Entertainment

Zee World, Telemundo, Killing Nigerian Movies – Zebrudaya

Published

8 years ago

January 26, 2018

Veteran comic actor, Chika Okpala, popularly known as Chief Zebrudaya has lamented that foreign Television Channels like Telemundo and Zee World have won Nigerian fans over to the bletrinent of local channels as indigenous drama series were being ignored.
He stressed that foreign soaps like Mexican soups, Telemundo and Zee World and the rest of them have flooded our TV screens now and our indigenous TV series are suffering. Those popular programmes like The New Masquerade, Cock Crow at Dawn, the Village Head Master, Hotel De Jordan etc were left to slip away.
The legendary actor disclosed that the lack of sponsorship has hindered the production of most TV series in the country,. The 69 years old comic actor also noted that old TV series were left abandoned because sponsor withdrew.
He said the dwindling economy is the major problem of production in the country and lack of sponsorship has contributed to the dearth of programmes on TV stations in the country.
Chief Zebrudaya expressed optimism that if those programmes were still being aired, actors, actresses producers, directors and many Nollywood practitioners be employed and people will be entertainer also. The private sector complained about the economy and without the economy being vibrant you cannot push the people, they cannot do productions without it yielding something substantial to take care of the families.
“If you engage an artiste and he performs for free today, tomorrow, he may not because he has to pay his rent and take care of other things”, he said.
The Nigeria comedy pioneer and entertainment icon his advised the Federal Government to factor in the role of the entertainment industry in national development stressing that key actors are not recognized in Nigeria. They were being celebrated in other countries like Gambia, where the president of Gambia honoured over 17 of them with a plot of land in choice locations in the country but generally I have not seen the Nigerian society being special to us, they don’t even know that we exist”, he stressed.
Okpala who spoke during a press briefing in Abuja to announce the public presentation of a new movie titled “I Believe” which stars Desmond Eliot, Patience Ozokwor and other key Nollywood actors supported by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) disclosed that government has not been supportive to him and some other colleagues who were part of the popular 80s comedy show, “The New Masquerade.” They only think of themselves and ignore others.
He noted that only one individual called prophet T.B. Joshua of the synagogue Church of All Nations responds to the problems of people “if he calls you and wants to honour you, he will give you one car and one million naira, which Nigeria as a whole cannot do”. He cried out that even the suggestion by the former finance minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala that the nations entertainment industry was adding a lot to the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria has been swept to aside and thrown away”.
Okpala stated that they know that there is no event or gathering that takes place in Nigeria today without entertainment, yet government don’t want to recognize the industry.

Entertainment

Sarah Martins Knocks Yul Edochie Over Comment

Published

1 month ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has tackled Yul Edochie over comments he made about his ex-wife, May.

The actress questioned why Yul brought up claims about their marriage but refused to explain further.

Her sharp response has added another twist to the long-running conversation around the Edochie family.

The actress reacted after Yul appeared on The Honest Bunch Podcast, where he made comments that many listeners linked to his former marriage.

During the interview, Yul hinted that certain things happened while he and May were still married and suggested those moments contributed to the decisions he later made.

The Tide Entertainment reports that Yul hints that certain things happened while he and May were still married and suggests those moments contributed to the decisions he later made.

He, however, stopped, short of explaining further.

In the interview, the controversial actor said he had accepted being seen as the villain in the story.

He also stated that, despite everything, he genuinely wished May well and wanted her to prosper because she remains the mother of his children.

Yul Edochie finally shares last moments with late son three years after his tragic death

But while saying that, Yul also hinted that there were incidents in their marriage he had chosen not to discuss publicly.

According to him, he was “too much of a man” to come online and break down over personal matters.

Reacting to the interview, Sarah, in a post on her Instagram story, pointed out what she described as irony in Yul’s words—saying he wished May well while also making statements that could create doubt in people’s minds.

According to her, if he truly meant well for his former wife, there was no reason to hint at hidden issues and leave people guessing.

