Showbiz
MaWhoo is Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador for July
South African singer and songwriter MaWhoo has stepped into her power as she’s been crowned Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Ambassador for July 2025. She joins a growing list of African women who are shaping the sound of now.
MaWhoo earned widespread acclaim for her soulful, spiritual sound that blends amapiano rhythms with deeply rooted Zulu influences. Her emotive vocal style and powerful storytelling have made her a standout voice in South Africa’s music scene, with collaborations alongside leading artists such as DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, and Sam Deep.
The EQUAL Africa initiative is part of Spotify’s broader commitment to spotlighting woman creators and driving equity in the music industry by providing tools and resources to promote gender parity
“When you’re selected for something like this, it means your name is being mentioned in rooms even when you’re not there,” MaWhoo said. “It speaks to the growth of my career from being overlooked to now being recognised on such a powerful platform. I’m grateful and deeply honoured.”
Raised in KwaZulu-Natal, MaWhoo born Thandeka Ngema discovered her passion for music early in life. But it was the release of her first professional single “Umshado” in 2018 that confirmed her path. Despite facing creative suppression in the early days of her career, she refused to give up, instead choosing to follow her calling with purpose and determination
We sat down with MaWhoo to learn more about her and her music:
What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
People didn’t know I can cook really well until I started posting food content on my socials. I can also braid and plait hair. I know how to do different hairstyles. I used to do it a lot when I was younger and when I was in high school, people even used to pay me. Another thing is that I can design clothes from scratch. I’m a designer and I used to own a boutique store.
When did you realise that making music was in your destiny and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft?
In 2018 when I released my first professional song “Umshado”, the positive feedback from people and the reception to the track made me realise that I can do this thing. But I’ve always been passionate about music from a young age.
There was a time when people used to make me do music and a sound that didn’t resonate with me; I couldn’t be creative fully and be expressive so people used to assume I couldn’t sing or that I wasn’t talented. I was often bullied and that made me stressed, but instead of leaving music I carried on and didn’t give up. I used that to push myself.
I believe the gift for music is a calling. I pursued music so I can express myself. I wanted to motivate, encourage and heal people with my voice. When I see genuine and heartfelt reactions from people, like seeing someone crying tears because of me and the lyrics that I write, it keeps me going.
Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
I used to love Umgqumeni when I was younger. Umgqumeni is a late Maskandi artist that shaped the genre and inspired a lot of the artists making music right now.
I also used to listen to Thobekile, she makes traditional gospel music and is very spiritual.
To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style?
My voice is powerful, authentically African and bold. My writing is resonant. I would describe my sound as spiritual, emotive and versatile. I’m inspired by different African sounds and I’m not restricted to one genre or style of music.
Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?
When you first start anything, it always feels impossible. So, if you have a dream, keep pushing and working towards it. Also, follow your heart – your heart will tell you if something is meant for you. Don’t do it for your family or friends, do it for you. They always say you don’t work a day when you do something you love, so it’s important to chase your dreams.
How do you navigate the music space as a woman artist and how does your unique perspective shape your artistry?
By empowering myself. I’m not afraid to take charge. I’m my own boss. I make decisions that make me happy. I don’t do things to please other people. I always put myself and my happiness first. I don’t do anything that’s going to make me feel uncomfortable. When I feel like the space I’m in or around is not working for me, I walk away.
I come from a very humble and loving family that has taught me a lot of things. My mother taught me that she can guide and tell me what’s right or wrong but she won’t control or dictate what I do with my life because I go out into the world on my own. She taught me that actions have consequences, good or bad, so I have to make my own decisions. Those teachings have taught me to respect everyone and treat people equally.
A quote from you about your experience navigating the male-dominated world of music and what being a part of the EQUAL programme means to you
As a woman, even beyond the music industry, there are challenges that we face. We are subjected to being wanted and approached by men promising us love or looking for intimacy, even in professional settings. As women, learn to stand your ground and say no. Teach people to respect you and your decisions. Don’t do things because you want to please others and want to be favoured, don’t sell your soul.
