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Adele has beaten Beyoncé for most of the titles at stake at the 59th Grammys in Los Angeles, United States of America.

The British born singer, with the full name: Adele Adkins, scooped Best Pop Solo Performance for her hit song, Hello, brushing aside Beyoncé’s Hold Up.

Adele also won Best Song of the Year with Hello, also shrugging off the challenge of Beyoncé’s Formation, a track from the album Lemonade.

She also won Best Pop vocal album, beating Justin Bieber among other contenders.

The only award that Beyoncé had won in the night was for Best Video.

In a moment we shall know whether the Briton will run away with the other two titles, Album of the Year and Record of the Year.

Other winners at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, held at Staples Center in Los Angeles are as follows:

Best New Artist: Chance the Rapper

Best Pop Solo Performance: “Hello” — Adele

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Stressed Out” — Twenty One Pilots

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: “Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin” — Willie Nelson

Best Pop Vocal Album: “25” — Adele

Best Dance Recording: “Don’t Let Me Down” — The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya

Best Dance/Electronic Album: “Skin” — Flume

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: “Culcha Vulcha” — Snarky Puppy

Best Rock Performance: “Blackstar” — David Bowie

Best Metal Performance: “Dystopia” — Megadeth

Best Rock Song: “Blackstar” — David Bowie, songwriter (David Bowie)

Best Rock Album: “Tell Me I’m Pretty” — Cage the Elephant

Best Alternative Music Album: “Blackstar” — David Bowie

Best R&B Performance: “Cranes in the Sky” — Solange

Best Traditional R&B Performance: “Angel” — Lalah Hathaway

Best R&B Song: “Lake By the Ocean” — Hod David & Musze, songwriters (Maxwell)

Best R&B Album: “Lalah Hathaway Live” — Lalah Hathaway

Best Rap Performance: “No Problem” — Chance the Rapper Featuring Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz

Best Rap/Sung Performance: “Hotline Bling” — Drake

Best Rap Song: “Hotline Bling” — Aubrey Graham & Paul Jefferies, songwriters (Drake)

Best Country Duo/Group Performance: “Jolene” — Pentatonix featuring Dolly Parton

Best Country Song: “Humble and Kind” — Lori McKenna, songwriter (Tim McGraw)

Best Country Album: “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth” — Sturgill Simpson.

Best New Age Album: “White Sun II” — White Sun.

Best Improvised Jazz Solo: “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” — John Scofield, soloist.

Best Jazz Vocal Album: “Take Me to the Alley” — Gregory Porter.

Best Jazz Instrumental Album: “Country for Old Men” — John Scofield.

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album: “Presidential Suite: Eight Variations on Freedom” — Ted Nash Big Band.

Best Latin Jazz Album: “Tribute to Irakere: Live In Marciac” — Chucho Valdés

Best Gospel Performance/Song: “God Provides” — Tamela Mann; Kirk Franklin, songwriter

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song: “Thy Will” — Hillary Scott & the Scott Family; Bernie Herms, Hillary Scott & Emily Weisband, songwriters

Best Gospel Album: “Losing My Religion” – Kirk Franklin

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album: “Love Remains” – Hillary Scott & the Scott Family

Best Roots Gospel Album: “Hymns” — Joey + Rory

Best Latin Pop Album: “Un Besito Mas” — Jesse & Joy

Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album: “iLevitable” – iLe

Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano): “Un Azteca En El Azteca, Vol. 1 (En Vivo)” — Vicente Fernández

Best Tropical Latin Album: “Donde Están?” — Jose Lugo & Guasábara Combo

Best American Roots Performance: “House of Mercy” — Sarah Jarosz

Best American Roots Song: “Kid Sister” — Vince Gill, songwriter (The Time Jumpers)

Best Americana Album: “This Is Where I Live” — William Bell

Best Bluegrass Album: “Coming Home” — O’Connor Band With Mark O’Connor

Best Traditional Blues Album: “Porcupine Meat” — Bobby Rush

Best Contemporary Blues Album: “The Last Days of Oakland” — Fantastic Negrito

Best Folk Album: “Undercurrent” — Sarah Jarosz

Best Regional Roots Music Album: “E Walea” — Kalani Pe’a

Best Reggae Album: “Ziggy Marley” — Ziggy Marley

Best World Music Album: “Sing Me Home” — Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble

Best Children’s Album: “Infinity Plus One” — Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

Best Spoken Word Album: “In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox” — Carol Burnett

Best Comedy Album: “Talking for Clapping” — Patton Oswalt

Best Musical Theater Album: “The Color Purple”

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: “Miles Ahead” (Miles Davis & Various Artists)

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” — John Williams, composer

Best Song Written for Visual Media: “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” — Max Martin, Shellback & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Gwen Stefani, James Corden, Zooey Deschanel, Walt Dohrn, Ron Funches, Caroline Hjelt, Aino Jawo, Christopher Mintz-Plasse & Kunal Nayyar), Track from: “Trolls”

Best Instrumental Composition: “Spoken at Midnight” — Ted Nash, composer

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or ACappella: “You And I” — Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier).

