Wizkid talks about his new album and working with Tems

On September 15, 2021, Nigerian superstar, Wizkid did a feature for GQ, on which he was described as the “king of Afro-pop.”

During the lengthy conversation, during which he spoke about his Surulere, Lagos origins as well as his boy band, he spoke about how he likes to work on songs as albums. He spoke about how he went to Ghana to record a new album.

I am working on a new album, but I never like to be, like, in a rush,” Wizkid says. “Sometimes it takes me a year, two years, to make an album. I always record in terms of albums, not just songs. I like to make music that way, because it gives you a sense of direction.”

“Well, in the next album, I’m just trying to enjoy myself with the music now, because of the reception from the fans for my last album,” he continues. I just keep evolving with the sound.”

The writer of the piece then wrote that, “Before Made in Lagos—his latest album and the one pushing him to new heights—was released, Wiz had hinted that the follow-up would be his last “as Wizkid,” though whether this might mean full-on retirement, or simply a change of name, is impossible information to extract from him.

“In fact, guessing the concept of his next and possibly last album has become the favorite pastime of just about every Afrobeats commentator, with Wiz in the eye of the storm.”

How Wizkid met Tems

Wizkid told GQ that, “I love meeting new artists. When I’m in a room with a new artist, it feels like, Oh, my God. It feels like I’m right there when the magic is just about to take off and take form. It’s so exciting to me.

“When I get in the room with a new artist, it’s like you’re learning from me, I’m learning from you. I even get more excited getting in the room with new artists than my peers or my friends that I

Tems releases tracklist for upcoming EP

On September 14, 2021, Nigerian singer, Tems released the tracklist to her upcoming 5-track EP, ‘IF ORANGE WAS A PLACE. Four tracks on the EP are produced by GuiltyBeatz while the other was produced by Jonah Christian. All tracks are mixed and mastered by superproducer, Spax. American singer, Brent Faiyaz is the only featured artist on the EP.

On September 6, 2021, Nigerian singer, Tems announced that her sophomore EP is set to drop next week.

The announcement came via her Twitter handle. She wrote that, “My beautiful gang, thank you for the massive love you’ve shown me. It’s too plenty. Honestly, believe me when I say I love y’all baaaaaddd. NEW EP OUT NEXT F*CKIN WEEK!!! It’s time...”

This comes after a stellar year, where she’s featured on chart topping ‘Essence’ alongside Wizkid and Justin Bieber, while she’s also featured on a song with Drake.

In 2019, Tems launched with singles, ‘Looku Looku’ and ‘Mr. Rebel.’ She followed it up with ‘Try Me’ and then released two more singles before her debut EP, For Broken Ears.

Wizkid, Beyonce win 2021 MTV VMA for ‘Brown Skin Girl’

On September 14, 2021, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstars, Wizkid and Beyonce won a moonman for Best Cinematography at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards [VMAs]. The award was for the music video for ‘Brown Skin Girl.’

Wizkid was in the category alongside Beyonce, who co-owns the song alongside Saint Jhn and Beyonce’s daughter Blue Ivy. The award will also go to Nigerian-born cinematographer, Jenn Nkiru who directed the video.

The song was made for Beyonce’s album, Lion King: The Gift which featured other Nigerian artists. In October 2019, Pulse Nigeria reported that preparations were being made for the video.

You can watch the video below;

 

Burna Boy attends Man United’s game at Old Trafford, brings out Paul Pogba at his set at Parklife festival

Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy had a busy day on Saturday, September 11, attending a Manchester United game and performing at a festival.

Burna Boy was at Old Trafford to watch Manchester United beat Newcastle United 4-1 in a Premier League game.

The music star got the treatment as he sat in Paul Pogba’s box and was gifted Manchester United’s home and away jerseys with his name on them.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTsEq6UIqIe/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=829d9b10-0c62-413e-9a9a-02a01bfb78f2

He had his visit on video, which he shared on social media; “Couldn’t come to Manchester without supporting my brother @paulpogba,” he wrote.

The 30-year-old is seen in the video celebrating one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals at the stadium and meeting a host of Pogba’s family.

He also met UK rapper Stormzy at the game.

After the game, he headed straight to the Parklife festival, where he performed.

He made his set even more memorable by bringing on his friend Pogba on stage.

