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    <title><![CDATA[MAD Nigeria]]></title>
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    <description><![CDATA[Music, celebrities and pop culture]]></description>
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    <lastBuildDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 07:54:34 +0100</lastBuildDate>
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      <title><![CDATA[Mannywellz and Odeal: 'Cry On You' Gets a New Twist]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/mannywellz-and-odeal-cry-on-you-gets-a-new-twist/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/mannywellz-and-odeal-cry-on-you-gets-a-new-twist/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 07:54:34 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Okay, fam, gather 'round, because Mannywellz is not playing games with our feelings! His track 'Cry On You', which first blessed our ears on the 2026 *Small Chops* EP, just got a w…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Okay, fam, gather &apos;round, because Mannywellz is not playing games with our feelings! His track &apos;Cry On You&apos;, which first blessed our ears on the 2026 Small Chops EP, just got a whole new lease of life. And guess who he brought along for the ride to make it even sweeter? None other than British-Nigerian R&amp;B sensation Odeal! You already know when these two link up, pure magic is about to happen.</p>
<p>This fresh, collaborative version officially dropped on 23 October 2026, and let&apos;s be honest, it&apos;s already giving serious emotional support vibes that we all secretly crave. If you&apos;ve been needing a good cry, or just some reassurance that someone&apos;s genuinely got your back through thick and thin, then this song is about to become your new anthem.</p>
<p>The updated recording dives deep into the sweet spots of emotional support, affection, and that raw, beautiful vulnerability we sometimes shy away from in relationships. Mannywellz, with his signature soulful voice, comes through like that one reliable friend who&apos;s always ready to offer a shoulder, letting his loved one know he&apos;s there, no matter what. And then Odeal slides in with his own unique vocal magic, adding another rich layer to the intimacy and making the entire heartfelt message hit even harder. It&apos;s not just a duet; it’s a conversation between two souls, and the synergy is just chef’s kiss.</p>
<p>The genius behind this track? Pure Mannywellz, from start to finish. He didn&apos;t just write it; he produced it too, blending contemporary R&amp;B and soul so seamlessly you&apos;d think they were always meant to be together. It&apos;s not just a song; it’s a whole mood board of smooth rhythms and heartfelt lyrics. And for our linguists and culture lovers out there, prepare to hear English, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin all vibing together in the lyrics. It’s like a mini language lesson, but make it absolutely fire! The arrangement wisely places a big emphasis on their vocal expressions, making sure the personal nature of the songwriting remains front and centre, no distractions.</p>
<p>Honestly, this collaboration is a major flex, showing just how much Mannywellz has grown beyond his earlier drops. My guy has already racked up over 100 million career streams – let that sink in for a minute! That&apos;s not small potatoes, people. He’s quietly built an international fan base with his distinctive soulful approach to music, giving this renewed recording of &apos;Cry On You&apos; an established listener base. He truly understands his audience and consistently delivers the good stuff, period.</p>
<p>So, what are you waiting for? The song is chilling on all your favourite digital streaming platforms, waiting for you to hit play. Go stream it, put it on repeat, and then slide into the comments below to tell us if Mannywellz and Odeal gave you goosebumps, made you grab a tissue box, or both! What&apos;s your favourite part of this new vibe?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Zuchu say she deserves to dey on the same table as Tyla and Ayra Starr]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/zuchu-say-she-deserves-to-dey-on-the-same-table-as-tyla-and-ayra-starr/</link>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 05:45:51 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Zuchu, the Tanzanian singer wey sabi, don finally yarn why she believes she deserves to be recognised among Africa’s biggest female artists, like our very own Ayra Starr and South …]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Zuchu, the Tanzanian singer wey sabi, don finally yarn why she believes she deserves to be recognised among Africa’s biggest female artists, like our very own Ayra Starr and South Africa’s Tyla.</p>
<p>For an interview posted on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the “Sukari” hitmaker made it clear say an artist’s achievements suppose dey considered based on their country’s music scene and the progress dem don make for the industry. Na pure logic be that, abi?</p>
<p>When dem ask her whether she comfortable with people putting her name for the same league as international heavyweights like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande, Zuchu didn’t even flinch. She confidently jinja defended her position. “Of course. Kwa nchi niliyotokea kabisa. Who do you guys have?” she replied, throwing it back with a proper East African flex. She&apos;s basically saying, judge me based on where I&apos;m coming from, and then tell me who else is doing it like me!</p>
<p>To back her point, she brought up Diamond Platnumz as a prime example of an East African artiste whose success don travel beyond his region. She noted say when you ask people to name a top artist from Tanzania, Diamond&apos;s name go just pop up because of the massive career he don build over the years. “He worked for it,” she added, highlighting the dedication behind his achievements.</p>
<p>Zuchu argued say she deserves to be in the conversation whenever major international shows or events dey look for one female artist to represent a country. She no understand why she go dey excluded from discussions about leading female artists when Tanzania needs somebody to carry their flag on a major platform. “Don’t you think I deserve the space?” she asked during the chat, and honestly, we hear her!</p>
<p>She acknowledged say placing herself beside artists like Ayra Starr na one thing, but she still insisted say her name must to dey mentioned among the biggest artists. “Lakini kusema I deserve kutamkwa kwenye majina makubwa, I do,” she affirmed, meaning she deserved to be mentioned among major names in the music industry.</p>
<p>Beyond just the recognition, Zuchu also emphasized say long-term growth and proper strategy na key to building a successful music career. She often uses Diamond as her go-to example because he don achieve more success than many others, pointing to his consistent years in the industry. For her, true success na result of sustained hard work and plenty experience. Talk your own, Zuchu!</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Rema: Why I no dey show off my doings for social media]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/rema-why-i-no-dey-show-off-my-doings-for-social-media/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/rema-why-i-no-dey-show-off-my-doings-for-social-media/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 01:48:27 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Chai! In this era where celebs dey tension us with doings and luxury on the gram, our Afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor, wey una sabi as Rema, don drop a hot take wey shock us. Baba sa…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Chai! In this era where celebs dey tension us with doings and luxury on the gram, our Afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor, wey una sabi as Rema, don drop a hot take wey shock us. Baba say he no dey too flex his wealth o, because he no want make him success put pressure on young pipu.</p>
<p>Dem sabi say for one recent gist with JAM FM, Rema opened up, say him dey conscious of how young pipu see him success. He said, “A lot of young people look up to me, whether they are my fans or not. I have something they want or dream of, so I do my best not to make anyone feel bad about themselves or feel pressured.” E make sense sha,</p>
