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  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Tiwa Savage Launches Music Foundation and Partners With Berklee to Train African Creatives
    Before the global stages and chart-topping records, Tiwa Savage was a 24-year-old student at Berklee College of Music, studying Professional Music. She was there on scholarship — an opportunity she says changed the direction of her career. Looking back on that moment, she said: I know this personally because at the age of 24. I was awarded a scholarship to attend the world-class institution, Berklee College of Music. That opportunity changed my perspective. It expanded my un
     

Tiwa Savage Launches Music Foundation and Partners With Berklee to Train African Creatives

25 février 2026 à 15:24

Tiwa Savage, Founder of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation

Before the global stages and chart-topping records, Tiwa Savage was a 24-year-old student at Berklee College of Music, studying Professional Music. She was there on scholarship — an opportunity she says changed the direction of her career.

Looking back on that moment, she said:

I know this personally because at the age of 24. I was awarded a scholarship to attend the world-class institution, Berklee College of Music. That opportunity changed my perspective. It expanded my understanding of global systems, and the power of knowledge behind creativity. It showed me that talent is universal — but access is not.

That access is now at the centre of her latest move.

Years after that scholarship shaped her own path, Tiwa has launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, an initiative focused on discovering, developing and supporting the next generation of African music creatives. But the Foundation isn’t limited to artists alone. It is built around the wider ecosystem that sustains the industry — the producers, engineers, songwriters, publishers, lawyers and composers who often work behind the scenes.

As she put it:

Afrobeats has captured the world’s attention but an industry cannot stand on artists alone. Behind every global sound is an ecosystem of Producers, engineers, entertainment lawyers, publishers, innovators, composers, the person who scores the music to your favorite movie or the person who uses music as a tool for healing. These are the architects of structure, ownership and longevity. If we do not intentionally develop them, we weaken the very house we are trying to grow.

The Foundation launches with a partnership that feels especially personal. Tiwa has teamed up with Berklee College of Music to bring an immersive programme directly to Nigeria. The Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme will mark the first-ever Berklee on the Road initiative in the country — a full-circle moment for the alumna (Berklee PDM ’07).

Berklee President Jim Lucchese described the collaboration as a significant step for the institution’s global outreach:

The Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, our first-ever Berklee on the Road in Nigeria, will continue to increase access to Berklee’s curriculum around the world through the generosity and collaborative spirit of one of our most accomplished and dedicated alums. The program presents a tremendous and unique opportunity for global artists; I look forward to seeing the artistry and creativity that results from these exciting workshops.

Jason Camelio, Assistant Vice President for Berklee Global Programs and Partnerships, added:

Our team connects the Berklee community to the world and the world to the Berklee community. These educational experiences are best accomplished with the knowledge and expertise of leading artists and alumni. There is no better way to connect with the music community in Nigeria than with Tiwa Savage. We see this program and relationship as a historic pathway forward to enrich our educational and artistic experiences, inspire our students and teachers, and open doors for the next generation of emerging artists.

Beyond training and mentorship, Tiwa says the Foundation is also about preparing African creatives for the realities of a rapidly shifting industry — particularly as technology continues to transform how music is made and owned.

The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is my commitment in giving others that same opportunity that was given to me because as technology reshapes music, we must be prepared. Artificial Intelligence is transforming everything, the question is not whether it will affect African music … it already is. The question is whether we will be educated leaders in this space, or observers left behind. For too long, African creatives have been perceived as late to global systems. Education changes that. Access changes that. Ownership changes that.

The programme will run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., culminating in a live showcase where participants present original work blending global music styles with West African traditions. Selected participants will receive scholarship awards and tailored guidance on further study through Berklee’s in-person and online programmes.

For emerging musicians, producers, songwriters and creatives across Africa who are interested in taking part, applications are now open and will close on 20 March 2026. Admission is highly selective, and there is no tuition cost for accepted participants.

