Miss Grand International Founder Nawat Itsaragrisil Appointed As Miss Universe Executive Director.

By Ajala Khalid

Miss Grand International founder Nawat Itsaragrisil appointed as Miss Universe executive director

Published April 23, 2025 03:07 PM

By GMA Integrated News

Miss Grand International (MGI) founder Nawat Itsaragrisil is joining the Miss Universe Organization as executive director.

His appointment was announced on social media by Miss Universe Thailand, congratulating the Thai business mogul.

“His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication continue to elevate the standards of pageantry across the Universe,” Miss Universe Thailand wrote.

Among those who congratulated him on his new role is Filipina beauty queen Miss Grand International 2024 1st runner-up CJ Opiaza.

“Congratulations Papa [Nawat],” CJ posted on Instagram Stories, with Nawat sharing her post.

Davido Releases ‘Offa Me’ music video, Features Victoria Monet

By Okanlawon Omotoyosi

Grammy-nominated singer Davido has dropped the music video for “Offa Me,” a standout track from his latest album “5ive,” featuring American artist Victoria Monét.

The album, released on April 18th, has been making waves, debuting at number one on Apple Music charts and garnering positive reviews.

“5ive” boasts an impressive lineup of collaborations with both local talents like Omah Lay, Chike, Odumodublvck, and Victony, as well as international artists. The “Offa Me” video is helmed by director KVLDR.

Seyi Vibes: The Melodic Voice Of Nigerian Music

By Arowolo Aduragbemi

Seyi Vibes, born Balogun Oluwaloseyi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has taken the music scene by storm with his soulful voice and captivating melodies. With his unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul music, Seyi Vibes has become one of the most promising artists to emerge from Nigeria.

Seyi Vibes’ music career began to take shape in the mid-2010s, with his soulful voice and emotive lyrics quickly gaining attention from music fans and industry insiders alike. He rose to prominence with his hit single “Lagbaja,” which showcased his vocal range and versatility.

Seyi Vibes’ music is a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, with a focus on storytelling and emotional depth. His songs often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, resonating with listeners of all ages.

Seyi vibes breakthrough came with the release of his hit single “Chance,” which became a viral sensation and catapulted him to stardom. He has since released several successful singles and collaborations, including “Happy Now” and “Soro Soke.”

He impact on the Nigerian music scene is undeniable. He has inspired a new generation of artists and fans, and his music has been praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. With his soulful voice and captivating melodies, Seyi Vibes is sure to continue making waves in the music industry.

Seyi Vibes is a talented and innovative artist who is redefining the sound of Nigerian music. With his unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, he is sure to continue captivating audiences around the world. As one of the most promising artists to emerge from Nigeria, Seyi Vibes is definitely one to watch.

AY Celebrates Emotional Support From Daughters At UK Show

By Arowolo Aduragbemi

Nigerian comedian Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has expressed deep gratitude and pride after receiving heartwarming support from his daughters during a recent event in the UK.

Sharing the touching moment on Tuesday, AY said his daughters are his biggest motivation and the reason behind his exceptional performances.

“There’s nothing quite like the joy of having my daughters come around to cheer me on just before I hit the stage,” he wrote. “Michelle flew in all the way from the UK, but my biggest joy was seeing Ayomide (My joy has come), who was brought just to surprise me. She didn’t want me out of her sight for a second.”

He added that their love and presence were the true source of his confidence and best performance yet, noting, “Knowing they are proud of me fuels my soul and reminds me why I do what I do.”

AY highlighted how the love and support from his daughters have had a profound impact on his career, inspiring him to push through challenges and deliver his best on stage.

This is not the first time the comedian has publicly celebrated his daughters. In January, he marked his younger daughter’s birthday by expressing regret over the limited time spent with her due to his separation from her mother.

Despite the distance, he reaffirmed the deep love both parents have for her.

In April 2023, AY had announced the end of his nearly two-decade-long relationship with his wife, Mabel, acknowledging mistakes and expressing sorrow over the loss of his home.

