Entertainment
BREAKING: Veteran Yoruba Actor, Charles Olumo ‘Agbako’, dies at 102
The Nigerian film industry and Yoruba cultural scene have been thrown into mourning over the passing of veteran actor, Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, popularly known as Agbako, who died at the remarkable age of 102.
The veteran actor was said to have died early Thursday morning after taking a nap and complaining of slight tiredness.
President of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, also known as Mr Latin announced his passing, saying burial details will be announced soon by his family and association.
Agbako, a beloved figure in the Yoruba film industry, is now remembered as the oldest actor within the Nigerian film sector, whose life spanned over a century and left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of Nigeria.
News of Agbako’s passing was confirmed by fellow Nollywood veteran Jide Kosoko, who announced the somber event to colleagues and fans, sparking an outpouring of condolences from actors, filmmakers, and fans alike.
The actor’s influence on the Yoruba movie industry was profound, with countless admirers who grew up watching his performances in classic Yoruba films.
Agbako was renowned for his portrayal of bold and often complex characters, bringing a unique flair and authenticity to the screen that won him generations of fans.
Life and TimesCharles Olumo was born in the early 1920s, a time of immense cultural and social changes.
Rising to prominence as a prominent actor in Yoruba cinema, Agbako became widely recognised for his ability to embody both comedic and villainous roles, a versatility that endeared him to viewers and solidified his place as one of the most memorable faces in the industry.
Over the years, his impact extended beyond acting, as he became a cultural symbol, representing the evolution of Nigerian cinema and the Yoruba tradition in entertainment.
Tributes from across the Nigerian entertainment industry speak to his influence on younger actors and his role in shaping the future of Yoruba cinema.
His passing is seen as not only a loss to the industry but to Nigeria’s rich cultural fabric.
Entertainment
Nollywood star Ricardo Agbor “I waited 18 years before I had twins”
Speaking about the couple’s struggle with childlessness, the actor said that he specifically prayed for twins and refused to give up despite waiting for 18 years.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Ricardo Agbor, has opened up about his 18-year journey to parenthood, revealing that he and his wife waited nearly two decades before they had twins.
The actor disclosed this during an interview with AfricanAList, where he reflected on his marriage, faith and the challenges he faced before he became a father.
Agbor said that he remained committed to his wife throughout the period, despite the long wait for children.
“I wanted to get married to a particular lady; I married her regardless of where she is from. She is not from my tribe. So ordinarily, we were supposed to have strife; no, it was very fair,” he said.
Speaking about the couple’s struggle with childlessness, the actor said that he specifically prayed for twins and refused to give up despite waiting for 18 years.
“It took 18 years for me to have the twins. And I waited. God knows, 18 years and they are 14 now, so I told God I wanted twins.
” So while that wait was on, if it were someone else, he would cross. But at the end of the day, I have twins. I have a boy and a girl. I asked God what I wanted,” he added.
Entertainment
Okonjo-Iweala Showcases Dance Skills As Igbo Masquerades Perform At WTO Open Day Ceremony
WTO Open Day was observed on Sunday 5 July 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO’s headquarters (Centre William Rappard).
The World Trade Organisation’s annual Open Day ceremony was fun as cultures collided, but one performance stole the entire afternoon.
WTO Open Day 2026 was observed on Sunday 5 July 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO’s headquarters (Centre William Rappard).
The crowd of international delegates, ambassadors, witnessed the rhythmic and unmistakable sound of the Ogene- a metal gong paired with the deep rattle of the Ichaka.
In a viral video, an Adamma masquerade, adorned in elaborate woven raffia and a beautifully carved maiden mask, strode into the centre of the square and moved with intricate footwork, stamping its feet to the escalating tempo of the drums, bringing the raw spirit of southeastern Nigeria straight into the heart of global governance.
Standing near the front of the pavilion was the WTO Director-General herself, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
True to her signature style, she wore a striking, impeccably tied gele paired with a silky gown.
As the masquerade swirled, its handlers gestured respectfully toward the Director-General, inviting her into the sacred circle. In Igbo tradition, a masquerade interacting with a leader is a sign of immense honour and spiritual blessing.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala didn’t hesitate as she stepped forward into the open square. The crowd erupted in cheers as the DG immediately caught the rhythm. She matched the masquerade’s energy, rolling her shoulders and executing graceful, rhythmic steps that perfectly mirrored the cadence of the Ogene.
For a few beautiful minutes, the weight of global trade policies vanished, replaced by the universal language of dance.
The masquerade bowed low, spinning one last time in a flurry of colour before Dr Okonjo-Iweala waved gracefully back, her face lit with a broad smile. It was the perfect embodiment of the Open Day’s true purpose: breaking down institutional walls and proving that even in the world’s most serious rooms, cultural pride and joy have a vital seat at the table.
(Credit: Leadership)
Entertainment
Burna Boy Overtakes Tyla as Africa’s Most Streamed Artist on Spotify
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has reclaimed the top spot as Africa’s most streamed artist on Spotify, surpassing South African sensation Tyla in a major streaming milestone.
According to the latest Spotify data and charts tracking, Burna Boy (Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu) has overtaken Tyla to lead the continent in key streaming metrics, including monthly listeners.
The Grammy-winning artist continues his dominance in 2026, building on his record-breaking 2025 performance where he amassed nearly 2 billion streams — the highest ever recorded for an African artist on the platform in a single year.
Burna Boy’s global appeal, driven by hits from his recent projects and consistent catalog performance, has propelled him ahead of Tyla, who had previously held strong positions in monthly listener counts.
This achievement underscores the continued rise of Afrobeats and African music on the world stage, with Nigerian artists dominating Spotify’s top African streaming rankings. Industry watchers note Burna Boy’s ability to maintain massive engagement across international audiences.
Fans and music enthusiasts have taken to social media to celebrate the feat, hailing the “African Giant” for flying the flag high. The development further cements Burna Boy’s status as one of the most influential voices in contemporary African music.
Spotify is yet to issue an official statement on the latest shift, but the numbers speak volumes about the fierce competition and growing global appetite for African sounds.
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