Celebrity Gist

Asake
Celebrity Gist, Entertainment, Events, Trending

Asake Mourns Fan Killed in Nairobi Concert Stampede

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Nigerian Afrobeats star Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has expressed deep sadness over the death of a young woman who reportedly lost her life during a stampede at his concert in Nairobi, Kenya. In an emotional message shared on his Instagram page, the award-winning singer described the incident as heartbreaking and said it occurred at a festival held in the Kenyan capital on December 20. Asake said he was devastated that a show meant to bring joy through music ended in tragedy. “I am devastated by the tragic incident that took place at the festival on Dec 20th in Nairobi,” he wrote. The singer extended his condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, identified as Karen Lojore, and assured them of his support as efforts continue to understand what went wrong. “My heart goes out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Karen Lojore, and I pledge to support and do my best to understand what happened,” Asake said. He also called for accountability, stressing that those responsible for the tragedy must be held answerable. According to him, music has always been his way of spreading love and happiness, which made the incident even more painful. “Music has always been my way of sharing love and joy, and it breaks my heart that anyone had to experience such loss,” he added. Asake ended his message with prayers for the bereaved family and the people of Kenya, saying, “My thoughts are with everyone grieving, and I pray that Karen rests in peace. God bless Kenya.” The tragic incident has since reignited conversations around crowd control, safety planning and emergency response at large-scale entertainment events.

Wayne Rooney
Celebrity Gist, Events, Sports

Wayne Rooney Tips Declan Rice as England’s Next Captain

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Former England striker Wayne Rooney has backed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as a future captain of the Three Lions, hailing the 26-year-old’s leadership qualities and all-round performance. Rooney’s comments came after he watched Rice play a key role in Arsenal’s hard-earned 1–0 Premier League win over Everton on Saturday evening, a result that took the Gunners back to the top of the table. The former England captain was in the stands at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and was full of praise for Rice’s influence on the game. Rice, who has already earned 72 caps for England, has captained the national team twice in the absence of Harry Kane during a 2–2 draw against Belgium in March 2024 and a 3–0 victory over Wales in October. Speaking on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney suggested Rice is the natural successor to Kane whenever the current skipper steps aside. “For me, he’s the one who’s probably waiting for Harry to hang up his boots at some point,” Rooney said. “He was all over the pitch against Everton. His decision-making when to pass, where to pass, what foot to use the detail in his game was a pleasure to watch. He was absolutely incredible.” Rooney highlighted Rice’s versatility and intelligence, noting how seamlessly he shifted roles during the match. “He was splitting centre-backs, dropping in to take the ball, acting like a third centre-back, and the next minute he’s in the box trying to score. Some of the things he does are underrated,” he added. The former Manchester United star also praised Rice’s character, insisting his personality and drive make him the ideal leader for England. “He’s the right one to take over because of his drive and his personality. Everyone who knows him seems to love him. For England, he’s irreplaceable,” Rooney concluded.

Celebrity Gist, Entertainment, Trending

Ini Edo Apologises to CAN Over ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Title After Public Backlash

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Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has issued a heartfelt apology to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) following widespread criticism over the title of her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas. The actress addressed the controversy during an emotional Instagram Live session, where she responded to concerns from CAN and members of the Christian community who described the title as offensive to the faith. Ini Edo explained that the title was meant purely as a creative expression and was never intended to ridicule Christmas or disrespect Christianity. “If I had known the title A Very Dirty Christmas would cause this kind of reaction, I would have changed it,” she said. “I sincerely apologise to CAN and the Christian community. I am a Christian, and everyone involved in this production is Christian. We prayed and honoured God throughout the entire process. It was never our intention to insult or disgrace Christianity.” She admitted that the backlash deeply affected her, noting that she did not expect the title to generate such hurt and misunderstanding. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the family drama, which was released in cinemas on December 16, triggered intense public debate and prompted an official complaint from CAN. In its statement, CAN described the movie title as “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian faith, arguing that linking the sacred Christmas season with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual meaning. The association called on the producers to reconsider the title and issue a public apology. CAN also raised concerns over how the film received approval from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). Reacting to the issue, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Husseini, said the board approved and classified the film based on its fictional and creative nature. However, he acknowledged that public perception plays a crucial role in effective regulation. According to him, the board has since opened discussions with the film’s producers on the possibility of modifying the title, stressing that religious sensitivity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence remain central to its regulatory responsibilities.

