Chat Room - Women Times

Ayra Starr Set for Coachella 2027 Debut, Taking the Stage Alongside SZA and Dua Lipa

by Women Times on November 13, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Ayra Starr is heading to the California desert. The Nigerian star has been confirmed for Coachella 2027, adding a major festival slot to a year that has already been full of milestones.

The Beninese-born singer, who rose to fame as one of Afrobeats’ leading voices after signing with Mavin Records, will perform on both weekends of the festival, Sunday, April 11, and Sunday, April 18, 2027, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.

The booking comes on the back of her third studio album, Starrgirl. Festival-goers can expect songs from the project, including “Tornado” and “Midnight in New York,” along with her collaboration “Gimme Dat” and fan favourites like “Rush,” “Commas” and “Heaven Baby.”

Ayra will share the Sunday lineup with headliner SZA, as well as Victoria Monét, Jorja Smith, Becky G and Don Toliver. The festival runs April 9 to 11 and April 16 to 18, with Dua Lipa and Tame Impala also headlining and Madonna set for a special appearance in the dance tent.

The announcement follows her performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, where she took part in the NFL International Games halftime show and became the first African artist to headline it.

There’s more ahead. Ayra has announced the 20-city Starrgirl World Tour, which will cover Europe and North America in early 2027 before the Coachella stop. It’s shaping up to be a big year for the Starr girl.

News

Vivienne Jolie Officially Drops Brad Pitt’s Last Name

by Women Times on November 5, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt is now legally Vivienne Marcheline Jolie.

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge granted the 18-year-old’s petition to remove “Pitt” from her surname on Monday, November 2, making her the fourth of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s six children to legally drop their father’s last name.

“There being no objections, the petition for change of name is granted,” Judge Virginia Keeny wrote in her minute order. “The Petitioner’s name is changed from Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt to Vivienne Marcheline Jolie.”

Vivienne filed her petition on July 20, just eight days after turning 18 alongside her twin brother, Knox. In court documents, she cited “personal” reasons for the change.

As required under California law, notice of her petition was published in the Los Angeles Daily Journal once a week for four consecutive weeks, from July 24 to August 14.

The legal change formalizes a name she has already been using publicly for more than two years. In May 2024, she was credited as “Vivienne Jolie” in the Playbill for the Tony-winning Broadway musical The Outsiders, which she co-produced with her mother.

Vivienne now joins three of her older siblings who have taken the same legal step:

Shiloh Jolie, 20, was the first to file, on her 18th birthday in May 2024, and is now legally Shiloh Nouvel Jolie.

Maddox Jolie, 25, filed in April and had his change from Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt to Maddox Chivan Jolie granted in September.

Zahara Jolie, 21, filed in June and was granted her change to Zahara Marley Jolie on September 28.

Her twin brother Knox, 18, and older brother Pax, 22, have not legally changed their names, though Knox reportedly omitted “Pitt” from his high school diploma earlier this year.

Representatives for Jolie and Pitt declined to comment.

Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt in September 2016 after two years of marriage.

News Career

Toju Egbebi Appointed Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications and Sustainability Manager

by Women Times on October 29, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Nestlé Nigeria has appointed Toritseju (Toju) Egbebi as its Corporate Communications and Sustainability Manager, effective 1 November 2026. She will take over from Victoria Uwadoka, who is retiring after ten years with the company.

Egbebi, currently the company’s Corporate Affairs Manager, brings 18 years of experience in public relations and corporate communications across the technology, financial services and consumer goods sectors. At Nestlé Nigeria, she has helped strengthen the company’s corporate reputation, public affairs and stakeholder engagement.

Her work through the Nestlé for Good platform has supported greater awareness of the company’s investments in healthier nutrition, thriving communities and environmental sustainability. She has also helped build strategic partnerships with media and other stakeholders.

Uwadoka leaves a decade-long contribution to Nestlé Nigeria’s communications and sustainability work. She played a central role in strengthening the company’s reputation and stakeholder relationships, while advancing its Creating Shared Value agenda.

Her leadership supported initiatives spanning nutrition, youth empowerment, agriculture, water stewardship, environmental responsibility and community development. She also championed employee engagement and helped make complex corporate and sustainability priorities clearer and more accessible.

Outside Nestlé, Uwadoka has contributed to Nigeria’s communications profession through industry leadership, advocacy and mentorship. She has championed strategic communications as a force for business and societal progress.

Commenting on the transition, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, said:

“Victoria has made an important contribution to Nestlé Nigeria over the past decade, and we are deeply grateful for the leadership, professionalism and commitment she has brought to our business and the communications profession. We wish her every success in this next chapter.

