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Wizkid Celebrates His Lagos Legacy with Family at Tribeca Film Festival Premiere  

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New York City’s Tribeca Film Festival witnessed a special moment as Afrobeats icon Wizkid premiered his documentary “Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” with partner Jada Pollock and their young daughter by his side. The family made a striking impression on the red carpet—Wizkid in a crisp white ensemble, Pollock in a pink and white tie-dye dress with bold red sunglasses, and their daughter mirroring her father’s style in a miniature white outfit. Their coordinated appearance highlighted the personal significance of this project for the superstar.  

 

More Than a Music Documentary

 

Directed by Karam Gill, the 83-minute film goes beyond a standard artist biography. It artfully blends Wizkid’s rise to fame with the spirit of Lagos, the city that shaped him. Viewers are treated to intimate behind-the-scenes footage, including studio sessions and personal reflections, alongside electrifying clips from his historic 2024 performance at London’s Tottenham Stadium, a defining moment for Afrobeats on the global stage.  

 

The documentary also serves as a portrait of Lagos itself, capturing its vibrant culture and complexities. Through Wizkid’s journey, the film explores how the city’s energy, struggles, and resilience have influenced his music and worldview.  

 

Wizkid smiles alongside partner Jada Pollock and their daughter on the red carpet

Wizkid at Tribeca

Fatherhood and Legacy

 

During the post-screening Q&A, Wizkid opened up about how fatherhood has reshaped his perspective. “My children remind me what’s truly important,”  he shared. This heartfelt moment added depth to the premiere, revealing how the global superstar balances fame with personal life.  

 

Wizkid smiles alongside partner Jada Pollock and their daughter on the red carpet

Wizkid and his daughter at Tribeca

The documentary has already generated significant attention, with HBO Documentary Films securing distribution rights—though an official release date remains unannounced. Due to overwhelming demand, festival organizers added two additional screenings, with queues forming hours in advance. Industry insiders predict the film will not only delight Wizkid’s fans but also introduce Afrobeats to broader audiences.  

 

Wizkid smiles alongside partner Jada Pollock and their daughter on the red carpet

Wizkid

A Celebration of Culture and Identity

  

More than just a music documentary, “Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” is a tribute to heritage, ambition, and artistic evolution. The premiere itself became a cultural event, celebrating both Wizkid’s achievements and the enduring influence of Lagos. The evening underscored the human story behind the global phenomenon—proving that even superstars cherish their roots and loved ones above all else.  

 

Wizkid smiles alongside partner Jada Pollock and their daughter on the red carpet

Wizkid, his partner Jada Pollock, his daughter and other members of his crew

For those eager to experience it, the documentary will screen again at Tribeca on June 11, offering another chance to witness this compelling fusion of music and personal history.  

 

Read Also: Wizkid, Yemi Alade, and Others Set to Light Up Africa’s Biggest Music Festival in Morocco

Celebrity News

Akin Faminu Inducted Into the BoF 500 Class of 2026

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Photo: Instagram/@akinfaminu

Dr Akin Faminu just added another accomplishment to his résumé. The Lagos-based doctor and content creator has been inducted into The Business of Fashion 500 Class of 2026, an index of people who shape the global fashion industry.

He is one of 100 new members this year. The BoF 500 began in 2013 with 500 names and has since grown into a community of 1,713 people. New members are chosen over several months, based on nominations from existing members and the BoF team. Faminu joins the Sub-Saharan Africa group alongside Bobby Kolade, Joram Muzira and Michelle Francine Ngonmo.

Photo: Instagram/@akinfaminu

In the class announcement, BoF founder Imran Amed named Faminu as an example of how fashion is changing. He said the Nigerian doctor-turned-creator has made Yoruba ceremonial dress legible as high fashion.

The journey here started in 2014, when he launched a personal style platform called The Way Men Dress. He trained as a doctor at the University of Lagos, graduating from its College of Medicine in 2018, and continued attending fashion weeks in Lagos, London, Paris and Milan.

BoF describes his wardrobe, saying it leans on sharp tailoring, exaggerated proportions and statement accessories, with Nigerian designers like Orange Culture, Emmy Kasbit, Ugo Monye and Ashluxe sitting beside heritage references and global luxury labels. It also lists Daniel Wellington among his collaborators and names him a partner for Moët & Chandon and Nivea.

Photo: Instagram/@akinfaminu

The honours were already stacking up. In 2025, he was named Best Dressed Male at the AMVCA in a popular vote. On November 22 that year, he won the Man of Style award at the EMY Africa Awards in Accra, Ghana.

In Paris, the new class gathered at the BoF 500 Gala during Paris Fashion Week, with guests from more than 70 nationalities. Faminu wore a deep plum double-breasted suit by Nigerian label Deji & Kola. The jacket has velvet lapels with a leaf pattern embroidered in copper and orange tones, and the same detail runs down to the pocket flaps. The trousers were wide-legged, and he wore an unbuttoned velvet shirt. He added tinted sunglasses, a big ring, a watch and black dress shoes.

