Entertainment
Wizkid, Burna Boy, others stun fans at 2025 Lagos Countdown
The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture was an unforgettable night of music, excitement, and celebration.
The annual end-of-year celebration brought together people from all walks of life, united by their love for music and desire to celebrate the start of a new year.
The show featured star-studded lineups like Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Niniola, Olamide, Adewale Ayuba, Runtown, Bnxn, Nice, Seyi Vibez and several others.
Wizkid, known for his captivating stage presence, got the audience singing along to his hit tracks, while Burna Boy brought his signature energy and passion to his performance.
Tiwa Savage, the Queen of Afrobeats, delivered a sultry and energetic set, showcasing her impressive vocal range and captivating stage presence.
Niniola, the soulful songstress, delivered a heartfelt and emotive performance, showcasing her powerful vocals.
Fuji Maestro, Adewale Ayuba, took his fans to a heightened level of excitement as he performed his old musicals like “Ejo”, “Ijo Fuji”, and others.
Nice also brought back the “Alapomeji” vibes back on stage with ‘steeze’.
Another highlight was the moment host of the show, renowned comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, taught Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu the popular ‘Oblee’ moves.
Earlier, Sanwo-Olu appreciated Lagos residents for demonstrating resilience throughout 2024.
Sanwo-Olu said: “It is indeed another honour to be here at the Tafawa Balewa Square for the countdown 2024 to 2025. Last year, we were all together, and this year, even bigger, better and brighter.
“We are all together at the Tafawa Balewa Square for the countdown to the year 2025. I want to say that indeed this outgoing year was a year of tremendous opportunities for the young.
“It is a year that you have shown true resilience that makes you true Lagosians. If we are together we can success together.
“So, for your resilience and productivity, I want to say thank you for staying with our government throughout the year 2024, and we wish all of us as we go into 2025 that the very best will happen to each and everyone of us.
“2025 will be a better year for you, for you and for you. To my people in Ajeromi, Ajegunle, Victoria Island, Ajah, Ibeji-Lekki, Ojokoro, Oworoshoki, we will see you bigger and better in 2025.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Greater Lagos Countdown 2025 held simultaneously at the five divisions of the state. (NAN)
In a groundbreaking achievement for Afrobeats and Nigerian music, Davido has become the first living male artist to grace the cover of Rolling Stone Africa. This significant milestone was announced with the unveiling of Davido as the cover star for the March/April 2025 issue.
The renowned Nigerian afropop artist, celebrated for his global hits such as “If,” “Fall,” “Blow My Mind,” and “Unavailable,” has played an instrumental role in the evolution of Afrobeats and the international recognition of African music. Since his debut at the age of 19 with “Dami Duro,” Davido has established a multifaceted empire, excelling not only as a musician but also as a record label owner, mentor, and cultural ambassador. The Rolling Stone Africa cover story delves into his resilient journey, highlighting his forthcoming fifth studio album, *5ive*, and his enduring influence on the African music scene.
Obi Asika, Director General of Nigeria’s National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), expressed pride in Davido’s accomplishments.
“At the National Council for Arts and Culture, we are thrilled to embark on this expansive partnership with Rolling Stone Africa. It is fitting that our launch icon is Davido, one of the Kings of Afrobeats and a global ambassador for Nigerian music, culture, and fashion, who shares positive energy with his vast global audience,” Asika stated. He further added, “We take pride in Davido and all of our Ambassadors who continue to make Nigeria a focal point in global music, film, fashion, literature, sports, comedy, and more. Congratulations to him on his fifth album and to Rolling Stone Africa on their relaunch. Stay tuned for ‘Nigeria Everywhere’ and other unique collaborations with Rolling Stone.”
D.R. Bellegarde Smeralda, CEO of Rolling Stone Africa, also lauded Davido’s contributions to Afrobeats and Pan-Africanism.
