Entertainment

9th AFRIMA: Full List of Winners As Nigerian Stars Dominate Awards

Published

6 months ago

January 18, 2026

Eric

Nigeria’s Afrobeats star, Rema, stole the show at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) after beating heavyweights Davido, Amr Diab of Egypt, Burna Boy, South African superstars, DJ Maphorisa and Tyla to win the prestigious Artiste of the Year award.

The star-studded ceremony held at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos on Sunday, January 11, 2026, was organised by the Executive Committee of AFRIMA in conjunction with the African Union and the immense support of Lagos State government, which served as the official Host City of the 9th edition of Africa’s global music awards.

The well-attended event was a culmination of week-long activities which began with the Welcome Soiree hosted by the British High Commission on Wednesday, January 7, and followed by the Africa Music Business Summit on January 8. Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, was a beehive of activities on January 9, as more than 20,000 people thronged the venue for the AFRIMA Music Village before a highly successful Award ceremony on Sunday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Head of Culture Division at the African Union Commission, Angela Martins, said, “On behalf of the African Union Commission, I sincerely appreciate the Lagos State Government and, in particular, His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the immense support given to the 9th AFRIMA. This partnership has demonstrated what is possible when government, continental institutions, and creative platforms collaborate. Our collaboration with AFRIMA has not only strengthened unity across Africa, but it has also elevated our culture, amplified African creativity and showcased Lagos as a true cultural capital of the continent.”

Rema’s victory in the top category crowned an exceptional year for the singer, and beyond the biggest prize of the night, he also won Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Best African Artiste in African RnB & Soul.

Tanzania’s Juma Jux, Nigeria’s fast-rising star Shallipopi, as well as established acts Burna Boy and Yemi Alade, also recorded notable wins.

Juma Jux was named Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa, beating other top names from the region. He further celebrated success in the technical categories, as Ololufe, his collaboration with Diamond Platnumz, won Best African Video of the Year.

Street-pop sensation Shallipopi continued his impressive rise with two important awards. His hit song Laho won Song of the Year, one of the night’s most competitive categories. The remix of the song, featuring Burna Boy, also earned him Best African Collaboration, highlighting the song’s widespread appeal across the continent.

Although he missed out on the top individual prize, Burna Boy still made a strong statement. His album, No Sign of Weakness, was named Album of the Year.

Ivorian lyricist, Didi B, also made a strong statement on the night with the Best African Lyricist or Rapper Award, just as Ciza from South Africa walked away with the Breakout Artiste of the Year award.

Other highlights included Rwanda’s Element Eleéh and Mugisha Fred Robinson winning Producer of the Year, Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum taking Songwriter of the Year, and Nigeria’s Chella winning African Fans’ Favourite.

Yemi Alade of Nigeria was also among the winners, taking home Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song You Are from the animated series Iyanu.

Winners in other Regional categories are Singuila who won Best Male Artiste in Central Africa, while Cindy Le Coeur emerged as Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. Denise claimed Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa, while Adviser (Mauritania) and Sherine of Egypt won the male and female awards in Northern Africa.

In Southern Africa, Yo Maps and Nontokozo Mkhize topped the male and female categories, while Wendy Shay emerged as Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.

See Full List of Winners

REGIONAL CATEGORY
Best Male Artist in Central Africa

* C4 Pedro (Angola)
* Eboloko (Gabon)
* Gims (DRC)
* Gerilson Insrael (Angola)
* Kocee (Cameroon)
* L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)
* Fally Ipupa (DRC)
* Magasco (Cameroon)
* Singuila (The Congo) – Winner
* Werrason (DRC)

Best Female Artiste in Central Africa
* Anna Joyce (Angola)
* Blanche Bailly (Cameroon)
* Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon)
* Cindy Le Coeur (DRC) -Winner
* Deborah Lukalu (DRC)
* Emma’a (Gabon)
* Jessy B (The Congo)
* Krys M (Cameroon)
* Liriany (Angola)
* Rebo (DRC)

Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa
* Bien (Kenya)
* Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
* Element Eleéh (Rwanda)
* Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
* Jux (Tanzania) – Winner
* Marioo (Tanzania)
* Mbosso (Tanzania)
* Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
* Sat-B (Burundi)
* Yared Negu (Ethiopia)

Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa
* Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
* Bridget Blue (Kenya)
* Denise (Madagascar)- Winner
* Haleluya Tekletsadik (Ethiopia)
* Lady Jaydee (Tanzania)
* Mahlet Wendimu (Ethiopia)
* Salemia (Ethiopia)
* Weeha (Ethiopia)
* Winnie Nwagi (Uganda)
* Zuchu (Tanzania)

Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa
* A.L.A. (Tunisia)
* Adviser (Mauritania) – Winner
* Amr Diab (Egypt)
* Cheb Momo (Algeria)
* El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* Hamza Namira (Egypt)
* Lbenj (Morocco)
* Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)
* Stormy (Morocco)
* Wegz (Egypt)

Best Female Artiste in Northern Africa
* Chirine Lajmi (Tunisia)
* Inez (Morocco)
* Jannat (Egypt)
* Jaylann (Morocco)
* Manal (Morocco)
* Meryem Aboulouafa (Morocco)
* Sherine (Egypt)- Winner
* Zina Daoudia (Morocco)

Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa
* Anderson Mário (Mozambique)
* Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
* Manana (Eswatini)
* Nasty C (South Africa)
* Teddy Makadi (Malawi)
* Tyler ICU (South Africa)
* Wanitwamos (South Africa)
* Yo Maps (Zambia) – Winner
* Zeze Kingston (Malawi)
* Kazba De Small (South Africa)

Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa
* Babalwa M (South Africa)
* Hanna (Zimbabwe)
* Makhadzi (South Africa)
* Nkosazana Daughter (South Africa)
* Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa) – Winner
* Sha Sha (Zimbabwe)
* Temwah (Malawi)
* Tyla (South Africa)
* Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
* Zee Nxumalo (South Africa)

Best Male Artiste in Western Africa
* Asake (Nigeria)
* Axel Merryl (Benin)
* Black Sherif (Ghana)
* Burna Boy (Nigeria)
* Davido (Nigeria)
* Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Djodje (Cape Verde)
* Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
* VJ (Senegal)
* Wizkid (Nigeria)

Best Female Artiste in Western Africa
* Amaarae (Ghana)
* Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
* Djelykaba Bintou (Guinea)
* Josey (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Mariam Ba Lagaré (Mali)
* Mia Guissé (Senegal)
* Moliy (Ghana)
* Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
* Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
* Wendy Shay (Ghana)- Winner

CONTINENTAL CATEGORY
Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music
* Christian Mukuna (DRC)
* Djunny Beatz (Mozambique)
* Gaise Baba (Nigeria)
* Israel Mbonyi (Rwanda)
* Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
* Joel Lwaga (Tanzania)
* Kocee (Cameroon)
* Lawrence Oyor (Nigeria)
* Milo (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
* Sjava (South Africa)

Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music
* Ada Ehi (Nigeria)
* Choisie Basolua (DRC)
* Krys M (Cameroon)
* Martha Mwaipaja (Tanzania)
* Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
* Morijah (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
* Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa)
* Roseline Layo (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Vestine & Dorcas (Rwanda)

Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz
* Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Ghana)
* Haddinqo (Ethiopia) – Winner
* Mádé Kuti (Nigeria)
* Rorisang Sechele (South Africa)
* Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane (South Africa)
* The Cavemen (Nigeria)
* Alune Wade (Senegal)
* Nomfundo Xaluva (South Africa)
* Kyle Shepherd Trio (South Africa)

Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Pop
* Adviser (Mauritania)
* Amadeus (Senegal)
* Amr Diab (Egypt)
* Burna Boy (Nigeria)
* Gims (Congo DRC)
* Lbenj (Morocco)
* Manamba Kanté (Guinea) – Winner
* Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
* Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)
* Saad Lmjarred (Morocco)

Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary
* Fireboy DML (Nigeria)
* Axel Merryl (Benin) – Winner
* Espe Bass (Congo B)
* Bien (Kenya)
* Jaylann (Morocco)
* Kizz Daniel, Angélique Kidjo & Johnny Drille (Nigeria)
* Mbosso (Tanzania)
* Ferre Gola & Rayvanny (DRC)
* Didine Canon 16 (Algeria)
* Wendy Shay (Ghana)

Best Soundtrack in Movie, Series, or Documentary
* Igho’le Trap Mix Version (“To Kill a Monkey”: Series) – Oscar Heman-Ackah (Ghana)
* El Ma2as (“The Start”: Film) – Tamer Hosny, Reda Elbahrawy (Egypt)
* You Are (“Iyanu”: The Animated Series) – Yemi Alade (Nigeria) – Winner
* Timpi Tampa (“Timpi Tampa”: The Film) – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)
* Tori Ife (“Seven Doors”: Series) – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)
* Saatte Ragouj (“The Last of the Mohicans” Film) – Kafon (Tunisia)

Songwriter of the Year
* Bakhaw Dioum – “Choix” (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) (Senegal) – Winner
* Emel, Jehanny Beth & Camille Berthomier – “Fall in the Light” (Tunisia)
* Emma’a – “Trop d’amour” (Gabon)
* Emmanuel Ayobami Alli-Hakeem – “Za” (Anendlessocean) (Nigeria)
* Ferre Gola – “Amour Illusoire” (DRC)
* Mohammed Ismail Sharrif – “Rebel Music” (Black Sherif) (Ghana)
* Mugisha Fred Robinson – “Tombé” (Element Eleéh) (Rwanda)
* Olamide Adedeji – “Hassibunallah” (Olamide) (Nigeria)
* Prince Omoferi & Nwamu Francis Chukwudubem – “It Hurts” (Johnny Drille & Don Jazzy) (Nigeria)
* Victor Ngatuvese Kaune – “Oputuri ‘Queens’” (One Blood Namibia) (Namibia)

Best Global Act
* Rosé (South Korea/USA)
* Joé Dwèt File (Haiti)
* Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (USA)
* Fantomel & Kate Linn (Romania)
* Drake (Canada)
* Alex Warren (USA)
* Doechii (USA)
* Ed Sheeran (UK)
* Yung Bredda (Trinidad & Tobago)

African Fans’ Favourite
* Ali Jita (Nigeria)
* Barnaba (Tanzania)
* BNXN & Rema (Nigeria)
* Chella (Nigeria) – Winner
* Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
* Innoss’b (DRC)
* Kizz Daniel (Nigeria)
* Parazar (Algeria)
* Faceless (Nigeria)
* Tul8te (Egypt)

Best African DJ
* DJ Malvado (Angola)
* DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
* DJ Moh Green (Algeria)
* DJ Mombochi (The Congo)
* DJ Tunez (Nigeria)
* DJ YK Mule (Nigeria)
* Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
* Oscar Mbo (South Africa)
* Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
* Woodblock Djs (South Africa)

Producer of the Year
* Beneth Seraphin Akatché Koffi (Senegal)
* Butternut, Xolani Majoz (South Africa)
* Dina One (Mali)
* Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson (Rwanda)- Winner
* Jazzworx (South Africa)
* Progrex (Nigeria)
* DaVinci (Angola)
* Tempoe (Nigeria)
* Themba Sekowe, Gomolemo Joy Gumede, Kabelo Motha (South Africa)

Album of the Year
* Ebtadena – Amr Diab (Egypt)
* No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy (Nigeria)- Winner
* 5ive – Davido (Nigeria)
* Diyilem & Bazarhoff: Genius – Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Ngomoya – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy (South Africa)
* Salgoat – El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* Big Aka 4 Aka Kai – Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Thato Ya Modimo – Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
* Idrache (Traces of the Past) – Tinariwen (Mali)

