After almost 30 years of marriage, Tomeka Thiam, the wife of renowned Senegalese-American musician Akon, has reportedly initiated divorce proceedings.
Court filings indicate that Thiam, who officially married Akon on 15 September 1996, is seeking a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences—a common legal rationale in high-profile separations of this nature.
According to the documents, the couple shares a 17-year-old daughter together.
Thiam has requested joint legal custody but wishes to secure primary physical custody of their daughter. In addition, she is seeking spousal support and has asked the court to deny Akon the ability to receive support himself.
Akon, whose breakout hit “Locked Up” featuring Styles P put him in the global spotlight back in 2004, has not publicly addressed the divorce or provided any formal statement on the proceedings at this time.
Veteran actor Yemi Solade voiced strong opinions in a recent interview on YouTube, claiming that no actress in Nigeria’s film industry could buy a luxury Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon solely from acting earnings.
Solade argued that local filmmakers do not pay the kind of fees—such as N50 million—that would make purchasing such a high-end vehicle feasible for an actor relying exclusively on acting.
He further alleged that much of the wealth and luxury on display by some movie stars often comes from supplementary businesses or, more controversially, gifts of questionable origin.
The respected actor, who has appeared in renowned titles like “Ijogbon,” “Oloture,” and “Sade Blade,” stressed that while people enter the entertainment industry for various reasons, he chooses to focus his energy on actors he considers serious professionals.
At 65, Solade remains an influential figure in Nollywood and continues to spark conversation about financial realities in the industry.
Rapper Gabriel “Terry G” Amanyi drew attention on social media when he announced he was walking back his retirement from music, pledging never to quit the industry.
Earlier in January 2024, Terry G made headlines after declaring his retirement for personal reasons, as reported by PREMIUM TIMES and other outlets.
At 39, he now fully embraces the label of “upcoming artiste,” arguing that true legendary status comes after retirement, not before.
Known for his bold, eccentric artistry and hits like “Free Madness,” Terry G remains a controversial yet unforgettable figure in Nigerian music.
Olusipe “Spyro” David, a fast-rising singer, shared a candid admission on Instagram: he has turned down endorsement deals worth millions to stay true to his Christian beliefs.
Spyro, aged 27, said he sometimes self-funds his concerts since many brands avoid collaborating with him due to his outspoken faith.
He also stated that some of his harshest critics have been fellow Christians, who he once felt close to.
Since his breakout with the viral hit “Who Is Your Guy” in 2022, Spyro has continued to gain traction for his unwavering values and honesty about the challenges he faces in the industry.
Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya has announced his departure from the social media platform X, citing the need to protect his mental well-being.
Describing X as overwhelming, Onakoya stressed the importance of “guarding his heart” in an online environment he finds too heavy to handle.
He attributed his decision to the empathy he feels for the world’s hardships, amplified by the platform’s negative content.
Onakoya drew global attention after shattering the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, making him a celebrated figure both in Nigeria and the broader chess community.
Popular musician Adekunle “Adekunle Gold” Kosoko used Instagram to unveil plans for his sixth studio album, “Fuji,” scheduled for release on 3 October.
He revealed the creative process began in 2019, spanning five years in the making, with the final product reflecting the “history, grit, and soul” of Lagos and the Fuji sound.
Adekunle Gold described the album as much more than just entertainment, emphasizing storytelling, cultural heritage, and the Lagos survival spirit.
He also noted that while the album echoes Nigerian traditions, it offers something relevant for the present and future.
Rising to fame with his breakout track “Sade”—a highlife twist on One Direction’s “Story of My Life”—Adekunle Gold joined YBNL in 2015 and has since become a staple in contemporary Nigerian music. His discography now boasts five albums, ranging from “Gold” (2016) to “Tequila Ever After” (2023).
Media personality Shade Ladipo recently issued a public apology to superstar Tiwa Savage, reflecting on her own criticism following the leak of Savage’s sex tape in 2021.
Ladipo admitted to being among those who criticized Savage at the time, but explained that listening to the singer’s new album “This One is Personal” helped her appreciate Savage’s vulnerability and humanity.
