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Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ sets new African record on Billboard Chart

‘Made In Lagos’ has become the first African album to have a run of 100 weeks on the Billboard world album chart. It achieved this feat in the chart week dated October 15th, 2022.

This incredible feat means that the album is only three weeks away from enjoying a run that will span two years on the chart.

‘Made in Lagos’ reached number one on the Billboard World Album Chart spending three weeks atop the chart thus becoming the first Nigerian album to spend multiple weeks at number one.

The album also became the longest-charting Nigerian project in the chart’s history. It tops Fela‘s ‘The Black President’ which spent 45 weeks on the chart.

Its latest accolade of reaching 100 weeks on the Billboard World Album Chart is another feat for the hugely successful ‘Made In Lagos’ which has set numerous records and received several recognitions.

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Music / News

I’m thinking of dropping an EP, ‘Carter Efe’ reveals

In an interview with Media Personality Ebuka Obi Uchendu on Channels Television, Carter Efe revealed that he made ‘Machala’ featuring Berri Tiga because of his love for Wizkid.

On how he decided to make music, Carter shares that he has always been into music even when he was younger.

On the inspiration behind ‘Machala’, Carter revealed that it was motivated by his love for Wizkid.

“People also call me ‘Machala’ because I love Wizkid. The song is just for Wizkid FC and myself.”

According to Carter, he didn’t expect the song to blow up when he made it and the tremendous success of the song came as a surprise.

When asked if he reached out to Wizkid at any point in the single, he revealed that he knows Wizkid isn’t the type to acknowledge such gestures and he did it solely for his love for Wizkid.

On if he intends to continue making music, Carter tells Ebuka that he loves the money his hit single has brought him and he intends to continue making music. He further revealed that he has plans to release an EP.

On ‘Machala’ getting yanked off Streaming Platforms: Carter Efe revealed that he has no idea why his song was taken off streaming platforms. He shared that he has reached out to the distribution company who told him they are working on it.

Pulse Music Desk has reached out to Carter Efe and Guru Files Media who distributed the song. However, both parties are yet to give any comments on the reason the song was taken off streaming platforms.

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Music / News

Wizkid set to drop new music

Wizkid has announced via his Instagram story that he will be releasing new music in two days time. Wizkid posted “New Music?” before following it up with “Something very special in two days.”

The post has generated excitement from fans who have been waiting for new music from the Grammy-winning artist. If the upcoming single turns out to be owned by Wizkid rather than a featured track, this will make it Wizkid’s first single since he released ‘Made In Lagos’ deluxe.

In 2022, Wizkid has been featured on a number of singles including by Chris Brown, BNXN, and DJ Tunez.

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Awards / Music / News

Wizkid leads 2022 Headies Awards winners: See full list

The 15th Headies Awards held in Atlanta USA on 4th September 24, 2022. The show was hosted by Emmy nominated actor Anthony Anderson and award-winning Nigerian actress Osas Ighodoro. Leading the nominations list for the 15th Headies is Wizkid who led with 11 nominations. Following behind him is Ayra Starr and Tems who both have 8 nominations each.

The Headies rolled out some of the awards during the live show with Wizkid and Tems leading with 5 wins while Patoranking, Burna Boy, Davido won 2 awards. Other winners includes BNXN who won the Next Rated Award and Ayra Starr who won the Viewers Choice Award.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:

A voting category for the rookie of the year who has had a successful year musically, with the absence of an album in the year under review.

  • AV
  • FAVE (WINNER)
  • MAGIXX
  • PORTABLE
  • UGOCCIE

    BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR

    A non-voting category for the best recording (that meets the judges’ requirements of excellence; songwriting, production, rendition) by an artiste or group in the year under review.

