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Hollywood actor George Clooney, others withdraw support for Biden

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Hollywood actor George Clooney, others withdraw support for Biden

 

What if Hollywood, a key Democratic financial pillar, cut off Joe Biden’s campaign funding? That possibility now looms large after actor George Clooney and other wealthy donors urged the US president to withdraw from the White House race.

“I love Joe Biden. But we need a new nominee,” Clooney wrote in a column in the New York Times on Wednesday, after Biden’s disastrous performance in a televised presidential debate against Republican rival, Donald Trump rekindled fears around the 81-year-old’s fitness for office.

The statement dealt a serious blow to Biden, coming just three weeks after Clooney headlined a major fundraiser in Los Angeles for his reelection campaign.

At the gala, the president was able to raise more than $30 million in one evening, a record amount that showcased the industry’s might in financing the American left.

 

 

“If all these big donors pull out, he’s sunk,” said Steve Ross, professor of history at the University of Southern California who wrote a book on the influence of Hollywood on American politics. “Hollywood is still the one shop stop for candidates.”

Clooney is not the only one worried. In recent days, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, Walt Disney’s granddaughter Abigail and Hollywood mega agent, Ari Emanuel, whose brother, Rahm served as Barack Obama’s chief of staff — said they would not be financing Biden citing concerns over his age

 

 

Even though the millions generated by the American entertainment industry are essential to both parties, Hollywood’s hearts and wallets have predominantly leaned left for decades.

Both Bill and Hillary Clinton relied on Hollywood support in their respective White House bids. In 2007, Obama famously benefited from the “Oprah Winfrey effect,” receiving a boost to his profile after the star TV host organized a dinner to promote the man who was then still only a senator.

During the presidential race in 2020, the entertainment industry gave $104 million to Democrats compared to $13 million to Republicans, according to Open Secrets, a nonprofit that tracks campaign financing.

It wasn’t always that way.

In the 1980s, Republican president Ronald Reagan, himself a former actor, enjoyed the support of stars like Frank Sinatra and relied heavily on Hollywood’s coffers.

“Hollywood started as a conservative base for the Republican Party,” Ross told AFP.

 

 

“When Louis B. Mayer took over MGM Studios in the late 20s, he turned it into a fundraising publicity wing for the GOP, and he raised enormous amounts of money,” Ross said, referring to the Republican party.

 

 

The four Warner brothers, on the other hand, supported Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s with their studio and their stars.

It was the election of John F. Kennedy in 1960 that marked Hollywood starting to shift to the left, as the era of blacklisting actors for suspected communist sympathies came to an end.

“It was a new era of free speech for movie stars who weren’t going to be blacklisted if they said anything deemed too radical,” the expert said.

Just hitting pause?

But even with its cultural and financial prowess, does Hollywood have the power to axe Biden from the race?

Clooney’s New York Times op-ed “is another pressure point, for sure,” said Steven Maviglio, a Democratic adviser who worked with former California governor Gray Davis.

But Maviglio believes the panic of certain donors to be “a temporary phenomenon.”

 

 

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May 11th : Fuji Star, Adekunle Marckenson Stages An All White London Welcome Back Party

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May 11th : Fuji Star, Adekunle Marckenson Stages An All White London Welcome Back Party

The most epic celebration of the year is coming as Dr. Kunle Marckenson returns to Nigeria after a successful Tours in London! De Crown Music International And Yommyright Entertainment International, in conjunction with Arems Entertainment, are thrilled to present his homecoming party and a vibrant welcome dance party.

 

Dr. Kunle Marckenson spent over two months in London, from January 23rd to March 29th, 2025, and he is now back in Nigeria, ready to share his experiences and announce his forthcoming album.

 

Join us on Sunday, May 11th, 2025, at 2pm prompt, at The City Pulse Lounge, beside Blue Roof Television in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, for an unforgettable experience. The all-white dress code party will feature an incredible lineup of artistes, including K-Shanana, Okiki Bright, Queen Tosin Eniba, Harmony Opee Gaji, Alhaji Sikiru Lemon, Amb. Abiodun Ejire Patira and Shola Melody, all sharing the stage with the guest of honor, Dr. Kunle Marckenson. The party will go all night, with great music and dancing.

 

This welcome dance party is a celebration of Dr. Kunle Marckenson’s successful UK tours and a chance for him to connect with his fans and share his experiences. With their combined talents, this party promises to be an electric celebration of music and good times. You’ll be surrounded by friends, family, and fellow music lovers, all united in their love for great music and good times. So mark your calendars for May 11th and get ready to party like never before. Don’t miss out on the ultimate welcome dance party of the year. See you there!

 

This event is proudly supported by FUMAN & top media partners like ARIYA 24/7 TV, City Pulse TV, Ghaj-Bash, OJUTOLE TV, Aroye TV, Owutu TV, Event Diaries & Lifestyle, Alore TV, Sahara Weekly & Others.

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ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher’s Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

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ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher's Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher’s Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

LAGOS, Nigeria — The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, may have celebrated Nigeria’s biggest music stars, but the night also marked a special turning point for a fast-rising name in the industry: Harcher.

ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher's Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Although he was not among this year’s official nominees, Harcher, signed under Bullion Records, stole a significant slice of the spotlight with his charismatic red carpet appearance — thrilling fans both at the venue and those watching from home.

