Events

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has criticized the state of governance in Nigeria, describing it as having “the worst governments.”
He noted that while the country lacks quality leadership, the entertainment industry has significantly enhanced Nigeria’s global image.
According to Davido, the entertainment sector is now a major driver of tourism, drawing international attention and visitors. He added that there were more Americans than Nigerians in Lagos last December, highlighting the growing influence of Nigerian music and culture.

Speaking in a recent interview with Apple Music’s Ebro Darden, Davido said, “I am happy that entertainment switched the narrative. We [Nigerians], don’t have the best leaders. We have the worst governments.

“But the music and entertainment industry in general, has impacted our country’s image abroad positively.

“The entertainment industry is also attracting tourists to the country. Last December, there were more Americans than Nigerians in Lagos. I was like, what are you all doing here?

“Back in the days, we used to be excited when coming to America but now, they are the ones coming to Lagos. It is not just music, it is the culture as a whole. If you go to Paris Fashion Week, about 80 per cent of the models are Africans, the same with the creative directors. It’s impressive.”

Nollywood icon Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi, has been installed as the traditional ruler of Umuihuocha Obohia Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State. The seasoned comedian shared the news on his Instagram page. At 55, he officially takes on the royal title of His Royal Highness, Eze Okechukwu Onyegbule, OKWE II of Umuihuocha Obohia, becoming the second king to hold the esteemed OKWE title, according to The Guardian.

The post on his Instagram handle, on Sunday, read: “Special thanks to the entire Umuihuocha Autonomous Community….a new beginning.”

Umuihuocha Obohia, located in the culturally vibrant Mbaise region, is a longstanding autonomous community celebrated for its strong traditions and sense of unity. The coronation of Okey Bakassi signifies a new chapter in his life, transitioning from an entertainment career that has spanned over 20 years. It remains to be seen whether his new royal role will affect his involvement in social activism.

The 17th edition of the Headies Awards, held on Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, spotlighted the finest talents in the Nigerian and African music scenes, celebrating outstanding achievements over the past year.

Among the early highlights, Zerry DL clinched the coveted Rookie of the Year award, marking a significant breakthrough in his burgeoning career. Superstar Davido was named Digital Artist of the Year, further reinforcing his dominance in the industry.

Afrobeats sensation Rema won Afrobeats Album of the Year for his project HEIS, while critically acclaimed artist Tems earned Best Recording of the Year for her song Burning.

The ceremony also paid tribute to distinguished individuals with Special Recognition Awards. Honourees included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, renowned media executive Alex Okosi, and celebrated football administrator Amaju Pinnick, acknowledged for their contributions to the entertainment and sports sectors.

In a highly anticipated moment, Odumodublvck was named Next Rated Artist, triumphing over fellow nominees Shallipopi, Qing Madi, and Ayo Maff.

The Headies Awards remain one of the most prestigious platforms celebrating excellence in Nigerian music. This year’s event is part of a special two-edition schedule, with the 18th edition set for December, compensating for the missed awards ceremony in 2024

Here is the full list of winners at the 17th Headies Awards:

Rookie of the Year

Zerry DL — Winner

taves

Kaestyle

Llona

Soundtrack of the Year

“Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack) — Winner

“Eledumare” – Teledalase (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)

“Lose to Gain” – Kaline (Breathe of Life)

“Kill Boro” – Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan (Kill Boro)

“Orisa” – Beriola (Orisa)

“Emotions” – Tiwa Savage and Asa (Water and Garri)

Best Recording of the Year

“Burning” – Tems — Winner

“Different Patterns” – Seyi Vibez

“Higher” – Burna Boy

“Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr and Giveon

“Billions” – Sarz and Lojay

Best Vocal Performance (Male)

“Billions” – Lojay — Winner

“Moving” – Omah Lay

“Gratitude” – Anendlessocean

“For You” – Johnny Drille

 “Ke Na Ke So” – Timi Dakolo

Best Vocal Performance (Female)

“I’m Done” – Liya — Winner

“Last Song Heartbreak” – Ayra Starr

“Level” – Niniola

“Stranger” – Simi

“Tomorrow” – Yemi Alade

Special Recognition Award Recipients

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos

Alex Okosi

Amaju Pinnick

Songwriter of the Year

“Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi) — Winner

“Stranger” – Simisola Kosoko (Simi)

“Can’t Breathe” – Michael Ajuma Attah (Llona)

“Family Meeting” – Emoseh Khamofu (Bloody Civilian)