The 2021 incident involved the leak of an intimate video between Savage and her partner, reportedly due to an accidental upload to Snapchat. Savage later revealed that she was blackmailed regarding the footage, an ordeal that spotlighted cyberbullying and the challenges faced by women in the public eye.
Singer Terry “Terry Apala” Ejeh sparked debate during a recent interview, declaring that he would not allow his partner to visit the gym. He claimed the majority of women at certain upscale gyms in Lagos attend for social networking or content creation, rather than exercise.
Apala’s views were shaped by his observations at fitness centers like iFitness VGC and Megamound Estate, where he believes genuine workout intentions are the exception rather than the rule.
Aged 36, Terry Apala got his start as a church drummer and guitarist, later making a name for himself with songs like “No Sege,” “Joosi,” and “Bad Girl.”
Celebrated actress Akinola recently shared heartwarming news on Instagram, announcing that she welcomed her grandchild on her own birthday.
She posted touching photos with the newborn and expressed gratitude for the fulfillment of months of anticipation and prayers.
Akinola, whose acting career began in 1997, became widely recognized for her performance in “Idunnu Okan.”
Singer Ahmed “Asake” Ololade has officially revealed that his African tour, themed after his debut album “Mr Money,” will kick off in December.
The tour will take Asake to Nairobi on 20 December, Lagos on 24 December, and Côte d’Ivoire on 27 December, with additional destinations to be announced soon.
Since his breakthrough with “Lady” in 2020 and joining YBNL in 2022, Asake has steadily risen to fame across Africa. His growing catalog includes “Mr Money With The Vibes” (2022), “Work of Art” (2023), and “Lungu Boy” (2024).
Actress Eniola Badmus marked her 43rd birthday by sharing an inspiring personal milestone: her dramatic transformation from 170kg to 90kg, which she celebrates as her greatest achievement.
Badmus emphasized that the journey was about more than just physical change—it also represents gratitude for life, growth, and new opportunities.
She launched her acting career in 2000, but it was roles in Yoruba-language blockbusters “Jenifa” and “Omo Ghetto” that cemented her status in Nollywood in 2008.
Actor Ibrahim Chatta provided clarification regarding recent rumors, stating that reports about the loss of his son are unfounded.
Chatta explained that, while he is mourning the passing of his godson, he has not lost his biological child contrary to online speculation.
The actor rose to fame for his performance in “Aiyekooto,” directed by Adebayo Tijani, and remains a respected voice in Yoruba-language cinema.
In commemoration of its 50th anniversary, the Faculty of Arts at University of Benin (UNIBEN) will honor distinguished alumni, including legal expert Rockson Igelige and filmmaker Pedro Obaseki, with special awards.
The celebrations will open on 16 September and be led by Professor Osarhieme Osadolor, the Dean of Arts.
Other awardees include UNIBEN Vice-Chancellor Edoba Omoregie, Senator Neda Imasuen, political figure Dan Orbih, industrialist Leemon Ikpea, registrar Ademota Bobola, scholar Austin Moye, historian Edward Eshagbe, academic Raymond Elsho, and language specialist Francis Egbokhere.
These awards are intended to recognize outstanding accomplishment in politics, education, industry, and law, celebrating the impact of alumni across Nigeria and the region.
Actress Omotunde Sogunle, widely known to fans as Motunde, has publicly debunked rumors suggesting she was ever pregnant for skit creator Mr Macaroni.
In an interview, Sogunle shared that she was deeply upset by false allegations linking her romantically to Macaroni and claiming she had ended a pregnancy, which she called “impossible.”
However, she says she has since moved on from the rumors and now finds humor in the situation, often laughing about it with Macaroni, who plays her father in online comedy sketches.
Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna, has been laid to rest in Ogun State.
Reports previously confirmed that Ruth tragically lost her life on 31 August after she was struck by a Dangote Group truck near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State.
She suffered severe injuries—including a leg amputation—before passing away several weeks later.
A widely shared video online showed a poignant moment from her funeral, with Phyna dressed in black, surrounded by family and former housemates, as they paid their final respects to Ruth.
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