Showbiz
The Chainsmokers Named Global Ambassadors of Tommy Hilfiger
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Internationally renowned American musician/producer duo, The Chainsmokers, will appear as global brand ambassadors for ‘Tommy Hilfiger’ menswear, including Hilfiger Edition, Tommy Hilfiger Tailored and Tommy Hilfiger sportswear, beginning Fall 2017.
The Grammy award-winning duo brings a modern, youthful twist to the brand’s more than 30-year global menswear legacy.
“The Chainsmokers are at the center of modern pop culture and their music resonates with a global audience,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “I admire the way they have carved out a new niche that fuses indie, pop, dance, and hip-hop. Alex and Drew are truly the perfect definition of today’s Tommy Guy – their talent, optimism, unique sound and effortless cool have made them standout in the music world. We’re extremely excited to work with them in the fashion space.”
“Tommy’s pioneering approach to fusing fashion and music is part of our menswear heritage,” said Daniel Grieder, CEO, Tommy Hilfiger Global and PVH Europe. “Our partnership with The Chainsmokers reflects the company’s strategic commitment to bring the next generation of Tommy Hilfiger consumers into our men’s business with exciting fashion collections, curated shopping experiences, and digital commerce convenience. Our menswear category remains a key area of focus as we look to unlock the full potential for the Tommy Hilfiger brand in all regions around the world.”
Formed in 2012, The Chainsmokers have sold more than 10 million singles and are currently the third most streamed artist in the world. In 2017, the duo won the Best Dance Recording Grammy with “Don’t Let Me Down,” featuring Daya, and their single “Closer,” featuring Halsey, was recognized as the Top Collaboration of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards. It was also the first lyric video in history to surpass one billion YouTube views.
“Like Tommy Hilfiger, we have always believed in celebrating individuality and breaking conventions,” said The Chainsmokers. “Tommy paved the way for collaborations between fashion and music, and we are excited to collaborate with a brand that aligns so closely with our own artistic approach and shares our passion for creating memorable experiences for our fans.”
The campaign was photographed by Lachlan Bailey in San Francisco, and exclusive video teasers will be set to a custom-mixed music track by The Chainsmokers. Breaking globally in Fall 2017, the integrated men’s campaign includes print, online and out-of-home media placements, and is supported by unique consumer activations and experiential events that continue to bring the brand’s unique perspective on pop culture to life around the world. The Tommy Hilfiger menswear campaign will run alongside the brand’s dedicated women’s advertising featuring global brand ambassador and American supermodel, Gigi Hadid.
The Fall 2017 Tommy Hilfiger menswear offering celebrates the ‘90s with a fresh twist on tradition as the collection embodies the rebellious attitude that characterized the decade. The Tommy Hilfiger menswear collections are available at Tommy Hilfiger stores globally, through select wholesale partners and online at tommy.com.
Hilfiger has a longstanding affinity for music, which has remained a never-ending source of inspiration throughout his career and developed into a strong connection between his brand and the music industry. In the ‘90s, Hilfiger was one of the first designers to blend fashion and celebrity, and he became a pioneer in the industry by dressing young artists such as Aaliyah, Mark Ronson and Usher; sponsoring tours for the likes of Britney Spears and Lenny Kravitz; and featuring musicians such David Bowie and Beyoncé in his advertising campaigns. Tommy Hilfiger was the sponsor of the Rolling Stones’ acclaimed “No Security” tour in 1999, which was then the band’s first arena tour in decades. Since then, Tommy Hilfiger has continued to work with legendary male and female music artists, including Wyclef Jean, John Legend and Alicia Keys, among others.
Showbiz
Former BBNaija Housemates Reflect on Life, Growth, Success Beyond the Show at Season 11 Media Launch
Big Brother Naija’s evolution from a reality show into a platform for creativity, entrepreneurship and career growth took centre stage at the Media Launch for season 11 on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. Former housemates Uriel, Doyin, Kola and DJ Flo reflected on how the show helped shape their careers while sharing the lessons they have learnt navigating life after reality television.
During the conversation, the former housemates agreed that while Big Brother Naija gave them visibility and opened doors, building successful careers after the show has required intentionality, consistency and a willingness to evolve beyond their reality television personas.
Doyin David from Season 7 Level Up and Season 8 All Stars shared one of the day’s most personal reflections, revealing that her biggest lesson began while she was still in the house.
“One of my biggest lessons actually started in the House. Watching myself back made me realise I did not know myself as much as I thought I did.”
She explained that finding a balance between her personal life and her public brand was a gradual process.
“As for balancing my personal life and my brand, it did not happen immediately after the show. I had to learn along the way, make mistakes, grow from them and eventually find that balance.”
Uriel Oputa from Season 2 See Gobbe and Season 8 All Stars spoke about building a career around wellness, explaining that her passion for healthy living did not begin after the show but became more visible because of the platform Big Brother Naija provided.
“I did not have to find a balance because healthy living is already my lifestyle. It is what I do every day. It is not something I switch on or off because of the entertainment industry; it is simply who I am.”
