Showbiz
Gospel Music Saved me from Depression—Philadelphia Kes
Philadelphia Ekesiena, popularly known as Philadelphia Kes, is a gospel musician committed to changing the gospel music with her brand. The Delta State-born artiste, in this interview with selected journalists in Lagos, speaks about her career and her works.
How did you discover your passion for music?
I literally grew up in the church, joined the children’s choir and became one of the best at the time. While in high school, I still kept at it, even during university days, when I knew music was my thing and I decided to do it for real. I love good music, fashion, intellectual conversations and honest people. When I’m not singing, I’m checking out new fashion styles, trends and all. I have five siblings and I’m the third of six children.
Can you recall your earliest musical memory? Was there a time when you thought of doing something different?
As a child, I did music for fun, I didn’t think of becoming a professional musician, but I kept sharpening my skill. It was when I went to the university to study and become an economist that I realised that my love for music is beyond just doing it for fun and that I’d like to do it full time. So, my undying love for music inspired my decision to go into it fully.
What are your greatest challenges?
It has not been easy putting out good music. I mean the whole process of producing, engineering and promoting. Having to keep up with the financial commitments has been a major challenge, but somehow, God has proved Himself through a divine backing. I am not bothered about the challenges anymore because I know it won’t last as I have a focus and a bigger vision. I see whatever I have passed through and still passing through as a stage and event to prepare me for the bigger stage. I am delighted for the grace and patience I have exercised so far. This has made the gospel more interesting for me.
What other things do you do aside music?
As I said earlier, I’m very good in clothing, fashion generally such that I have plans to set up a fashion outfit soonest.
Who are your role models?
I love Maranda Curtis and I want to be like her when I grow up. I also love Efe Nathan, her vocal strength is one which I covet. So, I keep working hard every day to be an endeared vessel.
What is your plan to impact lives and the industry in general?
I have a greater vision for my career and contributing my quota in the music fold. I want to establish my own or co-own a record label to promote up-and-coming artistes, especially to relieve them from unnecessary stress any rising artiste could go through as well as to make music making become easier and fun-filled.
What informed your decision to choose gospel music?
I grew up in church and gospel music is everything I have known as a child up till now even though I’m a wide listener and I listen to diverse genres. So, yes, the love for gospel came naturally. It is not as if I feel in love with it, but it is a divine call that I cannot hesitate to adhere to. I have no regret for the will of God, it has not only transformed my life, but has also made me a channel from God to His creatures.
What is your assessment of gospel music in Nigeria?
Gospel music in Nigeria is still growing, it has got a lot of potential even across the West Africa and the entire world. What we have so far are a lot of very talented gospel artistes, but we still need much help in the area of awareness, promotion, distribution and production. Though many media oganisations have supported the industry greatly, we need more exposure. I will say the industry is coming up and we’ve got room for improvement. I just want to advise fellow artistes and stakeholders not to relent in their effort to take the industry to a greater height.
The gospel music industry seems to be overcrowded. How do you intend to stand out?
I have a sound I’m set to project. I want to be as original as possible. With that, I’m sure I’ll stand out and in turn break even.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself proclaiming the name of Jesus around the world and anywhere my feet step on. I’m sold out to making Jesus famous through my songs as that’s the whole essence of salvation.
What inspired your new work entitled He Came Through?
There was a time in my life where depression, regular mood swings were the order of the day. Then my cousin came up with the song and we wrote it together. That was how I was able to really express myself through the lyrics of the song. It took about five years to produce the song because we had the song since my university days and decided to revamp it four years after graduation.
How do you intend to make a complete album?
Yes, of course, a couple of other songs are cooking already and I have some other songs too. Plans are underway to have a complete album.
Are you not scared that gospel music could only bring you fame and not sustainable income?
I am never scared. As a child of God, we are not meant to be. I have plans for show business and the more technical side of the industry. Being famous for the RIGHT reason is good and I am sure sustainable income will come with the territory God willing.
Are you in a relationship? Take us into your family life?
I am currently not in a relationship as I just want to concentrate on my career for now. I have a very loving and supportive family. Growing up, my parents noticed that I was always humming and sometimes singing to songs so they encouraged me and I developed it with the help of vocal trainers and other professionals.
What’s your view of the reception of Nigerian gospel music globally?
Gospel music is gaining popularity and positive attention to Nigeria. A few Nigerian artistes are already representing us well and there is room for more artistes. Many artistes are now working with reputable record labels who can help improve and promote their work positively. We are making progress and by the way, thanks to media outlets like yourselves for the love and support you continue to shower on us.
Has anyone ever shared a testimony about the impact of your music/voice in their lives?
To the glory of God, several people have shared with me and I hope the song is a source of inspiration, healing and motivation for people. As for the voice, I get that quite often as I am a member of the choir in my church, This Present House, and I cannot thank Pastor Tony Rapu enough for his leadership, direction and teaching.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Spotify users in Nigeria and around the world are currently experiencing challenges with the music streaming app.
Checks by Downdetector, which tracks platforms, showed more than 20,000 people reported Spotify was not properly functioning on Wednesday afternoon.
