Entertainment
Ara Commends Renaming of National Arts Theatre to Honor Wole Soyinka
Ara praised Soyinka as a profound admirer and advocate of African culture, urging the younger generation to follow his example. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, she applauded President Bola Tinubu for renaming the National Arts Theatre as Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts. Ara also called on the Federal Government to continue honoring artists while they are alive.
“This development is very welcome; he is our first black Nobel laureate and truly deserves more,” Ara remarked. “At 90, his time with us is precious, and I am immensely proud of his accomplishments. It should become a tradition to consistently honor our artists.”
Recalling her encounters with Prof. Soyinka, Ara shared memorable moments that underscored his humility and authenticity. She recounted how he once queried her choice of the talking drum at an event in his honor and later sent her a heartfelt message on her 40th birthday.
“Ara emphasized that Soyinka’s respect for and dedication to African culture are exemplary traits for others to emulate,” she stressed. “She also encouraged everyone to be true to themselves and to dare to be different.”
The long-awaited trial in the murder case of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur has reached a major development, with Duane “Keffe D” Davis sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on October 13, 2026.
Davis was convicted of first-degree murder in August 2026 for his role in orchestrating the 1996 killing. Tupac was shot in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later.
During the sentencing, the judge addressed Davis, rejecting his claims that he had changed his life and moved on from his past. “Mr. Davis, for three years, I’ve heard you say some variation of the same thing to law enforcement, [in interviews], in your book, and it’s something like, ‘Yeah, I was involved in this, but I’m different. I’ve moved on. I got out of Compton. I’m a grandfather now.’ I’m here to tell you that’s not how this works,” the judge said.
She continued “You don’t get to take a man from his family. You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.
“The world never forgot about him and his death, and neither did Las Vegas. It took us 30 years, but at this time, you are going to face justice for what you did on Sept. 7, 1996.”
Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has reflected on how his perception of YouTube movies has changed over the years. The actor recalled that there was a time when he looked down on movies released on YouTube.
However, he now appreciates the opportunities they have provided for his career and joked that he might have struggled financially if he had continued to dismiss them.
Sharing his thoughts in a post on X, Egbuson wrote “Can’t believe I was looking down on YouTube movies at some point. Hunger go don kpai me by now.”
Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has advised young people who are still living with their parents not to rush into moving out because of peer pressure.
The singer encouraged young people to focus on their personal circumstances rather than compare their lives with those of others. He noted that there is no need to leave their parents’ homes simply because they want to feel independent.
Sharing his advice, Dakolo said “No hurry, leave your papa house because of peer pressure. Forget all that, ‘I don’t have my freedom here.’”
Judge Tells Duane Davis He Must Face Justice for Tupac’s Murder
Timini Egbuson Reflects on Embracing YouTube Movies in Nollywood
