Entertainment
THE VOICE NIGERIA SEASON 3; REFINING CRUDE MUSIC TALENTS
This feature article by Segun Kasali takes a look at how The Voice Nigeria Season 3 is discovering raw music talent in the country and nurturing them into music superstars in the nearest future.
The challenges of cost of production, cost of promotions and especially identification with renowned music record label, amongst others, have been identified as among the many challenges confronting upcoming artistes while making efforts at showcasing their talents. Asides the talent showcase of the craft, music plays a pivotal role at providing employment opportunities for key players in the industry – especially musicians – at making ends meet, whilst contributing their quota to the growth of the industry and the national economy as a whole.
These challenges undoubtedly handicap the young talents from realizing their potentials which invariably translate to debarring them from making meaningful contributions to the country’s Gross Domestic Product as it had been said that the entertainment sector contributed 2.3% (NGN239 billion) to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016 and has been one of the priority sectors identified in the Economic Recovery and Growth plan of the Federal Government of Nigeria with a planned $1billion in export revenue by 2020.
In contributing to the growth of the music industry in the country, The Voice Nigeria was launched on the 10th April, 2016. The Voice Nigeria has since refined and helped unleash the brightest of Nigerian musical talents for the global stage as the country’s music industry continues to enjoy international attention. The Voice is a multinational singing competition with a television franchise in over 50 countries around the world.
The winner of the maiden edition of the music reality show, Agharese Emokpae was awarded a recording contract, an SUV worth N7 million and a 4-night all-expense paid ticket to Abu Dhabi, courtesy Etihad Airways. Sharing her experience, she noted that that they (participants in the competition) were on a different journey in terms of attention to detail, mentorship by the coaches and the incredible training sessions. All the contestants showed incredible growth personally and professionally with gratitude for the experience, the exposure and the platform which attests to discovering, nurturing and empowering musical talents.
Also, in Season 2 of The Voice Nigeria, Daniel Diongoli, popularly known as Idyl, was announced the winner beating finalists Ebube, Syemca, Wow, Chris Rio, J’Dess, Jahtell andYimika to win the grand prize of a record deal with Universal Music Africa, a GAC car and an all-expense paid trip to Dubai.
One of the sponsors of this year’s edition, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has expressed its delight over the partnership with UN1TY Limited, organisers of The Voice Nigeria Season 3, as it is poised to empowering and investing in the Nigerian youths and demonstrating its contribution to the projected revenue of 86 million dollars by 2021 from the Nigerian music industry aimed at promoting a diversified economy in line with the federal government of Nigeria’s economic diversification policy.
Interested participants are to register via the link www.thevoicenigeria.com with their FirstBank account number as a requirement. Should one not have an account with the Bank, then dial the Bank’s USSD code, *894*0# to be a FirstBank account holder. The audition is open to individuals within the age of 18 -50 years who are have been residing in Nigeria for 12 consecutive months. The registration for audition closes at 11:59pm on Saturday, 19 September 2020.
The financial institution also stated its unrelenting passion for giving voice to the young and indeed all Nigerians, which would translate to creating employment, economic empowerment in the country.
Expressing her delight on the partnership, Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communication, FirstBank said; “FirstBank has given voice to Nigerians for the past 126 years, and will continue to give voice to Nigerians by creating employment, economic empowerment in the country through its products, services and initiatives and it remains committed to strengthening the creative industry which is fast growing into a multibillion-dollar business, with potential to be a leading contributor to Nigeria’s GDP in the near future.”
She concluded that supporting The Voice Season 3 means a lot to the Bank, especially as “it is a demonstration of the bank’s commitment to contributing to the projected revenue of USD86 million by 2021 from Nigeria’s music industry aimed at promoting a diversified economy in line with the Federal Government’s diversification policy.”
Sunday Tribune gathered that the registration for The Voice Season 3, which is open to both female and male contestants who are Nigerians and have a government-issued means of Identification, is free. Further to registering, talents are to have a one-minute video singing without a sound track, upload and fill the form on the website.
Talents and fans will go home with over 100million naira in prizes as The Winning Talent of The Voice Nigeria Season 3 will go home with monetary reward, a brand-new car and an international recording contract. The Voice Nigeria will take an interesting twist this year with many virtual engagements with fans, talents and the general public.
Entertainment
I Used To Insult Single Mothers Until I Remembered That My Mum Is A Single Mother -Akeem
I Used To Insult Single Mothers Until I Remembered That My Mum Is A Single Mother
-Akeem Akintola a.k.a. ‘Oko Awon Single Mothers’
A young man doing well in life is often defined by a disciplined, and purpose-driven approach to his personal and professional growth. 34-year-old Lagos State born social media influencer, Olalekan Akeem Akintola, disclosed in this interview that he has cultivated the habits and mindsets of a young man determined for long-term success before he attained age 21. He said he continually updated his knowledge and skills to keep up with changing demands and trends even before he left Nigeria for Europe in search of greener pastures at age 29. Other than his talent alone, Akeem noted that his becoming successful abroad was not all by luck, but mostly by being kind and respectful. He also revealed the secret behind his popular social media nickname, ‘oko awon single mothers’. And more…
What do you love about yourself?