Best African Video of the Year
* “Rebel” – Black Sherif (Ghana)
* “Meta” – Nomcebo Zikode & Sofiya Nzau (South Africa)
* “Ki Lo Wa Wa” – Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
* “Timpi Tampa” – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)
* “Tori Ife” – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)
* “Ova” – Mbosso (Tanzania) –
* “Ololufe” – Juma Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)- Winner
* “Shaolin” – Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
* “Stk Stk” – Dizzy Dros, Kekra & Norfafrica (Morocco)

Song of the Year
* “Isaka (6AM)” – Ciza, Jazzworx & Thukuthela (South Africa)
* “Bengicela” – Mawhoo Gl Ceejay & Thukuthela (South Africa)
* “Choix” – Mia Guissé (Senegal)
* “Diplomatico” – El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* “Kaay Waay” – VJ (Senegal)
* “Laho” – Shallipopi (Nigeria) – Winner
* “Ololufe Mi” – Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
* “Push 2 Start” – Tyla (South Africa)
* “Shake it to the Max” – Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy (Ghana)
* “With You” – Davido (Nigeria)

Best African Dance/Choreography
* Jaylann – “Ha Wlidi” (Morocco)
* Lady Ponce – “Je veux danser” (Cameroon)
* Rebo – “Mobambo” (DRC)
* Serge Beynaud – “Taper Dedans” (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Toofan – “Deodorant” (Togo)
* Tyla – “Push 2 Start” (South Africa)
* Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq – “Zenzele” (Eswatini)
* Weeha – “Dimama” (Ethiopia) – Winner
* Werrason – “Tout se paie ici bas” (DRC)
* Wizkid – “Kese” (Nigeria)

Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall
* Magasco – “Dirty Whine” (Cameroon)
* Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy – “Shake it to the Max” (Ghana)
* Ruger & Kranium – “Dudu” (Nigeria)
* Sean Morgan – “Vuu” (Malawi)
* Black Sherif – “Rebel Music” (Ghana)
* Takana Zion – “On My Eyes” (Guinea) – Winner
* Tiwa Savage – “Forgiveness” (Nigeria)
* Wakadinli – “Kum Baba” (Kenya)
* Yemi Alade – “Baddie” (Nigeria)
* Iyani, Mwanaa & Cedo – “Kifo cha Mende” (Kenya)

Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Rock
* Laeke – “Eskeneka” (Ethiopia)
* Izlan – “Amezyan” (Algeria)- Winner
* Franck Biyong – “Struggle 4 Money” (Cameroon)
* Rash – “Do or Die” (Kenya)
* Mdou Moctar – “Imouhar” (Niger)
* Chrissy Zebby Tembo & The Ngozi Family – “I Am Not Made of Iron” (Zambia)

Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Traditional
* Big Zulu – “Ng’sale Nobani” (South Africa)
* Chirine Lajmi – “Echeh Echeh” (Tunisia)
* Lady Ponce – “Je veux danser” (Cameroon)
* Lama Shreif – “Jayek Lahsseb” (Tunisia)
* Larry Gaaga, Flavour & Queen Theresa Onuorah – “Obodo” (Nigeria)
* Sona Tata – “Nainai Bana” (Guinea)
* Stonebwoy – “Jejereje” (Ghana)
* Tinariwen – “Amoss Idjraw” (Mali)
* Tonton Pal & Binguini Bakhaga – “Couronne” (Mali)
* Veronica Adane – “Kante Lela” (Ethiopia)- Winner

