Entertainment
Late reggae legend Majek Fashek battled alcoholism, lived in denial
A United States-based Nigerian journalist and author, Azuka Jebose, speaks about his latest book on the late reggae superstar, Majek Fashek, and other issues
What inspired you to write the book, ‘Majek Fashek: Before and After The Rain’?
The inspiration to write this book came from the subject, Majek Fashek. My privileged relationship with him traced back to his days at Tabansi Records as an artiste and repertoire manager, alongside him being the lead guitarist and front man for the Jahstix Reggae Band in the 1980s, was a fantastic inspiration (for this book). I needed to capture those magical and complex moments with Majek and the Nigerian music scenes (back) then. I was a young freelance entertainment reporter, mostly a stringer for the PUNCH Entertainment Desk, anchored by my mentor, Ladi Ayodeji. A few years later, I became the entertainment editor of the Saturday Highlife pages and the entertainment editor of The PUNCH.
I thought if I had to write the memoir of one of the most iconic, yet, eccentric and brilliant musicians of my generation, I needed to go deeper into Nigeria’s music scenes before Majek, especially after the Civil War in the early 1970s and through the 1980s. This was the period when Majek manifested as an amazing singer, songwriter, guitarist, and frontman for a unique first Nigerian reggae music band with an engaging band name: Jahstix. So, ‘Majek Fashek Before and After the Rain’ is perhaps one of the few Nigerian books that explored the history of Nigerian music and entertainment scenes after the war.
How would you describe your relationship with the late singer?
My relationship with him was at times complicated and most times fascinating, especially during our early years as we were both struggling to make impacts in our different professions. Majek and I usually met at Tabansi Records back in the days at Oregun and Alausa junction (in Lagos) where many young artistes were waiting to be discovered, and I was nosing for fresh exclusive entertainment news and gossip. We, most times, ended up inside Goddy Tabansi’s (the then director-general of Tabansi Records) office and just sat, jived and listened to new demo tapes he produced for other young aspiring acts then such as Peterside Otong, Charlie Boy, Jide Obi, and Mike Okri, who were also always around us, including Stella Monye.
Felix Lebarty was a widely respected superstar, yet he came around and hung out with us. Some years later, after the release of Majek’s debut album, ‘Prisoner of Conscience’, which featured the monumental single hit, ‘Send Down the Rain’, our relationship soured. I watched his charming character and humanity charred by new success and management. I was a reporter and reported on some of those shenanigans, and my reports and gossip displeased him.
Did you get the consent of Majek’s family before writing a book on him?
No, I did not get the consent of the family. I didn’t need any family consent to write about my privileged experiences with a late iconic reggae music legend. What you will read in ‘Majek Fashek Before and After the Rain’ is a personal cherished experience I had with him. I have every right to write about my experiences with Majek. From his explosive arrival on the music scene to becoming an undisputed king of Nigerian reggae music, Majek’s life was a symphony of highs and lows. Unveiling the untold story of a musical maverick, I delved into the glory days when his resonant voice could heal wounds and mend souls. But beneath the spotlight, a relentless battle raged within him.
This memoir takes an unflinching look at the demons that haunted Majek – his tumultuous struggles with alcoholism and a hidden battle with undiagnosed schizophrenia. He fought not only for his place in the music world but also for his sanity.
In ‘Before and After the Rain’, I walked with Majek through the peaks and valleys of his life, from the euphoria of performing on the world stage, to the dark abyss of self-doubt and addiction. This is an intimate and breathtaking account that pulls no punches, revealing the human behind the legend. I was in the front row of those moments in the United States of America with him. I don’t need anyone’s approval to tell my story.
What do you hope to achieve with this work?
I hope it documents the early history of Nigerian music and also about one of its greatest musicians – Majek Fashek. I would also hope it triggers national conversations regarding mental health diseases such as schizophrenia (a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves).
Majek had a series of struggles with his health as he was said to be addicted to drugs. In what ways did you help him in this regard?
Majek was an alcoholic. I tried so many times to get him into rehabilitation, but he was always in denial. There is nothing anyone can do to addicts. The only person that can help an addict is the addict (himself). The addict has to recognise that he or she is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and reach out for help. Otherwise, we are all wasting our time trying to force an unwilling addict into any rehabilitation treatment. Most of my fights with Majek came from my various appeals to him to seek intervention. You will read the most brazen attempt in the book and how he was conned out of it.
