Entertainment
Ateke Tom Bankrolls Rivers PMAN
Rivers State born High life Maestro, King Sunny Brown has expressed gratitude to ex-militant leader, Ateke Tom whom he said has been bankrolling the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) over the years as well as extending financial support to upcoming musicians in the state to record their albums in order to give them a sense of belonging and self actualisation.
The living legend condemned the leadership tussle rocking the Association in the State stressing that the crisis is not only killing the musicians’ Association, but has brought bad-image to the musician themselves . He noted that the power tussle has created various factions among the members as a result, things have fallen apart in the once Prestigious Association.
The highlife King who spoke with The Tide Entertainment recently, disclosed that every member of the association wants to be a leader, while the leaders whose one year tenure had elapsed refused to vacate their offices because of greed and selfish interest.
According to him, instead of moving forward like their counterparts in other states, the association has remained in the limbo over the years.
He disclosed that the incumbent chairman Peter Stone Cold whose tenure had expired since last year is still in office. He contended that though an electoral committee has been set up to conduct election and swear in new executives, nothing positive has come out of the committee because of vested interest.
King Sunny Brown who is also one of the Elders of PMAN in the State observed that due to the ugly development in the musicians’ body most of the members have left the Association. He advised that before the election is conducted, efforts should be made by the committee to unite the various factions because there cannot be any credible election where the warring factions still exist.
He noted that apart from the leadership crisis, the musicians at the various local government areas of the state should be carried along. He maintained that the Association is not PMAN Port Harcourt, but PMAN Rivers State, therefore membership should spread to the 23 local government areas of the state. He called for grassroot mobilisation and participation in the affairs of the body in order to give them a sense of belonging to enable them contribute their quota towards the development of the Association.
The highlife crooner appealed to the state government, corporate organisations and highlife lovers to support his foundation which is aimed at promoting the younger musicians, teach them the various instruments and write their songs among others, in order to ensure quality and continuity in the music industry.
In a related development, the newly constituted leadership of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigerian (PMAN) last week, expelled the former administrator of the Association, Tec Mac Omatshola Itsali and others for alleged anti union activities. They are Brigadier Brown Bread, Joshua Omktnuale, Orits Williki Arthur Pepple Jnr, Oizz Ikhide, Chris Mba and King-Faladey.
The expulsion was contained in a communiqué dated 19 April 2013, signed by the general secretary of PMAN , Kenny A. George.
The Tide Entertainment reports that International stars Busta Rhymes and Gunna topped the bill, while the festival showcased a powerhouse roster of African talent including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Shenseea, Phyno, Fave, Juma Jux, Qing Madi, and Diamond Platnumz, among others.
The festival launched December 7 with an eye-catching opening ceremony featuring aerial ballet performers, establishing an elevated artistic vision for the weeks ahead. That first night brought Nigerian heavyweights Wande Coal, Young Jonn, Ice Prince, Darey, Fola, Shoday, and Jerry Shaffer to the stage.
The Federal Ministry of Art and Culture partnered with the festival, with Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa acknowledging Detty December Fest as a vital force in Nigeria’s cultural landscape. She emphasized its impact on amplifying the country’s creative presence internationally and driving holiday tourism.
The 2025 edition raised the bar for live entertainment in Lagos, building on Detty December’s established reputation as a catalyst for tourism, entertainment, and economic growth during the year-end season.
The milestone was confirmed on Monday by FilmOne, the movie’s distributor, who announced that the film is now the fastest title in West Africa to cross ?1 billion. The achievement further cements Akindele’s dominance in the Nigerian film industry.
Since its release, Behind the Scenes has shattered multiple records. It posted the highest single-day box office gross ever on Boxing Day, earning an impressive ?129.5 million. It is also the highest-grossing film of 2025 so far, and remarkably, it marks Akindele’s third movie to cross the ?1 billion mark, a feat no other director has achieved.
The Tide Entertainment reports that with this latest success, Akindele has strengthened her position as Nollywood’s highest-grossing producer of all time, becoming the first filmmaker to deliver three billion-naira blockbusters within a single calendar year.
Reacting to the achievement, the actress and filmmaker expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters, collaborators, and distributors, while also revealing the film’s growing international reach.
“Over the years, I’ve always valued my fans, because without God and you, I am nobody,” she wrote.“Thank you all for coming out to watch this movie and for supporting my brand through the years.Thank you to the distributors, my colleagues—especially those not in the movie who still came out to meet and greet my fans.Big love to the cast and crew. This is only the beginning; let’s take Behind the Scenes even further.”
She also disclosed that the film is currently screening in cinemas across two European countries and the United States, signaling its expanding global appeal.
Akindele’s box office dominance has been nothing short of historic. In 2023, Battle on Buka Street became Nollywood’s highest-grossing film with ?640 million. She raised the bar again in January 2024 when A Tribe Called Judah became the first Nigerian movie to hit ?1 billion. Later that year, Everybody Loves Jenifa broke another record, grossing ?1.6 billion to become the highest-earning film in West African history.
Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has revealed his former bandmate Faze’s position in the long-running rift between him and their other ex-bandmate, Blackface.
The Tide Entertainment recalls that Blackface and 2Face have been involved in an on-and-off feud over the years, with the former repeatedly accusing the latter of intellectual property theft, allegations 2Face has consistently denied.
Addressing fans midway through his performance at the Made in Benue Festival in Makurdi recently, 2Face said Faze has maintained a neutral stance in the dispute between him and Blackface.
He stressed that the rift does not involve Faze in any way.
“You all know that Plantashun Boiz consisted of Blackface, 2Face and Faze. But due to some unforeseen circumstances, Blackface is not with us right now.
“However, no matter the beef wey me and Blackface get, nothing concern Faze inside. So, Faze is right here with me and we will represent Plantashun Boiz,” he said.
The rift between Blackface and 2Face began after Plantashun Boiz disbanded in the 2000s.
Following their split, Blackface blamed 2Face for the breakup and accused him of song theft.
The relationship between the duo has remained strained over the years despite several attempts at reconciliation, with peace efforts often short-lived.
