Billboard has released its highly anticipated list of the Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time with 2Face’s “African Queen” ranked as the number one Best Afrobeats song. The list curated by Billboard staff has Wizkid as the only artist with double entries in the top 10, with “Ojuelegba” at number 2 and “Essence” featuring Tems at number 5. Other notable artists in the top 10 include Rema with “Calm Down” at number 4, Favour with “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” at number 3, and CKay with “Love Nwantiti” at number 6.The list is dominated by Nigerian artists, but Ghanaian stars Fuse ODG and Sarkodie also made appearances with “Azonto” featuring Itz Tiffany at number 18 and “Adonai” featuring Castro at number 19, respectively. Yemi Alade is the highest-ranked female lead artist on the list with “Johnny” at number 15. Other notable songs in the top 20 include Styl-Plus’ “Olufunmi” at number 11, 9ice’s “Gongo Aso” at number 12, and P-Square’s “Do Me” at number 13. The top 20 list also features songs from Wande Coal, Phyno, and Davido, showcasing the diversity and richness of Afrobeats music.

It has been five months since their last heated online spat, but on Wednesday, Wizkid reignited his long-standing beef with his contemporary, Davido, on his X account.

It is the second time in 2024 that Wizkid would initiate a spat and throw jabs at his much-perceived ‘industry rival,’ Davido.

 

The fresh trouble began in September when Wizkid announced he had a special announcement for Independence Day (October 1). Shortly afterwards, Davido also promised a significant announcement for the same date. The overlapping announcements stirred excitement, tension and banter among the duo’s intimidating fan bases.

As promised, Davido shared a teaser of a new track in a Tuesday Instagram post, captioning it, “New song loading. Happy Independence, Nigeria.”

 

Later on Tuesday night, Wizkid seemingly threw shades at the snippet, tweeting on X, “Beg me, just like… Pus** boys are dropping mids again! Una don tyre! Make una go rest small!”. This was interpreted as a direct swipe at Davido’s latest work.

The drama escalated when Davido’s creative director and close friend Tycoone @BlackTyconne posted a prompting tweet on 1 October, “Tell your daddy to drop now.” This was widely seen as a subtle jab at Wizkid.

A staunch Wizkid fan, Dr. Fab on X responded, telling Tycoone to “say please.” Wizkid then reposted this exchange, further aggravating the issue.

Fans got involved. An X user, El Pablito, responded to Wizkid’s “dropping mids” comment in Yoruba, stating, “won o ni soprano, won o ni treble,” meaning “they don’t have soprano, they don’t have treble.”

Wizkid’s response to this was even more damning, giving Davido the new nickname “Frogido.” He further taunted, “80 trash! We have 80 albums for any song you drop! Pus** boys!”

Zero talent

While Wizkid’s fans have been eagerly anticipating the release of his upcoming album, Morayo, critics viewed his recent tweets as a promotional strategy.

A fan of the 33-year-old music star, Dr. Fab, tweeted, “Wiz at this point, anytime you like, you drop the album. Na dem need us.” Wizkid responded, “Bingos got nothing on Starboy General!! till infinity.”

When further asked by another user, Andrew McKnight, “So if you no beef @davido, your song won’t sell??” Wizkid responded tough, “I don’t beef wack niggas! We all know he (Davido) is wack! No talent!”

On Wednesday, hours after his series of tweets, he posted on his Instagram story to reaffirm his “biggest bird” title, adding that he is dedicating a track from his upcoming ‘Morayo’ album to someone many interpreted to be Davido.

Despite Wizkid’s regular “more love, less ego” messages, his comments about Davido reignited this long-standing feud, drawing criticism and support online.

As of this report, Davido has yet to respond directly as he did in April. That same Tuesday night, he chose to continue the X drama instead.

Earlier on Tuesday, Wizkid was spotted in Paris with American model Naomi Campbell at a Chanel fashion show and his ‘Piece of My Heart’ single listening party. However, this didn’t stop him from throwing subtle shade at Davido before the day ended.

Reactions

The renewed feud ignited by Wizkid has captured the attention of fans and celebrities, continuing to stir controversy and fascination.

Popular OAP Dotun expressed his exhaustion of beef of the situation in an X post, stating, “This is the longest rivalry in the history of Nigerian entertainment. We are tired!”

