Veteran gospel juju maestro Dele Ajayi, popularly known as Dele Blacko, is gearing up to release his much-anticipated EP Ojumo Ire — a project that promises to be a soulful blend of rhythm, faith, and celebration. The new body of work will feature collaborations with renowned Nigerian gospel powerhouses Dare Melody and Segun Ajidara, marking yet another milestone in Blacko’s illustrious 35-year career.

Born in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State and raised in Lagos, Blacko’s journey into music was shaped early in life. Coming from a family of six, he discovered his calling in the church, leading choirs and producing music from as young as 14. His influences read like a hall of fame of African music legends — from King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey to Fela Kuti and Haruna Ishola.

“Music is a natural gift from God to me,” Blacko says. “Growing up in church taught me discipline and the power of music to touch hearts. That’s why I’ve stayed true to my calling.”

After years of living and working in Canada, where he further expanded his craft, Blacko made the decision to return to Nigeria, a move he describes as divinely inspired. “There’s no place like home. My genre has a wider audience here, and I believe God’s purpose for me abroad was fulfilled. Since returning, I’ve been more active musically and spiritually.”

As choirmaster of the popular Celestial Church (KOK Parish) and an active performer, Blacko has mastered the art of balancing ministry and a demanding music career. His discography includes the 7-track album Blackomania and the 10-track project Hymnal According to Dele Blacko, both of which have been praised for their depth and spiritual resonance.

Now, with Ojumo Ire, Blacko aims to deliver an uplifting experience that blends the rich textures of juju with gospel’s soul-stirring power. The EP’s visuals are already in motion, with location shoots recently wrapped for one of the standout tracks.

“I want to put out music that will still reign long after I’m gone,” Blacko reflects. “My greatest joy is seeing people smile, dance, and feel blessed through my songs.”

From sharing the stage with King Sunny Ade to leading worship that unites congregations, Dele Blacko continues to bridge the sacred and the celebratory. With Ojumo Ire on the horizon, gospel juju lovers can expect nothing short of a masterpiece that uplifts, inspires, and gets the feet moving.

Nigerian actress Motola Odunsi has reportedly been announced dead.

In a brief shared on popular social media blog Famzstazs, it stated that the movie star had passed on.

While details surrounding the rumoured tragic passing of the indigenous star are yet to be known, fans and netizens have begun mourning her online.

In a 2024 interview with Vanguard, the actress admitted that she frequently receives unexpected and sometimes uncomfortable texts from admirers, particularly younger guys.

“I get many embarrassing messages.The most surprising ones come from underage guys asking me out and calling me romantic names. It’s obvious they’re too young, so I just ignore them.”

When asked whether it is tough for actresses to find love, Omotola admitted that it could be difficult owing to public image.

“People often believe that we are the characters we play in films, but that’s a misconception; our roles don’t define who we truly are.”

The actress also expressed an eagerness to play a variety of characters, including a profoundly in love ‘lover girl’, a streetwise ‘tout’, and an ‘aggressive housewife’.

Omotola, a protégé of Nollywood actress Odunlade Adekola, said at the time that she aimed to add diversity to her craft.

Fans mourn Motola Odunsi after rumoured death
Legit.ng compiled the reactions below:

harkindhejy_imagery said: “So sad! God bless her soul! Can someone pls tag her IG handle.”

itz_baseera_yunus said: “The way people are dying this days to sleep come dey fear me. May the soul of all departed rest in peace.

aroraheemot said: “This one pain me o.” oluwaseunfunmi.oladele said: “Oh my F word .”

tezzy196 said: “Why are you people dying .”

akanji_of_lagos_ said: “Rip queen if it be my turn tomorrow.”….ClickToContinueReading

Prophet Joel Ogebe, the leader of Sounds of Salem, has revealed that he burnt a cheque handed to him as an honorarium after ministering at The African Praise Experience (TAPE) Overflow 2025.

Naija News reports that the event took place on Sunday, July 13, at House on the Rock Church in Lagos.

The church, under the leadership of Pastor Paul Adefarasin, hosted various gospel artists including Dunsin Oyekan, Onos Ariyo, Nathaniel Bassey and the Sounds of Salem team.

After their performance, a cheque was presented to the group as a show of appreciation, which Prophet Ogebe received but later destroyed.

In a video now circulating online, he explained that he saw the event as a divine moment and not a business engagement.

According to him, he had already decided with his team not to accept any form of payment for their service, choosing instead to focus on the spiritual impact.

He said: “After the ministration, the man of God there is a father figure, so he honoured us with a cheque, saying ‘no you guys have to take this’. So I collected it, placed it somewhere to burn it. I told myself that I will never cash the cheque.

“I told my men, we will not touch this money. This is not a payment, it’s an oblation unto God.

“There are certain Kairos moments in your life that God brings you to, not for gain but for growth. This was one of them. I saw what that House carried, the possibilities of grace on the house. I didn’t come here for money; I came for impartation. I need reward, not payment. What I’m looking for, only God can confirm.

“A man with a needy mindset will take the cheque and say ‘God has prospered me,’ but the truth is, that money will finish. What you really need is the mantle, not the money. And if you’re not sensitive, you’ll miss the impartation chasing after the payment.”