Entertainment

Nine Young Nigerian Musicians Making Waves Musicians

Published

3 weeks ago

August 29, 2024

Editor

Most Nigerian musicians have surprised the masses with their age and achievements.

Here are nine young Nigerian musicians and their achievements ;

1. Ayra Star:

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe , known professionally as Ayra Starr was born on 14 June 2002. The 22-year-old achieved mainstream recognition with her debut extended play and its hit track “Away”, which spent two consecutive weeks at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart; the song also peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart, paving the way for the release of her first full-length album, 19 & Dangerous (2021).

Categorized mainly as Afropop and R&B, the mixtape received favorable critical reception and spawned two top forty hits in Nigeria. The lead single “Bloody Samaritan” peaked atop the Top 50 chart, becoming the first solo song by a female artist to reach the number-one position. Starr debuted on Pandora Predictions chart and on 28 August 2021, was ranked number three on Billboard’s Next Big Sound.

Starr would later achieve mainstream international recognition in 2022, with the release of her song “Rush”. The song charted in several territories, including Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24. It earned Starr her first nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.

With the song, Starr became the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 Million views on a single video on YouTube, and also the first to do so within 5 months.

2. Ruger:

Michael Adebayo Olayinka , known professionally as Ruger is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and musician. He was born on 23 September 1999. He is currently 24 years old.

In 2021, Ruger rose to stardom under Jonzing World, a label owned by Nigerian singer D’Prince, which is an affiliate of Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records.

Ruger has won several awards for his craft. In same 2021, he won the AFRIMA best newcomer award, and also the best new artiste category at the 2023 Soundcity MVP Awards. Ruger has also swept some of the major awards, including the Best New act in Africa at the 2022 prestigious Afrima Awards.He also has two extended plays (EPs) to his name titled ‘Pandemic’ (2021) and ‘Second Wave’ (2022).

On 16 November 2022, Ruger returns with a new chest-thumping tune capsule, consisting of two songs titled ‘Red Flags’ & Asiwaju, which upon release trended on every social media platforms. Asiwaju peaked at number 1 on Nigeria’s Apple Music Top Songs chart and spent a record-breaking one month in the history of the chart.

3. Omah Lay:

Stanley Omah Didia , known professionally as Omah Lay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He was born on 19 May 1997. He is currently 27 years old.

He has released two EPs and a studio album and collaborated with artists which include Spinall, Justin Bieber, Masterkraft, and Jul. In addition to numerous charted singles, his songs “Understand,” “Attention,” and “Soso” have Gold Certifications. He has won numerous awards including Headies in 2020 and 2023.

4. Bnxn:

Daniel Etiese Benson , known professionally as Bnxn (pronounced as Benson) and formerly known as Buju, is a Nigerian Afro-fusion singer, songwriter and record producer. He was on born 14 May 1997 . He is 27 years old.

At 2022 Headies, BNXN (also known as Buju) won the Next Rated Award. This particular award is received by a promising act, with an EP or Album, in the year under review.He got nominated for the award alongside Ayra Starr, Lojay, Ruger and Zinoleesky.

Additionally, BNXN got a brand new 2022 Bentley Bentayga SUV and will become part of an important alumni network consisting of previous winners. Last year, the award went to Omah Lay.He dedicated his award to his late mum, Ruger, Ayra Starr, his management and his girlfriend, Peggy.

5. Fire boy:

Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan , who is known professionally as Fireboy DML, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.He was born on 5 February 1996) .He is currently 28 years old .

He is signed to YBNL Nation, a record label founded by rapper Olamide. His debut studio album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, was released in 2019. He won Listener’s Choice and was nominated for Song of the Year for “Jealous” at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.

In 2020, Fireboy DML gained media coverage in Nigeria when his hit single “Champion” was used by FC Bayern Munich for their UEFA Super Cup celebrations.

His song “Scatter” from his debut album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps was included in the FIFA 21 game soundtrack.

