Foreign / Music / News

Rihanna honored by Barbados after officially removing Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State

Barbados has honored music star, Rihanna, with the prestigious National Hero of Barbados award.

The award-winning music star was presented with the honor by the president of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason.

While presenting the award to the music star, the president showered accolades on her for all her achievements.

“On behalf of a grateful nation but an even prouder people, we present to the national hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty. May you continue to shine like a diamond as you bring honor to your nation by your words, by your action, God bless you, my dear,” she said.

Rihanna is the 11th National Hero of Barbados. She is the second woman to ever receive the honor.

The honor comes on the heels of Barbados declaring itself the world’s newest republic, as it removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.

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Awards / Music / News

Wizkid named artist of the year by Apple Music

On November 29, 2021, Apple Music announced winners from its annual Apple Music Award. Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Wizkid was named Artist of The Year (Africa), while The Weekend was named Artist of The Year globally.

Wizkid’s excerpt reads, “Singer-songwriter Wizkid is one of Africa’s biggest crossover acts, having worked with Drake, Skepta, and Chris Brown, among others. The Nigerian musician first found regional success in 2011 with the massively popular single “Holla at Your Boy,” which appeared on his debut album, “Superstar.” Wizkid went global in 2016 after his collaboration with Drake on “One Dance,” which soared to the top of the charts in 15 countries.

“Between 2019 and 2020, Wizkid was featured in Beyoncé’s projects “The Lion King: The Gift” and its companion piece, “Black Is King.” In October 2020, he released “Made in Lagos,” his critically acclaimed and most commercially successful album, which included his hit song “Essence,” a track that gained 125 million plays on Apple Music and over 2.8 million Shazams.

“This past year, he’s been the most streamed African artist on the continent on Apple Music and ranked on the Daily Top 100 charts in 60 countries, in addition to his monthly plays on Apple Music growing by more than 250 percent outside of Africa. He’s also been featured on Apple Music’s Today’s Hits and R&B Now playlists, and he’s a frequent guest on Apple Music Radio shows, including “Africa Now Radio,” “The Ebro Show,” “New Music Daily with Zane Lowe,” and “OVO SOUND RADIO.”

“Thank you to Apple Music for this award,” Wizkid speaks about winning the award. “It’s a blessing to get to do what I do, and I’m proud to be representing for Africa.”

Other winners at the awards are Aya Nakamura, who was Artist of The Year in France, and H.E.R, who was named Songwriter of The Year.

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Awards / Entertainment / Music / News

Wizkid is named Artist of the Year and wins Song of the Year for ‘Essence’ at 2021 AFRIMA

On November 11, 2021, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) held at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The night was filled with the celebration of African music from across the African Continent.

At the event, ‘Essence,’ the global smash hit and Grammy favorite by Wizkid and Tems, was named song of the year. The song also won Best Collaboration, while Wizkid was named artist of the year.

Other Nigerian winners at the award are Fireboy and Legendury Beatz – they won producer of the year.

Here is a full list of winners;

Best African Female Artiste in Inspirational Music – Shanah Manjeru

African Male Artiste in Inspirational Music – Iba One

Best Artiste, Duo, or Group in African R & B Soul – Nikita Kering

Best Artist or Duo in African Dance or Choreography – Flavour, Diamond Platnumz, FallyIpupa

Best Female Artist in the Diaspora – Naomi Achu

Artiste, Duo, or Group in African Pop – Iba One

Best Group – Sauti Sol

Best Collaboration – Wizkid, Tems

Shanah Manjeru was the youngest on the AFRIMA 2021 nominee list.

Best African Rapper Lyricist – Elow’n

Best Female Artiste in Northern Africa – Manal Benchlikha

Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa – Dizzy Dros

Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa – Eddy Kenzo

Best Female Artist Central Africa – Shan L

Best Female Artist in East Africa – Nikita Kering

Male Artist Central Africa – Fally Ipupa

Best Male Southern Africa – Blaq Diamond

Best Male Artiste Western Africa – Iba One

Best Song Of The Year – Wizkid, Tems

Best Producer Of The Year – Legendary Beatz

Best Duo African HipHop – Fireboy, Cheque

Best African Dj – Sinyorita

African Fan’s Favorite – Fireboy

AFRIMA Artiste of the Year Award – Wizkid

Album of the Year – Iba One

Song Writer of the Year – Iba One

Best in African Rock – Rash Band

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Awards / Entertainment / Music

BTS the biggest winners at the AMA awards

The American Music Awards that was concluded on Sunday night honored the Asian K-pop music sensation, BTS in the most memorable fashion.

