Entertainment
Davido and Chioma: The Way the Cookies Crumble
By Eric Elezuo
When the romance between Nigeria’s popular pop artiste, Davido, and his beautiful girlfriend started, two diverse opinions emerged from two different sects. One group was of the opinion that this was a love made in heaven and Davido has finally found something he loves; something that could keep him settle. Chioma was his assurance, they said. The other group was simple nonchalant and lackadaisical, claiming that like other celebrity romances, Davido and Chioma will have their day, and call it quits, either by violent or peaceful separation. The former, like always, has happened.
Not many were surprised to see Chioma deleting the last of her photos with Davido on Instagram this Friday. The action depicts one; the love has gone sour.
The story behind the meeting of these two former crazy love birds has remained sketchy, but no one will deny that it was hot; so hot that it seems that Davido had finally found a nest, a reliable one for that matter. He found love in Chioma, and who wouldn’t. Chioma was temptingly beautiful, with every curve in the right corner. She was well learned and to cap it all, is a chef of great repute. Everything looked perfect like the fairy tale setting.
In 2018, Davido expressed his love in his lyrics, when he released Assurance, solely to Chioma and the love they share. He followed it up with an expensive gift.
Davido, had during a party he organised to celebrate Chioma’s 23rd birthday, presented her N45m Porsche car as a surprise birthday gift. The car came with a plate number that reads ‘Assurance’ .
The singer disclosed to guests that he has known Chioma over the last five years and plan to spend the rest of his life with her.
Early in 2019, the FEM crooner proposed to Chioma and later that year, they welcomed a baby boy, prompting the couple to host a traditional marriage ceremony that deceived the world that the chicken has come home to roost.
But trouble was brewing. Then entered the battle raging among Davido and his cronies, King Patrick and Perruzi over alleged contract breach. Then revelations began to see the light of the day.
The last straw that seems to break the camel’s back was the ‘intrusion’ of Instagram model, Mya Yafai, who has been romantically linked to Davido. The duo has been caught on camera holding hands, and of recent, were caught kissing passionately.
In one of the photos which was reportedly taken at a party they both attended in the United States, the rumoured couple locked lips.
Davido’s closeness to Yafai further sparks speculations that all was not with his relationship with his fiance Chioma.
But like James Hadley Chase would say, that is the way the cookies crumble.
Nigeria-born Afro-pop star, Joeboy, whose melodies now ripple across continents, takes centre stage this week on the Easter edition of African Voices, the Globacom-sponsored CNN magazine programme.
In a captivating session from Lagos, show anchor Larry Madowo drew out the rhythm of Joeboy’s journey, tracing the arc from a starry-eyed university dreamer to a maestro whose songs now traverse the globe like whispered secrets carried on the wind.
Born Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus in 1997, Joeboy—affectionately dubbed Afrobeats’ “lover boy”—embarked on his musical odyssey in 2017 with a viral reinterpretation of Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You.
This pivot from rap to melodious crooning caught the discerning eye of Nigerian artiste and entrepreneur Mr Eazi, who, upon discovering him on Instagram, extended an invitation to join the emPawa Africa Talent Incubation initiative—a sanctuary for budding African talents where raw potential is nurtured into brilliance.
The partnership bore fruit in 2018 with the release of Fààjí, featuring Mr Eazi, and soon after, Joeboy was signed to Warner Music Africa. From there, his ascent became a symphony of milestones: the intoxicating single Baby in 2019, followed by Beginning, which amassed over 23 million views on YouTube, and Love & Light the same year.
Collaborations with Mayorkun yielded the spirited tracks Don’t Call Me and All for You, further cementing his place in the Afrobeats constellation.
Joeboy’s debut album, Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic, unfurled in February 2021, a melodic tapestry of youth, hope, and desire. By 19 May 2023, he unveiled his sophomore studio effort, Body & Soul, preceded by the evocative singles Sip (Alcohol), Contour, Body & Soul, and Duffel Bag. In 2023, he teased the world with Only God Save Me and the extended EP Body, Soul and Spirit, offering listeners a window into the essence of his artistic spirit.
February 2024 marked another milestone as he launched his own imprint, Young Legend, soon releasing Osadebe, a track that resonated nationwide with the familiar warmth of homegrown brilliance.
Joeboy’s dedication has been richly rewarded. He clinched Best Artiste in African Pop at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards and Best Pop at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival. His music has earned numerous nominations, including at the City People Entertainment Awards and The Headies, affirming his status as a luminary of contemporary African sound.
The Easter edition of African Voices featuring Joeboy will air on DSTV Channel 401 at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, with repeats at 11 a.m.; Sunday at 3:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Monday at 3 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.; and Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. The schedule will be mirrored the following week, culminating in Monday at 3 a.m., giving audiences multiple opportunities to bask in the artistry of a musician whose voice carries the pulse of a continent.
Chuck Norris, the US martial artist and Hollywood action star most famous for his role in “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died, his family said Friday. He was 86 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the family said in a statement on Instagram.
“He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives,” the statement said.
Norris reportedly fell ill on Thursday on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Norris turned 86 last week, marking the event with a video of him boxing on social media and saying, “I don’t age. I level up.”
Entertainment
South African Actress, Nomzamo Mbatha, Tells Success Story on Glo-Sponsored African Voices
Delectable South African actress, Nomzamo Mbatha, will this week on Globacom-sponsored Cable News Network International’s African Voices Changemakers, reveal her trajectory from the Rainbow Nation to the global stage of make-belief.
In the 30-minute magazine programme, show anchor, Larry Madowo, will engage Mbatha on her soaring career which earned her a mention in the prestigious TIME100 Next in 2025.
The thespian who has been featured in two Hollywood productions has also gained acclaim in the beauty industry as she has signed endorsement deals with Neutrogena and Cream of Nature, both global brands in skincare and haircare, respectively.
Madowo and Mbatha sat for the exclusive interview on set of the final season of the hit television series, Shaka iLembe at the historic Cradle of Humankind outside Johannesburg where she highlighted the cultural significance of Shaka iLembe, and why giving back to her society is at the center of her aspirations as well as the legacy she desires to build beyond the glitz and glamour of the big screen.
This edition of African Voices Changemakers will be broadcast on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with additional broadcasts at noon same day. On Sunday, further repeats hold at 4:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and on Monday at 3:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. The repeats continue on Tuesday at 5:45 p.m and Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m and Sunday, March15 at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m as well as Monday, March 16 at 3:00 a.m.