Is the book simply for online or is there a plan for the hard copy, and how do you intend to get more readers to buy it?
The book shall be first available as an E-book on Amazon, Kindle and Okada on November 18, 2023. Amazon and Kindle (will) make available hard copy orders too.
Do you intend to give any part of the proceeds from the book to Majek’s family?
No. I do not.
What were the challenges you faced while writing the book and how did you overcome them?
The initial reactions were negative from a few members of his family and friends who think they are entitled to the Majek story. They were scared of the other side of Majek, but his life and challenges were no secrets.
Aside from this work, what are your other works?
I am a storyteller. I have written two fictional books – ‘Waiting for my Husband to Die’ and ‘Victims of the City’.
Can you say something about your family, educational and career trajectory?
I am married. We (my wife and I) are blessed with five girls and a son. My oldest daughter is 29 years old and she is a researcher. I migrated to the USA in 1989 and live in North Carolina, where I manage my business. I have lived here since 1990 and attended the Friday Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the early 1990s.
What are the memorable moments you had with Majek?
Every moment spent with Majek was complexly memorable. He was quite a unique and charming character. I used to call him John the Baptist.
Who were the people who made this book a success?
The people who made this book a success included my niece, Temitope Marcus, who edited the last script of the book and assumed the role of the publisher. She’s responsible for the book’s publication and everything else. She’s been an amazing believer in this project. My secondary school classmate, Dr Nduka Otiono, pushed for this book to be written even while I was being blasted by COVID-19 in 2020. My brother, Uzor Uzoatu; veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo; the awesome Jahstix members – Black O’Rice and Amos McCroy; Emma Ogosi, Laolu Akins and Femi Akintunde-Johnson also contributed to the success of the book.
Source: PUNCH
A legal practitioner and author, Timothy Tugbiyele, has urged Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, to apologise to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo over his social media post displaying the governor’s alleged West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result.
Tugbiyele made the call in a trending video originally posted on Facebook on Monday while commenting on the ongoing political exchanges ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Davido had shared what appeared to be Okpebholo’s WAEC result on his Instagram Story on Friday, shortly after the Edo governor criticised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke over his penchant for dancing.
Okpebholo, who was campaigning for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, had mocked Adeleke’s leadership style.
“Before somebody signs paper, he will dance. Are you not tired? For four years, this man has been dancing. Before he takes breakfast, before he drinks tea, he will dance,” the governor said.
Davido, who has been actively campaigning for his uncle, subsequently posted the alleged WAEC result of Okpebholo without a caption.
Reacting to the development, Tugbiyele described Davido’s response as inappropriate, arguing that Adeleke should have responded to his Edo counterpart through official channels rather than allowing the singer to engage the governor.
He said, “Governor Adeleke, Ademola Adeleke, would have replied his contemporary governor, or caused one of his workers, maybe a commissioner of information or a special assistant, to reply. Not Davido, David Adeleke.”
The lawyer further argued that Davido and Okpebholo occupy different positions and should therefore not engage each other on the same level.
“I think what Davido did is disrespectful and I will plead with him, he should exercise some humility and apologise,” he said.
Tugbiyele also maintained that even if the alleged result was genuine and reflected poor academic performance at the time, it should not be used to ridicule the governor.
“The result is not good enough, but it’s possible. The governor did a resit. We are not aware of that, but I think Davido, David Adeleke’s publication is inappropriate,” he said.
He rejected the argument that the exchange should be dismissed as ordinary political rivalry, stressing that political disagreements should not descend into personal attacks or disrespect.
“I have heard it said by one of the political leaders that everything is fair in politics. No, when you are fighting below the belt, when you are insulting, when you disrespect elders, that is not fair in politics,” Tugbiyele said.
The lawyer appealed to Davido’s elders to caution the singer, while urging him to apologise to Okpebholo.
He recalled seeing photographs of Davido prostrating before elders, describing him as a well-brought-up Yoruba man.
Tugbiyele also argued that a person’s academic performance at one stage of life should not be used to define their entire life or career.
Using his own experience, he said he had also obtained results that were not impressive but was encouraged by his father to keep going.
“So, oh, Governor Okpebholo had a result that was not good enough. He’s governor today. All of that, the bad result is in the past. Politics does not really have to go to that extent,” he said.
