Fuji Icon Kollington Ayinla Is Alive, Not Dead — Mgt Debunks Death Rumours

The management of veteran Fuji musician, Kollington Ayinla, also known as Kebe-n-Kwara, has dismissed reports circulating online claiming that the music icon has died, describing the information as false, malicious, and misleading. In a statement issued on Saturday, signed by Shamsudeen Ilori on behalf of the family and the HSKA Foundation, the singer’s organisation said the reports of Ayinla’s death were fabricated by individuals seeking attention and online traffic. “Our attention has been drawn to a malicious and unfounded rumor circulating all over the Internet claiming that Kollington Ayinla Fuji Authority has passed away,” the statement read. The management stressed that the veteran artiste remains alive and in good health, adding that the rumour was deliberately designed to cause distress to the musician’s family, fans and associates. “Alhaji Kollington Ayinla is ALIVE, WELL, and IN GOOD HEALTH. Baba is currently enjoying himself, surrounded by family and close associates, and still blessing the world with his unmatched Fuji music dexterity and wisdom,” the statement added.

Describing the report as the handiwork of “heartless people,” the management accused those behind the claim of attempting to disrespect a living legend and create unnecessary confusion. The organisation also warned social media users and content creators against spreading unverified information, urging the public to verify claims before sharing them, threatening legal action against anyone found to have originated or deliberately circulated the false report. “Spreading false death news is not content — it’s wickedness. The family, management, and legal team of Alhaji Kollington Ayinla will not let this slide. Anyone caught creating or spreading this falsehood will face the full wrath of the law,” it stated. Reassuring supporters across the world, the organisation urged fans, friends, and family members to disregard the rumour entirely, saying the Fuji star remains healthy and appreciative of the goodwill shown towards him.

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This is not the first time the Fuji legend has been plagued by false death reports. In January 2024, Kollington Ayinla was forced to address similar rumours after speculation about his health circulated widely on social media. At the time, the 74-year-old musician released a video from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he was receiving treatment, to prove he was alive and recovering. “It is only God that can save a person but they really tried for me because I could have died but due to their efforts, I was saved,” the septuagenarian said in the video, expressing gratitude to the hospital management and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Born Abdulrasaq Kolawole Ilori on 20 August 1949, Kollington Ayinla hails from Ilota, a town on the outskirts of Ilorin, Kwara State. He ranks alongside his late friend and competitor, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, as one of the two most important artists to dominate Fuji music from its inception in the 1970s through to the 1990s. Kollington began recording for Nigerian EMI in 1974 and achieved a pronounced lead over Barrister in 1978 when he introduced the powerful bata drum into his sound, a departure from the talking drums that Fuji had relied upon until that time. In 1982, he set up his own label, Kollington Records, through which he released no less than 30 albums over the next five years. To date, he has recorded more than 100 albums and remains one of the most prolific artists in Nigerian music history. The rivalry between Kollington and Barrister was legendary, but the two eventually reconciled before Barrister’s death. Kollington was also involved in a public feud with “Queen of Waka” star Salawa Abeni, whom he married and had three children with, including popular rapper Big Sheff.

Fuji Icon Kollington Ayinla Is Alive, Not Dead — Mgt Debunks Death Rumours

Tems Apologises After Nervous Mix-Up at Obama Presidential Centre Ceremony

Nigerian Grammy-winning singer Tems has apologised after accidentally misnaming Barack Obama’s daughters during the official dedication of the $850 million Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago, admitting she was overwhelmed by nerves on the global stage. The 30-year-old Afrobeats sensation, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, took to social media platform X following the June 18 ceremony to laugh off the moment, writing: “Lord knows I was nervous! Please forgive me!!!” The slip-up occurred as Tems addressed the audience at John Lewis Plaza on the centre’s 19-acre campus, moments before delivering a captivating performance of her hit single “Me & U”. Dressed in a vibrant red gown, she told the crowd: “I am so blessed and honoured to be here… this is you, everyone, here, to Mr and Mrs Obama, to Sandra, and all the family.” The reference to “Sandra” was a clear misstep—the Obamas’ daughters are Malia and Sasha Obama.

