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Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor aka Rema has revealed why he started smoking.
This is as he spoke about how the death of his dad affected his childhood.
Speaking in a recent interview, the ‘Calm Down’ crooner said the death of his father left him the responsibility of catering for his family at a young age and in the process, he was “forced to sell” his childhood.
In a candid chat with GRM, Rema, 24, said he wants to “feel young again.”
He said he recently started smoking cigarettes in a bid to feel “free and break some rules again.”
Rema lamented that despite being an adult before deciding to smoke, people still criticise his decision because he’s a celebrity.
He said, “I really wanted to feel like a child again… I feel like I grew up too fast. Life switched up on me crazy when I lost my dad and my brother. The weight was just on my shoulder and forced me to sell my childhood to provide for my family.
“God willing, everything happened well, it happened fast. And with fast fame, comes fast maturity. It’s just like never ending level of seriousness. So much adults. So much meetings. I didn’t even rolled with my age mates.
“So this project [‘HeIs’], I just want to be a child. And it’s coming out. It’s not me forcing it out. It just sparked in my spirit. I just want to feel young again. I just to be a rebel. You know, kids make mistakes and it’s acceptable. But when you’re a teenager and you make the same mistake your peers would make, everyone will come for you just because you’re in the spotlight.
“I know people who smoked a cigarette when they were 13 and I’m 24 smoking a cigarette because I just want to feel free and break some rules. All my life just feel so planned and scheduled. I just got tired.”
Veteran Nollywood actress, Ngozi Nwosu, has stated that infidelity is not enough reason for a woman to walk out of a marriage or relationship.
Nwosu, in an interview with her junior colleague, Biola Adebayo, on her YouTube show, ‘Talk to B’, opened up about her regret in choosing her career over marriage.
The movie star also recounted cancelling her wedding with her former partner over battery.
According to Ngozi Nwosu, her ex was physically assaulting her even while she was pregnant, and she decided to call off their wedding two days before the event.
She stated that when a man cheats, it is not enough to end the relationship but when he is abusive, a woman should leave.
She said, “I had to choose between my profession and to marry a guy, and I chose my job. He gave me an option, and I chose my job.
“At one point, I regretted that decision, but after that, I was like, ‘Oh wow, thank God I chose my path’.
“I didn’t talk about it to the press; this is the first time I am saying it. I left him because of the battery. For me, infidelity, yes, but it isn’t enough for you to let go of your man. But, if it’s battery, I advise any woman to, in fact, not take any of their property and run for your life because they will never stop. Once a man lifts his hand on you, he won’t stop.
“For me, infidelity, yes. But it’s not really enough for you to let go of your man. I called off my wedding two days before because that day, he gave me a beating of my life. I was pregnant then, and I was like, is this what I’m entering? Because he has never done it before.”
Nigerians should look beyond the present pains caused by his administration’s policies and aim at the larger picture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said.
He added that the glorious dawn was around the corner.
The President spoke in a video clip reposted yesterday by the Presidency’s official handle @NGRPresident.
He acknowledged that the removal of the petrol subsidy had caused temporary pains.
The President assured that measures are being taken to close the gap and ensure a better future for the country.
Evening Roundup: Stories making waves in The Nation - The Nation0:00 / 0:00
President Tinubu, whose economic policies got the support of the United States and the United Kingdom, expressed confidence that Nigeria will emerge from the current turbulence and enter a new era of prosperity.
Urging citizens to have faith in his vision, he said: “Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there’s no doubt that it’s tough on us, but I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture.
“All our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work.
“Sadly, there was an unavoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully online.
“However, we are swiftly closing the time gap. I plead with you, please have faith in our ability to deliver and in our concern for your wellbeing.
“We will get out of this turbulence and due to the measures we have taken, Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her.”
The British and the United States governments said the Tinubu Administration’s policies were essential to Nigeria’s economic sustenance and prosperity.
They urged the government to continue on the part of dialogue in addressing the issues raised by protesters.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, and his US counterpart, Richard Mills, commended the security agencies for avoiding lethal force in quelling the protest.
