Celebrity News
Stars Turn Up for Ini Edo’s Dad’s Burial

If there’s one thing Nollywood knows how to do, it’s supporting themselves, whether for a blockbuster premiere, a glamorous wedding, or a moment of deep sorrow. Over the weekend, the industry’s biggest stars came together in Akwa Ibom for the burial of veteran actress father Ini Edo, Jonathan Ekim. What should have been a solemn affair turned into a blend of emotions, tears, heartfelt tributes, and, of course, the unmistakable glamour that follows the entertainment elite.
But honestly, If you were expecting a normal, somber funeral, you clearly don’t know how Nollywood rolls. From A-list celebrities in their best traditional attire to a grand procession fit for a king, Ini Edo’s father’s final farewell was nothing short of a spectacle.

Friends and Supporters
A Star-Filled Send-Off
Ini Edo is not just a Nollywood queen; she’s family to many in the industry. So, when it was time to lay her father to rest, her colleagues pulled up in full force. The guest list read like a who’s who of Nollywood royalty, with the likes of Rita Dominic, Uche Jombo, Kate, Mary Remi Njoku and Toke Makinwa making grand entrances.
Desmond Elliot, who has perfectly blended politics with entertainment, was present, offering words of encouragement to Ini Edo. And of course IK Ogbonna, Ini best friend known for his flawless style, also attended, embodying the fusion of mourning and elegance that characterized the event.
The ceremony was a testament to the unity and friendship within the Nollywood community, with stars turning up in style to honor Ini Edo’s late father. And if there was ever a way to combine mourning and style, the stars at this event certainly cracked the code.
Fashion Meets Tradition
Now, let’s talk about the outfits! Because, come on, did you think Nollywood celebrities would attend a high-profile event without making a fashion statement?
Ini Edo herself dazzled in a pure white attire, a perfect representation of grace and mourning. Her attire featured elaborate beadwork and designs, complemented by a well-styled gele (headwrap) and coral bead accessories, giving her a regal presence.
Guests for Ini Edo burial wore an aso-ebi in green and orange. And everyone showed up at their best, different styles and designs graced the occasion. It was another opportunity for Nigerian fashion designers to showcase their talent.
From the glamorous outfits to the heartfelt tributes, the event was a perfect blend of tradition, style, and deep emotion.

Toke Makinwa Graced The Event in Style
Tears, Tributes, and Fond Memories
As much as the event was a glamorous view, it was also deeply emotional. Ini Edo, known for her strong on-screen presence, broke down in tears multiple times during the ceremony. Her colleagues surrounded her, offering their support and warm embraces.
The funeral service was filled with heartfelt tributes, as friends and family members shared touching stories about her late father. He was described as a man of wisdom, a pillar of his community, and a loving father who always believed in his daughter’s dreams.
Uche Jombo, visibly moved by the eulogies, spoke about how Ini Edo’s father had always been a father figure to many of them in the industry. “He was our biggest cheerleader. He celebrated Ini’s wins as if they were his own, and today, we celebrate him,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Merlin Boss Standing Out
A Celebration of Life
In Nigeria the reception after the wake and burial is a different ball game. The atmosphere moved from sorrow to celebration as the guest moved to an open air reception. Filled with decoration and traditional music in the air.
A live band kept the mood alive, performing a mix of highlife, gospel, and Afrobeat tunes. Even in grief, the Edo family ensured that their father was given a grand send-off.
Guests enjoyed meals in local delicacies, from afang soup to jollof rice that had people going for second and third plates. Let’s be honest, no Nigerian gathering is complete without food that leaves guests licking their fingers.

Ini Edo
The Internet Reactions
With social media being the ever-watchful eye that it is, videos and pictures from the event flooded timelines. Nigerians praised the Nollywood family for standing by one of their own, while others debated the extravagant nature of celebrity burials.
One Twitter user wrote, “Nollywood burials be looking like AMVCA afterparties. Rest in peace to Ini Edo’s dad, though.”
On TikTok page, someone made a content picking on Ini Edo’s dance steps. “Why would Ini Edo be dancing like this on her father’s burial”
Another added, “Ini Edo’s dad must have been a great man to have so many stars turn up for him. May his soul rest in peace.”
However, not everyone was delighted. Some criticized her for attending a birthday party in Ghana shortly after the burial, calling it “insensitive.” But hey, grief is personal, and people cope with it in different ways.

