Entertainment

Nigerian singer, actor and entrepreneur Banky W has announced that he is now an ordained pastor in the United States, two years after relocating there with his family. The 45-year-old revealed that he serves as an associate pastor and global ambassador at Union Church, while also working as a teacher and leader at Union College. Banky W says his journey into ministry was influenced by his defeat in the 2023 House of Representatives election, which left him emotionally devastated and searching for direction. He contested the Eti-Osa federal constituency seat under the Peoples Democratic Party but lost to Labour Party candidate Thaddeus Attah. Reflecting on the experience, the entertainer said he turned to God for guidance and realised he did not have to choose between ministry, entertainment and business. He added that he remains committed to his music, filmmaking and entrepreneurial ventures while embracing his new pastoral responsibilities.

Africa Magic has unveiled five new original productions for October, featuring relationship drama, psychological thrillers and stories inspired by Nigerian culture and traditions. The new titles are Better Half, The Ten, Sirrin Amarya, Afobaje and Onu Ahia Nwanyi, spanning the platform’s English, Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo channels. Better Half, which premiered on October 5, follows a relationship influencer whose plans to prove her love formula works are disrupted by secrets surrounding her fiancé’s family. The Ten, created by actress and filmmaker Lota Chukwu, follows 10 kidnapping survivors who reunite for a vigil, only for one of them to be murdered. The psychological thriller premieres tonight, October 8, at 8:30pm. The indigenous-language titles include Sirrin Amarya, about a bride who disappears before her wedding, Afobaje, which explores betrayal and royal succession, and Onu Ahia Nwanyi, which centres on a young woman who enters a traditional bride contest. Africa Magic says the new productions are part of its effort to showcase Nigerian stories, languages, culture and local talent to audiences across the continent.

Former Big Brother Naija star and professional boxer Mike Edwards has challenged streamer and content creator Carter Efe to a boxing bout. Edwards issued the challenge after Carter Efe defeated singer Speed Darlington in their recent “Chaos in the Ring” fight. The former BBNaija star said he had previously challenged Carter Efe, but claimed the streamer had avoided the matchup despite having fought three times. Edwards urged Carter Efe to accept what he called a “real challenge” and give fans a bigger fight. He also revealed that he had spoken with Dr Eazy Adamu and Balmoral Promotions about potentially staging the bout. Edwards said he would first compete in Dubai on November 7 before facing Carter Efe, adding that he wants to give Nigerian fans the fight they want. Carter Efe had earlier said he wanted to stop fighting local opponents and face international boxers.

Reality TV star Phyna and skit maker Carter Efe have emerged victorious in their celebrity boxing bouts at the Chaos in the Ring event in Lagos. Phyna defeated actress Blessing in a four-round contest, while Carter Efe stopped singer Speed Darlington by technical knockout. The event was held at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island and featured both professional and celebrity boxing contests. Phyna’s fight followed weeks of public tension between her and Blessing, which began after a disagreement over a proposed collaboration and later escalated online. Phyna earned 50 million naira for the victory and said she plans to pursue professional boxing, while also challenging actress Etinosa Idemudia to a fight. Carter Efe extended his unbeaten record in the celebrity boxing series after dominating Speed Darlington before the referee stopped the bout. In the night’s main event, Ghanaian boxer Seth Gyimah, popularly known as Freezy Macbones, defeated Nigeria’s Godday Appah by unanimous decision to claim the WBO African Light Heavyweight Continental Championship.

Carter Efe and Big Brother Naija Season Seven winner, Phyna, have emerged victorious in the headline celebrity boxing bouts held in Lagos. Carter Efe retained his “Chaos in the Ring” title after defeating rapper Speed Darlington by technical knockout, while Phyna knocked out Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing in the fourth and final round. The bouts took place at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary. Carter dominated his four-round contest before the referee stopped the fight after Speed Darlington stopped responding. Meanwhile, Phyna relied on her speed and movement before landing the decisive punch that sent Nkechi Blessing to the canvas. She received fifty million naira, a championship belt and a new car for the victory. The event also featured a professional championship bout, where Ghanaian boxer Seth “Freezy Macbones” Gyimah defeated Nigeria’s Godday “Zodsolo” Appah by unanimous decision to claim the WBO African Light Heavyweight Continental Championship.

Veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs has been laid to rest following a funeral service held in Lagos. The burial ceremony took place on Friday in the Lekki area of Lagos, with family members, friends, colleagues and dignitaries in attendance. Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, who was among the government officials present, described the late actor as an icon of the entertainment industry. Singer Dare Art Alade performed his song “Pray for Me” during the ceremony, while Nollywood stars including Kate Henshaw, Stan Nze and Ernest Obi also attended. Olu Jacobs, who died in September at the age of 84, was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before building a successful career in British television, theatre and Nollywood. He was also married to actress Joke Silva, with whom he co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Big Brother Naija has removed housemate Victor Ikpe, popularly known as Keivo, from the ongoing voting poll for the “Show Ya Sef” season. A check of the official voting platform on Tuesday showed that his name was no longer listed among the housemates eligible for votes. The development followed a physical altercation between Keivo and fellow housemate Tram during the final week of the reality show. The clash reportedly started over a black shirt which Tram claimed belonged to him. During the argument, Keivo threw the first punch before Big Brother intervened and ordered the housemates to freeze. The organisers later announced that Biggie would address the housemates, prompting speculation about possible disciplinary action against Keivo. However, the organisers had not officially stated the reason for his removal from the voting poll at the time of the report. The incident has generated mixed reactions from viewers, with some criticising Keivo for resorting to violence, while others called for Tram to also face consequences. The “Show Ya Sef” season is scheduled to end on October 4, with the remaining finalists including Aikou, Barry, Bluethopia, Flora, Keivo, Oyin, Ricky, Sheba, Temi Nkem and Tram.

Lagos State representative Danielle Adewusi has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 after defeating 19 other contestants at the grand finale in Lagos. The finale was held on Sunday at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, following weeks of competitions involving advocacy projects, talent showcases and stage performances. Adewusi emerged winner after the final question-and-answer session and was crowned by Silverbird Group President and National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce. Edo State representative Anita Osikhena finished as first runner-up, while Myya Jones of Cross River was second runner-up. Adewusi will represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe Festival scheduled for November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She will also present her “Scrub the Stigma” advocacy project, which focuses on women’s health, on the global stage.