Anthony Joshua
Celebrity Gist, Events, Trending

Broken Jaw, Unbroken Spirit: Jake Paul Reveals Brutal Injury, Vows to Return Stronger

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The price of challenging a giant was written in bone. Jake Paul has revealed the brutal extent of his injuries following his stoppage loss to Anthony Joshua, posting a startling X-ray that confirms his jaw was broken in two places during the heavyweight clash in Miami. Despite a valiant effort to use speed and footwork against the two-time world champion, the punishing power of ‘AJ’ was too much. Paul was sent to the canvas repeatedly, and as he struggled to beat the count in the sixth round, he knew something was seriously wrong. “I think it’s definitely broken,” he admitted, grimacing through the pain. But even with a shattered jaw that forced him to skip the post-fight press conference and drive himself to the hospital Paul’s defiant and brash spirit remained intact. In a classic move, he joked on social media that he’d be ready to take on pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez “in 10 days.” The reality, however, is a mandated four-to-six-week recovery. The fight, which drew criticism for its significant gap in weight and experience, served as a harsh lesson. Now, the YouTuber-turned-boxer is ready to go back to the drawing board. “I’m going to take a little break. I’ve been going hard for six years,” Paul stated, acknowledging the toll of his relentless career. His next move is clear: heal up and head back to a division where he belongs. “We will heal the broken jaw, come back and fight people my weight. I’m going for the cruiserweight world title,” he declared. It’s a logical and necessary reset. After a high-risk detour to the land of heavyweights, Paul is refocusing on his original mission: proving his legitimacy and capturing a world title in a division built for him. Ranked in the WBA’s top 15 at cruiserweight, he has a clear path forward once he’s cleared to fight in 2026. The road ahead is already taking shape. A domestic showdown with undefeated Manchester prospect Pat Brown is a possibility, as is a highly anticipated rematch with the only other man to defeat him, Tommy Fury. And, of course, the ever-ambitious Paul will no doubt continue to chase a superfight with his dream opponent, Canelo Alvarez. For now, though, it’s about healing. The loss to Joshua was a painful setback, but for Jake Paul, it’s just another chapter in a story he’s determined to finish as a champion.

Celebrity Gist

VeryDarkMan Wins Hearts with $50,000 Pledge to Send Talented Nigerian Boy Abroad for Education

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Popular activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has earned widespread praise after announcing he’ll use a $50,000 cash gift, roughly ₦75 million, to sponsor a brilliant young Nigerian boy’s education overseas. In a heartfelt Instagram video, VDM shared that the money came from someone touched by his humanitarian efforts during a recent trip to China. The benefactor had promised financial support and followed through by delivering the full amount in cash. Shortly after receiving the funds, VDM remembered a young boy whose Instagram page he’d stumbled upon months earlier but scrolled past due to a busy schedule. When a friend recently reposted the boy’s content, everything clicked into place for the activist. The boy had built a working blender, power bank, and projector completely from scratch, demonstrations of extraordinary creativity and technical skill that left VDM deeply impressed. “I will not let that boy’s life or talent die like many others in Nigeria,” VDM said passionately in the video. He revealed he’s already contacted the boy and asked him to involve his parents in the conversation. Reflecting on his own journey, VDM said God elevated him to his current position with the responsibility to lift others up. He’s committed to sponsoring the boy’s education abroad where his talents can be properly developed and reach their full potential. While acknowledging he’ll use part of the money to settle some personal debts, VDM made clear that investing in the boy’s future is among his highest priorities.

davido
Celebrity Gist, Entertainment

“Not Every Platform Deserves You”: Nigerian Woman Criticizes Davido’s Carter Efe Livestream Appearance, Praises Wizkid’s Exclusive Image

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A Nigerian woman has ignited heated debate online after calling out Afrobeats superstar Davido for joining comedian Carter Efe’s recent livestream, while praising Wizkid for maintaining a more selective public presence. Davido, one of Africa’s biggest music exports, surprised fans by appearing on Carter Efe’s Twitch livestream, a moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms. In a video now circulating online, the woman argued that Wizkid’s star power comes from his carefully guarded exclusivity. She believes A-list celebrities shouldn’t be accessible on every platform or to every online personality, as overexposure can diminish their brand value. She suggested Davido tries too hard to be liked by everyone, pointing to his frequent public appearances and collaborations. While acknowledging his warmth and likability, she emphasized that celebrities need boundaries to protect their status and image. The woman also questioned Carter Efe’s cultural relevance, suggesting his comedy style and online behavior don’t represent Nigerian culture positively on the global stage. “I love Davido, we’ve been friends for a long time. But I feel like he does too much sometimes. You need to give yourself that respect, that level sometimes. Who’s Carter Efe? Why are you showing up for Carter Efe? Is it because he called out Wizkid the other day, so you want to be in everyone’s good books?” she said. “Not everybody must like you. He’s always doing stuff so everybody will say, ‘Oh, he’s a good guy.’ That’s why I respect Wizkid. You can’t be everywhere. You’re a star, respect yourself.” She continued: “I don’t think Carter Efe is the brand we want to promote as a culture. What does he do or represent? Acting like a lunatic, pulling his shirt.”