 

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  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Beyoncé Joins the Billionaire Ranks After Success of Cowboy Carter Tour
    Photo Credit: Beyoncé/Instagram Beyoncé has officially joined the billionaire club. According to Forbes, the Grammy-winning superstar is now the fifth musician to reach billionaire status, following the success of her Cowboy Carter tour and years of steady earnings from her music catalogue and global performances. The 44-year-old artist joins an elite list that includes her husband Jay–Z, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift. Jay-Z became the f
     

Beyoncé Joins the Billionaire Ranks After Success of Cowboy Carter Tour

30 décembre 2025 à 06:59

Photo Credit: Beyoncé/Instagram

Beyoncé has officially joined the billionaire club.

According to Forbes, the Grammy-winning superstar is now the fifth musician to reach billionaire status, following the success of her Cowboy Carter tour and years of steady earnings from her music catalogue and global performances.

The 44-year-old artist joins an elite list that includes her husband Jay–Z, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift. Jay-Z became the first musician to achieve billionaire status in 2019.

Forbes reports that Beyoncé crossed the billion-dollar mark after the Cowboy Carter tour grossed more than $400 million in ticket sales, alongside an estimated $50 million in merchandise. The tour followed the hugely successful Renaissance World Tour, which brought in nearly $600 million in 2023.

While Beyoncé has expanded her business interests in recent years — launching haircare brand Cécred, whiskey label SirDavis and previously fronting Ivy Park — Forbes notes that the bulk of her wealth still comes from music. Revenue from touring, her catalogue and sponsorship deals remain her strongest assets.

Earlier this year, Forbes estimated her net worth at $800 million and predicted she would cross the billionaire threshold following another strong touring cycle. That projection has now been confirmed.

Beyond the tour itself, Beyoncé also earned significantly from related projects. She produced a concert film from the Renaissance tour and distributed it directly through AMC cinemas, securing nearly half of the film’s $44 million global box office gross. A Netflix Christmas Day NFL halftime performance and a series of Levi’s commercials added tens of millions more to her earnings.

In total, Forbes estimates Beyoncé brought in $148 million in 2025 before taxes, making her the third highest-paid musician in the world this year.

Her latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” released in 2024, was met with critical acclaim and went on to win Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards — the first time Beyoncé had taken home the category after four previous nominations. The project also marked a significant moment in her career, spotlighting and contextualising the Black roots of country music.

While some dates on the Cowboy Carter tour saw ticket price adjustments, the tour still broke records at venues including Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and Stade de France in Paris. It also recorded the highest top-priced ticket of any artist visiting the UK in 2025.

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  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Fela Anikulapo-Kuti to Be Honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammys
    Photo Credit: Fela Anikulapo Kuti/Instagram Decades after his passing, Fela Anikulapo–Kuti is set to be honoured on one of music’s biggest stages. The legendary Afrobeat pioneer will receive a Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, recognising the lasting impact of his work on global music. The honour will be presented at the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards ceremony on January 31, 2026, during Grammy Wee
     

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti to Be Honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammys

20 décembre 2025 à 10:57

Decades after his passing, Fela Anikulapo–Kuti is set to be honoured on one of music’s biggest stages. The legendary Afrobeat pioneer will receive a Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, recognising the lasting impact of his work on global music.

The honour will be presented at the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards ceremony on January 31, 2026, during Grammy Week, a day before the main awards show. Fela will be celebrated alongside an impressive group of music greats including Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher and Paul Simon.

While Fela never won a Grammy during his lifetime, his influence has continued to resonate far beyond his era. In 2025, his 1976 album “Zombie” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, with the award accepted by his sons, Femi and Seun Kuti, a moment that reaffirmed just how far his music has travelled.

