Entertainment
Najite Urges Gospel Artistes To Praise God
Nigerian idol star and
gospel music sensation, Najite Obebi has called on Nigerian gospel artistes to concentrate more on praising God and promoting the scripture instead of praising self for personal aggrandizement at the expense of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The third runner up in the last Nigeria Idol Competition stated this in an interview with The Tide Entertainment after her wonderful performance on stage at the last Easter choral festival organized by the Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation (RSBC) at the Alfred Diete Spiff Civil Centre, Moscow Road Port Harcourt.
She said, “it is more glorifying to promote the source than the gift, God is the source who gives the inspirational gift to sing, so his gospel and the scripture must be promoted through music in order to win souls to his everlasting Kingdom especially now that we are living in the end times”.
The gospel singer observed that most of the so called modern day gospel artistes concentrate more on themselves in order to gain cheap recognition and financial gratification, hence they compromise the gospel of our Lord Jesus. She said the trend must stop and honour should be given to whom it is due and that is God and his begotten son Jesus Christ.
The Delta State born gospel artiste who has two singles to her credit with the hope of releasing a full album before the end of this year, said “Gospel music has evolved over the years in Nigeria and competes favourably with other genres of music but there are still some areas that need to be improved upon such as quality of the songs to meet international standards, the lyrics or content of the message, instrumentals, promotion and sponsorship”.
According to her, there are many talented gospel artistes in the country who need promotion and sponsorship without which their talents die with them. She stated that though she had been in the gospel music industry for quite some time, it was her participation in the Nigerian Idol Competition that gave her the push to the limelight.
She disclosed that her performance at the choral event was another opportunity for people to listen and appreciate her music genre. She thanked RSBC for giving her the opportunities to perform before a large crowd of audience. She said it was also her first to perform in the state and the reception was wonderful.
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.