In November 2022, his song, “Coming Back For You,” was included on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

6. Lojay:

Lekan Osifeso Jnr. , popularly known as Lojay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer. He was born in 28 April 1996 . He is 28 years old.

He peaked at number 8 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart with his song “Monalisa”, which features Chris Brown and Sarz. He received a nomination for the Headies Award for Next Rated artiste at the 2022 Headies Award.

In 2023, Lojay alongside Nigerian singer Davido were featured on the song “Sensational” by Chris Brown. The song debuted at number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100, serving as Davido and Lojay’s first entry on the chart.

7. Tems:

Temilade Openiyi , known professionally as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer.She was born on 11 June 1995 . She is currently 29 years old.

She rose to prominence after being featured on Wizkid’s 2020 single “Essence”, which peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart following the release of the remix version with Justin Bieber. The song earned her a Grammy Award nomination. That same year, she was featured on the song “Fountains” by Canadian rapper Drake.

In 2020, Tems released her debut extended play, For Broken Ears. Her second extended play, If Orange Was a Place (2021), was released after she signed a record deal with RCA Records . In 2022, Tems’ vocals from her song “Higher” were sampled by Future on his single, “Wait for U”, which led to her being credited as a featured artist alongside Drake on the song. It debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first African artist to debut at number one and the second Nigerian artist to top the chart. The song earned her the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

Tems covered Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack album in July 2022 and in the same month, her song “Free Mind” from her debut EP debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 46 and breaking the female record for longest charting number one song on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. She also co-wrote the song “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna, which earned her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

In 2024, Tems released her debut studio album Born in the Wild and further announced a supporting tour.

Throughout her career, Tems has received many accolades, including a Grammy Award, a Billboard Women in Music Award, four NAACP Image Awards, four BET Awards and three Soul Train Music Awards.

8. Ckay:

Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani , better known by his stage name Ckay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer signed to Boyfriend Music, Warner Music Africa (formerly known as. Warner Music South Africa) and Atlantic Records. He was born on 16 July 1995 . He is currently 29 years old.

He was formerly signed to Chocolate City, a member of Warner Music Group independent label services ADA. His international hit single “Love Nwantiti”, also known as “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ahh)”, was released in 2019 by Chocolate City.

On 29 March 2022, the song debuted at number one, following the launch of the Billboard Afrobeats chart. On 9 May 2022, it became the first-ever African song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify and has since been deemed “the biggest hit in African history”. Asa Asika signed Ckay to The Plug, under management during the early peak of his global career as Ckay’s manager.

9. Asake:

Ahmed Ololade , known professionally as Asake, is a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter. He was born on 13 January 1995 . He is currently 29 years old . He is signed to YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution. His stage name “Asake” is his mother’s name.

In September 2022, his debut album Mr. Money with the Vibe was released, breaking the record for the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music at the time. The album debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200 chart and recorded the highest charting Nigerian debut album in the history of the chart. His sophomore album Work of Art was released in June 2023, becoming his second album to debut at number 66 on the Billboard 200.

In 2020, Asake won Break Out Artist of the Year at the 2022 All Africa Music Awards, and was nominated as the Best African Music Act at the 2022 MOBO Awards, which marked his first international award nomination. In addition to that, he received Best New International Act nomination at the 2023 BET Awards, the same year he was listed number 5 on the Rolling Stone Music’s Future 25.

Asake walked home with a brand new car after winning the highly coveted Next Rated category at the 2023 Headies award on September 4, 2023.

In November 2023, Asake received a Grammy Award nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Award for “Amapiano” featuring Olamide.

In January 2024, Asake received a nomination for the 55th NAACP Image Awards for his song “Amapiano”.

Asake drops “Lungu Boy” on Aug 9, 2024, via YBNL/Empire. This explosive album features Wizkid, Travis Scott, and Central Cee.
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Entertainment

Why I Slapped Pastor Preaching Outside My Bar, Portable Explains

Published

3 days ago

September 16, 2024

Editor

Singer Portable has responded to the controversy over his recent altercation with a pastor who was preaching outside his bar.