Users are still able to play music they had downloaded onto their device, and were also unable to view artists or use the search function on the app.
Business Post can also independently verify this issue as efforts to search for songs returned no outcome.
After trying to search for music, the app appears to time out and displays a message reading “something went wrong” with a refresh button.
This is not exclusive to Nigeria as thousands more reported issues in the US and parts of Europe, according to reports.
Spotify in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter said, “We are aware of the outage and working to resolve it as soon as possible. The reports of this being a security hack are false.”
Earlier it had said, “the issue with Search has been addressed” as it was rolling out the update to its users.
As of now, it is unclear how long it will be before the app begins working properly again.
Spotify has more than 675 million users worldwide.
What if the problem isn’t that there’s nothing to watch but that you’ve just not found it yet?
Tunde has a ritual. Every evening after work, he slumps into his couch, picks up the remote, and begins the great scroll. One channel after the other, eyes glazed, fingers moving. No destination in mind. He always ends up on the same two or three shows, sighing that there is “nothing else” to watch on GOtv.
Then one chill Sunday, his niece snatches the remote from him. “Uncle Tunde, you didn’t check anything, you were just scrolling and scrolling,” she laughs. Within minutes, she hops from a show on Discovery channel to a wedding documentary on Wedding channel, then ends the night with a cooking show that leaves everyone glued to the screen. Tunde is shocked, he goes from side-eyeing the screen to sitting up straight completely hooked.
Same GOtv, new experience.
So what changed? Discovery!
Truth is, there’s a lot to see on GOtv. But many of us never stop to explore what lies beyond the usual. There are shows sitting pretty on your decoder right now, just waiting for you to click play. And today, we’re showing you five shows you probably didn’t know existed but are worth discovering:
1. My 3000-lb Family – Discovery TLC
It’s one thing to go on a personal weight loss journey. But imagine deciding as a family that enough is enough. That the sugary drinks, fast food, and endless excuses must go.
My 3000-lb Family is a deeply emotional and honest look into the lives of families whose combined weight reaches over 3,000 pounds. Every step is a battle. Every meal is a test of discipline. And every visit to the doctor comes with the fear of bad news.
You’ll watch them cry, argue, fall short, and try again. From strong-willed parents to teens determined to break the cycle, it’s a powerful reminder that change is hard, but possible with love and accountability.
Catch My 3000-lb Family on Discovery TLC, GOtv channel 52, Thursdays at 8:00 PM.
2. Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins – M Net Movies 3
Success can make you feel like you have it all figured out, until you go back home and realize you are just another member of the family.
Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins tells the story of a famous talk show host who leaves behind the lights and glamour of Los Angeles to return to his family in the deep South. Roscoe thinks he is going home to relax and maybe show off a little, but what he finds is far from what he expected.
The moment he steps into the house, it is clear that no one is interested in his fame. Old rivalries come back to life. Childhood memories return with full force. And in the middle of it all, there are moments that will have you laughing out loud and others that just hit home.
This is not just a comedy. It is a good reminder that family may embarrass you, drag up your past, and make you question everything, but they are also the ones who truly know you.
Catch Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins on M Net Movies 3, GOtv channel 43, this Friday at 4:10 PM.
3. World’s Deadliest Animals – Nat Geo Wild
Nature is beautiful but it is also brutal and sometimes, the most dangerous killers are not the ones you expect.
World’s Deadliest Animals takes you deep into the wild to meet creatures that are silent, swift, and shockingly deadly. From venomous snakes hiding in plain sight to tiny insects capable of ending a life in minutes, this show is not just about fear. It is about understanding the instincts and survival tactics of animals that rule their territories with quiet precision.
Each episode shows just how quickly things can turn in the animal kingdom. One wrong move in the wild, and it becomes a matter of life or death not just for the prey, but sometimes even for the predator.
It is fast paced, eye opening, and a powerful reminder that nature always balances beauty with danger.
Catch World’s Deadliest Animals every day on Nat Geo Wild, GOtv channel 100.
4. Border Security – CBS Reality
There is tension in the air. A long line of passengers wait to be cleared at the airport. Officers are at alert, watching every move like hawks. Then comes a man with a suitcase and a strange smile. His answers do not match what is in his bag, and just like that, the red flag is raised.
Border Security lets you see what really happens at airports and border checkpoints. It follows trained officers as they ask tough questions, check luggage, and stop people who are not telling the truth. Some travellers say they are visiting friends, but they are carrying strange items. Others try to hide things in ways that will leave you speechless.
Every episode brings real people, real drama, and real consequences. It is not just about catching someone. It is about protecting countries, keeping people safe, and making sure the law is followed.
Catch Border Security every day on CBS Reality, GOtv channel 39.
5. Love, Aso Ebi, and Plenty Drama — Wedding Channel
There is something about weddings that pulls everyone in. Maybe it is the love story, the colours, or just the drama that always finds its way to the reception. Whether it is a groom running late or a guest wearing a dress that should be roasted by the fashion police, there is always something to talk about.
