Entertainment

Five Things To Watch For At The Grammys

Published

4 months ago

February 1, 2025

It’s a baffling irony that the culture-shifting Beyonce has won more Grammys than anyone, ever, but has yet to attain the holy grail that is winning for Album of the Year.

At Sunday’s 67th edition of music’s top awards ceremony, the megastar has yet another chance to take home the prize — but in a packed field of no-skips albums, who will ultimately win the night’s top trophies is anyone’s guess.

Here’s a guide to Sunday’s gala in Los Angeles:

– Is it finally Beyonce’s year? –

The Grammys have long faced criticism that they’re too white and too male.

In recent years, the Recording Academy, which organizes the show, has made efforts to improve on that shortcoming, including by diversifying its voting membership.

Those efforts seem to have yielded some progress: the past few galas have proven historic for women in the major, all-genre categories as well as in fields where they were routinely sidelined, like rock.

But a stark truth remains: a Black woman has not won Album of the Year in this century.

The last to do so was Lauryn Hill, in 1999. Before her, Whitney Houston won in 1994, and Natalie Cole in 1992.

With her sprawling, ambitious “Cowboy Carter” that underscored the rich history of Black artists in country music, Beyonce is all but daring Grammy voters to snub her once again.

One thing is for sure: Win or lose, Beyonce will dominate the headlines.

– Wildfire relief for LA –

This year’s Grammys ceremony takes place just weeks after deadly wildfires engulfed entire neighborhoods in Los Angeles, shattering the lives of thousands of residents including many in the music industry.

But the Recording Academy decided the show must go on, although it will likely be a more muted affair than usual, with an extra emphasis on raising money for fire relief efforts.

The fires have lent prominence to the Academy’s philanthropic arm MusiCares, which says it has already distributed several million dollars in emergency aid, and which will hold its annual fundraising pre-Grammy gala on Friday — sans red carpet.

– Pop’s breakouts and heavyweights –

It’s a pop star’s world and we’re just living in it: Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX have all enjoyed massive years that place them among Sunday’s top contenders.

Roan and Carpenter in particular are among the favorites to take the prizes for best record and best song, which celebrates songwriting, as well as the coveted prize for best new artist.

And perennial winner Billie Eilish is also a major name to beat in the top categories — the Grammys darling is just 23 but could win a record third Song of the Year trophy.

Despite all of her accolades, Swift — who could win a fifth Album of the Year prize, which would break her own record — has somehow never won Song of the Year, despite receiving persistent praise for her songwriting skills.

She’s lost seven times — and has the chance to finally end that streak.

– A Beatles win? –

The Grammys never disappoint with the head-scratchers: this year, the most puzzling nomination went to The Beatles — yes, those Beatles, the group that broke up more than 50 years ago.

The Record of the Year nomination for “Now and Then” spotlighted the Recording Academy’s ongoing debate on how to handle artificial intelligence.

An AI tool allowed for isolating John Lennon’s vocals from a poor quality demo tape, which were then added to contributions from living Beatles Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, along with 1995 guitar recordings from the late George Harrison.

The track is eligible for a Grammy because the AI was not generative, and the nomination could be a nod from the Academy to the future of production and recording.

If The Beatles win — Grammy voters do love a legacy act — it would be their first time ever scoring that prize, after four failed attempts in their heyday.

– Quincy Jones tribute –

Sunday’s concert gala will include a salute to the singular Quincy Jones, who after Beyonce (32) and the conductor Georg Solti (31) is among the most awarded artists, with 28 career Grammys.

The 91-year-old died in November after ruling the American music industry with a magic touch for well over half-a-century, working with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson.

A jazz musician, composer and tastemaker, Jones’s studio chops and arranging prowess made him a star in his own right — and the Recording Academy is set to honor him as such.

(VANGUARD)

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Entertainment

Mayorkun Praises Davido For Supporting His Sony Music Africa Deal

Published

14 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Editor

Nigerian music star, Mayorkun, has opened up about the vital role Davido played in advancing his career, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his former label boss for helping him secure a major deal with Sony Music Africa.

Mayorkun, who rose to fame under Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) in 2016 and parted ways with the label in 2021, is now signed to Sony Music West Africa. The transition sparked speculations of a possible rift between the two, but Mayorkun has now set the records straight.