Similarly, controversial critic Daniel Regha voiced his thoughts on Wizkid’s comments about Davido being a “wack” and “talentless” artiste. The famous critic argued, “Wizkid wouldn’t be where he is today without Davido,” adding that their rivalry keeps Wizkid “relevant.” He criticised Wizkid’s work, saying, “Wizkid, who has just about 3 to 4 hit songs so far, is calling other artists mids? Aside from his first album, no project stands out.”

Regha also called out the double standards of Wizkid’s fanbase, stating, “Same people who condemn body-shaming and racial discrimination are okay with Wizkid calling someone ‘Frogido’.” He ended by questioning why Wizkid sees Davido as a rival if he genuinely believes Davido is without talent. Someone big doesn’t need to remind the public of their status.”

Background

If you recall,in April feud between the music stars was relived when Wizkid shared a leaked video of Davido appearing to beg on his knees. He used the video to mock Davido and suggest his fans needed to beg for new music in the same way. This provocation caused a stir on social media, drawing reactions from fans and other artistes like Kizz Daniel and Tekno.

In response, Davido lashed out at Wizkid, claiming his music was “no longer relevant” and boasting about his hits and success. He stated that he had overshadowed Wizkid and others since entering the industry. Davido also expressed disappointment that their planned joint tour was now cancelled while dismissively “mocking” Wizkid’s stature and career.

Wizkid replied by doubling down on his criticism of Davido, dismissing his talent and calling Davido “delusional.” He also made scathing remarks about Davido’s team, further escalating the tensions.

Unfortunately, the duo’s rivalry seemed to improve in 2017 when Wizkid invited Davido to perform his hit “Fia” with him at his concert at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos and settled their beef.

The music stars were also spotted hugging each other and exchanging pleasantries at a club in Lagos in 2022. They were also seen again in December 2023, having fun and vibing to their music at a Lagos club.

With Wizkid starting this new shade, it appears that all hopes of reconciliation or collaboration between the duo are soon quenched.

Legendary Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu is dead. 

She reportedly died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli. Onyeka Onwenu,was 72 years.

Born on January 31, 1952, she died at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at a birthday celebration for Mrs. Stella Okoli, the founder of Emzor pharmaceutical company.

Onwenu had performed at the event, which was held to mark Okoli’s 80th birthday.

Witnesses initially thought her collapse was a prank, but sadly, it was confirmed that the music icon had indeed passed away.

“I have never seen anything like this before. She had just come down from the stage after performing energetically and admirably as always. And went to her seat where she slumped. It is still like a dream.”

Another eyewitness said: “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today, and after performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it.”

As at the time of going to press, TheNiche reliably gathered that even the doctors were in disbelief and are yet to take her body to the morgue.

Another source who was among the people that rushed her to the hospital said, “Apparently, she had a heart attack. The doctor has advised that the body should be kept until later this morning. It is unbelievable.”

Onyeka was a singer, songwriter, actress, human rights and social activist, journalist, politician, and former X Factor series judge.

Dubbed the “Elegant Stallion” by the Nigerian press, she is a former chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.

In 2013 she was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.

Onwenu hailed from Arondizuogu, a town in Ideato North, Imo State, but was raised in Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State.

She was the youngest daughter of Nigerian educationist and politician D. K. Onwenu, who died when she was four years old in an autocrash a week before his appointment as Minister for Education, leaving his widow, Hope, to raise five children alone.

Onwenu possessed a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, and an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, New York.

She worked for the United Nations as a tour guide before returning to Nigeria in 1980 to complete her mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), in Lagos, Nigeria.

As an NTA employee, Onwenu made an impact as a newsreader and reporter. In 1984, she wrote and presented the internationally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches,” which became the definitive film about corruption in Nigeria, as well as the intractable Niger Delta agitation for resource control and campaign against environmental degradation in the oil rich region of Nigeria.

A former member of the NTA board, she has also worked as a TV presenter, hosting the shows Contact (1988) and Who’s On? (1993) both on NTA Network.

• Music

Originally a secular artist, Onwenu made the transition to gospel music in the 90s, and most of her songs are self-penned. She continued to write and sing about issues such as health (HIV/AIDS), peace and mutual coexistence, respect for women’s rights, and the plight of children.

She began her recording career in 1981 while still with the NTA, releasing the album For the Love of You, a pop album which featured an orchestral cover of Johnny Nash’s “Hold Me Tight”, produced by Berkley Jones. Her second album was Endless Life, produced by Sonny Okosun, and included another cover – the Everley Brothers’ “Walk Right Back”. Both records were released under the EMI label.

