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Gnewzy Reveals $200,000 Ransom Paid for His Release After Abduction

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Nigerian Afro-pop singer Emuemu Oghala Goodnews, widely known as Gnewzy, has disclosed the amount paid for his release following his kidnapping.

Gnewzy was abducted in April 2024 along Eklat Road in Ughelli, Delta State. His manager and brother, Obas9ice, narrowly escaped the abduction.

The kidnappers initially contacted Dilly Umenyiora, the CEO of Gnewzy’s record label, demanding a ransom of $200,000. Gnewzy was eventually freed on May 3.

In a recent interview with HipTV, Gnewzy shared details of his ordeal, revealing that the full ransom amount of $200,000 was paid for his release.

He recounted the events leading up to his abduction, explaining that he had been in Delta State for a radio tour and had decided to host a small listening party in Ughelli, his hometown, to wrap up the event.

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After the party, while heading back to their apartment, Gnewzy and his brother stopped to pick up someone who ultimately decided not to join them.

As they were making a U-turn on their way home, they were suddenly confronted by men dressed in police uniforms who forced them out of their vehicle.

The attackers, who identified themselves as police officers, threatened to shoot Gnewzy’s brother if he did not flee into the nearby bushes. The assailants then covered Gnewzy’s face and transported him to a different location.

Despite the traumatic experience, Gnewzy reported that he was not physically harmed; the abductors provided him with food and instructed him to cooperate, warning him of severe consequences if he attempted to resist or escape.

Gnewzy’s revelation sheds light on the alarming trend of criminals impersonating law enforcement to carry out abductions and other crimes.

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Pheelz: “Music is Divine, Not a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme”

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Nigerian artist and producer Philip Kayode, popularly known as Pheelz, has expressed his belief that music should not be viewed as a get-rich-quick scheme, a perception held by some people.

He emphasized that music holds a deeper, more spiritual significance beyond financial gain.

According to Pheelz, music is a divine force that brings healing and serves as a connection to higher powers.

He further explained this idea on his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he shared his thoughts on the essence of music.

In his words, “Music is not a grind. It is not a hustle or a shortcut to wealth. Music is life, it is feeling, healing, and ultimately, music is God.”

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In a separate post, Pheelz also shared his view on the music industry, distinguishing the art of music and the business side of it.

He suggested that while music itself is divine, the music business is humanity’s way of trying to commercialize something that stems from a higher power.

He described the music business as “man’s attempt to commodify God’s energy” while maintaining that the essence of music itself remains sacred.

This perspective is noteworthy in the context of Afrobeats, where many up-and-coming and established artists have often cited poverty and financial struggles as key motivations for their careers.

Pheelz’s message seems to offer a different approach, urging both artists and listeners to recognize music as a spiritual journey rather than just a means to financial success.

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CKay: “Once Mocked, Now Influencing Afrobeats Trends”

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Singer CKay recently took a jab at some of his peers in the Afrobeats scene, claiming they once mocked him for his unique sound but are now emulating his style.

The artist behind the viral hit “Love Nwantiti” asserted that he has been a pioneer of many trends that current Afrobeats artists are now capitalizing on.

Reflecting on his journey, CKay recalled how he was ridiculed when he began promoting Afrobeats on TikTok.

At the time, his innovative approach was met with scepticism, but now many of those who laughed at him have adopted similar strategies, albeit under different names.

On his X (formerly Twitter) account, CKay wrote, “History can’t be rewritten just because some people got paid to rewrite it… I’ll always be here to remind you.”

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He confidently declared, “CKay is the first. I pioneered many vibes Afrobeats artists thrive off today… if you know, you know.

You all laughed when I introduced emo-afrobeat and spent hours on TikTok, but now many are doing the same thing, calling it ridiculous names and making money. You’re welcome, though.”

CKay’s remarks highlight the challenges of innovation in the music industry, where originality can often be met with resistance before it gains acceptance.

His experience serves as a reminder that staying true to one’s artistic vision can eventually lead to broader recognition and influence.


 

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IK Ogbonna Slams CAN Over Fake Miracles

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Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has criticized the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over reports of “fake miracles” in some churches.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Ogbonna condemned the misuse of God’s name for deceitful purposes, calling it a betrayal of the gospel. He urged Christians to be wary of social media trends that undermine their faith and called on the federal government and CAN to regulate and hold those responsible accountable.


 

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