Seyi Awolowo, a prominent figure from Nigeria’s Big Brother Naija and grandson of Obafemi Awolowo, has shared insights into his complex relationship with his late father and the challenges he faced growing up in a prestigious family lineage:

– **Financial Upbringing**: Despite being born into privilege (“born with a silver spoon”), Seyi’s father emphasized the importance of understanding and appreciating the value of money from an early age.

– **Disownment by Father**: Seyi revealed that his father disowned him and his siblings multiple times without clear reasons, often through letters that cut them off financially. He expressed confusion over these actions and recalled instances where his father assured him not to worry about money due to their lineage.

– **Mixed Feelings on Legacy**: Seyi expressed mixed feelings about bearing the Awolowo name, acknowledging the immense legacy of his famous grandfather, Obafemi Awolowo. He admitted that living in his grandfather’s shadow presented challenges, influencing his perspectives on motivation and comfort zones.

– **Influence of Parents**: Despite the complexities, Seyi highlighted the unbreakable influence of his late father in shaping his character and mindset. He emphasized the lessons learned about not taking life for granted and the importance of applying oneself.

Seyi’s candid reflections provide a glimpse into the personal struggles and lessons learned within a renowned Nigerian family, shedding light on the dynamics of privilege, expectations, and personal growth.

Wizkid’s heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Morayo, underscores the deep emotional impact she had on his life and career. Here’s a summary of the tribute and its significance:

– **Tribute and Emotions**: On Morayo’s first posthumous birthday, Wizkid expressed profound emotions, missing her dearly and describing her as the love of his life. He reminisced about her smile, laughter, hugs, and kisses, emphasizing how much he cherishes her memory.

– **Best Album Tribute**: Wizkid declared that the album he made in her honor is the best he has ever made, signifying the personal significance and emotional depth invested in the project. This album serves as a tribute to her life and legacy, reflecting Wizkid’s commitment to honoring her memory through his music.

– **Family Support and Legacy**: Morayo played a pivotal role in Wizkid’s life and career, offering unwavering support and encouragement. Her passing has deeply impacted Wizkid and his family, evident from the emotional scenes at her funeral and the intimate church service held in Lagos.

– **Musical Legacy**: Known for hits that resonate globally, Wizkid’s decision to name his next album after his mother underscores her enduring influence on his artistic journey. This album is poised to resonate deeply with fans, blending personal introspection with Wizkid’s signature musical prowess.

Wizkid’s tribute not only honors his mother’s memory but also serves as a testament to the profound impact she had on his life and career, ensuring her legacy lives on through his music.

The rise of Nigerian artists on Spotify marks a significant milestone in global music streaming, showcasing their immense popularity and influence. Here’s a rundown of the top Nigerian artists by Spotify streams:

1. **Wizkid** – Leading with 6.974 billion streams, Wizkid’s collaboration on Drake’s “One Dance” has been pivotal, contributing significantly to his total.

2. **Burna Boy** – With 6.226 billion streams, Burna Boy’s international acclaim is underscored by hits like “Location” with Dave.

3. **Rema** – Surpassing 3.666 billion streams, Rema’s “Calm Down” has made history with its massive global appeal.

4. **Tems** – At 2.550 billion streams, Tems’ breakout on Wizkid’s “Essence” has propelled her to global superstardom.

5. **CKay** – CKay’s “Love Nwantiti” has garnered 2.207 billion streams, making him a force in the Afrobeat scene.

6. **Davido** – Crossing the 2 billion mark, Davido’s hits like “Unavailable” continue to resonate globally.

7. **Mr Eazi** – Mr Eazi’s collaboration on J Balvin’s “COMO UN BEBÉ” has contributed to his 1.716 billion streams.

8. **Ayra Starr** – With 1.632 billion streams, Ayra Starr’s “Rush” has solidified her position as a rising star.

9. **Omah Lay** – Omah Lay’s “Soso” and other hits have amassed 1.514 billion streams, showcasing his talent.

10. **Fireboy** – Known for “Peru” and collaborations like with Ed Sheeran, Fireboy has reached 1.438 billion streams.

11. **Asake** – Rising swiftly with hits like “Bandana,” Asake has accumulated 1.289 billion streams in a short span.

These artists’ achievements on Spotify highlight their impact on the global music scene, reflecting the growing influence of Nigerian music worldwide.

Seyi Awolowo recently addressed and apologized for a controversial statement he made during his time on the All-Stars edition of Big Brother Naija in 2023. In an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo on the Just Chude podcast, Seyi expressed regret over his remarks, acknowledging that they were inappropriate and stemmed from emotional turmoil he was experiencing at the time.

He admitted that the statement, which sparked significant backlash, was made during a period when he already felt disconnected and stressed in the house. Seyi clarified that alcohol did not excuse his behavior but rather heightened his emotions, leading to the insensitive comment he made.

Describing his remarks as akin to “locker room chatter” or casual talk that escalated due to emotions, Seyi emphasized that he deeply regretted the impact of his words. He apologized to anyone who was offended, emphasizing that his intention was never to promote such views but rather to vent frustrations in a misguided way.

In essence, Seyi Awolowo’s apology reflects his acknowledgment of the harm caused by his words and his commitment to learning from the experience.

Falz recently shared that he hasn’t been in a romantic relationship since he was 18 years old, back in 2008. During an interview on the Morning Rush Show hosted by Bibi Rai, he humorously avoided delving into specifics about his relationship history but acknowledged that it’s been a dynamic journey.

