Imani Dia Smith, a Broadway actor best known for playing Young Nala in the stage adaptation of ‘The Lion King’, was stabbed to death at her residence in New Jersey. She was 25 years old.

According to a statement by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, authorities responded to a 911 call reported a stabbing at a residence on Grove Avenue at 9:18 a.m. on December 21.

“Upon their arrival to a residence on Grove Avenue, they discovered Imani Smith, 26, of Edison with stab wounds,” the release stated.

“Smith was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she was ultimately pronounced deceased.”

Smith’s 35-year-old boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, has been arrested and charged in connection with her death.

“Moreover, Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other before the incident; thus, it was not a random act of violence,” the prosecutor’s office said.

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.

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.