Entertainment

Legendary Wrestler, Taro Who Won 11 Grand Tournaments Is Dead

Published

1 year ago

April 11, 2024

Legendary sumo wrestler Akebono Taro, who won 11 grand tournaments during his career, died from heart failure at the age of 54.

Hawaii-born Akebono, who became the first non-Japanese grand champion or “yokozuna” entered the sumo world in 1988 and rose to its highest rank of yokozuna in January 1993, becoming modern sumo’s 64th yokozuna.

He later became a Japanese citizen, taking the name Taro Akebono. As a foreigner, Akebono followed in the footsteps of the even bigger Konishiki, also from Hawaii, and alongside fellow yokozuna Musashimaru, originally from American Samoa.

After becoming the first-ever foreign-born grand champion – sumo’s highest rank, he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport.

Akebono also regularly appeared as a celebrity on Japanese TV shows and after retiring from sumo in 2001, fought in various mixed martial arts and professional wrestling events. In 2005, Akebono competed against The Big Show at WrestleMania 21 in Los Angeles.

The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, has paid tribute to Akebono, describing him as a “giant in the world of sumo”.

Akebono is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons. A private funeral will be held for the sumo legend.

Entertainment

2Baba’s New Romance In Trouble As Natasha Fumes Over Loyalty Remark

Published

12 hours ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

There are fresh troubles in the new love affair of Nigerian music legend 2Baba as his new partner, Natasha, is reportedly unsettled by a controversial comment he made during a recent podcast appearance.

R gathered that the Afro-pop star stirred a hornet’s nest after stating that men are not naturally wired to stay faithful to one woman, a remark that has since gone viral and drawn criticism from fans and insiders alike.

2Baba made the statement while appearing on media personality Nedu’s newly launched podcast, having parted ways with The Honest Bunch.

During the conversation, he said: “Let’s be real… as a man, even if you have the most beautiful, loyal, and respectful woman by your side, you’ll still see one or two babes wey go shake you.”

The comment, which echoed a similar admission he made years ago, it was gathered, did not sit well with Natasha, who is said to be deeply hurt and rethinking the future of their relationship.

According to sources close to the couple, the timing of the remark was particularly painful given the efforts Natasha has been making to support 2Baba during his current phase of rebuilding.

Entertainment

2Face Controversy: Family, Friends Speak Out Amid Apology Backlash

Published

2 days ago

July 5, 2025

Editor

The recent public apology issued by Nigerian music legend, 2Face Idibia, over his comments on men and commitment has sparked a heated debate, with family and friends weighing in on the controversy.

According to reports, 2Face’s apology was met with skepticism, with many believing he was forced to retract his statement.

Media personality, Daddy Freeze, claimed that 2Face was being controlled by someone, while former dancehall star, Cynthia Morgan, accused 2Face’s wife, Natasha Osawaru, of allegedly forcing him to issue the apology.

In a shocking turn of events, 2Face’s brother, Charles Idibia (Charlybrave), penned an emotional open letter to the singer, accusing Natasha of manipulation and control.

Charlybrave detailed alleged instances of Natasha’s meddling, including isolating 2Face from his business and personal life.

Meanwhile, media personality, Do2dtun, expressed concern over 2Face’s well-being, stating that the singer’s apology video seemed unnatural. Do2dtun believes 2Face needs help and recommended therapy, suggesting that someone was exploiting his vulnerability.

The situation has raised questions about the dynamics of 2Face’s personal life and the impact of his public apology.

As the debate continues, many are calling on 2Face to prioritise his well-being and take action to protect himself.

With family and friends speaking out, the controversy surrounding 2Face’s apology is unlikely to die down anytime soon. One thing is certain, however, 2Face’s fans and the public are eager to see how this situation unfolds.

Entertainment

Meet First African Artiste Who Get Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer Angelique Kidjo is poised to make history as the first African artiste to be honoured with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Renowned for her powerful vocals, genre-blending music, and dynamic stage presence, Angelique Kidjo will be recognised in the “Recordings” category. She joins a celebrated lineup of honorees that includes Miley Cyrus and The Clark Sisters.

This prestigious honour acknowledges Kidjo’s decades-long contribution to music and her enduring commitment to sharing African culture and sounds with the global community.

The honorees were selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Walk of Fame selection panel from hundreds of nominations during a June 20 meeting. The Chamber’s board of directors approved the selections on June 25.

The Walk of Fame Class of 2026 features 35 prominent figures across the entertainment spectrum, including music, film, television, live performance, and sports.

“We are excited to announce the newest selections of 35 esteemed individuals who will be enshrined onto the Walk of Fame,” said Peter Roth, former CEO of Warner Bros. Television and chairman of the Walk of Fame selection committee, in a statement.

“These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition.”

Full List of 2026 Walk of Fame Honorees

Recordings

Air Supply
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Paulinho da Costa
The Clark Sisters
Miley Cyrus
Josh Groban
Intocable
Angélique Kidjo
Lyle Lovett
Motion Pictures

Emily Blunt
Timothée Chalamet
Chris Columbus
Marion Cotillard
Keith David
Rami Malek
Rachel McAdams
Demi Moore
Franco Nero
Deepika Padukone
Molly Ringwald
Stanley Tucci
Carlo Ramboldi (Posthumous)
Tony Scott (Posthumous)
Television

Greg Daniels
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Lucero
Chef Gordon Ramsay
Melody Thomas Scott
Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos (double ceremony)
Bradley Whitford
Noah Wyle
Live Theatre/Performance

Lea Salonga
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
Sports Entertainment

Shaquille O’Neal
The date of Angélique Kidjo’s star unveiling ceremony has not yet been announced.

Now 64, the Beninese-French singer continues to be celebrated for her boundary-pushing artistry, visually captivating music videos, and role as a cultural ambassador. In addition to her five Grammy Awards, she received the 2023 Polar Music Prize. A vocal activist and actress, Kidjo is widely considered one of Africa’s greatest music icons.