In an Instagram post on Monday, September 16, Portable explained that his sister had recently been attacked by a man pretending to be a pastor, which left him deeply traumatised.

Portable claimed that the preacher’s behaviour seemed suspicious, leading him to believe it was another setup.

He apologised for his behaviour but emphasised that his reaction was a natural response to his distress.

Portable explained: “They wanted to set me up. He was not a man of God, and if he was a man of God, may God forgive me for slapping him. If I knew he was a real man of God, I wouldn’t have slapped him. The way he acted was why I slapped him, I’m a human being and I’m not perfect.”

He then apologised for his actions.

His apology came after gospel singer, Testimony Jaga, gave him an ultimatum of three days to apologise to the slapped pastor or face the consequences of his action.

Entertainment

Shogun Breaks Record With 18 Wins At 2024 Emmy Awards [Full List]

Published

4 days ago

September 16, 2024

Editor

Japan-set historical epic “Shogun” smashed all-time records and was named best drama at television’s Emmy Awards on Sunday, as “Hacks” and “Baby Reindeer” racked up big wins at the glitzy gala in Los Angeles.

“Shogun,” the tale of warring dynasties in feudal Japan, ended the night with an astounding 18 statuettes, becoming the first ever non-English-language winner of the highly coveted award for best drama series.

The previous record for any season of a television show was 13.

“It was an East-meets-West dream project, with respect,” said veteran leading man Hiroyuki Sanada, who became the first Japanese actor to win an Emmy.

Anna Sawai followed him onto the Emmys stage minutes later with a best actress win, before the cast and producers of “Shogun” returned for the overall best drama award.

The series from Disney-owned FX, based on James Clavell’s historical fiction, had led the nominations with 25 overall.

Shot in Canada, it features a primarily Japanese cast and subtitles.

Showrunner Justin Marks thanked producers for commissioning “a very expensive, subtitled, Japanese period piece, whose central climax revolves around a poetry competition.”

“Shogun is a show about translation — not what is lost, but what is found, when you do safety meetings in two languages, and you learn not to walk on tatami mats with your utility boots,” he said.

It also won the Emmy for best directing of a drama series, in addition to the 14 won in minor categories at a separate gala last weekend.

Mini-series “John Adams” won 13 Emmys in 2008. “Game of Thrones” had held the record for dramas at 12.

– ‘Hacks’ surprise –
This was the second Emmys gala this year, after crippling twin strikes in Hollywood last year bumped the 2023 ceremony to January.

In the night’s biggest surprise, the final award for best comedy series went to “Hacks.”

The show — starring Jean Smart as a diva comedienne who repeatedly locks horns with her dysfunctional millennial assistant — fended off previous winner and hot favorite “The Bear.”

Smart claimed her third lead actress Emmy for her role, quipping: “I appreciate this, because I just don’t get enough attention.”

“The Bear” still managed a whopping 11 awards, including Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as best lead and supporting actor.

Co-star Liza Colon-Zayas sprung a surprise by besting the likes of Meryl Streep (“Only Murders in the Building”) to win best supporting actress.

“To all the Latinas who are looking at me, keep believing. And vote — vote for your rights,” she said, in one of several political notes at a gala taking place less than two months before the US presidential election.

The dark satire set in a Chicago restaurant dominated the last Emmys, despite controversy over whether it is actually a comedy.

Eugene Levy, hosting with his son Daniel, poked fun at the criticisms, insisting: “In the true spirit of ‘The Bear,’ we will not be making any jokes.”

– ‘Baby Reindeer’ –

Sunday’s other big winner was Netflix’s word-of-mouth smash “Baby Reindeer,” based on a relatively unknown Scottish comedian’s harrowing one-man show about sexual abuse.

