Entertainment

BBNaija Housemates Who Took To Music

Published

2 years ago

September 3, 2023

The Big Brother Naija reality show is a boot camp of sorts for the Nigerian entertainment industry. Some of the biggest Nollywood stars, fashion influencers, musicians, and even fine artists have come from the show and are flourishing in their sectors.

Since the week in the All-Stars House was themed the music week, we take a look at some Housemates who have taken to music and holding their own as singers.

Laycon, Vee Iye, Bisola Aiyeola, Efe, Uriel, Teddy A, Debby Rise, Whitemoney, Avala and Soma make the list.

Laycon: Lekan Agbeleshe, BBNaija Lockdown winner and star of I AM Laycon, probably has the most successful musical career of any BBNaija housemate ever. Before ever going into the house in 2020, he released his debut EP, Who Is Laycon, and used his time on the show to push it fiercely. By the time he left the Biggieverse, his once-unknown album had climbed to the top of African music charts. He quickly released his debut album – Shall We Begin, and had songs like Verified and Fall For Me become smash hits. His feature on DJ Neptune’s Nobody remix solidified him as a music superstar.

Vee Iye: Vee was also in the Lockdown season and showed off her vocal abilities while on the show, but she truly began to chart a music path afterward. In 2021, she hosted the Trophy Extra Special Band talent show and appeared on Budweiser’s Smooth King’s Remix alongside award-winning rapper YCee, automatically staking a claim as a serious artiste. That same year, she released her five-track EP, Young and Reckless, with the mega-hit Show.

Bisola Aiyeola: Bisola started her TV journey on a music show before eventually finding her way into Big Brother Naija in 2017. Afterward, she took on acting, hosting, and music. However, her acting and hosting brought her more success. Still, the first runner-up released a few songs under Temple Management, and Controlla, Luchia, and Heartbroken performed the best.

Efe: He was already trying to create a career in music for many years before he secured a spot in the Big Brother Naija House and eventually won the show in 2017. He had released two EPs and four albums, but none performed well. After his time in the Biggieverse, he used some of his prize money to push his music, but only Warri featuring Olamide recorded success. The song currently has over 1.2 million views.

Uriel: Before coming on Big Brother Naija, she was in a 3-person music group called Caku Republik and used to create music on her social media page. After leaving the house in 2017, Basseline featured her on Buy Luv in 2018. Business B4 Pleasure teamed up with her on Good To Go in 2019. After her second stint in the Biggieverse during the All-Stars season, eyes would be on the talented singer to see if she returns to the studio for another song.

Teddy-A: Tope has the most extensive music catalog. The dad of two started his musical career years before his time in the Big Brother house in 2018 and used the time to push his music. He released Welu, Na So, and Dance EP before the show and put out Down a few months after. He continues releasing music like his latest EP – Alpha Vol. 1, and single, Wajo, making waves.

Debby Rise: Debby has taken on two MultiChoice reality shows to push her music career. She started on Nigerian Idol, where she emerged as the 1st runner-up when the show concluded. Later, Deborah became famous for her singing abilities on Big Brother Naija in 2017 because she was inseparable from her guitar. Afterward, the 30-year-old released her R.A.G.E album with popular songs like No Cunny Cunny and Gagabu. In 2018, she changed her brand name to Deborah Rise to mark her switch from secular to gospel music. She released the 4-track My Love Story EP in December 2022.

Whitemoney: Hazel Onou won the Shine Ya Eye season and decided to pursue his passion (music) harder than before the show. While in the house, the 31-year-old ensured everyone knew he was a musician with singles like Your Life and Rosemary already released. Still, his post-win single, Selense, elicited mixed reactions that failed to deter him. He noted during the first week in the All-Stars house that he returned to push his latest single, Oyoyo.

Avala: Saidat is a Pepper Dem housemate and musician who has been making music before the show. Despite not spending much time in the house, the single mother has continued to push her career, determined to make a name for herself as a major star. She has worked with Dr. Sid and Ladipoe and was the headliner at the AMVCA 2023 Cultural Day, where she performed Calabash. Some of her most popular songs include No More and Jojo.

