Entertainment
‘Harry Potter’ actress Maggie Smith dies at 89
Maggie Smith, the Hollywood actress known for her role in ‘Harry Potter’, has passed away at the age of 89.
In a statement, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, her sons, disclosed the film star died “peacefully” in the hospital in the early hours of Friday.
Stephens and Larkin said Smith’s passing left them “devastated and sad” while describing her as an “extraordinary person who is intensely private”.
“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” the statement reads.
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.
“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.
“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Born in Ilford, England on December 28, 1934, Smith delved into acting in 1952. Her career spanned over 60 years in television, film, and theater.
She featured in over 50 films and won several awards. She won two Oscar awards, eight BAFTA awards, four Emmy awards, two Academy awards, three Golden Globe awards and a Tony award.
In 1967, Smith tied the knot with Robert Stephens. However, they divorced in 1975.
She then married Alan Beverly Cross and remained with him till he died in 1998.
In 1990, Smith was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to the performing arts.
Entertainment
Spotify names Burna Boy as the most exported Nigerian artist of 2024
Spotify has released the data for the most streamed artists outside Nigeria in 2024.
On the list shared by Spotify, Grammy winner Burna Boy is the Nigerian artist with the most streams outside Nigeria. For the past couple of years, the hitmaker has been at the forefront of exporting Nigerian music globally.
Burna Boy’s feat is a testament to his global popularity which has made him the only African artist with 3 albums surpassing over 500 million streams.
Second on the list is Grammy-nominated star Ayra Starr who enjoyed a good year thanks to the release of her critically acclaimed sophomore album ‘The Year I Turned 21’ which enjoyed critical and commercial success.
The album features a star-studded lineup that includes Asake, Seyi Vibez, American singer Giveon and Coco Jones, and Brazilian star Aniita.
Rema is the third most exported Nigerian artist of 2024. His hit single ‘Calm Down’ continues to enjoy global success, especially in the United States where it became the first African song to garner 1 billion streams.
This year, Rema released his sophomore LP ‘HEIS’ which is one of the most talked about albums of 2024. The album buoyed by its upper tempo arrangement, pulsating production, and aggressive chest thumping delivered the bit records ‘Ozeba’, ‘Hehehe’, and ‘Azaman’.
Tems (4) and Omah Lay (5) rounds off the top 5. Grammy winner Tems enjoyed a successful year on the global front with the release of her debut album ‘Born In The Wild’ which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album.
Top 10 exported Nigerian Artists on Spotify in 2024
1. Burna Boy
2. Ayra Starr
3. Rema
4. Tems
5. Omah Lay
6. Asake
7. Wizkid
8. Davido
9. Fireboy
10. Victony
Entertainment
I’m a hardworking businesswoman, more than just Wizkid’s baby mama, says Jada P
American talent manager Jada Pollock, popularly known as Jada P, has asserted that she is far more than just singer Wizkid’s “babymama,” a title often used by the media.
Speaking in a recent interview with BET UK, Jada P lamented that her accomplishments as an entrepreneur and professional in the music industry have been largely overshadowed by her role as the mother of Wizkid’s children.
Jada P highlighted her career achievements, noting that she has managed international artists such as Chris Brown, Wizkid, and Skyla Tyla.
She described herself as a dedicated businesswoman and music manager actively contributing to the growth of the industry.
“When Wizkid won a Grammy, I wrote a statement about how far afrobeat has come. They put the statement out, and the caption was ‘Wizkid baby mama.’ The narrative is not seen as you’re an entrepreneur and hardworking businesswoman. I’m not only a mother but also a manager, who has actively contributed to building a legacy,” she said.
She further emphasised her role in managing top-tier artists, adding, “Some of the artists I have managed are Chris Brown, Wizkid & Skyla Tyla, etc.”
Entertainment
Stop seeking human validation, Eucharia Anunobi advises fans
Eucharia Anunobi, the ace Nigerian actress, has advised her fans to stop seeking validation from people.
In an Instagram post on Friday, the actress urged her followers to embrace self-worth and resist the pressure of wanting to be liked by everyone.
She cautioned that the constant need for approval often leads to “emotional and spiritual imbalance”.
“Seeking to be liked by all is a sign that you are emotionally and spiritually imbalanced. Some people will hate you because to hate is what gives them joy because they are genetically wicked. So get used to not being liked. 1 John 5:19,” she wrote.
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