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Female Entertainers Who Rose Above Failed Marriages

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Over the years, many entertainers have had crashed marriages; but not all of them have been able to rise above such situations and keep their careers going forward. Here is a look at some entertainers who have blossomed in their careers despite having crashed marriages.

Funke Akindele

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Social media was thrown into a frenzy in 2022 when popular actress, Funke Akindele’s ex-husband, Abdulrasheed Bello, better known as JJC Skillz, announced on Instagram that their marriage had crashed. That was the actress’ second marriage. Her first marriage had ended in a similar fashion when her then-husband, Kehinde Oloyede, announced the separation between himself and the actress via a Facebook post in 2013, after about a year of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.

However, the failure of the marriages did not wither the actress’ acting or production skills in any way as her company, Scene One TV, is still flourishing.

The actress produced and released a new movie titled, ‘Battle on Buka Street’ in December 2022, and it has broken some records since its release.

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Two weeks after the end of her marriage to JJC, Akindele was announced as the Lagos deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, as a running mate to Olajide Adediran, aka Jandor.

Tiwa Savage

Ace female singer, Tiwa Savage, got married to her erstwhile manager, Tunde Balogun, aka Tee Billz, in November 2013 at the Ark Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos. However, their marriage crashed badly in April 2016 amid accusations of infidelity from both parties.

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READ ALSO: Adeboye, Tiwa Savage, Obi Cubana, Other Celebrities Who Received Honorary Degrees In 2022

A year later, Savage appeared on BBC’s list of ‘100 inspirational and innovative women’. Savage has clinched many awards such as, ‘African Video of the Year’ at the Soundcity MVP Awards 2020, ‘Best Female West Africa Artiste’ at the AFRIMA Awards 2019, and ‘Best African Act’ at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2018.

Savage has also delivered hits such as ‘Somebody’s Son’, ‘Koroba’, and ‘Loaded’.

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Iyabo Ojo

Iyabo Ojo has often attributed the crash of her marriage to Adewunmi Ojo to the fact that she got married too early. The popular actress got married to her ex-husband in 1999 when she was just 21 years old. They eventually got divorced in 2001. As a matter of fact, Ojo rose to stardom after she and her ex-husband went their separate ways. Aside from her outstanding screen personality, the actress is also known for creating and posting interesting contents online. In 2021, Ojo was awarded the ‘Best Tiktok Influencer’ at the 2021 Social Media Hangout.

She has also won other awards including, ‘Best Actress of the Year (Yoruba)’ at the 2015 City People Movie Awards, and ‘Best Actress of the Year’ at the 2013 CAMA Awards.

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Her love life has also not suffered as she recently revealed that she was in a relationship with a showbiz personality, Paul Okoye, aka Paul O of Upfront and Personal.

Osas Ighodaro

Osas Ighodaro got married to Gbenro Ajibade in July 2015 in what could be described as a star-studded wedding, which was attended by many celebrities. Unfortunately, the marriage barely lasted four years, as the duo went their separate ways in 2019. Since then, the actress has been able to put that chapter of her life behind her, and moved on to greater things. Since her divorce, Ighodaro has continued to put in much energy in her career. She has starred in top movies and series such as, ‘Shuga’, ‘King of Boys’, ‘Rattlesnake’ and ‘Bad Comments’.

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She is currently one of the most sought after actresses in the country.

Etinosa Idemudia

Actress, Etinosa Idemudia, tied the knot with a Benin-based lawyer, simply identified as Ighorosa, in September 2020, but barely a year after, the marriage hit the rocks.

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Prior to that time, Idemudia had got married to a military officer at the age of 22, but the marriage allegedly crashed due to domestic violence. However, she has been able to keep her career on track.

READ ALSO: AMVCA: Funke Akindele ‘Omo Ghetto’, ‘Amina’ Lead Nominations [Full List]

In 2021, the same year she got divorced the second time, Idemudia bagged the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards as ‘Best Actress in a TV Series (Africa)’.

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She also recently produced a movie titled, ‘Dear Sister’.

Kate Henshaw

Actress, Kate Henshaw, has a child with her British ex-husband, Roderick Nuttal, whom she married in 1999. Henshaw and Nuttal’s marriage was dissolved 12 years after it was consummated in 2011. Also, in 2011, Henshaw was honoured by the Federal Government as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic. After her marriage collapsed, Henshaw moved on to bigger things and has taken on lead roles in notable movies. Some of the movies she is known for include, ‘Chief Daddy’, ‘New Money’, ‘Fourth Republic’ and ‘Blood Sisters’.

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In 2017, she bagged the Best of Nollywood awards as ‘Best Supporting Actress’ for her role in the movie, ‘The Women’.

In 2015, she was appointed as a Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade.

Toke Makinwa

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Media personality, Toke Makinwa, and her ex husband, Maje Ayida, were married for three years before their divorce in 2017. Not long after the divorce, Makinwa published a book titled, ‘On Becoming’, where she has detailed her experiences in marriage. The media personality ended her 12-year radio career in 2022, and started her own podcast, ‘Toke Moments’. She was also the host of BBNaija-affiliated show, ‘The Buzz’. This is in addition to other notable events she has hosted, including the third season of ‘The Voice Nigeria’ in 2021, and the ‘Guilder Ultimate Search’ season 12, also in 2021.

She has also won many awards including Net Honours 2021 as ‘Most Popular Media Personality (Female)’ and Africa Youth Award 2018 as one of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans. She also has a fashion line called, Toke Makinwa Luxury.