“To kick off our partnership with the National Council for Arts and Culture in Nigeria, which will introduce our monthly segment called Nigeria Everywhere, we could not have chosen a more fitting cover story than Davido’s,” Smeralda remarked. “Davido has long been a stellar ambassador for Afrobeats and Nigerian culture on a global scale, and it is inspiring to see what he and his team have accomplished in music and beyond, consistently promoting Pan-Africanism.”
Rolling Stone Africa, launched in August 2024, aims to celebrate African music, culture, and narratives, functioning through a joint venture between the Mwankom Group and Penske Media Corporation (PMC). A portion of the magazine’s proceeds supports charities focused on preserving African history and promoting children’s welfare, underscoring its commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond entertainment.
Follow Rolling Stone Africa on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for the latest updates. Davido’s feature on the cover is not just a milestone; it embodies the unstoppable momentum of Afrobeats and the global influence of Nigerian culture.
The auxiliary nurse who treated the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, has revealed what transpired that led to his demise.
Testifying before Justice C.A. Shotobi at the Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Friday, Ogedengbe recounted that after giving Mohbad the injection, he developed goosebumps. His wife, Omowunmi, allegedly described it as a “normal response” for him.
According to the nurse, she was called to treat Mohbad for a cut on September 11, 2023. The following day, she administered tetanus, paracetamol, and antibiotic injections.
After the third injection, Mohbad reportedly felt nauseous and threw up, leading to weakness and goosebumps.
Nurse’s testimony on how Mohbad died
“On Sept 11, 2023 I was at Cotonou to process my admission. As I was on my way back , I saw Spending’s missed call and I called him back. Then he told me I should come and treat his friend in the house who had a cut. I told him I was just coming back from Cotonou.
“I later missed his calls because I couldn’t pick up. As I got to CMS, a call came in from DJ Bami, he introduced himself that he was from Spending. I couldn’t go to the house that day. I got there the next day at about 2:30pm. I met a guy in the sitting room carrying Liam and DJ Bami led me upstairs.
“On getting to the room Mohbad was, I saw some water on the floor which Dj Bami mopped. We then moved Mohbad from the room he was to another room. It was only the 4 of us that were upstairs. Me, Mohbad, Djbami and Wunmi. As I was giving the first injection, Mohbad asked me the type of injection I wanted to give him and I told him Tetanus Injection, Paracetamol Injection and antibiotics. I first gave him Tetanus and Paracetamol Injection. After I gave him the paracetamol injection, Wunmi said he had ulcer.
“When I gave him the third injection, he started reacting and saying he wanted to throw up. Djbami and wunmi led him to the bathroom where he threw up. After throwing up, he sat down on the floor and was very weak. Then, goose bumps appeared on his body. Wunmi told me that is how he used to react to injection and I told her that she should have told me before.
“She then said that if they pour water on his head, he will calm down. Wunmi then poured water on him. When I saw the goose bumps, Dj Bami and I quickly went down to rush to the pharmacy so we could get an antidote. We got to the first pharmacy but they didn’t have what we wanted, we then went to another pharmacy. They called Djbami from the house that Mohbad was convulsing and I told them to rush him to the hospital.”
US actress Mikey Madison attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California, on March 2, 2025. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP)
Here are the winners in key categories for the 97th Academy Awards, which were handed out in Hollywood on Sunday.
“Anora” was the big winner of the night, with five Oscars: best picture, best director, best actress, best film editing and best original screenplay.
Full list of winners below:
Best picture: “Anora”
Best director: Sean Baker, “Anora”
Best actor: Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”
Best actress: Mikey Madison, “Anora”
Best supporting actor: Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”
Best supporting actress: Zoe Saldana, “Emilia Perez”
Best original screenplay: Sean Baker, “Anora”
Best adapted screenplay: Peter Straughan, “Conclave”
Best international feature film: “I’m Still Here” (Brazil)
Best animated feature: “Flow”
Best documentary feature: “No Other Land”
Best film editing: Sean Baker, “Anora”
Best costume design: Paul Tazewell, “Wicked”
Best production design: Nathan Crowley and Lee Sanders, “Wicked”
Best makeup and hairstyling: “The Substance”
Best original song: Clement Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard, “El Mal” from “Emilia Perez”