Entertainment
‘We’re the authentic ambassadors,’ Davido slams critics over Nigeria’s economy remarks
David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has responded to criticism over his recent comments about Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Speaking during an appearance on The Big Homies House podcast, the music star had advised Black Americans against relocating to Nigeria, citing poor leadership, a declining exchange rate, and rising oil prices as major concerns.
“It is not cool back home. The economy is in shambles,” Davido said during the interview, which has since gone viral.
He elaborated on Nigeria’s pressing issues, stating, “I am talking about the situation in the country. Now the exchange rate is messed up, a lot of stuffs are not going well.
The economy is just not good enough. The oil price is too high. Imagine the country that produces oil, paying more for it than a country importing oil.”
The singer also clarified his dual role as an entertainer and a representative of Nigeria, adding, “It is not cool back home. The economy is in shambles. I do my part, I am an ambassador. When I go home and I am filming, I am not going to show the bad parts.”
Davido’s remarks sparked criticism from various quarters, including actors and TV presenters, who accused him of tarnishing Nigeria’s image.
Akashat Ny’mat, a presenter on TVC, argued that Davido’s comments, while rooted in truth, were inappropriate on a global platform.
Ny’mat, during her segment on the TVC programme, said, “When the President takes a plane to a country to look for foreign investors and a prominent figure like Davido says this, he is essentially telling them not to come,”
Unfazed by the backlash, Davido took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday to defend his position while hitting back at critics.
In a series of posts on X, Davido maintained his position as a “real ambassador” of Nigeria.
“Lmao #tvcnewsng nah today? You all are mad ‘cus we the real ambassadors,” he wrote.
He also expressed excitement over his delivery during the podcast, stating in pidgin English, “The way my accent be for that interview dey sweet me very demure.”
The singer spoke on concerns that his shows in Nigeria might be cancelled due to his remarks, saying, “Dem say dem go cancel my show cus of my interview … loooool I don’t have to perform in Nigeria.”
Since rising to fame in 2012 with his hit single ‘Dami Duro’ from his debut album ‘Omo Baba Olowo,’ Davido has become one of Africa’s most influential artists.
Monalisa Stephen, a popular Nollywood actress and media personality is dead.
She died after a brief illness.
The Chief Executive Officer of Best of Nollywood (BON) Seun Oloketuyi, via his Instagram on Wednesday announced the sad news, disclosing that the controversial actress died yesterday, May 13th after battling low blood sugar and internal bleeding.
He added that the deceased actress’ sister confirmed her passing. Sharing the photo, he wrote: “Brand influencer Monalisa Ayobami Stephen is dead,she died yesterday in Lagos after losing the fight against Low sugar and internal bleeding, Her immediate younger sister confirmed the death of this hardworking and beautiful soul.”
More details shortly…
Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has been named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Most Influential Women in International Film,” a prestigious global list celebrating 46 visionary women making a significant impact on the international film industry.
Reacting to the recognition, Akindele took to her Instagram page on Friday to express her excitement and gratitude for the honour.
She described the moment as not just a personal celebration but a motivation to continue creating and uplifting others in the film industry.
“I’m deeply honoured and truly grateful to be featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s ‘The Most Influential Women in International Film. To be recognised among 46 powerful, visionary women from around the world is more than a moment of celebration—it’s a call to keep building, creating boldly, and lifting others as we rise,” she wrote.
The announcement, which was made on Friday, May 9 marks a significant milestone for Akindele, who has carved a niche for herself in Nollywood with her record-breaking films such as Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Tribe Called Judah, as well as her contributions to television through the hit series Jenifa’s Diary.
Her consistent success has cemented her as one of the most bankable and influential figures in the Nigerian entertainment scene.
Akindele also used the opportunity to celebrate fellow Nigerian media mogul and honoree, Mo Abudu, describing her as a source of inspiration and a major contributor to the growth of the creative industry in Nigeria and Africa.
“A heartfelt congratulations to Aunty MO @moabudu who has also been featured in this great piece. Thank you so much, Ma, for your invaluable contribution to the creative industry. It’s an honor to be featured alongside someone who has been such a powerful source of inspiration,” Akindele added.
Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, has taken home the ‘Best Supporting Actress’ award at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), earning acclaim for her powerful role in Farmer’s Bride.
The win is a career milestone for Aigbe, who triumphed over a star-studded lineup that included Meg Otanwa (Inside Life), Tina Mba (Suspicion), Ireti Doyle (All’s Fair in Love), Ini Dima-Okojie (Skeleton Coast), Omoni Oboli (Wives on Strike 3), and Darasimi Nadi (Aburo).
Akelicious reports that the event kicked off on Friday with the Cultural Day event, marking the official beginning of the series of activities preceding the Award Night which is held on Saturday (today).
Attendees similarly graced the event with their exquisite traditional attire, presenting a captivating blend of African heritage and the glamour of the film awards.
The AMVCA is an annual award presented by Multichoice to recognise outstanding achievements in television, film, entertainment, and digital content creation throughout Nollywood and the entire African continent.
The award ceremony is held in Lagos, Nigeria, and broadcast live on all Africa Magic channels and the awards will be determined by a combination of public voting and a panel of judges.
The nominations, covering film, television, and digital content, recognise works released between January 1 and December 31, 2024.
Among the top contenders, Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, House of Ga’a, and Freedom Way secured multiple nominations across various categories, including Best Movie and Best Director.
In the acting categories, Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo), Stan Nze (Suspicion), Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors), and Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising) were nominated for Best Lead Actor, while Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors), Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre), and Uche Montana (Thinline) are among those vying for Best Lead Actress.
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