Mo Abudu: Showmax Closure Is Wake Up Call For Local Streaming Platforms

Renowned Nigerian media entrepreneur, filmmaker, and founder of EbonyLife Group, Mosunmola "Mo" Abudu, has described the recent discontinuation of Showmax as a pivotal moment that should galvanize African creatives and entrepreneurs to build sustainable, homegrown streaming platforms tailored to the continent's unique needs and market realities.

The announcement came from Canal+ Group, which acquired MultiChoice—the parent company of Showmax—following a comprehensive strategic review of its streaming operations. Showmax, launched in 2015 as Africa's homegrown response to global streaming giants, has faced substantial annual losses deemed unsustainable in an increasingly competitive and capital-intensive global environment. The decision reflects a shift toward financial discipline and broader digital optimization, with no retrenchments planned as affected employees will transition to other roles within the group.

In her reaction shared via Instagram and widely reported across Nigerian and international media, Mo Abudu emphasized self-reliance and ownership in the African entertainment ecosystem. "No one is coming to save us," she stated. "It is up to us to build sustainable business models that truly work for Nigeria and Africa. The closure of Showmax should serve as a wake-up call for local creatives to focus on developing and sustaining our own distribution platforms that support the growth of indigenous stories, films, and content."

Abudu, a trailblazer in African storytelling through EbonyLife's production of acclaimed series and films, highlighted the risks of depending on foreign-owned platforms. She urged stakeholders in the creative industry—including filmmakers, producers, investors, and tech innovators—to seize this opportunity to create robust, locally controlled alternatives that prioritize African narratives, accessibility, and economic viability.

"The discontinuation underscores a broader truth: external platforms may come and go based on global priorities, but true empowerment comes from owning our distribution channels," Abudu added. "This is not the end of African streaming ambitions—it's the beginning of building what truly serves our audience and creators."

EbonyLife Group remains committed to advancing African content through innovative production and distribution strategies, and Abudu called on collaborators across the continent to join in forging independent pathways for the industry's future.

Veteran Nollywood Icon Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Opens Up: "Why I Rejected Deals That Could Have Made Me a Billionaire" – Prioritizing Integrity Over Wealth

Renowned Nollywood actress, philanthropist, and TIME 100 honoree Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, affectionately known as "Omosexy," has candidly revealed in a powerful new interview that she deliberately turned down multiple high-stakes opportunities throughout her career that could have catapulted her to billionaire status. The disclosure, made during a revealing conversation on the Afropolitan Podcast, underscores her unwavering commitment to personal values, principles, and moral integrity in an industry often fraught with compromise.

In the interview, which has rapidly gained traction across social media platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, Jalade-Ekeinde stated: "If I wanted to be a billionaire, I would have been it easily because I have been in situations where no one would have known and I would have taken things and compromised my stands, but I would say no, and I would walk away. Many times, many times."

The actress emphasized that these "deals under the table" and ethically questionable propositions came at various points in her more than three-decade career, often promising substantial financial rewards in exchange for bending her core beliefs. She chose instead to protect her name, her family, and her soul, even when the financial temptation was immense.

"Integrity has a price," Jalade-Ekeinde reflected. "Those opportunities came at the cost of my values. I chose to protect my name, my beliefs, and the core principles that define who I am. Not every success story is built on the fastest money. Sometimes it’s built on the decisions you refuse to make."

The revelations come amid a broader discussion of her life's challenges and triumphs, including losing her father at age 12, facing extreme hardship as a teenager (including borrowing money in dangerous circumstances in Mushin at 15 to support her family), winning Best Actress awards while nine months pregnant, enduring industry bans for standing her ground, and nearly losing her life during post-production on her directorial debut. Despite these trials, she credits her resilience to faith, family, and an unshakeable moral compass.

Jalade-Ekeinde, who has starred in over 300 films, served as an Oscar voter, and built a legacy as one of Africa's most influential entertainers, also shared her perspective on the differences between Nollywood and Hollywood, noting that she has never received residuals from her Nigerian work. She recently relocated to Los Angeles post-COVID to explore new opportunities while affirming, "Nollywood made me. Hollywood will pay me."

This candid admission has resonated deeply with fans and industry observers, sparking widespread praise for her authenticity and strength. Social media clips from the Afropolitan Podcast interview have gone viral, with many commending her for choosing legacy over quick wealth.

"I have things today that money can never buy," Jalade-Ekeinde concluded. "Peace of mind, a clean conscience, a respected name—these are priceless."

The full episode of the Afropolitan Podcast featuring Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is available now, with highlights circulating widely online.

Energy Bank Announces Upcoming Album "A Seed In The Stone" – Set for Release on March 25, 2026, Now Available for Pre-Add on Apple Music

Rising Afrobeat sensation Energy Bank is thrilled to announce his highly anticipated album, *A Seed In The Stone*, slated for release on March 25, 2026. This marks a significant evolution in the artist's career, building on the success of his 2025 EP *The Quiet Resilience* and recent singles that have captivated audiences worldwide. Fans can now pre-add the album on Apple Music to be among the first to experience this groundbreaking project.

