Celebrity/Entertainment
Kelly Hansome to unveil books and youth empowerment programmes
With ups and downs; good, bad and ugly things said about Orji Kelechi Obinna [aka] Kelly Hansome, the Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA of Imo State born singer
cum music producer is still kicking. Kelly Hansome who has been described as one of the greatest talents to emerge from Nigeria is not giving up on what he has been called to do.
In this interview with CHINEDU HARDY NWADIKE, he bares his mind on the struggles of the days before his glory, the challenges and the plans to get Kelly Hansome back to where he belongs as the king of Afropop in Nigeria.
Excerpts:
What were you called before the invention of Kelly Hansome?
Kelly Hans
Why make it up to Hansome?
Kelly Hansome as a name was actually born in Madonna University right after I was called Madonna Michael Jackson, because I used to perform Michael Jackson’s songs back then in Madonna University and even won several dance competitions outside the school. At a point I didn’t want to keep singing and performing other people’s songs. I wanted to sing and dance to my own songs, written and produced by me and that was how the name became popular.
The Hansome part of it came from my dad’s name ‘Mr Emma Hans’ as he is popularly called by friends.
How did your dancing career begin?
It was Michael Jackson from nursery school to my primary school. When I started playing the school organ from primary 4, it changed to ‘The Boy’. Then came ‘Orshi’ generated from my surname. Orshi was actually started by a friend called Arab and then Ifeanyi Nwude, Ogbonna Njoku and everyone else just took it from there. We were very close friends who studied and attended ‘Mgbaratu’ [parties] together. From Kelly Hans, to Madonna Michael Jackson, to Kelly Hansome. My parents still call me Kelechi.
Kelly Hansome on stage
I started dancing at a very tender age. I always won a price dancing at birthday parties. One day Uncle Sunny, one of my neighbors who loved me so much took me to a dance competition and I won. That was actually how I became popular in school because many of my school and class mates were there. After then I was asked by the school to perform at our PTA [Parents Teachers Association] end of the year party and ‘I killed it’. That was it. I danced all the way to Madonna University and even my first album had videos where I did ‘break dance’.
What does Madonna University remind you?
When I hear Madonna University, I remember the conscious efforts made by my parents to have me concentrate on my education. I remember learning how to manage money, my provisions and all. I remember getting into trouble in Madonna University because I wrote a petition to the school authority to allow us have performances once in a while since we had no social life and it was initially misinterpreted but I had to make that speech that had everyone clapping and hence it gave birth to recreational activities in the school.
For the first time, the Chancellor approved our performances on the eve of every matriculation and convocation day and so on.
I remember the discipline the school installed in me, waking up early, compulsory exercises and jogging.
It was a lovely experience which we did not appreciate while we were in campus because we felt the conditions in school were too harsh; but trust me, now that we have passed out, we appreciate it the most. It was a wonderful experience indeed.
The music journey from Madonna University?
I had a record label then with 5 artistes: the Kindreds, a group of three rappers who loved Wutang Clan; Double O; The Legends, with Rex Idaminabo, Goddy Idaminabo and one other guy and Onyinye [aka] Oniel James who was dating my friend Obiora back then.
We were the best thing that was happening in school. I also had dancers who performed with me like Sammy Wine (Madonna Usher) and we always took permission to go out of school during weekends to record songs at Harida’s studio. Because I had a deal with his dad on studio sessions,
I produced and managed these acts and got them booked to perform in different parties and shows, outside school.
How did your Madonna days end?
I got a deal and left. So many people rumored that I was expelled but that’s nowhere near the truth. I am still in very good terms with Father Edeh who mentored, monitored and advised me on several occasions.
School was fun, I gained lots of experiences while working with my team until I left. Before I left, I handed the mantle over to another guy [Chuks Areh] who was coming up strongly as the next Michael Jackson and I zoomed off to Lagos to look for a record deal.
Did leaving school bring trouble between you and your parents?
The decision to leave school and move to Lagos brought a very big issue between my Dad and I because he didn’t understand how such a brilliant son of his (actually his first son) could leave a private school to Lagos in the name of music. I started off working as a producer from studio to studio, sleeping in the streets because I initially had nowhere to stay until I went to stay with the Onojas who are still very close family friends of ours till date.
