

Entertainment
Nigeria’s Oscar Entry ‘Lionheart’ Disqualified for Predominantly English Dialogue
Genevieve Nnaji’s movie did not meet the Academy’s rules for international feature film submissions.
Nigeria’s entry for the international feature film Oscar category was disqualified on Monday because it contained too much English dialogue, leading to backlash from its filmmaker, Nigerian actor-director Genevieve Nnaji, as well as from fellow helmer Ava DuVernay.
Read Also: Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Lionheart’ Is Nigeria’s Submission For 2020 Oscars
Lionheart is Nigeria’s first-ever submission to the Academy Awards. Nnaji stars alongside Peter Edochie and Nkem Owoh in the film, which she also co-wrote with her producing partner Chinny Onwugbenu. Lionheart premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival and was acquired by Netflix for worldwide distribution.
Read Also: Genevieve Nnaji ‘Lionheart’ Toronto Premiere Tickets Sold Out
According to the Academy’s rules for the international feature film category, “an international film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (defined as over 40 minutes) produced outside the United States of America with a predominantly non-English dialogue track.” Lionheart has just under 12 minutes of dialogue that is in the Igbo language native to Southeastern Nigeria, while the rest of the 94-minute pic is in English. The film is not excluded from entering other Oscar categories, including consideration for best picture.
Why I decided to become a movie director – Genevieve Nnaji
Entertainment
Sabinus’s ‘Spray Money’ Skit Surpasses 85,000 Engagements on X

Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, known as Sabinus, released a pidgin-infused skit on October 9, 2025, satirizing the cultural practice of spraying cash at events by mocking hesitation in celebratory moments.
The video quickly garnered over 35,000 likes and 4,000 reposts, topping X trends and drawing praise for its relatable humor on stinginess and social expectations.
Sabinus, a Port Harcourt native and top comedian, continues to dominate Nigeria’s digital comedy scene with his timely social commentary.
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Entertainment
Big Brother Naija Winner Imisi Ayanwale Opens Up on Strategy, Friendship, and Faith in Ebuka Interview

Imisi Ayanwale, the 23-year-old winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10, has shared new insights into her journey to victory in an exclusive 23-minute interview with show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, released on the official BBNaija YouTube channel on Tuesday.
The conversation offered fans a closer look at Imisi’s strategic gameplay, emotional growth, and the personal meaning behind her name — “Imisi,” which translates to “hope” in Yoruba.
Speaking on her approach to the game, Imisi revealed that her strategy was built around authenticity, observation, and emotional intelligence, noting that she chose to “connect with people’s hearts rather than their egos.”
She also addressed widespread speculation about a possible love triangle involving fellow housemates Faith and Kaybobo, clarifying that her relationship with Faith was purely platonic.
“Faith and I shared mutual respect and understanding. There was never any romantic tension just friendship and support,” she explained.
Imisi further discussed her style evolution, her resilience in overcoming personal challenges, and how her background in Mass Communication from Yaba College of Technology helped her communicate confidently and stay grounded in the spotlight.
The interview coincided with the presentation of her ₦150 million grand prize, which includes ₦80 million in cash, an Innoson SUV, and other sponsored rewards at a ceremony in Lagos.
Since its release, the video has garnered over 1,300 engagements on X (formerly Twitter), sparking mixed reactions. While many praised her authenticity and emotional depth, others debated her English proficiency, with fans defending her as “real, unfiltered, and relatable.”
“Imisi’s story is about courage and hope — she’s not just a winner, she’s a reflection of resilience,” one viewer commented.
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Entertainment
Imisi Ayanwale Claims Big Brother Naija Season 10 Crown and ₦150 Million Prize

Imisi Ayanwale, a 23-year-old contestant, emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10 on Sunday securing 42.8% of the public votes after 70 intense days in the Big Brother house.
The victory earned her a ₦150 million prize package, which includes ₦80 million in cash, an Innoson SUV, and other sponsored rewards.

The prize presentation took place at a colorful ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, drawing fans, family members, former housemates, and supporters from across Nigeria and Liberia who came to celebrate her triumph.
Runner-up Dede Ashiogwu made a striking appearance at the event in a bold and stylish outfit that captured the crowd’s attention, adding glamour to the night’s celebrations.
Imisi’s win marks a milestone in the show’s history, with many fans praising her charisma, authenticity, and resilience throughout the competition.
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Entertainment
Big Brother Naija Winners Ranked by Vote Share (2006 – 2025)

Since its debut in 2006, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) has produced ten winners, each capturing the hearts of millions of viewers across Nigeria and Africa.
As Season 10 concludes with Imisi crowned champion, here’s a look back at how all winners rank by vote share percentage, from highest to lowest.

BBNaija Winners Ranked by Vote Share
- Laycon (Season 5 – 2020): 60.00%
- Efe Ejeba (Season 2 – 2017): 57.61%
- Katung Aduwak (Season 1 – 2006): 51.30%
- Whitemoney (Season 6 – 2021): 46.52%
- Imisi (Season 10 – 2025): 42.80%
- Mercy Eke (Season 4 – 2019): 41.77%
- Phyna (Season 7 – 2022): 40.74%
- Miracle Igbokwe (Season 3 – 2018): 38.18%
- Kellyrae (Season 9 – 2024): 35.95%
- Ilebaye (Season 8 – 2023): 30.08%
The data highlights Laycon’s emphatic Season 5 victory as the most decisive win in BBNaija history, securing 60% of total votes — a record yet to be matched.
In contrast, Ilebaye’s Season 8 triumph came in one of the most competitive finales, where she won with just 30.08%, underscoring the show’s growing unpredictability and diverse fan base.
Imisi’s 42.80% win in 2025 places her fifth overall, making her one of the most dominant female housemates in recent seasons.
Over the years, BBNaija has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, blending entertainment, youth influence, and social media engagement into one of Africa’s biggest reality TV franchises.
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Entertainment
Imisi Crowned Winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10

Imisi has emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10, claiming the coveted title and grand prize after weeks of intense competition, entertainment, and drama inside the Big Brother House.
Known for her witty punchlines, expressive personality, and memorable fashion moments, Imisi captured the hearts of viewers across the continent with her blend of humor, strategy, and authenticity.
Throughout the season, she earned a reputation as a “wager assassin,” consistently delivering standout performances during weekly tasks and challenges. Her creative flair, comedic timing, and confident stage presence made her one of the show’s most talked-about housemates.
Imisi’s victory caps off a season widely regarded as one of the most engaging in the show’s history, featuring surprise evictions, emotional highs, and viral moments that dominated social media.
With her win, Imisi joins the ranks of past Big Brother Naija champions who have gone on to build successful careers in entertainment, media, and business.
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