In a recent interview with 3Music TV, the “Certified Loner” crooner dispelled the rumours, making it clear that there’s no bad blood between him and Davido.

“Aside from having my label, right now I am also with Sony Africa. Shout out to Davido for that as well, he facilitated the deal,” Mayorkun said.

His revelation not only squashes rumours of a feud but also highlights the ongoing respect and brotherhood between the two artists. It’s a testament to Davido’s influence and unwavering support for those he’s mentored, even after they move on to new opportunities.

Fans have welcomed the news warmly, celebrating the spirit of collaboration, mentorship, and mutual respect that continues to shape the Nigerian music industry.

Entertainment

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

Published

15 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Editor

Afrobeats superstar, Tiwa Savage, has once again won the hearts of fans, not just with her music, but with her honesty and resilience in the face of Nigeria’s tough economic climate. The award-winning singer recently opened up about the everyday challenges she faces as a single mother, showing that even global icons are not exempt from the struggles many Nigerians experience.

In a recent Instagram story, Tiwa shared a lighthearted video from a content creator about seeking loans from different banks, adding a relatable and heartfelt message:

“Because even me sef, the economy don show me sege. I’m a single mother abeg. I dey hustle night and day. May God bless us all.”

Her candid words struck a powerful chord with fans — especially single parents — who see her as a symbol of strength and perseverance. Rather than shy away from the realities of inflation, rising living costs, and economic pressure, Tiwa chose to speak up, bringing visibility and solidarity to millions facing similar situations.

Beyond her music, Tiwa Savage continues to inspire with her openness, showing that fame does not shield anyone from life’s challenges. Her ability to balance a demanding career with motherhood, while remaining grounded and relatable, reinforces her status as a true role model.

Her message has sparked an outpouring of support and admiration from fans, proving that vulnerability and strength often go hand in glove — and that even in difficult times, hope, hard work, and community spirit remain strong.

Entertainment

Regina Daniels And Angela Okorie’s Cold War Deepens

Published

7 days ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

The silent cold war between two Nollywood divas, Angela Okorie and Regina Daniels, finally came to the fore days back, but what shocked many was the sheer bluntness with which Okorie aired her grievances.

For months, rumblings of tension between the actresses had circulated in close Nollywood circles. But on Instagram this week, Okorie finally made her feelings public, firing off a volley of pointed words at her younger colleague, Regina Daniels.

It all began when Regina posted what many initially saw as a subtle, dignified note urging Angela to forgive and move on from old grievances. But those close to the drama knew the post wasn’t as innocent as it seemed. In the message, Regina made a pointed reference to Angela’s child — “wey gidigba” — a choice of words Angela found deeply patronising.

And then the gloves came off.

Angela, not one to mince words, took to her Instagram Stories in a fiery tirade that quickly went viral. “You feel because you married a grandpa you can talk to me?” she blasted, referring to Regina’s high-profile marriage to billionaire Senator Ned Nwoko. “Marrying an older man does not give you the licence to disrespect your elders,” Angela added.

The Nollywood community was left stunned, not only by the sharpness of Angela’s words but also by the underlying history she unveiled. In another post, she reminded Regina of humbler days, when the young actress reportedly visited Angela’s home with deference.

“You are like a child to me… you used to come to my house with so much respect,” Angela wrote, a subtle reminder of a former mentorship or camaraderie between them.

The older actress didn’t stop there. In her posts, she openly questioned Regina’s upbringing and sense of propriety: “Me I just think say every young girl wey go school suppose get sense, especially a child with proper home training.”

But despite her anger, Angela was careful to draw a boundary regarding Regina’s powerful husband.

“No disrespect to your husband,” she wrote, before adding another sting: “You just won’t stop embarrassing Nigerians from time to time with you and your old man.”

In one of the sharpest moments of her tirade, Angela issued a direct and final warning to her younger colleague: “If you insult me again, I will remind you what you have forgotten. Last warning, Regina Daniels.”

Within Nollywood’s closely watched social media circles, Angela’s outburst has triggered a wave of speculation. Was this an isolated reaction or the surfacing of long-simmering resentment? Industry insiders suggest this may not be the end of the spat.

As of the time of filing this report, Regina Daniels has remained silent, with no official response to Angela’s public lashing.