    • “CELEBRATE ME” – PATORANKING (WINNER)
    • “ESSENCE” – WIZKID FEAT. TEMS
    • “JOY” – FALANA
    • “LOVING IS HARDER” – JOHNNY DRILLE
    • “MEJI MEJI” – BRYMO
    • “SOMEBODY’S SON” – TIWA SAVAGE FEAT. BRANDY

    PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

    An individual responsible for producing the most acclaimed song or album in the year under review.

    • BEATS BY JAYY – “GOLDEN” (A-Q)
    • BLAISE BEATZ – “SINNER” (ADEKUNLE GOLD FEAT. LUCKY DAYE)
    • NIPHKEYS – “FEEL GOOD” (MOHBAD)
    • P PRIIME – “OZUMBA MBADIWE” (REEKADO BANKS)
    • PHEELZ – “HIGH” (ADEKUNLE GOLD FEAT. DAVIDO)
    • SARZ – “MONALISA” (LOJAY & SARZ) (WINNER)

    SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:

    A non-voting category for the writer of a song (that meets the judges’ requirements of excellence, composition, arrangement, rendition) in the year under review.

    • ADEKUNLE GOLD – “SINNER” (WINNER)
    • AJEBO HUSTLERS – “LOYALTY”
    • BRYMO – “MEJI MEJI”
    • FALANA – “JOY”
    • FIREBOY DML – “PERU”
    • OMAH LAY – “UNDERSTAND”

    BEST R&B SINGLE

    A category for the best r&b single in the year under review (by a single individual or group).

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Music / News

Wizkid makes African history with ‘Made In Lagos’ certification

On Monday, August 29th, 2022, the Recording Industry Association of America announced the Gold Certification of Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ album after it sold over 500,000 copies in the United States.

This giant stride earns Wizkid the singular honor of being the only Nigerian and African artist to have his album sell above 500,000 copies in the United States.

As expected both fans, admirers, colleagues, and media personalities have showered Mr. Ayo “Wizkid” Balogun with praises for once again putting Nigeria and Africa on the map while also setting the pace for other artists.

The role of ‘Essence’: It’s easily deductible that the American popularity of ‘Made In Lagos’ is driven by the hugely successful ‘Essence’ which enjoyed US success. ‘Essence’ remix featuring American Pop star Justin Bieber peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is two-time platinum.

With the certification of ‘Made In Lagos’, Nigerian fans will be hoping that other albums can follow in its steps and enjoy international success as Afrobeats continues to soar internationally.

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Music / News

Wizkid scores fourth Billboard Hot 100 entry

Chris Brown tapped Wizkid for his Afrobeats-inspired single ‘Call Me Everyday’ which is one of the songs in his latest album ‘Breezy’.

This becomes Wizkid’s fourth entry on America’s official music chart after previously recording entries with Drake’s 2016 hit single ‘One Dance’ which peaked at number one, Beyoncé’s ‘Brown Skin Girl’ which reached Number 76 on the chart, and ‘Essence’ featuring Tems and Justin Bieber which peaked at number 9.…

Awards / Music / News

‘Essence’ regains top spot on Billboard US Afrobeats Chart after BET win

‘Essence’ rose from number 2 to snatch the top spot from Tems’ ‘Free Mind.’ 

Wizkid became the first African to win a major category at the BET awards after defeating American heavy weights such as DJ Khaled, Lil Nas X, and Doja Cat to the award. ‘Essence’ is Afrobeats biggest song in the US reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The international hit has also spent 14 weeks on the Billboard US Afrobeats Chart.…

Awards / Music / News

Wizkid records historic win at the 2022 BET Awards

With the win, ‘Essence’ becomes the first African song to win a BET award and Wizkid becomes the first Nigerian and African to win an Award outside the Best International Acts category.

Other contenders for the award include:

DJ Khaled fest. Lil Baby & Lil Durk – ‘Every Chance I Get’

Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – ‘Family Ties’

Doja Cat feat. SZA – ‘Kiss Me More’

Drake feat. Future & Young Thug – ‘Way 2 Sexy’

Bia feat. Nicki Minaj – ‘Whole Lotta Money (Remix)’

Wizkid had previously won the BET HER Award as a featured artist on Beyonce’s ‘Black Skin Girl.’ However, with ‘Essence,’ he becomes the first African lead artist to win a category other than the International category.