<p>Rema sabi this one, say some pipu go just wan rush their own grind because dem see their fellow youth doing well. Talk about wisdom! He say he dey careful about wetin he show publicly because pipu fit interpret am differently.</p>
<p>And e no just end with social media pressure o. Rema come carry matter reach family level, pointing out say parents too dey put their pikin dem under serious pressure. Him talk say parents compare their pikin dem a lot. He say plenty students just dey study courses wey dem no send just because mum and dad wan make dem secure big salary jobs. Hmm, true talk.</p>
<p>Even Rema&apos;s fashion sense dey follow this low-key vibe. Despite him distinctive look, baba say him prefer simple streetwear over heavy designer flex. He explained, “I just like to keep it simple. That is one reason I enjoy streetwear. I really don’t do too many designers. The only thing that is really lavish about me may be my chains or watches.” So no need to break bank to look good, abi?</p>
<p>For someone with international acclaim, Rema really dey carry young pipu matter for head, choosing to keep him private life private and focusing on the impact of his actions. No be small thing o. This one no be small philosophy. So, what do you think? Should more celebs follow Rema&apos;s lead, or should they just flex their doings as they like?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Zlatan and Davita's traditional wedding brought the drip, Edo and Yoruba style]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/zlatan-and-davita-s-traditional-wedding-brought-the-drip-edo-and-yoruba-style/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/zlatan-and-davita-s-traditional-wedding-brought-the-drip-edo-and-yoruba-style/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 01:45:37 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[The gbedu that dropped from Nigerian singer Zlatan Ibile and his partner, Davita Lamai, for their traditional wedding on Saturday, October 24, in Lagos was pure vibes! These two de…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The gbedu that dropped from Nigerian singer Zlatan Ibile and his partner, Davita Lamai, for their traditional wedding on Saturday, October 24, in Lagos was pure vibes! These two decided to turn up the culture dial, showing off both Edo and Yoruba heritage, and trust us, the fashion choke.</p>
<p>Davita came through looking like a queen, stepping out in a burgundy gown that was dripping with red beadwork and stunning coral necklaces. To crown it all, she rocked a traditional Okuku headpiece, giving us all the Edo bridal styling goals we never knew we needed. She really understood the assignment!</p>
<p>Zlatan wasn&apos;t left out of the slay parade either. He complemented his bride perfectly in a cream outfit with sharp red accents, also rocking coral beads. And of course, he topped it off with a traditional Yoruba Abẹ̀tí Ajá cap, sealing the Yoruba-inspired look with proper swag.</p>
<p>But wait, there was more! Our couple did a costume change, switching into coordinated pastel attire. Zlatan looked fresh in a mint-green agbada, while Davita glowed in a pale yellow ensemble. This second look gave us another taste of Yoruba tradition, making sure the cultural presentation was varied and rich, a full parade of heritage.</p>
<p>Their choice of outfits clearly showed that traditional fashion was the main character of their wedding, a sweet reminder of how Nigerian ceremonies always bring out the most distinctive attire, accessories, and styles that scream cultural heritage. These two, who have been together for several years and share two sons, even brought family into the announcement earlier this month with a voiceover from one of their children.</p>
<p>And guess who pulled up as one of the groomsmen? None other than Afrobeats superstar Davido, who is a close friend to Zlatan. OBO himself posted about the celebration on Instagram, calling it a “Heavy weekend” for his padi. Talk about star power!</p>
<p>This wedding was a whole mood, showcasing love, culture, and serious fashion. Who else is still recovering from all that traditional drip?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Grammy Gbedu! Davido, Tems, Asake, Ayra Starr Eyeing Big Wins for 2027]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/grammy-gbedu-davido-tems-asake-ayra-starr-eyeing-big-wins-for-2027/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/grammy-gbedu-davido-tems-asake-ayra-starr-eyeing-big-wins-for-2027/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:47:19 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[No be small thing! Nigerian music heavyweights Davido, Tems, Asake and Ayra Starr are reportedly pushing for massive recognition at the 2027 Grammy Awards. Dem don submit their ent…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>No be small thing! Nigerian music heavyweights Davido, Tems, Asake and Ayra Starr are reportedly pushing for massive recognition at the 2027 Grammy Awards. Dem don submit their entries across the biggest categories, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and even Song of the Year. This move shows say our artistes no dey dull; their international ambitions are loud and clear as Afrobeats continues to scatter the globe.</p>
<p>Forget just &apos;Best African Music Performance&apos; – these submissions are a statement. Our stars want to show say their gbedu can compete on any world stage. It&apos;s about time our music gets the full respect it deserves beyond the African field, and these submissions are definitely another step in that direction.</p>
<p>Davido has reportedly thrown his album Oriadé into the ring for both Album of the Year and Best Global Music Album. His hit track ‘B4 B4’, which features Mayorkun and FOLA, is also among his entries in other selected categories.</p>
<p>Then there’s Tems, with her unique vibes. Her project Love Is a Kingdom has reportedly been submitted for major album categories. And you know say Tems always delivers! Her song ‘What You Need’ and her fire collaboration ‘Raindance’ with British rapper Dave are also part of her reported submissions. We trust her to deliver the goods.</p>
<p>Asake is also coming with full force. His album M$NEY has reportedly been submitted for Album of the Year and Best Global Music Album. Plus, his fan favourites ‘Gratitude’ and ‘Jogodo’, his collab with Wizkid, are also on the list.</p>
<p>And Ayra Starr is also flexing! Her album Starrgirl is reportedly seeking consideration, and her wavy collaboration with British singer Zayn, ‘Heaven Baby’, is among her reported entries in pop and other major recording categories. Her consistency is unmatched.</p>
<p>This wave of submissions highlights Afrobeats&apos; massive international presence right now, fueled by endless streaming, global tours and those sweet cross-border collaborations. Winning in these broader Grammy categories would be a massive win for Nigeria and the entire continent, taking us way past the usual African music corner.</p>
<p>But hold on, before we start popping champagne, let&apos;s remember that submission no be automatic nomination o. The official nominees for the 69th Grammy Awards are scheduled to be announced on November 16, 2026, so we still dey wait. The main ceremony itself will then go down on February 7, 2027, in Los Angeles. Na for then we go know who go collect the award. Who are you rooting for the most?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA['Ghanaians dey watch "horrible Nollywood films" but reject ours' – Yvonne Okoro]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/ghanaians-dey-watch-horrible-nollywood-films-but-reject-ours-yvonne-okoro/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/ghanaians-dey-watch-horrible-nollywood-films-but-reject-ours-yvonne-okoro/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:56:32 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Yvonne Okoro, the well-known Ghanaian and Nigerian actress, no send anybody as she called out Ghanaians yesterday for wetin she dey see as lack of support for their own local films…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Yvonne Okoro, the well-known Ghanaian and Nigerian actress, no send anybody as she called out Ghanaians yesterday for wetin she dey see as lack of support for their own local films. According to her, some people don already conclude say Ghanaian movies na &quot;sub-standard&quot; even before dem give am a try.</p>
