Entertainment

Colleagues, Fans Pour Tributes As Funke Akindele Marks

Published

9 months ago

August 24, 2025

Nollywood star Funke Akindele was showered with warm tributes on social media on Sunday as colleagues, protégés, and fans marked her 48th birthday, praising the actress-producer for her friendship, mentorship and contributions to the film industry.

Akindele, best known for her comic creation Jenifa and the popular television series and films that grew from it, has long been celebrated as a mentor and role model to younger talents.

On Sunday, however, tributes poured in beyond her screen achievements to highlight her enduring friendships and influence on emerging entertainers.

In a viral post, skitmaker Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State, and acclaimed as Akindele’s adopted son, paid tribute to Akindele with a birthday song and an affectionate caption that referred to her as “Grandma Sonia” and “OLUFUNKE Ayotunde.”

He posted, “Happy Birthday Grandma Sonia, lyami Olufunke Ayotunde…Words can’t express how much | appreciate you. You’ve always been more than just a godmother to me, you’ve been a source of strength, love, and unwavering support.

“Thank you for the countless ways you’ve shown me kindness, for believing in me, and for always being there, no matter what. I’m incredibly grateful for your presence in my life…Enjoy your day, lya Beji, Alase gbogbo FaanTV, JENIFA Kan, Lefty Miii,”

Popular actress Eniola Badmus, posting as @eniola_badmus on Instagram, described the box-office star as “more than just a friend,” calling her a “playmate, my gist partner, my safe place” and a source of joy.

“Thank you for all the memories and for making life so much brighter,” Badmus wrote, praying that the new year brings Akindele “endless joy, success, and blessings.”

Another well-wisher, @tobimakinde, lauded Akindele as a “true trailblazer, luminary and exemplar of excellence,” wishing her “greater strength, peace, and overflowing joy” and praying for continued success and good health.

Fans across platforms joined in the celebrations, sharing clips, photos and messages under birthday posts, with many praising her career achievements and role as a mentor in Nollywood.

@Metalistix commented, “Happy 48th Birthday, Funke Akindele! Congratulations to you on this special day. Many of us grew up watching you in our teens, and we’re still watching and celebrating you as adults – and we know we’ll continue cheering you on even in old age. Cheers to a beautiful life, more success, and endless joy. Keep shining, Funke!”

@Tina_rayx described Akindele as “The Wizkid of Nollywood. Number 1. Nobody comes close. Aura upon Aura.”

@TowFunFun posted, “Happy birthday to the most successful actress in Nigerian history. The mother of many of us.”

Meanwhile, the creator of Jenifa used the occasion to reveal details of her next big project.

In a birthday message to fans, she announced her upcoming film Behind the Scenes, set for release in December 2025.

She said, “It’s my birthday today, and I feel so fulfilled. I’m graciously grateful to God for the grace to keep telling our stories… I’m using this special day to reveal my blockbuster movie, which premieres in December 2025, Behind The Scenes.”

Related Topics:#Nollywood Funke Akindele

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Entertainment

BBN Star Tega Dominic Breaks Silence On Alleged Affair With Frank Edoho

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2026

Editor

Former Big Brother Naija star, Tega Dominic has addressed claims by Frank Edoho’s estranged wife, Sandra, who accused her and others of affairs with the TV host, even in their home.

In a statement posted via her X handle, Tega explained that her friendship with Edoho started in mid-2025 over social media and a shared birthday wish to her mother, with their only meeting having her manager in attendance.

Her post read, “I honestly did not want to speak on this because I have spent a long time trying to stay away from unnecessary drama, but at this point, my silence is no longer helping. I have absolutely no sexual or emotional relationship with Frank Edoho.

“Frank is a great guy and a very good friend of mine. We started talking around mid-last year after he sent birthday wishes to my mum. Like many people in the industry, we already knew each other through social media and mutual familiarity. He is also my kinsman. There was never anything inappropriate between us.

“The first and only time I hung out with Frank was with my manager, Paul Ukonu, present,”she said.

“I have absolutely nothing to hide. And honestly, if I ever had anything to do with Frank romantically, I would say it with my full chest. He was separated at the time, and I am also separated. If you know me, you know I have never been the type to hide or sneak around. I say things exactly as they are.

“I have worked too hard to build myself and my brand step by step to allow false accusations stain my name like this. I owe it to my family, friends, supporters, and the reputable brands I work with to protect my reputation.

“I believe it is important for evidence to be provided because I will not let this slide. My name cannot be dragged carelessly into false narratives.

“This has honestly been very upsetting for me, but moving forward, my lawyers will handle the matter appropriately.”

Entertainment

Grammy Announces Date For 2027 Awards Nominations

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2026

Editor

The Recording Academy, the organizers of the Grammy Awards, has announced the dates for the 2027 edition of its awards ceremony and nominations.

The organizers revealed the date on Tuesday during an upfront presentation in New York.

Nominations will be announced November 16, 2026, with eligible albums having been released between August 31, 2025, and August 28, 2026.

The Grammy awards ceremony will be held on February 7, 2027.

The ceremony will be aired live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on ABC and will stream on Disney+ and Hulu.

The development is a break from the Grammy’s 54 consecutive years partnership with CBS.

Also announcing the news on its Instagram page, Grammy, wrote: “IT’S TIIIIIME! The road to the 2027 Grammys officially begins now. Mark your calendars for submissions, nominations, voting, and all the key moments leading up to Music’s Biggest Night. Grammy Season.”