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Showmax to premiere Nigerian animated series ‘Iyanu’ across 44 African countries

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Showmax *Iyanu* Nigerian animation

Showmax partners with Lion Forge Entertainment to premiere *Iyanu*, a Nigerian animated series inspired by Yoruba mythology, across 44 African countries

 

Showmax, the leading online movie streaming platform, has announced a major partnership with **Lion Forge Entertainment** to premiere *Iyanu*, a Nigerian animated series, across **44 African countries**.

The series, inspired by Nigerian culture and mythology, is set to debut on **June 13**, with the entire first season available for binge-watching.

Dr Busola Tejumola, **Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa**, revealed the news in Lagos, stating that Showmax has also released an official trailer to give audiences a glimpse into the epic adventure.

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*”Iyanu brings Nigerian culture and mythology to life in an exciting and authentic way. We are proud to be the home of its African premiere and can’t wait for audiences across the continent to experience this epic adventure on Showmax,”* Tejumola said.

The all-African **voice cast** features talented actors, including **Serah Johnson** as Iyanu, **Okey Jude** as Biyi, **Samuel Kugbiyi** as Toye, **Adesua Etomi-Wellington** as Olori, **Blossom Chukwujekwu** as Kanfo, **Stella Damasus** as Sewa, **Shaffy Bello** as Emi, and **Ike Ononye** as Elder Alapani.

 

*Iyanu*: A Groundbreaking Nigerian Animation

The series is an adaptation of *Iyanu: Child of Wonder*, a graphic novel by **Roye Okupe**, published by **YouNeek Studios** and **Dark Horse Comics**. Okupe, who was born and raised in Nigeria, serves as the **creator, executive producer, and showrunner**.

Produced by **Lion Forge Entertainment**, a **Black-owned** North American animation studio, *Iyanu* will also premiere in the **UK and Ireland** on **ITVX** this summer.

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The executive production team includes **David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands, Matt Heath, Erica Dupuis, Ryan Haidarian**, and **Doug Schwalbe**.

David Steward II, **CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment**, expressed his excitement about the project, highlighting the dedication of Roye Okupe and the production team.

*”We’re thrilled to see Iyanu debut on Cartoon Network, Max, and Showmax soon. This series marks a significant step in our mission to tell culturally rich stories that connect with audiences worldwide,”* he said.

 

A Story Rooted in Yoruba Mythology

Inspired by **Yoruba culture, music, and mythology**, *Iyanu* follows the journey of a courageous orphan in the magical kingdom of **Yorubaland**.

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While studying history and ancient arts, she longs for a normal life—until an **imminent threat** awakens divine powers that have remained dormant for centuries.

Alongside her friends **Biyi** and **Toye**, and a mystical leopard named **Ekun**, Iyanu embarks on a quest to uncover the **source of the looming evil**.

As she battles dark forces, she unravels the **mysteries of her past** and discovers her true **destiny**.

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Blaqbonez reacts to Nigeria’s ban on pornographic websites

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Blaqbonez reacts to porn website ban

Blaqbonez criticises Nigeria’s porn website ban, calling it a sign of misplaced priorities, and defends adult content in a post on X

 

Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez has weighed in on the recent directive by the Nigerian House of Representatives to block access to all pornographic websites in the country.

Also read: Blaqbonez clears the air on age controversy

On Tuesday, the House instructed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country’s telecoms regulator, to shut down access to adult websites nationwide, sparking a wave of reactions from the public.

Taking to social media platform X, Blaqbonez expressed his discontent with the ban, suggesting that it reflected misplaced priorities.

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Using popular adult film star Destiny Mira as an example, the rapper argued that adult films provide a form of entertainment that helps people cope with difficult moments in their lives.

“This country is funny. Destiny Mira, who helps us through tough times, and they want to ban her,” Blaqbonez wrote, sarcastically defending the value of adult content in light of the ban.

Blaqbonez’s post quickly gained attention, with many fans and followers joining the conversation, debating whether the government’s move was justified or if it was an overreach.

While some supported the rapper’s sentiment, others pointed out concerns about the negative impact of pornography on society.

The Nigerian government’s decision to block access to adult content has sparked a wider debate about censorship, personal freedoms, and the role of digital content in the country’s cultural landscape.