The duo spoke in Abuja during the briefing of the Diplomatic Corps by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.
Montgomery said: “We have a lot of empathy for people facing significant hardship.
“The level of inflation is significant, and I would endorse my colleagues’ question and interest in the dialogue and the peacebuilding that needs to continue in Nigeria given the hardship people face.
reforms that are going on in Nigeria at the moment, which we see as essential for the future prosperity of the country, and indeed the economic relationships of many of us here with this major power. “
Mills also expressed his sympathy for those who have suffered from the protest, adding that the reforms were necessary and had the U.S. backing.
He said: “And let me echo others here by thanking you for bringing us together for this useful and informative briefing.
“I also want to take this platform to express my Embassy’s condolences for the loss of life and suffering that Nigeria has seen over the past several days.
“And let me echo my British colleague’s comments that we understand the difficulty that the reforms President Tinubu and his administration have undertaken have imposed.
“We know these reforms are necessary, and we have supported and worked with the administration as they have carried them out.”
Ganduje: days of turbulence will soon pass
Also yesterday, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said President Tinubu and his team were working hard to turn things around.
He spoke when a five-man delegation from APC USA visited him at the national secretariat.
Ganduje stressed that certain reforms come with temporary difficulties.
“Even the so-called developed economies have their turbulence in one way or the other.
“So, it’s not surprising that Nigeria is having its share of the problem. This is not the first time.
“Whenever there is a reform agenda, obstacles must be on the way. As a result, people must suffer in one way or the other.
“But, in the long run, everything will be according to the plan.”
“We are aware that President Tinubu came in to introduce reforms.
“Unless you have strong institutions, you will find it difficult to implement whatever good policies you have.
“The President is working very hard on the economy and very soon we will see positive results.”
The Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, on Wednesday, said Nigerian politicians were not living lean or sacrificing like the rest of the citizens whom they asked to sacrifice for the country by enduring economic hardship.
The cleric and politician said this at the Wilson and Yinka Badejo Memorial Lecture 2024 held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event, organised by the Wilson & Badejo Foundation, was to honour the memories of former General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wilson Badejo, and his wife, Yinka.
Bakare delivered the keynote address with the theme: “Cultivating a Culture of Dialogue: Nurturing Understanding in a Culturally and Socially Diverse Nation.”
He stressed the need for dialogue rather than confrontation to resolve the challenges facing the country.
Bakare said, “All parties must approach the dialogue table with open minds, effective communication and empathy. Open and honest communication helps to establish transparency, making intentions and actions clear. When leaders communicate transparently, they demonstrate that they have nothing to hide, and that builds trust.
“Empathy is a bedrock of dialogue. It requires us to see beyond our own perspective and seek to comprehend the experiences of others. The ability to feel with others, to share in their joys and sorrows.
“It also means sitting where the people sit, as in the book of Ezekiel – feeling their pains and sharing their burdens. An empathetic leader does not feed fat while asking the people to tighten their belts. Nigerian political leaders have mostly not demonstrated empathy. Otherwise, how do you live so large while your people are ravished in (penury)?”
According to the cleric, who also spoke on the heels of the #Endbadgovernance protests in Nigeria, hunger knows no religion, tribe or political party.
He noted that at the root of even a religious crisis was a struggle for economic resources that manifested itself in politics.
“And you say, why? Because politics is the authoritative allocation of value.”
He stressed, “This is why it’s often said that hunger is a unifier. This is why citizens are responding or reacting to the hashtag #EndBadGovernance protests across the land, from the North to the South, to the East to the West. Hunger does not ask whether you are a Muslim or a Christian, male or female, Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, APC, PDP, or Labour Party.”
Bakare also said he did not believe the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party had any ideology.
According to him, the two major political parties are the same.
“The process of disagreement of methodologies is the way political parties are formed around ideologies. I don’t think the PDP and the APC have any ideology.”
