Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, has been ranked No. 1 on the Billboard Year-End U.S. Afrobeats Artists Chart.

‘Calm Down’ crooner, Rema took the second spot while Tems, Cameroonian diva, Libianca, and Wizkid are placed third, fourth and fifth, respectively.

Ayra Starr, CKay, Asake, Davido and Oxlade complete the top 10 in the list released on Tuesday evening via Billboard website.

Meanwhile, Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ remix featuring Selena Gomez topped the Billboard Year-End U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, Libianca’s ‘People’ and Tems’ ‘Free Mind’ ranked at number 2 and three, respectively.

Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ featuring Tems and Justin Bieber, and Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ complete the top 5.

Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ also finished No. 1 on Billboard’s 2023 Pop Airplay & Rhythmic Airplay year-end chart, and No. 6 on the Hot 100 Year End 2023 chart.

Popular Nigerian musician, Crown Uzama, a.k.a Shallipopi, has spoken about the immense wealth in the music industry.

The music star in his interview with Pop Central TV, stated that the wealth in the industry cannot be understood.

While likening the money earned through music to that of the one made from rituals, he noted that even if he were to stop making music, the songs he has already released would continue to generate income for him.

“There is too much money in music that you can never understand at all. Music money is like a ritual.

“Even if you are an artist that just came out one month, provided your song is just big, don’t worry.

“So for me now, I no dey balance anything because I know that music will not stop; even if I stop singing, the songs that I have dropped will continue to give me money.”

Shallipopi rose to fame after releasing his first single titled ‘Elon Musk’.

Popular Yoruba actress, Omowunmi Ajiboye has denied an alleged romantic relationship with MC Oluomo.

This is coming after netizens called out the actress for not giving her estranged husband, Segun Ogungbe due respect at her mother’s funeral over the weekend.

It was rumoured that MC Oluomo sponsored Wunmi’s mother’s funeral.

However, reacting to the allegations in an Instagram post on Monday, Wunmi denied having an affair with MC Oluomo, but admitted that he supported her financially for the burial.”

I need to clear the air, I am a virtuous and hardworking woman and I wouldn’t allow my tenacity, name and my truth to be robbed.

“I had sealed it with the King of Fuji Music independently years before my mother’s burial party and as a norm after the birth of a group called CGI (Connecting Grassroots Initiatives) I had to officially invite the pioneer of the group in person of MC Oluomo.

“I can categorically say that I have never had a romantic relationship with him prior or during the party. The philanthropist gave me money to support in the presence of the committee a day to the party.

“Everything I have done single handedly is always tagged to him and somehow robs me of my hard work. I have been quiet for a long time but I’m boldly saying that I don’t have any romantic relationship with him and this does not cancel the fact that he has been a good person to me.

“I am Omowunmi Ajiboye, I will never be bullied into silence. Let God judge me if I lie, but If this is really my truth, may God bless me more, amen.”

Reality TV star and singer, Hazel Oyeze Onou popularly known as Whitemoney, has said his latest song, ‘Oyoyo’ deserves a Grammy.

According to the BBNaija Season 6 winner, ‘Oyoyo’ is currently the “biggest song” in Eastern Nigeria.

Speaking in a recent interview, Whitemoney said, “My latest single, Oyoyo, is at the moment the biggest song in the East. That track deserves a Grammy, and this is not me capping; rather, I am just stating the fact.”

The singer also revealed during the interview that he is also pushing for a career in Nollywood.

“I believe I have the ability, talent and charisma to be a top Nollywood superstar. I have a couple of movies in the works. Before the end of the year, they would hit the cinemas,” he said.

Grammy organisers recently created a Best African Music Performance category in which Davido and Musa Keys’ ‘Unavailable’, Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush’ Burna Boy’s ‘City Boys’, Asake and Olamide’s ‘Amapiano’ and Tyla’s ‘Water’ made the inaugural nominations for the 2024 edition of the award.

Nigerian star Burna Boy now has a Billboard Music Award to add to his growing collection.

The singer, who won his first Grammy earlier this year, has been named the best Afrobeats act by Billboard in the US.

“This is dedicated to Africa and every artist coming out of Africa now,” he said accepting the award on Sunday.

Billboard is the latest body to add an Afrobeats category, reflecting the genre’s huge global popularity.

Speaking in a recorded video message, Burna Boy said “the future’s bright… This is just the tip of the iceberg but you’re gonna see the whole vision soon”.

Fellow Nigerian artist Rema was also recognised at the event with a gong for his near-ubiquitous song Calm Down, which has smashed multiple streaming and chart records.

Accepting the award for best Afrobeats song on Sunday, Rema thanked his fans and called the prize “a celebration of unity and the global domination of Afrobeats”.

Popular Nigerian musician, Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, a.k.a Mayorkun has disclosed why he decided not to reveal his mother’s identity for years.

