Entertainment
Tupac Shakur Murder Trial Begins 30 Years After Rapper’s Killing
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
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
Olusoji said the family was grateful to God for the life their father lived and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy.
Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He began his acting career in British television before featuring in international productions and later returning to Nigeria, where he established himself as a major figure in the country’s film industry.
He appeared in numerous Nigerian films and was recognised with several industry honours, including the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival.
Jacobs was also involved in film production and the development of the performing arts in Nigeria. Alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, he was associated with the Lufodo Group.
His death marks the loss of one of the most recognisable figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Nigerian dancer and entertainer Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, has been granted bail in the United Kingdom ahead of his scheduled appearance at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
According to court information, Odinaka was granted bail on September 11, with a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for September 15.
“The Defendant has been granted bail on the 11th September 2026,” the court stated, adding that “There is a plea and trial preparation hearing on the 15th September 2026.”
The bail decision clarifies the entertainer’s current custody status following earlier reports about his release.
However, the granting of bail does not mean the criminal proceedings have been discontinued or that the allegations against him have been resolved.
The Crown Prosecution Service had previously confirmed that the case remained active and that Odinaka was due to appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Odinaka is facing five sexual offence charges, including attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.
He has denied the allegations and maintained his innocence. The charges remain before the court and have not been determined.
In a video shared on Instagram by social commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, Poco Lee said he remained confident because he knew he had not committed the alleged offences.
He said: “If I were inside there and I did what I was accused of, I would have felt I was paying for my sins, but since I knew I didn’t do what I was accused of, my mind is pure.”
The case followed Poco Lee’s visit to the UK for the Davido and Friends concert at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London on August 14, 2026.
Poco Lee has not been convicted of any offence. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has revealed a long-standing relationship between his family and Nigerian billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote.
Speaking in a recent interview, Davido said Dangote personally drove his mother home from the hospital after she gave birth to him.
“Aliko Dangote drove my mom home from the hospital when she gave birth to me.”
Davido explained that Dangote has maintained a close relationship with his family for decades, particularly with his father, businessman Adedeji Adeleke.
According to the singer, Dangote has also offered him financial advice since he was a child, repeatedly encouraging him to save and manage his money wisely.
“Anytime I see him, he still tells me, ‘David, save your money.’ He’s been saying that since I was a baby.”
The singer said the billionaire’s advice has remained valuable throughout his career in the entertainment industry.
Davido also spoke about his perception of wealthy people, saying billionaires are ordinary people despite the enormous wealth they possess and that their private lifestyles are often different from how the public imagines them.
He described his relationship with Dangote as one that dates back to his childhood and continues to this day.
AGULU CHIMEZIE Releases New Single Titled “NNE AGULU BIA”
Artist: Agulu Chimezie
Real Name: Chimezie Ibezim
Song Title: Nne Agulu Bia
Producer: Mr Wanga
Location: Nigeria
Native: Agulu, Anambra State, Nigeria
Nigerian recording artist Agulu Chimezie, born Chimezie Ibezim, has released his latest song titled “Nne Agulu Bia.” The new release adds to the growing catalogue of the talented artist, who has previously released several songs and continues to make his voice heard through music.
Nne Agulu Bia is a song that proudly reflects the artist’s connection to Agulu in Anambra State, celebrating his roots, identity, culture and the spirit of his people.
The song which storyline reflects to how our Ancestor traveled from Agulu to foreign land and later came back home peacefully
The song was produced by talented music producer Mr Wanga, bringing together a distinctive sound and musical production that complements Agulu Chimezie’s artistic style.
With several songs already to his name, Agulu Chimezie is steadily building his presence in the Nigerian music scene, using his music to connect with listeners both at home and beyond.
“Nne Agulu Bia” is now available on various digital music platforms, giving fans and music lovers the opportunity to stream and enjoy the latest release.
About Agulu Chimezie
Agulu Chimezie, whose real name is Chimezie Ibezim, is a Nigerian artist and a native of Agulu, Anambra State. Through his music, he continues to showcase his creativity while representing his roots and contributing to the growth of Nigerian music.