It was a tough experience, I lack words to describe my ordeal on the streets. I literally met the streets, she fell in love with me and we dated. I learned more in the streets than in any institution I had attended but that doesn’t mean education isn’t important or wasn’t beneficial to me. It totally was.
I met Blackface and he took me in and I started running the first blackface’s official studio – Loud Houz Studios with the help of AYK and Tuebaa in Festac town. I later got employed as a studio engineer for Myke Records which led to a production deal that gave birth to several songs from artistes under the label like Freewinds, Bumpa Clash, Mamuzee and Zyon, amongst others.
I got signed on after the CEO Evangelist Myke Ikoku heard my songs. I dropped my second album, ‘Simply Kelly’ and made a couple hits in the South East but it wasn’t nationwide until I recorded ‘Maga Don Pay’.
This is just a summary, it’s a long story.
How did your first hit come?
I made the first hit before Kennis promoted it. I printed the first one thousand copies all by myself with Richez as my marketer. It was already everywhere but I didn’t have a video until I signed with Kennis. They did a great job in pushing the whole thing down to other African countries and even inside Los Angeles and other American States largely populated by Africans.
Do you deserve signing on for Kennis?
I really deserved the deal because it was a dream come true. It was actually after I had promoted it and it became popular in Nigeria that I left the country to resume my studies but then came the deal.
Do you think kennis showed you the world in your dreams?
We hadn’t even started the big plans we had before issues arose. The album we made in some local studio went international, sold over a million copies. Some bullion van of money came and then came a little disagreements here and there which we would have settled amicably but a whole lot of people were threatened by the sudden positive turnout of events and hence the ‘Rise Of Kelly Hansome’. They started putting things in different ears, accusations flew around, the misunderstandings grew stronger, angry words that should have been unsaid poured out, but for some reasons we just couldn’t hold the business bond together, even though we still maintained a cordial relationship till date.
The actual issues are simple but for the sake of confidentiality, I will not share the details because it will only be my own view no matter how you look at it. We have settled and left it within and behind us for good and so should it remain.
Why did it take long to settle with Kennis?
It took so long because the media took sides instead of mediating professionally as supposed. It became a messy face off and off course you know how it goes.
I was also way younger and less experienced in dealing with such corporate issues than I am right now, so it was just a lesson for me and I don’t regret any part of the experience. I have learned to overlook certain things and move on.
Did your fame favour people around you?
I had barely made it off the streets to carry anyone along but a whole lot of people especially artistes benefitted from the connection.
I cannot begin to mention names for some reasons, but trust me, even Jesus who gave his life is still not appreciated by some of the people he died to save. It’s only natural for people to say that I didn’t help anyone and of course I am human. I can’t help everybody no matter how much I would love to and moreover in life, you have to stand on your feet before you can start helping people.
Are there things you would have done better now?
I don’t think I would have done anything better because I didn’t know better then. We can only talk about the future and not the past. I have no regrets so far because my only regret was not finishing school but I am done now and there is nothing to worry about on that side.
A man is not judged by his experience but by what he does with them
People say Kennis ghost is still hunting you?
I don’t see ghosts. I am a mere mortal but of course I don’t know what I am going to do when I see one. I believe that everyone has moved on. I personally have.
We all are human, nobody is perfect. I used to hold grudges back then but when I think about it now, I just smile because some of those things now look childish to me.
Once you’re a celebrity, certain things about you go public and hence public opinion and judgments follow suit but nobody is perfect including the celebrities.
What’s next for you?
I have a lot of projects coming up but this time I will not talk about them till they are ready to go public. Youth empowerment via Education is one of them and my next album is also in progress.
I have a new single dropping soon titled ‘Akunatakasi’ and a song featuring an American rapper from Philadelphia in the pipeline. Right now, talking is not on my agenda, I will let my work speak henceforth.
Can your experience be used to inspire younger artistes?
Of course yes, a whole lot. I have written about 3 books to that effect and trust me, as usual the books will make a huge inevitable positive impact on the younger generation and generations yet unborn. My books are simply blueprints. It’s an honest and blunt timeless intellectual masterpiece that will be celebrated hundreds of decades even after I am gone. Some of these books will be turned into movies with highly contagious positive messages and energy capable of illuminating and setting so many minds free intellectually.
Will you still go back to Owerri to support younger artistes?
I have been doing that and I won’t stop.
Do you think the public know the real Kelly Hansome?
