Entertainment
The Dr Of Theatre | By Tunde Busari
Efunsetan, Iya Alakara, Ayoni, Ijewuru, Aina, Jinadu, Ewejoko. These are stage names. And these stage names have one name in common. The name is Isola Ogunsola!
Isola Ogunsola, the Ogun State-born was a theatre art practitioner whose own stage name is Dr I-Show Pepper. He died on December 28, 1992. That is approximately 28 years ago.
Disappointingly, a little is talked about him, despise his verifiable contributions to the growth of make-believe industry in Nigeria. He was one of old generation of artistes who laboured hard and planted the seed, fruit of which is being harvested today.
One tragedy of regular exchanges of punches by the living artistes over associations and factions, is distraction to which they are subjected in initiating enduring schemes which would outlive their generation.
One of the legacies they ought to struggle to build, instead of trading of words, is to institute a programme which will make remembrance of their late colleagues a permanent feature in their industry.
Yes, I-Show Pepper is gone and resting forever, who knows who goes next from this morning? While I’m wishing the living long life and prosperous career, I must, however, not deny them the truth that death is sacrosanct, a debt we all owe our creator. Therefore, it’s not a matter of prayers or curse, we are all returning to dust, only that no one knows the exact hour the cock would crow.
I-Show Pepper’s family too is equally culpable for not blowing the trumpet left behind by their father who made indelible marks as a fine thespian gifted with skills which made theatre much fascinating to many. When he sang, he did with passion and finesse; when he danced, he danced effortlessly with alluring steps and flexibility.
No wonder majority of actors belong to the ‘elite’ class of polygamists. No sane person should blame them for this because they are helpless and can’t afford to run away from that reality. All a actor requires is just a casual wink to one whose heart is already in vibration, in fasting and vigil mode for such opportunity to have the admirable character doing those stunning displays on stage. The rest will be history.
I-Show Pepper had and left wives behind, sadly, two of them-Iya Alakara and lately Ijewuru-have joined him in terrestrial realm. May husband and wives rest peacefully. Olusola domo ayo, ere o, la n fomo ayo o seee.
Popular Nigerian singer, Adekunle Kosoko, better known as Adekunle Gold, and his wife, Simisola Kosoko, also known as Simi, have welcomed a set of twin babies.
The singer announced the good news via his Snapchat story on Wednesday.
“Asked God for another child and He blessed me double,” Simi wrote.
Although the gender of the babies has not been disclosed, the announcement has since attracted congratulatory messages from fans, colleagues and well-wishers across the entertainment industry.
The development comes months after Simi had hinted at her pregnancy. In December, she shared a video on Instagram, captioned, “From my baby, for my babies,” with the clip showing her baby bump.
The arrival of the twins also comes weeks after Simi featured in a snippet from Adekunle Gold’s recently released music video titled My Love Is the Same.
Adekunle Gold and Simi got married in 2019 after years of friendship and musical collaboration. Both artistes were formerly signed to X3M Music early in their careers and have since remained one of Nigeria’s most celebrated celebrity couples.
The couple welcomed their first child, Adejare Kosoko, fondly called Deja, in May 2020.
Renowned Tungba gospel musician, Dr Yinka Ayefele, has released a new studio album titled Reflections, adding another chapter to his long-standing influence in Nigeria’s gospel music scene.
The album, which was released on Monday, December 22, 2025, blends introspection with praise, as Ayefele reflects on life, faith and gratitude to God, drawing from personal experiences marked by trials, near-tragedies and triumphs.
Announcing the release in a statement, the Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Fresh Nigeria and Yinka Ayefele Limited, Samson Akindele, said the album captures the musician’s deep reflections on life and his renewed commitment to thanksgiving and praise through music.
Musically, Reflections is rooted in Ayefele’s signature Tungba style, featuring energetic drum percussions, rich string arrangements and call-and-response patterns, supported by harmonious backup vocals from the Merry Makers Band.
The album also incorporates diverse elements, including Tungba hymnals and an Arabic praise chant rendered by a budding female talent, Harike Jesu, who additionally delivers a danceable Fuji-inspired track.
According to details of the project, the opening track focuses on Ayefele’s life journey and lessons drawn from past experiences, while subsequent tracks express appreciation to fans and sustain a flow of upbeat, dance-friendly rhythms.
Reflections is available on major digital streaming and download platforms, including Spotify, Boomplay, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Audiomack, YouTube Music, Deezer and Tidal.
The compact disc version is expected to be released in the coming days under the Yinka Ayefele Music label.
Jamaican reggae icon, Jimmy Cliff, is dead. He died on Monday at the age of 81.
His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced the singer’s passing in a statement posted on his official Instagram page.
Chambers said Cliff “crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” describing the loss as “profoundly saddening.”
She wrote, “I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists, and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career.”
Cliff, revered as one of reggae’s defining figures and widely regarded as the genre’s most influential artiste after the late Bob Marley, enjoyed a stellar career that spanned more than four decades.
A multi-instrumentalist known for classics such as You Can Get It If You Really Want and The Harder They Come, Cliff blended reggae with folk, soul, ska and rock. His music frequently tackled themes of politics, poverty, injustice and social resistance.
He shot to global prominence following the release of the 1972 film The Harder They Come, in which he starred. The movie, partly inspired by his tough upbringing, played a pivotal role in pushing Jamaican reggae onto the world stage.
Reacting to his death, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, described Cliff as “a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world.”
“His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today,” Holness said.
“Walk good, Jimmy Cliff. Your legacy lives on in every corner of our island and in the hearts of the Jamaican people,” he added.
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