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

Iyabo Ojo Calls On Wizkid, Tiwa Savage To Help Seek Justice For Mohbad

Published

10 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, has urged singers Wizkid and Tiwa Savage to join the ongoing campaign to get justice for their late colleague, Mohbad.

She explained that the late singer was inspired by them and other top artists to become a musician.

Ojo said it would be unfair if top artists fail to protect their younger colleagues who look up to them.

Speaking during a recent Instagram livestream with fans, the movie star stated that the Nigerian music industry cannot afford to allow what legendary musicians Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and 2Baba went through in the hands of record label executives and the authorities to happen to the new generational artists.

She said, “Wizkid and Tiwa Savage, I need you. These young boys, they come from the slums and ghettos just like most of you did, and they were inspired by you guys to become artists. And they have so much talent. Music is one of the talents that has put Nigeria on the map… These children are making us proud.

“Nigeria is blessed with talents, and we cannot allow any cult or anyone pull them down. We cannot allow anybody pull those children down because their music is what’s giving us joy… We will not allow what Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and 2Baba went through in the hands of record label executives and the authorities to happen to new generational artists.”

However, the rapper and record label executive Naira Marley has repeatedly debunked allegations of his involvement in his former signee Mohbad’s death.

A court in Lagos State recently dismissed Mohbad’s father’s suit against Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry, stating that there was insufficient evidence to link them directly to the death.

However, investigation into the singer’s controversial death remains inconclusive two years after.

Entertainment

Mohbad: What I Told Naira Marley Regarding Iyabo Ojo – VeryDarkMan

Published

10 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

Self-styled activist Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, has revealed that he advised singer Naira Marley to take up a cyberbullying case against actress Iyabo Ojo for her role in dragging his name into the controversies surrounding his former signee Mohbad’s death, but he insisted on leaving her to divine judgment.

He recalled how Naira Marley later changed his mind after Iyabo Ojo allegedly apologised to him at the Lagos State Commissioner of Police office after they (VeryDarkMan and Naira Marley) had planned he should charge her for defamation and ruining his music career.

Speaking in a recent video broadcast via his TikTok page, VDM stated that he was unhappy with Naira Marley’s decision to forgive Iyabo Ojo and allow God deliver justice.

“I told Naira Marley to detain Iyabo Ojo but he said Allah will judge. I told him to lose his cool the moment we enter the Police Commissioner’s office and say Iyabo Ojo’s defamatory remarks have ruined his career and tarnished his image. He said okay, but when he got there and Iyabo said apologised in Yoruba, Naira Marley immediately forgave her. I almost died where I was sitting. I was so upset and disappointed.

“When Samlarry saw that Naira Marley has accepted Iyabo Ojo’s apology, he protesting against it. I was signalling Naira Marley not to accept the apology because I know Iyabo Ojo won’t keep to her end of the agreement. Samlarry shed tears,” he recalled.

Recall that the court acquitted Naira Marley and his associate Sam Larry of complicity in singer Mohbad’s death, four months ago.

Entertainment

Mohbad: You’re Manipulator, Stop Deceiving Nigerians – Portable Blasts VeryDarkMan

Published

10 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

Singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has lambasted self-styled activist Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, for constantly stirring controversies with the death of singer Mohbad, who died in September 2023 under highly controversial circumstances.

The ‘Zazu’ crooner described VDM as “a manipulator” and urged him to stop deceiving Nigerians.

Portable also slammed VeryDarkMan over his constant attacks on actress Iyabo Ojo, stressing that the activist is jeopardising the ‘Justice for Mohbad’ campaign and not the actress.

He lamented that VDM gained attention for demanding justice for Mohbad but now appears to have turned against the late singer.

Speaking in a recent video broadcast, Portable said, “VeryDarkMan, you came out deceiving Nigerians that you want justice for Mohbad. You’re a manipulator. Now, you’re dragging Iyabo Ojo. What’s really her offense?

“You’re a manipulator. You claimed you want justice for Mohbad, so why are you now going against Mohbad? Leave Mohbad and let him rest in peace. Why are you dragging the dead? You are the one who first alleged that Mohbad was killed by some certain people, and you’re now making a U-turn.

“Are you the one who will tell Nigerians who is good or not? We know people who are good people. We also know the people who bullied Mohbad. Stop deceiving Nigerians.”