Spotify revealed top 5 female Afrobeats artistes, Ayra Starr led
Global music streaming platform Spotify revealed its list of the “Top 5 Female Afrobeats Artists in the Last 12 Months,” with Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr taking the top spot.
The platform hailed the “Rush” hitmaker as “the pop star of Afrobeats” in recognition of her remarkable run over the past year.
Following closely was Grammy Award-winning singer Tems, whose global collaborations and soulful sound continued to shape the genre.
At number three was American-Cameroonian star Libianca, whose hit “People” became a global anthem. Aya Nakamura, the Malian-French Afropop powerhouse, claimed fourth place, while British-Nigerian artist Darkoo rounded out the list at number five.
Surprisingly, South African breakout star Tyla did not appear on the list, despite dominating charts and winning multiple Afrobeats awards over the past year.
Spotify also published its Top 5 Afrobeats Artists in Latin America, a ranking entirely dominated by Nigerian acts. Rema led the pack, followed by Ayra Starr, CKay, Burna Boy, and Wizkid.
The rankings highlighted Afrobeats’ growing influence across continents, cementing Nigerian artists as leading forces in global music culture.
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Tiwa Savage revealed three-year celibacy, opened up on past relationship
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage revealed that she had been celibate for the past three years, explaining that her decision stemmed from being single since the end of her last relationship.
The award-winning singer made the revelation during a candid interview with The Breakfast Club, where she shared her views on love and intimacy.
“I went three years without sex. It was not something I really liked or was crazy about,” Savage said. “I had to be in love to have the urge for sex. I had to be with someone for me to even think about it. I didn’t even have sex toys. Maybe I needed to. Maybe people needed to get me toys for my Christmas presents,” she joked.
Savage’s comments came just weeks after she spoke publicly about a traumatic past relationship with a Nigerian public figure.
She described the relationship as “disrespectful,” alleging that her partner cheated on her repeatedly while taking advantage of the secrecy surrounding their affair.
The singer said she eventually walked away after tolerating the infidelity for too long, choosing peace and self-love over a toxic situation.
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Mr Eazi recounted N19m loss in failed diesel deal
Nigerian music star and entrepreneur Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, revealed how a costly business failure in his teenage years almost crushed his entrepreneurial spirit.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview shared on X, the “Legalize” crooner recalled losing about ₦19 million in a collapsed diesel supply deal when he was just 19 years old.
He explained that he had borrowed the funds from his uncle, a medical doctor, and his wife to finance what seemed like a secure venture. The plan was to purchase diesel and supply it to clients, including telecom giant MTN.
According to Mr Eazi, he relied on agents at Lagos’ Apapa port to source the product since direct access to tank farms required bulk allocations. However, things took a turn when the government unexpectedly deregulated fuel prices, causing diesel prices to crash.
“We had to sell the diesel at a loss,” he said. “Explaining to my uncle that his life savings were gone was one of the hardest moments, and he was devastated.”
Despite the setback, Mr Eazi said the experience became a turning point, teaching him resilience and preparing him for bigger challenges.
“It was a painful failure, but it toughened me up for the journey ahead,” he added.
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Obi Cubana celebrated viral Lagos hawker turned law graduate
Nigerian socialite and businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, celebrated the academic achievement of Ekuma Jeremiah, the Lagos traffic hawker who captured national attention in 2022 for his act of kindness.
Jeremiah rose to fame after he was filmed handing out money to inmates inside a Nigerian Correctional Service vehicle in Ajah, Lagos. The clip quickly went viral, touching millions across the country and earning him nationwide admiration.
Among those moved by his generosity was Obi Cubana, who offered him financial assistance and lucrative opportunities.
In a post shared via Instagram on Monday, Cubana reflected on that moment, revealing that Jeremiah turned down the offers so he could focus on completing his law degree at Ebonyi State University.
“On January 19, 2022, when opportunities were placed before you, you chose education! You made the best choice. Today, you are a 2025 law graduate,” Cubana wrote.
He praised Jeremiah’s determination and foresight, saying that his decision to prioritize education over short-term comfort had now positioned him for a brighter future.
From hawking goods in Lagos traffic to graduating as a lawyer, Jeremiah’s journey stood as a powerful testament to perseverance and the life-changing power of education.
Greatest Nigerian classics concert brought nostalgia home to Lagos
A wave of nostalgia and national pride swept across the world and returned home to Lagos as Nigeria marked 65 years of independence in 2025.
Enchanted Concerts presented the much-anticipated Greatest Nigerian Classics Edition, a powerful jazz orchestral tribute to the golden age of Nigerian music.
The concert, performed by the renowned Premier Symphony Orchestra and award-winning stage actor Oluchi Odii, brought to life timeless hits by music icons such as Victor Olaiya, Osita Osadebe, Victor Uwaifo, Alex Zitto, Bobby Benson, Evi Edna Ogholi, and many others.
The tour had kicked off earlier in September with shows in Toronto and Calgary, where global audiences relished classic Nigerian sounds reimagined by a full orchestra. The grand finale took place on September 28, 2025, at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, drawing an enthusiastic home crowd.
“This wasn’t just a concert. It was a cultural movement,” said Funmi Oyatogun, founder of Enchanted Concerts and curator of the experience. “We built a community around pride, nostalgia, and excellence. People were craving a connection to the old feeling of home, not just through food or festivals, but through the music that raised us.”
The concert was produced by TVP Events, a global experience company known for curating unforgettable cultural moments.
Asake said humility is seen as weakness in music industry
Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake shared his perspective on how humility is often misinterpreted in the music industry, arguing that confidence, or even ego, can make artists more appealing to fans.
In a viral video that circulated on TikTok, the “Lonely at the Top” crooner reflected on the pressures artists face when navigating fame and public perception. He explained that audiences tend to focus more on results than the creative process behind an artist’s work.
“As an artiste, if you were humble, they took you for granted,” he said. “But if you had ego, they felt like you weren’t accessible, then they liked you more. People would rather see what you’re doing than watch you show them the process. They don’t really appreciate it. Do what you need to do and just go.”
Asake encouraged fellow artists to prioritise delivering results and allow their craft to speak for itself instead of seeking external validation.
His comments sparked discussions online, with fans debating whether ego is a necessary tool for survival in the competitive music scene or if humility still has a place in building lasting fan relationships.