Onwenu’s first album with Polygram, In The Morning Light, was released in 1984. Recorded in London, it featured the track “Masterplan” written by close friend Tyna Onwudiwe who had previously contributed to Onwenu’s BBC documentary and subsequently sang back-up vocals on the album.

In 1986, she released One Love which contained an updated version of the song “(In the) Morning Light from the previous album. Another song, “You and I”, was re-recorded for the 2001 film Conspiracy starring Nkem Owoh and Onwenu herself.

For the 1988 album Dancing In The Sun, Onwenu adopted a more Afrocentric sound and collaborated with veteran jùjú artist Sunny Ade on the track “Madawolohun (Let Them Say)”. This was the first of three songs the pair worked on together; the other two – “Choices” and “Wait For Me” – centred on family planning, and were endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria who used “Choices” in their PSA.

Dancing In The Sun, Onwenu’s final release on Polygram, was dedicated to Winnie Mandela, the subject of a song of the same name which Onwenu performed live when Nelson Mandela and his wife visited Nigeria in 1990 following his release from prison.

Onwenu diverted to Benson and Hedges Music in 1992 and released the self-titled Onyeka!, her only album with the label, after which she made the transition to Christian/gospel music. Her latest collection, “Inspiration for Change,” focused on the need for an attitudinal change in Nigeria.

• Acting

Onwenu’s first movie role was as Joke, a childless woman who adopts an abandoned baby in Zik Zulu Okafor’s Nightmare.

She has since featured in numerous Nollywood movies, and in 2006 she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in the movie “Widow’s Cot”. She was also nominated that same year for Africa Movie Academy Award for “Best Actress in a Leading Role” in the movie “Rising Moon”.

In 2014 she was in the movie Half of a Yellow Sun with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandiwe Newton, and Lion Heart (2018).

• Politics

Onwenu was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. She contested twice to become the Local Council Chairman of her Local Government, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, and lost at both attempts but was appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former governor Ikedi Ohakim. On September 16, 2013, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan appointed her the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.

• Activism

In 2000, Onwenu protested against her former employer NTA over their refusal to pay royalties on her songs (NTA 2 Channel 5 had used “Iyogogo”, a track from the Onyeka! album, in station idents without asking her permission). After then-director general Ben Murray-Bruce blacklisted her from transmission, she embarked on a hunger strike outside the station’s premises.

Onwenu’s activism attracted widespread support from various artists, including Charly Boy, who lambasted Nigeria’s reluctance to pay royalties when songs are broadcast on television and radio. NTA resolved to settle the issue amicably but denied barring Onwenu from appearing on their channels.

The protest was called off after six days when Onwenu and NTA came to an arrangement regarding royalties.

 

See pictures from Onyeka Onwenu’s last performance below

 

Ahead of the upcoming AFRIMA 2025 Adjudication Process, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in partnership with the African Union has appointed new music experts to join its International Jury panel, even as excitement continues to build toward this year’s edition of the continent’s biggest music event.

The three new Jury members are: Marwane Fachane who represents Morocco (Northern Africa), Asma Lucy Ilado from Kenya (Eastern Africa), and Messie Mboukou sitting in for Congo Brazzaville (Central Africa). Their appointment is in line with the operational model of the Jury structure as part of AFRIMA’s effort to make sure that the judging process remains professional, fair, and reflects Africa’s rich cultural diversity.

Fachabe, Ilado, and Mboukou bring years of experience in music, culture, and youth development to their role on the 14-Man AFRIMA Jury. They will help choose the best musical talents from across Africa and the diaspora, ensuring that only the most deserving artists are nominated and awarded.

Marwane Fachane, Executive Director of the Hiba Foundation, leads the people and strategy at one of Morocco’s top creative and cultural organisations. The Foundation supports young people in the creative industry and helps them build careers in music, film, and other art forms. Speaking about his new role, Fachane said, “I’m honoured to be part of AFRIMA’s jury. This platform is key to celebrating African talent and showing the world what our continent can offer.” He also noted that African creativity is growing fast and deserves to be supported and promoted on global platforms.

Young and vibrant, Messie Mboukou is a well-known executive in music communication, events, and digital media, and has supported several African artistes in the diaspora and on the continent through his France-based consulting agency. He has also helped organise over 1,000 events around the world.

Mboukou said, “It’s a privilege to be part of AFRIMA. I believe Africa’s greatest wealth is in its youth and culture. If we support young talent and work together, the future will be even brighter.” He promised to contribute to a fair judging process that strengthens the beauty of African music.

