Entertainment

Spotify Rates Olamide Most Influential Street Pop Artiste

Published

2 years ago

December 21, 2023

Spotify, an online streaming platform, has rated Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and record executive, Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as “Olamide”, as the ‘most influential street pop artiste of his generation’.

Benewaah Boateng, Spotify’s editor for West Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

Boateng said lately, the undeniable rise of the sub-genre “Street Pop” in Nigeria had been both remarkable and thrilling to observe and this had slowly made its way to mainstream music.

“Olamide is the most influential street pop artiste of his generation, consistently praised for his role in elevating Street Pop to mainstream recognition as a distinct music genre.

“Since the debut of his hit single, “Eni Duro,” he has been a constant cultural force, popularising dance styles like “Shakiti Bobo” and street lingos such as “Baddo Sneh” and “Pepper Dem”.

“Through his record label YBNL, Olamide has also played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s brightest street pop talents.

“The influence of Street Pop on the Nigerian music landscape in 2023 is clearly and undeniably significant.

“This is just the beginning of Street Pop going mainstream and we cannot wait to see how it continues to grow,” she said.

Boateng said street pop which originated from a fusion of Afrobeats, Highlife, Hip-hop, Fuji, Apala, indigenous sounds, and contemporary elements, boasts of an engaging rhythm, pulsating fast-paced beats and lyrics that mirror the everyday lives of Nigerians navigating the challenges of the streets.

She explained that a notable attribute of Street Pop as a music genre lies in its profound connection to the harsh realities of everyday life in Nigeria.

She said Olamide occupied the ninth spot in the list of top 10 artists in Nigeria.

“His most recent project, “Unruly” garnered widespread acclaim from fans who describe it as a brilliant body of work.

“One particular track that has resonated exceptionally well with audiences is “Gaza”, which has received significant admiration for its appeal and musical craftsmanship.

“Also, Seyi Vibez has emerged as an undeniable force in the Nigerian street pop scene, particularly in 2023, after finding mainstream success in 2022.

“He has ingrained himself in the hearts of Gen-Zs and millennials, with phrases like “na ham, na ham” echoing from his popular song, “Chance.”

“His success in 2023 is evident, from selling out his concert at the O2 Indigo Hall in the UK to securing features on hit songs like Gwagwalada, the second most streamed song in Nigeria on Spotify.

“Additionally, earning a spot among the top five most streamed artists in Nigeria further underscores Seyi Vibez’s ability to transcend Street Pop and strike a chord with all music lovers,” she said.

Boateng noted that Zinoleesky had reshaped and made substantial contributions to the street pop genre through his skilful melodies and compelling storytelling, landing him in the top 15 most streamed artists in Nigeria.

She said that as the genre continues to evolve and street pop artistes continue to explore new creative frontiers, it was evident that street pop was poised for exponential growth in the years to come.

Entertainment

Gospel Singer, Eight Others Jailed For Internet Fraud In Kwara

Published

3 days ago

July 18, 2025

Editor

A gospel singer, Otitoju Moses Sesan, and eight others have been convicted by courts in Ilorin, Kwara State, over internet fraud, conspiracy, and misappropriation of funds, following prosecutions by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement by the head, media and publicity of the anti graft agency, Dele Oyeyemi, he said that Otitoju Moses Sesan, a 31-year-old gospel artiste from Iyamoye in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, was on Thursday, July 17, 2025, sentenced to six months imprisonment without the option of a fine by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Ilorin.

Otitoju, who claimed in his extra-judicial statement to be a popular gospel performer at weddings, naming ceremonies, and funerals in Lokoja, Kogi State, was found guilty of retaining the proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to over N8.4 million in his bank account.

The charge against him reads in part: “That you, OTITOJU MOSES SESAN, sometime between October 2024 and December 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did retain control of the gross sum of N8,404,339 in your UBA account, being proceeds of criminal conduct, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 17(a) and (b) of the EFCC Act, 2004.”

