KICNEWS

Category: Entertainment

  • How gospel singer charged $10,000 for ministration – Femi Lazarus

    How gospel singer charged $10,000 for ministration – Femi Lazarus

     

    Popular preacher Apostle Femi Lazarus has condemned the high fees charged by some gospel artist for song ministrations.

    During a recent sermon, he shared an alleged invoice from a gospel artist, who requested for a $10,000 honorarium, a 50% non-refundable deposit, first-class travel and luxury accommodation.

    Apostle Lazarus contended that such financial demands are at odds with the true purpose of gospel ministry.

    During the sermon, the cleric said: “The mistake on that invoice is the word ‘honorarium’ used; just tell them the price.

    “When they pay you this amount of money, you will shout and roll on the floor, but those who know God know He’s not there.

    “This is the trick, many charlatan like this don’t bill big pastors because they use them for endorsement. People say things like ‘people like Nathaniel Bassey don’t charge because people already know their worth’.

    “There is the honour that growth brings. There is the honour that God put on you. You can’t demand for such without growing. If you grow God will put that honour. Demanding means you trying to attain what God confers on men with His own mouth.”

     

  • Davido drops new single “Be There Still”

    Davido drops new single “Be There Still”

    Afrobeat star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has dropped his highly anticipated single, “Be There Still,” on March 14, 2025, building anticipation for his upcoming fifth album, “5IVE,” set to be released on April 18.

    “Be There Still” is an infectious, uptempo track that seamlessly blends Amapiano log drum fusion with a captivating mix of pidgin and English lyrics.

    The song sees Davido asserting his status as one of the music industry’s most enduring figures, proudly celebrating his longevity and staying power in the game.

    As the countdown to the release of “5IVE” continues, the Nigerian music icon is keeping fans eagerly engaged with a string of exciting singles.

    Following the success of “Funds” featuring Odumodublvck and Chike, and “Awuke” featuring YG Marley, “Be There Still” further solidifies Davido’s place at the forefront of contemporary African music.

    With “5IVE” slated to be a deeply personal project, Davido has described the album as a reflection of his “story, truth, and growth,” offering a more intimate glimpse into his journey and evolution as an artist.

  • Ayra Starr becomes first woman in 16 years to win best African act in MOBO Awards

    Ayra Starr becomes first woman in 16 years to win best African act in MOBO Awards

    Ayra Starr has won the Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards, making her the first woman in 16 years to win the award.

    The Nigerian singer also took home the Best International Music Act award at the ceremony held in Newcastle.

    Ayra Starr beat Nigerian singers Asake and Tems and also South Africa’s Tyla to win the award.

    For the Best International Act, Tyla was up against Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, Latto and she beat them all.

    The event, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the best of Black music and culture.

    A post on the official MOBO X account read: “Global star, unstoppable force! @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level!”

    In her acceptance speech, the visibly emotional singer said: “Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is the first time I’m winning a MOBO Award—make some noise! I am actually shaking right now. I am actually nervous.

    “Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS.

    “My amazing brothers who make music with me—the producers in the studio—my studio partners in crime; my label—MAVINS record, Embryo, my mummy…

    “Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”

    The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards), founded in 1996 by Kanya King, is an annual British music ceremony that honours excellence in music of Black origin, spanning genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.

  • My ex-boyfriend died few months after breakup – Actress Teniola Aladese

    My ex-boyfriend died few months after breakup – Actress Teniola Aladese

     

    Actress, Teniola Aladese, has opened up on how she struggled to come to terms with the tragedy of losing her ex-boyfriend.

    Speaking in a recent interview on #WithChude, Aladese revealed that her ex-boyfriend died just months after their breakup, leaving her with a deep sense of loss and anger towards God.

    The actress, known for her role in The Christmas in Lagos, questioned God’s reason behind her ex-boyfriend’s untimely death, citing his talent, plans and potential.

    She said: “He passed a couple of months after we broke up and was even dating someone else after we ended things. We remained friends, but after he passed, it was a huge blow – on me, on his friends, on his family members. I don’t even want to know how his mum copes. He was the only son. One daughter, one son.

    “For me, it took a lot of reassurance that people come into this world for a certain purpose. Because the reason I was angry with God was that this guy had his whole life ahead of him. He was so talented, he was a writer. He had plans to direct and even after we broke up, he said to me, ‘You are still going to produce my films.’ And so there were all these plans, and just like that, accident and the guy goes. I am like, ‘Why would you allow this to happen?

    “Now what I use to console myself is that he was here for a purpose. He left his mark. All of us that were his friends remember him for who he was and for how good of a person he was.”

     

  • JUST IN: Comedian Bovi loses father

    JUST IN: Comedian Bovi loses father

     

    Nigerian stand-up comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma popularly known by his stage-name, Bovi, has announced the death of his father, Edward Sagini Ugboma.

    Bovi made the announcement via a statement his Instagram page on February 13, 2025.

    The statement reads: “We, the Ugboma family, wish to announce the peaceful passing of our father, grandfather and uncle, Dr. Edward Sagini Ugboma (PhD) on this day, the 13th of February 2025.

    “He is survived by his children; Judy, Edna, Bovi, Zino, Tano, Tome and Jiji, many grand children and loving relatives.

    “We are grateful for all the calls and messages in this period of mourning and gratitude. Funeral rites will be announced soon.”