<p>Speaking on Joy FM yesterday, October 25, 2026, Okoro questioned why Ghanaians dey quick watch and praise Nollywood films, even the ones wey dem upload for YouTube, but for their own country&apos;s movies, na doubt and side-eye dem go give. She scatter table, saying Ghanaians dey watch some &quot;horrible Nollywood movies&quot; and dey clap for dem.</p>
<p>She no stop there o. Okoro said local filmmakers dey face unfair criticism just because of their nationality. E be like say once dem hear say na Ghana film, the judging spirit go just descend. This kind perception don make am hard for filmmakers to attract audience, even with all their marketing efforts.</p>
<p>She fire say Ghanaians no dey support their own, and say if na Ghanaian do am, people go just refuse to come watch am, no matter how dem market am.</p>
<p>Her comments don ginger fresh discussion about the wahala wey dey face Ghana&apos;s film industry, especially the need for people to actually watch and judge local productions based on their merit, not just their country of origin. E be like say the struggle for local film support no be only for Naija o. How una see am?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Wahala! Davido's aide, Dre, dey beg for stolen phone at Zlatan's wedding, promise money!]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/wahala-davido-s-aide-dre-dey-beg-for-stolen-phone-at-zlatan-s-wedding-promise-mo/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/wahala-davido-s-aide-dre-dey-beg-for-stolen-phone-at-zlatan-s-wedding-promise-mo/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:54:31 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Omo, see cruise! Davido's personal person, Damilare Aladegbola, wey everybody sabi as Dre, don scatter internet with him appeal after him phone vanish at rapper Zlatan Ibile and Da…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Omo, see cruise! Davido&apos;s personal person, Damilare Aladegbola, wey everybody sabi as Dre, don scatter internet with him appeal after him phone vanish at rapper Zlatan Ibile and Davita Lamai&apos;s wedding party.</p>
<p>Dre jump on him Instagram on Monday, shaking table and promising serious cash reward to whoever decide to return him phone. Him write say whoever carry the phone should return am and he go give them money.</p>
<p>But wait o, the matter no end there! Dre also had a message for waitresses. He say if any waitress ask him at a party whether he don finish eating so she fit pack his plate, he go swear for her.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the wedding wey cause all this drama was for Zlatan, the music star, as he finally tie the knot with him longtime partner, Davita. Zlatan self post him wedding pictures on him official Instagram before their traditional wedding on Saturday. The Lagos event gather plenty celebrities, fans, and well-wishers, with Davido himself leading the pack of groomsmen. We just hope Dre&apos;s phone find its way back home, because nobody wants wahala after such a big celebration!</p>
<p>Wetyn you think? Na real pattern waitresses dey use, or na just vex talk from Dre?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA['Asma Iyawo Mi Ni' Closes Abuja Film Festival Screenings, Awards Followed]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/asma-iyawo-mi-ni-closes-abuja-film-festival-screenings-awards-followed/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/asma-iyawo-mi-ni-closes-abuja-film-festival-screenings-awards-followed/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:51:55 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[The 23rd Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) wrapped up its public screenings on Saturday at Silverbird Cinemas CBD in Abuja, and guess which film led the charge? None other t…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The 23rd Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) wrapped up its public screenings on Saturday at Silverbird Cinemas CBD in Abuja, and guess which film led the charge? None other than the Nigerian feature, &apos;Asma Iyawo Mi Ni&apos;, which closed the programme at 6 pm.</p>
<p>Talk about repping Naija! The festival&apos;s awards ceremony was scheduled for Sunday, October 25, at the Banquet Hall of the National Merit House in Maitama, Abuja. Earlier, the festival&apos;s final day of screenings featured a packed lineup. Hall 1 started its Saturday programme early, like 9 am early, with &apos;City of Secrets&apos;, a whole 182-minute Nigerian television and web production. After that, we saw short films from Zimbabwe and Cameroon, then an American feature called &apos;Shatta&apos; that ran for 97 minutes. Omo, the variety was something else!</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Wizkid don scatter Spotify with 12 billion streams!]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/wizkid-don-scatter-spotify-with-12-billion-streams/</link>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:34:28 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Nigerian music star Wizkid, popularly known as Starboy, has reportedly broken a massive record on Spotify, becoming the first African artist to cross a mind-blowing 12 billion stre…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Nigerian music star Wizkid, popularly known as Starboy, has reportedly broken a massive record on Spotify, becoming the first African artist to cross a mind-blowing 12 billion streams across all credits. Yes, you read that right – 12 BILLION! This is no joke, setting a fresh, undeniable benchmark for African music on the global streaming platform.</p>
<p>Talk about our Grammy-winning singer showing the world how it’s done! This huge milestone isn&apos;t just for his solo bangers; it covers every single track where he&apos;s either the lead artist or just adding his magic as a featured act. From his iconic &apos;Ojuelegba&apos; to the global anthem &apos;Essence&apos; featuring Tems, and even the evergreen &apos;Made in Lagos&apos; album – every single stream counts. His collaboration with Drake on &apos;One Dance&apos; also contributed to his international streaming profile.</p>
<p>Honestly, at this point, we just dey hail Big Wiz! This achievement isn&apos;t just about his personal success, though. It’s a loud and clear message to the world that Nigerian and African music have gone global, reaching audiences far beyond our continent. We always knew our sound was powerful, but this? This is next level!</p>
<p>Who else can pull off such a feat? The way Wizkid effortlessly dominates, we just have to stan. What other records do you think Starboy will shatter next?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Nollywood too dey rush scripts? Investor talk say 90% no get proper development]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/nollywood-too-dey-rush-scripts-investor-talk-say-90-no-get-proper-development/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/nollywood-too-dey-rush-scripts-investor-talk-say-90-no-get-proper-development/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:40:06 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[E don clear why some Nollywood films dey feel like say dem just rush am. According to Adekunle Adebiyi, an Executive Director for Investments at MBO Capital Management Limited, a w…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>E don clear why some Nollywood films dey feel like say dem just rush am. According to Adekunle Adebiyi, an Executive Director for Investments at MBO Capital Management Limited, a whole 80 to 90 percent of Nollywood films just jump straight into production without any proper script development. Na why we dey see plenty films with k-leg storytelling and shaky production standards, all because money wey go sabi wait no dey.</p>
<p>Adebiyi yarned this tori during an interview on the Drinks and Mics programme. He come explain say Nigeria dey push out roughly two thousand, five hundred films every year, but majority of dem dey move from one first draft of screenplay straight to camera! Imagine! He blame am on say the industry too dey lean on debt financing, which usually covers just production and post-production, leaving the creative parts like script development hungry.</p>
