Entertainment

Headies 2023: Afrobeats Dominating American Music Scene – US Consulate

Published

2 years ago

August 5, 2023

Afrobeats no doubt has become a global phenomenon, and its growing influence on the world stage cannot be underestimated as re-echoed recently by the U.S Consul General in Nigeria, Mr Will Stevens.

Stevens, while speaking at the Headies pre-awards reception in honour of the 16th annual Headies Music Award held last Friday at the US Consul General residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, acknowledged the dominance of Afrobeats not only on the American music scene, but also, across the world.

He hailed the creative industry collaboration between the United States and Nigeria that is bringing the two countries closer in music, film, fashion, arts, tech, professional and educational exchanges.

According to the Consul General, the return of the Headies award to Atlanta symbolizes the Nigerian music industry’s dynamism, creativity and growing global reach.

He highlighted the important role of an inclusive and sustainable creative ecosystem in advancing economic growth and strengthening bilateral people-to-people ties.

His words: “Afrobeats is dominating the American music scene right now and we are so proud to be partnering with the Headies and the Lagos State Government to work together to continue to build on our longstanding bilateral people-to-people ties through music. We remain committed to supporting programs and initiatives that promote artistic expression, encourage cultural exchange, and strengthen the capacity of Nigerian artists and professionals in the creative industry”.

Nigerian Consul General in Atlanta, Ambassador Amina Smaila, noted that the upcoming 16th Headies awards in Atlanta offers an opportunity to celebrate African culture, resilience, and creativity.

“Nigerian music has truly become a global force. This demonstrates the impact of Nigerian music beyond borders and its role in shaping the global cultural landscape,” Ambassador Smaila said.

In his remarks, Lagos state governor, Babadijde Sanwolo, represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Abimbola, said his government recognizes the huge potentials in the creative industry, hence their continued commitment and support in the effort towards the discovery of new talents,while encouraging the high fliers to continue to soar.

He said, “This is our bond, our oath to the youths who formed the larger population of the country. And particularly the majority of the creative industry needs to be empowered with the right opportunity to maximize their potentials and fulfill their God given destinies”.

Speaking in the same vein, creative entrepreneur, Obi Asika described Afrobeat as ‘Nigerian biggest ambassador’, adding “it’s also the most important thing that the country is currently exporting to the rest of the world”.

The Executive Producer of the Headies Music Awards, Ayo Animashaun, expressed his excitement at the growing cultural and artistic exchanges between the United States and Nigeria. He noted that the 16th Headies provides an invaluable opportunity for U.S. artists and entertainment professionals to engage with their Nigerian counterparts, fostering meaningful connections and inspiring new collaborations. “Our goal is to continue to support the development of talent and nurture innovation in the music industry,” Animashaun said.

Guests at the reception included music industry representatives, socialites, diplomats, business moguls, political, media and cultural leaders. Among them were socialites, Obi Cubana, E-Money, Alibaba, Abike Dabiri, Steve Ayorinde among other dignitaries.

Meanwhile, the 16th Headies Award comes up in Atlanta, the United States in September. The award show, held there for the first time last year since its inception in 2006.

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Entertainment

How I Struggled With Masturbation, Started Smoking At 13 — Tonto Dikeh

Published

11 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

Popular Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has publicly shared what she described as her deliverance from smoking, alcohol addiction, masturbation, and long-standing anger issues during a Sunday service at Streams of Joy International Church.

Dikeh gave the testimony during the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations service, led by the church’s founder, Pastor Jerry Eze, according to a video shared by DCLImagery on YouTube on Sunday.

Addressing the congregation, the actress recounted that she began smoking at the age of 13 and struggled for years with alcohol and masturbation, which she said only ended through divine intervention.

“I smoked since I was 13. God healed me from masturbation, too. I have known myself to have sexual intercourse in the dream ever since I was a child,” she said.

She explained that her appearance at the altar was both an act of thanksgiving and a public testimony, adding that she initially considered withdrawing due to concerns about her image.