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals: “Flintstones” — Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier)

Best Recording Package: “Blackstar” — Jonathan Barnbrook, art director (David Bowie)
Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package: “Edith Piaf 1915-2015” — Gérard Lo Monaco, art director (Edith Piaf)

Best Album Notes: “Sissle and Blake Sing Shuffle Along” — Ken Bloom & Richard Carlin, album notes writers (Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle)

Best Historical Album: “The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series, Vol.12” (Collector’s Edition), Steve Berkowitz & Jeff Rosen, compilation producers; Mark Wilder, mastering engineer (Bob Dylan)

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: “Blackstar” — David Bowie, Tom Elmhirst, Kevin Killen & Tony Visconti, engineers; Joe LaPorta, mastering engineer (David Bowie)

Best Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Greg Kurstin

Best Remixed Recording: “Tearing Me Up” (RAC Remix) — André Allen Anjos, remixer (Bob Moses)

Best Surround Sound Album: “Dutilleux: Sur Le Même Accord; Les Citations; Mystère De L’instant & Timbres, Espace, Mouvement” — Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, surround mix engineers; Dmitriy Lipay, surround mastering engineer; Dmitriy Lipay, surround producer (Ludovic Morlot & Seattle Symphony)

Best Engineered Album, Classical: “Corigliano: The Ghosts of Versailles” — Mark Donahue & Fred Vogler, engineers (James Conlon, Guanqun Yu, Joshua Guerrero, Patricia Racette, Christopher Maltman, Lucy Schaufer, Lucas Meachem, LA Opera Chorus & Orchestra)

Best Producer of the Year, Classical: David Frost

Best Orchestral Performance: “Shostakovich: Under Stalin’s Shadow – Symphonies Nos.
5, 8 & 9” — Andris Nelsons, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Best Opera Recording: “Corigliano: The Ghosts of Versailles” — James Conlon, conductor; Joshua Guerrero, Christopher Maltman, Lucas Meachem, Patricia Racette, Lucy Schaufer & Guanqun Yu; Blanton Alspaugh, producer (LA Opera Orchestra; LA Opera Chorus)

Best Choral Performance: “Penderecki Conducts Penderecki, Volume 1” — Krzysztof Penderecki, conductor; Henryk Wojnarowski, choir director (Nikolay Didenko, Agnieszka Rehlis & Johanna Rusanen; Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra; Warsaw Philharmonic Choir)
Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance: “Steve Reich” — Third Coast Percussion

Best Classical Instrumental Solo: “Daugherty: Tales of Hemingway” — Zuill Bailey; Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor (Nashville Symphony)

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album: TIE: “Schumann & Berg” — Dorothea Röschmann; Mitsuko Uchida, accompanist; and “Shakespeare Songs” — Ian Bostridge; Antonio Pappano, accompanist (Michael Collins, Elizabeth Kenny, Lawrence Power & Adam Walker)

Best Classical Compendium: “Daugherty: Tales of Hemingway; American Gothic; Once Upon A Castle” — Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor; Tim Handley, producer

Best Contemporary Classical Composition: “Daugherty: Tales of Hemingway” — Michael Daugherty, composer (Zuill Bailey, Giancarlo Guerrero & Nashville Symphony)

Best Music Video: “Formation” — Beyoncé

Best Music Film: “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week the Touring Years” — Ron Howard, video director; Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Scott Pascucci & Nigel Sinclair, video producers.

Best Song Written for Visual Media: Track from Trolls – “Can’t Stop the Feeling!,” Max Martin, Shellback & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Gwen Stefani, James Corden, Zooey Deschanel, Walt Dohrn, Ron Funches, Caroline Hjelt, Aino Jawo, Christopher Mintz-Plasse & Kunal Nayyar)

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, John Williams, composer

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: Miles Ahead, Miles Davis & Various Artists; Steve Berkowitz, Don Cheadle & Robert Glasper, compilation producers
Best Musical Theater Album: The Color Purple, Danielle Brooks, Cynthia Erivo & Jennifer Hudson, principal soloists; Stephen Bray, Van Dean, Frank Filipetti, Roy Furman, Joan Raffe, Scott Sanders & Jhett Tolentino, producers (Stephen Bray, Brenda Russell & Allee Willis, composers/lyricists) (New Broadway Cast).
NAN.

