Showbiz
Talking Drum: The Original Praise Singer

By Adeniyi Ogunfowoke
With so much energy, the drummer (s) dexterously and skilfully beat the talking drum which was tightly locked in his underarm. He expertly squeezes the cords to produce different tones.
As the drummer (s) dropped the sonorous tunes, men and women in resplendent attires dance in excitement as they splash the cash on the drummer(s). The cash is not only to appreciate the drummer’s drumming skills but also to thank them for using the talking drum to sing their praises.
There is no denying that Nigerians love being praised, which is equal to their knack for titles, especially if you are a VIP.
In Lagos, event centres especially the ones organized by Yorubas, the drummers strategically position themselves at the entrance and immediately they cite a VIP, they start their praise singing. The drummers don’t even need to sing sometimes because the talking drum does everything. And if the VIP is magnanimous enough, he would show off his dancing skills and dole out money.
What is a talking drum?
The talking drum is largely popular among the Yorubas of South West Nigeria. It can imitate spoken words and language. This is why it is called the talking drum.
Although it is popular for its praise singing virtues, it can also be used to curse, make announcements and warn people of dangers. All these functions may not exist in cities but in the hinterland, the talking drum thrives.
Why is the talking drum still popular?
Granted that modern musical instruments are well known and used today, it hasn’t significantly affected the talking drum. At parties, they are always on ground. The popularity of the drum is hinged on the fact that it can talk unlike other musical instruments which can’t.
However, Jumia Travel must add that the future of the talking drum is bleak because very few young Nigerians are interested in it. The elders who have the knowledge are already advanced in age. If they pass away, they will be taking an integral feature of the Yoruba tradition.
Even though some artiste like Ara has embraced the talking drum in their music, there is still so much to be done to ensure that the talking drum doesn’t go extinct.
Is the talking drum truly the original praise singer?
The mystery of the talking drum can only be fathomed by persons familiar with the drum’s spoken words. The drum is arguably the only one that can talk when compared to other musical instruments. So, there is no doubt that it is the original praise singer but more needs to be done to preserve it.
Adeniyi Ogunfowoke is a PR Associate at Jumia Travel.
Showbiz
The Final Chapter of BBNaija Season 10 Begins at the Reunion
After ten weeks of twists, shifting alliances, emotional confrontations and unforgettable moments, the BBNaija Season 10 house may have closed its doors, but many of the conversations it sparked never truly ended.
Now, months after Imisi emerged victorious and walked away with the ₦150 million grand prize, all 29 housemates are set to return for the Season 10 Reunion, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. As anticipation builds for BBNaija Season 11, the reunion offers fans one final opportunity to revisit the stories that kept the 10/10 season at the centre of conversation.
And if there’s one thing viewers know about BBNaija reunions, it’s that they have a way of bringing unfinished business back to the surface.
For starters, fans will be eager to hear from Dede and Kola, whose complicated dynamic generated countless conversations throughout the season. What exactly was happening between them? Was it friendship, attraction, strategy, or a little bit of everything? Months later, many viewers are still searching for answers.
Then there is Victory and Gigi Jasmine, whose rollercoaster relationship became one of the season’s most talked-about storylines. From mixed signals and emotional conversations to unexpected decisions that left viewers divided, theirs was a relationship that rarely lacked drama. The reunion could finally reveal where things stand between them today.
Questions also remain around Faith, one of the season’s most controversial and talked-about housemates. His journey from strong contender to disqualification sparked intense debate among fans and fellow housemates alike. With Sultana and Imisi both playing significant roles in some of the season’s biggest conversations involving him, the reunion may provide long-awaited clarity on one of the defining storylines of the season.
Of course, no look back at the 10/10 season would be complete without revisiting the relationships that captured viewers’ attention. Fans will be curious to know whether connections such as Koyin and Isabella’s survived beyond the house, evolved into something more, or simply became part of the BBNaija experience.
There are also questions surrounding Jason Jae, whose interactions with Joanna, Sultana and Dede kept fans speculating throughout the season. Was he simply playing the game, following genuine connections, or navigating a complicated mix of both? The reunion may finally offer some answers.
Meanwhile, Bright Morgan and Mide’s relationship remained one of the season’s most debated situationships. With emotions, misunderstandings and unanswered questions lingering after the show, viewers will undoubtedly be looking forward to hearing their perspectives now that months have passed.
Beyond the individual stories, the reunion is also an opportunity for housemates to reflect on the alliances, rivalries and decisions that shaped one of the most unpredictable seasons in BBNaija history. Friendships were tested, loyalties shifted, and housemates often found themselves on opposite sides of conversations that dominated social media week after week.
Whether it’s old rivalries, unresolved tensions, surprising reconciliations or long-awaited explanations, fans can expect the conversations they have been waiting months to hear.
The BBNaija Season 10 Reunion premieres on June 8 at 10:00 PM WAT on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family. Episodes will be available on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream, ensuring viewers never miss a moment of the revelations, resolutions and memorable conversations that await.
Showbiz
Nigerian Actor Adesina Okiki Janmole Dies in Fatal Auto Crash
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A fatal auto crash has claimed the life of a Nigerian actor, Mr Adesina Okiki, otherwise known as Janmole.
The death of the thespian was confirmed on Tuesday by the president of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Mr Abolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin.
In a post on his Facebook page today, the comic actor said, “May the soul of our departed colleague, Adesina Okiki Janmole, who tragically lost his life in an accident, rest in perfect peace.
“May God grant his family, friends, and colleagues the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss. He will be greatly missed. Amen.”
The demise of this comedian and filmmaker comes a few weeks after the Nigerian film industry lost Alexx Ekubo to cancer.
During his lifetime, Janmole, who died in a road accident on Monday, acted in several movies. He was known for his humour, screen presence and contributions to the Yoruba movie industry.
About four years ago, he survived a fire incident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, an experience many believed he had narrowly escaped.
Showbiz
Africa Magic to Air BBNaija Season 10 Reunion June 8
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Lovers of the popular Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality television show will have the opportunity to watch the BBNaija Season 10 Reunion Show.
The programme, to be hosted by media personality, Mr Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, will premiere on Monday, 8 June 2026, at 10 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 | GOtv Channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 | GOtv Channel 7), with each episode available on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps the following day.
The reunion show will feature all 29 housemates. Fans can follow all reunion updates using the hashtag #BBNaijaReunion across social media platforms and Africa Magic for exclusive clips and behind-the-scenes content.
On October 5, 2025, the BBNaija Season 10 came to an end, with Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, emerging champion with 42.84 per cent of the public votes.
The 23-year-old fashion designer and actress from Oyo State walked away with a grand prize of N150 million, including N80 million in cash and a brand-new Innoson SUV.
The reunion is expected to address several unresolved storylines from the season, including the disqualification of housemate Faith in the final week following a physical altercation with Sultana. The season also produced some of its most viral moments in years, including a spoon-related standoff that dominated X for days and a series of romantic entanglements that split fan bases across the continent.
Season 10 was considered one of the most exciting editions of the show to date, introducing the Bag of Big Twists, a red telephone delivering random instructions from Biggie, a restructured Head of House challenge and an Influential Player of the Week feature.
With plans for a new season already in motion, the BBNaija 10 over 10 reunion show is set to officially close conflicts, encourage clarifications and allow the housemates to lay it all bare to the viewers and themselves one last time.
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