Entertainment
Singer, songwriter Jill Sobule dies in house fire
Jill Sobule, an acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her groundbreaking LGBTQ+ hit “I Kissed a Girl,” has tragically died in a house fire.
Her publicist announced her death in Woodbury, Minnesota. The cause of the fire remains unclear.
The 66-year-old’s manager, John Porter, called her “a force of nature and human rights advocate” whose “music is woven into our culture”.
He said in a statement: “I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”
White Lotus star Carrie Coon posted on social media: “Jill Sobule was so special. Heartbreaking news.”
Singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman shared a 2001 photo of herself with Jill Sobule on X, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Jill Sobule. Let’s honor the incredible singer-songwriter she was by listening to her music.”
Sobule was scheduled to perform in Denver on Friday night, but the event will now serve as a tribute to her life. A formal memorial is planned for later this summer.
Throughout her three-decade career of performing and recording, the singer-songwriter released 12 albums that delved into complex themes such as the death penalty, anorexia nervosa, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Her first album, “Things Here Are Different”, was released in 1990.
Five years later, she gained widespread recognition with her hit singles “Supermodel,” featured in the film Clueless, and released “I Kissed a Girl”, which, despite being banned by several southern radio stations, reached the Billboard Top 20 in the US.
In 2008, Katy Perry’s worldwide hit I Kissed A Girl – which used the same title but was not a cover version – created a renewed interest in her track.
Sobule also starred in an autobiographical off-Broadway musical featuring songs and stories about her life.
An early adopter of crowdfunding, in 2008, after two major record companies dumped her and two indie labels went bankrupt beneath her, she raised tens of thousands of dollars from fans so she could make a new album.
Sobule was born in Denver, Colorado, on 16 January 1959.
She would go on to perform with stars including Neil Young, Cyndi Lauper and Billy Bragg, and said she would “wing” her frequent live shows, never preparing a set list.
She made a cameo on an episode of The Simpsons in 2019.
In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, she said: “In a good way, I feel like I’m still a rookie. There’s so much more to do and I haven’t done my best yet.”
She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, as well as her nephews and cousins.
Entertainment
‘I’m honored’ -Actor Ninalowo Gets Role To Mobilize Atlanta Support For Tinubu’s Re-Election
Bolanle Ninalowo has been named the Atlanta, USA, coordinator for Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN), a group supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The actor expressed excitement over the appointment, posting images that included the All Progressives Congress (APC) logo and Nigerian symbols to encourage support from the diaspora community.
Entertainment
‘The conflict is behind us’ – Churchill confirms reconciliation with Tonto Dike
Olakunle Churchill, ex-husband of actress Tonto Dike, has confirmed reconciling with her ten years after their messy divorce.
Ekwutosblog reports that Tonto Dike had on Saturday announced a reconciliation with Churchill, described the development as an end to their 10 years of online battles.
Reacting to the actress’ reconciliation post on his Instagram page on Sunday, Churchill said “The conflict is behind us.”
While expressing surprise after years of separation from his son, he noted that the purpose of their reconciliation is to co-parent, and not to be as a couple.
“I was surprised when I received a call for the first time from my son, calling me “Daddy” was deeply touching & a reminder that what God can not do does not exist.
The conflict is behind us. We’re now focused on co parenting with love, care, & a shared commitment to raising our son. I look forward to a future filled with collaboration, respect, and peace trusting God to guide me,” he said.
Ekwutosblog reports that Tonto Dikeh got married to Churchill in August 2015, and welcomed their son, King Andre, in February 2016.
The actress who was rumoured to have left Churchill barely two years after their marriage, officially announced her divorce in July 2017 over alleged infidelity and domestic violence.
They have constantly engaged in online altercations since their controversial split.
Entertainment
Peace Has Replaced Chaos – Tonto Dikeh Confirms Reconciliation With Ex-Husband, Churchill After 10 Years Of Public Feud
Nollywood actress and politician Tonto Dikeh has reconciled with her former husband, Olakunle Churchill, bringing an end to their decade-long public feud.
Tonto and Churchill were married in 2015, but their union collapsed less than two years later amid allegations of infidelity, intense public controversy and child custody battles.
In an emotional post shared on her Facebook page, Tonto attributed the reconciliation to divine intervention, humility and sustained prayers, stressing that what human efforts could not repair was healed through faith and obedience to God.
While describing the reunion as a divine restoration after years of public conflict and separation, Tonto Dikeh said peace has replaced chaos after nearly a decade of dispute, bitterness and broken communication.
According to the movie star, the renewed relationship was built on humility, forgiveness and love for their child, and encouraged people facing similar challenges not to lose hope.
She wrote, “We are living proof that the Word of God is eternal and unfailing. God is not a God who abandons what He has started. When He begins a work, He stays with it until it is completed.
“After ten long years of public battles, deep wounds, broken communication, bitterness, and pain, God stepped in. What looked ugly, impossible, and beyond repair has been touched by mercy. Peace has replaced chaos. Respect has returned where anger once lived. What human effort could not fix, God healed by salvation, humility, and the sincere prayers of a child.
“This restoration is not by might, not by wisdom, not by strength but by the Spirit of the Lord. When God moves, the human mind cannot comprehend the process. He softens hearts, silences the enemy, and rewrites stories that looked finished. Every plan of darkness has failed. Stubbornness has bowed. Pride has melted. Love has found its voice again for my child.
“I am deeply grateful to the father of my child Dr kunle for yielding to God’s word and choosing peace. Obedience to God always births restoration, even when the road has been long and painful. To anyone standing where I once stood, tired, wounded, misunderstood, and believing nothing good can come out of the situation.please hear this: God has not abandoned you. Your story is not over. What He has started, He will surely perfect. Keep praying. Keep choosing love. Keep trusting God even when it hurts.
“May this restored relationship remain built on the solid rock of God’s mercy, protection, grace, and mighty hand. May it stand as a living testimony that God never fails, never forgets, and never walks away from His own. If God did it for us, He can do it for you. To my spiritual father, Papa, thank you for grooming a God-fearing, impact-making woman out of a Total Mess.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DT5df1YiIG9/?igsh=bnhyczJ0M3AxNmN4
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