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.
In a moment filled with joy and gratitude, Purp, winner of Nigerian Idol Season 10, paid a courtesy visit to Rite Foods Limited, expressing heartfelt appreciation to the company’s flagship brand, Bigi, for its continuous sponsorship of the hit reality music show.
Accompanied by Raymu, the show’s dynamic runner-up, Purp hailed Bigi’s five-year sponsorship of Nigerian Idol as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring music talents across Nigeria.
“This platform has changed my life,” said the 25-year-old Lagos-born singer, Anu Agosa (aka Purp). “From the early days in church choirs to theatre stages, I’ve always dreamt of moments like this. Bigi didn’t just sponsor a show, they sponsored dreams, and I’m deeply thankful.”
A product of rich musical heritage, raised by a choir-leading mother and shaped by the harmonies of gospel music, Purp’s electrifying performances won the hearts of millions, culminating in her victory and a grand prize that includes a brand-new SUV, N30 million cash, a DStv Explora with a one-year premium subscription, and a music recording deal.
Welcoming the rising star, the chief executive of Rite Foods Limited, Mr Seleem Adegunwa reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and creative excellence.
“At Rite Foods, we believe in platforms that reflect our core values, innovation, excellence, and accountability. Nigerian Idol is one of those platforms, and through Bigi, we’re proud to be nurturing tomorrow’s icons,” Mr Adegunwa stated.
He reminded her that dreams do come through when accompanied by grit and excellence, which is also the story of Rite Foods, praising Purp for her discipline, artistry, and determination throughout the competition, encouraging her to remain steadfast as she embarks on her music career.
“You’ve inspired a generation,” he noted. “Now the real journey begins, and you will always have Bigi rooting for you.”
He added that as a proudly Nigerian and truly world-class organisation, Rite Foods, through its consumer-first culture, will continue to support initiatives that enable Nigerian youths to thrive and be seen, not just locally, but globally.
Purp, visibly elated, described the win as both humbling and motivating, saying, “Winning came as a surprise, but it’s a reminder that hard work and passion always pay off. I’m grateful to Bigi and Nigerian Idol for this life-changing opportunity. This is just the beginning.”
With her vibrant energy, soulful voice, and compelling story, Purp is poised to be one of Nigeria’s next big music exports, and her journey is one that began with a bold belief in herself and the support of brands that dare to dream with their consumers.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Over 3.6 million videos were removed in Nigeria on Tiktok in the first quarter of 2025 because they violated community guidelines, Business Post has learned from the platform’s Q1 2025 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report.
In a report released by the popular social media platform, it was also disclosed that in March 2025, about 129 accounts in West Africa tied to covert operations were removed to protect users.
These actions were taken by the Chinese app in a demonstration of its ongoing commitment to user safety.
It was stated that the harmful visuals deleted in Nigeria between January and March 2025 were 50 per cent higher than the videos yanked off between October and December 2024.
TikTok said the latest removals report represents a small fraction of the total number of videos posted by the Nigerian community quarterly; highlighting that the platform has more positive and empowering content.
With millions of positive, educational and entertaining videos uploaded on TikTok every day, TikTok is continually strengthening its ability to identify and remove content that goes against its Community Guidelines.
TikTok LIVE
While TikTok LIVE enables creators and viewers to connect, create and build communities together, in real-time, the platform has intensified its LIVE Monetization Guidelines, making it clearer how some content is not eligible for monetization.
LIVE content enforcement also remained a top priority. In the first quarter of 2025, TikTok banned 42,196 LIVE rooms and interrupted 48,156 streams in Nigeria that were found to violate the platform’s community guidelines.
A global system for localised protection
Globally, more than 211 million videos were removed in Q1 2025, up from 153 million in the previous quarter, with over 184 million removed through automation. The platform’s global proactive detection rate reached 99 per cent, demonstrating continued improvements in identifying and removing harmful content quickly and effectively.
Despite these high-volume interventions, harmful content still represents a very small portion of what users post. Globally, less than 1 per cent of content uploaded to TikTok is found to violate its community guidelines, a testament to its continued prioritisation of proactive safeguards.
Bringing resources to Nigeria’s community, together
In June, TikTok Africa hosted its “My Kind of TikTok Digital Well-being Summit” bringing together experts, NGOs, creators, media and industry leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, to collectively explore, tackle, and improve the state of digital wellbeing both on and beyond the platform.
Part of a suite of announcements made at the Summit and building on a successful pilot in Europe, TikTok is expanding in-app helpline resources to Nigeria, in partnership with Cece Yara, a child-centered non-profit organisation prioritising youth safety and support. This means that in the coming weeks, young users in Nigeria will have access to local helplines in-app that provide expert support when reporting content related to suicide, self-harm, hate, and harassment.
Collaborating with experts, TikTok has also announced Nigeria’s Dr Olawale Ogunlana (Doctor Wales) as a TikTok Digital Well-being ambassador, part of a diverse group of verified healthcare professionals from the WHO Fides Network.
Alongside these efforts and commitment to safety, TikTok encourages community participation through user reporting and education. As part of its ongoing #SaferTogether campaign, the platform advocates for a more collaborative approach to creating a respectful online environment.
In a world full of words, it’s easy to say “I got you,” but it’s the actions that truly count. Whether it’s family, friends, or loved ones who have been in your corner, the best way to show appreciation isn’t always through grand gestures but through the little things that make everyday life better.
That’s why GOtv is leading by example with its We Got You deal, reminding Nigerians that love is best expressed through meaningful action. From now until July 31, this offer is proof that doing something small can have a big impact.
Here are four ways to show the people in your life that you really got them:
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Be Present, Not Just Available
Sometimes, all someone needs is your undivided attention. Whether it’s spending quality time watching their favourite shows, helping out when they’re tired, or just showing up when it counts, presence matters. GOtv makes it easy to enjoy quality time together, from thrilling football matches and Nollywood hits to laugh-out-loud moments on Big Brother Naija. So instead of just being in the same room, why not plan a fun TV night together and turn moments into memories, one episode at a time?
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Surprise Them with Something Thoughtful
Being thoughtful doesn’t mean breaking the bank. Even a small gift that aligns with their interests can go a long way. With GOtv’s We Got You deal, new and existing customers get a free one-month subscription when they reconnect or upgrade, so you can surprise someone by paying for their subscription this month.
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Support Their Every Win, No Matter How Small
Whether it’s cheering them on during a job interview, showing up for school events, or letting them take over the remote when their favourite show is on, support is love in action. GOtv is constantly expanding its content pool to ensure there’s something for everyone. From cartoons for the kids to lifestyle shows for Mum and epic football clashes for Dad, there’s joy for every member of the family, and supporting that joy starts with giving them access to what they love.
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Share Moments That Matter
You don’t need a special occasion to make someone feel special. A spontaneous lunch, a heartfelt message, or even inviting them to come chill while watching Africa Magic or SuperSport can go a long way. Shared experiences create deeper bonds, and GOtv provides a platform to build those moments every day.
GOtv’s We Got You offer is a timely reminder that real love shows up in simple, practical ways. So the next time you say “I got you,” let it be more than a promise but something you live out loud. Reconnect, upgrade, or gift someone a GOtv package today because when it comes to love, actions always speak louder.
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