After President Donald Trump stirred up controversy in the sports world, over his objection to NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem, one athlete is speaking up… via a new song.
Nigerian-American Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo delivers a powerful statement as the NBA heads into the preseason with a new uplifting single, titled “Rope a Dope” featuring 2 Chainz.
His second single is about persevering through hardship, while offering a symbolic meaning in the wake of Trump’s comments against athletes protesting the National Anthem.
Oladipo, however, says the song is about bringing people together. “I wanted to address what was going on and bring awareness to it, but in a positive manner. I want people to feel inspired and motivated to be great, and to stand up and have confidence. We need to come together as a country to deal with these problems. We aren’t going to solve anything unless we’re united.”
“Rope A Dope” is the second single off Oladipo’s debut EP, Songs For You, slated to drop October 6.
Oladipo was the second overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2013 NBA Draft. But obviously, outside of basketball, he’s a talented singer. After a TMZ video surfaced last fall, which featured him performing R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly,” he decided to move forward as a musician.
Just last month, he unveiled a reinterpreted version of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song For You.” He followed with a visual for “Song For You,” his first ever music video.
Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa has shared a heartwarming story about her encounter with singer D’banj. She revealed that he is the only Nigerian man who has given her money without asking for anything in return.
A viral video on social media captured a recent interaction between Toke Makinwa and D’banj. She recounted his generous act during a time before her fame. This selfless gesture left a lasting impression on Makinwa.
“I was at a party one time and someone said this is D’banj and I was like, ‘Hi,’ and he goes, ‘I’m going to be the biggest thing out of Africa.’ That’s the kind of confidence this nigga had,” she recalled.
Makinwa recounted how D’banj pledged to give her a substantial sum of ₦10 million. Then, she emphasized that this he followed through on the commitment completely. She noted that the donor carried out this act of generosity without any expectation of receiving anything in return from her.
She said, “Then I was in banking and he entertained us all night. Then, many years later, I started my career and I wrote a book, He came to my book launch and pledged 10 million naira. He paid it the next morning and never asked for anything in return.”
“He is the only Nigerian man I know who has given me free money and didn’t ask, ‘What are you doing later?’ Or can I call you later?’ He is the only Nigerian man! Gave me 10 fucking million naira and this was many years ago. I fuck with him!” she concluded, praising him.
“D’banj gave me N10million at my book launch and he never asked for anything in return. The only Nigerian man I know that has given me free money.”
The singer, chuckling as he spoke, admitted that he had made the generous donation so many years ago that the memory of the act had completely faded from his mind.
Nigerian actress Nancy Isime has shared her views on marriage, revealing that, unlike many young girls who dream of their weddings, she is prioritizing her career and financial independence.
The actress appeared on the Creativitea Live with Lynda podcast for a recent interview. During this interview, she discussed her aspirations. Isime centred these aspirations around work and money. She did not focus on marriage as an aspiration.
She said,
“I’ve always seen myself working. I say this to a few people but when young girls sit down and daydream about getting married, I never did.
“I used to daydream about working and making my own money and being independent; I fear that I might not even have my dream wedding because what is a dream wedding? Even if I get married, it will just be a wedding that we both agree at the same time is how we feel and where we are at. If it’s a big wedding, fine, if it’s a small wedding, whatever we feel.” Isime added.
Nancy Isime stressed a point about her current stance.
She traced this stance back to her childhood and upbringing. During those times, her family did not always have money.
She explained,
“I’ve always been that child that always saw myself having my own money. Maybe because I came from a humble background where asking for anything was almost taboo. You’re supposed to know that there is no money, so don’t ask but if we give you, take. I used to be like, ‘I can’t wait to have my own money and do my own thing.”
Isime stressed two priorities. First, she wants to make her own money. Second, she aims to provide her ideal lifestyle for herself.
She concluded, “That’s why I’m such a believer in spending on myself; I spend on myself so much that nobody can take the position of ‘if not me, you won’t have this life.'”
Iyabo Ojo, a Nollywood actress, celebrates joyfully as she welcomes her first grandchild. Taking to social media on September 4th, 2024, Iyabo Ojo expressed her excitement for her lover, Paul Okoye‘s daughter, Vanessa Okoye, who has just welcomed her first child.
She posted,
“Yay! I’m officially a grandmother! Congratulations, my darling @vanzyvanz. Welcome to motherhood, kisses to my darling baby! I can’t wait to see you and the baby. Sending lots of love and kisses, I’m so excited, Obimbimbim @pauloo2104, the latest grandpa congratulations. I love you both.”
Okoye responded to Ojo’s post, expressing his own excitement about becoming a new grandfather, “New Grandpa in town 😂😂🤪🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️”
“Thank You Mama, ❤️🥹” Vanessa wrote.
Happy fans and followers flooded the comment section with congratulatory messages for the family on the birth of their new baby.
A follower wrote, “Congratulations to the Iyabo’s and Paulo’s families in general. I personally won’t get tired of congratulating people until it’s my turn.”
“I am so happy for you mama, this baby is going to live a healthy life forever, Amen,” another fan wrote.
Earlier that day, Vanessa shared the news of her daughter, Zariah Nwamaka Okoye’s birth, on Instagram.
Her caption read,
“My Beautiful Baby Girl has made me whole. My darling Daughter, you are the missing piece I never knew I needed, the missing beat in my heart. Today, a new chapter unfolds, a new journey begins, and I promise to pour my entire soul into nurturing, guiding, and loving you. You will be the sunshine that brightens every day, the calm in every storm, and the safe haven where love resides. I am forever changed, forever grateful, and forever in love with you, my sweet girl. Welcome to the world, my precious one.”