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Jason Njoku opens up on IrokoTV’s struggles, debunks shutdown claim

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Jason Njoku, the CEO of IrokoTV, has opened up on the online movie-streaming platform’s rough journey in the past years.

In a recent article published on his website, Njoku said in 2019, he had the option to close the company and distribute the remaining cash to shareholders but chose to reinvest in IrokoTV.

The media executive said the past three years have been “brutal,” having to deal with “debt restructuring, cost reductions, and completing the turnaround of iROKOtv”.

“Anyhow, when Iroko exited ROK in 2019, I had the opportunity to exit too, and at the time, even Bastian asked if it made sense to continue struggling away. After all, wasn’t it always about liquidity? I could close iROKOtv down, distribute the remaining cash to shareholders, and walk out into early semi-retirement. The story could have ended there. Maybe it was a mid-life crisis,” he added.

“For some strange reason, I still felt I had plenty of fight left. I knew what I knew, and I knew who we wanted to become.

“So we defocused on customer acquisition and productising Africa and just reverted to where 80% of our revenues were coming from; North America and Western Europe. We were back in survival mode. We needed a turnaround, but turnarounds aren’t rapid.”

He said despite the company’s challenges, international was always the revenue driver, adding that “89% of 2023 revenues are non-African”.

“We were in sustainable revenue. International was always the revenue driver – 89% of 2023 revenues are non-African,” he said.

In 2020, iROKOtv sacked 150 staff as part of its resizing process.

Speaking on the “article referencing disgruntled employees who were let go”, Njoku said they were “NEVER actual Iroko employees; they were employed by Ikenga, an agency, to manage paid campaigns for Iroko”.

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Karen Igho seeks reconciliation with husband after accusing him of abuse

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Karen Igho, the winner of the 2011 Big Brother Africa reality show, has called for reconciliation with Yaroslav Rakos, her husband, after accusing him of abuse.

On Tuesday, the reality TV star took to social media to accuse Rakos of physical and sexual abuse. She alleged that he was attempting to gain custody of their children by falsely claiming she was mentally unstable.

She also urged the public to hold him accountable should any harm come to her.

Her outcry sparked concern among her followers and the public. Rakos has yet to respond to the allegations.

But in a new post via X on Wednesday, Igho expressed her desire for reconciliation, stating that she and her husband should put their differences aside for the sake of their children.

She also extended her gratitude to the public for their support.

“I want to thank my husband and father of my children for the wonderful years we had, and I pray we can focus on our children and shower them with love and care,” she wrote.

“Thank you, Nigeria, my home, and thank you, Africa, my heartbeat. I’m a true daughter of the soil. If God is for me, who can be against me? Nobody!!!”

Igho and Rakos tied the knot in Jos, Plateau in 2014 after a nine-year relationship. They have two children together.

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SEE FULL LIST: Burna Boy is most-streamed Nigerian artiste on Apple Music

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Apple Music has released the list of the most-streamed Nigerian songs, albums, and artistes on its platform as the country marked its 64th Independence Day.

The music streaming platform celebrates Nigeria’s independence with the theme ‘Oshe Naija’.

“As Nigeria marks 64 years of independence in 2024, music emanating from the country continues to sweep the world,” Apple Music wrote in a short statement on its app.

“Far from the monolith, however the country’s vibrant musical scene is made up of a host of diverse cultural threads, each of which contributes to Nigeria’s rich tapestry of community, art and expression.

“From the bustling streets of Lagos to the lush landscape of Taraba. This year, Oshe Naija celebrates the country’s abundant sonic diversity with an exploration of it’s most dynamic sounds and the regions that birthed them.”

Burna Boy tops the list for the most-streamed artiste in Nigeria. He is closely followed by Wizkid and Davido.

‘Made In Lagos’, the 2020 project by Wizkid, is the most-streamed Nigerian album while Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ remix featuring Selena Gomez is the most-streamed Nigerian song of all time on Apple Music.

See the full list below:

Top 10 most streamed Nigerian songs of all time on Apple Music

1. ‘Calm Down’ – Rema ft Selena Gomez

2. ‘Last Last’ – Burna Boy

3. ‘Essence’ – Wizkid feat. Tems

4. ‘Free Mind’ – Tems

5. ‘Ye’ – Burna Boy

6. ‘Location’ – Dave feat. Burna Boy

7. ‘Calm Down’ – Rema

8. ‘Rush’ – Ayra Starr

9. ‘On the Low’ – Burna Boy

10. Come Closer’ – Wizkid feat. Drake

Top 10 most streamed Nigerian albums of all time on Apple Music

1. ‘Made in Lagos’ – Wizkid

2. ‘Love Damini’ – Burna Boy

3. African Giant’ – Burna Boy

4. ‘For Broken Ears’ Tems

5. ‘I Told Them’ – Burna Boy

6. ‘Twice As Tall’ – Burna Boy

7. ‘Mr Money With The Vibe’ – Asake

8. ‘Timeless’ – Davido

9. ‘Work Of Art’ – Asake

10. ‘Boy Alone’ (deluxe) – Omah Lay

Top 10 most streamed Nigerian artistes of all time on Apple Music

1. Burna Boy

2. Wizkid

3. Davido

4. Rema

5. Asake

6. Tems

7. Omah Lay

8. Fireboy DML

9. BNXN

10. Olamide

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Entertainment

Influencer Efe Tommy opens up on kidney failure battle

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Efe Tommy, the Nigerian lifestyle influencer, has revealed that he underwent a successful transplant after battling kidney failure for over a year.

In a post on Instagram, Tommy said he was initially in disbelief after his diagnosis in February 2023 but relied on his faith, family, and friends for support.

He said he maintained a positive outlook and continued to engage in work and social events while keeping his struggles private.

“February 16, 2023, my life flashed before my eyes when I found out both my kidneys were failing,” he wrote.

“It was a fact I instantly refused to accept. But my believe and trust in God saw me through the journey with the help of my sister who is my rock and friends that supported me.”

The influencer revealed that he successfully underwent a transplant one month ago, and expressed gratitude for the “new lease of life”.

He also announced the launch of his foundation aimed at raising kidney health awareness and supporting those affected by kidney disease.

“Today makes it one month post kidney transplant surgery and I am doing very fine,” he added.

“So filled with gratitude, thanksgiving and joy because God gave me a new lease of life which led me to launch my foundation which will be spreading awareness on kidney and doing my bit of humanity for those suffering from kidney disease.

“I hope this inspires someone out there to go check their kidney function today ✌🏾I AM FREE!!!”

The development comes as ThankGod ‘TG’ Omori Jesam, the Nigerian music video director, is also recovering after a failed kidney transplant.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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