“You wish her well, but you granted Podcast the power to sow doubt in people’s minds by saying she did something that led you to do what you did, but you won’t say it,” she said.

She went further to accuse Yul of being uncomfortable with May’s continued growth and public support.

“Oga, you’re just pained that she’s doing well!”
Sarah also questioned the purpose of the interview, asking if jealousy may have played a role.

Yul Edochie recounts final moments with late son.

Meanwhile, Yul Edochie opened up on the last time he saw his first son, Kambilichukwu Edochie, before the boy’s tragic death in 2023.

The actor recalled that his son came into his room early in the morning before leaving for school.

According to him, they spent time talking, laughing, and joking in what felt like a typical father-son interaction.

Yul Edochie reacts to crashed marriage
The Tide Entertainment had reported that Yul Edochie had continued to speak about his ex-wife as he appeared on the Honest Bunch Podcast.

He shared part of what happened between them and all the things he wished for her while speaking about his new wife.

The actor noted that he and his ex-wife know what happened that led to the dissolution of their union.

Entertainment

Cubana Chief Priest Opens Up On Feud With Burna Boy

Published

1 month ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite, Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, has opened up on his fallout with singer Burna Boy, alleging that the music star publicly attacked him because of his close relationship with Davido.

Speaking during an interview on The Beat 99.9 FM on Wednesday, Cubana Chief Priest said his journey to success began from apprenticeship and years of hard work, adding that fame and financial growth often attract envy and criticism.

“Success comes with a lot of hate. I started my journey from apprenticeship and service and I learnt so much about growth and perseverance. When you start becoming successful, you understand how people treat you.

“I was on my own and Burna Boy came for me, went on his big platform and started tweeting things that are not genuine, things that are not possible, things that have not existed and the attack was straight to my wealth.

“So he wanted to make people look at my wealth, disrespect my wealth, I felt bad and that happened because of my relationship with Davido,” he said.

He further stated that Davido has consistently supported his businesses and personal projects.

“David is always there for me. He opened all my nightclubs, restaurants, everything. He always shows up to support me.

“He’s investing in clubs in Lagos, and I’m making music to prove a point that I can,” he added.

Entertainment

Family Releases Burial Arrangements For Late Actor, Alexx Ekubo

Published

1 month ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nollywood Actor, Alexx Ekubo’s family has officially announced the funeral arrangements for the late actor, describing him as a man whose life was filled with love, faith, generosity and compassion.

The Tide Entertainment had earlier reported that the Nollywood actor passed away after suffering from kidney cancer.

The Ekubo-Okwaraeke family announced the funeral arrangements in a statement released via the actor’s social media handle.

The statement read: “Forever in Our Hearts.

“With profound sorrow, yet gratitude to God for a life so beautifully lived and deeply impactful, we officially announce the funeral arrangements of our beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and colleague, Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke

“The overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, messages, visits, calls, support, and strength shown to the family during this painful period has been truly humbling. Words cannot fully express our gratitude.

“Alexx was deeply loved, and your kindness continues to remind us that his light, compassion, faith, and impact on so many lives will never be forgotten.

“Though his passing came far too soon, Alexx lived a life marked by love, warmth, generosity, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to God and the people he cherished. His presence filled rooms, lifted hearts, and created memories that will remain with us forever.

“We warmly invite family, friends, colleagues, fans, and well wishers to join us as we honor and celebrate his beautiful life, enduring legacy, and the precious memories he gave us all.

“SERVICE OF SONGS

Date: Wednesday, 10th June 2026

Venue: The Monarch Event Center, Lekki, Lagos Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Dress Code: White

“WAKE KEEP

Date: Wednesday, 17th June 2026

Venue: 7 Ekubo-Okwaraeke Avenue, Aziukwukwa, Ujari Village, Arochukwu, Abia State

“FUNERAL SERVICE

Date: Thursday, 18th June 2026

Venue: Mary Slessor School, Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu, Abia State

“INTERMENT

Date: Thursday, 18th June 2026