Entertainment

Taylor Swift cancels concerts in Vienna following terror attack plot

Award-winning US singer and songwriter, Taylor Swift, has cancelled Three planned concerts after two men were arrested for allegedly plotting terror attacks at the venues in Vienna.

The Grammy-winning superstar was scheduled to perform on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Ernst Happel Stadium as part of her ‘Eras Tour’.

“Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Vienna shows cancelled due to government officials confirmation of planned terrorist attack,” Barracuda Music, the promoter for Swift’s concerts in Austria, wrote on Instagram.

“With confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.”

Similarly, the singer’s official website listed the Vienna shows as cancelled and revealed that tickets will be refunded within the next 10 business days.

Two persons were apprehended on Wednesday on suspicion of planning attacks on large events in the area around the Austrian capital.

Franz Ruf, the public security director at Austria’s interior ministry, disclosed that a “targeted raid was carried out” on a “19-year-old perpetrator”.

He said chemical substances were also allegedly seized from the suspect’s home, adding that the man had “pledged an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State group”.

“According to the current status of the investigation, the two suspects became radicalised via the internet,” BBC quoted Ruf to have said.

In a 2019 interview with Elle magazine, Swift revealed that her biggest fear was violence at her concerts.

“I was completely terrified to go on tour this time because I didn’t know how we were going to keep 3 million fans safe over seven months,” she said while referring to both the Manchester Arena bombing and the Las Vegas mass shooting in 2017.

“There was a tremendous amount of planning, expense and effort into keeping my fans safe.”

Entertainment

Singer, Rema donates N105m to Christ embassy

Nigerian international musical celebrity, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has donated the sum of N105 million to Christ Embassy Church, Benin City, Edo State.

The Edo-born musician was in the state for the celebration of Edo@33 and performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the 6,000-capacity Edo Dome and a musical concert at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium at the invitation of the state government.

Rema, who donated to the Edo Regional Headquarters of the church, located at Erediauwa Street off Ekenwa Road, said it was in appreciation of the church’s support for his family during a difficult period in his childhood.

The international musical artist, who was at the church for a thanksgiving service, recounted the role the church played in his family’s life after the loss of his father when he was just eight years old.

According to him: “I am not here to give myself any form of accolades or glory but to give to God the glory.

“And, I felt it was important to give back to the church that has embraced me, prayed for me and kept me very consistent with my spirit.

“When I was eight years old when I lost my dad, we felt very lost and abandoned.

“All that we had were taken from us and we felt alone, and I remember at the time Pastor Joy and Pastor Thomas, the pastors of this church; they opened a shop for my mum, and that was what she managed to take care of and feed us.”

He said, in the spirit of giving in appreciation of what the church did for his family, he donated the sum of N150 million to the church.

“Firstly, I want to give a pledge of N40 million to the infrastructural development of the church, N20 million to the Rhapsody of Realities publication, and, being a fact that I came from the teen church, I also like to pledge N25 million to the church.

“And just to add to that, if there is any widow in church today, I am pledging N20 million to assist all the widows in attendance,” he added.

Entertainment

Bbnaija 1 runner up, Francisca Owumi is dead

Former Big Brother Naija reality show star, Francisca Owumi, is dead

The reality star passed away following a brief illness.

Francisca Owumi, the runner up of the first edition of BBNaija television show in 2006, died on August 29, 2024.

Announcing her death on social media, her family wrote; “A daughter and sister. Make her soul rest in peace, Amen.”

The late Francisca, known for her fierce dancing moves, was present in the house with the winner of the show Katung Aduwak, Gideon Okeke, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, Maureen Osuji, and others.

After the show, she briefly entered the Nigerian music scene with the singles “Diva” and “Gbadun You.”

Entertainment

Actor Adeniyi Johnson reacts as AFRIMEK suspends him

The African Men Entertainment Kings, AFRIMEK club has suspended actor Adeniyi Johnson

AFRIMEK, led by actor Femi Adebayo suspended Adeniyi over gross misconduct and breach of its constitution.

Reacting to the development, Adeniyi noted that he was existing before joining the club.

Expressing his disappointment in a lengthy post on social media, the actor urged his fans to stay calm as he handles the matter.

“It saddens my heart that my honourable club made such a derogatory post about me. Please note that I’m not bigger than the club, but before the club there has been Adeniyi Johnson. If care is not taken, that post will do more harm than good.

“I feel this is detrimental to my name, family, standard, and even more importantly, my brand. I hereby implore my family, friends, and fans to stay calm and continue to show unwavering love and support.

“To all associates, I remain my humble self and thank you for the continuous belief and trust. God pass us all.”

AFRIMEK is a club recognized for its prominent members in the entertainment field.

The club’s notable members, include Femi Adebayo, Muyiwa Ademola, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Chatta and Jamiu Azeez Olamilekan.