Ini Edo’s Father
Final Thoughts
Losing a loved one is never easy for anyone, it was warming to see Nollywood celebrities give their support to Ini Edo in this difficult time. The ceremony was a perfect blend of tradition, love,fashion and star power.
Proving once again that in the Nigerian entertainment industry, family extends beyond blood ties.
To Ini Edo and her family, we send our deepest condolences. May Papa Jonathan Ekim’s soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to shine through those he left behind.
Also read : Vivien Chidera Okafor: The Fabulous Lawyer Redefining Entertainment
Celebrity News
From Nominees to Reigning Stars: AMVCA’s Biggest Winners

The 11th edition of the AMVCA took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos ,on May 10, 2025. Organised by Multichoice, It was an eventful show as big names in the entertainment industry converged to honour their own. Here are the biggest winners of the ceremony.
Best Cinematography Nominees
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- Yen Ara Asaase Ni (This Is Our Land) — Onasis Gaisie, Michael Sefa, and Apagnawen Annankra
- Skeleton Coast — Wesley Johnston
- Lisabi: The Uprising — Barnabas Emordi and Nora Awolowo
- Soft Love — Ebrahim Hajee
- Agemo — Papama Tangela
- Inkabi — Chuanne Blofield
- The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos — Leo Purman (Winner)
Best Digital Content Creator
-
- Jide ‘Pounds’ Ibitoye (Jide Pounds)
- Dorcas Ariyiike Owolagba (Ariyike Dimples)
- Elozonam
- Maryam Apaokagi (Taaooma).
- Iyo Prosper Adokiye (We Listen, We Don’t Judge, Bible Edition) Winner
Best Score/Music
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- Freedom Way — Ahuurra Andrew, Kehinde ‘Louddaaa’ Alabi, and Cobhams Asuquo
- Skeleton Coast — Chris Letcher
- Soft Love — Kolade Morankinyo (MPSE) and Efa Iwara (Love and Hate)
- Inkabi — Seoli Bongani Mashaba
- Seven Doors — Tolu Obanro(TYANX) – Winner
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Best Unscripted Mnet Original
-
- Pastor Wants A Wife (Zambia)
- Overall Best, Husband Material, The Queens of Kopala.
- Nigerian Idol – Winner
Best Supporting Actress
-
- Meg Otanwa (Inside Life)
- Tina Mba (Suspicion)
- Ireti Doyle (All’s Fair in Love)
- Ini Dima-Okojie (Skeleton Coast)
- Omoni Oboli (Wives on Strike 3)
- Darasimi Nadi (Aburo)
- Mercy Aigbe (Farmer’s Bride – Winner)
Best Supporting Actor
-
- Adedayo Adebowale (Lisabi)
- Aliu Gafar (Seven Doors)
- Femi Jacobs (Freedom Way)
- RMD (Christmas in Lagos)
- Uzor Arukwe (Suspicion)
- Mike Afolarin (House of Gaa)
- Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life) – Winner
Trailblazer
Kayode Kasum — Winner
Industry Merit
- Nkem Owoh
- Sani Mu’azu
Best Lead Actor
-
- Femi Branch – House of Ga’a
- Gideon Okeke – Tokunbo
- Adedimeji Lateef – Lisabi: The Uprising
- Stan Nze – Suspicion
- Bucci Franklin – The Weekend
- Bimbo Manuel – Princess On A Hill
- Thapelo Makoena – Skeleton Coast
- Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors – Winner
Best Actress
-
- Uzoamaka Onuoha – Agemo
- Hilda Dokudo – The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3
- GbugbemI Ejeye – Farmer’s Bride
- Bimbo Ademoye – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
- Uche Montana – Thinline
- Chioma Chukwuka – Seven Doors Winner
Best Multichoice Talent Factory Film
-
- Grown
- Somewhere in Kole
- Full-Time Husband
- The 11th Commandment
- Mfumukazi
- Her Dark Past (Olamide Glover) Winner
Best Series Unscripted
-
- Style Magnate
- Ebuka Turns Up Africa
- Uzoamaka Tries Palmwine
- Skillers (The Builders Show)
- Wa Milele? (Forever) — Winner
Best Series Scripted
-
- Seven Doors
- Cheta’M
- Roses & Ivy
- Princess On A Hill
- Clarence Peters’ Inside Life — Winner
Best Director
-
- Norman Maake – Inkabi
- Bolanle Austen-Peters – House of Ga’a
- Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo – Seven Doors
- Robert O Peters – Skeleton Coast
- Daniel Emeka Oriahi – The Weekend
- Awam Amkpa – The Man Died — Winner
Best Movie
-
- Lisabi: The Uprising
- Suspicion
- Inkabi
- Christmas in Lagos
- Farmer’s Bride
- House of Ga’a
- Skeleton Coast
- Freedom Way — Winner
Best Short Film
-
- Sukari
- In Bloom: ‘Afefe’
- What Are You Really Afraid Of?
- The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Seyi Ajayi
- Brukaci — Winner
Final Thoughts
The AMVCA awards were a colourful event that had big influencers, actors, and big shots in the African movie industry. There were brilliant performances from emerging and known talents, and the show fulfilled all expectations.
Celebrity News
Top 10 Best-Dressed Celebrities at AMVCA 2025 Cultural Night

