Showbiz
Nigerian Programmer Creates Playfre to Rival Spotify, Deezer

By Dipo Olowookere
As the world of music is evolving so is the tech space, which is coming up with different means to make lovers of music continue to enjoy songs being released by artistes.
It is no doubt that the introduction of Spotify into the music space changed how songs are streamed by users on the internet and since then, efforts have been made to create other platforms that could rival it.
News coming out from Nigeria has it that a local computer programmer known as Chika Nwaogu has successfully created the first Indigenous music streaming platform with several songs that can favourably compete with the likes of Spotify and Deezer.
Mr Nwaogu, who is the co-founder of Publiseer, a digital library, has come up with an online music streaming platform called Playfre.
Launched on May 1, 2019, Playfre lets its listeners play over 45 million songs for free while still keeping that awesome Spotify experience everybody loves.
Playfre (pronounced playfree) is the first African music streaming platform that has over 40 million songs.
Commenting on his latest achievement, Mr Nwaogu said, “Spotify and many other big music streaming platforms have not yet opened their doors to most African countries because of the weak intellectual property laws in these parts of the world, thus making these awesome apps unavailable to the African demographic. Those who have opened their doors to us still charge monthly to stream unlimited music.”
“We have been developing what will become Africa’s first real answer to Spotify. We at Playfre are trying to bring the over 45 million songs on Spotify to you at no charge, with the same Spotify experience and guess what? We did it!” he added.
According to Mr Nwaogu, Playfre will be releasing its Android and iOS apps later in the month and will also be rolling out services like Playfre for Artists which will let musicians get their songs on Playfre at no cost.
Showbiz
The Auditions Heat Up on Nigerian Idol with Music, Meals, and Memorable Performances

The Nigerian Idol Season 10 premiere set the tone for an exciting season, and Episode 2 kept the momentum alive. Building on the success of the first show, this week’s episode gave us even more reasons to stay glued to our screens.
Judges Iyanya, Ric Hassani, and Omawumi showed exactly why they earned their seats at the table, teaming up with host IK in a hilarious game of “Guess the Song.” Their impromptu serenades not only entertained but also set a relaxed, lively vibe for the night.
This round of auditions brought a colourful mix of talent, from chefs and content creators to songwriters and athletes, all chasing their musical dreams.
But it wasn’t just their voices cooking up a storm. Dominique, Udeme, Unimke, and Leez didn’t just sing; they whipped up mouthwatering noodle dishes for the judges, proving they had both vocal and culinary skills.
Of course, the episode also delivered plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, because what’s a talent show without a little comedy?
Just when it seemed like no Platinum Tickets would be awarded, Raymu stepped up with a performance that wowed the judges and snagged one, leaving only one coveted Platinum Ticket still up for grabs as the auditions continue.
By the end of the night, the judges handed out 18 “yeses” and 7 “nos,” narrowing down the talent pool as the competition heats up.
Catch brand-new episodes of Nigerian Idol Season 10 every Sunday at 7 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Ch. 151, GOtv Ch. 12) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Ch. 154, GOtv Ch. 2). For non-stop Idol content from auditions to backstage moments, tune in to the 24/7 Idol Extra channel on DStv Ch. 198 and GOtv Ch. 49.
Showbiz
Husband of Late Gospel Singer Osinachi Nwachukwu to Die by Hanging

By Dipo Olowookere
Mr Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of the late popular gospel musician, Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging.
Recall that in April 2022, the singer was said to have died from a domestic violence in the hands of her husband.
Mr Nwachukwu was taken to court on a 23-count charge bordering on culpable homicide punishable with death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, criminal intimidation of children, and spousal battery, among others.
It was reported that while in alive, their spiritual father intervened in the marital crisis between the couple, but the late singer was advised to endure, especially because of her status.
However, things degenerated and she died in the marriage, leaving their children devastated.
At an FCT High Court in Abuja on Monday, April 28, 2025, Justice Nwosu-Iheme found Mr Nwachukwu culpable of killing his wife.
According to the judge, the prosecuting team proved beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Nwachukwu was responsible for the death of the late musician.
The case could still head to the Appeal and Supreme Courts.
Showbiz
Popular Artist Terry Apala in Ikoyi Prison for Naira Abuse

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A popular music act, Mr Terry Alexander Ejeh, otherwise known as Terry Apala, has been remanded in a correctional centre in Lagos for alleged mutilation of the Naira notes in January 2025.
He was arraigned on Friday, April 25, 2025, by the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) on a single-count charge bordering on mutilating the Naira notes.
The musician was accused of committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
“That you, Terry Alexander Ejeh, on January 5, 2025, at La Madison Place, Oniru, within the jurisdiction of this court, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with Naira notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by marching on the same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007,” the count read to Terry Apala today at a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, read.
However, he pleaded not guilty to the offence when it was read to him, which prompted the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, to ask for a trial date, urging the court to remand him in a correctional centre.
The defence counsel, Mr Felix Nwabuda, informed the court of a bail application dated April 23, 2025, and prayed the court for a short date for the hearing of the application.
“Whilst praying the court for a short date for the hearing of the bail application, I will be craving the indulgence of the court to release the defendant to the defence.
“We undertake to produce him in court. He will not evade hearing. He came in from the United Kingdom on April 23, 2025; and on the invitation of the EFCC, he came on his own,” he stated
But the prosecution counsel opposed the application, saying, “The application is alien and unheard of.”
“I urge the court to afford us the opportunity to look at the application and respond properly so that the court can make a well -informed ruling,” he said.
In a short ruling, Justice Akintayo Aluko refused the application of the defence, ordering the remand of the defendant in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the determination of the bail application. The matter was, thereafter, adjourned till May 5, 2025.
-
Feature/OPED5 years ago
Davos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz2 years ago
Estranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years ago
Sort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy2 years ago
Subsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking2 years ago
First Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports2 years ago
Highest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
-
Technology4 years ago
How To Link Your MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile Lines to NIN