Entertainment
Legendary Beauty and the Beast singer Peabo Bryson dies at 75
As news of his passing spread, fans and fellow artists took to social media to share tributes, celebrating a career that bridged decades, genres, and cultures, leaving behind a timeless body of work that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.
The velvet-voiced R&B balladeer and two-time Grammy Award winner, Peabo Bryson whose soaring duets defined a generation of Disney classics, has died at 75.
Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson, his children, and his grandchildren.
His family confirmed that the singer passed away peacefully on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
The news follows reports from earlier in the week that Bryson had been receiving medical care after suffering a stroke.
In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed both their grief and their gratitude for the life he lived.
“For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments,” the statement read.
“His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories, and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song.”
Born Robert Peapo Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, he began his professional musical journey in the 1970s.
Over the course of his distinguished career, he established himself as one of R&B’s most consistent and respected performers, celebrated for his smooth tenor and emotional range.
While his solo catalog featured numerous hits—including “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So Into You,” and “Can You Stop the Rain”—Bryson gained international fame for his legendary collaborations. He is perhaps best known for his work on two of Disney’s most iconic animated films:
“Beauty and the Beast” (1991) where his duet with Celine Dion -the film’s title track- and earned him his first Grammy Award.
Also, “A Whole New World” (1992) which is his collaboration with Regina Belle for Aladdin became a global phenomenon, winning him a second Grammy and cementing his status as a master of the romantic power ballad.
Beyond his commercial success, peers and colleagues remembered Bryson for his deep passion for his craft and his genuine connection to his fans.
Comedian and television host Loni Love, reflecting on a recent encounter with the singer on a cruise ship, described him as someone who spoke with immense love for his music and shared stories with profound warmth.
As news of his passing spread, fans and fellow artists took to social media to share tributes, celebrating a career that bridged decades, genres, and cultures, leaving behind a timeless body of work that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.
Entertainment
BBNaija season 11: “And The Winner is Temi Nkem”
The finalists were Temi Nkem, Barry, Tram, Oyin, Flora, Sheba, Aikou, Ricky and Bluethopia.
Temi Nkem has emerged as the winner of BBNaija Season 11, bringing the reality show’s latest edition to an end.
The finalists were Temi Nkem, Barry, Tram, Oyin, Flora, Sheba, Aikou, Ricky and Bluethopia.
Temi Nkem was crowned winner during the grand finale on Sunday night after weeks of competition, evictions and intense drama among the housemates.
The victory sees Temi Nkem take home the ₦160 million prize package awarded to the winner of the season.
The season began with 24 housemates before the competition was gradually narrowed down to the finalists.
Entertainment
President Tinubu, Other Political Leaders Watch MKO Documentary
The documentary, MKO, directed by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, chronicles the life, political journey and legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, with particular focus on the June 12, 1993 presidential election, its annulment, subsequent detention and the pro-democracy struggle that followed.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday attended the official launch and premiere of MKO at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Lagos, ahead of the film’s nationwide cinema release from October 2.
Chief MKO Abiola occupies a prominent place in Nigeria’s democratic history as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by the then military government.
The President was joined at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Lagos by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Others present included Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba and other dignitaries.
The documentary, MKO, directed by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, chronicles the life, political journey and legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, with particular focus on the June 12, 1993 presidential election, its annulment, subsequent detention and the pro-democracy struggle that followed.
The film, which had its international premiere at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival in the United Kingdom in June 2026, features archival materials and first-hand accounts from key personalities connected to the period.
Entertainment
Nollywood actor Cjay Nwokafor dies
Cjay, who began his acting career in 2021, featured in several Nollywood productions, including Larry Cold, Mum Overnight and A Day to My Wedding.
•Nollywood actor Cjay Nwokafor
The death of Nollywood actor Chijioke “Cjay” Nwokafor has been announced.
Cjay, an indigene of Anambra, who began his acting career in 2021, featured in several Nollywood productions, including Larry Cold, Mum Overnight and A Day to My Wedding.
His colleague, actress Nkechi Blessing, announced his death on Instagram on Wednesday, sharing videos of herself with the late actor.
Blessing did not disclose the cause of his death but said she had cancelled the release of her movie, Egusi Ogbono, in his honour. Cjay featured in the film.
The actress had initially scheduled the movie for release at 5pm on Wednesday but withdrew it after a hospital confirmed the actor’s death.
Blessing said she spoke with Cjay at about 8am on Wednesday, only to receive news of his death a few hours later.
“Cjay Nwoke Oma, so this is really the end? Omo we had plans. I spoke to you at 8 a.m. today and a few hours later you are no more with us.
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