Soma: Most people know Soma as an actor, but he was first a musician. Before his first stint in the Biggieverse, he released Moni in 2016. He had worked with Waje, Simi, P-square, Mike Aremu, Duncan Mighty, and Omawumi, either behind the scenes in production capabilities or as an opening act. After his eviction during the See Gobbe season, he released the visuals to his One Plus One song. He later featured on Toby Grey’s Na U and released Liquor in 2017. In 2019, he teamed up with his colleague, Efe, to release Soft Touch. During this music week in the All-Stars house, he’s been pulling his weight by helping with the production of their house song and having melodious conversations

Entertainment

Amy Winehouse’s Father Fues Her Friends For Auctioning Late Star’s Clothes

Published

1 week ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

The father of late British singer Amy Winehouse Tuesday defended his UK lawsuit against two of her friends after they sold some of her clothes at auction for around £730,000 ($970,000).

Mitch Winehouse told the High Court in London that Naomi Parry, the star’s former stylist, and her friend, Catriona Gourlay, did not have the right to sell dozens of items in auctions between November 2021 and May 2023.

Lawyer Henry Legge, acting for Winehouse, told the court on Monday, the first day of the trial, that the two women sold 150 objects which had belonged to Winehouse, including dresses which she wore on her last tour in June 2011.

The British singer-songwriter, who enjoyed meteoric global success, died a month later from alcohol poisoning, aged just 27.

Winehouse was a distinctive figure with her beehive hairdo, heavy black eye makeup, multiple tattoos and smoky voice.

She shot to international fame with her Grammy Award-winning 2006 album “Back to Black” which included the track “Rehab”, charting her battle with addiction.

According to court documents, Winehouse believed that any sums collected from the sales organised by Los Angeles-based Julien’s Auctions would be due to him.

The auctioneers had also been told that a third of the proceeds would be donated to the Amy Winehouse Foundation — a charity set up in the singer’s name working with young people to foster hope and self-reliance.

However, Winehouse’s team accused the women of failing to donate the share of proceeds to the foundation.

– ‘You’re wrong’ –

Ted Loveday, lawyer for Gourlay, said that most of the objects had been given or lent to the two women by the singer, even if there was no proof.

“If a 19-year-old gives a scarf or a pair of earrings to their friends, no one signs a contract,” he told the court on Monday, stressing the singer’s generosity.

Gourlay and Parry met Amy Winehouse in the early 2000s, before she shot to fame. Parry went on to create some of the singer’s most iconic looks — including the green bamboo dress worn on the June 2011 tour which sold at auction for $243, 200.

Beth Grossman, the lawyer for Parry, said the two “women are not thieves and they are not dishonest”.

She accused Winehouse of bringing the lawsuit against the women out of “petty jealousy”, which he strongly denied on Tuesday, saying “you’re wrong”.

Grossman also highlighted the financial differences between the multi-millionaire Mitch Winehouse and the two women who are “living pretty much hand to mouth”.

The hearing is set to last until Friday, with a judgement due at a later date.
(AFP)

Entertainment

FULL LIST: Shallipopi, Belove Olocha, Malumfoodie Win Big At TikTok Awards 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

December 8, 2025

Editor

TikTok has announced the full list of winners for the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigerian stars Shallipopi, Belove Olocha and South Africa’s Malumfoodie taking home some of the biggest honours of the night.

The ceremony held on December 6 in Johannesburg and attracted top creators, performers and industry figures from across the continent. The theme for this year’s event was New Era, New Icons.

The show featured performances from Ciza, Lord Kez, Thuli P, DJ Fif Laa and Thabsie. South African entertainer Bontle Modiselle Moloi hosted the event while Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani handled the red carpet. Influencer Mihlali Ndamase made a surprise appearance to present the Video of the Year award. Olympian Akani Simbine also presented the Sport Creator of the Year category.

Brands including NIVEA, inDrive, Coca-Cola, PEP and Dis-Chem supported the awards.

TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, said the platform is recognising creators who are shaping global conversations.

She said, “Tonight’s ceremony was a gathering of the trailblazers who have redefined what it means to be a creator in Africa. From Sokoto to Nairobi, and Accra to Pretoria, we honoured the creators who turned 60-second clips into cultural movements. We are honoured to celebrate them as they amplify their voices and take their stories from Africa to the world.”