Listen, Stream & Support
Music lovers are encouraged to search for Agulu Chimezie – “Nne Agulu Bia” on major digital music platforms, stream the song, share it with friends and family, and support the artist by following his musical journey.
Agulu Chimezie — “Nne Agulu Bia”
Produced by Mr Wanga
Out Now on Digital Platforms.
DOWNLOAD AND ENJOY BELOW 👇
By Our Reporter
For Ugo Oswald, music is much more than entertainment. It is a responsibility—a vehicle through which artists can educate, influence, preserve culture and communicate important truths to society.
The multidisciplinary artist, author and songwriter believes music should carry messages that are meaningful, age-appropriate and rooted in the customs and values of the people.
“I believe that music is more than a sound. It’s a responsibility to the audience to influence, teach and share through age-appropriate storytelling, in the customs of our people,” Oswald said.
According to him, an artist has a solemn responsibility to confront society with the truth, mobilise communities towards communal living and promote values that strengthen society.
For Oswald, the genre is secondary to the message.
“We can rock it, ragga it, blues it, hardcore it, or simply oja it, to get the story across,” he said.
His approach to songwriting is also informed by his belief that music can communicate on several levels. He describes music as a “solid code” in which lyrics can contain deeper meanings beyond their immediate interpretation.
“I believe that music is a solid code, on two levels, or three levels, making lyrics deeper than what they seem to say,” he explained.
From Behind the Scenes to Songwriting
Although Oswald has only recently begun putting his own lyrics together in earnest, his relationship with music and the creative industry goes back many years.
A native of Ohaozara in Ebonyi State, he was involved in the music and entertainment scene during his university years, working largely behind the scenes.
He recalls being around the industry during the era of artistes such as McLoph, Ill Bliss, Obiwon and BigLo.
His experience also brought him into contact with some of the leading voices of the Nigerian music industry. While serving as a programme officer at the newly established NTA Asaba, Oswald granted Flavour, popularly known as Ijele, his first television interview.
Those experiences, he says, helped shape his understanding of music not merely as performance, but as a powerful medium for communication and social influence.
Today, Oswald sees himself primarily as a songwriter and music production operative rather than simply as an artiste.
His creative interest is centred on developing songs and productions capable of carrying substantial messages while remaining accessible to different generations.
Music With a Social Message
Oswald’s second album, Who Love Nigeria, reflects this philosophy.
The project explores family, history, anthropology, politics and African consciousness through a blend of conscious root rock reggae, dancehall, Afro-pop soul remix and alternative rock.
Rather than restricting himself to one musical style, he experiments with different genres in an effort to create what he describes as new paradigms for communicating deep messages about society.
Issues including conservation, governance and everyday living feature prominently in his creative worldview.
For Oswald, the power of an artist comes with an obligation to use that influence responsibly.
He is particularly passionate about positive and clean lyrics that can be enjoyed by families and audiences of different ages.
His philosophy challenges the notion that commercially successful music must necessarily sacrifice substance for entertainment. Instead, he believes music can be entertaining while simultaneously educating, preserving cultural identity and encouraging responsible citizenship.
A Multidisciplinary Creative
Beyond music, Oswald is a trained artist, brand and innovation expert, growth and marketing professional and author.
His multidisciplinary background informs his approach to creativity, allowing him to view music not only as an artistic expression but also as a tool for communication, branding, cultural preservation and social engagement.
He describes himself as a father, husband and “coffee-guzzling citizen”—a description that reflects the blend of creativity, family and everyday life that runs through his work.
As he develops his songwriting and production career, Oswald’s central message remains clear: music should do more than make people listen.
It should make them think, learn, remember, question and, where possible, act.
For an artist from Ohaozara in Ebonyi State who has spent years working around the music and media industry before stepping further into songwriting, the journey appears to be less about becoming another performer and more about finding new ways to use sound, words and culture to tell stories that matter.
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