     

  • Lara George criticises churches for underpaying local gospel artists

    Lara George criticises churches for underpaying local gospel artists

     

    US-based Nigerian gospel singer Lara George has criticised churches that refuse to fairly compensate local gospel artists for their performances.

    Taking to social media, George criticized the double standard in many churches, highlighting how they readily pay large sums to bring in foreign artists while local talent is often left unpaid or underpaid.

    She challenged her followers to reflect on the disparity, asking how they would feel if they learned that their favorite international gospel artist charged $100,000 for a performance at a church event.

    George also questioned the lavish lifestyles of some pastors, asking if their wealth came from the sale of their books and CDs, or from tithes and offerings from their congregation.

    She wrote on Facebook: “If you found out that your favorite non-Naija Gospel artiste charges $100k USD to sing songs of praise and worship, would they appear less spiritual to you because they do so? Or did you all think that they sing for free?

    “If you discovered that many of your favorite ‘pulpit persons’ who act as though paying the Naija artiste is an unthinkable thing, are actually paying the non-Naija artiste those so-called ‘high sums of money’, would your view of the ‘pulpit person’ change?

    “Have you ever asked whether it is the ‘pulpit-person’s’ tapes and cds that are affording them the lavish lifestyles they live with private jets here and there? Or is that lifestyle from tithes and offerings????

    “A Gospel artiste is indeed a professional. A professional artiste. Is there such a thing as a professional pastor?

    “Dear ‘pastor’, What’s your source of livelihood exactly? If we stop the tithes and offerings, will that ministry also retire??? I can’t stand either bullies or hypocrisy!”

     

  • Drama As Student Attends Matriculation Ceremony In Wedding Dress (Video)

    Drama As Student Attends Matriculation Ceremony In Wedding Dress (Video)

     

    Auchi Polytechnic’s matriculation ceremony took an unexpected turn when a first-year student made a bold fashion appearance.

    The student, who has since gone viral, attended the event dressed in a stunning wedding gown.

    A TikTok video capturing the moment shows the student confidently participating in a lively dance with her fellow freshmen.

    While many students opted for trendy outfits, the wedding dress undoubtedly stole the show.

    As the video circulated on social media, users flooded the comments section with reactions and opinions.

    The student’s unconventional choice has sparked a lively discussion online.

    Click Here To Watch Video

     

  • Court Acquits dissident Iranian rapper of death sentence

    Court Acquits dissident Iranian rapper of death sentence

    Court Acquits dissident Iranian rapper of death sentence

    Iranian rapper
    Iranian rapper, Toomaj Salehi

    Dissident Iranian artist Toomaj Salehi who was previously sentenced to death for his involvement in the 2022-2023 protests has been acquitted.

    Salehi’s lawyer, Amir Raisian stated this in his post on X. The lawyer revealed that the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on Wednesday had acquitted the artist of “corruption on earth” charges.

    Salehi was arrested in October 2022 after publicly backing the mass protest movement triggered by the killing of Mahsa Amini. Amini was killed by the Iranian security forces following her arrest for not wearing her hijab.

    He had released rap songs and social media posts in support of the protests and criticizing the government.

    With his death sentence acquittance, Raisian is hopeful that other charges against the rapper will be dropped too.

  • Mark Zuckerberg idolizes love for his wife with a giant statue

    Mark Zuckerberg idolizes love for his wife with a giant statue

    Mark Zuckerberg idolizes love for his wife with a giant statue

    Mark Zuckerberg
    Priscilla Chan’s giant statue

    The CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg has gifted his wife, Priscilla Chan, a giant statue as his unique way of idolizing his love for her.

    He made the post on his Instagram page, Tuesday, August 13, with a photo of his wife standing in their garden beside the massive piece.

    Mark explained that he was bringing back the Roman tradition of husbands making sculptures for their lovely wives.

    He wrote, “Bringing back the Roman tradition of making sculptures of your wife,”

    Chan, 39, wore a pink robe next to the massive turquoise statue, as she drank from a mug that complements the sculpture’s color.

    The tech mogul shared that he commissioned world-renowned sculptor and artist Daniel Arsham to create the piece.

  • Anthony Ammirati’s manhood prevents him from winning medal at Paris Olympics

    Anthony Ammirati’s manhood prevents him from winning medal at Paris Olympics

     

    Image credit: Getty

     

    French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati’s quest for an Olympic medal at the Paris Games came to an unexpected halt due to a bizarre mishap involving his crotch.

     

    During his third attempt at clearing 5.70 meters in the qualification round, Ammirati’s manhood made contact with the bar, causing it to fall and ending his chances of advancing to the final.

     

    Anthony Ammirati, who cleared 5.60 meters, finished 12th in Group A. The unusual end to his Olympic journey drew both surprise and amusement from spectators.

     

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    Ammirati’s French compatriots, Robin Emig and Thibaut Collet, also failed to advance past the qualifying rounds.

     

    A visibly disappointed Collet remarked, “When people say that the Games are different, well, it really is different. Today, I missed my competition. I knew that this qualification was going to be tough and now I’m taking it in the face. The Olympic Games are over. I’m going to pack my bags before going home.”

     

    Meanwhile, no British athletes competed in the men’s pole vault, but Molly Caudery is anticipated to be a strong contender in the women’s event.

     

    The qualifying rounds for the women’s pole vault will begin on Monday, with the final scheduled for two days later.