What I love about myself is that I am a very determined person. When I am determined to do something I don’t look back. I just go into it not minding what the result would be and I don’t care about what anybody would say.
Tell us about your marital life.
I was married. But I’m a single father now (general laughter).
What year did you travel abroad and how did you manage to succeed abroad?
I traveled out of Nigeria in 2021. I’m currently in Europe, Germany, South Cyprus to be precise. I worked in the kitchen. To be honest, my experience abroad wasn’t an easy one. Thank God, today I have my citizenship documents and I’m living fine. It wasn’t easy getting to this level. I give God the glory.
Who are the most special people in your life?
The most special person in my life is my mum. Then my kids and my mum’s families, especially Sister Iyabo and Sister Nofisat. My mum’s families are so special in my life because they have been very supportive of my life.
Tell us about your experience helping a sick lady, Keji, whose matter has gone viral on social media.
This lady, Keji, came into my Instagram inbox and told me that she was sick and needed help. Ordinarily, I do use my platform to help people, especially those who are sick. There was a time I ignored her and didn’t attend to her complaints. But when she showed me the evidence and pleaded that I should help her, I had to support her. I am the person that sent her to see Agbala Gabriel pastor. But I didn’t know that he was going to mess up.
What type of people do you love to be around you?
I love to be around people who are friendly, ready to help and very supportive. I do not like people with negative vibes.
You’re a young guy, why do people call you ‘oko awon single mothers’?
There was a time I used to abuse single mothers; what they were doing, why did they leave their marriages and so on. I saw it as an abnormality. But I came to realize that my mum is also a single mother and I said why should I be insulting single mothers when I was also raised by a single mother. So, I had to start making videos about single mothers, praising them and talking about their challenges and qualities. Since that time, single mothers started calling me ‘oko awa single mothers’ (husband of us single mothers).
Do you make so much money through social media posts or you have a job that gives you the biggest?
Yes, I make money on social media. I also work in the kitchen as a chef. I’m into kitchen stuff here abroad and it pays me well. Also, I run adverts for people on my platform and I make a lot of money from it.
You are very popular among society women; how did you make it happen?
All I can say is thank God. I don’t know how it happened. I just found myself with millions of fans and followers. People really love me, especially older society women who fondly call me ‘oko wa’ (our husband).
What is your success tip for young people like you?
My advice for young people like me is that whatever they’re doing they should keep doing it. They should be consistent. Keep doing it, don’t relent and don’t look back. When I started out on social media, I was bullied, cursed. I never envisaged where I am today. I never expected that people would be talking about me sometime in the future. But here I am. I never saw this coming. I really thank God for everything. So, let us just keep doing whatever we are doing. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.
Are you fully in the entertainment industry or on part time?
I work and I’m fully back in the entertainment industry.
You look so young despite your age, what’s the secret?
The secret is that I maintain physical fitness, I do regular workouts. I know that a strong body supports a strong mind.
Entertainment
Nollywood Actress and Philanthropist Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo Appointed as Chief of Staff to AGN National President*
*Nollywood Actress and Philanthropist Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo Appointed as Chief of Staff to AGN National President*
Abuja, Nigeria – The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) announces the appointment of Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo as the new Chief of Staff to National President, ALHAJI SANUSI ABUBAKAR YAKUBU. This strategic move underscores the Guild’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to fostering a more efficient and effective leadership structure.
Amb. Nwodo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having served as a National Deputy Secretary (Emeritus) and demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the Guild’s vision and mission. A respected member of the Nigerian entertainment industry, she is also known for her dedication to promoting actor welfare and advancing the Guild’s interests.
*A Proven Track Record*
Amb. Nwodo’s appointment is a testament to her outstanding contributions to AGN and her commitment to serving the Nigerian film industry. Her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for social causes have made a positive impact on Nigerian communities, She’s also the CEO of CHELSEA NWODO’S FOUNDATION a foundation known for its unique cultural expression and alliance with many state government including Delta state government and so on.
*About the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN)*
The AGN is the governing body for professional actors in Nigeria’s Nollywood film industry, established in 1998 with over one million members across the six geopolitical zones of the federation. The Guild promotes actor’s welfare, protects their rights, and advances the Nigerian film industry.
Entertainment
From Drill to Deen: Central Cee’s Conversion and the Power of Faith in Modern Hip-Hop
From Drill to Deen: Central Cee’s Conversion and the Power of Faith in Modern Hip-Hop
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“The British rap star’s public declaration of Islam sparks global reactions and renews debate about spirituality, identity, and influence in contemporary music.”
British rap superstar Central Cee has publicly announced that he has converted to Islam, a revelation that has rapidly spread across global media and social platforms, drawing reactions from fans, cultural commentators and religious observers alike. The development marks a deeply personal shift for one of the most influential voices in modern UK drill, and it highlights the growing intersection between faith, identity and popular culture.