“Stages of Life” – Fuayefika Maxwell (Wizard Chan)

Producer of the Year

“OZEBA” – London — Winner

“Happiness” – Sarz

“Basquiat” – Magicsticks

“HEHEHE” – Rema, Producer X, Cubeatz, Deatz and Klimperboy

“Different Patterns” – Dibs

Afrobeats Album of the Year

HEIS – Rema — Winner

Stubborn – Victony

Work of Art – Asake

The Year I turned 21 – Ayra Starr

Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn

Music Video of the Year

“EGWU” – Director Pink — Winner

“Charm” – Rema, Perliks and Folarin Oludare

“Metaverse” – Jyde Ajala

“Like Ice Spice” – Perliks and Emeka Shine Shine

“Ojapiano” – Mattmax

“Showa” – TG Omori

“Na Money” – Dammy Twitch

Afrobeats Single of the Year

“Big Baller” – Flavour — Winner

“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)

“Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel

“Egwu” – Chike (ft. Mohbad)

“Remember” – Asake

“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido)

Headies’ Viewers’ Choice

“Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad — Winner

“Big Baller” – Flavour

“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)

“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido)

“Showa” – Kizz Daniel

“Different Pattern” – Seyi Vibez

“OZEBA” – Rema

“Love Me Jeje” – Tems

“Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. Odumodublvck)

“Dealer” – Ayo Maff (ft. Fireboy DML)

Best Central African Artiste of the Year

Innoss’B (DRC) – Winner

Gaz Mawete (DRC)

Emma’A (Gabon)

Ebokolo (Gabon)

Singulila (Central African Republic)

Koceé (Cameroon)

Next Rated

Odumodublvck – Winner

Qing Madi

Shallipopi

Ayo Maff

Digital Artiste of the Year

Davido- Winner

Ayra Starr

Rema

Shallipopi

Tems

Kizz Daniel

Asake

Best Rap Single

Cast – Shallipopi and Odumodublvck – Winner

Blood on the dance floor – Bloody Civilian, Wale and Odumodu Blvck

Hallelujah – Ladipoe, Rozzz, and Morello

Canada – Magnito

Ije Nwoke – Jeriq

Best East African Artiste of the Year

Juma Jux (Tanzania) – Winner

Bien (Kenya)

Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Bruce Melody (Rwanda)

Azawi (Uganda)

Best Street-hop artiste

Mohbad – Ask About me – Winner

Zhus Jdo – Johnbull

Seyi Vibez – Different Patterns

Ayo Maff – Dealer ft (Fire Boy)

Shallipopi – Cast ft (Odumodu Blvck

Song of the Year

Lonely at the Top – Asake – Winner

Egwu – Chike and Mohbad

Ozeba – Rema

Showa – Kizz Daniel

Commas – Ayra Starr

Special Recognition

KCee

Afrobeat superstar Femi Kuti has revealed that his father, the legendary Fela Kuti, was deeply displeased when he left Fela’s band to form his own group in 1986.

Femi explained that many of his father’s fans saw his departure as an act of rebellion, turning against him in the process. The transition was made even more painful when, during the launch of his debut album, Fela harshly criticised his work. In front of the press, Fela walked up to the stage and dismissed the album as “rubbish,” leaving Femi demoralised.

Despite the harsh criticism and the difficult early years, Femi persevered, building his own successful career and becoming a multiple Grammy-nominated artist, while continuing to honour the Afrobeat tradition in his own way

Speaking in a recent episode of the Sonically podcast hosted by Elmo Chong, Femi Kuti said, “When I left my father’s band, his fanbase turned against me. It was like, how dare you fight Fela?

“But it wasn’t a fight. I was lost. I had no formal education, how was I going to become a great musician? I was lost. I was crying inside me. But people didn’t understand, they thought I was doing what I was doing because I was protesting.

“I just focused and said, I can’t turn back right now. I would rather die trying. So, I just continued and I have never stopped since then.

“The first time my father heard my first album at the launching in 1989, he said it was rubbish. He went on stage and said it to the press. I was so upset. He was the last person I expected such a harsh review from.”

Femi Kuti said he finally got his father’s validation years later after Fela watched him perform two of his hit tracks ‘No Place For My Dreams’ and ‘Mind Your Business’ at the African Shrine.

He stated that his father then went back to the press to boast about his (Femi’s) success as a musician.

Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has opened up about his reaction to rumors concerning his sexuality.

