Nollywood actor-turned-musician Jude Chukwuka marked his 61st birthday on Tuesday with a star-studded listening party for his newly released seven-track album, Things I Love, in Lagos.

The event, held at The Box Lounge, brought together friends, family members, industry colleagues and former schoolmates in an intimate celebration that doubled as the official unveiling of the project.

Among the notable guests were Nollywood actors Saidi Balogun and Olarotimi Fakunle, who joined Chukwuka in celebrating both his birthday milestone and his latest creative venture.

The entertainer also thrilled attendees with a live performance of Cheat Code, a duet featuring his wife, Mimi, from the album.

Other songs on the project include Nancy Pelosi, Brazilian Assasin, Arsenal (Mase beru), Redemption Day, Invisible Striker and Kodak.

Speaking during an interview at the event, Chukwuka described the occasion as both a personal celebration and a strategic opportunity to introduce another side of his artistry to the public.

“At 60, I have been able to see my children and children’s children. That is a plus,” he said.

“Then this year, I made a seven-track album. I told myself I should let my friends come together and do this live, so you can have managers who would spread the news.

“For me, it is a great platform to let them know things I do outside of acting. For me, it is something that has been there forever. I am doing it this year on two things.”

Chukwuka also revealed that one of the album’s tracks, Arsenal (Mase beru), was inspired by his enduring loyalty to English Premier League side Arsenal and his hope that the club would finally end its title drought.

“First, I am an Arsenal fan. I knew that we were going to win the league this season. In December, I did a song, ‘Arsenal (Mase beru)’. So it is a year to celebrate the 22 years of drought for Arsenal,” he said.

His wife, Mimi, who featured on the album, spoke affectionately about their relationship and recalled that they first met during one of his previous birthday celebrations.

“I am the happiest woman on earth. I am a happy wife because of the kind of person that I have,” she said.

“Words are not enough to express how I feel about him. He is a very wonderful person.” (Arise News)