Entertainment

Grammy 2025: Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Tems, Yemi Alade, Asake Battle For Honours

Published

11 months ago

February 1, 2025

The 67th Grammy Awards are just around the corner, and Nigeria’s music scene is buzzing with excitement as six of the country’s superstars, including Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Tems, Yemi Alade, and Asake are battling for top honours at this year’s ceremony.

The awards show takes place this Sunday, at the prestigious Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

These talented artists have earned nominations in major categories, including Best African Music Performance, Best Global Music Album, and Best R&B Song. Tems is leading the pack with three nominations, while Burna Boy is making history as the first African artist to receive Grammy nominations for six consecutive years.

The competition is fierce, but these Nigerian superstars are ready to shine on the global stage. Will they bring home the Grammys’ gold-plated trophies? Your guess is as good as mine. But whatever it is, it will be a good outing for Nigerian music stars.

Particularly, Burna Boy is not an unfamiliar face at the Grammys as well as Davido and Tems. With his profound sound and third Grammy nomination in a row, the self-styled African Giant is sure to bag his second Grammy award. His latest song, “Higher” from his album “I Told Them.” which was released in June last year, was nominated in the “Best African Music Performance” category.

This is Burna Boy’s second consecutive nomination in this category. He has the likes of queen of Afro-pop, Yemi Alade, Asake, Tems and Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay to beat in order to clinch the coveted trophy. Like Burna Boy, Tems is one of the top contenders in this year’s Grammys with nominations across three categories. Not only was she nominated for Best African Music Performance with “Love Me Jeje”, she’s also up for Best Global Music Album for her debut album “Born in the Wild.”. She would also be in the running for Best R&B Song for “Burning”, a track from the same album. Building on her Grammy win for contributing to Future’s “Wait for U,” Tems is expected to return home with one of the three Grammy trophies.

Yemi Alade, Asake and Rema are making their first Grammy outing, and one cannot rule out the possibility of one of them clinching at least a trophy. Alade’s nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for her song “Tomorrow”, showcased her resilience, hard-work and dedication to her craft. This adds to her milestone as the first Nigerian female artist and second Nigerian Afro beats artist to reach 100 million views on YouTube for a single video after Davido. Many believe it would be a tough battle for Mama Africa, especially having the likes of Burna Boy, Tems and Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay to beat. Rema has done well for himself, and it’s believed that his nomination for Best Global Music Album for his song ‘HEIS’ was long overdue. But if the Edo boy wins the award, it will definitely open a new chapter in his career as a global superstar as well as Asake,whose nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for his song, “MMS” featuring Wizkid has elevated his status on the global stage.

Also, legendary Beninese-French singer,Angélique Kidjo may rewrite her story if she clinches ‘Best Global Music Performance award, for her collaboration with the Soweto Choir on the powerful track “Sunlight To My Soul”. She has Ghana’s reggae and Afro-Roots artiste, Rocky Dawuni to edge out in order to clinch the trophy.

Meanwhile, Trevor Noah, who is also nominated for Best Comedy Album, will serve as host for the fifth year in a row. He is not only stepping in as master of ceremonies, but he will also serve as a producer, per The Wrap.

Though organisers have cancelled several traditional Grammy Week events this year, transforming the awards night as a fund-raising event, to support major relief efforts following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The Recording Academy and MusiCares also have pledged over $3.2 million in emergency aid for music professionals affected by the recent wildfires. The show will air on CBS and stream live for Paramount subscribers with Showtime and be available on-demand for Paramount Essential subscribers the following day.

Lineup of performers

Like the previous editions, there has been a first round of confirmed performers, including current Grammy nominees Shakira, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Benson Boone, Doechii, RAYE, Sabrina Carpenter, and Teddy Swims. Also, joining the lineup of performers at the show are 12 more singers better known as newcomers, Stevie Wonder, Cynthia Erivo, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Lainey Wilson, Herbie Hancock, Brittany Howard, Brad Paisley, Janelle Monáe, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent, and Jacob Collier.

Beyond that, before the show is the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, which will be broadcast live at 12:30 p.m. PT via YouTube and live.grammy.com. Performing at that event are Yolanda Adams, Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox, Scott Hoying, Angelique Kidjo, Taj Mahal, Joe Bonamassa, Joyce DiDonato, Béla Fleck, Renée Fleming, Muni Long, Kelli O’Hara, and Kevin Puts.