The group won three big awards on the night to signify the influence they now also wield in America as well as all over the world.

They won the biggest category of the night, The Artist of the Year and also collected the plaques for Favorite pop duo or group and Favorite pop song for their smash hit, Butter.

The group of Korean origin has been growing bigger in influence each year with their past wins at the American Music Awards highlighting that.

They have grown from the shy boy band that graced the AMA awards stages for the first time four years ago with their performance of the hit ‘DNA’.

Their Artist of The Year win has now capped a glorious showing at the awards to now make them top of the pile and rightly so.

Winning the hearts of millions of fans beyond the shores of their native South Korea has put them on an unprecedented journey that has taken their music to almost every part of the globe.

The rapturous ovation that accompanied their performance of their latest hit ‘Butter’ exemplified the fervor that accompanies their appearances on stages around the world as fans just can’t seem to get enough of them and their music.

In his acceptance speech of their Best Artist award, RM said: “This whole thing is a miracle. Seriously, we will never take this for granted.

“Four years ago, we had given this first-time-ever TV live performance at this AMAs stage for ‘DNA.’ We were so excited and nervous at the time,” RM continued.

“It’s been a long and amazing ride since then, but nobody could have ever bet on the odds of us standing here receiving this award. Except for the ARMY. Seven boys from Korea, united by a love for music, met the love and support from all the ARMY all over the world.

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Entertainment / Music / News

Davido donates entire N200M realised after sharing account details on Twitter to orphanages across Nigeria

Nigerian singer Davido has donated all the money he realized after sharing his bank details on Twitter to orphanages across the country.

The music star had earlier hinted at giving away the entire money.

In a statement released via his Twitter and Instagram pages on Saturday, November 20, 2021, the music star said he has set up a committee that will manage and distribute the money to the orphanage homes across the country.

“I am delighted to announce that all the funds received total N200,000,000 will be donated to orphanages across Nigeria as well as the Paroche Foundation,” part of the statement read.

He also revealed that he would be donating N50M in addition to the N200M realised.

The music star and father of three said his goal is to raise funds every year as part of activities to mark his birthday.

He prayed that his colleagues and friends would continue to support his benevolent act.

Davido raised N200M over 72 hours after he shared his account details on social media.

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Entertainment / Music / News

Rapper Mocheddah welcomes baby and with hubby

Nigerian rapper Modupe-Oreoluwa Olateru-Olagbegi popularly known as Mocheddah has welcomed a baby with her hubby, Bukunyi.

The music star took to her Instagram page on Friday, November 19, 2021, where she announced the big news with a photoshoot.

“Look at God tho! So happy to be sharing this with you, my loves! I had so many things planned out at the beginning of this journey, but Hyperemesis gravidarum said no! The last couple of months have been the most beautiful and most challenging thing I have ever experienced,” she captioned one of the photos.

 

“I can’t wait to share with you my journey thus far. Why am I running out of things to say?! Say a prayer of thanks for me, my loves! I am living my answered prayer ❤️.”

Congratulations to the Olateru-Olagbegis on the arrival of their bundle of joy.

Mocheddah and her hubby, Bukunyi tied the knot back in 2018.

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Entertainment / Music

They are back! Peter and Paul Okoye spotted together in public for 1st time since rift 5 years ago

Yes guys! It is official, the rumors were true as Peter and Paul Okoye have resolved their differences five years after their ugly rift.

The former members of the defunct music group, PSquare were spotted together on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

The brothers hugged and shook hands to the admiration of their friends and onlookers.

There have been several indications that the brothers have settled their feud.

About a week ago, they both followed each other on social media.

Paul’s estranged wife, Anita, also shared a video of Peter taking their kids on a shopping spree.

Peter and Paul’s feud first made the headlines in 2017.

It was followed by a very messy fight on social media for months between both parties.

From Instagram shade to Twitter slamming and even the viral video of the brothers almost exchanging blows at their lawyer’s office to insulting each other, the Okoye brothers indeed made the headlines for all the wrong reasons in 2017.

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Entertainment / Music / News

Ayra Starr becomes the face of Spotify’s new campaign

Lagos, Nigeria: 9th November 2021 – Spotify celebrates Ayra Starr, the newest artist to join the EQUAL Music Program as the EQUAL Africa Artist of the Month. Spotify EQUAL aims to foster gender equality in music and provide a platform to highlight influential female creators, Spotify welcomes Ayra as she joins the list of fierce African women making waves in music.