In a recent Unfiltered and Extra Spicy podcast interview, the actor revealed that he was initially surprised — and even briefly excited — by the speculation, thinking it might be a sign that he was gaining fame.

Addressing the rumors, Uzor firmly denied being gay, stating that if he were, he would have no reason to hide it and would proudly own his identity.

He went on to express his love and support for his gay friends, emphasizing that he holds no judgment toward anyone based on their sexuality.

He said, “The worst rumour I have heard about myself was that I am gay. I was shocked to my bones, but I was somehow excited too because I heard that when people start saying those kinds of things, you will blow, so I thought to myself, ‘this must be it’.

“I have a lot of gay friends, and I love them. They are my people so I know their sexuality.

“I love them to death and I have nothing against them whatsoever. But I’m not going to agree to what I’m not just because to some people they are a certain type of people. For me, let God judge.

“If it is my sexuality, I would own it. I’ll be one of the hottest around.”

Popular Nigerian rapper Panshak Henry Zamani, widely recognized by his stage name Ice Prince, recently opened up about fellow rapper MI Abaga’s significant influence on his musical journey. In a candid interview with Nigerian content creator Isbaeu on the podcast Curiosity Made Me Ask, Ice Prince revealed that MI was instrumental in teaching him the fundamentals of rap and shaping him into the artist he is today.

During the conversation, Ice Prince didn’t hold back in expressing his admiration for MI Abaga, whom he referred to as the best rapper in the game. He emphasized that MI not only helped him hone his lyrical skills but also instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and professionalism—qualities that are essential for longevity and success in the competitive music industry.

According to the Kolo crooner, MI’s mentorship, especially during his early years, laid a solid foundation for his growth as a rapper. He described how MI’s guidance went beyond just music, equipping him with the mindset and work ethic necessary to thrive. Referring to MI by one of his popular tracks, Crowd Mentality, Ice Prince underscored the depth of impact MI had on him both personally and professionally.

The heartfelt tribute sheds light on the bond between the two artists and highlights the importance of mentorship and collaboration in the Nigerian music scene.

He said, “I can rap on any beat with any rapper, and I will still stand out. I’m not going to have a wack verse on a song.

“I am not saying other rappers cannot rap, but it cannot be said that I’m wack. I was brought up by the best, shout out to MI Abaga.

“I rapped with him for years. He is my big brother, and he taught me well.” 

Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has formally introduced his fiancée, Edo State lawmaker Honourable Natasha Osawaru, to the Idoma traditional leadership and his hometown community.

The introduction ceremony occurred on Monday, April 21, 2025, during the Idoma Nation Peace and Unity Symposium at the Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo.

According to the Daily Post, 2Baba, dressed in traditional Idoma attire, presented Natasha to His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma V, and gathered kinsmen.

Following the palace ceremony, the couple traveled to Okpokwu, 2Baba’s ancestral hometown in Benue State, where they met with local elders and community members.

The legendary singer reaffirmed his commitment to Natasha and sought the elders’ blessing for the union with the former Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly.

2Baba described Osawaru as a young, brilliant, and remarkable woman and expressed his heartfelt intention to marry her.

Afrobeat sensation David Adeleke, better known as Davido, has shared his intentions to venture into the film industry, with multiple investments planned for this year.
During a recent conversation with content creator Darryl, Davido revealed that filmmaking has always been his passion and that he might have chosen a career in film if he hadn’t pursued music.
He also mentioned that his studies in business marketing equipped him with the skills needed to take on a wider role within the entertainment world. “I studied business marketing, so I would have still been in the entertainment space if I wasn’t singing, but probably more behind the scenes,” Davido said.

The ‘Awuke’ singer noted that he is currently working on a number of creative projects with his longtime music video director, Dammy Twitch.

“I am investing in a couple of films this year. Shout-out to my director, Dammy Twitch. We have some ideas, series coming. The film space right now in Africa is going bankrupt. So, we are definitely going to tap into that,” he said.

Alongside film production, Davido also expressed an interest in acting. He noted that he has already showcased his acting skills in a number of his music videos.

“I can also act. I can act for real. I act in my music videos. I acted in music videos like ‘Jowo’, ‘Nwa Baby’,” he noted.

The announcement follows the release of Davido’s fifth studio album, 5ive. The 17-track project, which was released on Friday, features collaborations with both international and Nigerian artists such as Chris Brown, Omah Lay, Victony, Victoria Monét, Becky G, and Shensea.
This new album comes after his 2023 project Timeless, which debuted at number one on Billboard’s World Albums Chart.