No they don’t. They know the person in the media, which is obviously not the real me. It’s like seeing Super Man in real life, you would expect him to fly and save people right? People have been mentally programmed by the creators of the movie to see him that way.
Does this arrogance the media painted of you affect you in anyway?
It used to affect me a little bit because sometimes you can’t stand people having a weird impression of you especially when they act a certain way towards you as a result of what the media had programmd in their minds. That was then, but not now, not anymore.
To young people being approached by labels and those doing music…
All I have to say is decide where you want to be in life and don’t stop till you get there.
Secondly, don’t drop out of school because you want to pursue a career. You need all the education you can get, trust me.
Thirdly, it’s not an easy road, prepare for the worst but hope for the best. Whosoever told you it’s an easy road lied to you.
Fourthly, don’t hate what you want to become, support anyone who is doing well and believe in yourself. Nobody can stop your shine. It’s not how far but how well.
Lastly, you have to know your role and the role of God and the devil. Give unto Caesar what belongs to him and unto God what belongs to him. Do not give God what belongs to Caesar and vice versa.
Kelly was in many scandals then but none with women why?
[Laughs] Well like I said earlier, I am not perfect but just favored. It so pleases God, the great architect of the universe in whose hands we are but pencils.
Any relationships or wedding bell
No comment.
Interview by O’Gist Entertainment
Celebrity/Entertainment
How Nigerian TikToker Geh Geh Made ₦45 Million in One Night

A Nigerian TikTok sensation known as “Geh Geh” has stunned the internet after pulling in over $30,000 from a single live session that attracted more than 177,000 viewers.
The young entertainer, who calls his platform the “University of Wisdom and Understanding,” has quickly built a cult following with his raw and unfiltered lectures about women, money, and survival in Nigeria.
During the live broadcast on Thursday, August 21, viewers showered him with virtual gifts that he later calculated to be worth over $30,000.
The milestone instantly pushed him into the spotlight as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising online personalities.
Reacting in disbelief after the stream, Geh Geh said:
“More than 177,000 people watch my lectures today. Jesus! University of wisdom and understanding, the only university where once you graduate, woman go fear to ask you for money.”
Despite not having a formal education, Geh Geh proudly calls himself “the first illiterate to find a university in the history of Nigeria.” In a video after the viral live, he reminded fans of his humble background:
“I no be graduate too, but by the grace of God, I don find school. I be orphan, but now Nigerians don show me love.”
The TikTok star admitted he was overwhelmed by the generosity of his supporters.
“See gift I made over… more gift when they give me today is worth about $30,000. I no go take this love for granted, because I no really do anything for am.”
His rise has been hailed as proof of how social media is transforming lives in Nigeria. With no degree, no rich background, and no industry connection, Geh Geh has managed to build a fanbase that now calls themselves “students” of his unusual university.
Still, his controversial views on women and relationships continue to spark heated debates. While some dismiss his advice as reckless, others insist his boldness speaks directly to Nigeria’s frustrated youth.
Reflecting on his sudden fame, Geh Geh compared himself to great thinkers:
“If Nigeria be country wey value great people, by now them suppose dey compare people like me with Aristotle, Wole Soyinka, Einstein… but I thank God say people dey see my head and my own difference.”
From an orphan with no prospects to a viral star earning in dollars, Geh Geh’s story has become one of digital empowerment.
His journey shows how platforms like TikTok are creating new forms of fame, money, and influence for Nigerians especially those once written off by society.
Celebrity/Entertainment
Big Brain Naija Reality Show Set to Launch in Nigeria – What to Expect

Nigeria is set to welcome a new kind of reality TV show, Big Brain Naija (#BB9JA), which the organisers describe as a platform designed to discover, celebrate, and showcase the country’s brightest minds.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the show, powered by Big Brain Productions in collaboration with DAAR Communications Plc, will officially debut in October.
According to the organisers, it will air on Africa Independent Television (AIT) and will be staged in the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the official signing of the partnership agreement in Abuja, Chief Executive Officer of Big Brain Productions, Mr. Kel Ameobi, explained that the initiative seeks to balance entertainment with innovation.
He stressed that the show would focus on creativity, ideas, and problem-solving rather than the usual theatrics and controversies that dominate popular reality shows in Nigeria.
