Entertainment
FirstBank Powers Mainland Laffs 3.0 to Light Up Lagos
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The Balmoral Convention Centre at the Sheraton in Ikeja underwent a remarkable transformation on Sunday December 7th 2025, becoming the epicenter of Lagos Mainland’s entertainment scene as the highly anticipated Legends Decemba/Mainland Laffs 3.0 event unfolded. This spectacular gathering, which brought together an exhilarating blend of comedy, music, dance, and drama, successfully reaffirmed its reputation as an essential cultural highlight of the year. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. Attendees were greeted by a beautifully adorned red carpet, lined with vibrant branded banners and sponsor displays, creating a glamorous entryway for the array of celebrities, entertainers, and enthusiastic guests.
The audience was treated to an impressive lineup featuring comedy royalty and high-energy musical performances. The evening was headlined by the legendary Nigerian ace comedian Ali Baba, who brought his signature blend of humor and wisdom to the stage, elevating the event’s prestige. He was accompanied by the dynamic Kenny Blaq, celebrated for his innovative approach to musical comedy, and Phronesis, who captivated the crowd with his rapid-fire, sharp-witted jokes.
The mood of the night was expertly maintained by the charismatic host, MC Husband Material (Eze Chuwudi), whose engaging rapport with the audience ensured seamless transitions and heightened enthusiasm throughout the performances. Additional comedic talent was showcased by MC Bishop, Dr. Smile, MC Trick, Abadei, and 16 Onirun, each contributing to a relentless stream of laughter that filled the venue.
Beyond the comedy, the event was a celebration of diverse artistic expressions. Gospel rapper Protech opened the show with an electrifying performance that infused spiritual energy into the evening, followed by CJ the Violinist, whose melodic tunes created moments of reflection and tranquility. Mauren’s Art took the stage with a breathtaking dance performance, mesmerizing the audience and encouraging moments of joy and engagement across every artistic discipline.
The interior of the venue resonated with a positive, infectious energy. A creatively designed vendor village offered a vibrant marketplace featuring an array of local cuisine, refreshing drinks, unique fashion, and accessories, enhancing the festive atmosphere for all attendees. Inside the main hall, elegant seating arrangements ensured comfort and unobstructed views, while the professional stage, equipped with cutting-edge lighting, LED screens, and sound systems, provided a captivating backdrop for each performance.
The flawless organisation of the event was made possible through the support of First Bank Nigeria Limited through its annual DecemberIssaVybe lineup of events, along with backing from the Lagos State Government and LASAA. FirstBank’s contributions underscored the significance and scale of this cultural extravaganza, making it a landmark fun event for its numerous customers and also making the yuletide season an extravaganza.
Guiding the evening with charm and wit, MC Husband Material (Eze Chuwudi) kept the energy levels soaring high. The comedy segment was a showcase of both established stars and emerging talents. The crowd erupted in laughter at Kenny Blaq’s musical comedy interludes and Phronesis’s clever punchlines, while the talents of MC Smiles, Larry J, MC Trick, Abadei, and 16 Onirun ensured a varied and entertaining comedy showcase that spanned generational humor.
As the night progressed, the entertainment spectrum expanded to include a rich tapestry of musical and artistic performances. The high-energy opening by gospel rapper Protech was followed by the soul-stirring melodies of CJ the Violinist, who captivated the audience with his unique musical interpretations. A dynamic dance performance by Mauren’s Art added another layer of depth, while artists like Oba Richie, Angelo, Switch, and Ozzy transformed the venue into a lively concert hall, energizing the crowd with their infectious tunes.
The climax of the show arrived when Innocent Idibia, famously known as 2Baba or 2Face, graced the stage, taking the audience on a journey through nostalgic memories with his timeless hits. Despite the controversies that have occasionally surrounded him, he delivered a stunning performance that resonated deeply with fans old and new.
As he performed, the crowd became a chorus of voices, singing along with enthusiasm to his classic songs from his debut album through to his latest releases. 2Baba’s charisma was evident as he moved among the audience, engaging with fans and soaking in the palpable love emanating from the crowd. His performance was nothing short of electrifying and served as the perfect crescendo for the evening.
With an impressive command of the stage, 2Baba showcased why he is considered a legend in the music industry. His ability to captivate the crowd was remarkable, every note he sang, every gesture he made drew the audience in, creating a shared experience that felt intimate yet grand. Even as he neared the end of his set, the audience was reluctant to let him leave, chanting for more as they were spellbound by the magic of his music.
2Baba’s performance was not just a concert; it was a celebration of his legacy and contributions to the Nigerian music scene. It solidified his status as an icon, one who has not only defined a genre but has also connected generations through his artistry. The night truly belonged to him, a testament to his enduring influence and the deep affection fans have for him and his work.
As the event drew to a close, attendees left buzzing with excitement, carrying with them the vibrant memories of a night that perfectly balanced professional production with genuine talent. Mainland Laffs 3.0 proved to be more than just an entertainment event; it was a powerful celebration of community pride and a vivid showcase of the creative spirit flourishing on the Lagos Mainland.
According to FirstBank Representatives, “We supported the event because it was meticulously designed to embody the essence of community’s talent and vibrancy,”.