I Didn’t Know Hushpuppi Was Into Fraud – Davido

By Lasisi Mistura

Afrobeat superstar Davido has addressed his past relationship with convicted fraudster and socialite Ramon Abbas, known as Hushpuppi.

In a recent podcast interview, Davido acknowledged their friendship but insisted he was unaware of Hushpuppi’s fraudulent activities.

Despite the controversy surrounding the former Instagram influencer, the ‘Awuke’ singer expressed sympathy and hope for his eventual release from prison in the United States.

“Hushpuppi is coming out soon. He lived life. To me, it is not worth it to be locked up. But let me not make excuses for them (fraudsters). Some people are happy to ball for five years and that is it,” he said.

The “30 Billion Gang” frontman also cited Nigeria’s intense economic struggles as a driving force behind the rise of illegal activities.

“In Nigeria, there is a kind of hardship you would face and you will be like, you know what? Let me ball for two years then I am good,” he explained.

“People are like that. My prayers go out to him (Hushpuppi). He was my friend. I just see him around, I never really knew what he was doing. But he lived a good life.”

In 2022, United States District Judge Otis Wright II sentenced Hushpuppi to over 11 years in prison for conspiring to commit fraud running into millions of dollars. The judge also ordered him to pay $1,732,841 in restitution to two fraud victims.

Hushpuppi pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering. He was arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in June 2020 and has remained in federal custody since his expulsion from the UAE.

“Abbas bragged on social media about his lavish lifestyle – a lifestyle funded by his involvement in transnational fraud and money laundering conspiracies targeting victims around the world,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada.

I Worry About Beyoncé And Jay-Z’s Fame Impacting Their Kids, Says Tina Knowles

By Ayomide Anointing

Beyoncé and Jay-Z are one of the world’s most famous power couples.

And they now have an equally famous family, with daughter Blue Ivy, 13, and seven-year-old twins, Rumi and Sir.

But Beyoncé’s mother, businesswoman and fashion designer Tina Knowles, tells me she “worries about the fame” impacting her grandchildren.

“If I had my first choice, they would not have to deal with the things that they have to deal with as kids,” she says.

Knowles, 71, says for now, the children are not too exposed to it.

“But one day they’ll read the ignorance that people put out there about them, the lies and all of that,” she says. “And I do worry about that.”

Despite those pressures, she says Beyoncé and Jay-Z – who are notoriously private about their home life – are doing an “amazing” job as parents.

“The truth is they spend abnormal amount of time with their children and they have great relationships with their kids,” she says.

“And they’re just great parents. I don’t think you could ask for better parents.”

Knowles is speaking to BBC News ahead of the publication of her new memoir, Matriarch.

It covers her childhood in Texas, her daughters’ rise to fame and her later years, as a grandmother.

Knowles now has four grandchildren, including Julez Smith, the son of her younger daughter, singer-songwriter Solange. She also considers herself a grandmother to former Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland’s children.

She says that she sees all her grandchildren regularly, describing them as “one of the biggest joys in my life”.

“[Blue Ivy and I] have a very close bond,” she says of her eldest granddaughter.

“I’m so happy that she feels like she can talk to me,” she says, adding that Blue Ivy is always giving her advice about taking care of herself.

“She’s my beauty guru. She’s my manager,” she says.

I’m intrigued by this, and ask why she calls the 13-year-old her manager.

“Well, I don’t call her my manager. Everybody else calls her my manager, because she’s bossy. She’s a little Capricorn like me. So we have that bond.”

Knowles grew up in 50s and 60s Galveston, the youngest of seven.

In her book, she talks about the harassment her family faced, including from the police.

“There was a lot of racial tension,” she tells me. “And I think some things have changed, but I still think that black people are more susceptible to police brutality [and] being stopped.”

She met her now ex-husband, Mathew Knowles, in Houston and the pair went on to have two daughters, Beyoncé in 1981 and Solange five years later.

Beyoncé, she writes, was “not an easy baby”. Nursery rhymes did not cut it (“she cried louder” to drown out Mary Had A Little Lamb), but jazz music would soothe her.