 

Ckay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ becomes the No. 1 song in the world

On September 11, 2021, Nigerian singer-songwriter and music producer, Ckay‘s ‘Love Nwantiti’ became the No. 1 song on Shazam’s global charts. The chart tracks the most-searched songs in the world and ranks them on a chart. The song sits above global smash hits from major superstars like ‘Stay‘ by Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber, which is currently the No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100. It also sits above global anthems from Lil Nas X, Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Dua Lipa, J Balvin, The Weeknd and more.

The version of ‘Love Nwantiti’ which sits atop the charts features Axel and DJ Yo.

Initially released on Ckay’s sophomore EP, Ckay The First in 2019, the song blew up when its video version featured Joeboy and Kuami Eugene. Ckay has since created several remixes of the record for mileage. Since then, Winnie Harlow has danced to the song on her Instagram stories.

This is good news for the industry.

The singer has since released another EP, left Chocolate City and signed to Warner Music Group, South Africa.

This comes after Wizkid’s ‘Essence‘ became the most-shazamed song in the US, and after Master KG‘s ‘Jerusalema’ also became the most-shazamed song in the world in Q4 2020.

What is Shazam?

According to Wikipedia, Shazam is an application that can identify music, movies, advertising, and television shows, based on a short sample played and using the microphone on the device.

The company is now owned by Apple.

LadiPoe scores 2021 BET Hip-Hop Awards nomination

On September 10, 2021, Nigerian rapper, LadiPoe was nominated for Best International Flow at the 2021 BET Hip-Hop Awards.

He is nominated alongside six other international artists including Nasty C (South Africa), Xam (Brazil), Laylow (France), Gazo (France), Little Simz (UK), and Dave (UK).

A few years ago, Ghanaian legend, Sarkodie won that category. For LadiPoe, this comes after a stellar 18-month run, which involves two smash hit records, ‘Know You’ featuring Simi and ‘Feeling’ featuring Buju.

Five years after leaving the label, Iyanya resigns with Ubi Franklin’s MMMG

On September 8, 2021, Nigerian star and recent appointee of the Cross River State government, Iyanya announce his realignment with Ubi Franklin and his label, Made Men Music Group [MMMG].

This comes after Iyanya, who exited the label in 2015 amidst several controversies, which peaked in 2019, has signed with MAVIN Records and Temple Music.

In a statement, the label says, “How time indeed flies, it has been 165.6M Secs, 2.8M minutes, 46K hours, 1916 days, 274 weeks, 63 months, 5 years since the resolution of the contract binding two resilient and hardworking parties that felt the need to give themselves time and grow independently.

“These parties having explored life differently in the same niche, various spheres and found a defining purpose to their missions have collectively decided to come as one body to reckon with.

“We appreciate the effort of friends, colleagues and well wishers for the years of believing in our craft, supporting our purpose and encouraging our mission. We also acknowledge the individual management over the past years and look forward to working as a large family.

“We hope that this re-emergence bring forth more successful years. AMEN.

“Iyanya, Let’s Get It 🙏🏿🎶

“WE OUTSIDE.

In 2019, Franklin and his former artist, Iyanya had a public spat, which resulted in a media circus and Franklin appearing on Cool FM alongside Do2dtun to clear the air. While Iyanya was signed to MMMG, he became arguably the most sought after African act, releasing several hit records and two albums; Desire and Applaudise. He was also part of MMMG’s compilation album, The Evolution.

He has also released two EPs; Signature and For Your Love.

Chocolate City announces MI Abaga’s 11th studio project

On September 9, 2021, legendary Nigerian artist, MI Abaga, announced the completion of his 11th studio project, which he has tagged Project 11. The project is set to be a follow-up to 2020 efforts, Judah EP and The Live Report with AQ. Chocolate City Music, to which Abaga is still signed, announced the project with a carousel, “I think I’m done… Anyone wey no sweet, una go manage am like that… Thank you guys for the messages. Project 11 on the way.”

At this time, the title of the project is unknown. But Abaga did use the hashtag, ‘Undisputed.’ While Abaga exited Chocolate City Music as CEO in 2019 and has since been replaced by Abuchi Peter Ugwuhe is still signed to the label as an artist.…

Here are the top 10 Nigerian songs of the week: Kizz Daniel’s ‘Lie’ remains at No. 1 for fourth week

Kizz Daniel’s “Lie” stays at No. 1 for a fourth consecutive week on the TurnTable Top 50

Also, Fireboy DML’s “Peru” rises to No. 3 on this week’s Top 50 to become the artiste’s highest charting song.