Announcing the honourees on Instagram, the Recording Academy described Fela as follows: “An architect of Afrobeat, honored for a lifetime of influence. Fela Kuti was a Nigerian musician, producer, arranger, political radical, activist, and the father of Afrobeat. In the 1960s, he created the genre by combining funk, jazz, salsa, calypso, and a blend of traditional Nigerian rhythms.”

The Academy also spoke about the reach of his legacy, noting: “His influence spans generations, shaping modern Nigerian Afrobeats and inspiring global artists such as Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, and Thom Yorke. His legacy continues to live on not only through music, but through his family and through the Kalakuta Museum and the New Afrika Shrine.”

With this recognition, Fela joins a distinguished list of past Special Merit Award recipients including Whitney Houston, Cher, Paul Simon, Chaka Khan, Carlos Santana, Sylvia Rhone, John Chowning, Eddie Palmieri and Bernie Taupin.

As the 2026 Grammy Awards approach, Nigerian stars are back in the mix. Burna Boy is up for Best African Music Performance with “Love” and Best Global Music Album with “No Sign of Weakness,” while Davido earns a nod for “With You” featuring Omah Lay in the Best African Music Performance category. Ayra Starr and Wizkid also make the list with “Gimme Dat.”

 

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  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Dolly Parton Joins Usain Bolt, Beyoncé, & More as Guinness World Records ICON
    Photo Credit: Dolly Parton/Instagram In a momentous celebration held in Nashville, Tennessee, country music legend Dolly Parton was officially named a Guinness World Records ICON, a rare honour recognising her extraordinary impact on music, entertainment, and philanthropy. The announcement formed part of Guinness World Records’ 70th anniversary celebrations and highlighted Parton’s enduring legacy as one of the most decorated figures in the industry. The 79-y
     

Dolly Parton Joins Usain Bolt, Beyoncé, & More as Guinness World Records ICON

5 août 2025 à 12:54

In a momentous celebration held in Nashville, Tennessee, country music legend Dolly Parton was officially named a Guinness World Records ICON, a rare honour recognising her extraordinary impact on music, entertainment, and philanthropy. The announcement formed part of Guinness World Records’ 70th anniversary celebrations and highlighted Parton’s enduring legacy as one of the most decorated figures in the industry.

The 79-year-old artist, who first rose to fame in the late 1960s, currently holds 11 Guinness World Records, a testament to her decades-long influence. Among her achievements are the most Grammy nominations for a female country artist and the distinction of having Top 10 albums across six consecutive decades.

But her accolades extend beyond charts and trophies. Parton is also the first country singer to be nominated for an EGOT— an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony — often considered the most prestigious combination of awards in entertainment.

“Dolly is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated writers and performers in the history of country music,” said Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records, during the award presentation. “But her reach and influence extends far beyond the musical world.”

That influence is perhaps most visible in her philanthropic work. Through her Imagination Library, Parton has helped distribute over 200 million books to children worldwide, fostering a love for reading across generations.

From the stage to the classroom to the gates of her beloved Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Parton has built an empire rooted in accessibility and heart. Her 2023 album “Rockstar” saw her stepping into new sonic territory, while a surprise feature on Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please” remix reminded the world of her continued relevance.

With this new title, Parton joins an elite group of honourees recognised as Guinness World Records ICONS — a list that includes Usain Bolt, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Drake, Sir Elton John, and Paul McCartney.

The post Dolly Parton Joins Usain Bolt, Beyoncé, & More as Guinness World Records ICON appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Purp Crowned Winner of Nigerian Idol Season 10!
    Photo Credit: Purp/Instagram After weeks of competition, stage moments that had everyone talking, and that final vote reveal that felt like a breath-hold, Anu Agosa Fadoju, known as Purp, is officially the winner of Nigerian Idol Season 10. In the final episode, Purp competed against Raymu, a fellow standout from the season, in a series of live performances that tested vocal control and stage presence. Viewers cast their votes, ultimately selecting Purp as the 2025 winner. The grand finale, hos
     

Purp Crowned Winner of Nigerian Idol Season 10!

