Entertainment
BREAKING: Popular Yoruba Nollywood actor, Murphy Afolabi, dies after bathroom fall
Barely 24 hours after the death of a popular Nollywood actor, Saint Obi, a Yoruba popular actor and filmmaker, Murphy Afolabi, has been reportedly dead.
The actor, who acted in Yoruba movies, was said to have fallen in the bathroom at his house in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Sunday morning, May 14, 2023.
Actor and President of the Yoruba movies directors guild, Seun Olaiya, shared the sad news on a WhatsApp platform populated by filmmakers.
He was corroborated by the Managing Director of the popular movie marketing company, Corporate Pictures Nigeria Limited, Abdullahi Abdulrasaq.
Olaiya said, “I swear to God just before the news, I was still hailing him. This is really a rude shock to me.”
Showbiz personality and the convener of the Best of Nollywood Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, also confirmed the news to our correspondent. He said, “It is true. He passed away after taking a fall in his bathroom at his house in Ikorodu this morning.”
Another filmmaker, Tunde Ola-Yusuf, posted a picture of the late actor on Facebook and added the quote, “Rest in peace. May God give the family and close associates the fortitude to bear the loss. Good night, Murphy Afolabi.”
Yet another filmmaker, Fidelis Duker, wrote, “What is really happening? I am just watching him in a movie now.”
However, some Yoruba actors were seen commenting and commiserating with the family of the deceased.
Born on May 5, 1974, Afolabi got into the movie industry in 2001. The graduate of Ire Polytechnic, Osun State, appeared in over 60 movies before his death. His film credits include ‘Ifa Olokun’, ‘Omowunmi’, ‘Jimi Bendel’, ‘Wasila Coded’, ‘Olokiki Oru’, and ‘Idera’.
Entertainment
Grammys to honour Fela with special merit award
The Recording Academy described Fela as the “architect of Afrobeat,” noting that the late musician is among ten people to be honoured with the special award.
Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will be honoured with a special merit award at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
The organisers of the prestigious award, Recording Academy, announced this via a post on Instagram on Friday, December 19, 2025.
The Recording Academy described Fela as the “architect of Afrobeat,” noting that the late musician is among ten people to be honoured with the special award.
The academy said the Afrobeat legend will be honoured with a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award on January 31, 2026.
Entertainment
Gbenga Bada Urges NIJ Students: Embrace Passion, Professionalism in Entertainment Reporting
Seasoned Nigerian entertainment journalist Gbenga Bada has called on students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) to approach entertainment reporting with unwavering passion and strict adherence to professional standards.
Speaking at a recent engagement with students at the prestigious journalism institution in Ogba, Lagos, Bada, who serves as Assistant Entertainment Editor at *The Nation* newspaper, emphasized that the dynamic field of entertainment journalism demands more than mere reporting—it requires genuine enthusiasm and ethical rigor to stand out in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
“Entertainment reporting is not just about chasing headlines or celebrity gossip,” Bada reportedly told the aspiring journalists. “It thrives on passion for the arts, culture, and stories that shape our society, combined with the professionalism that ensures accuracy, fairness, and credibility.
“Bada, known for his in-depth coverage of Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment industry—including music, film, and celebrity features—drew from his extensive experience to inspire the students.
He highlighted the importance of building strong ethical foundations amid the rise of digital media and social platforms, where misinformation can spread rapidly.
The session, part of NIJ’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry practice, resonated with attendees, who praised Bada’s practical insights into navigating the challenges and opportunities in entertainment journalism.
As Nigeria’s creative sector continues to grow globally, voices like Bada’s underscore the need for a new generation of reporters equipped not only with skills but with the drive to elevate the profession.
Entertainment
Ronaldo featuring in Hollywood’s Fast & Furious film
This move marks Ronaldo’s most significant step into the film industry, aligning with his recent ambition beyond the pitch.
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo is officially entering the Hollywood industry, joining the star-studded cast of the upcoming ‘Fast & Furious’ finale.
The announcement was made via Instagram by the franchise’s star and producer, Vin Diesel, who stated that a role was written specifically for the Portuguese legend.
Vin Diesel posted a picture of himself with Ronaldo and revealed that the football star will be a part of the next Fast & Furious film.
On the post, Vin Diesel wrote, “Everyone asked, would he be in the Fast mythology… I gotta tell you, he is a real one. We wrote a role for him.”
Soon after, co-star Tyrese Gibson joined Vin Diesel in announcing the plans to work with Ronaldo in the movie.
Gibson posted an AI-generated picture of himself with the Fast & Furious cast, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, on Instagram.
Gibson wrote, “Welcome to the Family! Cristiano Ronaldo. The Global Dance Just Went Into New Heights.”
This move marks Ronaldo’s most significant step into the film industry, aligning with his recent ambition beyond the pitch.
In April 2025, he announced the launch of his own film studio, UR•MARV, in partnership with acclaimed director Matthew Vaughn (Kingsman). The studio has already financed several action films.
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