The 19-year-old singer is a burgeoning Nigerian Afro-Pop and R&B singer whose charismatic music style is daring and undaunted– impacting and empowering people, especially those who need encouragement.

This announcement comes off the back of Ayra’s popularity and fame since the release of her smash hit, Bloody Samaritan, from her debut studio album ‘’19 and Dangerous”. The album features the chart-topping singles that have catapulted the musician to the global stage. The super-talented and vibrant fashion killer is one of Nigeria’s most promising new voices and exudes confidence in her songs, joining Gen-Z artists who are pioneering the kind of sound that younger audiences are leaning towards.

“Our aim with the EQUAL program is to create a space on the platform that allows us to solely amplify the work of female creators,” says Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu. “Ayra represents the rise of new-age female artists whose creativity and determination breaks barriers between genres. She possesses the boldness and swagger that we’re used to seeing from pop artists, but has an edge that feels symbolic of the listening habits of Gen-Zers. We aim to amplify more confident female voices like hers through EQUAL.”

Ayra welcomed the acknowledgement given gender dynamics in the music industry.

‘’It feels good to be a part of the generation that is changing the narrative and being appreciated for our contribution to society, irrespective of the sector and age. I’m grateful to Spotify EQUAL for this feature that shines a light on women in a male-dominated industry. It makes me feel seen, and I’m sure it’s done so for everyone who has been featured before me,” says Ayra Starr.

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Entertainment / Music / News

American rapper Jay Z finally joins Instagram

American rapper and billionaire Jay Z has finally joined the social media app, Instagram.

At the time of publishing this article, the rapper had already amassed over 1.3 million followers.

The only person that the rapper and mogul is following on the account is his wife, Beyoncé. He is also the only person that Beyoncé is following on IG. The billionaire’s first post interestingly is a photo from Netflix’s The Harder They Fall film.  He co-produced the movie.

It stars Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz, Regina King, Lakeith Stanfield, Delroy Lindo, Deon Cole, and others.

He also uploaded an IG Story featuring a premiere countdown clock for the film.

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Entertainment / Fraud / Law / Music / News

Naira Marley shows up in court as EFCC displays more evidence against him

Nigerian music star Naira Marley was at the court to defend himself against the Internet fraud charges levelled against him.

On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, the EFCC testified against the singer, showing various pieces of evidence to buttress its point. According to Anosike, about 2,410 short messages were analysed from the iPhone of the defendant while also stating that different credit card numbers were extracted from the iPhone.

According to the witness, the Apple iPhone is a sophisticated device capable of storing a large volume of information, adding that it is the sim card that basically identifies users of applications such as WhatsApp.

The witness said 977 Short Message Service (SMS) and 1,433 chat messages, were discovered in the witness’ iPhone while adding that there were also seven pending status update messages.

Anosike was still leading evidences in the trial of the defendant, who is facing an 11 counts charge, bordering on conspiracy, possession of counterfeit credit cards as well as fraud.

The anti-graft agency preferred the charges on May 14, 2019

Fashola, who sang the popular song: “Am I a Yahoo Boy”, was consequently, arraigned on May 20, 2019 before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, but he pleaded not guilty.

The court had accordingly, granted him bail in the sum of two million naira, with two sureties in like sum.

Trial had since commenced in the case and the second prosecution witness who began his testimony shortly before the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, continued his evidence on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the witness who resumed his testimony on Tuesday, concluded his evidence after the virtual display.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had told the court at the last adjourned date, that the prosecution only printed out hard copies of relevant portions of the exhibit, which it considered key to its case.

He had told the court that a full version of the total analysis was contained in a CD

The printed copies of the exhibit is labeled exhibit F while

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Entertainment / Music / News

‘My mum hates it when I tell her I’m never getting married’ – Burna Boy

Nigerian music star Burna Boy has revealed how his mother, Bose Ogulu, gets really angry every time shuts down the idea of settling down.

In a post shared via his Instagram Stories on Monday, October 25, 2021, the singer said his mother turns red every time he tells her he is never getting married.

“My mum hates it so much whenever I tell her I’m not getting married. She turns red. My own issue is that now I’m too sure if I really mean it or I just say it to piss her off,” he wrote. The Grammy award-winning singer may have put to rest the rumors that he had secretly gotten married to his girlfriend, Stefflon Don.

It would be recalled that in a video which went viral in September 2020, Burna Boy was seen repeatedly calling the rapper his wife.

