From glamorous year-end events to heart-warming social initiatives, Daily Trust Saturday highlights events, philanthropic endeavours, encounters and social media activities that defined the grand exit of Nigerian celebrities from 2023.
Portable defeated Charles Okocha in boxing match
Controversial musician, Habeeb “Portable” Okikiola, emerged victorious in the celebrity boxing match against Nollywood actor, Charles Okocha. The highly anticipated bout took place on December 27, 2023, at Landmark Beach in Lagos State, where enthusiastic fans filled the venue with cheers. Representing the blue corner, Portable donned a blue boxing attire, while Okocha sported red.
Viral social media footage captured Okocha attempting to evade Portable’s relentless jabs and punches, but the singer’s determined assault proved relentless. Despite a moment where Okocha successfully tossed Portable to the ground, the latter swiftly recovered, resuming his offensive. After approximately 40 minutes and four intense rounds of jab exchanges and punches, the Zazu singer emerged triumphant.
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Wizkid bought N1bn Ferrari, splurged N100m in Surulere
Afrobeat phenomenon, Ayo Balogun, better known by his stage name, Wizkid, reportedly bought a Ferrari SF90 Stradale for a whopping N1.4 billion as a Christmas present for himself. The news went viral after a popular vehicle dealer, @Datboi_autos, mentioned the musician in an Instagram post advertising his latest purchase. Wizkid’s expensive choice generated a flood of emotions on social media, with fans and followers expressing varied feelings, with some questioning the necessity for such lavishness.
The musician has been making waves on the internet with a series of kind deeds after the untimely passing of his mother.
On December 1, 2023, the Ojuelegba artiste gave a donation of N100m to kids in Surulere, Lagos, stressing that the gesture represented his sincere homage to his mother, Morayo, who passed away. This happened just a few days after the artiste awarded N20m to a hype man, Money Gee, for dedicating a song to him.
Tiwa Savage acquired London property
Well-known Nigerian musician Tiwa Savage celebrated the end of the year by becoming a landlady. She announced the purchase of a new residence in London, UK, via her Instagram story.
The renowned singer, who regularly visits Nigeria, London, and other countries, posted pictures of her luxurious new house on social media, which showed off its fully furnished living quarters, movie theatre, and well-equipped gym.
Popular Nigerian blogger Tundeednut generated controversy after resharing Tiwa’s tweet and revealing that she paid N1.7 billion on the house.
He wrote, N1,700,000,000 Billion what????? I have just noticed something about these celebrities. It seems all of them have worked so hard, and it’s time to start spending, because they are spending the money hard!!! Wow… Tiwa is rich, Abeg. Wetin happen?? No wahala! Don’t envy Oo! Just rejoice for others; your turn will soon come in Jesus name. Can I get an Amen? Congratulations, Tiwa Savage!”
Funke Akindele earned 3rd highest grossing film
Funke Akindele’s new Nollywood film, “A Tribe Called Judah”, broke the record for the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever. The movie was released on December 15, and made N780 million at the Nigerian box office in 2023. Additionally, it is the first film to earn over N113m in its first weekend of distribution.
Following her recent victory, Funke Akindele has maintained a three-year streak of top-grossing films in Nigeria. Her 2020 film, “Omo Ghetto the Saga”, brought in a total of N636m, while her 2022 picture, “Battle on Buka Street”, brought in N668m.
Johnny Drille welcomed baby girl
The renowned Nigerian artiste, Johnny Drille, joyfully shared the news of his daughter, Amaris’, arrival via Instagram on December 28, 2023. Johnny Drille and music executive, Rima Tahini, exchanged vows on July 4, 2023.
In a heartfelt message, he expressed: “Six weeks ago today we held in our arms our daughter for the first time. It’s hard to explain, but it’s the most miraculous thing I’ve ever known. Never felt a greater sense of purpose to protect and nurture. Every day I pray to God to help me be the best father for our daughter, so help me God.”
Patrick Doyle remarried
Just before the year ended, veteran Nollywood actor and broadcaster, Patrick Doyle, married a new wife, Funmi. Patrick Doyle, who is the ex-husband of famed actress, Ireti Doyle, married Funmi in December, 2023, in a traditional ceremony. In the photos that went viral, the couple looked to be wearing traditional Igbo and Yoruba attires.
The actor thanked God for the wonderful gift, stating that he was fortunate to be engaged to Funmi and was eager to spend the rest of his life with her. He called Funmi the commander of his heart, asserting that their love was evidence of their resilience.
