Entertainment

2024 MTV Video Music Award: African Music More Than Just Afrobeats – South African Singer, Tyla

Published

10 months ago

September 14, 2024

South African singer, Tyla has sparked a controversy concerning the place of Afrobeats in African music, when she distanced herself from the genre at the just concluded 2024 MTV Video Music Award.

While making her acceptance speech as the winner of the Best Afrobeats Award at MTV VMAs 2024, which held during the week at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, the award-winning singer described her win as ‘just so special but also bittersweet’, because she represents ‘Amapiano,’ not Afrobeats. Tyla added that “African music is so diverse’, and more than just Afrobeats.”

“Thank you. MTV, my team, God, everyone, this is such a big moment for Africa and African music. The global impact that “Water” has had on the world proves African music can also be pop music. This is so special but also bittersweet, because I know there’s a tendency to group African artists under Afrobeats. It’s a thing and though Afrobeats has run things and has opened many doors for us, African music is so diverse, it’s more than just Afrobeats. I come from South Africa. I represent amapiano. I represent my culture. I want to shout out to all the Afrobeats artists in this category with me.”

Her speech on the night, however, has been criticized by popular OAP, Do2dtun,who accused the singer of not aligning with her musical identity “Aunty @tyla a.k.a am not Afrobeats, I am Amapiano. We have heard you but your song ‘Water’ is not Amapiano either. If you thought you were categorized in the wrong category, you should have given the award back or denounced the nomination”, Do2dtun wrote. But is it possible for Tyla to separate herself from being an Afrobeats singer? Your guess is as good as mine. The 22-year-old singer won the award for her major hit “Water” The music video has more than 230 million views on YouTube and almost 800 million streams on Spotify

Entertainment

VIDEO: Tems Performs ‘Love Me Jeje’ At Club World Cup Halftime Show

Published

24 hours ago

July 14, 2025

Editor

Nigerian music star Tems lit up the stage at the Club World Cup final with a stunning performance of her hit single Love Me Jeje during the halftime show at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Draped in a dazzling outfit that blended elegance with Afrocentric flair, Tems took center stage in front of a global audience, bringing her signature vocals and soulful energy to the football spectacle.

The crowd, already buzzing from Chelsea’s commanding 3-0 lead over Paris Saint-Germain, roared with excitement as the Grammy-winning singer delivered a flawless rendition of the nostalgic love anthem.

Love Me Jeje, a reimagining of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic, has become a fan favorite since its release earlier this year, showcasing Tems’ ability to bridge old-school Nigerian vibes with contemporary global sounds.

Social media lit up during and after her performance, with fans praising her stage presence and vocal control, while others hailed the inclusion of an African artist at such a prestigious sporting event.

This marks another milestone for Tems, who continues to rise on the international stage, following recent accolades and collaborations with some of the world’s biggest music acts.

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Entertainment

VIDEO: Fire Guts Actress Iyabo Ojo’s Office

Published

5 days ago

July 9, 2025

Editor

Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo has confirmed that a fire broke out at her office in Lagos on Tuesday evening, destroying parts of the property and several valuables.

The actress shared a video on Instagram showing the aftermath of the blaze—smoke-stained walls, scorched furniture, and charred debris scattered across the staircase and office space.

“This just happened today the 8th of July 2025, around 7pm. My office building caught fire,” she wrote.

Ojo praised the Nigerian Fire Service for their swift response, which helped contain the flames before they could cause further damage.

“Thank you to the Nigerian Fire service and my staff for salvaging what was left. Thankfully no lives were lost. The devil tested us today but God said no.

“With God on my side we will bounce back bigger and better,” she added.

She also thanked her team, describing the experience as shocking but expressing relief that no one was hurt.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

This incident comes just months after a similar tragedy struck fellow actress Mercy Aigbe, whose Lagos home was destroyed by fire in December 2024.

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Entertainment

Tiwa Savage Shares Emotional Moment With Son

Published

1 week ago

July 7, 2025

Editor

Afrobeats sensation, Tiwa Savage, has opened up about the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood, describing it as both challenging and deeply fulfilling.

In a heartfelt video shared via her Instagram story, the award-winning singer shared a touching experience involving her son, Jamil Balogun. Tiwa revealed that after scolding him for misbehaving, she was taken aback by his quiet response.

“I expected him to be upset. But instead, he came to sit beside me on the couch, just seeking comfort.”

ALSO READ:Tiwa Savage Inspires Fans With Honesty, Strength As A Single Mother

The moment, Tiwa explained, reminded her of the deep emotional connection between a mother and her child, and how those little gestures can make even the toughest parenting moments worthwhile.

“Last night, I was reminded of one of the hardest things about being a mom: you still have to discipline your child and be strict, even when it breaks your heart.

“I’m a very, very strict mother. Everyone knows this. But last night, I went off on him. And this is why he melts my heart so much… I woke up and saw that he had quietly come to sleep next to me. I had slept on the couch, and he still came to lie beside me, my baby. I was shouting earlier… ahhh. Yet he still came close, seeking comfort,” she said.

Tiwa concluded by expressing how, despite the difficulties, motherhood remains the most rewarding experience in her life.

“Being a mother is tough. But it’s also the best feeling in the world,” she added.