<p>Oga Adebiyi clear am say most financing packages for filmmakers na for production activities, so nothing much dey left for proper creative work. Even MBO Capital, him company, dey mostly give debt financing for production, post-production and marketing. He insist say script development needs equity investment because nobody fit guarantee when or if the money spent on just the script go come back. If filmmakers get more &apos;patient equity capital&apos;, dem go sabi take their time to cook up better stories and characters before dem even shout &apos;action!&apos;</p>
<p>But e no just end with script money. Adebiyi also point out say reliable ways to distribute films and recover money na big problem for investors. Many times, investors dey lost on how and when dem go see their money back, especially when films dey depend on streaming platforms to buy dem. Plus, the few number of cinemas wey we get for Nigeria no dey help matters for revenue generation.</p>
<p>Even with all these wahala, Adebiyi still say investors dey keen on Nollywood, with MBO Capital dey receive at least one film financing proposal everyday. Na wa! While Nollywood dey among the baddest for film production volume worldwide, getting proper funding frameworks na serious constraint. Small time ago, filmmaker Nora Awolowo don already call for more local investment for the industry, emphasizing say our own financing and production structure go determine if Nollywood go last long. So, before you start vex say a film plot no make sense, just remember say e fit be say dem no even get proper script from the start! Wetin you think? Does this explain some of the movies we&apos;ve seen lately?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Cynthia Erivo brings Nollywood wahala to SNL UK with "Nigerian Wicked"]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/cynthia-erivo-brings-nollywood-wahala-to-snl-uk-with-nigerian-wicked/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/cynthia-erivo-brings-nollywood-wahala-to-snl-uk-with-nigerian-wicked/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:44:57 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Forget the "Wicked" movie wahala for a minute, because British actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, who is of Nigerian descent, just transported us all to "LagOZ" with her epic new sk…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Forget the &quot;Wicked&quot; movie wahala for a minute, because British actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, who is of Nigerian descent, just transported us all to &quot;LagOZ&quot; with her epic new sketch on SNL UK. Erivo, who said back in May that she was pretty much over the whole Wicked thing, clearly had a change of heart, because she went full Nollywood in a parody titled &quot;Nigerian Wicked&quot; that is giving us all the ginger.</p>
<p>This sketch isn&apos;t just a spoof; it’s a whole mood, expertly marrying the high fantasy of the &quot;Wicked&quot; films with the gloriously chaotic, often-hilarious energy that makes some Nollywood productions so unforgettable. If you’re truly initiated, you know the drill: Nigeria’s incredibly prolific film industry, affectionately known as Nollywood, has given us some world-class cinema. But let&apos;s be honest, it’s also legendary for those iconic direct-to-video, no-budget flicks that are so bad they’re good, they become certified classics in their own right, especially among the YouTube crowd.</p>
<p>Erivo was absolutely in her element, serving looks and drama as a handbag-obsessed Glinda. And hold up, because fellow cast member Ayoade Bamgboye stepped up to the plate, fully committing to the role of an indifferently green-slathered Elphaba. Their mission? A road trip of destiny to find the Wizard. Why? Because Elphaba, bless her heart, is dreaming of a gravity-defying BBL, and only the Wizard can make it happen. Omo, the audacity! This storyline alone screams classic low-budget Nollywood plot twist, and we are absolutely here for it.</p>
<p>&quot;Nigerian Wicked&quot; was packed to the brim with all the beloved Nollywood tropes. We’re talking in-camera magic spell effects that make you chuckle and awkward melodrama so potent it could win awards. There’s even a scene where the narrator, God bless them, helpfully clarifies a heated witch-on-witch standoff by explaining that Glinda doesn’t like egg, so their relationship is very strained. You can&apos;t make this up! The drama is just too real.</p>
<p>For all the &quot;Wicked&quot; fans who have been &quot;shipping&quot; Glinda and Elphaba, the sketch didn’t shy away from throwing in some trembling sexual tension. Although, let’s be honest, the film’s tagline didn’t exactly translate into a full-blown romance, going little beyond an abrupt face-slap. Still, it’s the thought that counts, right? And talk about meta! The sketch’s intro itself was a masterpiece, taking playful jabs at Nollywood’s history of unlicensed, very unauthorized pop culture pilferings with mock action-packed box art, including a title like Beyoncé’s Revenge.</p>
<p>It’s crystal clear that Erivo, with her Nigerian roots, knows the Nollywood scene inside out. This isn&apos;t just a parody; it’s a pitch-perfect distillation of a film style she clearly knows very well. Her credit for this Wicked reprise even featured her full birth name, Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanasu Owezuke Amarachukwu Echimino Erivo. She didn’t just participate; she owned it, reminding us why our creative industry, with all its quirks, is truly special.</p>
<p>What other Hollywood blockbusters do you think deserve the full Nollywood treatment like this? Drop your ideas!</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Ruth Kadiri Say Big Weddings Bring Plenty Wahala For Marriage]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/ruth-kadiri-say-big-weddings-bring-plenty-wahala-for-marriage/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/ruth-kadiri-say-big-weddings-bring-plenty-wahala-for-marriage/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:44:01 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Nollywood actress, screenwriter, and film producer Ruth Kadiri dey tell young couples make dem kukuma avoid elaborate weddings. She tok say the desire to impress pipu dey put serio…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Nollywood actress, screenwriter, and film producer Ruth Kadiri dey tell young couples make dem kukuma avoid elaborate weddings. She tok say the desire to impress pipu dey put serious strain on marriages, adding mental, spiritual, and financial pressure wey go follow dem long after the &apos;I do&apos;.</p>
<p>Kadiri, wey share her thoughts for one video message on her Instagram page, no hold back. According to her, many pipu no just sabi say a big wedding na recipe for wahala, because the pressure wey e bring go enter inside the marriage itself.</p>
<h2>The Real Gist About Wedding Pressure</h2>
<p>For Kadiri, her concern no be just spiritual levels, but also about mental health. She talk say pipu naturally dey fear wetin marriage be, even when dem don date happily for years. The actress question why couples wey don dey together for long go suddenly start dey feel fear and uncertainty after dem do their wedding ceremony. She argue say the wedding itself dey contribute to that change. She say the wedding itself na part of wetin change.</p>
<h2>Ruth Kadiri&apos;s Seven-Year Testimony</h2>
<p>E no be like say Ruth Kadiri just dey talk from top of her head o. She reveal say she dey speak from experience, because she don dey married for seven years. According to her, avoiding one loud ceremony don contribute to the peace and stability she dey enjoy today. She use her own life as example, saying that her simple approach to marriage na part of why she still dey.</p>
<p>She no miss words when she talk say many marriages wey start with pomp and pageantry dey crash within months. She say she don see people marry for two months then divorce, so as she don reach about seven years now, she fit say she don try.</p>
<h2>Keep Am Simple: Her Advice for Intending Couples</h2>