Ini Edo

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READ ALSO: Full List Of 2023 Golden Globes Winners

Ini Edo got married to Philip Ehiagwina in 2008 but the marriage ended in 2014. Since then, the actress has remained focused on her career. Aside from being an incredible actress, Edo is also a businesswoman. In 2021, she debuted a luxury fashion and cosmetic brand called ‘Secrets of April’.

Earlier in the year, Edo produced ‘Shanty Town’, a crime thriller released on video streaming platform, Netflix, in January.

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In 2016, Edo was appointed as the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State governor on Culture and Tourism.

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Nigerian Singer Says P-Square Feud Spiritual

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Nigerian singer Obumneme Ali, popularly known as Smash and one-half of the music duo Bracket, has described the long-standing feud between Peter and Paul of P-Square as “spiritual,” revealing insights from his personal experiences with the legendary duo.

P-Square, the Nigerian music duo of twins Peter and Paul Okoye, rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like Do Me and Personally.

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Their success peaked in 2011 with the release of the album Invasion, earning them international acclaim.

However, tensions reportedly began surfacing around 2016 over management, royalties, and creative control, culminating in their public split in 2017 when both brothers pursued solo careers as Mr P and Rudeboy.

READ ALSO:Alleged $1m Fraud: P-Square’s Peter Lied About Education, Royalties, Bank Access–Defence Lawyer

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Despite attempts at reconciliation in 2021, including a brief reunion tour and joint appearances, underlying disagreements persisted, keeping their relationship strained.

Speaking on a recent episode of the AFRIMMA Podcast on August 29th, alongside his bandmate Vast, Smash said Paul himself agreed that the conflict was beyond normal disagreements.

“I’m closer to Paul than Peter, but I always visit Peter’s house, and he listens whenever I speak to him. Honestly, if you ask me as someone inside the circle, I would say the problem is spiritual,” he said.

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Smash recounted how he and Vast were given their first big break after encountering P-Square.

READ ALSO:2023: Peter Obi, P-square Storm Portharcourt For Presidential Rally

We heard P-Square was coming to Enugu to perform. I booked a bus, went to the venue with two others, and approached them. Jude looked at me and said, ‘Just keep walking, if the right song comes, we’ll call you.’ And that’s exactly what happened,” he said.

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He added that after the success of Yori Yori, Paul later invited them to his house, an experience Smash fondly described as ‘like Christmas,’ where the duo even offered him his first taste of whiskey

Reflecting on the current feud, Smash lamented the rift between the brothers, noting how painful it is to witness, given their closeness and passion for P-Square’s brand.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Mr. P’s Management Refutes Darkoo’s Claims Of Sabotage

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Jude was part of P-Square, too. Paul and Peter loved that brand with so much passion. If you see Peter building stagecraft, you’d think this one is not human,” he said, recalling Peter’s dedication during video shoots, including dancing for hours straight at the set of “Alingo.”

Smash emphasised that despite the publicised conflict, he and Vast do not take sides. “We can never be on any side, but the last time I met Paul, I told him his problem with Peter isn’t normal, it’s spiritual. Paul agreed,” he said.

The singer’s reflections provide rare insight into the personal and professional dynamics of one of Nigeria’s most iconic music duos. Fans have followed closely as the once inseparable duo navigated personal and professional conflicts, making the P-Square saga one of Nigeria’s most talked-about music feuds.

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5 Records Michael Jackson Set That Remain Unbroken

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Michael Jackson widely known as the “King of Pop,” was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer whose influence reshaped the music and entertainment industry.

Rising to fame as a child with the Jackson 5, he went on to achieve unprecedented global success as a solo artist. With groundbreaking albums like Thriller, Bad, and Dangerous, Jackson became the best-selling music artist in history, blending pop, rock, and R&B in a style uniquely his own

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Beyond music, he revolutionized music videos with cinematic works such as Thriller, Beat It, and Billie Jean, and his signature dance moves including the iconic moonwalk—set new standards in performance.

READ ALSO:Michael Jackson Tops Forbes’ List Of Highest-paid Deceased Celebrities [Full List]

Despite controversies in his personal life, his artistry, humanitarian work, and cultural impact continue to inspire artists worldwide

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Beyond being known as the ‘King of Pop,’ he also holds five records that remain unbeaten; here are they:

1. Best-Selling Album of All Time (“Thriller”)

Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1982) remains the best-selling album in history, with over 70 million certified copies sold worldwide (and over 100 million claimed). No album has surpassed it globally.

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READ ALSO:Michael Jackson Sent To Prison For Internet Fraud

2. Most Grammy Awards Won in a Single Night (Male Artist)

At the 1984 Grammy Awards, Jackson won 8 Grammys in one night for Thriller and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. This remains a record for a male artist (only tied, never beaten).

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3. First Artist to Top Billboard Hot 100 in 5 Different Decades

Michael Jackson is the only artist to have No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in five different decades (1960s with the Jackson 5, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and posthumously in the 2000s).

4. Most Successful Music Video of All Time (“Thriller”)

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The thrillerr short film is still considered the most successful music video ever, recognized by Guinness World Records. It was the first music video inducted into the National Film Registry (U.S. Library of Congress).

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Colleagues, Fans Pour Tributes As Funke Akindele Marks

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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.

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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.”

READ ALSO:I’m A Feminist But I Don’t Support Disrespectful Wives – Funke Akindele

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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.

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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.”

READ ALSO:Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ Becomes First Nollywood Film To Hit N1bn

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.

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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.”

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READ ALSO:VIDEO: Funke Akindele, Ex-husband JJC Skillz Reunite At Movie Premiere

@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.

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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.”

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