Year 2017 was quite eventful. In Nigeria, the entertainment industry, as ever, remained one of the most watched and interesting. In this piece, WOLE ADEPOJU highlights some of the major events that took the industry by storm last year.
P’SQUARE SPLITS
It would definitely be out of place to highlight events that rocked the Nigerian entertainment industry without mentioning the incident of the rested musical group, P’Square. Undoubtedly, the now rested musical group, P’square, which was made up of twin brothers, Paul & Peter Okoye, remains one of the most successful groups that ever came out of Nigeria. These Anambra-born brothers, who were being managed by their elder brother, Jude, were having a smooth sail in their career until sometime ago, when they had a misunderstanding that threatened their business as a musical group. Well-meaning personalities intervened and the issue was brought under control.
The ugly incident, however, reared its ugly head again in the course of 2017 and, unlike when they had their differences reconciled, the situation this time, totally went out of hand and the brothers went their separate ways. They have not only decided to put up for sale properties they acquired together, the duo have since embarked on solo careers.
BANKY W WEDS EWATOMI
Self-styled Ebute Meta crooner, Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, no doubt, also played a part in one of the events that attracted the highest attention to the industry. As one of the most eligible bachelors, who many were eager to know who he would end up with, the dude stunned all when he released the video of how he had earlier proposed to his actress girlfriend, Adesua Ewatomi. The video was a well-planned shocker as no one had the inkling the entertainers were dating. Banky and Adesuwa‘s introduction ceremony also serenaded the society. The biggest one would eventually come when the final rites of the wedding procedures were observed. The echoes of the star-studded engagement simply broke the Internet. As if that was not enough, Banky’s error, which made him record his wife in her pants and bra in a video he made while they were having their honeymoon, did not get any less attention from the public.
FEMI KUTI SETS WORLD RECORD
Heir of the late legendary Afrobeat singer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Femi, sure had a back to ride on as regards his involvement with the music industry. But this dude has proved to be one who not just delved into the industry and basked in the glory of his late father. Rather, he has proved to be out to make an impression.
Extremely talented and dedicated Femi, over the years, has consolidated on what he met on ground as well as carved a niche for himself, having established himself as Nigeria’s artiste with a global recognition. He also possesses a rare record of Nigeria’s music art to have been nominated for Grammy Award more than once. As part of the events that rocked the entertainment world in 2017, Femi Kuti was able make a memorable contribution by setting a world record. Displacing a record set by Kenny G in 1997, Femi broke the world record for the longest single note held on a saxophone at the New Afrika Shrine. Kenny G’s record stood 45minutes, 37seconds; Femi altered it by playing the single note, E-flat, for 46minutes, 38seconds.
EFE EJABA WINS BBN
Another event that was a factor as far as events that rocked the entertainment industry was concerned, was the emergence of Efe as the winner of the 2017 edition of highly rated television reality show, Big Brother Nigeria.
Attraction to the BBN 2017 started, when it was announced that a show designed for Nigeria would be held in South Africa. This generated reactions from different quarters that the government promised to look into it. Attention eventually shifted from where the event was being held to the activities going on among the housemates, where they were camped in Johannesburg. The stiffly competed show later generated more interest and almost became a national issue as a lot of people back home declared and solicited support for Efe. Efe Michael Ejaba, who was known for his slang, based on logistics, eventually won and got the N25 million prize as well as a brand new KIA Sorento SUV. The 2017 edition of BBN also created other celebrities like Bisola, first runner up, and others like Keme, Ttall, Gifty.
WIZKID SETS PACE WITH MOBO AWARD
Born and christened Ayodeji Balogun, Wizkid, is one of the artistes on board who have been able to defy the one-album star syndrome as this young man has proved beyond reasonable doubts that he is indeed a master of his game.
Starboy, as he is also called, equally contributed, in no little measure, to the events that rocked the entertainment industry in 2017. However, the most notable among his contribution, which of course upped his status, was the fact that he beat strong competition from the likes of Jay–Z and Kendrick Lamar to win the coveted award of the Best International Act at the prestigious 2017 edition of MOBO Awards.
DAVIDO’S CONTROVERSIAL OUTINGS
David Adeleke, better known as Davido, contributed immensely to happenings in the entertainment world in 2017. It is doubtful if there was any entertainer that was constantly in the news as Davido throughout 2017. The controversial death of his friend, Tagbo, for which he was fingered until he proved his innocence, readily comes to mind. But far more than that, the 23-year-old young man had a very fulfilling year as far as his career was concerned. While his hit songs were played everywhere, he also won international awards to his credit. His beef with Wizkid, which many have come to believe was a mere publicity stunt, also added to issues that gave him out as one who had a controversial year. Watchers of the beef that raged between Davido and Wizkid for the better part of the year, were shocked to have seen Davido show up to perform with Wizkid at a show the latter headlined at the end of the year.
TONTO DIKE’s MARITAL CONTROVERSY
Light-skinned and beautiful actress, Tonto Dike, over the years, has been able to convince movie buffs that she is not a pushover, but a force to reckon with when it comes to acting. However, events have shown that the private life of this actress seems to be what her fans have been feasting on in recent times. It is in this vein that the rubble from Tonto’s collapsed marriage was part of the events that rocked year 2017, from the entertainment perspective. Tonto’s estranged hubby released a video showing how his wife assaulted him, to counter his wife’s battery accusation against him.
FUNKE AKINDELE LOST BABY BUMPS
Making her passion for acting a priority over her license to practise as a lawyer was a decision many had thought to be a bit unreasonable when Funke Akindele started out as an actress. But her decision, it is clear, has paid off as this lady, today, has become a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry. Her status, any day, will make her get attention from movies lovers. As far as the year 2017 was concerned, Funke’s pregnancy formed the bulk of what made her a newsmaker rather than her works. It was considered good news all over when Funke was spotted with a baby bump. Many were happy that her second marriage would have been more fulfilling and fruitful. The whole calculation, however, changed when Funke denied putting to bed a set of twins after story had hit town that she delivered a set of twins in London. Interest and curiosity of the people became aggravated when the actress was later spotted without the baby bump and no official explanations were offered.
BURNA BOY ACCUSED OF ROBBERY
Dancehall singer, Damini Ogulu, whose stage name is Burna Boy, also contributed to the events that shaped Nigeria’s entertainment industry in 2017. What is rather unfortunate about his own contribution is that he did not attract attention for being outstanding, but rather for an alleged act considered shameful and, which, in the end, could fetch him prison terms, if he is found wanting at the end of the case that has been opened.
Singer, Mr. 2K, after his performance at the world class concert that was organised by 2baba at Eko Hotel, was attacked in his hotel room, where his valuables were carted away after he was assaulted. Upon investigation, which led to some arrest, the suspects alleged that Burna Boy actually sent them to carry out the dastardly act on Mr. 2kay.
KISS DANIEL EXITS G-WORLD WIDE
Handsome singer, Kiss Daniel, made it known to music lovers that he did not come to the industry to warm the bench, but to give those at the top of the radar a run for their money. Woju crooner, Kiss, since his debut a few years back, has not looked back as he kept churning out hit after hit. His latest song, Yeba, which has displaced songs from playlist all around, could be said to have been his attention generating contribution to the industry until the saga of his exit from his host company, G-Worldwide surfaced. With the attention his exit has generated, the issue sure rates among events that rocked the entertainment industry in 2017. Meanwhile, both parties are in court to seek legal redress.