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Burna Boy earns platinum SNEP certification for collaboration with Dadju

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Burna Boy Platinum SNEP Certification

Burna Boy receives Platinum SNEP Certification for featured vocals on Dadju’s hit single “Donne-moi l’accord,” marking another milestone

 

Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has added another major achievement to his already impressive list of accolades, earning the prestigious Platinum SNEP Certification in France for his featured vocals on French-Congolese singer Dadju Nsungula’s hit single, “Donne-moi l’accord.”

Although the collaboration was initially released back in 2019, the track has continued to resonate with audiences, leading to its continued success and recognition.

This milestone is yet another feather in Burna Boy’s cap, further solidifying his position as one of the most sought-after global music features.

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The Grammy-winning artist, known for his unique blend of Afro-fusion, has steadily built a global reputation and is continuing to break barriers on the world stage.

In 2025, Burna Boy further strengthened his international presence by earning an RIAA Gold Certification for his track “Alone,” which was featured on the soundtrack for the blockbuster movie *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*.

His influence within the music industry was further confirmed when he became the first African artist to grace the cover of the newly launched *Billboard France* Magazine, a historic moment for African music.

The Platinum SNEP Certification brings Burna Boy’s total number of RIAA certifications to six, with four of those being solo plaques. This reinforces his reputation as one of Africa’s most prominent global music icons, as he continues to bridge cultures and expand the global reach of Afrobeat and African music.

Burna Boy’s achievements show no sign of slowing down, as his consistent international success proves his ever-growing influence across the globe.

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From record-breaking collaborations to prestigious certifications, the “African Giant” continues to make history, one milestone at a time.

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Nollywood actress Lola Fanimokun denies affair allegations amid public breakup drama

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Lola Fanimokun denies affair allegations

Nollywood actress Lola Fanimokun strongly denies affair claims with Oluwadolarz, dismissing accusations from his ex-fiancée Ifeluv

 

In a strongly-worded statement, Nollywood actress Lola Fanimokun has fervently denied allegations of an illicit affair with popular content creator Oluwadolarz.

The claims were made by Ifeluv, Oluwadolarz’s now-ex-fiancée, who accused Lola of hiding in his bathroom during a recent visit, suggesting a romantic involvement between the two.

The allegations escalated when Ifeluv also accused Lola of having undergone multiple abortions for Oluwadolarz. These claims have sparked a wave of controversy across social media, with many questioning the veracity of Ifeluv’s accusations.

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In a public statement issued on Wednesday, Lola responded directly to the allegations, calling them “nonsense” and urging Ifeluv to focus on resolving her own personal issues instead of dragging her into the drama.

Lola made it clear that she would not engage in a public dispute, but felt compelled to defend herself for the sake of her reputation, her friends, and her family.

“I honestly wasn’t going to address this because I have a clear conscience, but for the sake of my friends and family and most especially my brand, I’d like to address these preposterous allegations that are flying around,” Lola said.

“I like to think I’m a very great actress (if I do say so myself), so I don’t have to sleep around for roles, my talent literally speaks for itself.”

Addressing the specific accusation regarding the bathroom incident, Lola explained that she had simply finished shooting a content video behind Oluwadolarz’s studio and needed to clean up.

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She clarified that the bathroom in question was actually that of Oluwadolarz’s younger sister, not a private bathroom as Ifeluv had suggested. She expressed disbelief that this key detail had been conveniently left out of Ifeluv’s account.

Lola further dismissed the claims about multiple abortions as “petty” and an attempt to manipulate public opinion. She stated, “Accusing me of sleeping with your fiancé is one thing, lying about multiple abortions just to evoke sympathy is another ball game entirely! It’s extremely petty.”

She also expressed her disappointment in Ifeluv, someone she had once respected, for airing what she described as “pure assumption and misinformation” online. Lola encouraged Ifeluv to focus her energy on addressing her own relationship issues, rather than trying to involve her in the ongoing drama.

“If you choose to air your family’s dirty laundry on the internet, that’s absolutely fine, but please don’t project your insecurities on me and drag me into this mess,” Lola concluded.

This latest public fallout follows a series of personal and professional challenges for Oluwadolarz, who has recently confirmed the end of his relationship with Ifeluv and is now navigating the aftermath of their breakup.

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