Over the last decade, Wizkid has being one of the major acts leading Afrobeats international push and it’s only befitting for him to be the artist to break the BET category limitation for Nigerian and African artists.

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Awards / Music / News

See the complete list of winners at the 2022 BET Awards

Afrobeats was well represented at the award with Pheelz performing on the red carpet and Fireboy DML performing at the live event.

Wizkid won the award for Best Collaboration for ‘Essence’ featuring Tems and Justin Bieber.

Tems also took home the award for Best International Act.

Here is a list of all the winners at the 2022 BET Awards.

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

  • Ari Lennox
  • Chlöe
  • Doja Cat
  • H.E.R.
  • Jazmine Sullivan *WINNER
  • Mary J. Blige
  • Summer Walker

Best male R&B/Pop Artist

  • Blxst
  • Chris Brown
  • Giveon
  • Lucky Daye
  • The Weeknd *WINNER
  • Wizkid
  • Yung Bleu

Best Group

  • Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak) *WINNER
  • Chlöe X Halle
  • City Girls
  • Lil Baby & Lil Durk
  • Migos
  • Young Dolph & Key Glock

Best Collaboration

  • Wizkid feat. Justin Bieber & Tems – ‘Essence’ *WINNER
  • DJ Khaled fest. Lil Baby & Lil Durk – ‘Every Chance I Get’
  • Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – ‘Family Ties’
  • Doja Cat feat. SZA – ‘Kiss Me More’
  • Drake feat. Future & Young Thug – ‘Way 2 Sexy’
  • Bia feat. Nicki Minaj – ‘Whole Lotta Money (Remix)’

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

  • Cardi B
  • Doja Cat
  • Latto
  • Megan Thee Stallion *WINNER
  • Nicki Minaj
  • Saweetie

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

  • Drake
  • Future
  • J. Cole
  • Jack Harlow
  • Kanye West
  • Kendrick Lamar *WINNER
  • Lil Baby

Video of the Year

  • Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – ‘Family Ties’
  • Chlöe – ‘Have Mercy’
  • Doja Cat feat. SZA – ‘Kiss Me More’
  • Ari Lennox – ‘Pressure’
  • Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson Paak) – ‘Smokin Out The Window’ *WINNER
  • Drake feat. Future & Young Thug – ‘Way 2 Sexy’

Video Director of the Year

  • Anderson .Paak a.k.a. Director .Paak *WINNER
  • Benny Boom
  • Beyoncé & Dikayl Rimmasch
  • Director X
  • Hype Williams
  • Missy Elliott

Best New Artist

  • Baby Keem
  • Benny the Butcher
  • Latto *WINNER
  • Muni Long
  • Tems
  • Yung Bleu

Album of the Year

  • Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson Paak) – ‘An Evening with Silk Sonic’ *WINNER
  • H.E.R. – ‘Back of My Mind’
  • Tyler, the Creator – ‘Call Me If You Get Lost’
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Awards / Music / News

Billboard announces Wizkid as longest charting African artist, ‘Essence’ as longest charting African song

‘Essence’ which features songstress Tems has enjoyed an impressive level of success in the United States reaching the Billboard Top 10 and earning a platinum plaque in the process.

Billboard announcement is a confirmation of Wizkid’s success in the United States and an addition of another feather to his decorated cap. With his next album ‘More Love, Less Ego’ on the way, Wizkid will be looking to further break new ground internationally.

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Entertainment / Music / News

Wizkid hints on getting $1 million to headline at the Rolling Loud concert in Toronto

Rolling Loud has announced the Nigerian singer as one of three headliners for their first concert in Canada’s largest city, Toronto. Wizkid, Dave, and Future are the headliners for the three-day concert, which will take place at Ontario Place, a 15,000-person capacity outdoor concert venue in the heart of Toronto.