The AMVCA 2025 Cultural Night was a bold, beautiful celebration of Africa’s rich fashion heritage, and these 10 stars pulled out all the stops with their traditional ensembles. From regal fabrics to tribal symbolism, here are the standout looks that made us do a double take:
Olivia Okoro

Olivia Okoro at AMVCA 11 2025
Olivia gave us a breathtaking nod to Igbo royalty in a deep crimson velvet gown adorned with intricate gold detailing and dramatic cowrie shell patterns. Her coral beads and matching head wrap completed a look that screamed elegance and deep cultural pride.
Liquorose (Roseline Afije)

Liquorose at AMVCA 2025 Cultural Night
Liquorose served Yoruba glam in a sky-blue fitted gown with a flamboyant hand-painted train featuring birds and leaves. The off-shoulder corset bodice added a modern edge, while her bold orange gele and layered jewelry rooted the look firmly in cultural sophistication.
Saga (Adeoluwa Okusaga)

Saga at AMVCA 2025 Cultural Night
Saga channeled Yoruba royalty in a maroon agbada richly embroidered in matching tones. Paired with tan sokoto trousers, a maroon cap, and a beaded necklace, his look was finished with a carved walking stick that added both presence and poise.
Nelly Mbonu

Nelly at AMVCA 11 2025
Nelly looked ethereal in a scarlet red mermaid gown with shimmering details and a flowing cape-like veil. The gold jewelry and dramatic setting elevated her look to ceremonial status, elegant, regal, and captivating.
Prince Nelson

Prince Nelson at AMVCA 2025 Cultural Night
Prince Nelson showed out in a deep red traditional outfit with intricate embroidery and rich textures. His maroon headgear and stacked bracelets made the whole fit feel opulent, while his pose screamed confidence.
Uche Jombo

Uche Jombo at AMVCA Cultural Night
Uche was a vision in mustard velvet. Her gown sparkled with fiery red crystals and featured voluminous sleeves and a tiered ball skirt. Topped with creamy white beads and a styled updo, she radiated strength and beauty.
Bambam (Bamike Olawunmi Adenibuyan)

Bambam at AMVCA 2025 Cultural Night
Bambam embraced Afrocentric flair in a bold wax print gown bursting with yellow, green, and red hues. The fishtail design and embellished bodice were regal, and her styling, natural light, waterfront view, and layered necklace, added an effortless grace.
Mobimpe (Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji)

Mobimpe at AMVCA 11 2025 Cultural Night
Mobimpe stepped out in a navy and gold masterpiece. Her gold-fringed bodice and shimmering striped skirt were pure elegance. The navy headwrap and gold accessories sealed the deal: she looked like modern-day royalty.
Adedimeji Lateef