“From the laughter to the music to the palpable energy in the room, it was the ultimate ‘DecembaIssaVybe’ experience. We are incredibly pleased with the outcome and extend our gratitude to the organisers, performers, and most importantly, the wonderful people of Lagos who joined in the celebration.”
Entertainment
‘Bulaba Never Renew Him Subscription’, Charly Mocks Asari Dokubo for Calling for Tinubu’s ‘Surrender’
A former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Asari Dokubo, has asked President Bola Tinubu to surrender, saying that the economic situation in Nigeria is unbearable.
Singing a war song, Asari said it was obvious that the President cannot fight and so should step aside.
Meanwhile, a frontline Nigerian entertainer, Charly Boy, also known as the Area Father, has mocked the former militant leader, saying his outcry might be because the presidency has not ‘renewed his subscription.’
Brandishing a sword in a video on social media, Asari says in Pidgin English, “Tinubu, na me dey tell you, you no go fit fight. Tinubu surrender. The country too hard. This country is too hard. We dey vex. Look, out fuel, everything is too expensive in this country.
“Everything is too expensive. We have refineries but they’re not working in this country. Nothing is working in this country and we’ll not continue in this situation. We’re hungry. We’re hungry. We’re hungry and this must stop. It must stop.”
Reposting the video on X, Charly Boy wrote, “Asari say make Tinubu surrender.
Say country too hard. Bulaba never renew him subscription.”
Source: DailyPost
Family, friends and admirers of Calypso King of the World, Slinger Francisco, better known as the Mighty Sparrow, have celebrated the man behind the legend at a memorial service in New York.
His daughter, Gina Francisco, reflected on her father’s final years, recalling how the man who once travelled the globe eventually relied on others to carry him, yet never complained.
The service at Linden Seventh-day Adventist Church drew fellow musicians, politicians, diplomats, clerics and supporters from across the Caribbean diaspora.
Francisco said her father treated those around him warmly and deeply valued his family. She joked that, with 14 children, she could not remember all their names. One of his greatest lessons, she said, was humility.
“The greatest thing that I think that he did, because it was a very humbling experience to watch my father being carried. He couldn’t walk. He had to be carried, and he was very uncomplaining.”
She added: “I’ve seen my father change over the years. He was very uncomplaining, and his world became smaller and smaller and smaller. You’re looking at a man who travelled the world, and then he’s kind of limited to where he is, and he never complained.”
Francisco said sharing her father with the world sometimes frustrated her and her siblings, but she eventually came to appreciate his impact on generations of people.
“He taught me how to be at peace with whatever God gives you,” she said.
Among those paying tribute was New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who described Sparrow as a giant of Caribbean culture whose influence extended far beyond Trinidad and Tobago.
“This is obviously a sad occasion,” Williams said, adding that Sparrow’s death at 91 also provided an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable life.
“I just want to thank the family because I’m honoured to come to speak about a 91-year-old who lived an amazing life.”
He invited mourners to applaud the late calypsonian.
“The Calypso Monarch Emeritus, no one can beat him. What he did for our culture is simply amazing and cannot be overstated.”
Williams recalled that Sparrow’s name was regarded as “royalty” in his household and in countless others across the Caribbean diaspora.
Yves Abel of Haiti’s legendary band Tabou Combo also paid tribute, recalling Sparrow’s support for Caribbean artistes and his commitment to regional unity.
“It is an honour for me to be invited to the celebration of the life of Mr Mighty Sparrow, one of the greatest calypso men in the world,” Abel said.
He recalled that Sparrow had helped the group in its early years by securing performances at major New York venues.
“When we were 22 years old, 19 years old, playing music in Brooklyn, Mighty Sparrow invited us to some of the greatest venues in New York. He took us to Madison Square Garden, he took us to the Lincoln Center, he took us to Carnegie Hall.”
Abel said Sparrow understood that Caribbean people were united by culture despite their linguistic differences.
“Sparrow knew that although we speak different languages based on our colonial backgrounds, we carry one music, and it’s from Africa where we all come from.”
During the service, Brother Don Enoch Mohammed of the Nation of Islam played an audio recording of a conversation between Sparrow and the organisation’s leader, Louis Farrakhan.
In the recording, the two men prayed for each other and exchanged jokes. Farrakhan urged Sparrow to write a song for him, and Sparrow suggested that Farrakhan provide the melody. Farrakhan replied that it would become “the biggest calypso ever”.
“I recall telling my mother that if there is no calypso in heaven, then I don’t want to go,” Farrakhan said in the recording.
Sparrow will be accorded a State-assisted funeral. A date for the ceremony has not yet been announced.
By Eric Elezuo
Temi Nkem, whose real names are Temitope Nkemdirim Chigbue, has emerged winner of the Big Brother Naija reality tevision show contest, season 11, with the tag, Show ya sef.
Temi Nkem beat the duo of Aikou and Sheba, who made the top three finalist list.
The 21-year old Financ and Accounting student, who though of Delta State origin, was born and bred in London, carts away a total of N160 million in both cash and prize gifts.
The season 11 of the BBN show started on July 26, 2026, with 20 housemates. While most housemates were eliminated, one or two were disqualified from the competition while another housemate made a personal decision to discontinue her stay in the house.