It was previously announced that this year’s ceremony “will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”

Beyoncé

Pop star Beyoncé will be the cynosure of all eyes, as she leads the pack with 11 nominations, including Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter. She is also breaking records as the most-nominated female artist in a single year. Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Post Malone received seven nominations, while Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Taylor Swift earned six each. Undoubtedly, this year’s Grammys will be the most contested awards of all time.
(VANGUARD)

Related Topics:Asake Davido Grammy Rema Tem's Yemi Alade

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Entertainment

Amy Winehouse’s Father Fues Her Friends For Auctioning Late Star’s Clothes

Published

1 week ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

The father of late British singer Amy Winehouse Tuesday defended his UK lawsuit against two of her friends after they sold some of her clothes at auction for around £730,000 ($970,000).

Mitch Winehouse told the High Court in London that Naomi Parry, the star’s former stylist, and her friend, Catriona Gourlay, did not have the right to sell dozens of items in auctions between November 2021 and May 2023.

Lawyer Henry Legge, acting for Winehouse, told the court on Monday, the first day of the trial, that the two women sold 150 objects which had belonged to Winehouse, including dresses which she wore on her last tour in June 2011.

The British singer-songwriter, who enjoyed meteoric global success, died a month later from alcohol poisoning, aged just 27.

Winehouse was a distinctive figure with her beehive hairdo, heavy black eye makeup, multiple tattoos and smoky voice.

She shot to international fame with her Grammy Award-winning 2006 album “Back to Black” which included the track “Rehab”, charting her battle with addiction.

According to court documents, Winehouse believed that any sums collected from the sales organised by Los Angeles-based Julien’s Auctions would be due to him.

The auctioneers had also been told that a third of the proceeds would be donated to the Amy Winehouse Foundation — a charity set up in the singer’s name working with young people to foster hope and self-reliance.

However, Winehouse’s team accused the women of failing to donate the share of proceeds to the foundation.

– ‘You’re wrong’ –

Ted Loveday, lawyer for Gourlay, said that most of the objects had been given or lent to the two women by the singer, even if there was no proof.

“If a 19-year-old gives a scarf or a pair of earrings to their friends, no one signs a contract,” he told the court on Monday, stressing the singer’s generosity.

Gourlay and Parry met Amy Winehouse in the early 2000s, before she shot to fame. Parry went on to create some of the singer’s most iconic looks — including the green bamboo dress worn on the June 2011 tour which sold at auction for $243, 200.

Beth Grossman, the lawyer for Parry, said the two “women are not thieves and they are not dishonest”.

She accused Winehouse of bringing the lawsuit against the women out of “petty jealousy”, which he strongly denied on Tuesday, saying “you’re wrong”.

Grossman also highlighted the financial differences between the multi-millionaire Mitch Winehouse and the two women who are “living pretty much hand to mouth”.

The hearing is set to last until Friday, with a judgement due at a later date.
(AFP)

Entertainment

FULL LIST: Shallipopi, Belove Olocha, Malumfoodie Win Big At TikTok Awards 2025

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2025

Editor

TikTok has announced the full list of winners for the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigerian stars Shallipopi, Belove Olocha and South Africa’s Malumfoodie taking home some of the biggest honours of the night.

The ceremony held on December 6 in Johannesburg and attracted top creators, performers and industry figures from across the continent. The theme for this year’s event was New Era, New Icons.

The show featured performances from Ciza, Lord Kez, Thuli P, DJ Fif Laa and Thabsie. South African entertainer Bontle Modiselle Moloi hosted the event while Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani handled the red carpet. Influencer Mihlali Ndamase made a surprise appearance to present the Video of the Year award. Olympian Akani Simbine also presented the Sport Creator of the Year category.

Brands including NIVEA, inDrive, Coca-Cola, PEP and Dis-Chem supported the awards.

TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, said the platform is recognising creators who are shaping global conversations.

She said, “Tonight’s ceremony was a gathering of the trailblazers who have redefined what it means to be a creator in Africa. From Sokoto to Nairobi, and Accra to Pretoria, we honoured the creators who turned 60-second clips into cultural movements. We are honoured to celebrate them as they amplify their voices and take their stories from Africa to the world.”

