celebrity radar - gossips
CNN meets Hollywood actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim
On this week’s episode of African Voices, CNN meets actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim who has returned to his roots to help teach aspiring thespians. Kae-Kazim discusses the future of ‘Nollywood’ and why he feels passionate about celebrating African storytelling.
Kae-Kazim explains to the programme how his acting career began: “My interest [in the theatre] happened from an early age, at 15 or something like that. I trained as an actor, went to the [Bristol Old Vic] Theatre School and then did the Royal Shakespeare Company in the United Kingdom, then the National Theatre… I did some amazing plays with some amazing people. I just walked my way though, doing amazing projects.”
Known best for his powerful portrayal of a Hutu warlord in the critically acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda and for his role in Pirates of the Caribbean, Kae-Kazim is now returning to his home country to help teach young actors. He explains to the programme how this opportunity came about: “A director had come over to LA from Nigeria, had seen me work in 24, and said, ‘No one knows you’re Nigerian, you should come back, there are people who would love to see you, they’ll be surprised that you are Nigerian.’ So off the back of that I thought, you know, what a good idea. Let me go back and see what’s going on.”
Kae-Kazim outlines why he wants to share his knowledge: “I’ve come back to do some training with actors and people in production so that we can get to an understanding of the discipline really required to produce a top-notch film or television production.”
Sharing his skills hasn’t been the only thing he’s been busy doing since returning to Nigeria, he’s also been spending some time in front of the camera, making his ‘Nollywood’ debut in 2010: “The very first thing I did was a musical film called Inale. I then did a little film called Last Flight to Abuja and that was a really lovely little piece about the airline industry.”
Kae-Kazim describes why he feels passionate about supporting the film industry in Nigeria: “I am very proud of ‘Nollywood’, in terms of what the people have done. They’ve put Nigeria on the map and they’ve done this without any support of any kind and I think they must be acknowledged. I think what has to happen now is that the industry has to expand, it has to get bigger and better. It’s really about upping the technical anti of the film [and] being able to tell stories that are very true to the African voice.”
Kae-Kazim tells the programme that in order for this to happen, more needs to be done to support the industry: “No one is going to come and shoot there when the lights go off or when you need generators which are going to destroy your sound. That again is a lack of incentive to help build an industry which could be doing tremendous stuff for Nigeria.”
On why ‘Nollywood’ must continue to produce films and its’ potential to compete with the content being produced by the best in the industry, Kae-Kazim states: “We have to start to tell these stories for ourselves, to me, that’s the most important thing. You know, I’m coming back from Hollywood, not to come and say, ‘Let’s bring Hollywood here’, but to really make ‘Nollywood’, Hollywood. To inspire the fact that we should be the stewards of our own stories. We have a myriad of different stories that we can tell that are all uniquely Nigerian on one level and uniquely African on another level.”
Kae-Kazim explains that part of supporting the industry would be to make cinemas more accessible in Nigeria: “I think building more cinemas in and around Nigeria would certainly help… I would love to see more cinemas going up in places like Ajaygunlay and Surelee with affordable prices.”
He describes what he hopes to see from ‘Nollywood’ in the future: “I want to see Nigeria as the hub of African filmmaking, not just concentrating on Nigerian films, but on films that tell you about the African voice from the African perspective.”
Kae-Kazim offers some advice for aspiring actors: “Just keep loving what you do, but it’s really [down to] working hard, trying to improve not only yourself as an actor but the state of the industry. That also means [improving] the day to day discipline and making sure one is on time and focused when one is at work.”
CNN
celebrity radar - gossips
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).
The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.
President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.
He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.
Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.
The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.
President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.
The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.
“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.
President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.
Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.
Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.
celebrity radar - gossips
Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer
Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer
The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has raised alarm over an alleged threat by Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye (Mr P) against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu, warning that the singer will be held responsible should any harm come to the journalist or his family.