BIG STORY

“Our Stories Deserve The World Stage” — Dapo Opayinka On Nollywood, Diaspora Filmmaking, And Cultural Legacy

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UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor, MC, and filmmaker, Dapo Opayinka, speaks on his journey from theatre to the big screen, building bridges through storytelling, and what’s next for African narratives in global cinema.

Dapo, you’ve had quite a journey from theatre to film, from Nigeria to the UK. Let’s start with how it all began. What drew you into acting?

Dapo: (Smiling) Ah, where do I start? I think storytelling has always lived inside me. I was that kid who would mimic characters from films or make up my own scenes with cousins during family gatherings. But professionally, it really kicked off at the London Drama School. That place sharpened me. The stage gave me discipline, and theatre? It gave me soul.

Your roles span Yoruba tragedies, British-Nigerian productions, and Nollywood cinema. How do you navigate these different worlds?

Dapo: Honestly, I don’t separate them. They’re all part of me. Being bilingual and bicultural isn’t a balancing act; it’s more like a fusion. Whether I’m Mallam Gaskiya in Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again or Gbonka in The Gods Are Not to Blame, I bring a bit of both worlds to every character. That’s the magic.

One of your standout performances was as Etieno, a Kenyan freedom fighter. What did that role mean to you?

Dapo: That one was special. Etieno wasn’t just a character; he was a symbol. Playing him in Darkest Hour to Victory pushed me emotionally. I had to tap into the spirit of resilience, of struggle; and the African story of fighting for dignity. That role reminded me why I act.

You’ve made quite the transition into Nollywood with titles like Basira in London and Sista Sista. What’s that experience been like?

Dapo: Oh, Nollywood! It’s a whirlwind; but in the best way. It’s vibrant, demanding, and beautiful. Basira in London was hilarious to shoot. And Sista Sista… that one connected deeply with diaspora realities. However, the first movie I ever acted in was Captivated by Toyin Moore. Nollywood is evolving, and I’m grateful to be part of the shift that bridges tradition with modern diaspora stories.

Interviewer: And you’re not just acting; you’re producing also?

Dapo: Yep! I’ve produced four indie films; The Actor, The Passport, Amuwa, and Apeje. Each one is a passion project. They’re stories that reflect our struggles, humour, love… all in our voice. I’m now working on The Telepath, and it’s shaping up to be my boldest yet. Let’s just say… I’m going sci-fi with an African twist.

Ireke was privately screened at Cannes recently. Tell us about that.

Dapo: That was surreal. Cannes is every filmmaker’s dream, and to have Ireke: Rise of The Maroons shown there; even privately, was humbling. It’s a love letter to heritage and identity. The film is a historical drama blended with romance, and it tells a powerful and thought-provoking story about ancestral resistance.

Set in the Bight of Benin and Colonial Jamaica in the 17th century, it follows the uprising of African captives who were unjustly enslaved and forced into brutal labour. But they fought back. The film connects West African cultural roots—like Igbo camouflage and Yoruba resilience—with the legacy of the Maroons in Jamaica. Even Queen Nanny’s origins spark that playful Nigeria-Ghana rivalry!

We’re releasing nationwide in the UK and Nigeria on 25th July, and I honestly can’t wait for audiences to experience it. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and despite the tight budget, it’s a cinematic journey that celebrates the resilience of our people and the bond between Africa and the Caribbean. It’s what African cinema should be—global, grounded, and unapologetically ours.

You’ve also built a name as a charismatic MC. How did that side of you emerge?

Dapo: (Laughs) That came naturally. I love people. I love culture. Being an MC at diasporic events allows me to celebrate us—our weddings, festivals, even protests. It’s about connection. Plus, Yoruba proverbs? Always a hit!

What’s your ultimate goal as an actor?

Dapo: I want to tell our authentic story and promote the richness of our culture. I believe our stories; if told well, are universal. My goal is to connect the African experience with real human emotions that cross language, border, and race. Simple.

You once said, “Our stories deserve the world stage.” How close are we to that reality?

Dapo: We’re closer than we think. Platforms are opening up. Audiences are curious. What we need now is to keep telling the truth—our truth—with quality and pride. The world is watching. It’s our time.

Dapo, thank you. It’s been a pleasure.

Dapo: Thank you! And to every young creative out there: keep pushing. Your voice matters.