14 juillet 2025 à 10:17

Photo Credit: Purp/Instagram

After weeks of competition, stage moments that had everyone talking, and that final vote reveal that felt like a breath-hold, Anu Agosa Fadoju, known as Purp, is officially the winner of Nigerian Idol Season 10.

In the final episode, Purp competed against Raymu, a fellow standout from the season, in a series of live performances that tested vocal control and stage presence. Viewers cast their votes, ultimately selecting Purp as the 2025 winner.

The grand finale, hosted by longtime media figure IK Osakioduwa, featured performances from the top finalists, comments from the judging panel — which included Omawumi, Ric Hassani, Iyanya, and guest judge 9ice — and moments of reflection on the journey that began with over two dozen contestants.

Purp now receives a prize package that includes ₦30 million in cash, a new SUV, a music deal, and a DStv Explora with a one-year premium subscription.

In a short speech after being named winner, Purp described the moment as surreal and thanked fans for their support. “This is just the beginning,” Purp said. “I can’t wait to share more music with the world.”

Watch the moment Purp claimed the crown, and see more performances that got her there.

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  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Angélique Kidjo Makes History as the First African Artist to Join the Hollywood Walk of Fame
    Photo Credit: Angelique Kidjo/Instagram Angélique Kidjo is making history. The five-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer, often called “Africa’s premiere diva” by TIME Magazine, is set to become the first African artist ever to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Known for her powerful voice, genre-blending music and electric stage presence, Kidjo will be honoured in the Recordings category alongside global stars like Mile
     

Angélique Kidjo Makes History as the First African Artist to Join the Hollywood Walk of Fame

3 juillet 2025 à 09:36

Angélique Kidjo is making history. The five-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer, often called “Africa’s premiere diva” by TIME Magazine, is set to become the first African artist ever to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Known for her powerful voice, genre-blending music and electric stage presence, Kidjo will be honoured in the Recordings category alongside global stars like Miley Cyrus, The Clark Sisters, and more. The honour recognises her decades of groundbreaking work in music and her role in sharing African sound and culture with the world.

The announcement came during a live press conference at Ovation Hollywood, where the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce revealed the Walk of Fame Class of 2026—a list of 35 artists across music, film, television, live theatre and sports entertainment.

“We are excited to announce the newest selections of 35 esteemed individuals who will be enshrined onto the Walk of Fame,” said Peter Roth, former CEO of Warner Bros. Television and chair of the selection committee. “These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honour them with this well-deserved recognition.”

Other stars who will be honoured alongside Kidjo include Timothée Chalamet and Demi Moore (Film), Chef Gordon Ramsay (Television), and Shaquille O’Neal (Sports Entertainment).

The date for the unveiling ceremony is yet to be announced, but the celebration has already begun.

⭐Angelique Kidjo is the first African artist in history to be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame!https://t.co/2ByFcbWiiA pic.twitter.com/iFkWtnBv03

— Angelique Kidjo (@angeliquekidjo) July 3, 2025

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  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Tems Launches the Leading Vibe Initiative to Uplift African Women in Music
    Photo Credit: Tems/Instagram You love her voice, you’ve probably replayed “Love Me Jeje” a dozen times, and now Tems is doing something just as iconic. She’s launching a powerful new platform — The Leading Vibe Initiative — to help more women across Africa break into the music scene. And not just singers. We’re talking songwriters, producers, engineers. Basically, the whole squad. The Grammy Award-winning singer took to social media to share the news, writing: Today, I’m so proud to launch The
     

Tems Launches the Leading Vibe Initiative to Uplift African Women in Music

2 juillet 2025 à 13:18

Photo Credit: Tems/Instagram

You love her voice, you’ve probably replayed “Love Me Jeje” a dozen times, and now Tems is doing something just as iconic. She’s launching a powerful new platform — The Leading Vibe Initiative — to help more women across Africa break into the music scene. And not just singers. We’re talking songwriters, producers, engineers. Basically, the whole squad.

