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Olo Omi Dan Bata debuts with new single, Are Ayo

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In what has been widely described as a very daring move, music sensation Olo Omi Dan Bata, who is also popularly known as Olo, will be gifting the world a new single, which music pundits already say will rock the entertainment world to the root.

The female drummer, who has before now been shrouded in stardom mystery, speaks about her lifestyle, philosophy, and music in this interview, as she awaits the official release of her hot single titled: Are Ayo on the 15th of November 2023.

 

Let’s start by asking, who is Olo?

Olo is a very daring young lady, I am opinionated. I have very strong believe in my Africanness. I am very strong about what I believe in. A lot of my friends are trying so hard to be western because they didn’t realise that they can also be sophisticated with African culture, with African way of life.

Olo is a rebel. I’m very rebellious. I hate following what everybody does. I decided that I was not going to be like all my friends. None of them can dance better than me anyway, name it, hip hop, rap. But I will rather invest my talent in African culture,because that’s what truly belong to me. Western culture does not belong to me. That’s why I decided along with my entertainment company Atunda Entertainment to do what it’s unusual.

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There were so many female talking drummers, but I decided to play bata because bata is a little more complicated. That’s because it has 3 faces to it and you have to be more coordinated to play it. You also have to be strong because it requires energy! Olo is a singer, a powerful choreographer. I must say that about myself because that is true. I am a percussionist, a top-notch drummer. You have to be top-notch to play the bata. That’s who Olo is.

What can you say about the brand Olo?

Olo means somebody delicate, very simple and the brand is about showcasing the best, polishing and showcasing the best of African culture to the world.

Let’s talk about your music what kind of music do you play?

It’s Afro pop with a heavy bata influence.

 

When did music find you?

From birth I guess. I have been singing and dancing in the bathroom since childhood. I used to think and believe that I was a star in my bathroom. Especially when I was under the shower and my mom used to come and tell me to stop disturbing everyone in the house. And when I got carried away with my dancing, I usually stuck out my tongue, though I usually don’t know when I do it. Whenever I’m dancing or when im on stage, I’m a totally different person. However, I’m a very private person but when I’m on stage, I’m a warrior. I actually don’t see anyone while I’m on stage. I only see myself, I see what I’m enjoying. So, I started as a bathroom singer and dancer.

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What makes you so unique?

Being the only female choreographer, dancer, bata player and singer, makes me stand out. As you are likely to know, most artistes are just singers, but being a singer, a percussionist and a dancer-choreographer is quite unique, and those are some of the unique things about me.

How about travel and exposure?

I travel everyday. I am a dreamer. I dream of performing in USA in Europe and all over the world. Travel is part of my hobby and I expect to sell my music to the world.

Any plans for music collaborations?

Well, I have received so many offers from so many artistes, different genres of artistes, but one particular one caught my fancy, Michel Montano. We are in the studio. We should be releasing a song in December. It will be the first ever collaboration between a Carribean calypso star and a top-notch African female drummer! Montano is the biggest calypso performer in all of the Carribean. So watch out for the production. The single should be out in December.

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Tell us a bit about the collaboration and the kind of song we should expect in December

It’s a fusion of Afro music, afrobeat, amapiano and calypso. It has something from South Africa, West Africa, and that’s because Amapiano originated from South Africa, then afrobeat, and then calypso. Expectedly, it will capture the attention of the whole of Africa and the sixth region.

What inspired the song?

I had a performance at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and Michel Montana was in attendance. He requested to collaborate with me to do a song. He said that whenever he closes and opens his eyes, all he sees is Olo. He said that he had never seen such energetic performance, that he had never experience those three drums and the dance. That he was immediately inspired by the Africanness and then the dance, the cosmopolitan, classic presentation of African culture.

 

Now about your single coming out this month November 15, do you have a special dance for it?

Yes, I do. The dance is called Jamije! Watch out for it. You will certainly like it.

Is there any other thing that you will like to add?

Nothing much except that you should watch out because a new Sheriff is in town!

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Burial dispute: Oyo police intervene as Toluwanisings’ wife, father, others sign peace deal

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The controversy surrounding the burial plans for late Olayemi Bolaji, better known as Toluwanisings, may have been laid to rest following the intervention by the Oyo State Police Command.

There have been several reports of disagreements between the late singer’s family and associates over his burial arrangements.

But the police command disclosed on Tuesday that the parties have signed a peace undertaking at its headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, after being invited by the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga.

The intervention followed concerns over allegations of conspiracy, defamation of character and conduct capable of causing a breach of the peace amid public exchanges over the singer’s death and burial.