“Look what my wife got me mehn,” he said making reference to a necklace he was putting on. “You see, you need a wife like my own, that’s the problem,” he added.

Prior to this video, there had been speculations about their engagement.

Recall in February when Stefflon Don shared a photo of herself wearing what appeared to be an engagement ring.

The two first went public with their relationship in 2019.

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Entertainment / Music / News

‘Fela Kuti was so hard’- Rap mogul Jay Z on why he included Fela’s record in the soundtrack of new Netflix movie ‘The Harder They Fall’

American rap mogul Jay Z has continued to pay tribute to Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti by including a record by the Nigerian music great in the soundtrack of a new Netflix movie ‘The Harder They Fall’.

Jay Z produced the Western, which stars Idris Elba and Regina King, among others, and curated the soundtrack.

The soundtrack highlights black music from across the world, and Fela’s record ‘Let’s Start’ from 1971 ‘Live’ album is in the project.

The record was also used in one of the trailers for the movie. Jay Z said Fela’s songs represented black people, so he included one of them in the soundtrack.

“The idea of adding those landscapes to these images is super interesting. If you think about the time when Western was super popular and was the only thing on TV, it was influencing the world,” the hip-hop mogul said in an interview at the London screening of the movie.

“So you had people in Jamaica dress up as Cowboys because these are images they had seen on TV.

“So there is actual that place that exists over Western music and we have a few of those.

“Just that juxtaposition of how art influences life and life influences culture was just interesting to us, and Fela Kuti was so hard it was just the best trailer, music of all time.

“That’s what I listen to in the house, Jeymes (Samuel)-director of the movie- as well; that’s what we listen to when we kicking it. SO we just put the things that we really love. Cause it’s magic and magic going work.”

Jay Z has always championed Fela; the rap legend was one of the sponsors and producers of ‘Fela!’ the classic musical about the Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer on the legendary Broadway.

In 2016, he added Fela’s anti-military protest anthem ‘Zombie’ in his playlist highlighting social injustice in America.

Famed for his activism, Fela pioneered Afrobeat that also gave birth to the contemporary Afrobeats.

He released so many groundbreaking records between the

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Entertainment / Music / News

CKay, Omah Lay, P.Priime and Telz to represent Nigeria in #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022

YouTube today announced a roster of 54 artists, songwriters and producers selected to join the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022. Among the acts from Australia, Brazil, Canada, USA and the UK are eight African artists based in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.

Supported by the #YouTube Black Voices Fund, the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022 is a development program designed to directly support and mentor Black artists, songwriters & producers worldwide. The addition of songwriters and producers to the 2022 class demonstrates the continuation and expansion of Youtube’s efforts to support Black artists on the platform.

With the aim of equipping up-and-coming Black artists, songwriters & producers with the resources to succeed on YouTube, the class will be grouped into two program streams: one for artists and one for songwriters and producers.

Class participants will each receive dedicated partner support, seed funding to invest in the development of their channels, and opportunities to participate in training and networking programs focused on production, fan engagement and wellbeing.

Over the next 6 months, they will also get opportunities to develop their catalogues and collaborate with other global artists, songwriters, and producers who have also been selected to take part in the program.

Commenting on the significance of the program, YouTube’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan, Addy Awofisayo says “African music is taking the entire world by storm and the #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund is an opportunity to both celebrate and nurture African artistry and help songwriters, producers and artists share their craft with global audiences.”

“Black culture is expansive and ever-changing and YouTube Music is committed to celebrating that experience through music,” she adds.

Nigeria’s Omah Lay whose music is heavily influenced by his background, strong culture and environment, has an undeniable connection to his audience and high hopes for his journey with YouTube Black Voices: “My music speaks to the people that love me, the people I love and the people that have been through what I have been through. I see the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund having an impact on my

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Crime / Entertainment / Law / Music / News

‘I want to go to jail’ – angry Shatta Wale tells critics whilst leaving court

The Ghanaian dancehall act has been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court today over a charge of the publication of false news. He appeared in court wearing an all-white matching hoodie.

Whilst being whisked into a police van, Shatta Wale spoke to the media and other fans chanting his name. He said, “every day Shatta Wale do this, Shatta Wale do that, I want to f*cking go to jail“.

“Just send this to them, tell them I want to sleep in jail for this … fake prophets,” he added In the video below

Out of the staged reports that he has been shot on Tuesday, 18th October, Shatta Wale was slapped with one count of publication of false news while his three other accomplices, were charged with abetment to the publication of false news.

