Entertainment
James Earl Jones, voice of Mufasa in ‘Lion King,’ dies at 93
James Earl Jones, a versatile and award-winning American stage and screen actor who used his booming deep voice to bring the iconic “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader to life, has died, his representatives said Monday. He was 93 years old.
From the works of Shakespeare and August Wilson, to his indelible voiceovers in the blockbuster space saga and as Mufasa in the Disney classic “The Lion King,” Jones earned fans with his ability to play both the everyman and the other He won three Tony awards including a lifetime award, two Emmys and a Grammy, as well as an honorary Oscar, also for lifetime achievement.
In 1971, he became only the second Black man nominated for an Academy Award for best actor, after Sidney Poitier.
All of these accolades were hard-won, as Jones, who was born in segregated Mississippi on January 17, 1931, had to overcome a childhood stutter that often led him to barely speak at all.
“Stuttering is painful. In Sunday school, I’d try to read my lessons and the children behind me were falling on the floor with laughter,” Jones told the Daily Mail in 2010.
Reciting his own poetry, at the prodding of an English teacher, helped him to gain control of his voice, which would later be used to strike fear among millions in “Star Wars” as Darth Vader.
Jones did not physically portray the character — David Prowse wore Vader’s black cape and imposing face mask, while Jones offered the voice, oozing the evil power of the Dark Side.
“I am your father,” Vader tells Luke Skywalker, portrayed by Mark Hamill, in a pivotal fight scene in “The Empire Strikes Back” — a twist etched in cinema history.
“He created, with very little dialogue, one of the greatest villains that ever lived,” “Star Wars” creator George Lucas said in 2015 at a ceremony honoring Jones in New York.
▪︎AFP
Entertainment
My son wants me to re-marry – Tiwa Savage
Jamil is the only child from Tiwa Savage’s previous marriage to talent manager Tunji Balogun, popularly known as TeeBillz.
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has revealed that her son (Jamil Balogun), expressed a strong desire for her to find a husband rather than a “baby daddy.”
The conversation occurred while Savage was engaged in a lighthearted debate with a friend over the physical appeal of British rapper Skepta and actor Aaron Pierre.
As Savage scrolled through social media to show pictures to her friend, she said: “You remember the collaboration thing with Skepta? So, literally, we were talking about him and the whole Aaron Pierre thing. So, I was just like showing… so she was saying to me she doesn’t think Skepta is fine; she thinks Aaron is finer. I was going mad! I was going through his Instagram, and I was showing her like, ‘What about this one?’
According to the singer, Jamil immediately interjects, stating that she should not have a “baby daddy” because she deserves a “husband.”
And then Jamil goes, and he’s like, ‘What’s that? What are you showing her?’ Then I said, ‘My baby daddy,’ and then my son was like, ‘You are not going to have a baby daddy.’ And I am like, ‘Why would you say that?’ He said, ‘Because you deserve a husband.’” She explained.
Jamil is the only child from Tiwa Savage’s previous marriage to talent manager Tunji Balogun, popularly known as TeeBillz.
The pair married in 2013; the marriage was considered one of the biggest celebrity events in the Nigerian entertainment industry at the time. However, the marriage faced significant public challenges and internal friction, leading to a formal separation in 2016.
Since her divorce, Savage’s private life has been a frequent topic of public discussion.
Speculation regarding her relationship status has often linked her to various high-profile figures, including fellow musicians and international collaborators.
Most recently, her creative partnership with Skepta on the track “Gas” fueled rumors of a romance, though neither party confirmed a relationship beyond their professional work.
Entertainment
Asha Bhosle: Bollywood’s legendary singer dies aged 92
Her death marks the end of an era in Bollywood music – with her career spanning more than eight decades and encompassing more than 12,000 songs
Photo: Asha Bhosle / Credit: AFP
Asha Bhosle, a legendary Bollywood singer who became a cultural icon, has died aged 92, her son has confirmed.
The unrivalled queen of Indian playback singing died in Mumbai, having been admitted to hospital after suffering a heart attack.
Her death marks the end of an era in Bollywood music – with her career spanning more than eight decades and encompassing more than 12,000 songs.
Bhosle’s distinctive voice breathed life into countless film songs as actors lip-synced to her unforgettable tracks.
Bhosle’s distinctive voice breathed life into countless film songs as actors lip-synced to her unforgettable tracks.
(BBC)
Entertainment
Tuface, Laolu Gbenjo, others set to electrify Vanguard Personality of the Year Award
The 14th edition of the prestigious award ceremony will take place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on April 24, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Afrobeats legend, Tuface Idibia, is set to thrill guests at this year’s Vanguard Personality of the Year Award.
Known for his timeless hits that resonate across generations, the iconic performer is expected to deliver an unforgettable performance featuring his evergreen songs.
Also billed to entertain at the glamorous event is The Laolu Gbenjo Band, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated live music groups. Adding more excitement to the lineup is the Black Edge Performance Troupe.
The 14th edition of the prestigious award ceremony will take place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on April 24, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Interestingly, the event promises to be a night dedicated to celebrating outstanding Nigerians who have excelled in various sectors.
Over the years, Vanguard Personality of the Year Award has grown into one of the country’s most distinguished media recognitions.
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