When asked about what attracts him to women now, Falz emphasized that he’s moved beyond superficial attributes like physical appearance. Instead, he now values a woman’s “aura” — the energy and vibe she exudes. He described this shift as moving away from previous preferences for certain physical features to appreciating the intangible qualities that create a deeper connection.

Falz recounted an experience where he felt a strong connection with a woman solely based on the energy she projected, highlighting that such interactions can be profoundly impactful without needing verbal communication.

In essence, Falz’s evolving perspective reflects a maturity and a deeper appreciation for the emotional and spiritual aspects of relationships, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection and shared energy.

‘Olamide’s “Ikigai” represents another significant milestone in his illustrious career, showcasing his continuous evolution and deep understanding of the Nigerian music landscape. The term “Ikigai,” meaning “the purpose for living” in Japanese, aptly captures Olamide’s ongoing quest for growth and relevance in the music industry.

For his 10th solo project, Olamide collaborates with talented producer Semzi and gathers current and former YBNL associates to craft a 7-track album that resonates with the contemporary soundscape. The opening track, “Metaverse,” sets the tone with Olamide’s trademark blend of Yoruba and pidgin, solidifying his reputation as a hitmaker.

Throughout “Ikigai,” Olamide’s distinctive flow and delivery shine brightly. Tracks like “Makaveli” and “Uptown Disco,” featuring Asake and Fireboy DML, respectively, underscore his stature as a hip-hop icon. He effortlessly name-drops cultural figures and celebrates his role in nurturing talent within the YBNL family.

The album also showcases Olamide’s versatility. In “Hello Habibi,” he explores themes of affluence and global influence, blending hip-hop with Middle Eastern musical elements. Conversely, tracks like “Morowore” delve into introspection and spirituality, paying homage to Nigerian music legends like Paul Play Dairo.

Overall, “Ikigai” not only reinforces Olamide’s musical prowess but also demonstrates his maturity as an artist who navigates the complexities of fame and responsibility. By eschewing the pressure of chasing chart success while maintaining his star power, Olamide sets a blueprint for aging gracefully in the music industry.

In summary, “Ikigai” is a testament to Olamide’s enduring relevance and his ability to connect with audiences through compelling storytelling and infectious beats.

Nollywood actor Femi Ogedengbe recently recounted a harrowing incident from years ago in Enugu, where he, along with fellow actors Prince Eke and Hanks Anuku, narrowly escaped a clash with cultists. Speaking on the King of Talks podcast with Teju Babyface, Ogedengbe described how a casual conversation Prince Eke had with a lady, who happened to be dating a cultist, escalated into a dangerous situation.

According to Ogedengbe, cultism was rampant in Nollywood during that time, though he couldn’t comment on the current situation. During their movie shoot in Enugu, Prince Eke unintentionally provoked the lady’s boyfriend, leading to a confrontation where Prince was humiliated and made to kneel by the cultists. This incident prompted Prince to call for reinforcements from Port Harcourt.

Despite the ensuing physical altercation where they were beaten, Ogedengbe and Hanks Anuku stood their ground. Ogedengbe noted that Hanks Anuku particularly demonstrated courage in defending himself, which eventually earned Prince Eke recognition and roles in movies.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by actors in Nollywood, particularly in the past, and underscores the sometimes perilous environments they navigate in their careers.

Rema’s album ‘Raves & Roses’ has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 100 weeks on the Billboard 200 Global Chart. This accomplishment solidifies Rema’s position in the global music scene and underscores his impact on Afrobeats as a Nigerian artist.

Boosted by the success of his hit single ‘Calm Down’, ‘Raves & Roses’ has continued to resonate with audiences, particularly in the United States where it has maintained a strong presence on the charts. This achievement places Rema second only to Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’, which holds the record for spending 133 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart among Nigerian albums.

‘Rema’s success with ‘Calm Down’ has been particularly notable, earning him multiple accolades including a Guinness World Record for being the first song to reach No. 1 on the MENA chart. The song also reached a peak of #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as one of the highest-charting tracks by a Nigerian artist on this prestigious chart. Additionally, ‘Calm Down’ has achieved 4X RIAA Platinum certification and became the first African song to surpass 1 billion streams in the United States.

In 2024, Rema continues to build on his success with new releases like ‘Benin Boys’, a collaboration with Shallipopi, which debuted at No. 1 on the TurnTable Top 100 chart. This ongoing momentum underscores Rema’s status as a trailblazer in Nigerian and global music, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for Afrobeats on the international stage.

Nigerian singer Simi recently shared a cultural revelation she had during a visit to Kenya on the 90’s Baby Show. She recounted being surprised when Kenyans asked for translations of her pidgin English lyrics, assuming it was a universally understood form of English across Africa. This misconception challenged her assumption that pidgin English was widely spoken beyond Nigeria.

Simi, known for her blend of English and pidgin in songs, reflected on the incident where she was asked to translate her lyrics for collaboration with a Kenyan artist. She had previously assumed that pidgin English was common throughout Africa, leading to her cultural shock upon realizing its regional specificity.

Additionally, Simi mentioned that her 4-year-old daughter Adejare has picked up some pidgin English naturally, as it is spoken frequently at home with her husband, Adekunle Gold, and their friends. This bilingual environment has influenced her daughter to use pidgin phrases like “Wetin you do o,” which Simi appreciates as a form of informal communication within their circle.

Simi’s experience highlights the diversity of language within Africa and the cultural nuances that shape linguistic practices across different regions.