Meanwhile, during the hearing of his case, the dancehall act and his accomplices pleaded not guilty and have been ordered to reappear before the court on October 26, 2021.

Mr Jerry Avenorgbo who is the lawyer for accused persons prayed the court to grant his clients bail because they were not a flight risk and had a fixed place of abode. However, the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Dennis Tekpetey opposed the bail application urging the court to remand the accused persons for further investigations.

According to him, another aspect of the case was still under investigation and hence granting bail to the accused persons will interfere with the investigation. His comment is believed to be in relation to the Prophet, Jesus Ahoufe, who first prophesied that Shatta Wale would be shot on 18th October.

The man of God has also been remanded and expected to appear in court again on 25th October.

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Music / News

Wizkid reveals Justin Bieber reached out to him for the remix of ‘Essence’

Nigerian music superstar Wizkid has revealed that Justin Bieber reached out to him for the remix of his hit record ‘Essence’.

Wizkid had Bieber on the remix of his successful record ‘Essence’, which is off his 2020 album ‘Made in Lagos’.

Bieber’s appearance on the record has further driven the song up the Billboard Hot 100 Chart-the remix is currently number nine.

Speaking about the remix, Wizkid revealed that it was Bieber that reached out to him.

“He reached out to me and he loved the record. He sent the verse and it was just fire,” Wizkid told American entertainment media platform, Complex.

“We linked up and we performed it together. We got some more music together as well.”

Bieber was excited when he jumped on the remix, taking to his social media to thank Wiz for letting him be on the ‘song of the summer’

He also went ahead to create his video for his verse and brought out Wizkid to perform the song on his set at Made in America.

Wizkid has broken several records with the record ‘Essence’, which also features Nigerian singer Tems.

In July, it became the first Nigerian song to crack the Billboard Hot 100 chart and rose to top-20. In September, it topped the Billboard Hip Hop and R&B chart and in October became the first Nigerian song to be certified platinum in the United States.

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Entertainment / Music / News

2Face Idibia’s baby mama Pero speaks on her involvement in his rumored marriage crisis

Pero Adeniyi, one of 2Face Idibia’s baby mamas and the alleged third party in his marriage has for the first time given her side of the story.

The United States of America mother of three in an exclusive chat with Stella Dimoko Korkus’ Blog, SDK, said the last time she saw the music star was about four months ago.

“I had not even spoken to him for about four months before I was woken up with calls to go and see I am trending online because Annie mentioned that he had run off to stay with me in America,” she said.

“We don’t really talk and we are not friends. It is because of this same reason that I have stayed away from him.”

She also went on to clear the air about a viral video where two ladies referred to her as the music star’s first wife.

“Those two Ladies in the video, one of them is Tuface’s cousin and they know the truth…they wonder why I have been on my lane and I keep getting dragged into Annie’s marital drama,” she said.

“They are the only ones who can explain why they said what they said in the video. I am at peace with everyone. I have three kids for their brother so visiting me when i am in the Country should not be an issue or make headlines.”

I cannot answer why they made the video and posted it. I was upset at first but then I had to let go, I am a happy person and have no time to waste on anger of any kind.”

When asked why Annie mentioned her name in the now-famous leaked audio recording, Pero expressed shock at the movie star’s decision. “Help me ask Her why she dragged me into her marital drama when she knows well that i do not have contact with her husband? she knows,” she said.

“Why am I her easy target to gain sympathy

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Entertainment / Music / News

Burna Boy says that he pioneered Afro-Fusion, hints at a possible collaboration album with Polo G

On October 9, 2021, Grammy winning Nigerian superstar, Burna Boy appeared on Home Grown Radio with Chuck Dizzle and DJ Hed.

During the conversation, Odogwu himself, who had just become the first Nigerian artist to perform an arena show this side of the millennium and sold out a whopping 17,000 tickets, spoke about his performance at the Hollywood Bowl, pioneering Afro-fusion, winning a Grammy for Best World Music Album and more.

When Burna Boy was asked about the wildness of his teenage years, he says that it turned him into the artist that he is today.

He then continues, “My genre of music that I started is called Afro-Fusion; which is like a fusion of Afrobeats with… I feel like Afro-Fusion was only able to come out of me because I experienced all these sounds and genres.”

During the interview, Burna Boy also clarified that his new single, ‘Want It All’ featuring Polo G has a clean version. On the clean version, he says, “Back in 09, I was feeling so low…”

When DJ Hed asked Burna Boy asks that which artist would he love to do a collaboration album with, the Grammy winner smile brightly and so did an unnamed woman in the background.