Otitoju was convicted alongside Ayodele Joseph Daisi, Adeoye Joseph, and Abubakar Aliyu Abdulmalik, all arraigned by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency (EFCC) on similar charges.

Ayodele, who was found to have retained N243,750 in his UBA account, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment without option of fine. His Techno 19 was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.

Adeoye, from Okene LGA of Kogi State, was handed eight months imprisonment without option of fine as well. He forfeited the sum of $220, an iPhone 13, and a Techno Pop 9 phone to the Federal Government.

Abubakar was sentenced to six months imprisonment, with an order of forfeiture of his iPhone 16 and Samsung S10 to the Federal Government.

The EFCC was represented in the prosecution of the cases by Aliyu Adebayo, Sesan Ola, Rashidat Alao, and Mustapha Kaigama, who tendered statements, exhibits, and sums recovered as restitution, which were admitted in evidence.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Justices Haleema Saleeman and Sulaiman Akanbi of the Kwara State High Court convicted Emeka Oluwatobi Achi, Isaac Babalola Oluwafemi, Afolabi Faith Olatoye, Zubeiru Zubeiru Junior, and Abdulkadir Taofeek on charges including cybercrime and misappropriation.

Justice Akanbi sentenced Abdulkadir to three years imprisonment with an option of a N500,000 fine and ordered the final forfeiture of N800,000, one iPhone 14 Pro Max, and a Samsung phone to the Federal Government.

On her part, Justice Saleeman sentenced Emeka, Isaac, and Afolabi to six months imprisonment each with an option of N100,000 fine. Emeka was further ordered to refund N3.35 million within three months and to report every fortnight with his parents to the EFCC until full repayment is made.

Entertainment

VIDEO: Tems Performs ‘Love Me Jeje’ At Club World Cup Halftime Show

Published

1 week ago

July 14, 2025

Editor

Nigerian music star Tems lit up the stage at the Club World Cup final with a stunning performance of her hit single Love Me Jeje during the halftime show at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Draped in a dazzling outfit that blended elegance with Afrocentric flair, Tems took center stage in front of a global audience, bringing her signature vocals and soulful energy to the football spectacle.

The crowd, already buzzing from Chelsea’s commanding 3-0 lead over Paris Saint-Germain, roared with excitement as the Grammy-winning singer delivered a flawless rendition of the nostalgic love anthem.

Love Me Jeje, a reimagining of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic, has become a fan favorite since its release earlier this year, showcasing Tems’ ability to bridge old-school Nigerian vibes with contemporary global sounds.

Social media lit up during and after her performance, with fans praising her stage presence and vocal control, while others hailed the inclusion of an African artist at such a prestigious sporting event.

This marks another milestone for Tems, who continues to rise on the international stage, following recent accolades and collaborations with some of the world’s biggest music acts.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1944490480693088475https://twitter.com/i/status/1944490480693088475

Entertainment

VIDEO: Fire Guts Actress Iyabo Ojo’s Office

Published

2 weeks ago

July 9, 2025

Editor

Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo has confirmed that a fire broke out at her office in Lagos on Tuesday evening, destroying parts of the property and several valuables.

The actress shared a video on Instagram showing the aftermath of the blaze—smoke-stained walls, scorched furniture, and charred debris scattered across the staircase and office space.

“This just happened today the 8th of July 2025, around 7pm. My office building caught fire,” she wrote.

Ojo praised the Nigerian Fire Service for their swift response, which helped contain the flames before they could cause further damage.

“Thank you to the Nigerian Fire service and my staff for salvaging what was left. Thankfully no lives were lost. The devil tested us today but God said no.

“With God on my side we will bounce back bigger and better,” she added.

She also thanked her team, describing the experience as shocking but expressing relief that no one was hurt.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

This incident comes just months after a similar tragedy struck fellow actress Mercy Aigbe, whose Lagos home was destroyed by fire in December 2024.