The ceremony will be rebroadcast on December 11 at 20:00 SAST on TikTok LIVE through the @tiktok.africa account.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Creator of the Year
Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim @diaryofanortherncook (Nigeria)

Storyteller of the Year
Brian Nwana @briannwana (Nigeria)
He said, “Every single creator is a storyteller. We all tell stories that help drive the local communities, our cities, and our countries, and when we do that we change the perception that the world has about us”.

Video of the Year
Fanuel John Masamaki @zerobrainer0 (Tanzania)
He said, “I am truly grateful to my fans and the love I have received from Tanzanians. Thank you so much . This win was for all of us.”

Rising Star of the Year
@tunero_animations (Kenya)
Runner up: Esther Francis @estherfrancisbackup (Nigeria)

Social Impact Creator of the Year
Dejoke Ogunbiyi @noositiwantiwa_ (Nigeria)
Runner up: Sinethemba Masinga @ufarm_julia (South Africa)

Food Creator of the Year
@malumfoodie (South Africa)
He said, “From my humble beginnings of Haamanskraal, to Soshanguve and to all of South Africa, now we are in Africa!”

Runner up: Abena Amoakoaa Sintim Aboagye @chefabbys (Ghana)

Sports Creator of the Year
John Maingi Mbugua @zozasportscast (Kenya)
He said, “Winning isn’t the finish line, it’s fuel for the next chapter. Every piece of content, every discussion, every moment captured was driven by passion, and receiving this recognition means that passion is resonating far beyond my expectations.”

Runner up: Victor Ademola @ademolavictortv (Nigeria)

Entertainment Creator of the Year
Belove Olocha @beloveolocha (Nigeria)
Runner up: Jabulani Macdonald @jabu_macdonald (South Africa)

Education Creator of the Year
Izzi Boye @izziboye (Nigeria)
Runner up: @michelle_expert (South Africa)

Artiste of the Year
Crown Uzama @theycallmeshallipopipp (Nigeria)
He said, “Thank you, TikTok, for supporting all upcoming artists and giving them a spotlight to shine.”

Entertainment

TikTok Temporarily Restricts Late Night Live Feature In Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

December 8, 2025

Editor

TikTok has restricted late-night LIVE access for Nigerian users, as the platform now blocks the feature during peak night hours.

The restriction started on Sunday at midnight when the app quietly shut down all LIVE activities across Nigeria, leaving accounts unable to host or even watch late night streams.

According to an in-app message sent to creators, TikTok wrote, “We’re temporarily limiting LIVE late at night in Nigeria as part of our investigation to ensure our platform remains safe and our community stays protected.”

Many affected users shared that their screens showed a “No Access” label between 11pm and 5am, confirming that the shutdown was nationwide and not a technical glitch.

Reports showed that only creators with at least 1,000 followers received the notice, since they are the only ones allowed to host LIVE sessions on the platform.

Several of them confirmed that all LIVE activities stopped throughout the night, and no one could even view broadcasts from other countries during the restriction.

TikTok users who earn money through LIVE gifting said their balances were not touched, easing fears of sudden financial loss.

By Monday morning, LIVE access returned, but the whole situation triggered long conversations on social media as Nigerians questioned why the company picked late night hours, which usually record the highest traffic for match streams, entertainment shows and interactive trends.

TikTok’s latest move came a few weeks after the platform released fresh safety figures for West Africa at its Safety Summit in Dakar, Senegal.

The company revealed that in the second quarter of 2025, it took action against 2,321,813 LIVE sessions and 1,040,356 creators worldwide for breaking LIVE monetisation rules.

It also disclosed that Nigeria alone recorded 49,512 banned LIVE sessions within the same period.

TikTok added that it removed 3,780,426 Nigerian videos between April and June 2025 for violating Community Guidelines, noting that 98.7 percent were deleted before anyone viewed them, while 91.9 percent were taken down within 24 hours.

TikTok LIVE remains a popular feature among young users because it allows real time broadcasting, comments and gifting, unlike pre-recorded videos.

To go LIVE, a creator generally needs at least 1,000 followers, must be above 16 years to stream and above 18 years to earn money.