Entertainment Gists
Scott Walker, Influential Rock Star, Dies Aged 76
Scott Walker, one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in rock history, has died at the age of 76.
The US star found fame as a teen idol in The Walker Brothers, scoring hits with The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore and Make It Easy On Yourself.
But his dark baritone hinted at something deeper – and his darker, experimental solo albums tackled the complexities of love, sex and death.
Walker’s death was confirmed by his current record label, 4AD.
In a statement, they called the singer “one of the most revered innovators at the sharp end of creative music“.
Radiohead’s Thom Yorke was among those paying tribute, describing Walker as “a huge influence on Radiohead and myself, showing me how I could use my voice and words”.
Born Noel Scott Engel in Ohio, 1943, Walker initially pursued a career as an actor, before hooking up with John Maus and Gary Leeds to form the misleadingly-named Walker Brothers.
After a false start in the US, they relocated to England, where they caused a huge sensation, scoring number one hits with Make It Easy On Yourself and The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore.
For a while, the band were as big as the Beatles, greeted by screaming fans everywhere they went.
“It was fantastic for the first couple of albums or so but it really wears you down,” Walker told the BBC’s Culture Show in 2006,
“Touring in those days was very primitive. It was really a lot of hard work. And you couldn’t find anything good to eat. The hours were unbelievable.”
Orchestral pop
At the height of their fame in 1967, when Walker was still considered a heart-throb and a potential superstar, he called time on the band and ran away to a monastery on the Isle of Wight. Not, as rumour had it, because of a nervous breakdown, but to study Gregorian chant.
He remained disillusioned with the industry until his girlfriend introduced him to the music of Jacques Brel, whose literate, passionate torch songs inspired him to embark on a solo career.
Walker’s first four solo albums, Scott to Scott 4, juxtaposed lush, orchestral pop with dark existentialism; and his lyrics were frequently scattered with characters from society’s margins – prostitutes, transvestites, suicidal thinkers and even Joseph Stalin.
“He took music to a place that it hasn’t actually ever been since,” said musician Brian Eno who, like Jarvis Cocker and David Bowie, cites Walker as a key influence.
Amid falling sales, Walker staged a brief, largely unsuccessful reunion with the Brothers in the mid-70s; then used a lucrative deal with Virgin Records to pursue some of his most abstract musical ideas on 1984’s Climate of Hunter.
The record divided fans and critics – it was reputedly Virgin’s lowest-selling album of all time – and Walker bowed out of music and the public eye for almost a decade.
“A friend of mine says I’m not a recluse, I’m just low-key,” said the singer about his extended absence.
“Generally if I’ve got nothing to say, it’s pointless to be around.”
When Walker returned in the mid-90s, it was with Tilt, a collection of fraught, uncompromising tone poems that marked a new creative chapter.
“Imagine Andy Williams reinventing himself as Stockhausen,” wrote The Guardian’s Simon Hattenstone in a profile of the singer.
Walker went on to collaborate with Pulp, producing the 2001 album We Love Life, and recently completed the score to Natalie Portman’s film Vox Lux.
In 2017, the BBC paid tribute to the star with a Proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
‘Mahogany voice’
Musician Richard Hawley told the BBC in 2017 that Walker was “one of the greatest singers of all time”.
“You think he’s singing something quite simple,” he said. “You think you can sing along in the bath. But when you actually sit down and analyse what he’s doing, it’s unbelievable.”
Upon hearing of the star’s death, poet Ian McMillan likened Walker’s voice to “a cathedral lit by a sunset.”
Midge Ure of Ultravox described him as “the man with the mahogany voice”; while singer Marc Almond said he was “absolutely saddened [and] shocked” by the news.
“He gave me so much inspiration, so much I owe to him and modelled on him even down to my early hair cut and dark glasses,” he added.
Walker is survived by his daughter, Lee, his granddaughter Emmi-Lee, and his partner Beverly.
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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