He concluded with a direct appeal to the singer: “Davido, David Adeleke, please, as a proper Yoruba, please apologise to Governor Okpebholo. God bless you, David. God bless Nigeria.”
The controversy comes amid heightened political activity in Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, with Davido openly supporting his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his bid for a second term.
Former gang leader Duane “Keffe D” Davis faces life imprisonment if convicted
The trial of former gang leader Duane “Keffe D” Davis, accused of orchestrating the murder of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur, began on Monday, nearly 30 years after one of the United States’ most high-profile unsolved killings.
The proceedings, expected to last about a month, may not establish who fired the shots that killed Shakur on September 7, 1996, in Las Vegas, where the rapper had travelled to attend a Mike Tyson boxing match.
Prosecutors, however, will seek to prove that Davis, a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips, ordered the killing and supplied the gun used in the drive-by shooting.
Jury selection began on Monday and is expected to continue throughout the week.
Davis, 63, appeared in court wearing a light-blue shirt and blue tie. He faces life imprisonment without parole if convicted.
The killing of Shakur, also known as 2Pac, remains one of America’s most prominent cold cases and has generated decades of speculation among music fans over who killed the 25-year-old rapper and why.
Shakur was a major figure in the bitter rivalry between the East Coast and West Coast hip-hop scenes during the 1990s.
Known for hits including “California Love” and “All Eyez on Me”, Shakur was the son of a Black Panther and was raised in Harlem and Baltimore before becoming one of the defining figures of West Coast rap after signing with Los Angeles-based Death Row Records.
The trial is expected to revisit the rivalry between Death Row Records, founded by Marion “Suge” Knight, and Bad Boy Records, the New York-based label founded by Sean “Diddy” Combs and home to Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, who was murdered in March 1997.
Prosecutors say Death Row Records was protected by Mob Piru, a Los Angeles gang affiliated with the wider Bloods alliance. Knight was associated with the group.
Bad Boy Records, meanwhile, had hired the rival South Side Compton Crips, led by Davis, as bodyguards.
After the Tyson fight at the MGM Grand casino, Knight and Shakur assaulted Davis’s nephew, Crips member Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, in retaliation for an alleged earlier attack on a Death Row employee.
Prosecutors allege that Davis subsequently sought revenge.
Later that night, a white Cadillac carrying Davis, Anderson and others pulled alongside Shakur’s vehicle in Las Vegas.
Shots were fired from the Cadillac, fatally wounding Shakur.
The investigation stalled for decades amid a lack of evidence. The case was revived after the publication of Davis’s memoir in 2019.
In the book, Davis recounted that he was sitting in the front passenger seat of the Cadillac and handed a firearm to people in the back seat. He did not, however, identify who fired the shots.
The other people who were in the Cadillac that night have since died.
Davis had made similar comments to reporters previously, but the statements contained in his memoir ultimately contributed to his arrest in September 2023.
He has since denied involvement and pleaded not guilty.
“I’m innocent. I ain’t killed nobody. Never did ever kill nobody,” Davis said in a March 2025 interview with ABC News from prison.
“They don’t have no evidence against me. They can’t even put me in Las Vegas,” he said.
Davis now claims he was in Los Angeles on the night Shakur was killed and says he has never read his own memoir.
He has alleged that his co-author exaggerated his account to boost book sales.
“I just gave him details of my life,” Davis said. “And he went and did his little investigation and wrote the book on his own.”
Ahead of the trial, Davis’s lawyers unsuccessfully sought to prevent prosecutors from introducing the memoir as evidence, along with statements he made during a 2008 police interview in which he was questioned as a witness to the killing.
Regardless of the verdict, the trial may not resolve all questions surrounding Shakur’s death.
In May, Shakur’s stepbrother, Maurice Shakur, filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in civil court.
“There remain individuals who were involved in Tupac’s murder who, for 30 years, have not been held accountable for their crimes,” the complaint stated.
The lawsuit also cites a television documentary series, Sean Combs: The Reckoning, in which Davis allegedly told police that Combs had offered him $1 million to kill Shakur.
Davis’s allegations have not been established as fact, and Combs has denied involvement in Shakur’s killing.
