Entertainment
Action Movie Star Chuck Norris Dies At 86
Legendary American martial artist and Hollywood action star Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family confirmed on Friday.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the family announced that Norris passed away suddenly on Thursday morning.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the statement read.
They described him as a man who lived with faith, purpose, and a deep commitment to those around him, noting that his discipline, kindness, and work ethic inspired millions across the globe.
Norris reportedly fell ill on the Hawaiian island of Kauai a day before his death.
The late actor, widely regarded as a cultural symbol of toughness, gained global recognition for his lead role in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger and a string of action films that defined his career.
He began acting with a minor role in the 1968 film The Wrecking Crew before rising to prominence in 1972 after his memorable on-screen fight with martial arts icon Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon.
Just days before his death, Norris had marked his 86th birthday by posting a video of himself boxing, joking, “I don’t age. I level up.”
Over the decades, his influence extended beyond film and television, as he became the subject of viral internet memes celebrating his strength and invincibility, further cementing his place in popular culture.
His passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic action cinema worldwide.
Veteran filmmaker and CEO of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga, has dismissed claims by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, that he is facing financial difficulties.
Ayoyinka’s recent interview, which sparked widespread discussion online, alleged financial struggles despite his decades-long role in the iconic TV series Papa Ajasco and Company.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Adenuga described these claims as “false and misleading,” emphasizing his longstanding professional relationship with the actor.
“My first reaction when I saw the video was to note that he has successfully taken the Papa Ajasco brand into the public space. I am happy for him that his social media strategy seems to be working,” Adenuga said.
He praised Ayoyinka as a “versatile actor” who closely resembles the character Adenuga created in 1976. He also highlighted the actor’s service with the Lagos State Government, including his time as the face of the state’s cultural troupe, and noted that the two have had no irreconcilable differences.
Addressing accusations of neglect, Adenuga stated that the production company has supported Ayoyinka over the years. “On the car issue, we once gave him a car — and Pa James as well. He has used at least five cars, including a Mercedes-Benz, at different times. To the best of my knowledge, he also owns a house in Ogun State,” he said.
Adenuga explained that restrictions on the use of the “Papa Ajasco” brand for personal ventures were necessary to protect its integrity but clarified that actors were free to pursue other jobs, including advertising work, with company approval.
Questioning Ayoyinka’s claims of financial hardship, Adenuga asked: “Why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke? What happened to his gratuities and other investments from over 30 years of service with the Lagos State Government?”
He added that other cast members, including Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan, and Oduma, regularly work on external projects, highlighting that the company does not restrict artistes from outside engagements. Actors typically spend only six weeks a year on set, allowing time for other pursuits.
“The organisation pays according to industry standards and fulfills all financial obligations. Any suggestion of neglect or exploitation is entirely false,” Adenuga concluded, reaffirming the company’s commitment to professional relationships and thanking the public for their continued support.
Nigerian Afrobeats singer Crayon has ignited controversy on social media after making a series of allegations against Mavin Records and its founder, Don Jazzy.
The singer, who rose to fame under the label, took to X (formerly Twitter) in a string of emotional posts accusing the music powerhouse of withholding royalties and mishandling aspects of his career.
In the posts, Crayon alleged that executives within the label had earned significant revenue from his music while failing to properly compensate him. One of the tweets, which quickly went viral before being deleted, described a top executive as a “highest criminal,” sparking heated reactions across social media.
Screenshots of the posts circulated widely online, drawing attention from fans and figures within the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The controversy intensified after fans noticed changes in the singer’s social media profiles and music releases. Crayon recently released a new track titled “Baami” under a different imprint reportedly linked to Olodum Entertainment, fueling speculation that he may have parted ways with Mavin Records.
Observers also noted updates to the singer’s booking contact and branding online, which many interpreted as signs of a possible departure from the label.
However, neither Crayon nor Mavin Records has officially confirmed whether the artist has exited the company.
The situation has already sparked reactions within the music industry. Nigerian producer Samklef weighed in on the controversy, suggesting the allegations raise broader concerns about how artists are treated by major labels.
Fans have also taken sides online, with some defending Mavin Records’ reputation, while others expressed support for the singer’s claims.
Crayon joined the Mavin ecosystem in 2019 under Blowtime Entertainment, a label imprint led by music executive Baby Fresh.
Since then, he has released several popular songs including “So Fine,” “Ijo (Laba Laba),” “Too Correct,” and “Ngozi” featuring fellow Mavin star Ayra Starr.
The artist also gained recognition through collaborative projects with other Mavin talents such as Rema, Magixx, and Ladipoe.
Despite the growing online debate, Mavin Records has yet to release an official statement addressing the allegations.
As the controversy continues to trend across social media, fans and industry watchers are awaiting clarification from both sides on the future of Crayon’s relationship with the influential Afrobeats label.
For now, the situation highlights ongoing conversations about contracts, royalties, and artist-label relationships within Nigeria’s fast-growing music industry.
The 2026 Academy Awards saw the political thriller One Battle After Another emerge as the biggest winner of the night, claiming six major awards including Best Picture at the 98th Oscars ceremony held in Hollywood.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, the film dominated the ceremony with victories in categories such as Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Film Editing, and the inaugural Oscar for Casting.
The film, loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a former revolutionary navigating political turmoil alongside his daughter. Anderson’s wins marked a historic moment, as the director secured his first Academy Awards after more than a decade of nominations.
While One Battle After Another led the night, the vampire thriller Sinners also performed strongly, winning four awards including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan.
In the Best Actress category, Jessie Buckley made history by winning for her role in Hamnet, becoming the first Irish actress to secure the award.
Other highlights from the ceremony included Amy Madigan’s Best Supporting Actress win for Weapons, while the animated feature category was won by KPop Demon Hunters.
The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrated outstanding films released in 2025 and featured winners across 24 categories.
The night’s results confirmed One Battle After Another as the standout film of the year, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated productions of the 2026 awards season.