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Publicity, whether positive or negative, undoubtedly generates buzz. Nigerian celebrities are no strangers to this phenomenon, constantly finding themselves in the spotlight, often for reasons beyond their control. Some, however, seem to attract controversy with an almost uncanny regularity.
While some celebrities strategically leverage publicity to further their careers, others simply ride the wave until it crashes. This article will explore the cases of several Nigerian celebrities whose careers have been significantly shaped by their encounters with controversy.
Portable
The Zazu crooner always has something that puts him in the spotlight occasionally. It is either good publicity or bad publicity. If the singer is not making a mindblowing collaboration with other singers, he is causing one ākasalaā. He might even be taking a new wife or something.
He hardly goes a month without something to put him in the internetās spotlight. Ever since his breakout in December 2021, he plunged into the kasala world with a fallout with Kogbagidi, his manager, and Poco Lee. Just recently, he was seen appeasing water deities with bottles of Fanta before taking a bath in a stream. His popular slang, āWahala, wahalaā perfectly describes his personality and all he does.
Bobrisky
Good girl no dey pay o in the wise words of Bobrisky. The Nigeria crossdresser and transgender, Idris Okuneye is always in the personality. His personality and sexuality make it so now and then. Bob also loves to drag other celebrities now and then. The Mummy of Lagos also gives unsolicited advice to Lagos girls on how to dress well and look expensive. Last year, he experienced a setback when he was reprimanded by the EFCC for abuse of naira notes. Popular opinions say this act by the EFCC was to teach the internet sensation a lesson. Lo and behold, Bobrisky stayed in prison for six months for the mutilation of naira notes. After his release, the transgender looked as if he had gone on a vacation. This sparked the interest of many because it was expected that he was going to look dehydrated, and abused as a result of being in a Nigerian prison for months.
Very Darkman, a controversial figure shared his thoughts about the situation and in doing so committed slander against renowned lawyer, Femi Falana. This case was a moving one. Darkman claimed that Bobrisky paid off Femi Falana to get him to stay in a comfortable place for his housing. Mummy of Lagos during this situation seemed very helpless and tried to escape the country through the Semen borders but was caught by a law enforcement agency. However, he eventually left the country for somewhere not disclosed but seems to be doing fine from his recent Instagram and Snapchat videos.
Vekee James Atere
The celebrity fashion designer shakes the internet periodically and when she does, it becomes a subject of discourse for quite a while. When Vekee James had her dream wedding last year February, it became an internet sensation because she wore a dozen outfits. That felt like good publicity but not without criticisms because of the seemingly lavish lifestyle.
After being married, she continued to grace us with her presence on the internet showcasing her husband as a āgrand prixā. Soon, Nigerians took to the internet to express their displeasure on how Vekee James appeared to be the man of the house and her husband, Mr. Vekee James. The Daughter of Zion seemed unphased and continued to hawk her relationship on the internet giving the singles no breathing space.
Then during the light of the āSuspect challengeā, Vekee James divulged some information about her sex life which ought to be private. She has posed herself as a Christian believer which limits the kind of lifestyle she should live. However, in that challenge, she claimed her husband does not reciprocate oral sex which sets her up for drags.
Then earlier this month, Vekee James posted a video criticizing women who waste their time waiting for men who tick all their boxes. She mocked the āQueen of Standardsā. Vekee James was the female āSolomon Buchiā in this post. However, she was just criticizing the unrealistic standards of women in this post. But Nigerians took it further saying that the celebrity fashion designer does not think highly of her partner.
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Korra Obidi
Big Korra, tell me who badder? Was! The Nigerian professional twerker based in Los Angeles has been dragged on the internet a lot of times. First, the nature of her job set her up for drags. Culturally, a grown-up woman should not be half-naked twerking for money. It is seen as a lustful act.
A few months after the birth of her second daughter, June, she and her husband got separated in 2022. It came as a surprise because she and her husband, Dr. Justin Dean seemed to be on good terms during the home birth of their child, June. Korra Obidi went through a lot during this period with a lot of unsolicited comments that tagged her as somewhat of a cheat.
Even during this period, Korra took her job seriously and this deterred her image. However, she kept doing what she knew how to do best. She was accused of using her situation to crowdfund for money and was booed at different times for wearing skimpy outfits by keyboard warriors. However, the professional dancer does not seem to care.
Annie Idibia
As time passes, Annie Idibia is seen as someone who has centered her life around her husband, 2face Idibia. She fought for his love and managed to be his wife but not without competition from other women. Her husband no doubt has proved to be a woman wrapper over the years. Annie is busy wading off other women from her husband or affirming her relationship with her partner on the internet. For a while, it has been radio silent from her side on issues like that. However, Anne sunk herself too deep in securing her man such that she failed to see a world without her husband.
In the recent season of Young, Famous, and African, Anne appeared erratic and destabilized. This raised many concerns among fans who are scared for her mental health as she has endured so much humiliation from her husband, 2face Idibia. Some comments advocated that she should be removed from the show because she oozes out the pain and trauma she has faced. The African Queen, 40 has two children which she shares with her partner 2face Idibia. However, in the course of Young, Famous and African, she revealed she had a miscarriage of twins last year.
Nkechi Blessing
Nkechi Blessing is a force to be reckoned with, known for her fiery personality and unapologetic spirit. Her career has been punctuated by controversies, from her suspension from TAMPAN in 2021 (later lifted) to her very public divorce from Opeyemi Falegan in 2022. The couple’s social media war, fueled by infidelity accusations, saw Nkechi unleash a tearful Instagram curse upon her critics. Despite the drama, she remains active online, sharing glimpses of her personal life while maintaining her outspoken nature.
Very Dark Man
Martins Vincent Otse, better known as Very Dark Man (VDM), is a self-proclaimed “online police” infamous for his blunt opinions and frequent clashes with fellow social media users. From his feud with Iyabo Ojo to the libel accusations involving lawyer Femi Falana, VDM consistently finds himself at the center of online storms.
In December 2024, VDM claimed that ā¦180 million was missing from his NGO account, a revelation that sent shockwaves through his online community. While some expressed concern, others questioned the legitimacy of the claim. The controversy escalated when VDM later admitted the entire incident was a bluff. This admission drew sharp criticism from Delta State Governor’s media aide, Ossai Success, who demanded a public apology for misleading the public.
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