“The devil tried to tell me that I was supposed to protect my image. But I told myself, what image? The God that gave me the image is the same God that can take it away,” she said.

Dikeh further stated that after attending the Ghana Prayer Conference, she noticed a significant change in what she described as years of spiritual oppression.

“I realised that the weak man who held me captive all my years in my dream ran away,” she said, describing the moment as a turning point in her spiritual life.

The actress also spoke about struggling with what she called “demonic anger,” which she said had negatively affected her relationships and personal life.

“An anger that destroyed my life. Everybody had to feel it. But praying with NSPPD, God took all of those away and gave me peace,” she said.

According to Dikeh, the peace she now experiences is something she had never known before.

“I am 40 years old, and I can tell you I have never known peace until now. I am living in it,” she said.

She disclosed that her smoking habit lasted about 27 years and began after early exposure at home, using her experience to caution parents against exposing children to harmful habits.

“I started smoking because my dad was a smoker. Something as little as that habit can inhabit the lives of your children,” she said.

Dikeh added that after praying for divine help, she no longer has urges for cigarettes or alcohol.

“My body does not ask for it. My body is repelling it. Today, it is broken,” she said.

During the service, Pastor Eze prayed for the actress, declaring that “the body of sin is broken” and describing her as “a voice in her generation.”

The actress also shared photos from the church on her Instagram page, captioning them: “A living testimony of mercy. One God spared, restored, and commissioned.”

Entertainment

2Face Reveals Faze’s Role In Rift With Blackface

Published

2 days ago

December 29, 2025

Editor

Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has revealed his former bandmate Faze’s position in the long-running rift between him and their other ex-bandmate, Blackface.

Recall that Blackface and 2Face have been involved in an on-and-off feud over the years, with the former repeatedly accusing the latter of intellectual property theft, allegations 2Face has consistently denied.

Addressing fans midway through his performance at the Made in Benue Festival in Makurdi recently, 2Face said Faze has maintained a neutral stance in the dispute between him and Blackface.

He stressed that the rift does not involve Faze in any way.

“You all know that Plantashun Boiz consisted of Blackface, 2Face and Faze. But due to some unforeseen circumstances, Blackface is not with us right now.

“However, no matter the beef wey me and Blackface get, nothing concern Faze inside. So, Faze is right here with me and we will represent Plantashun Boiz,” he said.

The rift between Blackface and 2Face began after Plantashun Boiz disbanded in the 2000s.

Following their split, Blackface blamed 2Face for the breakup and accused him of song theft.

The relationship between the duo has remained strained over the years despite several attempts at reconciliation, with peace efforts often short-lived.

Entertainment

I Don’t Lie – Nollywood Actress Doris Ogala Picks Holes In Chris Okafor’s Apology

Published

2 days ago

December 29, 2025

Editor

Popular Nollywood actress, Doris Ogala has said she did not lie as claimed by the founder of Grace Nation Bible Ministry, Pastor Chris Okafor.

The preacher, on Sunday, while tendering apologies to the actress over a furry of allegations against him, said some of the claims by the actress were lies.

The Nollywood star had formally accused Pastor Chris days earlier of breaching a promise to marry her, an allegation that has birthed other troubles for the man of God.

The actress in a demand, dated December 16, 2025 and conveyed to the preacher through her lawyers, Synergy Law Partners demanded N1 billion as compensation.

The issue took another turn for the worst earlier this week, with Okafor’s children coming up with more allegations.

But addressing the congregation on Sunday, the preacher apologized to the actress and other people he trespassed against.

He said, “To the lady called Doris Ogala, mistakes have been made in the past and I tender apologies to everybody. There are so many lies in most of the things that were said, however, I am saying sorry to everyone I have offended.

“To Doris Ogala, I am so sorry and I apologize. I am ready to make restitution to anyone that I have offended”.

However, reacting to the apology, Doris Ogala faulted the pastor’s claim of lies, stating that she has a problem with the remark.

In a post on her Facebook page, the actress said she does not lie.

“Chris Okafor, I forgive you but there is a problem where you said everything is a lie. I have a problem with that because I don’t lie”, she said.