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” Why My Songs Are Quite Inspiring”- OLA ( Gospel Artiste)

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Armed with spectacular kind of music, hers is to reach out to souls spreading the gospel through music. Olawale Onabanjo is an Award winning gospel artiste who has performed in several events and concerts, home and abroad. She is a political scientist, an educationist, music director, business woman and CEO, Splendour catering services and confectioneries. In this interview with Sahara Weekly contributing Editor, Victory Akingbade, she takes us deeply into her world. Excepts…

THANKS FOR HOSTING SAHARA WEEKLY IN YOUR HOME, KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF MA.

My name is Olawale Onabanjo popularly known as OLA. I’m the fourth born of family of five.  My growing up was fun as I had parents who were so loving.  My dad was an evangelist who would go to any length in making sure his children are well educated. Well, he’s late now (he died last month)

 WE ARE SORRY FOR THE LOSS MA

 Thank you. After finishing from primary school, I attended our lady of Apostle secondary school, Ibadan.  And graduated in olabisi olabanjo university where I studied political science and education.  I’m into full time ministry as a gospel artiste propagating the word of God through music.

 AS A POLITICAL SCIENTIST, HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF IN MUSIC?

Music is a calling for me which I must fulfill. It has always been part of me, an inbuilt gift from God. So it’s not an hobby but a full time profession and I must confess I’m fulfill preaching God’s word through my songs.  As a child I grew up with an ambition in becoming great in life and affect my generation positively and to achieve this, I had to go to school and make sure my parents are proud of me too. I still practice what I studied in the university but music has always been part of my life. I’m also into catering business too; I’m a full time baker- into cakes and confectioneries and also train people too.  So that’s to tell you that God has really endowed me with great gifts and I’m grateful to him alone. Music is my passion and I love to do it well.

DON’T YOU THINK YOU ARE FORFEITING OTHER GIFTS FOR MUSIC ALONE?

No. even before I went to study political science in school, I’ve always been involve in music. I was a backup singer and lead vocalist for some bands too.  I had to study political science because I love the course and would like to practice it as an art student then but nothing can stop me from music. It is part of my life.

IS THERE ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY YOU ARE TAKING AFTER IN MUSIC?

No. my dad was an evangelist and love music but he would never support his daughter to go into music as a profession. Well my dad didn’t stop from singing as long as you read your book. Music is what God wants me to use in spreading his good news to whole world and I’m so happy he choose me.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR OTHER BUSINESSES WITH MUSIC?

I won’t lie to you Victory, it’s quite challenging but God has been and will continue to be a faithful God. I have staffs who work with me too and these has really make things a lot more easier. When I have two major jobs at the same time, I get my staffs involve in one while I handle the other and be rest assured they will deliver their best as I should have.

Cuts in…  DON’T YOU THINK YOUR STAFF CAN’T SNATCH YOUR COSTUMERS FROM YOU?

You can’t rule that out. But so far I’ve had good staff who work with full commitment, not because of the money involve but because they aspire to be great in life too and as the saying goes “what you sow, you reap”. You can’t cheat me or misuse your opportunity given to you and expect a desired result. God is not partial.

YOUR HUSBAND IS SO HAPPY AND FULLY INVOLVE IN YOUR MUSICAL CAREER, HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

My husband is a music promoter and my executive producer and manager. I have been singing before we met, and when we got engaged he appreciated my chosen career and gave his full support. He is the CEO splendour music, A record label where great potentials are brought to lime light.

AS A GOSPEL ARTISTE, HOW HAS THE RECEPTION BEEN?

God bless you victory for this question. This is where the main challenge is, gospel artiste are not well appreciated and that could be very frustrating, some churches will even invite you and expect you to perform FREE OF CHARGE not considering the scripture which says a laborer is worthy of his wages. Superiority among some so called gospel artistes is what even baffles me more. How can you see your fellow gospel artiste and look down on him/her because you think he/she is not a star yet? Who is a star? Please let’s stop these attitudes and focus on our assignment which is to spread God’s word through our songs. When you are doing the will of God for your life be rest assured of SUCCESS.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW ALBUM?

This is my third album and it’s titled DO MY OWN, a 12 track album with 2 instrumentals. Kenny kore, Obiwon Obiora and Mike Abdul are among the great gospel artistes featured in this album. The songs are CONNECT TO COLLECT, DO MY OWN and lot more.  You will never be the same again after listening to each song in the album.  My first album was released in 2004 and EDIDIFE which is the title of the second album was launched in 2014.

 SIR, (OLA’s HUSBAND), HOW HAS IT BEEN WORKING AS OLA’S MANAGER AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER?

Working with ola has been a huge experience as every day we get better in our field of endeavour. Ola is a very gifted gospel artiste whose passion is to make sure the gospel of our lord is spread across all nations. That I really do appreciate in her. I’m really proud to be her husband (smiles)

The challenge we have is lot of marketers don’t like to market gospel music because they feel secular music sells faster than gospel. There is lot of politics even in the church when it comes to paying a gospel artistes and that as sure has made lot these gospel artistes compromise their faith. Well as a lover of good gospel music that was why Splendor music was birthed to encourage and promote gospel music to any level. I’m an architect by profession but born into a music home, my dad is one of the biggest gospel music promoters Nigeria has ever produced and that trait I took after.