It won best limited series — a prestigious category for shows that end in a single season.

“Ten years ago, I was down and out… I never ever thought I’d be able to rectify myself for what had happened to me, and get myself back on my feet again,” said the show’s creator Richard Gadd, who won best actor and a writing award.

Part of the attention stemmed from the show’s claim to be “a true story” — an insistence that earned the streamer a $170 million lawsuit from a British woman who claims she was the inspiration for Gadd’s obsessive and violent stalker.

Jessica Gunning, who played the stalker, won the Emmy for best supporting actress in a limited series.

“Thank you for trusting me to be your Martha — I will never ever forget her, or you,” she told Gadd, who is also nominated for best actor honors.

Jodie Foster won her first Emmy with best actress for her turn as an Alaskan cop in “True Detective: Night Country,” besting fellow Oscar winner Brie Larson (“Lessons in Chemistry”).

– ‘Shogun’ rivals at Emmy awards –
“Shogun” dominated the drama sections as expected.

It was only the second non-English-language show to earn a best drama nomination, after South Korea’s “Squid Game” two years ago.

But there were key prizes for rival shows.

The final season of Netflix’s British royal saga drew a lukewarm response from critics, but Elizabeth Debicki won best supporting actress as Princess Diana.

Billy Crudup won best supporting actor in a drama for Apple’s “The Morning Show.”

Here is a list of the winners in key categories for the 76th Emmy Awards, which were handed out in Los Angeles on Sunday.

FX’s Japanese epic “Shogun” made history with its 18 Emmys, the most ever won by a series in a single season, including best drama, best actor and best actress.

HBO’s “Hacks” sparked a surprise, taking the prize for best comedy series over “The Bear.” Netflix’s word-of-mouth smash hit “Baby Reindeer” took top honors for best limited series.

Key Winners at Emmy 2024 Awards
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES: “Shogun”

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES: “Hacks”

OUTSTANDING LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES: “Baby Reindeer”

LEAD ACTOR, DRAMA: Hiroyuki Sanada, “Shogun”

LEAD ACTRESS, DRAMA: Anna Sawai, “Shogun”

LEAD ACTOR, COMEDY: Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear”

LEAD ACTRESS, COMEDY: Jean Smart, “Hacks”

LEAD ACTOR, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE: Richard Gadd, “Baby Reindeer”

LEAD ACTRESS, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE: Jodie Foster, “True Detective: Night Country”

SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA: Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show”

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA: Elizabeth Debicki, “The Crown”

SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear”

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY: Liza Colon-Zayas, “The Bear”

SUPPORTING ACTOR, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE: Lamorne Morris, “Fargo”

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE: Jessica Gunning, “Baby Reindeer”

Entertainment

‘Best Decision Ever,’ Tonto Dikeh Opens Up On Leaving Her Marriage

Published

4 days ago

September 16, 2024

Editor

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has revealed that walking out of her marriage was the best decision she ever made.

She revealed this information in a recent post on Instagram, where she shared her reply to a private DM .

According to Tonto, despite her efforts to make her marriage work, she realised that it was time to prioritize her own well-being and walk away.

“First and foremost, I was the one who walked away from my marriage not the other way round. I needed to escape a difficult situation, not just for my own sake but for my child as well. Best decision I have ever made”.

In her response, she indulged the single mother to prioritize the wellbeing of her children while seeking guidance and strength from God.

Tonto Dikeh advised her to fight for her home if it’s worth fighting for.

In her words, “ Dear Single mothers, I don’t have a manual for these things. I am neither a pro in this movement. My biggest teacher has been love. I just let God do his thing, and his thing is enough for me. Draw strength from God, most especially keep your family matters private.”

Due to rumours of extramarital affairs and physical abuse, Tonto and Churchill called it quits on their marriage in 2015, barely two years after it began.

Following the end of the marriage, Tonto’s decision to leave her marriage was met with criticism and judgment from some quarters.