In his caption, he said he had typed and deleted it many times. He thanked God, his family and friends, and everyone who backed him, and called the honour a win for all of them.

Photo: Instagram/@akinfaminu

Earlier this year, at the Lagos premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2, he wore a different kind of look by Mekallia. It was a wine-coloured vest covered in gold and cream shells, worn over a white shirt with full, gathered sleeves and burgundy wide-leg trousers with round sunglasses.

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Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

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Photo: Instagram/@olujacobs

Veteran actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

His family announced his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in a statement shared on Instagram. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, shared a photograph of Jacobs alongside the announcement, while their son, Olusoji Jacobs, also shared news of his passing.

The family statement identified Jacobs as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and referred to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.” It listed his dates of birth and death as July 11, 1942 – September 16, 2026.

The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn his death.

Jacobs leaves behind a career that spanned British theatre and television, international film and several decades of Nigerian cinema. Before becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognisable actors, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

Photo: Instagram/@olusojijacobs

His early professional career included appearances in British television productions and international films. Among his film credits were The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Roman Polanski’s Pirates. His work during this period established an international dimension to a career that would later become closely associated with Nigerian cinema.

After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs continued working in television and film. He appeared in the NTA detective series The Third Eye and went on to build an extensive body of work in Nollywood, appearing in numerous productions over several decades.

His career extended beyond acting. Together with Joke Silva, Jacobs co-founded the Lufodo Group, which includes the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. Their work through the group covered film production and training within the performing arts, giving the couple a role in both the creative and educational sides of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Jacobs and Silva were married and had two children. Their professional partnership also became a notable part of their contribution to Nigeria’s performing arts.

Over the course of his career, Jacobs received several honours for his work. He received the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievement in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and was also recognised with a lifetime achievement award at the Africa International Film Festival.

Photo: Instagram/@olujacobs

In 2011, he received the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) from the Nigerian government in recognition of his contribution to the arts.

In his later years, Jacobs largely withdrew from public life. In 2021, Joke Silva disclosed publicly that her husband was living with Lewy body dementia, a progressive condition. His reduced public appearances subsequently led to several false reports of his death. In 2024, another widely circulated report claiming that he had died was dismissed by his family.

Jacobs’ death on September 16, 2026, was confirmed by his family. The family has not disclosed a cause of death in its announcement and has asked the public to respect its privacy during the mourning period.

He celebrated his 84th birthday on July 11, 2026, just over two months before his death.

From his early work in British theatre and television to international film and his decades in Nigerian cinema, Jacobs built a career across multiple generations of screen entertainment. His work in acting, production and performing-arts education made him a longstanding figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

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Ayra Starr to Headline 2026 NFL London Game Halftime Show

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Photo: Instagram/@ayrastarr

Ayra Starr to Headline 2026 NFL London Game Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has been announced as the halftime performer for the 2026 NFL London Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars.

The NFL made the announcement on Thursday, August 27, confirming that Ayra Starr will take the stage at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, October 11. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. British Summer Time (9:30 a.m. ET).

Her booking comes with a notable first. The NFL says Ayra Starr will become the first Afrobeats artist to headline a halftime show at one of its games.

Photo: Instagram/@complex_uk

She is also among seven artists selected to perform during halftime across the NFL’s 2026 International Games, presented by American Express. This year’s international programme will see regular-season games played in seven countries across four continents.

Ayra Starr reacted to the announcement on social media, describing the London performance as a dream come true.

“I am so excited to perform at the NFL halftime show in London. London is one of my favorite places in the world and to bring Starrgirl to the NFL global stage is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to see you guys there!”

The performance comes less than two months after the release of her third studio album, Starrgirl, which arrived on August 14. The 16-track album features collaborations with artists including ZAYN, Leon Thomas and Wizkid.

That timing gives the singer an opportunity to introduce Starrgirl to an audience far beyond her usual music listeners. The NFL’s London games attract fans from different backgrounds, making the halftime stage another major international platform for her music.

Photo: Instagram/@ayrastarr

The league also pointed to Ayra Starr’s growing profile outside Nigeria. According to the NFL, she has accumulated more than seven billion global streams and over one billion views on YouTube since beginning her career in 2021. She has also earned two Grammy nominations for Best African Music Performance, won the BET Award for Best International Act and performed at Glastonbury Festival.

Tim Tubito, the NFL’s senior director of global game presentation, music and entertainment, said the decision was influenced partly by the strong connection between African music and London, as well as Ayra Starr’s relationship with audiences in the city.

The October game is part of the NFL’s biggest international schedule. The league will stage regular-season games in London, Madrid, Melbourne, Mexico City, Munich, Paris and Rio de Janeiro in 2026. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set to host two London games, while Wembley Stadium will host another.

The halftime show will be broadcast live in the UK on free-to-air Channel 5 and Sky Sports.

With her October appearance, Ayra Starr will bring Afrobeats to one of the NFL’s biggest international stages and become the first artist from the genre to headline an NFL game halftime show.

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