I believe that when you are selected for anything it means you are doing something right. It makes me happy, it means my name comes up in rooms even when I’m not there. It means there are people who think and consider me for such opportunities. It also speaks to the growth of my career over the years. When I first started I was a nobody, no one believed in me, including my own family because they were of the traditional belief of going to school and maybe becoming a teacher. But I persisted and pushed. I’m grateful and thankful for being recognised for such an important programme.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Former P-Square manager, Mr Jude Okoye, has dismissed fresh allegations by his younger brother, Peter Okoye, professionally known as Mr P, insisting he never diverted the group’s earnings.
His response comes after Mr P claimed that the proposed sale of the defunct group’s multi-billion Naira music catalogue collapsed due to financial irregularities, including disputes over royalty payments, backend records and access to the group’s digital assets.
The music executive described the allegations as “blatant lies” and “manipulative tactics,” arguing that the issues raised by Mr P had already been investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and are currently before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
“So, what is he doing, coming out again now, if not to spill emotional blackmail, manipulate, and make me look like a bad person by dragging Paul into this?” he said.
Responding to allegations that he diverted royalty payments, Mr Okoye said the disputed funds were distributed based on instructions contained in a June 1, 2016, email from Arrow Kings and IROKO.
According to him, the correspondence directed that Mr P receive $12,891, while $25,782 meant for Jude and Paul be paid into the Nosa Entertainment account.
He argued that Mr P presented only part of the transaction publicly, creating the impression that he and Paul had appropriated funds belonging to the entire group.
Jude also rejected claims that his younger brother was excluded from the group’s bank accounts.
Displaying what he said were account mandate documents from FCMB, he maintained that Peter, Paul and himself were all authorised signatories to P-Square’s accounts, disputing claims made by Peter.
He further claimed the matter was addressed during court proceedings, where Peter allegedly acknowledged being a signatory after documentary evidence was presented.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the proposed catalogue sale, Jude denied withholding backend records or streaming data from potential investors.
He said Peter requested royalty statements and catalogue documents on October 16, 2022, after which he immediately contacted Lex Records.
According to him, the financial statements were forwarded the same day, while the backend logs were received six days later and sent to Peter without delay.
He therefore dismissed claims that it took more than three months to provide the documents, describing the allegation as false.
Jude maintained that the disputed royalty payments, email correspondence and supporting documents had already been reviewed during the EFCC investigation.
He claimed Peter and his legal representatives were shown the records during the probe and raised no objections at the time.
Accusing his younger brother of attempting to retry the matter on social media while the case remains before the court, Jude said the videos were intended to manipulate public opinion and drag Paul Okoye into the dispute.
Jude said he would leave the issues to be determined by the court, adding that Peter had failed to attend some recent court sittings, resulting in the matter being adjourned until September. He also claimed his bank accounts, passport and travel documents remain restricted because of the ongoing proceedings.
“If I’m found guilty, if they prove I took even one Kobo that wasn’t mine, let them send me to jail. I’m ready for that,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, Peter had not publicly responded to Jude’s latest claims. The criminal proceedings remain pending before the Federal High Court in Lagos, where Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
There aren’t many TV shows that can make you remember characters more than a decade after you first met them.
Mention Sheila Gardia or Freddy Ade-Williams and anyone who has followed Tinsel instantly remembers the boardroom battles, unexpected betrayals, complicated romances and family feuds that made it impossible to stop at just one episode. Through every season, viewers have watched alliances shift, businesses rise and fall, and relationships survive or crumble under pressure.
Now, the story continues.
Season 19 of Tinsel premieres on Monday, August 3, taking viewers back into the world of the Ade-Williams family, where the drama is far from over. This season, the Reel Group is looking to grow bigger than ever, but that growth comes with new enemies determined to bring the company down. As business rivalries heat up and people begin plotting against each other, familiar faces will also have to deal with personal challenges and unexpected investigations that could change everything. If there’s one thing Tinsel has always proven, it’s that just when you think things are finally settling down, another twist is around the corner.
The new season welcomes back familiar faces including Ireti Doyle as Sheila Gardia, Dozie Onyiriuka as Freddy Ade-Williams, Linda Ejiofor as Bimpe, Ibrahim Suleiman as Damini, Iyke Okechukwu as Chuks and Florence Uwaleke Okechukwu as Ene, alongside the gripping storytelling that has kept audiences invested for nearly two decades.