AFP
Documents reveal ownership dispute involving property gifted to Peller and Jarvis on their wedding day
Recent developments appear to have raised concerns that the ₦400 million fully furnished mansion recently gifted to popular Nigerian content creator Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller, and his partner, Jarvis, may be located on a disputed parcel of land in Life Camp, Abuja.
Documents made available to newsmen indicate that the property may be situated on an area allegedly encroached upon by Paul-B Homes Limited and claimed by Yakoson Ventures and Urban Paradise Estate, behind Ochacho Estate, Life Camp, Abuja.
Urban Paradise Estate has alleged that Paul-B Homes Limited encroached on the property without its consent and subsequently commenced the sale of portions of the disputed land to real estate developers and investors, including King Ochacha, Silas Homes and NLG Cooperative.
The estate said the ownership dispute is currently before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Apo, Abuja, in Suit No. CV/116/2026.
In a recent petition, Urban Paradise Estate alleged that Paul-B Homes Limited has continued construction activities on portions of the disputed property despite being served with relevant court processes through substituted means.
According to the petition, the continued development has raised concerns among affected investors and other interested parties, particularly regarding compliance with ongoing judicial proceedings and respect for due process.
The petition called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to prevail on Paul-B Homes Limited and other developers to respect the rule of law and the pending court proceedings and to desist from further activities on the disputed land pending the court’s final determination.
“It is important to stress that the ownership dispute remains sub judice and subject to the final determination of the court. No party should therefore be treated as having been finally vindicated or condemned until the court reaches its decision,” the petition stated.
The estate also commended President Tinubu for his emphasis on institutional reforms, the Renewed Hope Agenda and the strengthening of the rule of law and due process in Nigeria.
It similarly praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his efforts to restore order, planning discipline and accountability within the Federal Capital Territory.
“It is in this same spirit that we appeal to the FCDA and other relevant FCT authorities to ensure that the rule of law is fully respected in this matter, that no development takes place in defiance of valid court processes or orders, and that the rights of all legitimate stakeholders are protected pending the determination of the court,” the petition stated.
The petition further urged members of the public and prospective investors to exercise caution and conduct proper due diligence before committing their funds to properties within the disputed area.
“Those already developing properties on the affected land are urged to seek proper legal clarification and take appropriate steps to protect their investments pending the resolution of the dispute,” it added.
The alleged land dispute does not, however, establish that Peller and Jarvis were aware of any ownership controversy or that they were personally involved in the alleged encroachment.
The ownership claims remain before the court, and no party has been finally declared the lawful owner of the disputed property.
WHERE BUSINESS MEETS COMMUNITY: THE EVOLVING IDENTITY OF OC2HUB IN ABUJA
OC2HUB | Gordian Towers Limited
The role of a commercial centre is changing.
While location, accessibility and business facilities remain important, commercial developments are
increasingly expected to create environments that connect with the wider communities around them.
In Abuja, Orago Commercial Complex—better known as OC2HUB—is developing an identity that
reflects this shift.
The Garki-based commercial centre, managed by Gordian Towers Limited, is already positioned as a
destination for businesses, retailers and entrepreneurs. Its recent activities, however, show another
side of the brand: a growing commitment to the social, cultural and entertainment life of the Federal
Capital Territory.
This has been particularly evident through its engagement with Abuja’s comedy community.
In 2025, Gordian Towers partnered with the MC Miti Comedy Show and subsequently supported the
MC Papi Comedy Show as both a partner and sponsor.
In 2026, the company continued this
engagement by sponsoring the Funny Bruno Comedy Show.
The consistency of that support is significant.
Comedy has become an important component of Abuja’s entertainment landscape, providing
opportunities for performers, event promoters, content creators and audiences.
By supporting these
platforms, Gordian Towers is participating in an ecosystem that exists beyond conventional
commercial transactions.
Its social and cultural engagement has also taken other forms.
Gordian Towers offered support to Abuja Igbo Fest 2026, an event celebrating Igbo culture and
heritage in the Federal Capital Territory.
The company was also present at the 2026 Kilishi Festival,
reflecting its interest in activities that bring Abuja’s diverse communities together.
The company’s involvement is not limited to external events.
Through the Orago Trade Fair 2025, Gordian Towers created its own platform for business
engagement, bringing vendors, businesses and customers together within the commercial complex.
The 25th anniversary of Orago Commercial Complex provided another opportunity for community
engagement. Gordian Towers served as the event planner for the anniversary celebration, marking the
history of the complex while bringing together people and businesses connected to its journey.