The Headies, hosted by Nollywood’s darling Nancy Isime, delivered a night packed with electrifying performances, emotional tributes, and major wins for stars like Chike, Rema, and the late Mohbad. However, when Harcher stepped onto the red carpet and caught the attention of popular media personality Enioluwa Adeoluwa, it ignited a wave of excitement that would ripple beyond the event hall.

Dressed sharply and exuding confidence, Harcher spoke passionately about his dreams during a heartfelt interview with Enioluwa.

“I’ve always dreamed of collaborating with legends like Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, and Burna Boy,” Harcher said, flashing a humble yet hopeful smile as cameras clicked and fans cheered.

He also took a moment to praise the Headies organizers for their role in promoting Nigerian music globally.
“The Headies have done so much for Nigerian entertainment,” Harcher said. “It’s amazing to see how our music is now celebrated all over the world because of platforms like this.”

In that moment, fans at home couldn’t contain their excitement — many took quick screenshots of Harcher’s TV appearance, proudly sharing the images across social media with captions like, “Our star is next!” Those present at the venue also seized the opportunity, swarming around Harcher for photographs after his interview, capturing memories with an artist they believe is destined for greatness.

Bullion Records’ Brightest Prospect

Harcher’s journey with Bullion Records has been marked by steady growth, blending Afrobeat rhythms with the grit of Hip-hop to craft relatable, energetic anthems that resonate with Nigeria’s youth. With every release, he has gained momentum — and Sunday night proved that the industry is beginning to take notice too.

Bullion Records, known for nurturing new talents, has high hopes for Harcher, a sentiment echoed by fans who flooded the label’s hotline — the popular “Bullion Records Hot Number” — with congratulatory messages after the red carpet interview aired.

“This is just the beginning for Harcher,” a Bullion Records fan club member said during a live Twitter Space. “Today he’s being interviewed among legends, tomorrow he’ll be winning awards right on that same stage!”

The Power of the Headies Next Rated Dream

The Headies’ Next Rated category has historically been a launching pad for future megastars like Wizkid (2011), Davido (2012), Rema (2019), and Tems (2021). While the 2025 Next Rated Award went to Odumodublvck, fans are already tipping Harcher as a front-runner for future editions.

Winning Next Rated not only brings industry recognition but also car prizes, endorsements, and international exposure — a reward that many believe is within Harcher’s reach sooner than later.

A Night of Celebration for Music

The Headies 2025 celebrated outstanding talent across Africa. Chike’s ‘Egwu’ featuring the late Mohbad was a major winner, scooping the Viewers’ Choice Award and Best Music Video. Rema’s ‘Heis’ bagged Album of the Year, while Tems won Best Recording of the Year with “Burning.” Special recognition awards went to influential figures like Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, and Amaju Pinnick.

Even with all these major wins, Harcher’s simple presence, filled with passion and gratitude, managed to capture hearts — a testimony to his growing influence.

Looking Ahead

As the lights dimmed at the Energy Centre where the Headies was held, and fans filed out into the Lagos night, one thing was clear: Harcher’s time is coming. His fans — the ones who screenshotted him from their living rooms and those who took selfies with him live at the event — will be the ones to proudly say, “We saw it first.”

The 2025 Headies may have officially crowned its winners, but for Harcher and his ever-growing fanbase, it was the night a new star officially stepped into the spotlight.

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Laffmattazz: The frills and thrills in Ibadan (Photos)

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Laffmattazz: The frills and thrills in Ibadan (Photos)

 

The Easter Sunday edition of Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends themed ‘About Time’ may have come and gone, but not without leaving an indelible experience in the minds of attendees at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan.

Laffmattazz once again lived up to expectations, not just with a repertoire of top-notch performances from comedians and musicians, it offered a lot of giveaways and fun-filled experiences that cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

Gbenga Adeyinka, the Grand Comedian of the Federal Republic (GCFR) opened the epoch-making event with an electrifying ‘Dorime’ dance in the company of Kiekie.

This was followed by back-to-back performances from Peter ‘Mr P’ Okoye, one half of the famous P-Square group, Terry Akpala, Babatunmise, Keanzo, Omobaba No.1, Kenny Blaq, Taichi, Rapin Dady, Kiekie, Baba Alariya, Kamo State and Mr Escom, the rave of the moment and ‘pitipiti’ master.

Others included Stylo, Creative Tobi, Gbenga Laughter Castle, General Olak, Dr. Spencer, Parkage, Dr. Arotele, Pretty Fola and Pretty Arike, while DJ Secxy and DJ Mass showed their dexterity with monster hit mixes.

Also adding spice and glamour to the event were Sola Sobowale, Kunle Afolayan, Seun Soyinka, Toyosi Adesanya, the Oyin Adejobis, Lalude, FIRS top staff and top staff of 14 radio stations in Ibadan to mention a few.

It was indeed a night of complete entertainment as attendees engaged in a lot of games, winning prizes worth millions of naira in the process.

The fans participated in the Ibadan Yoruba challenge, dance competition, and there was a haircut segment on stage sponsored by HAIRSENSE Salon, who also gave out 10 clippers, while Bonike Bakery gave out many loaves of bread.

The Alhaji Razak Okoya owned Eleganza was not left out, giving out a lot of coolers, as there was plenty to drink, courtesy of Bigi.

 

Laffmattazz: The frills and thrills in Ibadan (Photos)

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