Additionally, Ayra Starr’s “Bloody Samaritan” ascends to No. 5 on the chart to become the artiste’s second top five entry.

The Top 50 blends all-genre freemium streaming (Top Streaming Chart), radio airplay (Top Airplay Chart) and TV airplay (TV Top Songs Chart) in Nigeria. All charts will be dated and updated on Mondays, this week’s chart will be revealed on Monday, September 6, 2021

Lie” tallied 46 million in radio reach (down 11.8%) and 2.5 million equivalent streams (up 3.3%). In the process, it becomes the second to spend its first four weeks at No. 1 on the TurnTable Top 50, joining Teni’s “FOR YOU” with Davido (which spent its first five weeks at No. 1).

With the premiere of the visuals of “Lie” last Friday, it is expected that the song will get a bump in activity on streaming and debut on the TV charts.

Omah Lay’s “Understand” holds at No. 2 after topping the chart for three weeks. “Understand” becomes the second song to spend its first eight weeks in the top 2 region of TurnTable Top 50 – joining Olamide’s “Rock.”

Fireboy DML’s “Peru” moves to a new peak of No. 3 on the TurnTable Top 50 to become the artiste’s highest charting entry on the chart (surpassing the No. 4 peak of “History”). “Peru” tallied 3.71 million in TV reach (down 15.7%), 45. 3 million in radio reach (up 15%) and 1.42 million equivalent streams (up 28%).

Burna Boy’s “Question” with Don Jazzy rockets into the top five at No. 4 after drawing 10.3 million in TV reach (up 167.5%), 32.4 million in radio reach (up 302.5%) and 1.51 million equivalent streams (up 60.6%).

“Question” is Burna Boy’s fifth top 10 entry on the chart while Don Jazzy becomes the second producer to record a top ten entry as

Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ is the No. 1 song on American Hip-Hop radio, as ‘Made In Lagos’ sells 200,000 copies in the US

he accolades keep racking up for Wizkid’s ‘Essence.’ Just days after it got remixes from DaBaby, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon, while the song also topped an R&B chart earlier last week, the song now tops the charts on Hip-Hop radio.

The Hip-Hop radio chart is complied by iHeart, which owns 855 radio stations across the US.

iHeartRadio functions as the national umbrella brand for iHeartMedia’s radio network, the largest radio broadcaster in the United States. Its main competitors are Audacy, TuneIn and Sirius XM. Kid Laroi‘s ‘Stay’ featuring Justin Bieber is No. 1 overall while ‘Don’t Back Down’ by Mammoth WVH tops the Rock charts.

Meanwhile, Made In Lagos has surpassed 200,00 in equivalent sales in the US alone. It will he eligible for a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, once it reaches 500,000 in equivalent sales.

‘Blessed’ featuring Damian Marley, a song off ‘Made In Lagos’ has also surpassed 10 million views on YouTube alone. And that’s only the audio version of the song.

Here are the top 7 positions of Nigerian albums on the Billboard 200

With it, Burna Boy created a new peak for Nigerian artists on the same charts. However, on September 6, 2021, Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ overhauled all before it and charted at No. 28 on the Billboard 200.

This then got Pulse Nigeria asking; what are the other Nigerian albums to have charted on the Billboard 200? We were able to find five and here they are;

7.) Davido – A Better Time

Year of release: 2020

Label: Columbia Records/Sony

Weeks on the chart: 1

Peak: 170 [November 27, 2020]

A sequel to Davido’s A Good TimeA Better Timefollowed a year of heavyweight album releases by Nigerian superstars and it entered the charts. It also became Davido’s only appearance on the chart.

6.) Sunny Ade – Juju Music

Year of release: 1982

Label: Mango/Island Records

Weeks on the chart: 29

Peak: 111 [September 17, 1983]

When the album was released, it was described by The New York Times as the week’s best new dance music. At the time, Sunny Ade was two years away from being touted to be the replacement for Bob Marley.

5.) WIzkid – Sounds From The Other Side

Year of release: 2017

Label: Starboy/RCA UK

Weeks on the chart: 1

Peak: 107 [August 5, 2017]

Wizkid‘s crossover had been given a massive jolt by his production, writing and feature credits of Drake‘s 2016 No. 1 single, ‘One Dance.’ Thus Wizkid immediately followed it up with an album that was called an EP at the time. The crossover didn’t quite pan out as we’d hoped but we will always have this moment.