Following the announcement and confirmation of his story by Wizkid, the Nigerian pop star made a shocking revelation. He hinted in his story that he was paid a million dollars to be one of the event’s headliners. Wizkid will perform on the third day, September 11th, 2022. Other than Wizkid, Mavin Records Rema is the only Nigerian scheduled to perform at the concert.

Wizkid teases a $1 million payday to headline the Rolling Loud concert in Toronto. Wizkid’s story is simply a confirmation of Future’s tweet from a few days ago, in which he claimed he was paid a million dollars to headline a concert. “How many trap niggas u kno can get 1mil ah show??? #IMDATNIGGA,” he tweeted.

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Entertainment / Music / News

Banky W claims Wizkid owes his record label 3 albums

The Nigerian singer, music executive, and politician spoke with Bounce Networks’ Ebuka. Banky W spoke about his deal with Wizkid and how they ended things in the interview with his wife and Nollywood actress, Adesua.

When discussing his contract with Wizkid and how they parted ways, he stated that Wizkid wanted to leave despite the fact that he had not fulfilled the terms of his contract. He revealed that Wizkid only released two albums, as opposed to the five stipulated in his contract. In his words,

“I think it was a 5 album deal and he had done 2 solo albums… I think he still owed 3 more albums but he wanted to leave. And for me, that was enough because I don’t want anybody to stay where they want to stay.”

When asked if he tried to talk him out of it, he replied, “No, because I could tell that mentally he was ready to do other things. For me, I just felt like some things are just meant to happen for a season and that was the season we were meant to work together.”

Recall that Wizkid joined Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) in 2009 and released two albums, ‘Superstar‘ (2011) and ‘Ayo‘ (2014), before leaving the label in 2014.

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Entertainment / Music / News

Common features between Wizkid and Davido

Nigerian music industry has been so lucky to have the likes of Davido and Wizkid.

The two in their greatest peak have pushed the image of Afrobeat to world recognition.

Their unique musical qualities also have created a massive rivalry between them as they share several things in common. Since the two debuted in the genre of Afrobeat, they have bagged an enormous number of similar musical successes.

In this article, we shall outline these common qualities and discuss them. Check out below and be enlightened by the bond between Wizkid and Davido.

We shall outline these common qualities and discuss their beauty. Check it below and thrill to the bond of Wizkid and Davido.

Their debut songs were hits

After Wizkid signed to the EME, his debut song ‘Holla at your boy’ a massive track from his debut album ‘Superstar’ emerged as the number one song as of then.

He immediately bagged fame and became the point of attraction to date.

This also transpired in the life of Davido. His debut song ‘Back when’ featuring Nateo C who spiced it up with his rapping qualities also was a hit that derived Nigerians crazy.

It emerged to be one of the greatest Afrobeat songs that thrilled thousands of people. This bond also is yet to be quenched as Davido and Wizkid still dish out hit songs every single year.

They both were awarded the Headies in the category of the next rated artist in their debut year.

Wizkid often blew before Davido. In 2011, ‘Holla at your boy’ was nominated amongst the other hit songs in the category of next rated artist. As expected, Wizkid clinched the award boosting his energy and opening his plaque cabinet and account.

A year after, Davido also struck the limelight with his debut single and was also nominated for the next rated artist.

His debut single, Dami Duro clinched him the award and he bagged the plaque opening an account for other musical awards to flow in.

These similar qualities between Davido and Wizkid

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Entertainment / Music / News

Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ gets certified double platinum in the US

On March 3, 2022, Nigerian singer, Wizkid‘s ‘Essence’ got certified double platinum in the US. This comes after it became the first Nigerian song to be certified platinum in the US.

An album or single is certified platinum when it moves the equivalent of two million physical sales in the US.