Despite the brief error, Tems received a warm reception for her performance at the globally televised ceremony, which featured an extraordinary lineup of music royalty. She shared the stage with Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Common, U2’s Bono and The Edge, Marc Anthony, Eddie Vedder, Marsai Martin and The Roots. Jennifer Hudson opened the event with the national anthem, while Christina Aguilera performed Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”. John Legend and Common delivered a moving rendition of their Oscar-winning song “Glory”. The ceremony concluded with a powerful group performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” featuring multiple artists. Former U.S. President Barack Obama attended alongside Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha. Three other living former occupants of the Oval Office were present—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden—along with their wives. Former vice president Kamala Harris, former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, and international dignitaries including former German chancellor Angela Merkel and former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau were also in attendance.

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In his address at the ceremony, Obama called for overcoming divisions within American society, saying: “As unsettled as we are, people aren’t looking for perpetual anger and division. They are looking for fairness and common sense and mutual respect.” He added: “Deep in our gut, we want to find a way to turn towards each other again.”

The $850 million facility, located on Chicago’s South Side, officially opened to the public on June 19—the Juneteenth holiday celebrating the abolition of slavery in the U.S. The 19.3-acre campus features a fully digital presidential museum, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, an NBA-regulation basketball court, a Women’s Garden, and a playground. The centre is expected to attract more than 1 million visitors annually.

Beyond Tems’ performance, Nigerian representation at the centre was further highlighted by a portrait from Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, which is featured in the centre’s permanent collection. Tems’ invitation to perform underscores the growing influence of African artists on major global stages, marking another milestone in her career defined by artistic excellence and international impact.

The Obama Presidential Centre celebrations began with the dedication ceremony on June 18 and will continue with public activities and community events until June 21. Tickets for the grand opening weekend have already sold out, with thousands of ticketed guests watching the ceremony on a big screen from a nearby park.

Tems Apologises After Nervous Mix-Up at Obama Presidential Centre Ceremony

Oyo Abduction: Rarara Blasts Davido Over Global “Bring Them Home” Campaign

Hausa praise singer Dauda Adamu Kahutu Rarara has criticised Afrobeats star Davido, accusing him of portraying Nigeria negatively on the global stage after drawing international attention to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

The controversy stems from Davido’s appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert, where he wore a customised jacket inscribed with “Bring Them Home” alongside the names of abducted pupils and teachers from Oyo State. The gesture was widely shared online and sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political and entertainment space.

According to reports, gunmen had attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, triggering nationwide concern over worsening insecurity and renewed calls for government intervention.

Reacting in a video posted on his verified Facebook page, Rarara condemned Davido’s action, describing it as “harmful to Nigeria’s image” and inappropriate for a global platform.

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He argued that sensitive national security issues should not be displayed internationally in a manner that could, in his view, damage the country’s reputation.

“I do not usually react to issues like this, but what Davido did was barbaric… How can you promote insecurity-related issues to the whole world?” Rarara said, adding that the move was unnecessary and politically charged.

He also alleged that Davido’s action may have been influenced by political considerations, claiming it was linked to his uncle’s political ambition in Osun State under the Accord Party, though no evidence was provided for the claim.

Rarara further maintained that insecurity should be handled with caution, arguing that public commentary on ongoing security operations could interfere with rescue efforts or negotiations with armed groups.

He claimed, without verification, that the abduction occurred in the context of broader counter-terrorism operations and insisted that “publicity could complicate security responses.”

The singer also criticised what he described as the growing trend of social media activism around insecurity, warning that some online narratives may unintentionally aid criminal groups or distort security operations.

“You cannot go to China or other countries and promote issues the authorities do not want promoted,” he said, insisting that national security matters require discretion.

Davido responded briefly on X (formerly Twitter) by quoting Rarara’s comments and writing “Debidooo,” a phrase widely interpreted as mocking the Hausa pronunciation of his name.

Rarara later replied with a Hausa expression widely interpreted as insulting, escalating the exchange into a public war of words between both entertainers.

Davido also fired back in another post, stating in Hausa: “If only you had knowledge, I would have stopped to speak with you. But you know nothing,” further intensifying the online exchange.

The controversy has since attracted wider commentary from political and public figures, including Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Mexico, who previously argued that excessive international attention on terrorist incidents could complicate rescue efforts and benefit perpetrators.

The debate continues to trend on social media, reflecting deeper divisions over celebrity activism, national security messaging, and the role of public figures in highlighting humanitarian crises.

Oyo Abduction: Rarara Blasts Davido Over Global “Bring Them Home” Campaign