4.) Burna Boy – African Giant

Year of release: 2019

Label: Spaceship/Bad Habit/Atlantic/Warner

Weeks on the chart: 1

Peak position: 104 [August 10, 2019]

In 2019, Burna Boy quickly followed his well-received Outside album with African Giant –

Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ to become Nigeria’s highest charting album ever on the Billboard 200

On September 6, 2021, it became known that Wizkid’s Made In Lagos, has risen to a new position of No. 28 on the Billboard 200.

This comes after a ‘Essence (Remix)’ with Justin Bieber – which rose to No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 – and Made In Lagos (Deluxe).

With this new peak, ‘Made In Lagos’ becomes Nigeria’s highest charting album on the Billboard 200, surpassing Burna Boy’s Twice As Tallwhich peaked at No. 54. Last week, ‘Made In Lagos’ peaked at No. 58. When the album dropped in October 2020, ‘Made In Lagos’ peaked at No. 80.

In a review of ‘Made In Lagos (Deluxe),’ Pulse Nigeria noted that, “Made In Lagos’ has risen to No. 58 on the Billboard 200. The highest chart position for a Nigerian album on the chart is No. 54, by Burna Boy’s ‘Twice As Tall.’ With a deluxe version and surging success of ‘Essence,’ ‘Made In Lagos’ could rise even further on the charts.

Here is a list of other nigerian Albums that have entered the Billboard 200 :

Davido – A Better Time ( 2020 )

Sunny Ade – Juju Music ( 1983 )

Wizkid – Sounds From The Other Side ( 2017 )

Burna Boy – African Giant ( 2019 )

King Sunny Ade – Syncro System ( 1983 )

Burna Boy – Twice As Tall ( 2020 ).

 

After features with Wizkid, Justin Bieber and Drake, Tems’ sophomore EP to drop next week

On September 6, 2021, Nigerian singer, Tems announced that her sophomore EP is set to drop next week.

The announcement came via her Twitter handle. She wrote that, “My beautiful gang, thank you for the massive love you’ve shown me. It’s too plenty. Honestly, believe me when I say I love y’all baaaaaddd. NEW EP OUT NEXT F*CKIN WEEK!!! It’s time...”

This comes after a stellar year, where she’s featured on chart topping ‘Essence’ alongside Wizkid and Justin Bieber, while she’s also featured on a song with Drake.

In 2019, Tems launched with singles, ‘Looku Looku’ and ‘Mr. Rebel.’ She followed it up with ‘Try Me’ and then released two more singles before her debut EP, For Broken Ears.

Cardi B Offset welcome 2nd child

American rapper Cardi B and Offset have welcomed their second child together.

The music star announced the arrival of the baby via her Instagram page on Monday, September 6, 2021.

“9/4/21🦕💙🧸,” she captioned the photo of herself, Offset and their baby.

Offset also took to his Instagram page where he shared a photo of himself carrying the newborn baby.

Cardi B first revealed that she was expecting a baby in June.

She revealed the news while performing with her husband Offset and his group Migos on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at the BET Awards.

Appearing on stage in a black bodysuit adorned with rhinestones, a sheer panel in the abdomen exposed Cardi’s burgeoning belly.

The rapper and Offset welcomed their first child together, Kulture, in 2018.

Cardi and Offset secretly got married back in September 2017.

The private ceremony took place in the couple’s bedroom in Atlanta.

 

Wizkid joins Justin Bieber on stage at Made in America to perform ‘Essence’

Nigerian music superstar Wizkid continues his amazing run with a performance at Made in America as a guest artist of Justin Bieber to perform his hit single ‘Essence’. Wizkid and Bieber recently collaborated on the remix of the record and the two performed it for the first time on stage at the Made in America music festival in Philadelphia.

Essence’ has been having an amazing run on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In July, Wizkid became the first Nigerian artist to have a record on the Billboard Hot 100 chart when ‘Essence’ broke into the chart at No. 82.

It rose to No.70 the next week and to No.67 the next.

In August, he cracked the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and also became the most Shazamed song in the United States for the week in review.

It’s currently on No. 13 on Blllboard 100 and also No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart which means Wizkid has a number one record in the United States of America.

2Face Idibia’s brother slams Annie Idibia, accuses her of using charm on him

Nigerian music star 2Face Idibia’s younger brother, Charles, has called out his brother’s wife over her recent social media meltdown.