Mayorkun, who stated this during a chat with Taymesan on Saturday, explained that the reason was because he didn’t want to be treated with favouritism anywhere.

Speaking in a viral clip on the internet, the singer noted that when he was at the university, he never made it known that his mother, actress Toyin Adewale was a popular movie star.

“Growing up, my brother and I didn’t like the fact that our mom was a popular actress because we wanted freedom, but with her fame came fake attention and all.

“I hated being treated differently, not because you like me but because I am Toyin Adewale’s son.

“Even in my university, people didn’t know she was my mother for four years. I was intentional about this.

“My mum brought food to me at school once, and a girl saw her. I quickly ran to her to get what she came with just so no one else saw her.”

Popular singer, Charles Chibuezechukwu, aka Crayon, has revealed that he was addicted to illicit substances for years.

He said he gave up the addiction after Mavin Records producer and CEO of Blowtime Imprint, Babyfresh, who discovered his talent, advised him to stop.

The ‘Ngozi’ crooner said he no longer ingest any illicit substance despite being rich and famous.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Crayon wrote, “Bro I used to do drugs back in the days in Ojo name it!!! Trams? My highest na 700 milligram! Skushi’s from ele! 2 big ragolis me and my guys!! Emzolyn I dey pop raw 2 bottles !!! Ref!!! But I no do ice shaaa!! And I no smoke igbo sha me I get sense!!

“Babyfresh picked me up from the slums. He said you gats stop all those things I did!! All glory to God! I did!! Now I don’t smoke or do those things any more!!! Upon all the money wey I get!! I’m chilled!!”

Famous Afrobeat musician, Davido has disclosed why he created ‘Are We African Yet? (AWAY) Festival.

Davido, in a trending interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, stated that he created the festival to provide a platform for upcoming artistes.

“Why I want to do this is because when I was going out in America and I hear a song, I am like, ‘this is an African song.

“So I was excited and told my friends that this is a young guy that is coming up. I hit the young guy up that I was in the club last night and they played your song. He was like, no way!

“So I want to give those types of people the opportunity to come every year, at different times to perform.”

Famous Nigerian singer, Divine Ikubor, aka Rema, has finally addressed allegations that he used “satanic/Illuminati” symbols while performing on stage at his headline concert at London’s 02 Arena, on November 14, 2023.

Rema sold out the 20,000-capacity 02 Arena on Tuesday, joining Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Asake as the only Africans to sell out the world’s busiest music arena.

However, reacting via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Edo-born superstar explained that the artificial horse he rode on stage with was a replica of a Benin artifact, and the mask he wore was a replica of the famous Queen Idia mask.

The artificial bat he rode on stage during his second appearance was said to be a homage to the bats that dot the Edo night sky.

Sharing a clip from his controversial concert, Rema wrote, “RAVAGE UPRISING/ My Ancestors bronzes sit in the museum of this very city, so I remade mine. Hence, Edo is redefined, the map reshaped, your minds awakened & the mask reborn. Thank you London! 🦇🇬🇧”

Some fans, who attended the show accused Rema of satanism on social media, saying he used “Illuminati” symbols.

Meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has congratulated Rema on his sold-out concert at London’s 02 Arena.

He said the people of the state are proud of Rema, “especially his personification of the Edo heritage.”

On his X handle, Obaseki wrote, “We are indeed proud of the enigma of @heisrema and what he has come to represent, especially his personification of the Edo heritage. We applaud his genius and celebrate him as he takes the world stage by storm.”

American rapper Meek Mill has said he might relocate to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in a bid to quit smoking.

Emirati laws prohibit smoking in public.

Meek Mill said he was diagnosed of emphysema, and was advised by his doctor to stop smoking to avoid cutting his life short.

He stated this while reacting to the news of colleague, Snoop Dogg quiting smoking.

He stated this while reacting to the news of colleague, Snoop Dogg quiting smoking.

On his X handle, Mill wrote, “Ima go to Dubai and completely stop smoking… Ima follow Snoop, my doctor said I got a lil bit emphysema in a chest if I don’t stop smoking it cuts my lifeline in half.

“I was addicted to the nicotine and this new weed got too many chemicals and too risky to play with my mental!”

Cassie, the estranged girlfriend of famous American rapper and music executive, Sean Combs, aka Diddy, has accused him of rape, and about a decade-long physical abuse.

The singer, who was formerly signed to Diddy’s record label, in a suit filed in Federal District Court in Manhattan, accused him of plying her with drugs, beating her, and forcing her to have sex with a succession of male prostitutes while he filmed the encounters.

The suit added that in 2018, near the end of their relationship, Diddy forced his way into her home and raped her.

However, Diddy’s counsel, Ben Brafman said the rapper “vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations.”

He said Cassie had earlier demanded $30 million from his client as a bribe for her not to write a book about their relationship, “which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail.”

He said despite withdrawing her initial threat, Cassie – whose real name is Casandra Ventura – has “resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’s reputation and seeking a payday.”

Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has terminated the contract of his road manager, Adeseyan ‘Stelliza’ Oluwatosin, over alleged financial misappropriation.

In a statement signed by his legal team and shared on his Instagram page, Portable announced that he had parted ways with his road manager.

The singer accused Oluwatosin of unethical industry practices, which he claimed would pose a risk to his business interests and the reputation of his record label, Zeh Nation.

“This public notice serves as an official statement on the termination of all business relationships between the CEO of Zeh Nation, Okikiola Badmus [Portable] and Ms. Adeseyan Adedoyin Oluwatosin a.k.a Stelliza in her capacity as the road manager to Portable and Zeh Nation,” the letter reads in part.

“This decision comes as a result of Stelliza’s financial misappropriations and unethical industry practices, which poses significant risks to the business interests, global image, and industry reputation of Portable and Zeh Nation.

“Stelliza’s lack of transparency, integrity, and respect for ethical business practices have breached the trust placed upon her as a Manager and also jeopardized the financial stability of our Artiste and his label.

“For any inquiries regarding future businesses, please direct your correspondences to the named Manager on the bios of the singer’s verified handles.”‍

Portable hit the limelight in December 2021 after he released ‘Zazoo Zeh’.

Russian-born Nigerian actress and content creator, Fari Elysian has recounted how she lost three of her acquaintances to failed Brazilian Butt Lift surgeries.

She said they died as a result of complications they suffered after undergoing butt lift surgeries.

Speaking in a recent episode of The Time podcast hosted by Victoria Gure and Folasade Abimbola, Fari the experience was a difficult one for her.

She said: “We just started short films, Afro Tales, whereby in every episode we give people different stories; stories that everybody can relate to.

“Also being a position whereby I lost three women that I knew because of BBL [Brazilian Butt Lift]. And it wasn’t a funny feeling. You know somebody and the next thing you hear is that she had a complication, she couldn’t walk and then she died. Different cases. So, I had to going into it [BBL] deeper. We had to write a story about that. And we did one episode of Afro Tales that was about BBL.”

On how she met Don Jazzy, she said the Mavin Records CEO responded to her messages on social media after one year.

“Don Jazzy featured in my skit but nobody knows that he responded to me after one year after my video went viral and he saw it. And before we could shoot, it took him another four months before created time for me. But Don Jazzy, baba don try for me,” she said.

Nigerian musician Oladipupo Oladimeji popularly known as ‘Oladips’ is dead.

Oladips died on Tuesday, a post by his management announced on his official Instagram page on Wednesday.

“We are saddened to inform the general public that Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji aka OLADIPS has passed away yesterday Nov 14th Tuesday evening, at exactly 10:14pm. We are still in shock as we speak!,” the statement reads.

The statement added that “for over two years he has kept his battles within himself, his body is now with his family & funeral services will be announced as soon as it is concluded!”

This comes barely months after another artiste, Ilerioluwa Aloba, otherwise known as Mohbad, died in a controversial circumstance and police are still investigating the death.

Popular singer, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, simply known as Iyanya, has revealed why he is monogamous.

According to him, dating multiple women is “expensive”.

He stated this while appearing in the latest episode of the Doyin’s Corner podcast hosted by reality star, Doyinsola Anuoluwapo David.

Iyanya said, “I have priorities. I am too busy. Cheating is expensive.”

Doyin inferred: “Is it? Sure, it is. To maintain one girl is expensive talk more of multiple women.”

The reality show star added that personally, she can’t accept N10,000 from a man, emphasizing that her partner needs to gift her money in dollars.

Veteran Nollywood actor Usman Pategi, popularly known as Samanja, has died at 81.

This was revealed by a theatre consultant, Husseini Shaibu, on Sunday via his Facebook page.

The cause of his death is yet unknown.

Shaibu said, “I have been reliably informed that light has dimmed on the veteran actor, Usman Baba Pategi, popularly known as Samanja Mazan Fama.

“The actor, who rode to national prominence in the 80s playing Samanja in the defunct NTA drama series (about the life of soldiers in the barracks), titled ‘Samanja’, reportedly passed on around midnight on Sunday.

“The last time I saw Samanja was in Lagos in 2019 when he was awarded the Fellowship of Theatre Arts (fta) by the Israel Eboh-led National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners.”

Some actors also took to the post’s comment section to pay tribute to the deceased.

Okey Ogunjiofor said, “The Legends who made our early days sweet are departing gradually. May his soul rest in peace”.

Pategi was born on May 20, 1942, into the royal house of Pategi Emirate in Pategi, Northern Nigeria.

He is the son of Etsu Usman Patako, the late King of Pategi.

The popular actor, writer, and director starred in the popular Hausa films known as Samanja, Yusuf’s Ladan’s Zaman, Duniya Iyawa Ne and all.

Mr Pategi gained popularity in the movie Samanja by mixing Hausa, English and pidgin English.