<p>For those planning to tie the knot, Ruth Kadiri get clear advice: keep am simple. For traditional rites, she suggest make intending couples just invite few family members to their father&apos;s house, pay bride price, and go home.</p>
<p>For white weddings, her suggestion na even more straightforward. She propose a small court ceremony with just 30 guests, a quick prayer from a pastor, then everybody go home, drink wine, and sleep. She say, “Want to do wedding, carry yourself, invite 30 people, go to court, from court come back home, call pastor, let him pray, drink wine and sleep. E go be like say you do birthday party.” This kind of simplicity, she explain, go help couples enter married life without plenty debt or unnecessary anxiety.</p>
<h2>Beyond the Altar: Spiritual Juju and Societal Wahala</h2>
<p>Ruth Kadiri, who be mother of two, no stop at just the financial and mental stress. She link lavish ceremonies to spiritual vulnerability, claiming say some couples dey struggle to born pikin after their wedding because of some bad belle pipu dem invite. She warn say some people wey marry never fit get pikin because of one person wey dem invite to the wedding, and she advise say make dem go home.</p>
<p>Beyond weddings, Kadiri broaden her advice to tackle general societal and parental pressure. She beg parents make dem stop rushing their children to succeed quickly and bring money home. She say this generation need change as parents put pressure on their children to succeed and bring money home.</p>
<p>She also point out the heavy load often placed on firstborn children, wey dem expect to carry family responsibilities and financially support relatives. Kadiri argue say success get different meaning for different pipu, and e no suppose be only about money or career. She suggest say a happy life fit just be to dey at home with your children and dey show dem love. At the end, Kadiri beg parents, families, and society make dem give young pipu space to make their own choices without constant pressure, especially as expectations for 2026 fit make am hard to enjoy life. Peace of mind and personal happiness, she insist, na the real bag.</p>
<p>So, wetin be your own take on this gist? Are big weddings truly a recipe for marital pressure, or na just talk?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Ex-BBNaija star Mercedes begs Don Jazzy for house amid safety fears]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/ex-bbnaija-star-mercedes-begs-don-jazzy-for-house-amid-safety-fears/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/ex-bbnaija-star-mercedes-begs-don-jazzy-for-house-amid-safety-fears/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:57:02 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Former Big Brother Naija contestant and vibrant pole dancer, Mercedes, don shake table online with a heartfelt plea to Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, for housing assistance. The gi…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Former Big Brother Naija contestant and vibrant pole dancer, Mercedes, don shake table online with a heartfelt plea to Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, for housing assistance. The gist be say, she no longer feels safe or comfortable where she currently lives, and e dey affect her professional training.</p>
<p>Mercedes, an entrepreneur and performance artist, shared her emotional appeal on social media. For those who think reality TV na automatic ticket to soft life, she set the record straight: the show no automatically bring financial stability, and she&apos;s been struggling hard to find her feet since she left the Big Brother house.</p>
<h2>The Struggle Is Real: BBNaija Fame Versus Reality</h2>
<p>Abeg, make we no dey assume things for people o! Mercedes tok say people may see exposure and assume she dey live her dream, but behind the scenes, she dey work hard to rebuild her life. She even added that she no even see herself as a celebrity, just a young woman trying to find her place in the world. This kain talk makes you wonder if all that fame and paparazzi truly pay the bills or if na just for show.</p>
<p>This babe, wey be twenty-six years old, made it clear say she dey desperately want her own place. For her, having a personal space go give her the security, independence, and peace of mind wey she needs to focus on building her career. E be like say public perception and actual reality dey miles apart for some of our BBNaija stars.</p>
<h2>Safety First: Why Mercedes Needs Her Own Space</h2>
<p>The main issue is safety and comfort. Mercedes confessed say she no always feel safe or comfortable where she currently dey live. For her, a personal space go bring peace of mind, room to grow, and the freedom to finally focus on her hustle. You know say for Naija, peace of mind na luxury, especially when you no dey feel secure for your own pad. Na serious matter be that, true true.</p>
<h2>Pole Dancing Dreams: The Balcony Life Isn&apos;t It</h2>
<p>As a content creator and pole dancer, her career path is unique, but her current living situation dey frustrate her craft. Imagine! She explained say dance na one of the things wey make her feel most like herself. But because of low ceilings where she dey stay, she can&apos;t even install her pole indoors. So, madam don turn her balcony to a makeshift studio, but the sun, rain, and other weather conditions just dey scatter her training sessions. Ah, what a wahala! No be small tin for someone to struggle to express their talent because of where dem dey live.</p>
<h2>A Plea for Peace of Mind and Career Growth</h2>
<p>Mercedes is not even asking for a lavish lifestyle. Her request is simple: a place where she can safely install her pole, practise consistently, create her content, and develop her craft without weather interruptions. She told Don Jazzy, &quot;Sir, I’m not asking for a luxury lifestyle. I’m asking for a chance to stand on my own feet, feel safe, and reconnect with the woman I know I can become.&quot; She hopes he can hear the sincerity in her plea, knowing he receives plenty requests.</p>
<p>She concluded her appeal by thanking Don Jazzy for even taking the time to read her message. We hope the Mavin Records boss, who is a well-known philanthropist, fit hear her cry and offer some assistance. After all, everybody deserves to feel safe and have a comfortable space to chase their dreams, abi?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Annabel Apara tell fans say her AI belle pics na lie, shine una eye!]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/annabel-apara-tell-fans-say-her-ai-belle-pics-na-lie-shine-una-eye/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/annabel-apara-tell-fans-say-her-ai-belle-pics-na-lie-shine-una-eye/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:55:42 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Nollywood actress and content creator, Annabel Apara, just dropped a warning for everybody: make una disregard all those AI-generated images and videos wey dey show her pregnant on…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Nollywood actress and content creator, Annabel Apara, just dropped a warning for everybody: make una disregard all those AI-generated images and videos wey dey show her pregnant on social media. E no be true, abeg!</p>
<p>Speaking in a podcast monitored all the way in Uyo, Apara begged her fans to use their sense and verify any pregnancy claims about her through her official and verified social media handles. She say make una no just believe anything wey rumour-mongers dey push out.</p>
<p>Apara, who sabi her craft and don dey gain serious recognition in Nollywood since her breakthrough in 2024, said she was genuinely surprised and concerned about how fast those fabricated contents just blow up and spread everywhere. She advises the public to only trust info about her from legitimate sources, especially her verified social media handles, before dem accept or share am.</p>
<p>She no even waste time to clear the air, saying she has been seeing a lot of AI-generated pictures and videos of her supposedly pregnant, and that e no be true. She advise fans and the public to rely only on information shared through her verified accounts for updates about her personal life, career and activities. Wahala for who no shine eye!</p>
<p>Apara lamented that this whole viral video wahala just shows how big a challenge artificial intelligence-generated content is becoming, especially for public figures whose images can be twisted and spread without their permission. E get as e be o.</p>
