Entertainment
Fela Kuti, Who Used ‘Music As Weapon’, Honoured In Paris

The son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti spoke of his father’s bravery in using “music as a weapon” ahead of an immersive exhibition opening at the Paris Philharmonic on Thursday.
“Instead of picking up a gun, music was the only tool he had. It was a weapon to use against authority, against colonisation and corrupt African governments,” said Femi Kuti, 60, himself a hugely successful musician.
The Paris Philharmonic is paying homage to Fela Kuti by recreating the atmosphere of his sweaty, politically-charged nightclub in Nigeria, The Shrine, which became a beacon for global stars in the 1970s including Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.
Kuti died from AIDS complications in 1997, but his pioneering work remains as potent as ever, frequently cited by today’s stars such as or Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, or Beyonce and Jay-Z who sampled his hit “Zombie” on “Homecoming Live”.
“I’m not surprised. Great people like Miles Davis already talked about Fela,” said Femi Kuti of his father’s continued popularity. “Afrobeat was the basic element of hip-hop, it’s where hip-hop got its sauce from.”
Fela’s politics have also remained potent.
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“When we started working on this exhibition project, the Black Lives Matter movement emerged and Fela’s fight in the 70s and 80s found resonance there,” said Alexandre Girard-Muscagorry, one of the curators of the immersive exhibition.
Kuti was harassed throughout much of his life by the military authorities in Nigeria for his relentless criticism of their corruption and violent misrule.
There was a particularly vicious reaction after he refused to take part in an official music festival in 1977, instead organising a parallel event that became much more popular and attracted international stars including Stevie Wonder.
– ‘Out of Africa’ –
Soldiers responded to his counter-festival by burning down his home and pushing his mother out of a first-floor window, causing injuries which led to her death a year later, Femi Kuti said.
“He was a voice for the voiceless, the only opponent who was brave enough to tackle the hardcore military dictators at that time and he paid a very high price,” said Femi Kuti.
But it was ultimately the genius of his music that made him so popular, creating something entirely new with its mix of free-jazz, soul, funk and Yoruba.
McCartney was one of many inspired to come to The Shrine in Lagos, where he recorded his album “Band on the Run”.
“Fela came out of Africa with this incredible sound that caught the ears of everybody,” said his son.
“To use this music as a political weapon and message — that caught the attention of the world and especially France, maybe because of the connection to its own rebellions.”
Entertainment
Actor Kunle Remi welcomes first baby with wife, Tiwi

Nollywood actor Kunle Remi and his wife, Tiwi, have welcomed their first child following a challenging medical journey.
The couple shared their emotional path to parenthood, revealing the hardships they endured, including a difficult medical discovery, prolonged bed rest, and over 80 days of faith-driven visits to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
In an emotional video post on Wednesday, the actor via his official Instagram page, @kunleremiofficial, expressed gratitude to God, reflecting on the trials and triumphs of their journey.
Remi wrote: “From an early arrival… to the unfolding of God’s perfect timing.
“From waiting, countless NICU visits, and clinging to God for 11 weeks and three days (that’s 80 days of faith).
“Our story is living proof that God is God — unfailing, unwavering, and faithful till the very end.
“From an unexpected and unsettling medical discovery… to complete bed rest.
“From juggling demanding work schedules… to hopping on flights, both locally and internationally.”
The couple’s love story has been in the public eye, since the actor surprised Tiwi with a marriage proposal during a visit to the United States in early 2024.
They later held a grand wedding in January 2024, attended by top Nollywood celebrities
Fans and colleagues have since flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating the couple’s resilience and the arrival of their baby.
Entertainment
2Baba’s Family Declares Him Missing, Petitions DSS Amid Controversy

The family of Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has raised alarm over his disappearance, declaring him missing and petitioning the Department of State Services (DSS) for urgent intervention.
The petition, signed by Wilson Anuge of Anuge, Anuge & Co., has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread concern among fans and the entertainment industry.
The document states: “We are writing to urgently seek your assistance regarding a profoundly troubling situation involving a member of the Idibia Family.
“Mr. Innocent Idibia (also known as Tuface or 2Baba), our client, is reasonably believed to be missing since Monday, February 10.
“We believe that Mr. Innocent left his residence in the early hours of February 10 in his loungewear, suggestive that he was going on his habitual walk, but he has not returned home since then.
“In spite of the best efforts of his family members, staff, and management of his record label to reach or locate him, including reaching out to his friends and acquaintances, all efforts have proved abortive.
“They have been unable to establish any contact or ascertain his whereabouts.”
This development comes just 24 hours after 2Baba’s mother, Rose Idibia, made an emotional appeal to Nigerians, urging them to intervene in a situation involving Edo State lawmaker, Hon. Natasha Osawaru.
In a viral video, Mrs. Idibia accused the 31-year-old granddaughter of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly of casting a spell on the music star.
She alleged that her son was not in his right state of mind when he proposed to Osawaru, adding that his ongoing divorce battle with his estranged wife, Annie Idibia, had left him vulnerable.
“Good evening, Nigerians. My name is Mrs. Rose Idibia, the mother of 2Face,” she said in the video.
“This message is for Miss Natasha Osawaru of Edo State. I’m calling on all mothers in Nigeria to help me beg her to free my son.
“My son is going through a divorce process, and he is clearly not in his right senses now. I know my son well. That is not him.
“Please Natasha, the beads you put on his hand and on his neck, remove them and free him.”
2Baba’s rumored romance with Osawaru has been a trending topic all week, with reports of the singer visiting the Edo State Assembly complex and later being spotted with the lawmaker at a Lagos nightclub.
The situation has fueled public speculation, adding to concerns over the singer’s mysterious disappearance.
Entertainment
President Tinubu Hails Tems for Grammy Win, Celebrates Nigerian Music’s Global Impact

President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, for her remarkable achievement in winning the Best African Music Performance award at the 67th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the singer for her outstanding artistry, which has once again brought global recognition to Nigeria. “The President celebrates the rise of a new generation of young and multi-talented Nigerian musical artists who have propelled Afrobeats to international prominence, projecting the country’s reputation as a powerhouse of musical innovation, creativity, and cultural influence,” the statement read.
Tinubu highlighted the far-reaching impact of Nigerian music: “From Africa to Antarctica, Asia to Australia, Europe to the Americas, the Nigerian music industry, particularly, Afrobeats has become a source of national pride, promoting a sense of identity and self-expression while uniting people across borders.”
The President also congratulated other Nigerian artists nominated at this year’s Grammys: Yemi Alade, Asake, Wizkid, Lojay, Davido, and Burna Boy. He expressed gratitude for their role in putting Nigeria on the global map of great musical achievements, showcasing the country’s creative excellence.
“You are all inspiration and role models to many young people. The nation remains deeply grateful for your contributions to music, job creation, and tourism promotion. I wish you all continued success in your musical careers,” President Tinubu added.
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