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Dapo Opayinka: UK-Based Bilingual Nollywood Actor Bridging Cultures Through Stage And Screen

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Dapo Opayinka stands as a shining example of a UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor whose personal brand is grounded in versatility, cultural authenticity, and a deep commitment to storytelling.

Trained at the renowned London Drama School, Dapo’s career began on the theatre stage where he honed his craft under the spotlight of British-Nigerian productions.

He brought charisma and depth to his performances as Mallam Gaskiya in Ola Rotimi’s satire ‘Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again’ and as Gbonka in the Yoruba tragedy ‘The Gods Are Not to Blame’.

His role as Etieno, a Kenyan freedom fighter in Lydia Ollets’ ‘Darkest Hour to Victory’, showcased his range and ability to embody characters with historical and emotional gravity.

As a UK-based actor with deep Nigerian roots, Dapo has successfully crossed over into the dynamic world of Nollywood.

His on-screen credits include critically acclaimed titles like ‘Basira in London’ with Eniola Badmus, TY Moore’s ‘Captivated’, and popular streaming releases such as ‘My London Slaves’ and ‘Sista Sista’.

He also starred in the TV series ‘Apostle Do Good’, produced by Toyin Moore and aired on the UK’s first Black entertainment channel, Ben TV on Sky, where he played a lead supporting role that endeared him to a diverse audience.

Known for his impeccable command of both English and Yoruba, Dapo is also a charismatic Master of Ceremonies, making him the go-to host for diasporic cultural and entertainment events across Europe.

Beyond acting, Dapo is a storyteller in the truest sense; an emerging filmmaker who has produced four independent films: ‘The Actor’, ‘The Passport’, ‘Amuwa’, and ‘Apeje’.

Each of these projects reflects his vision of creating socially relevant, culturally rooted stories for global consumption. His current pre-production work on ‘The Telepath’ promises to push creative boundaries even further.

Dapo’s latest screen appearance in the forthcoming film ‘Ireke Movie’, which had a private viewing at the Cannes Film Festival, is poised to take his brand global ahead of its 25 July 2025 worldwide release.

He is not just acting in films; he is helping shape the very identity of UK-based Nollywood.

His growing reputation as a respected creative voice within the diaspora positions him as a key figure in the next generation of African cinematic storytellers abroad.

Dapo’s experience, bilingual fluency, stage presence, and production portfolio make his brand distinct and indispensable.

“As a performer and filmmaker, I believe our stories deserve the world stage. My aim is to connect the African experience with universal emotions through characters that feel real, relevant, and respected,” says Dapo Opayinka.

With a growing body of work and an unrelenting drive to elevate African voices, Dapo Opayinka is not only a UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor. He is a cultural bridge-builder, creative entrepreneur, and bold voice in the future of global African storytelling.

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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Endorses Laffmattazz, Says Ondo State Is Safe For Tourism And Entertainment [PHOTOS]

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The Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa has endorsed Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends.

Governor Aiyedatiwa who received Gbenga Adeyinka, the Grand Comedian of the Nigeria (GCON) on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, expressed his endorsement of the show and said the state is happy to host Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends at the FMT Events Center, Ala Quarters, Akure on Thursday, June 12.

Governor Aiyedatiwa while pulling his weight behind the comedy event, disclosed that Ondo State is a safe haven for tourism and entertainment, thereby promising to work with the organisers to reel out a successful show.

The ‘Sho Le’ crooner, Sean Tizzle will lead the repertoire of musical performances including Oyomesi, Abbey Awesome, Lekzido, Ruby, Miko Fridan and JP3PLE2.

Talented comedians on the bill are; Omobaba, Bash, Erekere, Baba Alariya, Kojah Kage, ATM, Chi Young, General Olak, Dr Spencer, Dr Arotele, MC Stylo, Taichi, Prince Phelar, Jingle, Wisdom the Mimic Guy, Honda Stevo, Odogwu, Iparipate, Emzuma and Ofak.

According to Gbenga Adeyinka, Red Carpet starts by 3 PM while the main show commences by 4 PM. “Tickets are available online at (https://www.funzweb.com/events/laff-mattazz-about-time-akure-158) and https://shorturl.at/FfVZP. Physical tickets can be purchased at Madigrazz Lounge, (Akure Mall),

Iya Saheed Alamala, Isolo Street, Akure, Madison Restaurant, Akure-Owo Road, Alagbaka and Vintage Royale, Off Airport Road, Oba Ile,” he said.

The show themed ‘About Time Tour’ is powered by FIRS, ODIRS, Omni Blu Aviation and supported by Ondo State and Eleganza Industries.

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