Flora Chiedo, popularly known as DJ Flo from Season 9 No Loose Guard, emphasised that while Big Brother Naija creates opportunities, success ultimately depends on what housemates do after leaving the House.
“Vision without execution is just hallucination. The show gives you an opportunity, but it does not do the work for you. You have to come out here and put in extra work every day.”
Kola Omotosho, Season 10 10/10 housemate, echoed the sentiment, describing Big Brother Naija as a valuable platform that gave him visibility while stressing that passion, drive and consistency are essential for staying relevant.
“Big Brother Naija gave me visibility, and I am grateful for that. But staying relevant requires passion, drive and consistency.”
The discussion reinforced one of the defining impacts of Big Brother Naija over the years. Beyond entertainment, the show has continued to serve as a launching pad for creatives, entrepreneurs and entertainers, providing contestants with the visibility to pursue careers across different industries. As the former housemates’ experiences have shown, the platform opens the door, but sustained success depends on what each individual chooses to build from the opportunity.
Big Brother Naija Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with the live launch show airing from 7:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family. The season marks betPawa’s debut as the Headline Sponsor, while House of Guinness joins as the Gold Sponsor and Minimie returns as the Associate Sponsor. Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the 24-hour live show will air on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 49. Fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Popular Nigerian singer, Niniola Apata, professionally known as Niniola, has revealed that becoming a young widow has been one of the most difficult experiences of her life, reflecting on the demise of her heartthrob, Mr Michael Ndika.
In an emotional message on X on Sunday, marking two months since his sudden and unexpected death, the music star disclosed that she initially intended to record a video message but found herself unable to get through it because of the overwhelming emotions.
“Today makes it two months since my husband, business manager and best friend, Michael, was very suddenly and unexpectedly taken from me and truly, from us,” she wrote.
Niniola admitted that although she lost her father at a young age, nothing had prepared her for the reality of widowhood. She described the grieving process as “hard” and “exceedingly difficult,” saying some days are manageable while others are “painfully indescribable.”
The singer spoke candidly about the unanswered questions and unfinished conversations left behind, adding that she has struggled to find the words to express the depth of her emotions.
Despite her grief, Niniola said her faith has remained her anchor, noting that God continues to reassure her of His presence even during moments of doubt.
She also expressed profound appreciation to family, friends, fans, colleagues, media organisations and well-wishers for their prayers, messages and unwavering support since Michael’s passing.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all for your outpouring of love, your kind words, prayers, thoughtful messages and posts. I do not know how I will ever repay each and every one of you, but please know that I am truly and sincerely grateful,” she wrote.
Before his death, Mr Ndika was the chief executive of a multimedia platform focused on Afro-house and contemporary African music known as NaijaReview.
Niniola is the older sibling of another famous entertainer, Teni.
Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija, returns for its highly anticipated Season 11 on Sunday, 26 July 2026 on DStv and GOtv.
The launch show will air from 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family channels, with the 24-hour show on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49. BBNaija fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
This season’s winner will walk away with a record ₦160 million grand prize, which includes a cash sum of N100 million and a brand-new SUV. The prize is the highest in the show’s history, raising the stakes for what is expected to be another landmark season.
Speaking on the new season, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said:
“Big Brother Naija has consistently redefined entertainment in Africa by bringing together authentic storytelling, compelling personalities and moments that resonate with millions of viewers. Season 11 builds on that legacy with even bigger stakes, fresh twists and an exciting mix of housemates that will keep audiences engaged from premiere night through to the finale”.
The new season also ushers in an exciting lineup of brand partners, with betPawa, the home of Africa’s biggest winners, joining the Big Brother Naija family as the Headline Sponsor.
Commenting on the partnership, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR, betPawa, said: “At betPawa, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together through the things they are passionate about. Big Brother Naija is one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainment properties, and we are proud to come on board as Headline Sponsor for Season 11. We look forward to rewarding fans, deepening engagement throughout the season and delivering exciting experiences that complement the energy and excitement of the show.”
Guinness returns as the Gold Sponsor, while Minimie comes on board as an Associate Sponsor, reinforcing continued confidence from leading brands in one of Africa’s most influential entertainment platforms.
On the season’s partnerships, Babatunde commented: “We are delighted to welcome betPawa as our Headline Sponsor alongside Guinness and Minimie, whose partnership reflects the enduring value and impact of the Big Brother Naija platform.”
Since its return in 2017, Big Brother Naija has evolved beyond a reality TV show into a cultural phenomenon, creating household names, creating jobs across the creative economy, and shaping popular culture.
With Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returning as the show’s host, viewers can expect a season filled with unexpected twists, dynamic tasks, strategic gameplay, entertaining challenges and the authentic interactions that have made Big Brother Naija one of Africa’s most-watched reality TV show franchises.
Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with viewers able to follow every moment of the action throughout the season on DStv, GOtv, DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Eligible subscribers can vote through the MyDStv and MyGOtv self-service apps, upgrade their packages for additional voting benefits, and enjoy uninterrupted access throughout the season by subscribing or renewing for multiple months.