In a statement issued and signed by the Oyo Police Command spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka,  it was stated that the Commissioner of Police received information about the disagreement on October 28, involving the singer’s family and associates over the proposed burial arrangements.

According to the statement, “In view of the potential implications of the disagreement for public peace and order, the Commissioner of Police, exercising his statutory responsibilities under Section 4 of the Police Act and other relevant provisions of the law, directed that all parties be invited to the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, for an intervention aimed at preventing further escalation and facilitating an amicable resolution.”

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The parties who signed the undertaking included the singer’s wife, Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola; his father, Muniru Olayemi; and his friends and associates, Oyindamola Esther, Babadunni Gbolabo and Lawal Ademola Rafiu.

His personal assistant and other representatives were also present.

The disagreement had centred on where the singer should be buried.

His father had reportedly proposed that he be buried at the house he built or beside his late mother in Osun State, while his wife was said to have opposed the idea of burying him in their home.

According to the police, the parties agreed to maintain peace and good behaviour, refrain from actions capable of causing a breach of the peace and discontinue public exchanges, interviews and discussions that could worsen the disagreement.

The command said, “Under the terms of the undertaking, all parties agreed to maintain peace and be of good behaviour, refrain from any act capable of causing a breach of the peace, and discontinue public exchanges, interviews and discussions capable of inflaming tensions or aggravating the existing disagreement surrounding the unfortunate demise of the singer and related issues.”

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The police added that the parties also agreed to stop circulating information, allegations and publications about the matter through social media, print media, radio, blogs and other communication channels.

The undertaking further requires them to ensure that their proxies, agents, associates and representatives do not make, sponsor, amplify or circulate publications capable of reigniting the dispute.

The Commissioner of Police warned that the agreement must be respected by all parties and those acting on their behalf.

The statement quoted him as cautioning that “no individual should take advantage of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the singer’s demise to instigate hostility, promote unsubstantiated allegations or engage in conduct capable of disrupting public peace.”

It added that anyone whose actions constituted an offence under applicable laws would be arrested and prosecuted.

The command also appealed to members of the public, bloggers and media practitioners to exercise restraint and avoid amplifying unverified information capable of reigniting tensions.

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Toluwanisings died in Ibadan on October 14, 2026, after reportedly slumping. His death generated controversy over allegations that several hospitals turned him away while efforts were being made to obtain emergency medical attention.

His personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, had alleged that the singer was taken to seven or eight hospitals before his death. The University College Hospital, Ibadan, however, said it had no record confirming that he was brought to the facility.

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Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru dies at 57

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Veteran Nigerian actor, Francis Duru, has died at the age of 57.

The actor’s family announced the news of his passing on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, revealing that he died following a brief illness.

“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the post reads.

“We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

Earlier in June, the actor denied viral reports claiming he was battling a life-threatening illness.

The rumours gained traction after footage showing him in a frail condition circulated widely on social media, raising concern among fans and colleagues.

In response, Duru shared an Instagram video describing the footage as “fabricated and malicious”.

Duru was born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon, to parents of Nigerian origin from Imo state. He completed his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before relocating to Nigeria to pursue a university degree.

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He gained admission to the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers state, where he studied Theatre Arts and earned a B.A. degree in 1996.

He made his entry into the Nigerian film industry in 1989 with a movie titled ‘Missing Mark,’ directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.

His appearance in the film did little to advance his career at the time, as he was still considered an up-and-coming actor.

He gained greater recognition in the industry in 1995 after appearing in ‘Rattlesnake,’ an action-comedy produced by the late Amaka Igwe. Duru played a notable role in the film as the character Ahanna.

Over the course of his career, Duru received numerous awards and honours for his work. He was named a United Nations ambassador of peace in recognition of his positive influence on young people. In 2020, he won the :Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo)’ award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in ‘Mboputa’.

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Duru married his wife Adokiye in 2003, and the couple had four children together. They lost Ifeanyi, one of their children, in August 2024.

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Olu Jacobs laid to rest in Lagos

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Family, friends and colleagues gathered for the funeral service of veteran actor Olu Jacobs on Friday, as his remains were laid to rest at the This Present House Church, Lekki, Lagos.

The service was witnessed by members of the entertainment industry and other dignitaries, who came to pay their last respects to the late thespian.

Among those who paid their respect was entertainment entrepreneur, Darey Art Alade, who performed his hit song Pray For Me, featuring Olu Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.

The actor’s son, Olugbenga Jacobs, also presented his father’s biography during the funeral proceedings.

The burial follows a Night of Tributes held on Wednesday at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island, where Nollywood stars and well-wishers gathered to honour the late icon.

Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.

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