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

How ‘I Faked Madness To Earn Public Sympathy’ – Shina Peters

Published

1 hour ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

Veteran Afro-Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters, has opened up about the unusual strategy that helped reshape his image after his controversial exit from Prince Adekunle’s band.

During an appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast, the “Ace” crooner recounted that his decision to leave the band sparked widespread backlash, with many accusing him of betraying his mentor for money.

He narrated how his team deliberately made him look like a mentally unstable person and showcased him in public to gain public sympathy.

“People protested against me when I left Prince Adekunle’s band because they believed I left my father figure for money. Then the owner of my record label and some media heads came up with an idea.

“They asked me to braid my hair for three days without loosening it, then I wore some torn up cloths. After that, they took me to Oyingbo Market to buy ewedu while recording everything. I didn’t even know what they were up to.”

The veteran singer said the stunt continued in Badagry, where he was filmed behaving like a mentally unstable person at a construction site handled by Julius Berger.

“They told me to act like a madman and eat in public. All of that was done to change people’s narratives and earn empathy from fans,” he said.

Sir Shina Peters explained that the carefully planned drama ultimately helped him win back public sympathy and rebuild his image as a solo artiste.

Entertainment

Ned Nwoko Breaks Silence, Blames Regina’s Outburst On Drug Abuse

Published

6 days ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

Senator Ned Nwoko has broken his silence following a viral video showing his wife, actress Regina Daniels, in distress, describing her recent actions as “drug-influenced” and “unprovoked carnage.”

In a lengthy post and a short video shared on his Instagram handle #princenednwoko on Sunday, Nwoko claimed the actress was battling drug and alcohol abuse, which he said was at the root of the crisis rocking their marriage.

“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem.

“She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety,” he wrote.

The senator alleged that Regina went on a violent rampage at their home in his absence, attacking staff and destroying property.

“She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.

“Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,” the senator alleged

Nwoko said he had offered his wife two rehabilitation options in Asokoro or Jordan, “where she will not have access to drugs.”

He further alleged that the scene at home was worsened by the interference of Regina’s associates, whom he described as “drug suppliers.”

“While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier.

“Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,” he alleged.

His post came hours after The PUNCH reported that a video of the actress, visibly agitated and shouting during a confrontation, had gone viral on Saturday, sparking widespread concern.

In the footage, Regina could be heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

Her brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman, popularly known as Sammy West, also reacted angrily on Instagram, accusing Nwoko of assaulting his sister and vowing to defend her.

“Anywhere wey man dey beat woman, whether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood,” he wrote.

The cause of the altercation remains unclear, as neither Regina nor her representatives have publicly responded to Nwoko’s allegations.

Regina Daniels, who married Nwoko in 2019, has often been in the public eye alongside the politician and businessman.

The couple’s marriage, marked by a 40-year age gap, has long drawn public attention and debate.

Entertainment

Annie Idibia Finds Love Again

Published

6 days ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

It appears actress Annie Idibia may not remain single for long following the reported crash of her marriage to music icon, 2Face Idibia.

Fresh reports and social media activity suggest that celebrity stylist Jeremiah Ogbodo, popularly known as Swanky Jerry, may be the new man warming Annie’s heart.

The duo, who have shared a long and sometimes dramatic friendship, recently set the internet abuzz with a series of affectionate exchanges that fans have interpreted as more than just platonic.

In a post that has since gone viral, Swanky Jerry described Annie as “the most beautiful soul I’ve ever known,” while Annie responded with a heartfelt “I love you always, my person.”

Their public display of affection comes just months after Annie and 2Face’s marriage reportedly hit the rocks, following years of speculation about infidelity and emotional strain.

The actress, who had once described her marriage as “a rollercoaster of love, pain, and grace,” has lately been posting cryptic quotes about “peace, self-love, and fresh starts”.

Fans were quick to notice that Swanky, who was previously at odds with Annie during the Young, Famous & African reality show saga, has now returned to being one of her closest companions.

Their reconciliation, which started quietly earlier this year, now appears to have blossomed into something much deeper and possibly romantic.

Many online observers have expressed excitement over the pair’s chemistry, with some calling them “a perfect match” and others urging Annie to “choose happiness this time.”

Swanky Jerry, known for styling top celebrities across Africa, including Tiwa Savage, Davido, and Bonang Matheba, has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship with Annie.

Still, his recent posts featuring the actress in glowing admiration have only intensified rumors of a budding romance.

The once “perfect love story” that captivated Nigerians for years now seems to have faded, paving the way for a new chapter in Annie’s personal life.

Whether or not Swanky Jerry and Annie Idibia are truly in love or just sharing a deep emotional bond remains to be seen.