Best African Collaboration
* Blanche Bailly & Lady Ponce – “Lève toi” (Cameroon)
* Goon Flavour, Master Kg & Eemoh – “Ngishutheni” (South Africa)
* Mia Guissé ft. Wally Seck – “Choix” (Senegal)
* Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – “Shake It to the Max” (Ghana)
* Paki Chenzu ft. Himra – “Assaut” (Togo/Côte d’Ivoire)
* Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy – “Laho” (Nigeria) – Winner
* Uncle Waffles ft. Cowboii, Royal Musiq, Uncool MC & Xduppy – “Zenzele” (Eswatini)
* Davido ft. Omah Lay – “With You” (Nigeria)
* Mawhoo, GL Ceejay & Thukuthela ft. Jazzworx – “Bengicela” (South Africa)
* Benny Adam & Khadija El Warzazia – “Mok Ya Mok” (Morocco)

Most Promising Artiste of the Year
* Cysoul (Cameroon)
* Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
* King Luca (Cameroon)
* L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)
* Lwah Ndlunkulu (South Africa)
* Massamba Amadeus (Senegal)
* Qing Madi, Valorant (Nigeria) – Winner
* Rym (Morocco)
* Kunmie (Nigeria)
* Fola (Nigeria)

Artiste of the Year
* Amr Diab (Egypt)
* Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
* Burna Boy (Nigeria)
* Davido (Nigeria)
* DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
* El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* Fally Ipupa (DRC)
* Jux (Tanzania)
* Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
* Shallipopi (Nigeria)
* Tyla (South Africa)

Breakout Artiste of the Year
* Blaq Major (South Africa)
* Ciza (South Africa) – Winner
* Eboloko (Gabon)
* Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Marioo (Tanzania)
* Mawhoo (South Africa)
* Moliy (Ghana)
* Shallipopi (Nigeria)
* Trap King (Algeria)
* VJ (Senegal)

Best African Lyricist Rapper
* ALA (Tunisia)
* Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
* Jessy B (Congo B)
* Klassafan le Melangeur (Guinea)
* Nasty C & Usimamane (South Africa)
* Nyashinski (Kenya)
* Reminisce (Nigeria)
* Sarkodie (Ghana)
* Switch (Libya)
* Yacou B OG (Mali)

Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hiphop
* ALA ft. Mootjeyek (Tunisia)
* Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
* Eboloko (Gabon)
* El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Phyno (Nigeria) – Winner
* Nasty C & Usimamane (South Africa)
* Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
* Sarkodie (Ghana)
* Suspect 95 (Côte d’Ivoire)

Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul
* Bensoul & V- Be (Kenya)
* Big Zulu ft. Malungelo (South Africa)
* Braye (Nigeria)
* Calema (Sao Tome)
* Emma’a (Gabon)
* Kunmie (Nigeria)
* Manal (Morocco)
* Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele (South Africa)
* Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
* Wegz ft. Tayc (Egypt)

Best African Duo, Group or Band
* Babylone (Algeria)
* Blaq Diamond (South Africa)
* Celema (Sao Tome & Principe)
* Team Paiya (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
* The Cavemen (Nigeria)
* Tinariwen (Mali)
* Toofan (Togo)
* Vestine & Dorcas (Rwanda)
* Wapendwa Muziki (Kenya)
* We Are Nubia (Kenya)

See Full List of Winners

REGIONAL CATEGORY
Best Male Artist in Central Africa

Best African DJ
* DJ Malvado (Angola)
* DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
* DJ Moh Green (Algeria) – Winner
* DJ Mombochi (The Congo)
* DJ Tunez (Nigeria)
* DJ YK Mule (Nigeria)
* Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
* Oscar Mbo (South Africa)
* Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
* Woodblock Djs (South Africa)

Entertainment

Remembering Michael Joseph Jackson (1958 – 2009)

Published

6 days ago

June 29, 2026

Eric

By Seyi Orolugbagbe

• Legendary American pop icon, singer-songwriter, entertainer and dancer
• Commonly referred to as, and called Michael Jackson, or MJJ, and at other times ‘Jacko’; which Michael actually never particularly fancied…

How do you get used to a completely nice, selfless, understanding, accommodating, generous, detribalized, hardworking, talented, gifted, compassionate and phenomenal person, such as Michael.