These activities contribute to the emerging meaning of OC2HUB.
The term “hub” increasingly describes more than a physical location.
It suggests a place where different interests meet and where relationships can develop.
For OC2HUB, those intersections are becoming increasingly visible.
Business meets entertainment. Commerce meets culture.
Vendors meet customers.
Established companies meet emerging creatives. And a commercial property becomes a setting for experiences
that extend beyond buying, selling or leasing space.
This approach is particularly relevant to Abuja, a city whose identity continues to develop through the
interaction of business, government, culture, entertainment and entrepreneurship.
Commercial spaces that understand these connections can become more deeply embedded in the
communities they serve.
OC2HUB’s growing involvement in Abuja’s social and cultural activities suggests that this is the
direction the brand is pursuing.
Its support for comedy shows, participation in cultural festivals, organisation of a trade fair and
involvement in its own anniversary celebration all point towards a commercial brand seeking a more
active relationship with the city around it.
Ultimately, the evolution of OC2HUB is not only about the development of a commercial property.
It is also about the development of a community around that property.
And in a city as socially and culturally dynamic as Abuja, becoming part of that community may prove
just as important as being a place where business is conducted.
Henry Okoye, elder brother of music duo P-Square, has accused their former manager and brother, Jude Okoye, of being responsible for the longstanding rift within the family.
Henry made the allegation during an interview with Nollyserve, shared on YouTube on Friday, where he also disputed claims that Jude was responsible for building P-Square’s career.
According to him, the family had supported Peter and Paul Okoye from the early days of their music career, long before Jude became involved in managing the group.
“When they started this music, they were looking for sponsors. They didn’t get a sponsor. When I started sponsoring them, Jude was not there.
“We would travel from state to state for music. They used my car for flyers. I did bodyguard with them. We were supporting them as a family, but we knew it was Peter and Paul that owned it,” Henry said.
He alleged that Jude joined the group’s management only after the twins had begun making progress, adding that their late mother had initially opposed the idea because of her concerns about Jude’s character.
“Before you could know it, Jude came in. We wanted to allow Jude to manage them, but my mum disagreed. She said she knew the kind of character Jude had,” he alleged.
Henry claimed that the family became increasingly divided after Jude took over the management of P-Square.
“What happened at last is that they started running away from everybody. We never knew that it was Jude that was causing the problem,” he said.
He also alleged that he was promised 20 per cent from each of P-Square’s shows in recognition of his early financial and logistical support, but claimed he never received the money.
“Before they started all these things going on, they promised me 20% in each show, but nobody has given me,” Henry said.
According to him, Jude later questioned why he was entitled to the percentage, leading to further disagreements within the family.
Henry also accused Jude of cutting ties with family members, claiming that Jude had not contacted him even when he was hospitalised for two months.
“Almost a year to two years, I’m not talking to Jude. He doesn’t talk to me.
“I was admitted into the hospital for two months. Peter used to call me. Paul used to call me. Jude never called me once to know how I’m feeling. He doesn’t care for anybody,” he alleged.
He further claimed that their youngest sister was struggling in Lagos and accused some members of the family of failing to support her, while acknowledging Peter’s efforts.
Henry also expressed surprise at what he described as a change in Paul’s attitude, saying the singer was previously the “nicest person” in the family.
“In our family, Paul was the nicest person before, but the way he changed, I’m surprised. I don’t know how to put it. I don’t know if Jude used any… on Paul; I cannot tell,” he said.
On the possibility of Peter and Paul reconciling, Henry said he would welcome such a development but expressed doubts that it would happen soon.
“I’ll be happy for them to come back together, but the problem I’m having is that I don’t think they’ll come back because Jude has made all of us become enemies,” he lamented.
“If you want to talk to Peter and Paul, they’ll tell you to go and meet Jude. If Jude says no, that is it.”
Henry’s allegations come amid an escalating public feud involving the Okoye brothers.
Peter, also known as Mr P, recently released a series of videos in which he accused Jude of financial misconduct and alleged that he issued death threats against him.
Peter has also rejected claims that Jude built P-Square’s career, maintaining that Henry played a significant role in supporting the twins during the early stages of their music journey.
The latest allegations have further exposed the deep divisions within the Okoye family, years after P-Square’s rise to prominence and subsequent split.
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