The Wedding Channel celebrates it all. From real weddings with beautiful decor to behind-the-scenes planning and the challenges couples face before saying “I do,” this channel brings you a front row seat to love in its loudest, proudest form. You will see brides chasing perfection, event planners racing against time, and families doing everything to make the big day unforgettable.
It is a channel that reminds you of why weddings remain one of the biggest deals in our culture. And who knows, you might just get ideas for your own day.
Catch The Wedding Channel on GOtv channel 105.
April is here, and with it comes a new wave of series that are sure to spark conversations in your WhatsApp groups and office gists. From laugh-out-loud comedies to gripping drama series and action-packed films that keep you on the edge of your seat, this April is full of shows that will have everyone buzzing.
Nigerian Idol | Available April 20th
It’s back and bigger! Nigerian Idol returns with more golden voices, dramatic auditions, and all the hilarious, unexpected moments that keep us talking week after week. Whether you’re here for the music or the drama, this season is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining yet.
OUR HUSBAND | New Episodes Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
What happens when grief, betrayal, and scandal collide? Our Husband follows Zara Nnamani, a woman who thought she had it all until her husband died suddenly after she discovered his cheating ways. Now, she has to deal with his mistress, a nosy family, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. Packed with gbas gbos, unexpected twists, and characters that’ll leave you torn between shouting at your screen and secretly rooting for them, this is the kind of series you gist about over cold zobo. A messy, juicy drama you don’t want to miss. Stream it on Showmax
THE YARD | New Episodes Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
At the heart of Lagos’s gritty transport hustle lies a brewing war for control. Tega, a hardworking bus driver just trying to stay afloat, finds his world upended after his father’s sudden death leaves him deep in debt. On the flip side is Odafe Junior, the privileged son of a powerful bus park kingpin, who wants nothing to do with the ruthless empire his father built.
But when fate forces these two unlikely allies together, they discover a common enemy—and a shared hunger for justice. As their plan unfolds, power begins to taste sweet, and the lines between right and wrong start to blur.
With betrayal, ambition, and raw street tension at every turn, The Yard delivers the kind of drama that keeps you asking, “Who’s really in charge?”
The Mommy Club Tanzania | Now Streaming
You’ve seen the Jozi moms. Now, meet their Tanzanian sisters. Glamorous, bossed-up, and never without their trusted nannies, these five elite moms give us an all-access pass to the highs and lows of motherhood in style. From luxe living to real-life mom drama, The Mommy Club Tanzania brings heart, sass, and serious glam to the screen.
Wings | New Episodes Thursdays
When a determined investigative journalist loses someone close, she throws herself into work—and uncovers a web of secrets in Nigeria’s aviation industry. Ambition, scandal, and new love come crashing into her life as she fights to uncover the truth and confront her past. Wings is an emotional, sharp-edged drama that blends grief, grit, and romance in the sky and on the ground.
TEACUP S1 | First on Showmax | Now Streaming
Horror fans, this one’s for you Teacup is the latest spine-chilling series from horror mastermind James Wan (The Conjuring, Saw). Trapped on a remote farm in rural Georgia, a group of neighbors must put aside their differences to survive a terrifying and mysterious threat.
With an all-star cast including Emmy nominee Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale), Teen Choice nominee Scott Speedman (Animal Kingdom), and BAFTA nominee Chaske Spencer (The English), Teacup is already making waves. Named the fourth-best horror series of 2024 by Rotten Tomatoes and a nominee for Best Horror Series at the Saturn Awards, this eight-part thriller is the perfect binge for anyone who loves stylish scares.
THE LAST OF US S2 | Mondays from 14 April
After an award-winning first season, The Last of Us returns with even more heartbreak, tension, and jaw-dropping storytelling. Set five years after the first season, Joel and Ellie face new dangers and their biggest challenge yet—each other.
With Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey reprising their iconic roles, plus new cast members like Oscar nominee Jeffrey Wright and Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara, this season is already one of the most talked-about TV events of the year. Expect intense discussions, emotional reactions, and plenty of memes once it drops.
Tulsa King S2 | Now Streaming
Tulsa King returns for a highly anticipated second season. After being released from prison after 25 years, mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone) is exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Realizing his Mob family might not have his best interests at heart, Dwight sets out to build a new criminal empire in a place that might as well be another planet.
Stallone shines in his first TV lead role, earning a Critics Choice Super Awards nomination for Best Actor in an Action Series. Created by Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone), the first season was nominated for an Emmy for stunt coordination and for Best Action Series at the Critics Choice Super Awards. With a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Tulsa King is definitely one to watch. Joining Stallone in Season 2 are Frank Grillo (Boss Level), Neal McDonough (Marvel’s Dum Dum Dugan), and Emmy winner Dana Delany (Desperate Housewives).
Watch the trailer, which has over five million views
Get Ready to Binge
With these incredible titles coming to Showmax this April, your watchlist is about to get even more exciting. Whether you’re craving horror, drama, satire, or post-apocalyptic thrills, there’s something waiting for you. So grab your popcorn, clear your schedule, and get ready to dive into the best entertainment this month. Visit www.showmax.com to get started.
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