As we bid adieu to 2023, the year has etched itself into the annals of Nigerian entertainment with a series of headline-grabbing events, thrusting the country’s celebrities into the spotlight.
From jaw-dropping revelations to unforeseen controversies, the social media landscape has been ablaze with discussions and debates on the most compelling moments involving well-known figures.
Each episode contributed to the year’s narrative, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Here are top 5 controversial celebrity moments in 2023:
1. Mohbad’s Untimely Death (September 2023)
The untimely demise of rising star Mohbad under Naira Marley’s Marlian Music label cast a dark shadow over the industry in September. Old videos surfaced, hinting at Mohbad’s fear for his life and implicating Naira Marley. Public outrage ensued, demanding Naira Marley’s arrest, but investigations revealed evidence only linking him to the assault and bullying of Mohbad, not to his death.
2. Oladips’ Fake Death (November 2023)
Rapper Oladips found himself at the center of a bizarre controversy in November when his management falsely declared him dead after battling an undisclosed illness. The shocking announcement, coming on the heels of Mohbad’s passing, fueled speculations of a publicity stunt for Oladips’ upcoming album. The rapper later apologized, attributing the confusion to his fired manager.
3. Davido’s Cheating Scandal (June 2023)
June brought forth a major event in the entertainment world as two women, Anita Brown and Ivanna Bay, made pregnancy claims against renowned Nigerian singer Davido. In online videos, Anita Brown shared purported pregnancy test results and screenshots of conversations with Davido, while Ivanna Bay added another layer to the scandal with explicit conversations. The revelations stirred up controversy around the singer’s personal life.
4. Rema’s “Demonic” O2 Arena Performance (November 2023)
Sensational artist Rema faced controversy during his O2 Arena performance as critics labeled the show “demonic” due to his choice of props. Accusations of selling his soul to the devil circulated, but Rema clarified that the props paid homage to his Edo State roots, representing Benin artifacts and dispelling Illuminati conspiracies surrounding his performance.
5. Seun Kuti’s Clash with a Police Officer (May 2023)
Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti’s son, Seun Kuti, took center stage in May when a video of him slapping a police officer on Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos went viral. The incident ignited heated debates on social media, with opinions divided on whether Kuti’s actions were justified in the name of self-defense. Kuti defended himself, claiming the police officer had endangered his family’s life, pointing to the presence of his child in the car.
