Controversial Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington has opened up about his experience living in the United States, revealing that his over two decades abroad brought him more trouble than success. The outspoken entertainer said that despite spending 23 years in America, he left with nothing tangible to show for it, claiming that his time there only resulted in multiple arrests and criminal records. Speed Darlington made the remarks in a recent video circulating online, where he compared his life in the US to his achievements in Nigeria. According to him, his success back home far outweighs anything he gained overseas. He explained that the mansion he currently owns, complete with a swimming pool, was built with money earned in Nigeria—not America.

The rapper stated that while he still has access to travel to the US to visit family, he prefers not to stay there for long periods. He described American society as unfriendly to his mental and emotional well-being, particularly as a Black man.

Speed Darlington claimed that racism and social pressure in the US made him feel insignificant, adding that Black men often have to “overprove” themselves before gaining respect.

In contrast, he said living in Nigeria has given him a sense of belonging and confidence.

He also referenced his widely publicised clash with fellow singer Portable, noting that the incident— which happened in Lagos—helped him financially.

Summing up his feelings, Speed Darlington said he would rather live freely in a less glamorous environment than remain confined in a place that limits his happiness.

Watch him speak 🗣️

American rapper Kanye West has publicly apologised to Black and Jewish communities for his past offensive statements and actions, days before the release of his upcoming album. The 48-year-old artist made the apology through a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal, publishing a lengthy letter titled “To Those I’ve Hurt.” The message comes ahead of his new album, Bully, scheduled for release on January 30. The project follows his 2024 album, VULTURES 1. In the letter, West reflected deeply on his past behaviour, linking some of his actions to injuries he sustained in a previous car accident. He explained that while the physical injuries were treated at the time, the neurological impact was overlooked.

According to West, limited medical examinations meant a potential frontal-lobe injury went undetected for years. He said it was not properly diagnosed until 2023, a delay he believes significantly affected his mental health and contributed to his bipolar type-1 diagnosis. West admitted he struggled for years to accept his condition.

He went on to describe bipolar disorder as particularly dangerous because of how convincing it can be, noting that it often makes sufferers believe they don’t need help while clouding their judgment. The rapper acknowledged the pain his behaviour caused to others, especially those closest to him.

Addressing his antisemitic actions directly, West expressed remorse for embracing extremist symbolism during what he described as a fractured mental state, including the sale of merchandise featuring Nazi imagery. He stressed that his condition does not excuse his behaviour.

West also revealed that his wife, Bianca Censori, whom he married in 2023, played a key role in encouraging him to finally seek professional help after he reached what he described as “rock bottom.” He noted that he found unexpected support in online communities, particularly on Reddit, where he connected with others living with similar mental health challenges. West further acknowledged the responsibility that comes with his influence as a global figure.

He said he is now committed to healthier living and intentional creativity, crediting a structured routine involving medication, therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes for helping him regain clarity. “I’m directing my energy into meaningful, positive work—music, fashion, design, and ideas that can help the world,” he said. West concluded the letter by asking for patience rather than sympathy. “I’m not asking for a free pass,” he wrote. “I hope to earn forgiveness. For now, I ask only for patience and understanding as I find my way back.” The apology follows reports that West previously met with New York–based Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, where he privately expressed regret over his past remarks.

A video currently trending on social media has sparked widespread reactions after capturing a dramatic moment in a Nigerian church, where a pastor is seen praying over a man believed to be dead. According to the video, the man identified as Richard was brought into the church in a casket and placed before the altar. During the service, the pastor passionately prayed and called on the name of Jesus, commanding life to return to the body. Moments later, the man appeared to move and eventually rose from the casket, leaving the congregation in shock. The scene quickly turned emotional as members of the church erupted in celebration. Worshippers shouted, danced, and praised God, viewing the incident as a miraculous act and a powerful demonstration of faith. However, the video has also generated intense debate online. While many believe the event proves that nothing is impossible for God, others have questioned the authenticity of the footage, suggesting the incident may have been staged. As the video continues to circulate, it has reignited conversations around faith, miracles, and the growing influence of viral church content in the digital age. See photos below 👇👇👇