<p>But despite all the gbas gbos, our girl Annabel no dey distracted. She confirm say she remains focused on building her career, whether na acting, content creation, writing, or production. She still wants to explore different ways to tell stories and keep growing her presence in the entertainment industry.</p>
<p>The talented actress, who dey currently study English Arts at the University of Lagos, don feature in many productions like “After School”, “One Night Guests”, “Walls Apart”, “Along Came Love”, “Danfo Dreams”, “Campus Chronicles”, “Campus Queen” and “Love Denied”. She even mentioned say she dey expand her creative portfolio with content creation and other storytelling projects, aiming to be more than just an actress.</p>
<p>Annabel, who gained wider attention after getting mentorship from actress and producer Ruth Kadiri, stressed that she is committed to growing across many parts of the entertainment industry. She also used the opportunity to thank all her supporters, saying she&apos;s grateful for everyone who has followed and supported her journey.</p>
<p>She finished by reminding everyone say, in an era where artificial intelligence can blur the line between reality and fabrication, audiences have a responsibility to verify information before believing or sharing it. Her final advice? Disregard claims, images or videos about her that are not published through her verified handles and avoid spreading content from unconfirmed sources. So next time you see something wild, make sure you double-check am. No be everything you see online na true o!</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Burna Boy ginger NFL Paris Game, shut down Stade de France with Afrobeats fire!]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/burna-boy-ginger-nfl-paris-game-shut-down-stade-de-france-with-afrobeats-fire/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/burna-boy-ginger-nfl-paris-game-shut-down-stade-de-france-with-afrobeats-fire/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:52:38 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Burna Boy don carry Afrobeats go ginger the NFL Paris Game! Yesterday, October 25, 2026, our very own Grammy-winning Odogwu lit up the halftime show at the Stade de France, sharing…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Burna Boy don carry Afrobeats go ginger the NFL Paris Game! Yesterday, October 25, 2026, our very own Grammy-winning Odogwu lit up the halftime show at the Stade de France, sharing the stage with French singer Yseult. E no dey play at all!</p>
<p>He delivered a high-energy set  dropping some of his biggest bangers like “Ye” and “Last Last”. Imagine Afrobeats taking over a major American football event for the whole world to see – pure ginger!</p>
<p>This performance na another big one for Burna Boy for France. Remember say in April 2025, he made history as the first African artist to headline and sell out the Stade de France, at the Stade de France, which has a capacity of 80,698? This latest move just shows say e no dey carry last!</p>
<p>With Afrobeats still conquering the world, from international tours to collabs and major sporting events, Burna Boy dey front and centre, pushing our sound to new levels. The NFL sef dey wise up, using our music to reach audiences outside America. E choke!</p>
<p>Who go tell them say this Burna no be play play? What next for the African Giant?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[BBNaija Star Mercedes Don Cry Out About House Wahala, Beg Don Jazzy For Help]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/bbnaija-star-mercedes-don-cry-out-about-house-wahala-beg-don-jazzy-for-help/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/bbnaija-star-mercedes-don-cry-out-about-house-wahala-beg-don-jazzy-for-help/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:51:44 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[BBNaija Season 11 housemate, Ijeoma Emi, famously known as Mercedes, has decided to spill the tea on her struggles to find her feet and secure proper accommodation ever since she e…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>BBNaija Season 11 housemate, Ijeoma Emi, famously known as Mercedes, has decided to spill the tea on her struggles to find her feet and secure proper accommodation ever since she exited the reality TV show. She recently took to her official X account, jumping on a giveaway trend by music executive Don Jazzy, to lay out her predicament and appeal for his financial support to get a roof over her head and boost her career.</p>
<p>For many of us, seeing a housemate leave the Big Brother Naija house comes with the assumption that life immediately turns to soft work, full of endorsements, cash, and luxury living. But Mercedes, a content creator and pole dancer, is showing us a different side of the coin, proving that sometimes, the fame and exposure don&apos;t automatically translate to financial stability or even a stable home base.</p>
<h2>The Struggle is Real, Abeg</h2>
<p>Mercedes didn&apos;t mince words about how things have been since her BBNaija journey ended. She confessed that despite the public exposure, she’s been hustling hard to rebuild her life and is yet to truly find her footing. &quot;Since leaving the Big Brother house, I’ve been struggling to find my feet again,&quot; she wrote. It&apos;s a stark reminder that what we see on TV or social media can be miles away from the real-life struggles. She even admitted that she does not see herself as a celebrity, describing herself as a young woman trying to find her place in the world.</p>
<p>Her biggest desire right now? Her own place. For Mercedes, having her own apartment isn&apos;t just about independence; it&apos;s about a deeper sense of security and peace of mind. &quot;Sir, I desperately want to move into a place of my own,&quot; she appealed. She explained that where she currently lives, she doesn&apos;t always feel safe or comfortable. Imagine trying to chase your dreams when your mind no even dey at rest. She believes her own space would give her the mental freedom and stability she needs to finally focus on building her career without distractions or worries.</p>
<h2>Pole Dancing in the Elements</h2>
<p>As a content creator and pole dancer, Mercedes’ living situation is not just uncomfortable; it’s actively hindering her career. She revealed that pole dancing is something that makes her feel most like herself, a true passion. However, her current accommodation simply isn&apos;t set up for it. The ceiling, according to her, isn’t suitable for mounting her pole indoors, leaving her with no choice but to practice outside on their balcony.</p>
<p>Now, imagine trying to hone your craft, create engaging content, and develop your skills while battling the elements. She said the sun, rain and weather conditions constantly interrupt her training. It&apos;s not just about discomfort; it’s about consistent practice, which is crucial for any dancer or content creator. This outdoor setup means her training is at the mercy of Mother Nature, making it difficult to maintain consistency and produce quality content. Securing a suitable home, she hopes, would solve this major hurdle, allowing her to practice safely, create content without interruption, and properly develop her skills.</p>
<p>Mercedes made it clear to Don Jazzy that her appeal isn&apos;t for a flashy, &apos;baller&apos; lifestyle. &quot;Sir, I’m not asking for a luxury lifestyle. I’m asking for a chance to stand on my own feet, feel safe, and reconnect with the woman I know I can become,&quot; she stated, pleading for his help to secure accommodation and start a fresh chapter.</p>
<h2>Not Just Mercedes: A Familiar Struggle</h2>
<p>Mercedes&apos; heartfelt disclosure has drawn renewed attention to a critical issue: the tough realities many reality TV stars face once the cameras stop rolling and they exit the BBNaija house. It highlights the often-wide gap between public visibility—where everyone recognizes you—and actual financial stability. The &apos;celebrity&apos; tag sometimes comes without the &apos;wealth&apos; attached, leaving many in a tight spot.</p>