In a press statement issued on April 20, 2026, NASRE’s leadership, led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expressed concern over the incident reportedly occurring at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye.
NASRE views the alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable, stating that any language suggesting intimidation against a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns about press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.
The association has therefore called on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu, while also urging all parties involved in the ongoing legal matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Read the statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
NASRE RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED THREAT BY PETER OKOYE (MR P) AGAINST BAYO ADETU IN COURT, WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES
The leadership of the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE), led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expresses concern over an alleged threat issued by popular Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye, widely known as Mr P, against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu.
The incident reportedly occurred at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving the music duo P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye. Eyewitnesses present in court stated that Mr Peter Okoye drew the attention of Justice Alexander Owoeye to Mr Adetu’s presence, noting that he was formerly P-Square’s publicist but now works with his brothers. The remark reportedly generated reactions in the courtroom.
It is further alleged that after the court session, Mr Peter Okoye confronted Mr Adetu in the presence of others and said, “You, Bayo, I will set you up.”
NASRE views this alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable. Any language suggesting harm or intimidation directed at a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns regarding press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.
We state unequivocally that should anything happen to Mr Bayo Adetu or any member of his family, Mr Peter Okoye will be held accountable. Such statements, when directed at a media professional, are taken with utmost seriousness.
NASRE will not tolerate any form of intimidation, harassment, or threat against its members. We are fully prepared to activate all lawful media and legal channels to protect our members and safeguard the integrity of the profession. Mr Peter Okoye must be aware that utterances of this nature carry consequences and he will be held responsible for any outcome arising from this matter.
We therefore call on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu. We also urge all parties involved in the ongoing matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
The safety of journalists remains paramount, and the media will not be silenced.
Signed:
Lateef Owodunni
Media Director, NASRE
April 20, 2026
celebrity radar - gossips
Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Addresses Prado Controversy, Says Vehicle Was Compensation — Not Political Gift
Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Addresses Prado Controversy, Says Vehicle Was Compensation — Not Political Gift
By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
Nigerian Fuji star Saheed Osupa has responded to a wave of political controversy surrounding his recent campaign appearance in Oyo State, clarifying that a vehicle linked to the debate was not a political gift but compensation tied to a professional engagement.
The backlash followed the circulation of a Facebook Reel showing Osupa performing at an event associated with Sharafadeen Alli, who has declared interest in the Oyo State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC). As the video gained traction, it sparked renewed scrutiny over entertainers’ roles in political campaigns and the assumptions that often follow such appearances.
Amid the reactions, individuals aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) circulated claims on social media alleging that Osupa, alongside gospel artist Yinka Ayefele, had previously received luxury vehicles from the administration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The claims, which remain unverified, framed the alleged gesture as an example of questionable public spending and raised concerns about political loyalty.
Osupa has since pushed back against that narrative, offering a different account of events. In a video statement, the artist explained that his involvement in the campaign was strictly professional, based on a negotiated performance agreement rather than any form of political alignment.
According to him, he was engaged to perform at campaign events with assurances that he would be adequately compensated after the election. He, however, alleged that those commitments were not fulfilled following the electoral victory.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the vehicle, Osupa stated that his personal car was damaged during the course of the campaign. He said the replacement vehicle later provided to him was intended as compensation for that loss, not a discretionary gift or political reward.
His response reframes the discussion from one of political patronage to a dispute over professional obligations—an important distinction in an environment where entertainers are frequently enlisted to support campaign visibility.
The episode highlights a recurring tension within Nigeria’s political landscape: the blurred line between performance and perceived allegiance. For artists, participation in campaign activities can quickly shift from paid engagement to public endorsement in the eyes of observers, particularly when details of such arrangements are not clearly communicated.
Osupa’s clarification brings that tension into focus, underscoring how easily professional engagements can be recast within political narratives. As conversations continue, the situation points to a broader need for transparency in the relationship between public figures and political actors—especially in moments where perception can carry as much weight as fact.
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