As a child, Solange was a “social butterfly” but Beyoncé was shy. “She walked into every classroom trying to be invisible,” Knowles writes.

She says at the time, her daughters – and all little black girls – were being “bombarded” by messages from mainstream culture that they were “less than”.

But Beyoncé was always singing, and Solange’s talent emerged early on too.

“I knew Beyoncé had a very beautiful voice, but I didn’t know how talented she was until she was seven,” Knowles tells me.

“And Solange probably four, because she just grew up around nothing but music and performances. So she was a lot earlier.”

Knowles is adamant that she didn’t push her daughters into the music industry.

“Absolutely not. This was not my first choice for my girls. They just lived and breathed music,” she says.

“It is their decision. They were born to be entertainers.”

None of them – including Kelly Rowland, who moved in with the family – were very rebellious, she says. All they wanted to do was sing, dance and perform.

“I wanted them to have that experience of teenage life and going out to parties and having fun, but I had to force them to do that,” she says.

In the 1990s, the girl group Destiny’s Child was formed. It originally comprised Beyoncé, Rowland, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett, but the final line-up was a trio – Beyoncé, Rowland, and Michelle Williams.

The band achieved worldwide fame with mega hits such as Bills, Bills, Bills, Say My Name and Jumpin’, Jumpin’.

Knowles, who ran a hair salon Headliners and had learned dressmaking, made costumes for the group, while Mathew Knowles quit his job to manage them.

Their daughters have gone on to forge hugely successful solo careers.

Solange won a Grammy Award for Cranes in the Sky, while Beyoncé has had countless hits including Single Ladies, Crazy in Love, Halo and Irreplaceable.

She finally won best album at this year’s Grammy Awards – correcting what was widely seen as an historic wrong.

The star was recognised for her eighth album, Cowboy Carter, which celebrates and contextualises the black roots of Country music.

In an Instagram post ahead of her album launch, Beyoncé said Cowboy Carter was “born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcome” that prompted her to take “a deeper dive into the history of country”.

Many interpreted that as a reference to her treatment at the 2016 Country Music Awards, where her performance of Daddy Lessons with The Chicks led to a barrage of criticism – and racism – online.

Knowles says Beyoncé’s childhood, growing up in Texas and spending time in Louisiana, influenced her music.

“She was very influenced by [Zydeco, a music genre from Louisiana], and that culture and cowboy culture,” she says.

She added it was “interesting” to hear some saying Beyoncé is “not country Western” and shouldn’t be making that kind of music.

“It is in her. It’s in her right to make whatever music she feels like making.”

Celebrating African Cinema: AMVCA’s Growing Influence In Global Entertainment

By Awoyinka Mojirade

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), often compared to the Oscars, has evolved beyond a simple awards ceremony into an influential platform boosting African cinema’s global visibility. As the 11th edition approaches, the AMVCA continues to highlight African filmmakers’ work, helping to position Africa’s cinematic output as a significant force in international entertainment.

Initially established to showcase Africa’s diverse storytelling traditions, the AMVCA has grown from a regional event into one of the most anticipated events on the global film calendar. This increased prominence reflects the growing recognition of Africa’s cinematic quality and originality. The AMVCA brings together a wide range of African filmmaking talents, enhancing the event’s global recognition. As African content expands on streaming platforms like Showmax, the awards provide filmmakers with access to broader international audiences.

While the comparison to the Oscars speaks to its prestige, the AMVCA’s true value lies in showcasing authentic African stories and talent. Celebrating both established and emerging creative voices, it creates a space where African filmmakers receive recognition for their contributions to global cinema. This is particularly important as African stories gain traction on the international stage.

Recognition from the AMVCA extends beyond trophies, opening doors to new opportunities and global collaborations. Past winners have seen their careers blossom through international film festival invitations, co-productions, and global distribution deals. The award serves as a validation that elevates African filmmakers’ work to the international stage.

