eventually, it was stated that the 27-year-old singer allegedly died after he was treated for an infection arising from a wound he sustained some days prior during a fight with his friend.
The ‘KPK’ singer was married to Omawunmi and their union is blessed with a son.
8. Mr. Ibu’s Health Struggles:
Comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, faced a health crisis that left him bedridden. He also had his leg amputated and is currently recuperating.
9. Naira Marley’s Anti-Drug Message:
Naira Marley, known for his controversial music, surprised fans by visiting the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and campaigning against drug abuse. The “Soapy” singer urged Nigerian youths to steer clear of harmful substances.
10. Davido’s Grammy Nomination:
Afrobeats sensation, Davido, achieved a significant milestone with three Grammy nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards. The nominations included Best Global Album for “Timeless,” Best African Performance for “Unavailable,” and Best Global Music Performance for “Feel,” marking a historic moment in his career.
11 Oladip’s rumoured death
Another singer, Oladipupo Oladimeji, aka Oladips, was alleged to have passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. A now deleted post on Instagram by his management read in part, “We are saddened to inform the general public that Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji, aka Oladips, has passed away on November 14 We are still in shock as we speak. For over two years, he has kept (sic) his battles within himself…”
However, the singer later surfaced online, claiming that he was actually very ill, and some rituals had to be conducted before he was ‘brought back to life.
12 Wizkid loses mum
A popular singer, Ayodeji Balogun, aka Wizkid, lost his mother, Jane, to the cold hands of death on Friday, August 18, 2023.
Known to be close to his mum and having recorded songs in her honour, her demise undoubtedly had a profound impact on him, as he stated that it was one of the toughest times of his life.
The news of her death was greeted by an outpour of well wishes from the singer’s colleagues, fans, government officials and corporate titans.
The singer and his family also spared no expense in giving her a befitting funeral. Which lasted for three days burial ceremony, which included a wake and tribute service, church service and a reception.
13 Davido’s twins/baby mamas
A popular singer, David Adeleke, aka Davido, was also in the news for several reasons in the course of the year.
In March, the singer released his first album titled, ‘Timeless’, since the unfortunate demise of his son, Ifeanyi, in October, 2022.
The singer also reportedly got married to Chioma, who was Ifeanyi’s mother. Many were overjoyed when it was reported that the couple had welcomed twins (a boy and girl) on Tuesday, October 10, in Atlanta, United States of America.
Pictures and videos of the couple leaving a hospital had gone viral online on Friday, October 13, 2023. But, Davido later took to social media to knock a music producer, Samklef, who was one of the people who shared the picture online. Davido was miffed that the pictures and videos of his newborns were shared without his consent.
Shortly before that, two ladies— Anita Brown (an American) and Ivana Bay (French)— alleged that the singer put them in the family way, and asked them to get abortions.
One of them, Anita, was so ferocious in her criticism of the singer as she kept posting certain information online to denigrate him.
While speaking at an event on Saturday, October 14, 2023, he revealed how he felt when he realised that Chioma had taken in. He said, “When my wife and I found out, we were shaking. And, it was in the same month my son passed. My son passed away last year in October, and my wife gave birth this year in October.”
‘Timeless’ was also one of the biggest albums of the year. Six hours after its release, it garnered one million streams on Boomplay. It also peaked at number one on Nigeria’s Top Albums Chart, UK’s Top Albums Chart; as well as in 17 other countries on Apple Music.
14 Bolanle Ninalowo’s separation
Actor, Bolanle Ninalowo, aka Nino B, got many sad when he announced his separation from his wife, Bunmi, on September 1, 2023, on social media.
Prior to the collapse of the union, the couple had won the admiration of many for their constant display of affection as the actor never hesitated to flaunt his wife and kids (a daughter— Aliyah, 17; and son— Morakinyo, 15), especially on social media.
Three months after his separation from his wife, he and a colleague, Damilola Adegbite, got tongues wagging as different videos of them together holding hands surfaced on the Internet.
2023 proved to be a year of intense revelations, triumphs, and challenges shaping the narratives of Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment landscape.