Entertainment Gists
Jussie Smollett ‘Wanted Me To Fake Beating Him Up,’ Witness Abimbola Osundairo Testifies
Nigerian witness, Abimbola Osundairo has testified in court that Empire star actor, Jussie Smollett arranged with him to fake beating him up.
Abimbola “Abel” Osundairo said he was many things to Jussie Smollett: a friend, a colleague on the set of “Empire,” an occasional drug dealer, a bodybuilding coach and according to prosecutors an accomplice in a hoax hate crime attack.
On the third day of Smollett’s trial for allegedly arranging an assault that started a massive police manhunt in Chicago, Osundairo appeared as a star witness for the state.
Osundairo said Smollett, who is gay, texted him on Jan. 25, 2019, saying, “Might need your help on the low.”
Later, when the two were in Smollett’s car, Osundairo said the actor asked if he could trust him.
The pair then drove to the Osundairo family’s North Side home where Osundairo’s brother, Olabinjo Osundairo, joined them in the car.
The Osundairo brothers
He recounted how he befriended the actor, and how Smollett came to him in January 2019 and allegedly asked for a ‘favor’.
He said Smollett asked him to “fake beat him up” and even requested that he use an anti-gay slur and say “MAGA” during the staged homophobic and racist attack.
“I was confused. I looked puzzled. He [Smollett] explained to me that he wanted me to fake beat him up,” testified Osundairo, who met Smollett while he worked as an extra on the Fox drama “Empire” in 2017.
Osundairo told Webb that he and Smollett had a brotherly bond, and that he would procure drugs for the actor, while Smollett would help Osundairo with his upcoming acting career.
“We became good friends. I would say I would call him my brother,” Osundairo said of the friendship.
“I agreed to do it, because more importantly, I felt indebted to Jussie… I also believed he could help further my acting career,” Osundairo said.
Abimbola Osundairo said Smollett handed them a $100 bill for supplies and told the siblings that they should stage a scuffle, tie a noose around Smollett’s neck, pour gasoline on him and run away as the actor fought back.
Abimbola Osundairo said the three rehearsed the fake attack two days before the Jan. 29, 2019, incident, which Smollett said he wanted captured by a nearby surveillance camera “for [the] media,” Abimbola Osundairo testified.
The recorded footage didn’t include the alleged staged crime, but it did help Chicago police identify the Osundairos.
Smollett’s defence team said the actor gave the brothers a check for $3,500, which Abimbola Osundairo said he believed was payment for a food and exercise plan he gave the actor, as well as for their help with the staged attack.
Smollett, who is Black and gay, said as he was returning to his Streeterville apartment building that night he heard someone ahout “Empire n*****, Empire f*****,” Graves’ partner, Det. Kimberly Murray, said.
“What the f*** you say to me,” Smollett said he replied.
“This is MAGA country,” Smollett said one of his attackers yelled, along with a racial slur, before he was beat to the ground, Murray said.
Abimbola Osundairo speaking in court said every slur that was said was scripted by Smollett.
The trial continues.
Nigerian artist N8TAN is set to unveil his highly anticipated ‘UPRISING EP’, a body of work that chronicles his journey from the streets to the heights of his musical ambition.
Built around themes of struggle, resilience, ambition, survival, and triumph, UPRISING captures the realities of an artist determined to turn adversity into momentum. The project reflects N8TAN’s experiences, the challenges that shaped him, and the relentless drive that continues to push him forward.
More than a collection of songs, UPRISING is presented as a story of transformation—from navigating the streets and confronting uncertainty to finding purpose, embracing growth, and rising toward the top.
With its blend of raw storytelling, infectious energy, and personal perspective, the EP offers listeners an intimate look into N8TAN’s world while reinforcing his determination to carve out his own place in the music industry.
‘UPRISING EP’ is a statement of elevation: a reminder that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.
As N8TAN continues to build his musical identity, UPRISING marks another significant chapter in his journey—and an invitation for listeners to rise with him.
Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶
Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.
The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.
And the big question now is:
Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂
Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.
One X user joked:
“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”
Another simply said:
“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”
But then came “Lembe.” 🔥
The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.
Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.
And it didn’t stop there.
‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED
On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.
One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.
From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.
Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:
Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥
So, let’s settle this once and for all:
Should Josh2Funny continue with MUSIC 🎶 or return to SKITS 😂?
Music or Skits? Drop your answer! 👇
RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.
Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.
For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
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