“As Toju takes on this responsibility, I have every confidence in the experience, judgement and energy she brings to the role. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement are fundamental to building trust and advancing our purpose, and I am confident she will continue strengthening these relationships while helping us demonstrate the positive impact of our business in Nigeria.”

News

Nollywood Legend Francis Duru Dies at 57

by Women Times on October 23, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Veteran Nollywood actor, director and academic Francis Duru has passed away at the age of 57.

His family confirmed his death on Thursday in a statement shared on his official Instagram page, saying he died after a brief illness.

“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness. We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement read.

Duru was one of the pioneers of modern Nollywood, with a career spanning over three decades.

He made his screen debut in 1989 in Missing Mark, before rising to national prominence for his memorable role as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 classic, Rattlesnake. He went on to become a household name with roles in critically acclaimed films including _Blood Money, Mama Sunday, Total Control, Home in Exile, Mboputa and Stigma.

Beyond acting, Duru was an academic with a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt. He also served as a United Nations Ambassador of Peace and as interim President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

He is survived by his wife, Adokiye Duru, whom he married in 2003, and their children.

His passing has thrown the Nigerian film industry into mourning, with colleagues and fans paying tribute to his legacy.

News Beauty

21-Year-Old Cameroonian, Solange Omon, Emerges New Victoria’s Secret Angel After Global Casting Win

by Women Times on October 21, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Cameroonian-born model Solange Omon has been unveiled as the newest Victoria’s Secret Angel after winning the brand’s global casting competition, Angels Among Us.

The 21-year-old beat over 100,000 applicants to clinch the title, earning her debut at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles and a one-year modelling contract with IMG Models. The competition was documented in a YouTube series that followed contestants through the selection process.

Omon, who was born in Cameroon as the eldest of six children, relocated to the United States and is based in Lewiston, Maine. Before her breakthrough in fashion, she combined university studies with work as a programme coordinator for a non-profit supporting young people, where she helped Black and immigrant teenagers secure jobs, mentorship and access to higher education.

She made her runway appearance in a statement look that drew wide attention. Omon wore an ivory and black lace lingerie set featuring a plunge bra and high-cut briefs, styled with oversized gold hoop earrings. The highlight of the outfit was a pair of illuminated golden wings embedded with warm lights and a sweeping bronze metallic train.

On the glossy black runway, she held the edges of the train as it flowed behind her, smiling to the audience and cameras before taking a graceful twirl mid-walk.

Omon’s emergence as a Victoria’s Secret Angel has been celebrated as a major moment for African representation on the global fashion stage, marking her transition from community advocacy work to one of the most watched runways in the world.

News

Photo News: AXA Mansard Reaffirms Commitment to Growth and Empowerment Initiatives at 34th AGM

by Women Times on October 20, 2026

L-R: General Counsel/Human Resources Director, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi (left); Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Kunle Ahmed; Chairman, AXA Mansard, Kola Adeshina; Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Health, Tope Adeniyi, and Independent Non-Executive Director, AXA Mansard Insurance, Mrs Abiola Bada, during AXA Mansard’s 34th Annual General Meeting.

Relationship

Zlatan Ibile and Davita Omoniyi Serve Soft Romance in New Pre-Wedding Shoot Ahead of October Wedding

by Women Times on October 19, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Wedding season is about to get a Zanku twist.

Afrobeats star Zlatan Ibile, real name Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, and his longtime love Davita Omoniyi are counting down to their wedding ceremony on October 24, 2026, and their new pre-wedding portraits are already setting the tone.

The couple, who have been together for years and share two beautiful children, are no strangers to love in the public eye. Davita, who is based in the UK and works as a media personality and entrepreneur, reportedly began using the Omoniyi surname after their private civil ceremony earlier this year. This October celebration will be their big moment with family and friends.

Styled by celebrity stylist Emmanuel Goodnews Icon, the shoot leaned into modern romance. The backdrop was a deep teal, which made their pastel outfits stand out even more.

Davita stunned in a custom creation from Lasosa By Pam Pam. The strapless gown came in ice blue with intricate ruching at the bodice before flaring into a dramatic bubblegum pink bubble-hem train. She paired it with a sleek high braided ponytail, radiant glam, and timeless jewellery, including a diamond tennis necklace and matching earrings.

Zlatan kept it cool and classy in a bespoke suit by T.I Nathan. The light blue two-piece featured a clean mandarin collar and wide-leg trousers, styled with black patent shoes and his signature glasses.

Intimate, colourful and effortlessly coordinated, the photos show a couple completely in sync. If this is the pre-wedding, we can only imagine what the main day will look like.

News

“My Marriage Is Intact”: Okey Bakassi Debunks Divorce Rumours, Celebrates 25 Years With Wife

by Women Times on October 13, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Veteran comedian and actor Okechukwu Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi, has dismissed viral claims that his wife is seeking a divorce, insisting his 25-year-old marriage is intact.

