Entertainment

Condemnation Trails Portable Over ‘Kuku Do Ritual’ Song

Published

3 years ago

February 4, 2023

Controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, has often been in the news, mostly for the wrong reasons due to his antics one and off the stage. Because of his controversial comments, he has been invited for questioning by the police on different occasions.

However, it doesn’t seem like the singer has any plan to shy away from controversies. One of his latest songs titled, ‘Kuku do Ritual’, has been widely criticised for its negative message of acquiring wealth by all means, including doing money rituals. Considering the rising cases of ritual killings and other forms of moral decadence in the country, stakeholders in the industry have stated that the singer should be called to order.

Condemning the song, the Muslim Rights Concern, called on security agencies to investigate the song and the singer.

A statement released by the organisation read in part, “Popular pop singer, Habeeb Okikiola, has released a new album (sic) under (sic) the title, ‘Kuku Do Ritual’, in which part of the lyrics say, ‘Kuku do ritual. If you do ritual, you go die. If you no do ritual, you go die. Kuku do ritual’.

“We find this song disgusting, detestable and egregious. It is a brazen assault on Nigerian and African values. Portable’s latest song has reduced human life to the level of ordinary ants that can be stamped out under human feet without qualms and without consequences.

“This song has the capacity to influence our young ones in a negative manner. It is also capable of destroying the future of the youth. Something must be done urgently.”

Meanwhile, an entertainment lawyer, Femi Njoku, noted that though artistes should be allowed to express their creativity however they see fit, if music is inimical to societal growth and advancement, it is only proper for it to be regulated. He told our correspondent, “I am a big believer in not limiting the creative license of anybody, as long as whatever they are doing is not illegal.

“However, if the music promote vices that are inimical to societal growth and advancement, it is only right for a body that is in charge, like the NBC, to regulate the contents that are played on our airwaves. We are at a time when there is a high rate of ritual killings and other crimes that are definitely aided by certain things such as the music people listen to.”

On his part, a music enthusiast, Emmanuel Daraloye, stated that artistes needed to be careful about the message they passed in their music, especially because afrobeats is now enjoying global attention.

He said, “As regards the negative message, I think Portable might just be speaking his truth, which is also the reality of many frustrated Nigerians. Art has never been created in a vacuum; it is always a reflection of the realities of the people. However, for the outside world, songs like this beam light on the situation of the country. A song like this could shape their view of the country, and they might become wary of Nigeria after listening to this song.”

However, the President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, Pretty Okafor, noted that though the singer was a member of the association, it had no power to sanction any musician over their songs.

Entertainment

VIDEO: ‘New Record’, Guinness World Record Confirms Hilda Baci’s Largest-serving Of Jollof Rice

Published

2 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, with a staggering total weight of 8,780 kilogrammes (19,356 lb 9 oz).

The feat was accomplished in partnership with food brand Gino at Victoria Island, Lagos, and has now been formally recognized by Guinness World Records.

Announcing the confirmation on Monday via X (formerly Twitter), Guinness World Records wrote:

— Guinness World Records (@GWR) September 15, 2025
“New record: Largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.”

Baci, who first rose to global fame with her headline-grabbing cook-a-thon in 2023, has once again placed Nigerian cuisine on the world stage with this remarkable achievement.

Ahead of the confirmation, Guinness World Records had sent her words of encouragement, reposting a video from the Friday event and writing:

“What’s cookin’?

Best of luck to @hildabacicooks who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice today.”

The record-breaking cooking event was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, attracting a massive crowd of supporters, celebrities, and food enthusiasts who gathered to witness history being made.

With this latest feat, Hilda Baci continues to solidify her place as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated chefs and cultural ambassadors.

Watch video below:

https://x.com/GWR/status/1967605828728549785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1967605828728549785%7Ctwgr%5Ef76dd52669a0205d225aa98b850aaf0d1cc2cf48%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-27499393753220136605.ampproject.net%2F2508281901000%2Fframe.html

Entertainment

Video: Davido Clarifies Viral Video Warri incident

Published

2 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Award-winning Nigerian singer, Davido has debunked social media claims suggesting he was slapped during a recent outing in Warri, Delta State.

A viral video that surfaced online showed the singer in the midst of security operatives and fans, with a brief moment where he appeared to be struck on the head.

This led an X user, #AsakyGRN, to post: “Warri people no get joy oo. See dem sl@p Davido for head.”

https://x.com/itzbasito/status/1967582406875254789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1967582406875254789%7Ctwgr%5E246ffeffb5e9575f6e4f4e2272b3c54eb91834d7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanguardngr.com%2F2025%2F09%2Fvideo-hit-me-by-mistake-davido-clarifies-viral-video-incident%2F

Addressing the speculation on his official X handle on Monday, Davido clarified that it was his security aide who accidentally hit him, not an assault from the crowd.

“Mumu that was my security… hit me by mistake… saddist,” the singer wrote.

His response has since put an end to the rumors and clarified the misunderstanding surrounding the viral clip.

Entertainment

Brazilian Jazz Legend, Hermeto Pascoal, Is Dead

Published

12 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Brazilian jazz legend Hermeto Pascoal has died at the age of 89, his family announced on Saturday.

Pascoal, known for his long white beard and hair, earned the nickname “The Sorcerer” for his ability to create music using a wide range of instruments and everyday objects.

In a statement on Instagram, his family said he died “with serenity and love,” surrounded by relatives and fellow musicians. They noted that at the moment of his passing, Pascoal’s band was performing on stage, “just as he would have wished: making sound and music.”

Born in Alagoas state in northeastern Brazil, Pascoal rose to international prominence through collaborations with jazz great Miles Davis and performances with other top musicians. Davis recorded some of Pascoal’s compositions, cementing his reputation as an innovative force in global jazz.

Pascoal was celebrated as a virtuoso who mastered multiple instruments and was renowned for his improvisational skill.

Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso paid tribute on Instagram, describing Pascoal as “one of the highest points in the history of music in Brazil.”