He cited the fact that the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, had been a member of the APC before joining the PDP.
Bakare said, “Obaseki contested on the platform of the APC for his first term and he won, and he contested on the platform of the PDP for his second term and he won. What’s the difference between the APC and the PDP? Two sides of the same coin.”
Bakare, who contested the 2022 presidential primary of the APC but lost, has been known to be outspoken and critical of the ruling class, especially the APC government.
Last August, the cleric said the results of the 2023 elections revealed that Nigerians were tired of the ruling APC.
During his speech with the theme, ‘Vice, Virtue & Time: Three Things That Never Stand Still,’ the cleric said the APC he joined to form had deviated from the principles it was founded on.
At the Wednesday event, the opening speaker, Debola Deji-Kurunmi, who is an author and Public Policy Advisor, stressed the need to foster unity in diversity.
She said, “Imagine we were more interested to see what the other tribes bring to us even when they don’t speak our language or look like us. Imagine we esteem our collective heritage higher and greater than our differences. What manner of nation could we build? And the question begins with us again, what will I do from where I stand within my sphere of influence to make a difference without thinking that my difference is too little to resonate in the country?”
DDK, as she is popularly called, noted that the foundation since its inception had rehabilitated several youths and offered hundreds of scholarships to indigent students.
Part of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Stewardship Excellence Award to The Managing Partner, PAC Solicitors, Rev. Peter Ameadaji.
At the event, 52 students from various universities bagged scholarship awards.
The event was graced by the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev Sam Aboyeji; Chairman of the foundation, Rev. Akin Akeju; Vice Chairman of the foundation, Femi Badejo, among others.
A member of the House of Representatives from Kano, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has claimed that his colleague, Alhassan Doguwa, has never won a free and fair election.
Naija News reports that the two lawmakers from Kano State have been at loggerheads for days now, over the former Governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Jibrin had warned Doguwa to desist from making disparaging remarks against Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) cum founder of the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
However, Doguwa said it was Kwankwaso who first insulted members of the APC in Kano.
In a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Sani Paki, Jibrin said Doguwa has no political structure, stressing that his constituents see the lawmaker as the late Idi Amin, a former leader of Uganda, who is reported to have ruled with “iron fists”.
Jubrin said it was his influence that ensured that Doguwa was made the chief whip of the house in the 8th National Assembly and he is fit to be called his godfather in the House of Representatives.
The lawmaker added that Doguwa is “the real political parasite” who has allegedly remained a problem in Kano politics.
The statement reads, “Doguwa has never won a free and fair election. His party also neither found him suitable for the position of whip nor leader of the house in 2023.
“Two positions he previously held, which before God, I played a significant role in his emergence, giving him a benefit of doubt in the hope that he will change his ways. Alas, I was wrong.
“In fact, though, he worked against us in the speakership race of 2015 and covertly in 2019, both of which I defeated him, and I single-handedly pushed for him to be chief whip on the instruction of Kwankwaso in 2015.
“I repeated same after I led the speakership race in 2019 to make Alhassan leader of the house on the instruction of the then Governor of Kano, two leaders he has betrayed and continue to plot against, overtly and covertly, respectively.
“I challenge Doguwa to show us his political structure, aside from only being able to strive and get relevance in crisis situations or a divided environment, which is the hallmark of his politics.
“I am fit to be called his godfather in the house of representatives. This is what a little boy who was in school in 1992 can do to an old man like Doguwa.”
My Colleagues Who Supported Tinubu’s Govt Are Hiding Their Faces Amid Protest – Nollywood Actor, Damilare Olaiya
AFOLABI
Veteran Nollywood actor, Damilare Olaiya, has accused his colleagues who supported the administration of President Bola Tinubu of hiding their faces to avoid facing backslash from Nigerians.
Naija News reports the movie star in an interview with News Central, at the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos during the #EndBadGovernance protest, expressed willingness to “die if need be” in order to fight for a better future for his children and grandchildren.