“Big Brain Naija was created with a simple but powerful vision: to build a platform where intelligence meets entertainment,” Ameobi said.
He added that Nigerian youths have often been denied opportunities to showcase their ingenuity on the big stage, while entertainment spaces tend to reward superficial content.
He continued: “For too long, we’ve seen platforms celebrate emptiness and drama, while the brightest among us have no avenue to shine.
Big Brain Naija is not a show of noise but a stage for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We want to celebrate ideas, not controversies.”
Joining him, Chief Executive Officer of DAAR Communications Plc, Mr. Marcel Anyalechi, praised the project as a refreshing departure from the norm.
He noted that DAAR Communications would fully support the show across all its media platforms.
“This project blends innovation and creativity, and we believe it will bring real impact to the entertainment industry.
We are excited to partner with Big Brain Productions to showcase Nigerian talent not just to Africa but to the world,” Anyalechi said.
Adding to the details, Chief Operating Officer of Big Brain Naija, Mr. Ossai Ilome, explained that the first season will feature 37 contestants representing all 36 states and the FCT.
To make the competition even more unique, the show will introduce AI-powered judges, making it the first reality TV show in Africa to integrate artificial intelligence at such a scale.
Ilome revealed that the winner of the maiden season will walk away with a grand prize of N30 million and a brand-new car.
He emphasized that beyond entertainment, the project aims to reinforce Nigeria’s global image as a nation of intelligent and industrious people.
“The time has come to showcase Nigerians as visionary and exceptional people. While the show will retain the entertaining aspect of reality TV, its heart lies in celebrating intellect, ideas, and innovation,” Ilome said.
The organisers expressed optimism that Big Brain Naija would not only captivate audiences but also inspire young Nigerians to dream bigger and push creative boundaries.
With its unique blend of entertainment, innovation, and national representation, the show aims to become a defining moment for the Nigerian entertainment industry when it premieres in October.
Celebrity/Entertainment
Popular Skit Maker Dies in Lagos

The Lakowe community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State was thrown into panic last week after a skit maker and hairstylist, simply identified as Austin, was brutally murdered by suspected cultists.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, August 14, 2025, left residents in shock as the victim’s mutilated body was discovered with deep machete cuts.
Witnesses said the attackers severed one of his hands during the gruesome killing.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants stormed the area at dawn in search of Austin.
Upon locating his residence, they allegedly dragged him out of his apartment before hacking him to death in front of horrified neighbors.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity told PUNCH Metro:
“There was commotion early Thursday morning, but nobody knew what was happening.
Later, we found Austin’s corpse with machete wounds, and one of his hands cut off. That was when we realized the noise we heard was linked to the attack.”
Shockingly, friends and neighbors revealed that Austin may have anticipated his death.
A close acquaintance disclosed that the deceased posted a cryptic farewell message on his WhatsApp status just a day before the attack.
“Austin was a well-known hairstylist and also created comedy skits online. People close to him said he sensed danger and left a post hinting that something bad was about to happen,” a resident explained.
Videos shared with reporters showed his lifeless body lying on the ground with sympathizers gathered around, mourning the tragic loss.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, did not answer calls placed to his phone. A text message sent to him also went unanswered as of the time of filing this report.
The killing comes just days after Lagos police confirmed the arrest of six suspected cultists in connection with the violent murder of another man, identified as Kamoru, alias Keeper, in the Ebute Meta area.
In a statement released in mid-July, Hundeyin disclosed that the suspects — Raphael Ashim (30), Wasiu Kareem (33), Sadiq Olabisi (40), Olamilekan Oluwatosin (27), Olalekan Olugbodi (54), and Ibrahim Oladimeji (22) — were apprehended by detectives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit during an intelligence-led operation in Surulere.
Police said the suspects were involved in multiple cult clashes across Lagos, which have claimed several lives, including that of Kamoru.
Cult-related violence has been on the rise in Lagos communities, with gangs clashing over territorial control, drug turf wars, and political influence.
Many residents have repeatedly called on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the menace.
Austin’s killing has once again highlighted the growing insecurity in Lagos suburbs, especially in fast-developing areas like Ibeju-Lekki, where rapid urbanization has also attracted cult activity.
For residents of Lakowe, the incident has created fear and uncertainty. Some expressed concern that young men in the area are being lured into cult groups due to unemployment, peer pressure, and lack of opportunities.