*A Seed In The Stone* represents Energy Bank's philosophical and musical maturation, blending infectious Afrobeat rhythms with introspective lyrics that explore themes of love, resilience, intention, and personal growth. The album draws inspiration from life's fractures and glows, transforming personal experiences into universal anthems. As Energy Bank shared in a recent Instagram post, "I thank God for keeping me alive and giving me the courage to share my life with others through music."

The lead single, "Intentional," has already been released and is generating buzz for its raw exploration of love's authenticity. The track questions whether connections are genuine or merely games, setting the tone for the album's emotional depth.

### Full Track List for *A Seed In The Stone*:

1. Intentional (3:13)   

2. Luxury Love (2:51)  

3. End Of Discussion (4:23)  

4. Jumanji (3:13)  

5. 9/5 (3:00)  

6. Old Taker (3:29)  

7. Kum Kum (2:56)  

8. Next One (3:15)  

9. Volume (2:57)  

10. Ife Adigo (3:06)  

These tracks showcase Energy Bank's signature style, fusing high-energy beats with soulful melodies and thought-provoking narratives. From the upbeat vibes of "Jumanji" to the reflective tones of "Old Taker," the album promises a dynamic listening experience that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners.

"Creating *A Seed In The Stone* has been a journey of self-discovery," said Energy Bank. "Each song is a piece of my story, and I'm excited to share it with the world. This album is about finding strength in vulnerability and turning stones into seeds of growth."

The album will be available across all major streaming platforms, with exclusive pre-add options on Apple Music. Fans are encouraged to follow Energy Bank on social media (@iamenergybank on Instagram) for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive previews.

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Davido and Chioma Enjoy Romantic Getaway in Hawaii Amid ₦1 Billion Lawsuit from Sophia Momodu’s Lawyer

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido (David Adeleke) and his wife, Chioma Adeleke, are currently enjoying a luxurious romantic vacation in Honolulu, Hawaii, as social media buzzes with images and videos of the couple's tropical escape. The getaway comes at a time when Davido faces a high-profile ₦1 billion legal claim from the lawyer representing his former partner, Sophia Momodu, in their ongoing child custody dispute.

Davido and Chioma have shared glimpses of their "baecation" on social media, including clips of private jet travel, adventurous activities such as hiking and zip-lining, yacht relaxation, and quality time exploring Hawaii's vibrant culture and cuisine. Sources close to the couple describe the trip as a much-needed break focused on recharging and strengthening their bond amid a busy period.

The vacation follows closely on the heels of a pre-action notice and lawsuit threat issued by Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, representing Sophia Momodu's legal interests in the custody battle over their daughter, Imade Adeleke. The claim, directed at Davido, alleges harassment, cyberbullying, defamation, and threats stemming from a tense courtroom incident on February 12, 2026, at the High Court of Lagos State, as well as subsequent social media posts where Davido reportedly criticized the lawyer, Ebelechukwu Egeonu Enedah, calling her the "worst lawyer ever."

The law firm has demanded a public apology, retraction of statements, deletion of relevant posts, cessation of further comments on the matter, and ₦1 billion in damages for alleged reputational harm, emotional distress, and related grievances. The notice reportedly gives a short window for compliance before full legal proceedings.

Despite the mounting legal pressure tied to the long-running custody case, Davido appears unfazed, with fans noting his focus on family and enjoyment during the Hawaii trip, often accompanied by staff and close associates. The singer has not issued a public statement on the lawsuit at this time.

This development adds another layer to the high-profile personal and legal saga between Davido and Sophia Momodu, which has drawn significant public attention in recent months.

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Supacell' Actor and Rapper Ghetts Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash

Award-winning British rapper and actor Ghetts, best known for his role as the antagonist "Krazy" in Netflix's hit series *Supacell*, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison following a fatal hit-and-run incident in north-east London.

Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, 41, pleaded guilty in December to causing death by dangerous driving and an additional count of dangerous driving. He was sentenced at the Old Bailey on March 3, 2026, by Judge Mark Lucraft KC. In addition to the custodial term, Clarke-Samuel has been disqualified from driving for 17 years.

The incident occurred on October 18, 2025, when Clarke-Samuel, driving a BMW at approximately 60 mph in a 30 mph zone and under the influence of alcohol (with a blood alcohol level 1.5 times the legal limit), struck and killed 20-year-old Nepalese student Yubin Tamang as he crossed the road in Ilford. Clarke-Samuel failed to stop at the scene or report the collision, and emergency services were not immediately alerted by him.

The court heard details of erratic and dangerous driving prior to the fatal impact, captured on CCTV. While acknowledging Clarke-Samuel's genuine remorse, previous charitable contributions, and contributions to music and the arts, the judge emphasized the severity of the offense, noting that the decision to drink and drive had tragically ended a young life.

Ghetts rose to prominence in the UK grime scene as part of collectives like N.A.S.T.Y. Crew and through his solo work, earning critical acclaim for albums and collaborations. His acting debut in *Supacell* – a Netflix superhero drama – brought him wider international recognition in 2024.

No further statement has been issued on behalf of Clarke-Samuel or his representatives at this time. The family of Yubin Tamang has been supported throughout the proceedings, and tributes have highlighted the promising future cut short by the incident.