Central Cee, whose real name is Oakley Neil Caesar-Su, disclosed the decision during a recent livestream, where he stated that he had taken the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith that formally marks a person’s conversion to Islam.
According to multiple reports published on February 6, 2026, the rapper confirmed the conversion publicly, saying he had changed his name and embraced Islam, with friends present during the broadcast congratulating him.
The announcement quickly became a trending global topic, with thousands of fans flooding social media with messages of support and congratulation.
What happened, when, where and how
The confirmed facts are straightforward.
What happened: Central Cee announced his conversion to Islam.
Who: The British rapper, born Oakley Neil Caesar-Su.
When: The announcement surfaced publicly on or around February 6, 2026.
Where: The declaration was made during a livestream, widely circulated online.
How: He confirmed he had taken the Shahada and embraced Islam, with friends present during the session.
Before this announcement, Central Cee had never publicly declared adherence to any specific religion, though fans had long speculated about his spiritual leanings.
Background: the rise of a global rap force
Born on June 4, 1998, in London, Central Cee rose from the streets of Shepherd’s Bush to become one of the most commercially successful British rappers of his generation.
He achieved mainstream recognition with his 2020 single Day in the Life and later dominated charts with hits such as Doja and Sprinter, accumulating billions of streams worldwide.
By the mid-2020s, he had become a defining figure in UK drill, blending street narratives with a polished, globally accessible sound.
Reactions and significance
The news of his conversion triggered widespread reaction across continents. Many fans congratulated him, using phrases such as “Welcome to Islam, brother,” reflecting the celebratory tone among supporters.
Others expressed curiosity about whether the decision would influence his music, public image, or future lyrical direction.
Cultural analysts note that religion has long played a quiet but significant role in hip-hop. From Malcolm X’s influence on American rap consciousness to the presence of Muslim artists in both US and UK scenes, faith has often shaped artistic identity.
British sociologist Dr. Reza Pankhurst, writing on religion and youth culture, has argued that for many urban artists, faith offers “a language of discipline, moral structure and belonging in environments often defined by instability.”
Similarly, American scholar Dr. Sherman Jackson has noted that Islam’s appeal among musicians and athletes lies partly in its “emphasis on personal responsibility, spiritual dignity, and community.”
While these are broader observations about religious influence in culture, they help explain why high-profile conversions often resonate far beyond the personal sphere.
Why the announcement matters
Central Cee is not merely another celebrity; he is one of the most commercially powerful voices in British rap, with global reach across Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. His decisions, therefore, carry symbolic weight.
When artists of such stature publicly embrace a faith, it often triggers three parallel conversations:
First, identity: Fans begin to examine how the artist’s beliefs align with their lyrics and public persona.
Second, influence: Younger audiences may view the decision as aspirational or spiritually significant.
Third, authenticity: Critics and supporters alike debate whether faith will reshape the artist’s artistic content.
British cultural commentator Kehinde Andrews has previously observed that hip-hop is “not just music but a social language through which young people negotiate power, race, faith and identity.”
In that sense, Central Cee’s announcement becomes part of a larger cultural dialogue not merely a personal declaration.
The question of a new name
Some reports indicate that the rapper mentioned changing his name after taking the Shahada, though details remain inconsistent across sources.
While certain online reports suggested possible new names, there is no universally confirmed official new name from the artist at the time of reporting.
This remains an evolving aspect of the story, and responsible reporting requires caution until a formal statement is released through verified channels.
The broader context: faith and hip-hop
Central Cee joins a growing list of artists who have publicly embraced Islam. Over the decades, figures such as Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Lupe Fiasco, Ice Cube, and Q-Tip have either converted to Islam or drawn heavily from Islamic teachings in their music.
In the UK, Muslim identity has long been intertwined with the grime and drill scenes, reflecting the multicultural realities of cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester.
Cultural historian Tricia Rose, one of the foremost scholars of hip-hop, once wrote that the genre “has always been a site of spiritual searching, moral struggle and social commentary.”
In that context, a public conversion is not an anomaly but part of a longstanding tradition of artists seeking meaning beyond fame and commercial success.
What remains unclear
Despite the viral spread of the story, certain details are still evolving:
The exact location of the livestream has not been formally confirmed.
The identity of the individuals present during the Shahada has not been publicly verified.
Any official legal name change has not been documented in confirmed public records.
Responsible journalism requires distinguishing between verified facts and social-media speculation.
Final assessment
Central Cee’s conversion to Islam is a deeply personal decision that has nonetheless sparked global conversation. Announced during a livestream in early February 2026, the declaration places one of Britain’s most influential rappers at the centre of a broader discussion about faith, culture and celebrity influence.
In an era where artists are often defined solely by streaming numbers and chart positions, his announcement underscores a different narrative: the search for meaning, identity, and spiritual grounding in the midst of global fame.
As the late scholar James Cone once wrote, “Spiritual transformation is the most radical form of social change, because it begins inside the human soul.”
Whether Central Cee’s journey will reshape his music or remain a private source of guidance is a question only time can answer. What is certain, however, is that his decision has already stirred conversations that extend far beyond the world of rap.
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