Catch new episodes of Tinsel every weekday from Monday, August 3, at 7:30 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv Channel 8).
And just when you think the drama is over…
Africa Magic is also introducing a brand-new story that asks one simple question: What happens when the truth you’ve been protected from is finally revealed? Premiering on the same day is Secret Lives, a brand-new drama that explores what happens when hidden truths finally come to light.
The series follows Zee, whose life takes an unexpected turn after a shocking discovery puts her relationship and future in doubt. As she begins to uncover secrets that have been hidden from her for years, she is forced to deal with heartbreak, betrayal and difficult choices while trying to protect the people she loves.
Blending romance, family drama and suspense, Secret Lives stars Oluchi Amajuoyi, Keppy Ekpeyong, Nonso Odogwu, Eyiyemi Olivia Rogbinyin, Ejiro Badare, Floyd Igbo and Favour Etim in a story where every episode promises fresh twists and emotional turns.
The series, produced by FEEMO and helmed by AMVCA-nominated showrunner James Omokwe, explores themes of love, identity and generational secrets, making it the perfect follow-up for viewers who enjoy emotionally layered dramas.
Secret Lives premieres on Monday, August 3, with new episodes airing weekdays at 8:30 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv Channel 8), with episodes also available on DStv Stream.
Whether you’re returning to the familiar world of Tinsel or diving into the mysteries of Secret Lives, one thing is certain: August is bringing the kind of stories that will keep you counting down to the next episode.
To upgrade, subscribe or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Mr Peter Okoye, professionally known as Mr P, has alleged that a proposed multi-billion Naira sale of the defunct P-Square’s music catalogue collapsed after prospective buyers uncovered irregularities during the due diligence process.
This revelation offers a fresh financial dimension to the long-running dispute that has divided Nigeria’s most successful music duos.
The singer made the allegation in a video series posted on his social media pages, where he shared his account of the events surrounding the group’s 2021 reunion and the disagreements that followed with his twin brother, Mr Paul “Rudeboy” Okoye, and their elder brother and former manager, Mr Jude “Engees” Okoye.
According to Mr P, the failed catalogue transaction occurred after the brothers publicly reunited in 2021.
He alleged that interested buyers had made offers worth billions of Naira for the rights to P-Square’s music catalogue, but the proposed deal did not proceed after issues were allegedly discovered in backend records submitted as part of the due diligence process.
As of press time, neither Rudeboy nor Mr Jude Okoye has publicly responded to the latest allegation.
Mr P’s claims add another layer to the financial disagreements that have repeatedly overshadowed the affairs of the award-winning music duo, whose catalogue includes hit songs such as Bizzy Body, Do Me, Personally, No One Like You and Chop My Money.
Beyond the alleged failed sale, the singer claimed that shortly after the brothers reconciled in 2021, he was asked by his two other brothers to sign documents aimed at reviving P-Square under a new bank account.
The music maker said he declined because he wanted to preserve the renewed family relationship rather than return to a business arrangement he believed could recreate the conflicts that had led to the group’s earlier split.
Mr P also alleged that before the reunion, both Rudeboy and Jude had disagreed over a N90 million loan. According to him, Rudeboy assured him that he would be kept informed about discussions taking place behind his back.
The singer insisted that the widely celebrated reunion in November 2021 was never intended to revive P-Square as a commercial entity. Instead, he said the brothers had only agreed to reconcile as family members while continuing their respective solo music careers and supporting each other’s work.
P-Square, formed in 1999 by Peter and Paul Okoye with Jude serving as manager, became one of Africa’s biggest music acts before publicly splitting in 2017 following years of disagreements over management, finances and creative control. Although the brothers reunited in 2021 and returned to the stage, their relationship deteriorated again, with Rudeboy later confirming that P-Square no longer existed.
The latest revelations also come against the backdrop of an ongoing criminal case involving Mr Jude Okoye.
Last year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the former manager before the Federal High Court in Lagos on allegations involving approximately N1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59 in alleged money laundering. He has since pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
Mr P, who testified for the prosecution during the trial, said his video series is far from over and promised to continue sharing what he described as the true story behind the collapse of P-Square and the business decisions that ultimately strained the family’s relationship.
