A side-by-side portrait of Nigerian actress Osas Ighodaro in a black halter dress and singer Johnny Drille in a black leather jacket.

Do you know that Osas Ighodaro and Johnny Drille are cousins? You did? Oh no! Why didn’t you tell us? Oh, you didn’t? We didn’t either! Imagine our surprise when we saw the two on a podcast together, finally addressing the million-dollar question that has been lingering around their shared surname for years.

In a new podcast, THE BTML POD, the pair sat down for a chat that felt less like a formal interview and more like a long-overdue family catch-up. The highlight of the sit-down was a comedic attempt to clarify their relationship. After a quick countdown to reveal the truth, they ended up giving completely different answers at the same time—Johnny went with a firm “No” while Osas opted for a “Yes”—leaving everyone in fits of laughter.

Nigerian singer-songwriter Johnny Drille posing in a black leather jacket with his arms crossed against a green textured background. Photo Credit: Johnny Drille/Instagram

To clear up any lingering confusion, they reintroduced themselves using their full legal names. “I go by the name John Ighodaro,” the singer noted, followed quickly by Osas confirming her own identity as Osas Ighodaro. While they might be pulling our legs about the cousin status, the camaraderie between them is undeniable.

The conversation eventually shifted towards the music. It has been five years since Johnny released his debut album, “Before We Fall Asleep,” a timeline that Osas was quick to point out. While Johnny admitted he isn’t quite sure why the gap has been so long, he was firm on one thing: you cannot rush the craft.

Nigerian actress and host Osas Ighodaro posing in a black dress with yellow and red beaded details and a unique structural hairstyle. Photo Credit: Osas Ighodaro/Instagram

The wait, however, is nearly over. Johnny shared that a new album is officially on the way, and he isn’t being modest about it. He claims this upcoming project is the best bit of work anyone is going to hear.

We’re keeping our ears open for that album release date, but for now, we’re just enjoying the fact that the Ighodaro duo finally put those surname rumours to bed, sort of.

Watch the full video below

The post Are They Family or Not? Watch Osas Ighodaro & Johnny Drille Clear the Air appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Remember when we told you that Grammy-winning legend Angélique Kidjo and our own “Celestial Being” Ayra Starr were cooking something special in the studio? Well, the wait is over, and it turns out not even a literal storm could stop this collaboration.

Taking to Instagram to share the backstory, Angélique revealed that the duo joined forces at the iconic Power Station Recording Studio in New York on 22 February—the day of the “Blizzard of the Century.” Despite the freezing winds outside, the energy inside was pure fire. “Not even a storm could have prevented us from singing and dancing together! Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?) was born!” the legend shared.

The track is a vibrant, cross-generational anthem that explores the balance between “jaye” (living the life) and the hustle. Ayra Starr brings her signature flair to the lyrics, weaving between English and Yoruba with lines like “Awon kan jaye, awon kan si ma ja waya”—a reminder of the diverse rhythms of life.

The production credits read like a Mavin Records dream team, with Louddaaa handling the beat and the multi-talented Johnny Drille delivering a soulful depth mix.

Watch the official video for “Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?)” below:

Watch below

The post Ayra Starr & Angélique Kidjo Are Talking About Living Life and Getting It on “Aye Kan” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

 

Have you been listening to Johnny Drille’s latest song, Over the Moon? He never misses when it comes to love songs you can truly enjoy, and this time he’s joined by Tiwa Savage, who adds her own unique charm to the track.

Just recently, Johnny Drille made the song even more endearing with the release of its video, which beautifully brings the lyrics to life.

Set in an office, the video follows Johnny as he plays the colleague who can’t help but smile every time the woman he fancies walks by. Their quiet glances soon turn into something more, and before long, the pair find themselves caught up in a sweet romance. In one scene, they’re seen sharing a close moment, only for Tiwa Savage to walk in on them, adding a surprising twist to the story.

Watch the video below.

The post Office Crush? Johnny Drille & Tiwa Savage Turn It Into a Music Video with “Over the Moon” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram

Did you know that beyond his vocals, Johnny Drille is also a brilliant mixer, engineer and producer? Well, we already knew, but his recent show, Johnny’s Room Live London, made it even more evident.

One of the most memorable moments of the night was when Ayra Starr joined him on stage. The crowd erupted in cheers, but it was what she said before her performance that made the moment even more special. With a proud smile, she told the audience, “Johnny records all my songs by the way. He mixes, engineers and co-produces everything. Everything I do is because of him.”

She then performed “Last Heartbreak Song”, her collaboration with American R&B star Giveon, taken from her second album, “The Year I Turned 21.”

Johnny shared a clip of her performance on Instagram with a touching caption: “It was such a pleasure to have my lil sis at our first ever Johnny’s Room Live London. Her voice is one of the purest gifts I’ve ever witnessed.”

You can watch the moment below.

 

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The post “Everything I Do Is Because of Him” — Ayra Starr Celebrates Johnny Drille at His London Show appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Johnny Drille and Fireboy DML just dropped the music video for “Angelina”, and it’s giving everything the song promised — smooth, sweet, and full of quiet charm.

The visuals feel like a slow Sunday afternoon, soft lighting, cosy vibes, and that dreamy feeling of being totally into someone. Johnny brings his mellow, soulful energy, while Fireboy DML floats through the scenes with that laid-back cool we’ve come to love.

There’s no drama here. Just two guys singing about a girl who’s got their full attention. A few easy dance steps, some playful moments, and scenes that feel like pages from a love note. It’s simple, it’s warm, and it totally works.

Watch the video below:

The post Johnny Drille & Fireboy DML’s “Angelina” Video is Soft, Sweet and So Easy to Love appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.