The Grammy Award-winning singer took to social media to share the news, writing:

Today, I’m so proud to launch The Leading Vibe. From my self-taught journey with no roadmap, I created this initiative to support African women in music, those breaking barriers, building boldly, and leading the next wave.

Rooted in her own story of navigating the industry without formal training or connections, Tems has built this initiative to support, connect, and amplify young women in music across Africa.

And she’s starting where it all began: Lagos.

Kicking off August 8–9 in her hometown, The Leading Vibe Initiative will host its first immersive programme. Designed for Nigerian women aged 18 to 35, the two-day experience will include workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions led by seasoned industry professionals. Participants will gain hands-on training, access to professional tools, and valuable connections,  all in a space designed to empower the next generation of women in music.

For Tems, this mission is deeply personal. She spoke about how, despite the rapid growth of Nigeria’s music industry, space for women as writers, engineers, producers, and creators has been limited.

That’s why she created Leading Vibe: for the ones who believe. The ones who dare to be different. The ones with a dream to be seen and a voice that deserves to be heard.

The initiative also plans to eventually expand across the continent, with additional rollouts slated in Africa.

If you’re ready to be part of it, applications are now open.

Watch her talk more about the initiative below.

 

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  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • In Her Own Flow: Fimí Is Building Something Steady and New
    Fimí breezed into the scene with a certain ease. No viral breakout, no manufactured hype, just a steady presence and a sound that catches your ear for how self-assured it feels. Her flow is deliberate and fluid, shifting pace when it needs to, yet always holding its shape. There’s a sense that she’s not just here to participate; she’s here to build. That quiet confidence also extends to how she presents herself. Online, she goes by Fimiwiththeflow, and there’s a certain calm in her delivery, li
     

In Her Own Flow: Fimí Is Building Something Steady and New

5 mai 2025 à 09:00

Fimí breezed into the scene with a certain ease. No viral breakout, no manufactured hype, just a steady presence and a sound that catches your ear for how self-assured it feels. Her flow is deliberate and fluid, shifting pace when it needs to, yet always holding its shape. There’s a sense that she’s not just here to participate; she’s here to build.

That quiet confidence also extends to how she presents herself. Online, she goes by Fimiwiththeflow, and there’s a certain calm in her delivery, like someone who’s clear on the beat she’s choosing to walk to. In her visuals, she leans into contrast: one moment draped in a traditional buba and iro, the next, stepping out in a tailored skirt suit and church hat. All of it feels like her.

That same layering shows up in how she talks about her music. She’s not limited to a lane, and she knows it. “My fans already know I’m dynamic,” she says. “But I’m sure no one really knows the extent of it just yet, not even myself.” She speaks with interest about exploring fuji and highlife, not as a reinvention, but as a natural extension of the sound she’s shaping.

And that’s perhaps what makes Fimí such a compelling voice to watch. In this exclusive conversation, we meet a rapper whose flow, visuals, and vision are as distinctive as her name suggests.

***

You’ve talked about growth a lot. How has your creative process changed between your Shawybee era and who you are now as Fimí?

Shawybee era was wild. I was running on pure vibes and Inshallah. No real structure, I just powered through off of pure passion. As Fimí, I’ve come to realise that it takes way more than that. It takes intentionality and commitment. Every little detail counts. My process feels spiritual sometimes, like I’m just a vessel and I create what I’m “inspired to” at a given moment. I still vibe sometimes, but now there’s purpose behind the creativity.

Pookie blended traditional elements with modern visuals. What’s one Nigerian cultural element you’re eager to explore more deeply in your music or visuals?

I’m looking to explore the rich beauty of my language (Yoruba) more in my music.

You mentioned “Let It Shine” as a major influence. What’s a movie, show, or book that recently inspired a verse or concept?