Asma Lucy Ilado, a respected journalist and cultural development consultant, also labels herself as a culture advocate. In her remarks upon her appointment, Ilado paid glowing tributes to former AFRIMA Juror and fellow Kenyan, the legendary producer Tabu Osusa. She also paid tributes to the late Ghanaian Music Executive, Rab Bakari, who served on the AFRIMA Jury (2014-2016). Ilado stated she was looking forward excitedly to discovering new voices and talents across the continent during the Adjudication Process. It is her belief that ‘although African music is full of energy and promise, more investment is still needed in key areas like distribution, production, training, and rights protection’.

Famous Lagos chieftain of the NURTW, Ganiyu Oyedepo, better known by his street name, Kokozaria, has been sent to jail for allegedly assaulting Nollywood actor Ade Adele, aka Lawori. The controversial personality was accused of conspiring with his boys at a party in Idimu, Lagos, on June 25 to harm the Nollywood actor Lawori. According to the court documents making the rounds online, one of Kokozaria's boys smashed the head of Lawori with a bottle and stabbed him with broken pieces. The report stated that Kokozaria was charged to court on four counts of assault occasioned with harm, Conspired to commit Felony to wit, procured boys to inflict harm on another and a conscious breach of peace. Koko Zaria reacts to reports of his incarceration After the reports about his arrest went viral, Kokozaria took to his social media handle to share a video of himself dancing with one of his daughters. In another video, some artisans were heard hailing and praying for the NURTW chieftain while noting that his enemies would only try but would never be able to catch him. However, according to reports reaching Legit.ng from an anonymous source, it was revealed that Kokozaria is currently not in Nigeria and had fled to the United States days before the court asked that he be remanded in jail. The source also claimed that Kokozaria is currently facing persecution because he is no longer MC Oluomo's errand boy. 

Controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye popularly know as Bobrisky has been sentenced to 6-month jail term by Justice A.O Awogboro of the Federal high court, Ikoyi,without the option of fine.

The judgement was handed on Friday 12th April,2024.

If you recall,on 5th of April, Bobrisky was arraigned and charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for abuse of the Naira note and money laundering.The Court however,dismissed the money laundering case but convicted him for naira abuse,after pleading guilty.He was ordered to be detained in EFCC's custody after the case was adjourned to 9th April but couldn't sit until Friday 12th April,due to the long Eid el Fitr holiday.

Released on November 22,2023,the album features 16 remarkable tracks, including collaborations with Brent Faiyaz, Asake, Jasmine Sullivan, Anaïs Cardot, and Tiakola.

The album was preceded by two singles, “Piece of My Heart” featuring Brent Faiyaz and “Kese (Dance)”, both of which shattered Spotify Nigeria’s streaming records for highest opening day streams.

“Kese” accumulated an impressive 1.5 million streams, surpassing the previous record of 1.016M held by “Piece of My Heart”.

He now occupies the top four spots on the list of top 10 songs with the biggest first-day streams on Spotify Nigeria.

 

Controversial former  Miss South Africa contestant, Chidimma Adetshina, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 after emerging as the winner over 24 other contestants.

It will be recalled that Adetshina formally withdrew from the  Miss South Africa 2024 pageant after advancing to the final stage, citing concerns from some South Africans about her nationality, as they questioned her connection to the country.

Adetshina, who has her roots traced to Enugu State but contested the beauty pageant as Miss Taraba, was announced as the winner at the grand finale in Lagos on Saturday.

The organisers had earlier announced that this year’s winner would receive N10 million in cash, along with other prizes, and would represent the nation at the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico on 16 November.

Chidimma was born in 2001 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto to a Nigerian father of Igbo descent from Enugu State and a Mozambican mother who had become a naturalised South African citizen.

Alhaji Wasiu Omo Gbolahan Olasunkami Adewale Ayinde is a man of destiny, focused and passionate about what he wants.

Or, what do you call a man, who rose from the streets of Isale Eko chasing his dreams to be a musician highly insipired by Islamic beliefs before trying out as an actor and then going back fully to Fuji, a genre of music that has blessed him and vice-versa.

Over the years, the princely singer from the Fidipote family has remained focused with his eyes firm on the crystal balls.

Despite his royal status, the Ijebu people, humanity, building bridges and indeed the entertainment industry have been the better for it as he remains one of the biggest act from Africa as at today.

KWAM 1 or K1- de Ultimate as many love to call him, loves his root - the Yoruba people - and undoubtedly, he loves his Ijebu root more and that’s why he has moved back home for about a decade.