Community leaders are now urging the Lagos State Police Command to launch a thorough investigation and bring Austin’s killers to justice.
Many fear that without swift action, cult-related killings could escalate and spread further across Ibeju-Lekki and surrounding communities.
As of press time, security presence in Lakowe has been increased, but residents remain on edge, mourning the loss of a popular young hairstylist and entertainer whose life was cut short by suspected cultists.
Celebrity/Entertainment
JUST IN: Tears as Nollywood legend Fabian Adibe passes away sadly

(DDM) – The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Fabian Adibe.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the veteran performer, widely known for his role in the classic adaptation of Things Fall Apart, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday.
According to reports, Adibe died at 2:30 a.m., a development confirmed by celebrity journalist Seun Oloketuyi via his Instagram handle.
The news has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and stakeholders within the entertainment sector.
Fabian Adibe was celebrated as one of Nollywood’s foundational actors who helped shape the industry’s storytelling tradition.
His role in Things Fall Apart and several other Nollywood classics remains etched in the memories of movie lovers across generations.
Industry insiders described him as an actor who brought authenticity, depth, and emotion to every character he portrayed.
His passing marks another painful loss for Nollywood, which has lost several veterans in recent years.
Fabian Adibe’s contribution to Nollywood
Adibe began his acting career during Nigeria’s formative film years, appearing in stage productions before transitioning to television and home videos.
He was known for his ability to interpret roles rooted in traditional culture and African history.
His performances helped establish Nollywood as a hub of African cinematic expression.
Things Fall Apart, adapted from Chinua Achebe’s iconic novel, remains one of his most enduring legacies.
Critics hailed his performance for capturing the emotional weight and historical depth of the story.
Tributes pour in
Since the announcement of his passing, social media has been flooded with condolences and emotional messages.
Actors, filmmakers, and fans alike have celebrated his life and legacy.
Seun Oloketuyi, who confirmed the news, described Adibe as “a pioneer and a legend whose absence will be deeply felt.”
Others praised his mentorship of younger actors and his commitment to professionalism throughout his career.
Nollywood’s recent losses
Adibe’s death adds to a growing list of Nollywood veterans who have passed away in the past two years.
The industry has lost icons like Saint Obi, Mr. Ibu (John Okafor), and Don Brymo, sparking concerns about the preservation of Nollywood’s history.
Film historians have called for more archival work to document the contributions of early actors like Adibe.
Final farewell
While funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, colleagues are expected to hold memorial events in his honour.
Fans have taken to social media with messages such as, “Rest in peace, Fabian Adibe. Nollywood will never forget you.”
Celebrity/Entertainment
Why single mothers can’t raise boys into proper men — Jim Iyke

Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has sparked heated debate with his recent comments on parenting, asserting that a single mother cannot raise a boy into a “proper man” without the involvement of a male figure.
Speaking during an interview on Okay 101.7 FM in Accra, Ghana, Iyke emphasized the importance of male influence in shaping boys into responsible and disciplined men, while acknowledging the critical nurturing role women play in child-rearing.
“A woman can’t raise a man. You can’t, you’re not built for it. A single mother cannot raise a man properly,” Iyke declared. He added that the presence of a trusted male figure—whether a brother, father, or mentor—is essential. “There has to be a male presence in it [raising a boy child],” he insisted.
According to Iyke, women are naturally inclined to nurture and love, but he argued that this alone is insufficient for instilling discipline and resilience in boys.
“What you’re going to raise is a very weak man. He is going to be everything like the men that left you. You need somebody who would discipline him, tell him ‘No’ as often as possible, and put him in the grind,” he explained.
To illustrate his point, Iyke shared a personal anecdote about his four-year-old son during a family holiday in the south of France.
When his son was bullied by other kids during a football game, Iyke deliberately refused to intervene, instructing his wife to step back as well.
He described the moment as a “conversation between two men,” explaining that the experience taught his son resilience.
“He went back, fought for his ball, and came out stronger. I’ve never been more proud of him,” Iyke recounted, adding that this underscored his belief in the value of a father figure in a boy’s development.
Iyke’s comments have since gone viral, igniting passionate discussions across social media. While some agree with his perspective on the importance of male influence, others have criticized his stance, emphasizing the strength and success many single mothers have demonstrated in raising well-rounded men.
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