Olaiya said he joined the protest to register his grievances with the federal government against poor governance, corruption, and the increasing cost of living in the country.
Olaiye also accused the government of sponsoring the thugs that marred the #EndSARS protest in 2020.
He said, “We are saying that bad governance must end. The problems of Nigeria are not intractable. They are human problems and we can solve them if we end bad governance, bad leaders.
“For my colleagues, a lot of them that have taken the side of government, their comment sections have been put off. I do not want to mention names. Some of our veteran Nollywood actresses who supported this government are hiding their faces today. They cannot get the backlash from Nigerians.
“But I am telling you, for those of us who still believe in this country, for those of us who have continuously fought, from the time I was an undergraduate, to the time before I got married, to the time I got married, to the time I had my children, to the time my children started having their own children. Today I am a grandfather, I am still in this struggle. I am telling you, even if they end our lives bad governance must end. We are prepared to die.
“For the #EndSARS protest, the world knows that it was the government that sponsored thugs, put them in Lagos BRT vehicles to come to attack protesters. You can see now that we are peaceful, singing that bad governance must end.
“If the government wants to tell the soldiers to start shooting us, we will die, but we know that the soldiers too will die one day. The people that send them too will die. This life that I have is for Nigeria, for my children’s children and I am ready to die if need be.”
Veteran Nollywood actor Patrick Doyle has spoken highly of his ex-wife, Ireti, referring to her as a first-class mother.
In a recent interview with Olumide Iyanda, publisher of QEDNG, he described her as an exceptional mother, providing excellent care for their daughter.
Patrick Doyle clarified that he holds no negative feelings towards Ireti following their divorce.
He acknowledged Ireti’s dedication to their child, highlighting her exemplary mothering abilities.
He said:
“Ireti is a first class mother and provider for her children. She is taking good care of my daughter. How can I wish her ill? As far as mothers go, they don’t come any better. She provides 360 mothering care.”
Patrick also touched on the importance of maintaining a stable and happy home, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of the head of the house to ensure this.
“As a man, it is my duty to say you don’t look happy. Responsibility for the stability of the home is that of the head of the home. So that was a bid to ease whatever the tensions were at the time,” he said.
Recall that few months, Patrick Doyle reportedly tied the knot with his new lover, after his marriage to Ireti hit the rock in 2023.
Ireti affirmed that she and her husband of over two decades are divorced. “we are officially divorced”, she said
Nigerian singer Peter Okoye, also known as Mr. P, has broken his silence amidst the ongoing feud with his twin brother and former music partner, Paul Okoye.
This comes after Rudeboy revealed how Mr P arrested him with EFCC.
After months of maintaining a low profile, Peter took to his Instagram page to share a photo of himself on stage, accompanied by a heartfelt message to his devoted fans.
In the post, Peter, addressing himself as Mr. P, referenced the timeless adage that “diamonds are forever,” symbolizing the enduring nature of his craft and the unwavering support of his fans.
He humbly appealed to his fans to exercise patience, hinting at an upcoming big project or album.
He wrote:
“Diamonds, they say, are forever.??????? Dear Mr P’s fans pls be patient!????♂️.”
See the post below:
Shatta Wale broke up with me 2 weeks after I tattooed his name – Efia Odo Shares Experience with Shatta Wale
AFOLABI
Well known Ghanaian reality star Efia Odo, has shared her experience of being in a relationship with Afro dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale.
on the ‘Rant, Bants and Confessions‘ podcast, she revealed that their relationship ended two weeks after she got a tattoo of his name.
Sharing details about her relationship with the artiste, Efia Odo talked about how she cooked for Shatta Wale and his group of friends, as well as supporting his family financially.
She reflected on the efforts she had put into the relationship, stating that she is someone who loves deeply and passionately.
In her words:
“He broke up with me 2 weeks after I got his name tattooed on my hubs, he saw me doing the tattoo. When I love, I love hard. That is just who I am.
“With Shatta Wale, I was cooking for him and ten of his friends. Imagine buying groceries for all those people, and I also supported his family — all with my own money. I have always been in love.”