<p>This isn&apos;t an isolated case, o. Remember Daniel Olatunji, popularly known as Danboskid, from BBNaija Season 10? He also spoke publicly about his own personal struggles. He shared in a video on his Instagram page on September 2, 2026, that he had returned to live with his family and was even occupying his sister&apos;s room. Danboskid described himself as being at rock bottom but expressed determination to turn his situation around. Their experiences are a big reminder of the difficulties some contestants encounter trying to establish themselves and sustain their careers after getting all that exposure from the reality show. E no easy at all!</p>
<p>What do you guys think? Is it fair to expect celebrities to help out every time, or should former housemates plan better for life after the show?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA['You Can See Everything' dey burst market with $19.5M; 'Clayface' collect number one]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/you-can-see-everything-dey-burst-market-with-19-5m-clayface-collect-number-one/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/you-can-see-everything-dey-burst-market-with-19-5m-clayface-collect-number-one/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 11:10:06 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[DC Studios finally get small W with their R-rated film 'Clayface' wey land number one, but everybody dey hail 'You Can See Everything' as the real success story. Here na how the to…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>DC Studios finally get small W with their R-rated film &apos;Clayface&apos; wey land number one, but everybody dey hail &apos;You Can See Everything&apos; as the real success story.</p>
<p>Here na how the top ten films take arrange themselves for box office:</p>
<li>“Clayface”</li>
<p>This DC Studios film, &quot;Clayface,&quot; finally gave them a small win, hitting $24 million on its opening weekend from 3,458 theaters. Dem talk say na R-rated film, so no carry your small pikin go watch am o!</p>
<p>The movie, which is about a Gotham City villain, just narrowly snatched the number one spot from A24’s big hit. It’s the third film from DC since James Gunn and Peter Safran took over, trying to mix body horror with comic book action.</p>
<p>Our guy, Tom Rhys Harries, dey play Matt Hagen, one rising movie star wey a mob boss disfigure. The budget for this one na only $44 million, which is small money compared to most superhero films. Plus, e add another $19 million from overseas, making sure say profitability don set!</p>
<p>After the wahala with &quot;Supergirl&quot; wey just made $126 million worldwide from a $170 million budget, &quot;Clayface&quot; don bring small stability for DC. Audiences gave it an &quot;A-&quot; CinemaScore, which na high grade for horror films, and reviews are largely good. The film may end up the top horror draw of the month.</p>
<li>“You Can See Everything”</li>
<p>But wait o, the real talk of the town and the biggest success story na A24’s documentary, &quot;You Can See Everything.&quot; This one, about ex-biotechnology entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes, pulled in $19.5 million in its first weekend of wide release.</p>
<p>Directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, the film expand from 855 cinemas to a massive 2,655 locations and still dey blow everybody’s mind! In just two weeks, e don already make a whopping $45.1 million, putting it among the highest-grossing documentaries ever.</p>
<p>No wonder Gen Z dey rush am like mad! Dem say the film even get strong chances for awards season. Imagine, if &quot;You Can See Everything&quot; get nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, e go be the first documentary to ever reach that level.</p>
<p>David A. Gross, who publishes the FranchiseRe box office newsletter, talk say the reported $7 million A24 put in don turn the film into a zeitgeist film about money, dreams, truth and reality.</p>
<li>“Wildwood”</li>
<p>Coming in third place with $11.8 million na &quot;Wildwood,&quot; the latest stop-motion animated film from Laika. This film debuted in 2,779 locations and dey directed by Laika CEO, Travis Knight.</p>
<p>Even though e get excellent reviews and one strong &quot;A&quot; CinemaScore, dem say e cost $100 million to make, so e fit no even make profit, . This PG-13 fantasy film is about a teenage girl wey enter one enchanted forest to find her abducted baby brother.</p>
<li>“Street Fighter”</li>
<p>E shock you? Last weekend’s number one film, &quot;Street Fighter,&quot; just sank like Agege bread inside water! The video game adaptation dropped a whole 72%, only making $8.6 million in its second weekend.</p>
<p>This Paramount Pictures film, which cost about $80 million to make, don make $46.9 million domestically in two weeks. This shows say sometimes, one week hot, next week cold for box office!</p>
<li>“Wicker”</li>
<p>This comic fable, &quot;Wicker,&quot; launched with a strong $5.8 million in 1,471 theaters. E star our faves, Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård.</p>
<p>Black Bear Pictures acquire the film for $2.5 million out of Sundance, and reviews dey good. Na one quirky love story about a fisherwoman, played by Colman, who asks a local basket maker to weave her a husband, played by Skarsgård. Abeg, who no want woven husband wey Alexander Skarsgård play?</p>
<li>“Other Mommy”</li>
<p>With $3.9 million, &quot;Other Mommy&quot; also join the top ten list, trying to make its mark for movie lovers.</p>
<li>“Sense and Sensibility”</li>
<p>This one made $3.4 million, for the list.</p>
<li>“Whalefall”</li>
<p>&quot;Whalefall&quot; entered the chart with $3.2 million, adding another interesting title to the mix.</p>
<li>“Verity”</li>
<p>Making $3.1 million, &quot;Verity&quot; secured its spot on the list, small money but still a win.</p>
<li>“Resident Evil”</li>
<p>And finally, &quot;Resident Evil&quot; still dey relevant with $3 million.</p>
<p>So, which of these films are you rushing to stream or go watch in cinema? Na box office gbedu plenty this weekend!</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Tacha Say BBNaija Needs To Take A Break, Go Re-Strategise!]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/tacha-say-bbnaija-needs-to-take-a-break-go-re-strategise/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/tacha-say-bbnaija-needs-to-take-a-break-go-re-strategise/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 11:08:03 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Reality television star, Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has just given Big Brother Naija organisers something serious to think about. Our girl is urging them to hit the b…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Reality television star, Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has just given Big Brother Naija organisers something serious to think about. Our girl is urging them to hit the brakes, take a well-deserved break, and come back with a whole new strategy. Why the sudden call for a timeout? Tacha believes BBNaija needs some fresh, mind-blowing ideas if it wants to stay relevant in an entertainment industry increasingly influenced by social media, especially with social media now running things like a CEO.</p>
<p>She made this bold suggestion while speaking on Arise 360, where she argued that audience habits have changed drastically. These days, everyone is practically living on their phones, getting their daily dose of gist and drama online. This means BBNaija cannot just be doing business as usual; it needs to seriously rethink its format. Tacha pointed out that BBNaija hit its peak at a time when social media was still forming, not completely dominating our lives as it does now. According to her, that everything happens on social media these days.</p>
<p>Tacha gave a real example, saying social media has become the go-to spot for Nigerian entertainment. The online discussions, the celeb gbas gbos, the controversies – they are all competing fiercely with reality television for our precious attention. She cited the ongoing public interest in the family dispute involving music duo P-Square as an example. She said viewers were being offered P-Square&apos;s family issues while housemates were still in the house.</p>
