Rybeena is one of the rising stars whose music is adding much-needed diversity to Nigerian street pop.

The singer first made waves from his hit record ‘Id.Me’ which earned him attention of fans and notable stars like Nigerian hip hop icon Olamide Baddo.

Since breaking into the mainstream, the singer has become one of the exciting Street hop stars whose music is documenting the realities of life in the inner cities.

Rybeena recently released a new project titled ‘Virtuoso’ which holds the viral songs ‘World Best’ and ‘Agba Singing’.

In a recent interview with Apple Music, the singer shares insights into the creative process and thoughts behind some of the songs on the project. He also revealed the meaning behind his stagename.

On the creative process behind the album, Rybeena revealed that he wanted to make an album with multiple sounds.

“I just wanted to make something that musically had everything, but [was] still totally original. I just want my fans to feel love, stay connected, stay true to yourself, stay yourself. Positive energy, always.”

On the track ‘1999,’ Rybeena calls it a Reggae fusion song that tells a personal story.

“This track has a reggae fusion feel to it, and the song is actually talking about me, how I [was] brought up, my background, and kind of all I came from. It’s about my true self, so the song actually means a lot to me—a lot!” 

The singer’s stage name carries similarities with a popular Nigerian beverage. According to him, the inspiration came from a desire to be unique.

“I was recording my first-ever track, and the funniest thing is, the producer liked what he was drinking. I was thinking of a new name, because I was new to the music. I was just like, “What can I do?” Then I saw the Ribena! It’s unique, and I can attach it to many things.”

Rybeena is signed to Nigerian music label Dapper Music, which he described as a great union.

“It feels great to be among one of the best record labels in Africa. It’s been a great relationship between us, and everything is working—and it will only get better!”

In the interview, the singer describes his song ‘Id.Me’ as the most emotional he ever made as the recording process drove him to tears.

His latest album ‘Virtuoso’ is another landmark stride for the singer who will be aiming to further position himself as a defining voice in Nigerian street music.

A Lagos State High Court has ruled in favour of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union (IEDU) in its lawsuit against Amazon Web Services Nigeria and the producers of Gangs of Lagos, compelling them to issue a public apology for misrepresenting the revered Eyo Festival and the Isale-Eko community.

The case, filed under Suit No: LD/6903GCM/2023, was brought forward by members of the Isale-Eko community, who argued that the film; released on Amazon Prime Video depicted their cultural heritage in a distorted and offensive manner. 

The central issue revolved around the portrayal of the Eyo Masquerade, a symbol of tradition and peace, which the plaintiffs claimed was inaccurately linked to gang violence in the movie.

After months of legal proceedings, Justice Idowu Alakija approved the Terms of Settlement agreed upon by the involved parties. As part of the resolution, the producers of Gangs of Lagos  (Respondents 3-11) are mandated to publicly acknowledge their misrepresentation of the Eyo Festival and extend an official apology to the Isale-Eko people. 

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Additionally, Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited (Respondent 12), which facilitated the movie’s distribution, must also issue an apology on its official letterhead, recognising the concerns raised by the Isale-Eko Descendants Union.

Speaking on the court’s decision, the Chairman of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adeniji Kazeem, described the ruling as a significant victory in safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural identity. 

“This verdict sets a precedent for the protection of our indigenous traditions and ensures that filmmakers approach cultural representation with greater responsibility,” Kazeem stated.

He further called on both national and state film regulatory bodies to enforce stricter content guidelines, particularly for productions released on global streaming platforms. 

According to Kazeem, inaccurate portrayals of cultural symbols not only mislead audiences but also erode the integrity of Nigeria’s rich heritage.

The controversy surrounding Gangs of Lagos sparked widespread debate upon its release, with many Nigerians divided on whether the film’s depiction was a case of creative license or cultural insensitivity. 

While some defended the movie as a work of fiction, others argued that Nollywood, as an influential storytelling industry, carries the responsibility of portraying real communities with accuracy and respect.

With the court’s ruling now in place, all eyes are on the filmmakers and Amazon Web Services to see how they will comply with the mandated apology and whether this will set a new standard for cultural representation in Nigerian cinema moving forward.

The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of controversial social media personality Very Dark Man (VDM) over the alleged defamation of Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the bench warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, following VeryDarkMan’s failure to appear before the magistrate after being summoned on March 5, 2025.

The news was confirmed to Channels Television on March 13 by VDM’s lawyer Deji Adeyanju, “Yes, a bench warrant has been issued against him for failure to show up in court. They are just interested in a media trial; they are not serious about prosecution,” he explained.

Adeyanju also explained that he had previously appealed to the court to allow him to appear in VDM’s stead, however, the appeal was denied stressing that the social media personality was to appear by himself.

VDM’s warrant of arrest follows his allaged defamatory remarks on social media, accusing Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and the alleged diversion of $345,000 connected to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, commonly known as Eezee Tee, were the basis for the bench warrant.

Chinwo provided the court with documentation to back up her assertions, such as emails and payment receipts, demonstrating that VDM’s accusations were not only wholly untrue but also defamatory and detrimental to her character and public image.

According to the complainant’s solicitors, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based Law Corridor, Chinwo, the defendant’s claimed activities violate Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2015 and Section 391 of the Penal Code.

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