Entertainment
Slain Rapper, Nipsey Hussle’s Funeral to Take Place at ‘The Staples Centre’
The public memorial service for the late rapper, Nipsey Hussle will be held at Staples Centre on Thursday.
His family reportedly chose the 21,000 seat venue to accommodate a massive crowd that will be attending.
The Los Angeles rapper, whose real name was Ermias Davidson Asghedom was one of three men shot outside his clothing store in the Hyde Park neighbourhood of LA.
He was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the other two men are in stable condition.
A 29- year- old suspect, Eric Holder, who allegedly carried out the fatally shooting on Hussle has been arrested.
Holder is currently being held in solitary confinement, where he would be all alone and would not be allowed to mingle with the general population because they believed he is a target.
NAN reports that Nipsey was outspoken about his experience with street violence and described growing up in gang culture in his Crenshaw neighbourhood of South Los Angeles as “living in a war zone.”
Those struggles informed his music but also his philanthropy, particularly in Crenshaw where he is revered as a hero and pillar of the community.
In 2018, Nipsey launched his ‘Too Big to Fail” initiative in collaboration with Vector 90, a STEM centre and co-working space for youth in the Crenshaw district that serves as a bridge between the inner cities and Silicon Valley.
He opened the centre a day before the release of his Grammy-nominated 16-song debut album, Victory Lap.
The hip hop star envisioned expanding the Vector 90 project beyond LA to other cities across the U.S., including Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Atlanta, where kids from inner cities could explore alternative paths to success.
(NAN)
Nigerian media personality and Big Brother Naija host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, is the guest on CNN International’s acclaimed magazine show, African Voices, this week. The 30-minute show, sponsored by telecommunications leader, Globacom, gives viewers an in-depth look at Ebuka’s journey and impact.
Born on July 14, 1982, Ebuka first entered the spotlight as a contestant on the inaugural edition of Big Brother Naija in 2006. Since then, he has become the show’s longest-serving host, captivating audiences with his charisma and style.
A Law graduate of the University of Abuja, Ebuka also holds a Master’s degree in Law from the Washington College of Law at American University, Washington, where he specialized in Intellectual Property. Beyond reality TV, he has anchored notable programs including Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television and the Glo Show.
The episode highlights Ebuka’s impressive fashion collaborations with designer Mai Atafo, the cultural stories behind his signature style, and his passionate advocacy for young boys across Nigeria.
The show which runs on Saturday on DSTV Channel 401 at 8:30 a.m. and 12.00 noon is repeated on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The repeats continue on Monday at 4 on the morning belt and at 6.45 p.m. the same day and at 6.45 p.m. on Tuesday. The edition will be repeated next weekend at the same time slots.
Reggae music icon Jimmy Cliff, who’s unique tone, lyricism and breakthrough role on the silver screen helped make the music of his native Jamaica part of popular culture across the globe, has died at the age of 81, his family said in a statement shared Monday on social media.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” Latifa Chambers said in a statement posted on Cliff’s Instagram account.
“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”
Born James Chambers, OM (30 July 1944 – 24 November 2025), known professionally as Jimmy Cliff, he was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady, reggae and soul musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and actor.
At the time of his death, he was the only living reggae musician to hold the Order of Merit, the highest honour that can be granted by the Jamaican government for achievements in the arts and sciences
He stared in the musical comedy film Club Paradise, along with late Robbin Williams, Peter O’toole, among others .
His famous album, “House of Exile,” which was titled “Music Maker” in the European version, contains such numbers as Brother, “House of Exile,” “Music Maker,” “I want to know,” and “You can’t be wrong and get right.”
Renowned Nigerian musician and live-band leader, Akinloye Tofowomo, popularly known as Akin Shuga, is dead.
The celebrated performer and founder of Shuga Band died on October 30, 2025, in New Brunswick, Canada, at the age of 50.
His family, in a statement on Monday, described him as a “revered music icon, grandmaster, and custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance.”
The statement added, “Akinloye Tofowomo was more than a musician; he was a custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance.
“Across more than three decades of excellence — on stage and in mentorship — he redefined what it meant to lead a band with grace, mastery, and purpose. To countless admirers at home and abroad, he was both an inspiration and an institution: a true king in his art.
“As the family comes to terms with this immeasurable loss, we humbly request privacy and quiet reflection at this deeply difficult time. We wish for the space to find closure and to honour his life in the intimacy of loved ones and cherished memories.
“Further details, including dates and arrangements for memorial observances, will be communicated in due course.
“We extend heartfelt appreciation to all who have reached out with prayers, tributes, and kind words. Akinloye Tofowomo’s legacy, through the Shuga Band and Shuga Entertainment, will continue to live on.”
Born on January 6, 1975, in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Akiin Shuga’s life was defined by resilience, passion, and purpose.
Stricken by polio at the age of five, he defied physical challenges to become one of Nigeria’s most accomplished live-band performers and music entrepreneurs. His story mirrored Nigeria’s own revival of live music as an essential part of its cultural identity.
In 1998, he founded the Shuga Band, which began performing at Pintos in Ikeja, Lagos. Over the years, the band grew into a 14-member ensemble known for its electrifying performances at weddings, corporate events, and state functions.
His company, Shuga Entertainment, became a model for professionalism and excellence in live performance, combining artistry with discipline.
Akiin Shuga also served as the founder and president of the Association of Music Band Owners of Nigeria, where he worked to elevate standards within the live-music industry and promote fair treatment for musicians.