<p>So, what’s the solution? Tacha believes that with this new entertainment landscape, the BBNaija organisers must find ways to make the programme more engaging and appealing to an audience spoilt for choice online. Plus, taking a break from broadcasting the show could actually be a genius move, helping to rebuild public anticipation. She added that it would give Nigerians a chance to miss the show, hinting that a little absence makes the heart grow fonder, even for a reality show.</p>
<p>She&apos;s practically telling them to go into a serious “cooking” session. The organisers need to whip up innovative concepts that will generate renewed excitement and keep viewers hooked from start to finish. It has to be something totally different from what we&apos;ve seen before, because let&apos;s be real, “Nigerians are hard to please.”</p>
<p>Tacha, who rose to prominence during the 2019 “Pepper Dem” edition of Big Brother Naija – though she was disqualified after a physical altercation with fellow housemate Mercy Eke – knows a thing or two about staying relevant. Since leaving the house, she&apos;s been busy with ventures in entertainment and fashion, including being a radio host on 96.9 Cool FM and launching Tacha FC in 2024. Her call to action just adds more fuel to the ongoing discussions about how traditional reality television can keep us glued to our screens in this fast-paced digital world. Will BBNaija heed her advice and pull a Beyoncé, or will they keep giving us the same old vibes? Time will tell, but Tacha has definitely put the ginger on them.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title><![CDATA[Def Jam CEO exit: wetin go happen to our Afrobeats stars?]]></title>
      <link>https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/def-jam-ceo-exit-wetin-go-happen-to-our-afrobeats-stars/</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://mad.tv/nigeria/news/def-jam-ceo-exit-wetin-go-happen-to-our-afrobeats-stars/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 11:06:12 +0100</pubDate>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandy Mandopoulos]]></dc:creator>
      <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
      <description><![CDATA[Tunji Balogun, the Nigerian American record label executive who has been holding it down as CEO of Def Jam Recordings, is reportedly set to wave goodbye to Universal Music Group (U…]]></description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Tunji Balogun, the Nigerian American record label executive who has been holding it down as CEO of Def Jam Recordings, is reportedly set to wave goodbye to Universal Music Group (UMG) by year-end 2026. This news is part of UMG&apos;s major restructuring exercise. For real, this move has everyone, especially fans of our booming Afrobeats scene, asking serious questions about what kind of leadership our artists go get and if their global ambitions will still receive that international ginger from the label.</p>
<p>Balogun’s planned exit, which was first reported on 14 October 2026, isn’t just a random shuffle. E dey part of UMG&apos;s heavy cost-cutting program, where dem dey aim to save a whopping €250 million (that’s $270 million, if you’re counting your dollar bills) in annual expenses. While we hear say Balogun go still dey with the company during the transition period, the vibe don already change, leaving many to wonder about the future.</p>
<p>Now, why this particular gist dey shake table for Nigerian music? Well, Def Jam operates an African division with a presence in Lagos and Johannesburg. This division is crucial because it’s the direct link, connecting our talented artists on the continent to the entire Universal Music network worldwide. Vector and Larry Gaaga joined the launch roster of Def Jam Africa in 2020. And it didn&apos;t stop there – Larry Gaaga himself was later made the vice-president of A&amp;R, with the serious task of spotting and signing new talent all across English-speaking African markets. So you see, the stake too high!</p>
<p>Even though UMG never come out officially to announce any specific changes to Nigerian artists’ contracts, their budgets, or even their release schedules after Balogun&apos;s exit, this change in leadership definitely introduces plenty uncertainty. Questions remain over how the label’s international teams and its African operations will come together to coordinate artist development and create those massive promotional opportunities. We know say Def Jam Africa still dey operate under UMG’s larger African business, and regional leadership dey oversee am. So, for now, Balogun&apos;s exit alone no automatically mean say the African division go just close shop or that artists&apos; agreements go simply vanish. But the central question for our Nigerian artists, who dey really push Afrobeats hard on the global stage, is whether this massive restructuring will affect the crucial resources available to support their music beyond our domestic market. Especially as Afrobeats dey truly compete for attention in an increasingly crowded global streaming economy. The competition out there no be beans, so every bit of support counts.</p>
<h2>Who else dey chop gobe?</h2>
<p>Omo, Balogun’s departure no be small kain incident o! This one dey part of a much wider reshuffle that dey sweep through UMG, affecting several senior executives across their American and European operations. Plenty big names dey either pack their bags or dey switch roles within the giant music empire.</p>
<p>For instance, Nicole Wyskoarko and Sam Riback are also leaving their president-level A&amp;R positions at Interscope Geffen A&amp;M. Then, Ben Mortimer dey exit as president of Polydor Label Group for the UK, while Hannah Neaves, who be president of UMG Recordings UK, dey move into a consultancy role. Even Rebecca Allen, UMG UK’s chief artist and strategy officer, don announce say she dey leave after 27 years with the company – imagine that kind of loyalty and dedication! Mark Crossingham is stepping down as managing director of UMG Ireland, with Nick Younger already lined up to take over from him. This just shows how deep the changes dey go.</p>
<p>And the changes no even stop with people leaving! Some executives for Island Records and Republic Records dey get even bigger responsibilities. Imran Majid and Justin Eshak of Island Records are expected to take on wider duties, while Jeffrey Remedios and Tyler Arnold are stepping into new leadership roles at Republic Records. All these movements suggest say UMG dey combine proper job cuts with plenty redistribution of responsibilities across their various labels. For artists, the real consequences of all this go definitely depend on how these internal changes affect the specific teams wey dey manage their recordings, their all-important release campaigns, and their commercial partnerships. If your A&amp;R dey change or your marketing head don comot, e fit shake your game small, no lie.</p>
<h2>Why UMG dey do this kine thing?</h2>
<p>So, UMG come out to tok say all these changes na to help the company respond to wetin dey happen for the ever-evolving music business, and also to make things more efficient and streamlined. According to a company spokesperson, as reported by MBW, their &quot;consistent success has been built on our ability to anticipate industry changes, act early to better serve all our artists and songwriters, and capture opportunities in music’s fastest-growing areas.&quot; So dem dey position am like say na strategy, not just wahala.</p>
<p>Dem also add say they &quot;’re bringing in new skills and technology and connecting expertise across our teams to deliver greater global impact and greater efficiency.&quot; While dem dey thank employees whose roles are being eliminated  the company still maintain say their investment in artist development go remain central to their strategy. But for real, when big music labels dey restructure and cut costs, e always make artists dey ginger, wondering if their own support go dry up or if new faces go understand their sound. Especially our Afrobeats stars who just dey burst everywhere globally and need all the backing dem fit get.</p>
<p>Make we just pray say this massive reshuffle no go scatter the plans for our artists wey don work tirelessly to put Naija on the global map. Or you think say new leadership fit even bring fresh fire and innovative ways to push our sound even further? Abi na wetin you feel?</p>]]></content:encoded>
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