I was blown beyond being traumatized at the news of his passing; to the extent that I am just about coming to terms with the fact that Michael may not be here, physically, anymore. Good thing is his legacies, by way of mostly his offspring and essentially his work, both professional and charity, abound so much here.

I had the rare privilege of meeting Michael in the late 80s, while working in the office of the condominium building, namely ‘The Westford’, on the famous Wishire Boulevard, Westwood area, in Los Angeles, California, USA, that housed the apartment in which Michael lived. The same building, I must say, housed the apartment in which the great comedian, late Milton Berle and famous Amir (Designer For Men) Bahadori, lived. Immediate left of which was condominium complex, ’The Langford’, which housed the apartment, in which lived Mr. T, born Laurence Tureaud, an American actor and professional wrestler (and bodyguard) celebrated for his tough demeanor and iconic roles in television and film. He is best known as Sgt. B.A. Baracus in the TV series ‘The A-Team’, that aired through the late 80s. Mr T had been bodyguard to Michael Jackson, Muhammed Ali, Bruce Lee, Diana Ross, Steve McQueen, amongst others.

As at the time, Michael had a collection of Rolls Royces, both Classic (Antique) models and pretty latest ones; quite a few of which he had parked in the subterranean parking; to the extent, he had to rent extra spaces for them, considering he’d surpassed the spots allocated to his apartment. It is however, instructive, to note that Michael hardly drove any of those exotic vehicles. He would instead opt for his White 2-Door GMC Jimmy; which we popularly called ‘The Big Jimmy’ and which, of course, he usually drove himself.

At a particular time, Michael had taken suddenly terribly ill. So having called for help, we quickly reasoned it was wise putting a call to his personal physician, rather than calling ‘911’; which may have proven a fatal error, because that would have attracted undue publicity; since most of the emergency responders, the police and the news media operated on similar frequencies. So it behooved on me to support Michael, who could not walk on his own, into the waiting Chevrolet Corvette of his physician.

It should be noted, that, the section of the Wilshire boulevard, just west of the Santa Monica Boulevard and East of The Westwood Boulevard (which runs right into the UCLA), is commonly referred to as the Wilshire Corridor, for that section, and essentially because the boulevard looks like a corridor of some sort, consider it is bothered on either side, by high rise buildings. ‘The Corridor’ must be noted, has historically been a major hotspot for high-profile entertainers, business tycoons, and industry executives. The list, though in-exhaustive, includes the likes of Don King (the great boxing promoter), Steven Spielberg (bought a home for his mother), Actress Eva Marie Saint (aka Mrs Hayden), all of whom amongst others had an apartment in the Wilshire Wesholme (on the corner of Wilshire Blvd and Westholme). Mike Tyson and his crew, including his friend and manager, John Horne, were regular visitors to Don King’s apartment. John Horne, I remember used to drive a sleek black late model Mercedes S420, back then with personalized registration MR HORNE; which he would always offer to loan me anytime I wished for it, whenever I admired it.

Directly on the other side of the Wilshire Westholme Condos, across the Wilshire Blvd, was ‘The Wishire Condominium Complex, in which the late Tupac Shakur had an apartment.