I’m obsessed with the “Friends” tv show, so I referenced Phoebe Bufay (one of the characters) in a cover I did a few weeks ago. I said “This ain’t no smelly cat, I’m just saying play with it Friendly, Phoebe Bufay it”

If you could design your dream stage performance; with no budget limit; what would it look and feel like?

Like freaking Coachella. It would be a whole festival with people playing dress up to come see me.

You hinted at wanting to act—what kind of role would be your dream debut, and which Nigerian director would you love to work with?

Any role really. I’d love to work with Kemi Adetiba and Kunle Afolayan.

What’s a part of your personality or story that fans still don’t fully know but you’d love to share through your music soon?

My fans already know I’m dynamic, but I’m sure no one really knows the extent of it just yet, not even myself. But for the sake of the question, I’d say my sense of humor.

You joked about mumble rap, but what’s one “non-Fimí” genre or trend you’d actually love to experiment with?

Fuji for sure. I love how absolutely naughty Fuji and highlife was and how the OGs got away with it every time.

If you could form a rap trio with two other artists, local or international, who would they be and why?

Easy. Kendrick Lamar, Doja Cat and Fimí combo would eat. I love when artists are unapologetically themselves and not afraid to explore their creativity even if it looks like it doesn’t make any sense some times (shoutout to Doechii, Tyler and Foggie Raw too. I wish I could make a whole band instead of a trio).

What’s your writing routine like—are you a notes app girl, voice memos, or old-school pen and paper?

I’m a “this crazy punchline just dropped in my head while I’m doing dishes, I need to dry my hands on my butt and write it down in my notes app then record the melody on my phone so I don’t forget it” kinda girl.

You said this feels like your year. What would “making it” look like to you at the end of 2025?

At the end of 2025, I’m opening shows for major artists both locally and internationally. Maybe even headlining my own show, could be a small and intimate gathering. Overall, getting stopped on the street by someone who says, “Your song helped me through something.” That, to me, is making it.

Looking back at “Altruists” and now at “Pookie,” what advice would you give 10-year-old gospel-rap Fimí?

I’d say “Don’t dim your light to fit in. Keep writing those weird rhymes in your notebook. You’re not crazy for dreaming big. Also, record everything. You’ll want to look back and smile at how far you’ve come.”

If someone new to your music had to start with just one track, which one would you choose and why?

This is a tough one, I’m very emotionally attached to all my songs. But I’d say start with ‘Hey Shawy’. It’s very vulnerable and tells a story about my dreams and ambitions — my transition from Shawybee to Fimí.

What’s your approach to visuals? Do you plan your concepts alongside the music or let the sound guide the story after it’s done?

It’s a mix. Sometimes, I see the visual before the beat is even done. Like a scene flashes in my mind. Other times, the music reveals the story.

Shawybee, Altruists, Let it Shine, Friends and Pookie; What do these five words mean to you?

Shawybee: My first voice, my essence. Before I had direction or a sound, I just had something to say, and I said it loud. She was fearless in the way only someone still figuring it out can be.
Altruist: The beginning of my journey. It was my first attempt at translating what I felt into something people could feel too.
Let it Shine: My origin story. The movie that made little me feel seen. It told me I wasn’t weird for writing raps in my notebook or dreaming about stages I hadn’t touched yet.
Friends: My mirror, my safe space. They knew and saw me before Fimí.
Pookie: Innovative. Infusing two genres that’s never been done is nothing short of an innovation.

I’m a genius!