Another challenge is finance as we do all the production and promotions alone now to get to that desired position in music where other marketers would patronize us.  And by God’s grace, we know we will get to that level.

WHAT IS YOUR GENRE OF MUSIC?

Ola: I am a versatile singer, very creative. I don’t just a style of music because my target market is everybody. That alone makes to be very versatile.

HOW DO YOU STAY FIT?

Ola/ husband: we try to do lot of exercise and also live our lives happily. Because our message (song) is to uplift souls, build broken / failed marriages, educate people on the right things always. Generally to make sure everyone is happy and connected to Christ.

ADVISE TO THE UPCOMING GOSPEL ARTISTE

My advice to the upcoming ones is to stand firm in their faith, don’t compromise your faith for leisure. All these will fade away but God’s word will remain. Believe in yourself and be who God wants you to be. God bless you.

THANK YOU MA FOR YOUR TIME WITH US

Thank you sahara weekly magazine. You are doing a great work. Keep it up.

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Nollywood Actress and Philanthropist Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo Appointed as Chief of Staff to AGN National President*

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*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.

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From Drill to Deen: Central Cee’s Conversion and the Power of Faith in Modern Hip-Hop

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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.

 

From Drill to Deen: Central Cee’s Conversion and the Power of Faith in Modern Hip-Hop
By George Omagbemi Sylvester 

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Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV

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Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

The Nigerian music scene is mourning the loss of Afeez Adeshina Ayinde, popularly known as Destiny Boy, whose passing has left a deep sense of grief among family, friends, and fans. Though his life was brief, his story is one marked by determination, creativity, and a steady rise driven by passion rather than noise. Destiny Boy passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 22, cutting short a journey that many believed was only just beginning.

 

Early Life And Background :

Afeez Adeshina was born on june 24, 2003, into the Adeshina family of Odo Rori Compound, Ayetoro Yewa, Ogun State, Nigeria. He was the son of Mr. Adeshina Kamorudeen and Mrs. Saidat Adeshina, raised within a close-knit family environment that shaped his values and character.

 

From an early age, Afeez was known for his calm demeanor and respectful nature. Those who grew up around him often describe him as gentle, focused, and quietly ambitious. Music became an outlet through which he expressed himself, long before public recognition followed. What began as interest and experimentation gradually turned into purpose.

 

Music Career And Creative Journey :

Known professionally as Destiny Boy, Afeez carved out his place in music through persistence rather than spectacle. He was deeply passionate about his craft and committed to growth, often collaborating and featuring in songs and music videos across Nigeria and beyond.

 

While he may not have been the loudest voice in the room, Destiny Boy earned respect for his work ethic and humility. He approached music with seriousness, seeing it not just as entertainment but as a path to building something meaningful. Colleagues and collaborators consistently describe him as hardworking, disciplined, and eager to learn — traits that set him apart in an industry often defined by fast success and fleeting attention.

 

His presence in multiple projects across different platforms reflected a steady upward movement. For many young creatives, Destiny Boy represented the quiet grind: showing up, improving, and letting the work speak.

 

Family Life And Personal Milestones :

Beyond music, Afeez embraced responsibility early in life. He got married to Oluwatoyin Adeshina, and their union was blessed with a son, Adeshina Usman Obatide, born on November 12, 2024. Becoming a husband and father added new depth to his life, grounding him further and reshaping his priorities.

 

Those close to him speak of his devotion to family and his desire to build a stable future. Balancing personal life with creative ambition was not always easy, but Afeez carried these responsibilities with maturity well beyond his years.

 

His Passing :

The news of Destiny Boy’s death on January 17, 2026, came as a shock to many. At just 22 years old, his passing raised a collective sense of loss — not only for what he had achieved, but for the potential that remained unrealized.

 

While details surrounding his death have been kept private, the impact has been deeply felt across his immediate community and within creative circles. Tributes have highlighted not only his music but his character: kind-hearted, respectful, and sincere.

 

Burial Arrangements :

The Adeshina family has announced that Afeez Adeshina Ayinde (Destiny Boy) will be laid to rest on:

 

Friday, January 23, 2026 :

Time : 2:00 PM

Venue :  His father’s residence, Odo Rori Compound, Ayetoro Yewa, Ogun State

Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

Family members, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers are expected to gather to pay their final respects and celebrate a life that, though short, left a meaningful imprint.

 

A Legacy Beyond Numbers :

Destiny Boy’s story is not one measured by chart positions or awards, but by consistency, humility, and quiet influence. He represented a generation of young Nigerian creatives navigating ambition, responsibility, and identity in real time.

 

In remembering Afeez Adeshina, many will recall a young man who showed up for his craft, valued his family, and treated people with respect. His journey serves as a reminder that impact is not always loud — sometimes, it is built patiently, one step at a time.

 

As he is laid to rest, his music, memories, and the lives he touched remain.

 

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

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