Since moving back to Ijebu, he has established businesses and continues helping the development of the land.

Little wonder, the Awujale of Ijebuland, the highly respected Monarch, sees KWAM 1's efforts and contribution to the growth of the revered Ijebuland and decided to reward him by bestowing upon him the important title of Olori Omo Oba - a position formerly occupied by banking doyen Otunba Subomi Balogun until his demise.

Alhaji Wasiu is 67 today in good health and we pray his tenure is peaceful and brings progress.

Long May you live Olori Omo Oba

Long May you live Awujale

Long May Ijebu prosper

Seun Oloketuyi
Is the producer of Awujale biopic

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the arrest of controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, at the Seme border in Lagos State.

The border town, located near Badagry on the Lagos-Cotonou coastal route, is a major crossing point between Nigeria and Benin Republic. Bobrisky was reportedly attempting to leave Nigeria when immigration officials apprehended him.

In a statement released on Monday evening, the NIS announced that Bobrisky was arrested for allegedly attempting to “flee Nigeria” and is currently undergoing interrogation. The agency further revealed that he would be handed over to the “appropriate authorities for further action.”

The NIS statement read: “The Service wishes to inform the public that OKUNEYE IDRIS is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern. He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action. The Service assures the public that it will continue to be civil and professional in its statutory responsibility of manning the country’s borders.”

Bobrisky has been at the center of controversy recently, following leaked audio recordings in which he allegedly admitted to bribing his way out of prison with the help of a “Godfather” and having a money laundering case dropped by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The celebrity crossdresser denied the claims, calling them “fake” and threatening legal action against VeryDarkMan for defamation.

Bobrisky, is currently in detention at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos State, where he spent the night in a cell at the police facility.

A source, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, said further directives were being awaited regarding Okuneye’s case, adding that he was taken to the FCID for safekeeping following his arrest by officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service during his attempt to exit the country through the Seme border.

The source said, “Bobrisky was brought to the FCID, Alagbon, around 10 p.m. on Monday. Immigration arrested him at Seme Boarder and brought him for safekeeping.

“He is in detention at the FCID, Alagbon. He was arrested on Sunday, detained overnight, and taken to the FCID, Alagbon, around 10 pm on Monday. He is still at the FCID.”

 

Award-winning film director and producer, Bolanle Austen-Peters, has unveiled her 10,000-acre BAP film village in Epe, Lagos State.

She now joins prominent filmmakers such as Kunle Afolayan and Ibrahim Chatta who also own film villages in Nigeria. Kunle  Afolayan launched his Kunle Afolayan Productions (KAP) Film Villag

and Resort in Igbojaye, Oke Ogun, Oyo State, in 2022, while Ibrahim Chatta introduced his Africhatta Film Village in Oyo town in 2023.

The 55-year-old filmmaker, who is the founder and artistic director of BAP Productions, made this revelation in a recent post on her verified X account.

Austen-Peters disclosed that her latest Netflix film, House of GA’A, was shot at the film village.

She further revealed that the film village is open for commercial purposes such as recreation and film productions.

She wrote, “So many have asked where we shot House of GA’A. This is it! BAP Productions Film Village in Epe. Over 10,000 acres of land, rolling hills, huts, and other facilities. Open for biz to film makers and excursions.

“This what we started with, greenery, dense forestation, when we went the first time. Everything was just this large expanse of land and then I called Bisola. I wanted to give woman a chance. She had never done anything like this before. But I saw the fire in her eyes'.

A new talents’ show, 'Acapella Challenge',that will give music enthusiasts nationwide,opportunity to break into the big league, has debuted.

In a statement,by the organisers, VocalArt Nigeria, a Lagos-based creative & content firm, "VocalArt challenge is a daring contest,a platform that brings to life and celebrates the under recognized A-capella genre while discovering,rewarding and projecting talented artists within the sphere'.

The contest recently opened to participation and has witnessed impressive interest among wanna be performers who have been sending in entries.The A-capella challenge encourages team work and will create opportunities for young people,to form groups that will sing together throughout their careers.There are no restrictions in the competition either in terms in terms of type of music,age, or linguistic or geographical area.All are welcome.Organisers also aver that participants can either present original music or existing songs as long as they respect copyright rules.

"What matters to us,are factors such as vocal technique,teamwork,musicality,originality,stage presence and overall performance',says the company's website regarding judging criteria.

VocalArt aims to, "create a distinguished talent display platform that would not only be different from existing offering but also deliver a distinctive  and memorable experience'.