With the mischievous smile, he then says, “I don’t want to give you that… But you’re smart though.”

When DJ Hed tried to press the Port Harcourt indigene about the possibility of a collaboration album with Polo G, he says that, “I don’t know. I don’t even speak English… [laughs].”

Hed then jokes, “So Polo G collab album coming soon.”

There has also been word of a possible Wizkid and Burna Boy collab album or EP round the block since Q4 2020.

But on the actual version, he sings that, “Back in 09, I used to sell dope…”

You can watch the full interview below.

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Entertainment / Music / News

Ckay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ moves 15 places into No. 35 on Billboard Hot 100

On October 10, 2021, Nigerian singer, Ckay’s global smash hit, ‘Love Nwantiti’ moved up 15 places to No. 35 on the Billboard 200. One week earlier, it sat at No. 50.

On September 27, 2021, the Warner South Africa act, recorded his first Billboard Hot 100 record.

On September 21, 2021, the record charted at No. 23 on the Official UK Top 40 and peaked at No. 4 just a week later.

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 sat 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.

The version of ‘Love Nwantiti’ which sat 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.

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.

It becomes the second Nigerian record to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021 after Wizkid’s ‘Essence.’

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Entertainment / Music / News

Boomplay streams now count towards Billboard Charts

This will be effective with data for the tracking week of October 15 through October 21 (Billboard charts dated October 30).

With millions of African songs being streamed on the platform globally, the inclusion of Boomplay’s stream data in the iconic charts provides African and international artistes and music on the platform the opportunity for more exposure on the global stage.

Within MRC Data’s Music Connect platform, Boomplay streams will be included in the ‘Others’ data bucket under Audio On-Demand with data visible on October 12, 2021 for streams beginning on October 8, 2021.

According to Billboard, ‘‘MRC Data’s foundation is built on providing the music industry and our clients with the most complete view of music consumption. We are excited to announce additional data being captured from Boomplay.’’ 

Boomplay’s Director of Content & Strategy, Phil Choi described Boomplay’s addition to the charts as “a significant step in ensuring African artistes on the platform are fairly and equally represented where it matters and that they have access to similar opportunities available to their international counterparts.

“While this might have seemed far-fetched in the past, we now have one foot in the door already following our partnership with Billboard Charts.”

Boomplay’s streaming data added to the Billboard charts represent streams from its subscription tier and logged-in streams from its ad-supported tier, with streams from each tier weighted appropriately.

Boomplay currently has over 60 million Monthly Active Users & over 60 million tracks.

Billboard is an entertainment magazine published weekly by the Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group, a division of MRC Media & Info. The magazine provides music charts, news, video, opinion, reviews, events, and style related to the music industry. Its music charts include the Hot 100, Billboard 200 and Global 200, tracking the most popular albums and songs in different genres of music.

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Entertainment / Music / News

Hypocrisy is the reason why marijuana is illegal in Nigeria – Burna Boy

Grammy award-winning singer, Burna Boy has said that hypocrisy is the reason why marijuana has not been legalized in Nigeria. Though Marijuana, also known as weed, skunk or Igbo is still illegal in Nigeria, it hasn’t stopped its widespread use.

A 2018 report by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime revealed that marijuana is the most consumed ‘drug’ in Nigeria, being consumed by an estimated 10.8% of the population.

During a conversation in an interview with Home Grown Radio in Los Angeles, Burna Boy said he believes that hypocrisy is the reason it has not been legalized in Nigeria. He said, “It’s not a zero tolerance.

“It’s like everybody does it, but no one wants to be the one that is seen with it.

“It’s just kind of hypocritical out there. “Everybody smokes weed.”

Burna Boy also said that misconception around the drug is another reason why it has not been legalized.

“It’s like some dumb shit, bro. You know those old shit when they talk about it frying your brains.

“They try to make it seem like if you smoke it, you will go mad.” “Right now, everybody is relaxed, everybody does it, and everybody knows that. “It’s just a topic no one wants to talk about. “No one wants to talk about it; everybody is cool. Nobody wants to make it a thing.”

Asked if people get arrested for possession of marijuana in Nigeria, the 30-year-old singer says it depends on who you are.

He said, “If you can please the person that is stopping you at a time.” Burna Boy, in the interview, also said he likes coming to Los Angeles because weed is free in the state and that the best one he has had was in the city.

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