***

Photo Credit: Fimí

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  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Qing Madi, Flavour, Director Pink & More Win at the 17th Headies Awards | See Full Winners’ List
    The 17th edition of The Headies Awards took place over the weekend in Lagos—celebrating African music, culture, and unity in grand style. The event brought together fans, industry leaders, and emerging talents for an evening dedicated to the artists and sounds that defined the past year. Hosted by award-winning actress Nancy Isime, the ceremony kicked off with a lively performance by Blaqbonez, setting the stage for a night of music and cultural pride. Ayomaff, Qing Madi, Odumodublvck, L.A.X, a
     

Qing Madi, Flavour, Director Pink & More Win at the 17th Headies Awards | See Full Winners’ List

2 mai 2025 à 14:32

The 17th edition of The Headies Awards took place over the weekend in Lagos—celebrating African music, culture, and unity in grand style. The event brought together fans, industry leaders, and emerging talents for an evening dedicated to the artists and sounds that defined the past year.

Hosted by award-winning actress Nancy Isime, the ceremony kicked off with a lively performance by Blaqbonez, setting the stage for a night of music and cultural pride. Ayomaff, Qing Madi, Odumodublvck, L.A.X, and Juma Jux delivered thrilling performances, while appearances from Shallipopi, Davido and Annie Macaulay kept the momentum high.

This year’s ceremony recognised everything from Afrobeats to street pop, spotlighting both fresh voices and established stars. Odumodublvck took home one of the night’s top honours, winning the coveted Next Rated award, while Tems received Best Recording of the Year for her track “Burning.”

An emotional moment came when Mohbad was posthumously named Best Street Hop Artist. His family accepted the award on his behalf, with his wife delivering a heartfelt tribute that moved many in the audience.

Special Recognition Awards were presented to Governor Babajide SanwoOlu, Alex Okosi, Amaju Pinnick, and KingsleyKceeOkonkwo. Humanitarian Awards also went to Temitola Adekunle Johnson and Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy) for their impactful contributions beyond the stage.

Other major wins on the night included Davido, Rema, Lojay, and Qing Madi.

See the full list of winners below:

Rookie of the Year

  • Zerry DL — Winner
  • Taves
  • Kaestyle
  • Llona

Soundtrack of the Year

  • Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder — Winner
  • “Eledumare” – Teledalase (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)
  • “Lose to Gain” – Kaline (Breath of Life)
  • “Kill Boro” – Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan (Kill Boro)
  • “Orisa” – Beriola (Orisa)
  • “Emotions” – Tiwa Savage and Asa (Water and Garri)

Best Recording of the Year

  • “Burning” – Tems — Winner
  • “Different Patterns” – Seyi Vibez
  • “Higher” – Burna Boy
  • “Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr and Giveon
  • “Billions” – Sarz and Lojay

Best Vocal Performance (Male)

  • “Billions” – Lojay — Winner
  • “Moving” – Omah Lay
  • “Gratitude” – Anendlessocean
  • “For You” – Johnny Drille
  • “Ke Na Ke So” – Timi Dakolo

Best Vocal Performance (Female)

  • “I’m Done” – Liya — Winner
  • “Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr
  • “Level” – Niniola
  • “Stranger” – Simi
  • “Tomorrow” – Yemi Alade

Songwriter of the Year

  • “Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi) — Winner
  • “Stranger” – Simisola Kosoko (Simi)
  • “Can’t Breathe” – Michael Ajuma Attah (Llona)
  • “Family Meeting” – Emoseh Khamofu (Bloody Civilian)
  • “Stages of Life” – Fuayefika Maxwell (Wizard Chan)

Producer of the Year

  • “OZEBA” – London — Winner
  • “Happiness” – Sarz
  • “Basquiat” – Magicsticks
  • “HEHEHE” – Rema, Producer X, Cubeatz, Deatz, and Klimperboy
  • “Different Patterns” – Dibs

Afrobeats Album of the Year

  • HEIS – Rema — Winner
  • Stubborn – Victony
  • Work of Art – Asake
  • The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr
  • Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn

Music Video of the Year

  • “EGWU” – Director Pink — Winner
  • “Charm” – Rema, Perliks, and Folarin Oludare
  • “Metaverse” – Jyde Ajala
  • “Like Ice Spice” – Perliks and Emeka Shine Shine
  • “Ojapiano” – Mattmax
  • “Showa” – TG Omori
  • “Na Money” – Dammy Twitch