On October 5, 2021, it was reported that ‘Essence,’ Wizkid and Tems’ summer banger has been certified platinum in the US. It also becomes the first African song to hit that milestone.

To be clear, this is the version that features only Tems, and peaked at No. 54 on the Billboard Hot 100, not the version which features Justin Bieber, and has since peaked at No. 10 on the same chart.

On September 2, 2021, Nigerian superstar, Wizkid’s groundbreaking single, ‘Essence’ was certified Gold in the US.

 

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Music / News

Wizkid’s ‘True Love’ climbs American charts

On January 21, 2022, All Access reported that Wizkid‘s ‘True Love’ will officially crack urban radio in the US on February 1, 2022.

This comes following the lofty success of Grammy-nominated ‘Essence,’ which has since gone back up into the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100. The success of ‘True Love’ also comes perfectly-timed for Valentine’s Day.

Word on the street says that the record was meant to be flagship single for Made In Lagos, till ‘Essence’ distinguished itself and found incredible success. The same rumors also have it that a video for ‘True Love’ has already been shot.

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Music / News

Wizkid says that he wants to see Burna Boy and Davido win

On January 22, 2022, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Wizkid, was captured in a video saying that he wants to see everybody win. He also notes that it’s a good look for Nigerians.

He said, “People haven’t seen [us show each other love]. There’s actually unity, these niggas are actually cool. We’re all friends, we’re all family, we all love each other… I want to see everybody win and I’m sure everybody feels the same about us.

“No matter how bad we feel about each other, we still want to see each other win. So we have to show the fans in the videos, collabs and shows… It’s very important, man. It’s important for our people at home sef, all those people fighting genocide, who want to kill themselves.”

There’s been a lot of love in the Nigerian music industry recently. Burna Boy and Davido recently settled their beef. Just like Wizkid and Davido were recently seen hugging it out at a club. Olamide was also seen in the studio with Wizkid and Davido recently.

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Music / News

‘Made in Lagos’ cost me three years, knew it’ll be mega success – Wizkid

Wizkid was recently named Artist of The Year (Africa) by Apple Music at the Apple Music Awards. During his acceptance chat, he spoke about the success of Made In Lagos.

He says, “I felt it coming. I would say I’m lying if I didn’t feel it coming because it took me three years to work on that album. So I felt like there was going to be a shift, but I didn’t know how it would come. Because I knew that it was kind of like a different… it wasn’t a different sound, but it was a more matured sound from what I used to make.

“From when I was way young, man. I called my first album ‘Superstar.’ How confident can you be? So yeah. I was born to do this sh**, man.”

He also spoke about his admiration for Tems and the success of ‘Essence.’

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Music / News

‘Tems is in my top three,’ says Wizkid

On December 10, 2021, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Wizkid had a conversation with Apple Music. This was meant to commemorate his Apple Music Award for Artist of the Year (Africa).

He reflects on the last 12 months, discusses the huge success of his album, Made In Lagos, explains how his life has changed since his 2011 debut and reveals his plans for 2022. As part of the show, he spoke about the success of ‘Essence’ and his admiration for Tems.

He says, “I don’t see it like that. I don’t think I’m the first through it. I don’t know what I did, but it just kicked the door open. I feel like everyone’s about to come through right now. There’s about to be loads of records from Africa. That feels good because the truth is, people are tired of listening to the same sh**. They want some real sh**.

“And during the pandemic, it kind of helped because we’re all in the house. So it helped everyone find, well for me, basically I would speak for myself. It made me understand the kind of music that I really loved to listen to more. So I feel like that just helped everyone get in touch with like, oh, yeah, man. I want to listen to some good music, what feels great?

“So when that record dropped, what it did for me was what it did for the people. It made me feel better every time I listen to the song. So it’s just a great record, man. Great record. And I love Tems to death. She’s a special, special talent. She’s like my top three.”

Wizkid also thanked Apple Music for the award.

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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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