The Jacksons
Right next to the Wilshire Westholme is the Wilshire House, on the famous Wilshire corridor. Legendary singer and songwriter Stevie Wonder and acclaimed actress/comedian Carol Burnett are two notable celebrities who lived in the Wilshire House condominium on the Wilshire Corridor during the 1990s.
Next to the Wilshire House, on the southwest corner of Wilshire Blvd and Thayer Avenue, is the ‘Ten-Five-Sixty’ Condominium Complex, named after its street number of 10560, Wilshire Blvd, LA, Ca 90024. In this building, Dr. Clarkson De Majomi (1938–2001) prominent Nigerian journalist, public relations expert, and publisher, born in Oginibo, Delta State, founder of the Mail Group of newspapers and the Obarisi of Urhoboland, bought an exclusive apartment. So did Actor Tom Selleck, Barbara Sinatra, Johny Carson, Shaquille O’Neal, our own Rotimi Obey (Ebenezer Obey’s second son) also stayed there on some of his periodic visits to Los Angeles. There also lived Randy Jackson, Michael’s brother, with whom I quickly developed a relationship, while working in similar capacity, in the condominium management office. May I point out that Randy, running into my brother, Royal High Chief Adebola Orolugbagbe (Oyegbulu 1, The Odole Owa of Ijeșaland) and I, at a dealership, prospecting for automobile, had, after exchanging pleasantries, magnanimously introduced us to the owner as his friends and told him to be look after us. That meant the world to us. Also of note is the fact that Randy at some point humbly request that I scoop a message for him, insisting I drove his Rolls Royce to and from the destination, somewhere on Santa Monica Blvd, in Los Angeles. That was the first time I drove one.

So right opposite the Ten Five Sixty Condominium was The Thayer Condominium Complex; in which another Jackson brother lived.

At various times, during that period, I worked in most of these buildings all through the late 1980s and early 1990s, sometimes working 2 jobs before eventually moving on to working as the accountant, at MB of Beverly Hills, in Beverly Hills.

All of the persons mentioned above, some late, were well known personally to me. Most of them knew me personally as well. Attached are some of the correspondences between Michael and I. I have, also, a collection of $1 coins, as well as some half dollar coins, gifted to me by Michael; just as a set of skiing gears.

Entertainment

BBNaija Unveils Season 11 Auditions, Sets Registration Dates

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2026

Eric

Organisers of Big Brother Naija have announced the opening of auditions for the show’s 11th season, unveiling registration details and requirements for prospective housemates.

In a statement on Saturday, the organisers said, “It’s time! #BBNaija Season 11 auditions registration is here,” noting that registration will run from May 16 to 20 for candidates seeking to qualify for the physical audition stage.

They explained that applicants must register via africamagic.tv/bigbrother, fill in personal details, and select preferred audition dates, locations and times, with physical auditions scheduled to hold between May 22 and 24 in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu.

According to the organisers, “AUDITION IS FREE”, and only persons aged 21 and above with valid identification documents are eligible to participate. They also warned that the registration portal will close once capacity is reached.

The statement further cautioned applicants on data usage and participation rules, noting that by submitting entries, participants grant the organisers permission to use audition materials in perpetuity and across global platforms. It also warned that multiple registrations could lead to disqualification.

The announcement comes months after the conclusion of Season 10, which returned to screens on July 26, 2025, featuring 29 housemates competing for a N150 million grand prize.

Imisi Ayanwale emerged as the winner of the season after securing 42.8 per cent of the total votes, ahead of finalists including Dede, Koyin, Sultana, Kola, Jason Jae, Mensan, Isabella and Kaybobo.

Past winners of the reality show include Mercy Eke, Laycon, Whitemoney, Kellyrae, Phyna and Ilebaye, with anticipation now building for Season 11 as viewers await possible new twists and format changes.

Entertainment

EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO over Alleged N36m Fraud

Published

2 months ago

May 15, 2026

Eric

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media personality and self-acclaimed relationship adviser, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud.

Blessing CEO was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged theft involving N36 million

According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained the money from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretext of securing a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki, Lagos — a claim prosecutors said she knew to be false.

During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the complainant and requested a short adjournment to allow discussions over the outstanding balance.

“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million.

“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” the lawyer said.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, insisting that the commiss

“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he argued.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Dipeolu held that settlement talks could continue independently but would not stop the arraignment process.

“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.

One of the charges alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, Blessing CEO fraudulently obtained N36 million from the complainant over a purported property lease in Lekki.
Another count accused her of unlawfully converting the money to personal use, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.

She pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to commence trial and remand her in a correctional facility, while the defence requested that she remain in EFCC custody pending bail arrangements.

Justice Dipeolu subsequently ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter to June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.