The younger Idibia took to his Instagram page on Thursday, September 2, 2021, where he dragged the actress.

“You got married into a family of peace lovers …so peaceful that it’s actually an idibia family flaw as I have come to realise. Perhaps this has made you think that we must be fools, but trust me, we are not,” he wrote.

“You are bringing up a Disney trip that happen pre-covid19 simply because you somehow cannot totally have your way today like you are used to? Trying to paint your husband bad publicly( because he is a very private person )”

“Is your threat tool and means of gaining control? …and I thought you were smart, abi dey dealer gave you the wrong dose today? Asking your mum who lives in one of bedrooms to add more fire to the Juju pot is would have been a smarter move, but as God will have it, you choose today to expose yourself.”

He also revealed that their marriage has made his brother unhappy. “You better finish what you started this Night, because maybe, just maybe the public might just help us all. Inno is dying slowly, never seen a man so unhappy in real life, but we must all maintain ‘peace’ that has never existed from day one …fuck that shit! ..am done,” he added.

“The idibia family never gave you peace you say, please bring out all the wrong we did to you and post on your page pls, because I have a lot to say, and am going to say it regardless.”

Charles’ post came hours after Annie took to her Instagram page to call out his family.

The drama in the Idibia’s house made its way to the Internet on Thursday, September 2, 2021, after Annie called out the music star on her Instagram page.

She accused his family of not loving and caring about her since their

Annie Idibia drags her husband 2Face Idibia on Instagram over one of his baby mamas

Nigerian music icon 2Face Idibia’s wife, Annie has called him out over his relationship with one of his baby mamas, Pero Adeniyi. The movie star took to her Instagram Stories on Thursday, September 2, 2021, where she called him out over their relationship.

“I have made so many sacrifices for you and all your children. God knows I have I tried. Your baby mamas constantly use your children as an excuse for all sort of rubbish.” I try to stay gracious. You are not the first man on the planet to have kids by different women. You can do better. Everything I do is to show the good human that you are.

“But today, this move done by you, Efe, Frankie and your family is unacceptable.”

She went on to call him out for sleeping at the house of one of his baby mamas, Pero for days, during his trip to the United States of America.

“What kind of man takes his kids to Disney and spend nights in the same apartment with his kids and their mother? How many times have you gone to see your kids with Pero? and she stay with you and the kids under the same roof?”

Pero is 2Face’s first baby mama who gave birth to three kids for the music star.

Their rift can be traced back to 2015 and 2016 when they both called each other out on social media.

Their frosty relationship took a front burner when photos of 2Face Idibia reportedly kissing Pero at the singer’s nightclub back in 2015 broke the Internet.

Tems features on Drake’s album, ‘Certified Lover Boy’ + Downlond link to ” Fountains “

On September 3, 2021, Drake released his latest album, ‘Certified Lover Boy’ and it featured Jay Z, Future, Young Thug, Travis Scott, Yebba, Kid Cudi and more, alongside Nigeria’s new heartthrob, Tems.

The song is titled, ‘Fountains’ and it follows a similar sonic trope to ‘One Dance,’ in terms of riff use.

This comes after Tems also featured on ‘Essence,’ Wizkid‘s song, which now sits at No. 13 on the Billboard 200.

You can play  and Download the song below;

Download “Fountains” feat Tems by Drake

 

 

Wizkid sells out two more shows at the O2 in 12 – 35 minutes respectively

On September 3, 2021, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Wizkid announced that he had sold out two more shows at the O2 Arena in London, England. The shows, which are set for November 29, 2021 and December 1, 2021 respectively will follow an October 2021 show, which sold out in a record 12 minutes. Dates for Wizkid‘s Made In Lagos Tour have been selling out across the world.

This announcement came via Wizkid’s Twitter account.…

‘Love is not for everyone’ – Peruzzi

Nigerian singer Peruzzi has explained to his fans and Nigerians why some people may never find love. The music star made this know via his Instagram Stories on Sunday, August 29, 2021.

“Love isn’t for everyone. Some of us gon find love. Some of us gon be single. Some of us were made for cruise and vibes. Don’t kill yourself for what would’ve also killed you,” he wrote.

The singer has never been romantically linked to anyone in recent times.

However, the last time he made news with a lady was when UK-based singer, Daffy Blanco accused him of sexual assault and fraud.

She called out the music star for defrauding her to the tune of N15M and trying to have his way with her.