davido
Celebrity Gist, Entertainment, Trending

“Afrobeats Would Be Boring Without Me” — Davido Sparks Fresh Debate Online

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Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has once again stirred conversation after boldly declaring that the Nigerian music industry would be dull without his presence. Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, the singer wrote, “Imagine no Davido… sht would have been boring AF.” The post quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. While many supporters praised his confidence and influence, others accused him of arrogance. This is not the first time Davido has described himself as central to the Afrobeats movement. In a recent interview with Apple Music, the award-winning artist claimed the music scene slowed down during his three-month social media break in 2022, which followed the tragic death of his son. According to him, even those who criticized him openly were eager for his return. Davido rose to fame in 2011 with his breakout hit “Dami Duro,” emerging alongside contemporaries like Wizkid at a time when Afrobeats was beginning its global ascent. Over the years, his influence has grown along with debates about his role in shaping the industry. Adding another layer to the discussion, veteran music producer Samkleff recently shared a contrasting view. He suggested that while Davido’s arrival brought energy and competition, it also marked the start of intense rivalries and growing toxicity in the industry. Samkleff recalled an earlier era when artists, in his view, shared more mutual respect. As always, Davido’s comments have reignited conversations about legacy, influence and ego in Afrobeats proving that love him or criticize him, his voice continues to dominate the culture.

Celebrity Gist

Social Media Expert Claims Peller’s Car Crash and Jarvis Breakup Are Staged for Clout

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A social media analyst has ignited fierce debate online after claiming that Peller‘s December 14 car crash and his breakup with Jarvis are elaborate publicity stunts. The TikTok star’s accident, which happened during an Instagram livestream on Eko Expressway, sent shockwaves through social media as bystanders rushed him to the hospital. But not everyone is buying the story. Twitter user @austeiin, who describes himself as a content expert, says he’s willing to bet his December salary that both the crash and breakup are fake, carefully orchestrated to rack up engagement and keep people talking. “This is pure content creation,” he wrote in a viral post. “Nigerians are being used to amplify drama again.” He didn’t stop there. The analyst questioned Peller’s actual value beyond generating social media noise, arguing that without Nigerians constantly hyping controversial content, the influencer wouldn’t have his current level of fame. His criticism touched on what he sees as a troubling trend: people gaining instant celebrity status through reckless behavior and manufactured drama. “If you think acting ‘anyhow’ online leads to something meaningful, then the setup was never serious from the beginning,” he said. He also called out Jarvis, questioning why someone educated would turn their relationship into constant online content. The endless livestreams, public displays, and lack of boundaries made the eventual outcome predictable, according to him. As for the breakup sympathy flooding social media? He’s not buying it. “This is engagement farming, plain and simple. The separation and the accident are part of the same strategy.” His final point hit hard: Nigerians fuel these viral moments with excessive hype, then act surprised when things spiral out of control. It’s a cycle, he says, driven by clout-chasing and the hunger for the next trending topic.

Celebrity Gist

Laura Ikeji Exposes Shocking December Price Hikes in Nigeria: “₦70K Braids Now Cost ₦250K”

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Beauty entrepreneur Laura Ikeji Kanu has sparked heated conversation online after calling out Nigerian service providers for extreme price increases during December’s holiday season. In an Instagram video, the influencer shared her frustration with what she calls exploitative pricing. A hairstyle that cost her ₦70,000 before she left Nigeria is now quoted at ₦200,000, and some stylists are asking for ₦250,000 simply because it’s December. Laura didn’t hold back, warning that these inflated prices could ruin the festive season for many Nigerians. While she understands December is peak season for businesses, she argues there’s a difference between reasonable demand-based pricing and outright exploitation. She also pushed back against assumptions that diaspora Nigerians are automatically wealthy. “Many of us work regular jobs, save our money, and come home to relax, not to be overcharged,” she explained. Laura pointed out that this practice has been going on for years and is now spiraling out of control. The beauty entrepreneur questioned how a hairstyle already expensive at ₦70,000 could reasonably triple in price within months. Laura extended her criticism beyond beauty services to Nigeria’s housing market. She blamed short-term rental platforms like Airbnb for driving up annual rents, as landlords now calculate yearly prices based on inflated daily rates.

Celebrity Gist

Toyosi Etim-Effiong on Marriage and Infidelity: Why Faith Comes Before Walking Away

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Toyosi Etim-Effiong, wife of popular Nollywood actor Daniel Etim-Effiong, recently got real about marriage, cheating, and what keeps relationships going when things get tough. In a conversation on the Toke Moments podcast, Toyosi made a surprising confession: infidelity wouldn’t automatically end her marriage. Instead of running for the door, she’d turn to prayer first. “Cheating is not a dealbreaker for me,” she admitted. Her approach? Lean into faith, seek spiritual direction, and fight for the relationship rather than abandon it at the first sign of trouble. Toyosi didn’t stop at personal prayer. She actually started a faith community called the Wives of Entertainers Prayer Group, where women come together to pray specifically for their husbands, especially those working in the entertainment world. According to her, the group focuses on spiritual protection, recognizing that temptation is real and people can be swayed. “I even created a prayer group, Wives of Entertainers Prayer Group, to pray for our husbands so that Jezebels will not carry them. I believe people can be lured, so in our prayer group, we pray,” she explained. Toyosi was clear that love alone doesn’t keep a marriage standing. She pointed to resilience, honest communication, and genuine understanding as the real foundations of a lasting relationship.

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