South African actress Connie Chiume, known for her roles in Black Panther and Wakanda Forever, has passed away.
The actress died at the age of 72.
Her family announced her death in a public statement, stating that she passed away on August 6, 2024, at Garden City Hospital.
The family has requested for privacy during this time stating that they will provide further details later.
The statement read:
“Connie, 72, died today on August 6, 2024, at Garden City Hospital. The family will communicate further details and ask for privacy during this difficult period.”
The late actress was well-known for her work in popular TV shows like Mohlolohadi, Zone 14, Yizo Yizo, Rhythm City, Housekeepers, Grassroots, as well as her role in the Marvel movie ‘Black Panther’.
She had most recently appeared in the series ‘Gomora’ and had a role in Beyonce’s film ‘Black Is King.
More...
he Grammy-nominated singer is releasing his song with ace American rapper Travis Scott.
Nigerian ace singer and performer Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has given his fans something exciting to look forward to before he drops his upcoming album, 'Lungu Boy.'
The YBNL-Empire artiste recently announced his third studio album, which is expected to feature heavyweights like Wizkid, Stormzy, and others.
Although the 15-track project is scheduled for release on Friday, August 9, 2023, he has decided to give his fans a surprise release from the album. Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the singer made it known that his song with American superstar Travis Scott titled 'Active' will drop on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024. he wrote:
WE ARE “ACTIVE” IN 3HOURS
The 2024 MTV Video Music Award (VMA) nominees have been announced with Taylor Swift leading this year’s nominations with 10 nods.
Close behind with nine nods is Post Malone while Ariana Grande, Eminem and Sabrina Carpenter got six each.
Burna Boy, Davido, Lojay, Tems, Ayra Starr, Tyla and Pheelz were nominated under the ‘Best Afrobeats’ category.
Tyla was also nominated for two other categories ‘Best New Artiste’ and ‘Best RnB’.
The MTV VMAs will be held on September 10 at UBS Arena, New York. Voting for the VMAs also opens today until August 30.
See the full list below:
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
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Ariana Grande — ‘We can’t be friends (wait for your love)’
Billie Eilish — ‘LUNCH’
Doja Cat — ‘Paint The Town Red’
Eminem — ‘Houdini’
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SZA — ‘Snooze’
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone — ‘Fortnight’
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande
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Bad Bunny
Eminem
Sabrina Carpenter
SZA
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Taylor Swift
SONG OF THE YEAR
Beyoncé — ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’
Jack Harlow — ‘Lovin On Me’
Kendrick Lamar — ‘Not Like Us’
Sabrina Carpenter — ‘Espresso’
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone — ‘Fortnight’
Teddy Swims — ‘Lose Control’
BEST NEW ARTIST
Benson Boone
Chappell Roan
Gracie Abrams
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
Tyla
MTV PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
August 2023: Kaliii — ‘Area Codes’
September 2023: GloRilla — ‘Lick or Sum’
October 2023: Benson Boone — ‘In The Stars’
November 2023: Coco Jones — ‘ICU’
December 2023: Victoria Monét — ‘On My Mama’
January 2024: Jessie Murph — ‘Wild Ones’
February 2024: Teddy Swims — ‘Lose Control’
March 2024: Chappell Roan — ‘Red Wine Supernova’
April 2024: Flyana Boss — ‘Yeaaa’
May 2024: Laufey — ‘Goddess’
June 2024: LE SSERAFIM — ‘Easg’
July 2024: The Warning — ‘Automatic Sun’
BEST COLLABORATION
Drake ft. Sexyy Red & SZA — ‘Rich Baby Daddy’
GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion — ‘Wanna Be’
Jessie Murph ft. Jelly Roll — ‘Wild Ones’
Jung Kook ft. Latto — ‘Seven’
Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen — ‘I Had Some Help’
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone — ‘Fortnight’
BEST POP
Camila Cabello
Dua Lipa
Olivia Rodrigo
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
Taylor Swift
BEST HIP-HOP
Drake ft. Sexyy Red & SZA — ‘Rich Baby Daddy’
Eminem — ‘Houdini’
GloRilla — ‘Yeah Glo!’
