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

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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

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 Style

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.

 

Medlin Boss

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

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

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

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Mercy Eke Brings Three Looks to Escape Magazine Shoot

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Photo: Josh Baram/Blackboy Photography

Mercy Eke appears on the cover of Escape Magazine’s Issue #15 in three different fashion looks. Titled The Business of Being Seen, the editorial presents a different side of her style with each outfit.

Photo: Josh Baram/Blackboy Photography

Her first look featured the black “Zina Feather Dress” by Elegant by Rachy. The two-piece was adorned with tiered black feathers and lace inserts along the sleeves, creating textured volume. Her hair was styled by Hairscobar into a low bun with soft tendrils. She accessorized the outfit with a black wide-brim boater hat lined with matching feathers and dangling bead fringe, paired with statement silver earrings.

Photo: Josh Baram/Blackboy Photography

Her second look was an earth-toned mermaid gown created by Victoria Style and styled by McNwatu. The dress was designed with a sharp, button-detailed beige high-collar crop jacket with large puff sleeves over a fitted corset bodice, which tapers down into a dramatically tiered, full floor-sweeping satin skirt. Her hair was styled into vintage-inspired side-parted finger waves by Hairscobar, while her makeup by v.e.l.o.u.r.a was in neutral tones. For accessories she wore minimal gold jewelry, closing out the look with footwear from premium shoe label DOT.

Photo: Josh Baram/Blackboy Photography

Her final look was a custom crimson-red Wandé Piece expertly made by Wandé of the brand Wandé official. The floor-length gown had a deep plunge peplum cut designed with delicate pearl work, sharp-angled shoulder arcs, and a straight-cut column ankle skirt trimmed with descending vertical crystal lines. Stylist Dan Stefan paired the outfit with an architectural, oversized red tilted disk fascinator from YUNIK and chunky silver bracelets. Her hair was styled into a low bun by Ope Oyebanji of Hairscobar to support the bold headpiece, and her makeup by v.e.l.o.u.r.a was done in nude shades. Mercy wore peep-toe pumps to complete the outfit.

The shoot was handled by Josh Baram and Blackboy Photography.

Since her time on Big Brother Naija, where she became the first woman to win the show, Mercy Eke has continued to build her name across business and entertainment, and shoots like this one remind fans why she remains a fashion favourite. Between the feathers, the corset, and the beaded red gown, this shoot didn’t just show three outfits. It showed three different sides of a woman who clearly knows how to work a camera.

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Tems Becomes First Female African Artist to Earn RIAA Diamond Certification

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Photo: Instagram

Tems has become the first female Africaartist to be credited on an RIAA Diamond-certified single. The achievement came through Future’s hit song WAIT FOR U,” featuring Drake and Tems.

The RIAA confirmed the certification as part of its latest list of award updates. Released in April 2022, Future single became a hit. The track includes Tems’ 2020 song Higher,” The song gave Future his first chart-topping single as a lead artist.

The Diamond certification is one of the RIAA’s highest recognitions. It is awarded only after a song reaches at least 10 million certified units in the United States.

Photo: Instagram

Tems’ gained wider recognition with her 2019 single “Try Me” before achieving global success through Wizkid’s “Essence.” She has since collaborated with artists including Drake, Beyoncé, Future, and Brent Faiyaz.

Read Also: Tems Launches South Africa Edition of Leading Vibe Initiative

Her success is not just tied to streaming numbers alone. She won several international awards. She has a Grammy in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category and also four BET Awards. Her talent has earned her praise from different artists including Rihanna.

Photo: Instagram

While several African musicians have received multi Platinum certifications in the United States, Diamond status remains rare. Tems becoming the first African woman to earn the certification.

The RIAA Diamond certification shows how African artists continue to break barriers. As Tem’s international profile grows, this latest milestone will inspire more female artists to aim for global success.

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Temi Otedola Says There’s No Reason to Deny Being a Nepo Baby.

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Photo: Instagram

Temi Otedola has joined the growing conversation around privilege and family connections, saying she sees no reason to deny being a “nepo baby.” The actress and media personality made the remarks during an episode of “The How Far Podcast“, which she co-hosts with her husband, Mr Eazi.

During the podcast, Temi said she is often surprised when people refuse to acknowledge the advantages they have enjoyed because of their background. In her view, admitting that someone started life with certain opportunities should not be seen as an attack on their achievements. Instead, she believes it is simply an honest acknowledgement of the advantages those opportunities provided.

Photo: Instagram

She also argued that privilege extends beyond having wealthy or well-known parents. According to her, growing up in a stable home, having access to quality education and not having to worry about basic needs are all forms of advantage that can shape a person’s path. For that reason, she said conversations about privilege should not be limited to celebrities or children of influential figures.

To make her point clearer, Temi used a personal example. She said that if she and Mr Eazi had a child who wanted to become a musician, and they introduced the child to a producer, paid for a music video and used their industry connections, the child would naturally have an advantage over someone trying to break into the business without that kind of support. Rather than deny it, she said she would openly accept that the child had benefited from family connections.

Photo: Instagram

Temi added that recognising those advantages does not mean dismissing hard work. She said she was given a leg up in life but still believes it is important to make the most of the opportunities available.

Mr Eazi shared a similar view during the discussion, saying he has also benefited from opportunities created by people who came before him. Their conversation explored how success is often influenced by factors that go beyond talent alone.

By openly identifying herself as a nepo baby, Temi Otedola said she believes acknowledging the advantages that came with her background is simply being honest about the different starting points people have in life.

Watch Below:

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