Gunna’s decision to leave Burna Boy off the remix of his hit song WGFT has sparked widespread debate among fans and music lovers. On Friday, January 16, Gunna dropped the official remix of WGFT, this time enlisting American R&B star Chris Brown. While the remix was welcomed with excitement, many listeners were quick to notice the absence of Burna Boy, who featured on the original version of the track. The original WGFT, lifted from Gunna’s 2025 album The Last Wun, featured Burna Boy and went on to enjoy massive success. In the remix, however, Burna Boy’s verse was completely replaced by Chris Brown’s smooth, R&B-leaning performance. From the start of the remix, Chris Brown’s vocals set a mellow tone before Gunna’s familiar verse kicks in. While some fans praised the new vibe and felt Chris Brown blended perfectly with the song, others admitted they missed Burna Boy’s presence and questioned why he was dropped from the remix. As expected, social media quickly filled up with mixed reactions. Some listeners argued that Burna Boy wasn’t necessary on the original track, while others felt Chris Brown was always the better fit for the song. On the other hand, many fans felt Burna Boy deserved to remain part of the remix. One fan even dug up an old tweet from December last year that read: “This WGFT song didn’t need Burna. Chris Brown would have been perfect.” Another user commented: “Gunna’s verse on WGFT blew up so much that Burna Boy wasn’t really needed, and that’s why he didn’t make the remix.” Not everyone supported the remix idea at all. A listener wrote: “Big ups to Chris Brown, but the remix ain’t it. Gunna should have left the original with Burna.” Others were more critical of Burna Boy’s removal. One fan questioned the move, saying: “Why did Gunna take Burna Boy’s verse off? That’s foul.” Some fans, however, felt the outrage was unnecessary. One user argued: “This is a remix. You featured someone on the original; must you feature them again on the remix, especially when they weren’t on the chorus?” A number of listeners even claimed the remix outperformed the original. One fan wrote: “This remix tap sha. I’ve been playing it since 8 and it’s still on repeat. I like it more than the original.” Still, not all feedback was positive. One listener warned: “Gunna is about to ruin WGFT with that Chris Brown remix.” Another bluntly added: “Let’s be honest, Burna almost spoiled the song,” while someone else said: “Chris Brown should have been on the original because this kind of song is really his lane.” With opinions sharply divided, one thing is clear — Gunna’s WGFT remix has successfully reignited conversation around the song, proving once again how powerful remix decisions can be.

Actress and film producer Mo Bimpe has showered praises on her senior colleague, Funke Akindele, following her historic achievement at the Nigerian box office. According to The Nation, Funke Akindele has officially become the first filmmaker to gross ₦2 billion at the box office, setting a new record in African cinema. Reacting to the milestone via Instagram, Mo Bimpe described Akindele as the undisputed Queen of the Box Office, applauding her consistency and record-breaking impact on the film industry.

She further celebrated Funke’s dominance, adding: “The highest-grossing filmmaker in Africa. The undisputed multi-billion Queen of the Box Office. You keep breaking records, and it is truly inspiring. ₦3 billion on the way! God is clearly in this story. Keep breaking records, mama. We are so proud of you. Well done, my Queen.” Mo Bimpe also reminded fans that Behind the Scenes is still showing in cinemas nationwide, encouraging movie lovers to continue supporting the masterpiece.

Spanish music legend Julio Iglesias is facing a judicial investigation in Spain following serious allegations of sexual assault made by two former employees. The women, who worked at Iglesias’s private residences in the Caribbean, allege that they were sexually abused while employed by the singer in 2021. Their claims were revealed in a joint investigation by Spanish outlet elDiario.es and U.S.-based media organisation Univision. According to the reports, the alleged incidents took place at Iglesias’s properties in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Lyford Cay in the Bahamas. Spain’s national court is now examining the case, as it has jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed abroad by Spanish citizens. Julio Iglesias, now 82, is one of Spain’s most celebrated artists, with a career spanning more than six decades and millions of records sold worldwide. Accounts from the Accusers One of the women, identified as Rebeca to protect her identity, worked as a domestic employee at one of the properties. She told investigators that Iglesias frequently summoned her to his bedroom at night and touched her without her consent.

Rebeca, who was 22 years old at the time and is Dominican, also claimed that she was forced into sexual encounters involving another female staff member. She further alleged that the singer slapped her and grabbed her genitals during these encounters. The second woman, referred to as Laura, is a Venezuelan physical therapist who said Iglesias touched her breasts and kissed her against her will. She described a working environment filled with intimidation, alleging that Iglesias threatened to fire her, monitored her food intake, and made intrusive comments about her body and menstrual cycle.

While she said she often resisted his advances, Laura claimed other women felt unable to refuse. “There were girls who couldn’t say no,” she said. “And he did what he wanted with them.” Evidence and Legal Action The joint investigation by elDiario.es and Univision reportedly spans three years and includes documentary evidence such as photographs, phone logs, text messages, and medical records. Other former employees also described a tense and threatening atmosphere while working for the singer. On 5 January, both women filed a formal complaint against Iglesias, accusing him of sexual assault and human trafficking. Iglesias and his legal team did not respond to multiple requests for comment before the reports were published. However, a woman described as a manager at one of his Caribbean properties dismissed the allegations as “nonsense.” The BBC has also attempted to contact Iglesias’s representatives but has yet to receive a response. Mixed Reactions in Spain The allegations have sparked intense public debate in Spain. Some long-time associates of Iglesias have publicly defended him. Journalist Miguel Ángel Pastor said he had never heard any suggestion that the singer was capable of such actions, while royal commentator Jaime Peñafiel called the accusations “absolute lies.” Others, however, have urged authorities to pursue the case thoroughly. Spain’s equality minister, Ana Redondo, stressed that consent is non-negotiable. “When there is no consent, there is assault,” she wrote on social media. Podemos leader Ione Belarra also weighed in, calling for an end to what she described as the long-standing silence surrounding sexual abuse allegations against powerful public figures. Meanwhile, Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso publicly defended Iglesias, stating that the region would not participate in what she described as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of “the most universal of Spanish singers.” Biography to Be Updated Iglesias’s biographer, Ignacio Peyró, and his publisher, Libros del Asteroide, confirmed that the singer’s recent biography will be updated to include the allegations. In a statement, they also expressed their “support and solidarity with the victims.” As the investigation continues, the case adds to a growing national conversation in Spain about accountability, power, and sexual abuse — especially when allegations involve influential and celebrated figures.