Gunna — ‘Fukumean’
Megan Thee Stallion — ‘BOA’
Travis Scott ft. Playboi Carti — ‘FE!N’
BEST R&B
Alicia Keys — ‘Lifeline’
Muni Long — ‘Made For Me’
SZA — ‘Snooze’
Tyla — ‘Water’
USHER, Summer Walker, 21 Savage — ‘Good Good’
Victoria Monét — ‘On My Mama’
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Benson Boone — ‘Beautiful Things’
Bleachers — ‘Tiny Moves’
Hozier — ‘Too Sweet’
Imagine Dragons — ‘Eyes Closed’
Linkin Park — ‘Friendly Fire’
Teddy Swims — ‘Lose Control (Live)’
BEST ROCK
Bon Jovi — ‘Legendary’
Coldplay — ‘Feelslikeimfallinginlove’
Green Day — ‘Dilemma’
Kings of Leon — ‘Mustang’
Lenny Kravitz — ‘Human’
U2 — ‘Atomic City’
BEST AFROBEATS
Ayra Starr ft. Giveon — ‘Last Heartbreak Song’
Burna Boy — ‘City Boys’
Chris Brown ft. Davido & Lojay — ‘Sensational’
Tems — ‘Love Me JeJe’
Tyla — ‘Water’
USHER, Pheelz — ‘Ruin’
BEST LATIN
Anitta — ‘Mil Veces’
Bad Bunny — ‘Monaco’
KAROL G — ‘MI EX TENÍA RAZÓN’
Myke Towers — ‘Lala’
Peso Pluma & Anitta — ‘BELLAKEO’
Rauw Alejandro — ‘Touching The Sky’
Shakira & Cardi B — ‘Puntería’
BEST K-POP
Jung Kook ft. Latto — ‘Seven’
LISA — ‘Rockstar’
NCT Dream — ‘Smoothie’
NewJeans — ‘Super Shy
Stray Kids — ‘LALALALA’
Tomorrow X Together — ‘Deja vu’
VIDEO FOR GOOD
Alexander Stewart — ‘If you only knew’
Billie Eilish — ‘What Was I Made For (From The Motion Picture “Barbie”)’
Coldplay — ‘feelslikeimfallinginlove’
Joyner Lucas & Jelly Roll — ‘Best For Me’
RAYE — ‘Genesis’
Tyler Childers — ‘In Your Love’
BEST DIRECTION
Ariana Grande — “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” — Directed by Christian Breslauer
Bleachers — “Tiny Moves” — Directed by Alex Lockett and Margaret Qualley
Eminem — “Houdini”– Directed by Rich Lee
Megan Thee Stallion — “BOA” — Directed by Daniel Iglesias Jr.
