Showbiz
FUZE by Stanbic IBTC Increases Prize Money to N90m for 2025
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The prize pool for winners in the 2025 FUZE by Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has been increased by 80 per cent to N90 million from the N50 million won last year.
With over 18,000 entries received since inception, FUZE has grown into one of the most dynamic youth platforms in Nigeria, serving not only as a showcase for talent but also as a launchpad for creative careers.
This year, the experience expands even further, blending competition with cultural storytelling, collaborative performance, and immersive digital engagement.
The initiative is Stanbic IBTC Holdings’ flagship youth empowerment platform built to spotlight the future of Nigerian talent.
Now in its fourth season, FUZE returns under a bold new theme The Ultimate Show, and organisers promised that it would be bigger, broader, and even more thrilling with opportunities for emerging stars across four creative categories of music, dance, fashion, and tech.
Audiences and participants can expect to compete in a viral remix challenge, a story challenge that redefines audience participation, and a show format inspired by global entertainment standards but deeply rooted in Nigeria’s vibrant youth expression.
To enter for this year’s talent show, participants are encouraged to visit events.stanbic ibtc.com, fill out the application form, upload a 1-minute video showcasing their talent in either music, fashion, dance or tech and submit to receive a unique ID via email.
For ongoing updates and key announcements, participants and fans can visit the official FUZE landing page. The dedicated Events App also offers real-time updates, exclusive content, and schedules. For a glimpse into the energy of previous seasons, the Season 3 YouTube playlist offers a compelling showcase of FUZE’s journey so far.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we remain steadfast in our commitment to initiatives that contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, especially through the empowerment of young people.
“We believe strongly in the transformative power of youth. This platform brings that belief to life by creating an environment where talent is discovered, nurtured, and elevated into opportunity. FUZE Season 4 is a continuation of that purpose, and this edition promises to be our most impactful yet,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Olumide Oyetan, said.
Also, the acting chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mr Kunle Adedeji, said, “FUZE has always been more than just performance, it is about giving young people across Nigeria a credible, visible and powerful space to showcase who they are and what they can become. This season, we are doubling down on that promise by expanding the format, the prize pool and the reach.”
Showbiz
Flora and Aikou Are BBNaija Season 11’s Gambits as Biggie Shakes Up the Game
After days of anticipation, Flora and Aikou have been confirmed as this season’s Gambits after receiving the highest number of votes from viewers. This was revealed during Sunday’s live show, where host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the pair as the viewers’ choices.
Introduced as a brand-new twist for Season 11, The Gambit guarantees two selected housemates a place in the House until the final day. Although they will participate in tasks and House activities throughout the season, they will not be eligible to compete for the grand prize.
Sunday’s live show also marked the end of the Ladies-versus-Gentlemen format that defined the opening weeks of the competition. With the teams officially dissolved, the housemates will now compete as individuals.
Biggie also unveiled this week’s wager task, Game On, challenging the housemates to define the identity of Season 11. Through a creative presentation incorporating elements such as a logo, slogan, song, artwork and props, the housemates have been tasked with capturing what they believe this edition of Big Brother Naija should stand for and how they want it to be remembered.
The excitement continues today with the second Head of House Challenge at 2:00 p.m., where housemates will once again battle for power in the House. This will be followed by this week’s nomination show at 7:00 p.m., when viewers will find out who will become the first set of housemates to face possible eviction.
With Flora and Aikou’s fate in the House secured till the last day and the housemates now playing as individuals, the stakes have never been higher as the battle for the grand prize gathers momentum.
Viewers can enjoy the 24/7 BBNaija Season 11 experience on DStv and GOtv, or stream every episode live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.
For more updates, visit Africa Magic’s Big Brother Naija page and follow #BBNaija on X (@bbnaija), Instagram (@bigbronaija) and Facebook (Big Brother Naija).
Showbiz
Jude Okoye Rejects Mr P’s Claims on Royalties, Catalogue Sale
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.
Showbiz
The Ade-Williams Are Back, But They Are Not The Only Ones Bringing Drama This August
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.
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