The ceremony will be rebroadcast on December 11 at 20:00 SAST on TikTok LIVE through the @tiktok.africa account.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Creator of the Year
Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim @diaryofanortherncook (Nigeria)

Storyteller of the Year
Brian Nwana @briannwana (Nigeria)
He said, “Every single creator is a storyteller. We all tell stories that help drive the local communities, our cities, and our countries, and when we do that we change the perception that the world has about us”.

Video of the Year
Fanuel John Masamaki @zerobrainer0 (Tanzania)
He said, “I am truly grateful to my fans and the love I have received from Tanzanians. Thank you so much . This win was for all of us.”

Rising Star of the Year
@tunero_animations (Kenya)
Runner up: Esther Francis @estherfrancisbackup (Nigeria)

Social Impact Creator of the Year
Dejoke Ogunbiyi @noositiwantiwa_ (Nigeria)
Runner up: Sinethemba Masinga @ufarm_julia (South Africa)

Food Creator of the Year
@malumfoodie (South Africa)
He said, “From my humble beginnings of Haamanskraal, to Soshanguve and to all of South Africa, now we are in Africa!”

Runner up: Abena Amoakoaa Sintim Aboagye @chefabbys (Ghana)

Sports Creator of the Year
John Maingi Mbugua @zozasportscast (Kenya)
He said, “Winning isn’t the finish line, it’s fuel for the next chapter. Every piece of content, every discussion, every moment captured was driven by passion, and receiving this recognition means that passion is resonating far beyond my expectations.”

Runner up: Victor Ademola @ademolavictortv (Nigeria)

Entertainment Creator of the Year
Belove Olocha @beloveolocha (Nigeria)
Runner up: Jabulani Macdonald @jabu_macdonald (South Africa)

Education Creator of the Year
Izzi Boye @izziboye (Nigeria)
Runner up: @michelle_expert (South Africa)

Artiste of the Year
Crown Uzama @theycallmeshallipopipp (Nigeria)
He said, “Thank you, TikTok, for supporting all upcoming artists and giving them a spotlight to shine.”

Entertainment

TikTok Temporarily Restricts Late Night Live Feature In Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

December 8, 2025

Editor

TikTok has restricted late-night LIVE access for Nigerian users, as the platform now blocks the feature during peak night hours.

The restriction started on Sunday at midnight when the app quietly shut down all LIVE activities across Nigeria, leaving accounts unable to host or even watch late night streams.

According to an in-app message sent to creators, TikTok wrote, “We’re temporarily limiting LIVE late at night in Nigeria as part of our investigation to ensure our platform remains safe and our community stays protected.”

Many affected users shared that their screens showed a “No Access” label between 11pm and 5am, confirming that the shutdown was nationwide and not a technical glitch.

Reports showed that only creators with at least 1,000 followers received the notice, since they are the only ones allowed to host LIVE sessions on the platform.

Several of them confirmed that all LIVE activities stopped throughout the night, and no one could even view broadcasts from other countries during the restriction.

TikTok users who earn money through LIVE gifting said their balances were not touched, easing fears of sudden financial loss.

By Monday morning, LIVE access returned, but the whole situation triggered long conversations on social media as Nigerians questioned why the company picked late night hours, which usually record the highest traffic for match streams, entertainment shows and interactive trends.

TikTok’s latest move came a few weeks after the platform released fresh safety figures for West Africa at its Safety Summit in Dakar, Senegal.

The company revealed that in the second quarter of 2025, it took action against 2,321,813 LIVE sessions and 1,040,356 creators worldwide for breaking LIVE monetisation rules.

It also disclosed that Nigeria alone recorded 49,512 banned LIVE sessions within the same period.

TikTok added that it removed 3,780,426 Nigerian videos between April and June 2025 for violating Community Guidelines, noting that 98.7 percent were deleted before anyone viewed them, while 91.9 percent were taken down within 24 hours.

TikTok LIVE remains a popular feature among young users because it allows real time broadcasting, comments and gifting, unlike pre-recorded videos.

To go LIVE, a creator generally needs at least 1,000 followers, must be above 16 years to stream and above 18 years to earn money.