Lateef Adedimeji at AMVCA 11 2025 Cultural Night
Adedimeji brought dramatic depth in a dark blue robe with gold embroidery and a powder-blue veil. Holding a ceremonial staff and framed by a rich maroon background, his look told a story, mystical, rooted, and powerful.
Venita Akpofure

Venita at AMVCA 11 2025 Cultural Night
Venita gave into high-fashion tradition in a black-and-white beaded gown with a mermaid skirt that flares in striped drama. Her elaborate headwrap and clean, minimalist background let the outfit shine as a timeless cultural statement.
The AMVCA 2025 Cultural Night was more than just a fashion showcase, it was a vibrant celebration of Africa’s diverse heritage and creativity. Each outfit told a story, blending tradition with modern artistry in a way that honored culture while pushing the style envelope. These ten celebrities didn’t just dress up, they showed up and showed out, reminding us why cultural fashion will always be timeless, powerful, and beautiful.
Celebrity News
How Your Favorite Stars Showed Up for AMVCA Icons Night

The energy at the AMVCA Icons Night was nothing short of electric. As an intro to one of the most anticipated nights in African entertainment, this gathering brought together stars, veterans, and style icons all showing up in looks that turned heads and sparked conversations. The night wasn’t just about flashiness; it was a showcase of personality, creativity, and presence. Let’s take a closer look at how these style stars stole the show with bold statements and elegance.
Rachel Okonkwo
One of the standout moments came from Rachel Okonkwo who wore a sleek blue mini dress that featured subtle ruching at the bodice, paired with a longline tailored coat. The coat was styled with intricate beaded adornments along the lapels and sleeves shimmering details that caught the light with every step, creating a visual rhythm that felt refreshing. Her look was finished with a sleek ponytail, crystal earrings, and a high-gloss red Lady Dior handbag that added contrast and beauty.
Rachel’s dress was the kind of styling choice that speaks of confidence and a high sense of fashion taste.
Nkechi Ufundo
Another guest is Nkechi Ufundo popularly known as Nikkyu. She wore a black corset top accented with floral appliqués which is a red rose and a touch of green paired with wide-leg black pants that were delicately designed with matching floral patterns. She wrapped a dark green satin shawl over her shoulders, adding softness and flow to the structured top. Her handbag matched the green flowers perfectly, pulling the entire look together. With long, side-swept waves and makeup that showcased her features just right, her entire outfit was completely balanced and classic.
Fredric Leonard
At AMVCA night, the men didn’t hold back either. Fredric Leonard commanded attention in his classic navy blue blazer over a crisp white costume. His white tunic-style shirt and trousers gave off a clean, refined look, while the structured blazer added sharpness and made him charming. His accessories were perfectly curated having a gold wristwatch, minimalist gold chain, and tinted sunglasses exuded nothing short of handsome. Frederick didn’t need to say much, his style did all the speaking.
Chizzy Alichy
Next is our very own Chizzy who just stepped out after months due to motherhood but she ate the event with her dress and left no crumbs. She opted for a flowing black gown as the new mum that she is. The dress featured a beautiful gold bodice peeking through, adding a touch of elegance to the overall look. The fabric was pooling gracefully around her feet and that was simply amazing. She kept her accessories minimal with gold bangles, allowing the dress to take center stage. Her sleek, black bob hairstyle framed her face beautifully, and her radiant smile completed the chic look.
Tana Adelana
Lastly, we had the phenomenal Tana Adelana. Her outfit featured a black sequined top with voluminous, cuffed long sleeves and a hint of sheer fabric. This was perfectly paired with a sleek, black, knee-length pencil skirt with a modest front slit. The look was accessorized with a sparkling, boxy clutch and eye-catching, multi-colored, bejeweled ankle-strap heels. Her hair was elegantly pulled back into a sleek ponytail, drawing attention to her striking features, enhanced by flawless makeup and silver earrings.
Her choice of outfit was elegant perfect for a night of celebrating icons.
Icons Night reminded everyone why fashion matters in moments like these. It’s more than fabrics, it’s a form of expression, a celebration of identity. Each person brought a different flavor to the table, and that’s what made the night so electric.
With the main AMVCA ceremony just around the corner, this stylish warm-up already has us on the edge of our seats. If this was the appetizer, we can’t wait for the main course.
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