A key strength of the AMVCA is its recognition of the full spectrum of industry talent. The awards highlight not only actors and directors but also the technical experts- cinematographers, editors, sound engineers, costume designers, and music composers- emphasising African cinema’s diverse talent pool. The addition of the best music score category further acknowledges how original compositions enhance storytelling and emotional impact in African films.

As African films increasingly appear on global platforms and receive critical acclaim, the AMVCA has become an industry cornerstone. With its 11th edition approaching, the awards’ role in recognising and celebrating African cinema remains vital. By recognizing excellence across all filmmaking aspects, from visual storytelling to musical composition, the AMVCA provides a comprehensive platform for honouring the complete artistic vision behind each production.

The global entertainment industry is paying attention, and the AMVCA ensures that African cinema is not just part of the conversation but actively shapes it. This evolution from a regional awards show to a globally recognized institution demonstrates the growing influence of African cinema and the diverse talent emerging from the continent. Through categories like Best Music Score, the AMVCA continues to elevate all components that make African storytelling unique and compelling on the world stage.

Burna Boy Gave Me N20m, But I’d Have Preferred Song Collab – Portable

Awoyinka Mojirade

Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has expressed a desire for a music collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, stating that he would have preferred a feature over the N20 million cash gift he received from the superstar.

Over the weekend, Portable revealed that Burna Boy gifted him the hefty sum following his victory in a celebrity boxing match against fellow entertainer Speed Darlington.

Taking to Instagram, the Tony Montana crooner praised Burna Boy for his generosity but voiced his disappointment over the lack of communication since the gesture.

He said the ‘African Giant’ hasn’t responded to his direct messages, doesn’t pick his calls, and is not following him on Instagram.

“Shout out to Burna Boy. Some people want to wash my brain with advice. This man gingered my brain with the N20 million,” Portable said.

“However, the person who gave me N20 million has never replied to me on Instagram; I don’t have his number, and he doesn’t pick up my calls.

“I chatted him up but he didn’t reply. Burna Boy, you gave me N20 million, but you didn’t reply to me. Give me a feature. Why are you stingy about replying to messages?

“He isn’t following me on Instagram but he gave me money. He is my helper but he should feature me instead because the N20 million can finish in a day. If I collaborate with the person who gave me N20 million, I will go viral.”

Fashion Defined Your Identity

By Lasisi Mistura

Fashion is one of the most talked-about industries in today’s world. Fashion can be defined as anything that becomes admirable among the masses. It is a popular aesthetic expression. Fashion is related to clothing, hairstyle, makeup, accessories, footwear and lifestyle. People want to distinguish their personalities from others with their style quotient. Like every new year, fashion also comes and goes. The latest fashion will be more fashionable and colourful than last year.

New trends in fashion influence people of all ages. There is a tremendous amount of competition between the industry and consumers. Different cultures and nationalities have different styles of fashion. Due to this reason, it is always fascinating to travel to various parts of the world to observe how people dress in those countries. Now, clothes have become one of the main reasons to express themselves instead of merely covering their body.

Different people need different styles and designs for their uniqueness and personality before wearing that specific fashion design. This essay will talk more about fashion history, importance and trends.

THE WEDDING PARTY

By Ajala Khalid

The Wedding Party’ needs no introduction. It is the movie that made and broke records. Who would have ever thought a Nigerian film could clean out at the box office? 450 million Naira. Think about it. Let it sink in. Anything after this will be seen as jara (extra). And as I write this, ‘The Wedding Party’ is still making money from other sources and in other climes. 

A shame though that the flick fell into the hands of the pirates. But that itself is a testament of the popularity and demand for the film. One that our cinemas can not yet fulfill.

The premise of the story is given away in its name, ‘The Wedding Party.’ Kemi Adetiba leads a star studded cast filled with Nollywood veterans alongside the new generation of talent which cuts across music, comedy, film and television. It is typical rom-com fare full of frills laughs and fun. It follows the wedding of Dozie Onwuka (Banky W) and Dunni Coker (Adesua Etomi)

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started