The entertainer reacted on Monday via his Instagram page after a video started circulating online alleging that his wife wanted to leave him after 15 years of him taking care of her and their children in the United States.

Bakassi described the video as disturbing and disrespectful, saying it was created by people desperate for views.

“It is so disrespectful and sad that, out of desperation to get views or create viral content, someone will go to the extent of spreading fake news about my very happy family,” he wrote.

He clarified that the claims are entirely false, including reports that his wife lives in Canada and works as a nurse. According to him, he and his wife recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Canada.

“Please, my family, friends and fans, disregard any story that my wife and I are having issues. It is the work of evil, senseless people,” he added. “Please help me report the originator’s page for this fake news on X (Twitter) for violating the rules. My family is intact and in God’s hands.”

Bakassi also shared a video from their 25th anniversary celebration. Last week, he marked the milestone with a video collage featuring himself, his wife and their three children.

Reflecting on their journey, he recalled how they first met, how their pursuit of higher education separated them, and how they eventually reunited.

He said they were not trying to set records or prove anyone wrong, but were simply living their lives and reaffirming that they had made the right decision.

The comedian has often spoken about his marriage. On their 20th anniversary, he reflected on the challenges they faced and recalled that many people had doubted their relationship. He celebrated his wife for years of love, sacrifice, friendship and tolerance.

News Fashion

Kimberly Jael Wears Uganda In A Stunning Black, Yellow & Red Gown For 64th Independence Day

by Women Times on October 10, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Miss Universe Uganda 2026 1st Runner-Up Kimberly Jael just gave us the most beautiful Independence Day look.

To celebrate Uganda’s 64th Independence Day on 9 October, Kimberly stepped out in a sculpted evening gown that translates the national flag’s black, yellow and red into high fashion.

The look starts with a strapless, black sequined corset bodice, trimmed with lace at the neckline. Canary-yellow fabric drapes across her chest and shoulders, leading into a fitted mermaid skirt at the hips where crimson-red fabric gathers before flowing into a long, dramatic train on the floor.

She carried the tribute into her beauty look as well, with graphic black, yellow and red makeup sweeping across her left cheekbone, accented with tiny pearl embellishments. Her cropped natural afro kept the focus on her large drop earrings, finished with traditional cowrie shells.

But for Kimberly, this was more than just a fashion moment. She shared the meaning behind the gown in a powerful message on independence:

“Independence is not just a date, it’s the chains that were broken and blood that was shed!!!”

“The glam is intentional. The pearls are for every tear my ancestors shed. The sequins are for every star in our future. The red train is long because our journey was long. This is what 64 years of resilience looks like in high fashion.”

“Happy Independence Day Uganda — we are not just free, we are FASHIONABLY FREE!”

It’s a tribute that gives the outfit another layer: the pearls for ancestral tears, the sequins for future possibilities, and the sweeping red train for the long journey to freedom.

Kimberly had a standout run at the inaugural Miss Universe Uganda 2026 pageant, where she won five titles including Miss Afrikana and People’s Choice. Beyond pageantry, she is a youth mentor and advocate for community development and youth empowerment, and for Independence Day she put her love for Uganda on full display.

News Entertainment

Temi Nkem Goes Monochrome in Royal Blue With a Fringe Clutch for Day 1 of Her Media Tour

by Women Times on October 8, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Fresh off her win as BBNaija Season 11 winner, Temi Nkem is kicking off her winner era in style.

The 21-year-old stepped out for Day 1 of her Lagos media rounds in a striking royal blue look that proved monochrome dressing is still the ultimate power move.

Temi wore a fitted mini dress in a solid royal blue shade, featuring a sharp V-neckline and dramatic long bishop sleeves that gathered at the wrist with extended cuffs. The body-skimming silhouette kept the look sleek, letting the statement sleeves do all the talking.

She doubled down on the colour with her accessories, carrying a matching royal blue envelope clutch covered in long, cascading fringe that added texture and movement to the smooth fabric of the dress. Deep blue drop earrings kept the palette cohesive, while a thick gold cuff and stacked rings brought in a touch of contrast.

For shoes, Temi opted for white pointed-toe pumps — a clean, bright finish that instantly lifted the all-blue ensemble.

Beauty-wise, she kept it polished and effortless: a sleek centre-parted low ponytail, soft smoky eyes, defined brows and a glossy nude lip, allowing the dress to remain the star.

It’s a lesson in how to let one bold colour shine. By staying within the same blue family for her dress, bag and earrings, Temi made the shade feel even more striking, while the fringe detail and white pumps kept it from feeling flat.

If this is how she’s starting her post-Biggie fashion diary, we’re in for a stylish season.