Afrobeats Single of the Year

  • “Big Baller” – Flavour — Winner
  • “Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (feat. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
  • “Charm” – Rema
  • “Lonely at the Top” – Asake
  • “City Boys” – Burna Boy

Headies’ Viewers’ Choice

  • “EGWU” – Chike & Mohbad — Winner
  • “Charm” – Rema
  • “Lonely at the Top” – Asake
  • “Big Baller” – Flavour
  • “City Boys” – Burna Boy

Headies Next Rated

  • Odumodublvck — Winner
  • Qing Madi
  • Shallipopi
  • Ayo Maff
  • Nasboi

Best Digital Artiste of the Year

  • Davido — Winner
  • Burna Boy
  • Rema
  • Asake
  • Ayra Starr

Best East African Artiste of the Year

  • Juma Jux (Tanzania) — Winner
  • Bien (Kenya)
  • Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
  • Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
  • Azawi (Uganda)

Best Central African Artiste of the Year

  • Innoss’B (DRC) — Winner
  • Gaz Mawete (DRC)
  • Emma’A (Gabon)
  • Eboloko (Gabon)
  • Singuila (Central African Republic)
  • Kocee (Cameroon)

Special Recognition Awards

  • Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
  • Alex Okosi
  • Amaju Pinnick
  • Kingsley “Kcee” Okonkwo

Humanitarian Awards

  • Temitola Adekunle Johnson
  • Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy)

The post Qing Madi, Flavour, Director Pink & More Win at the 17th Headies Awards | See Full Winners’ List appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • “Olamide Signed Me on WhatsApp” – Fireboy DML Talks Music & the Message That Changed Everything
    Long before ‘Peru‘ took over airwaves, Fireboy DML was just a recent graduate chasing a dream in Lagos, with no connections, no clear plan, and no guarantees. He was writing songs to survive, performing to unrecognised crowds, and keeping his struggles quiet from his family. Then came a message from Olamide. Out of the blue. A WhatsApp DM that would change everything. Fireboy shares on the 90s Baby Show. According to him, Olamide wasn’t even looking to sign anyone at the time, but after hearing
     

“Olamide Signed Me on WhatsApp” – Fireboy DML Talks Music & the Message That Changed Everything

14 avril 2025 à 10:37

Long before ‘Peru‘ took over airwaves, Fireboy DML was just a recent graduate chasing a dream in Lagos, with no connections, no clear plan, and no guarantees. He was writing songs to survive, performing to unrecognised crowds, and keeping his struggles quiet from his family.

Then came a message from Olamide. Out of the blue. A WhatsApp DM that would change everything. Fireboy shares on the 90s Baby Show. According to him, Olamide wasn’t even looking to sign anyone at the time, but after hearing Fireboy’s sound, he reached out via WhatsApp, and just like that, Fireboy became part of the YBNL family. A real “sliding into your destiny” moment.

That belief led to a record deal with YBNL and, eventually, his breakout track ‘Jealous,’ which first appeared on the YBNL Mafia Family compilation in 2018. It was the beginning of a new chapter. One that would bring ‘Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps,’ sold-out shows, international tours, and features with global superstars.

But fame comes with its own surprises. Like the rumour that he’d bought a private jet, something even his mother believed. He laughed it off and clarified that it wasn’t true, noting how fame sometimes comes with unexpected and amusing headlines.

Now, with his latest album ‘Adedamola,’ Fireboy is reflecting deeper—on growth, purpose, and the kind of stories he wants to tell next.

Fireboy calls his sound Afro-Life: a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, shaped by emotion and storytelling.

Watch the full interview below. But be warned: it might just inspire you to keep chasing your own dream, no matter how uncertain it seems.

 

The post “Olamide Signed Me on WhatsApp” – Fireboy DML Talks Music & the Message That Changed Everything appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

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