Sabrina Carpenter — “Please Please Please” — Directed by Bardia Zeinali
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone — “Fortnight” — Directed by Taylor Swif
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Ariana Grande — “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” — Cinematography by Anatol Trofimov
Charli xcx — “Von dutch” — Cinematography by Jeff Bierman
Dua Lipa — “Illusion” — Cinematography by Nikita Kuzmenko
Olivia Rodrigo — “obsessed” — Cinematography by Marz Miller
Rauw Alejandro — “Touching The Sky” — Cinematography by Camilo Monsalve
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone — “Fortnight” — Cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto
BEST EDITING
Anitta — “Mil Veces” — Editing by Nick Yumul
Ariana Grande — “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” — Editing by Luis Caraza Peimbert
Eminem — “Houdini” — Editing by David Checel
LISA — “Rockstar” — Editing by Nik Kohler
Sabrina Carpenter — “Espresso” — Editing by Jai Shukla
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone — “Fortnight” — Editing by Chancler Haynes
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Bleachers — “Tiny Moves” — Choreography by Margaret Qualley
Dua Lipa — “Houdini” — Choreography by Charm La’Donna
LISA — “Rockstar” — Choreography by Sean Bankhead
Rauw Alejandro — “Touching The Sky” — Choreography by Felix ‘Fefe’ Burgos
Tate McRae — “Greedy” — Choreography by Sean Bankhead
Troye Sivan — “Rush” — Choreography by Sergio Reis, Mauro Van De Kerkhof
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Ariana Grande — “the boy is mine” — Visual effects by Digital Axis
Eminem — “Houdini” — Visual effects by Synapse Virtual Production, Louise Lee, Rich Lee, Metaphysic, Flawless Post
Justin Timberlake — “Selfish” — Visual effects by Candice Dragonas
Megan Thee Stallion — “BOA” — Visual effects by Mathematic
Olivia Rodrigo — “get him back!” — Visual effects by Cooper Vacheron, Preston Mohr, Karen Arakelian, Justin Johnson
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone — “Fortnight” — Visual effects by Parliament
BEST ART DIRECTION
Charli xcx — “360” — Art direction by Grace Surnow
LISA — “Rockstar” — Art direction by Pongsan Thawatwichian
Megan Thee Stallion — “BOA” — Art direction by Brittany Porter
Olivia Rodrigo — “bad idea right?” — Art direction by Nicholas des Jardins
Sabrina Carpenter — “Please Please Please” — Art direction by Nicholas des Jardins
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone — “Fortnight” — Art direction by Ethan Tobman
The Nigerian Army says a soldier who killed a 16-year-old protester in Zaria has been arrested.
In a statement on Wednesday, Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesperson, said soldiers were enforcing the 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna and Zaria metropolis following reports of violence during the nationwide protest.
He said the soldiers were attacked by some hoodlums while enforcing the curfew in Samaru area of Zaria.
Nwachukwu added that hoodlums were throwing stones at security personnel and burning tyres despite the curfew.
The army spokesperson said the soldier fired a warning shot in a bid to disperse the protesters but accidentally killed the boy.
“On 6 August 2024, troops of the Nigerian Army received a distress call that some hoodlums gathered in Samaru in large numbers, burning tires on the road and pelting stones on security personnel,” the statement reads.
“The troops immediately mobilised and arrived at the scene to disperse the mob and enforce the curfew imposed by the state government.
“On arrival at the scene, the hoodlums brazenly attempted attacking the troops, prompting a soldier to fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away, which unfortunately led to the death of a 16-year-old boy Ismail Mohammed.
“The soldier involved has since been arrested and undergoing interrogation as at the time of this report.”
The statement added that Toareed Lagbaja, chief of army staff, sent a high-powered delegation to visit and condole with the family of the deceased.
The delegation was led by Lander Saraso, general officer commanding 1 division.
The spokesperson said the deceased has been buried according to Islamic rites, adding that senior military officers attended the burial.
Former Governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has described one of the organizers of the #EndBadGovernance protest, Omoyele Sowore, as a defeated politician.
Naija News reports that Oshiomhole, during an interview on Arise TV, said Sowore, who is still nursing his defeat from the last presidential election, can not speak for Nigerians.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain stated that he does not recognise anyone among those who called themselves organisers of the nationwide protest, which has entered its eighth day.
The lawmaker also said there was no need for the protest, adding that President Bola Tinubu was doing everything within his power to solve the economic challenges facing Nigeria.
He said, “I listen to all those names you mentioned and the others, I don’t know them. Which Nigerian does not know Wole Soyinka? Who didn’t know Gani Fawehinmi of blessed memory? Who doesn’t know Femi Falana?
“I know Sowore as a defeated presidential candidate. And when you’re defeated in an election, you wait for the man who won the election.
“Give him time. Sowore cannot be seen as speaking for the people because he is still nursing the pain of his defeat.
“So, that’s not the guy to speak for people in Kano, for those people who throw bombs in Maiduguri or those people who hijack cars in.”