Three members of the Ugandan dance group Ghetto Kids executing a synchronised mid-air dance routine on stage at the Oslo Business Forum. Photo Credit: Triplets Ghetto Kids/Instagram

If you have spent any time on the internet over the last few years, chances are you have come across the Ghetto Kids. The Ugandan dance group’s high-energy performances have a definitive way of stopping people mid-scroll. Recently, the group brought their signature choreography to “Dai Dai,” the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem by Shakira and Burna Boy.

As the world prepares for their upcoming appearance alongside Shakira at the World Cup final halftime show at MetLife Stadium on 19 July, here are five essential facts about the Kampala creators who made it to football’s ultimate stage.

They grew up in the Katwe slums of Kampala

Founded in 2014 by Dauda Kavuma, the Ghetto Kids began in the Katwe slums of Kampala, Uganda. Kavuma’s foundation has provided shelter, nutrition, and education to street children since 2007, using music, dance, and drama as a sustainable pathway to a better life. The group currently supports 60 children between the ages of 4 and 16, all coming from underprivileged backgrounds.

A group portrait of the Ghetto Kids dance group from Kampala posing outdoors in matching green, yellow, and black patterned tracksuits. Photo Credit: Triplets Ghetto Kids/Instagram

A viral 2014 video changed everything

The group first secured international attention after a homemade dance routine to Ugandan star Eddy Kenzo‘s hit track “Sitya Loss” went viral online. Their digital footprint expanded significantly in 2017 when they teamed up with Rwanda-born choreographer Sherrie Silver for a routine to Angolan musician Dotorado Pro’s Afro-house track “Marimba Rija,” gathering over 25 million views and establishing a permanent global audience.

They made Britain’s Got Talent history

The Ghetto Kids became a global talking point when they earned a Golden Buzzer mid-performance on Britain’s Got Talent—marking the first time in the franchise’s history that the buzzer was pressed before an act had even finished their routine. The moment introduced their story to a massive European audience and ultimately propelled them to the competition’s finals.

They have commanded global stages for years

Their upcoming stadium performance is part of a long history of high-profile appearances. The group famously featured in French Montana’s multi-platinum “Unforgettable” music video, performed at events during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and made their Norwegian debut at the Oslo Business Forum in September 2025. Their accolades include an AFRIMMA Award, a YouTube Creators Award, and official recognition from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The Ghetto Kids delivering their debut performance in Norway at the Oslo Business Forum, incorporating traditional African props into their routine. Photo Credit: Triplets Ghetto Kids/Instagram

They are co-starring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

The group’s relationship with Shakira evolved from a viral dance challenge they created for one of her tracks, eventually landing them a featured slot in the official Hannah Lux Davis-directed music video for “Dai Dai” alongside Burna Boy. Now, Shakira has confirmed the Ghetto Kids will join her live on stage at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium for the halftime show on 19 July—placing the Kampala dancers in front of a global television audience expected to exceed one billion viewers

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shakira (@shakira)

The post 5 Things to Know About Uganda’s Ghetto Kids Ahead of Their 2026 World Cup Final Performance appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

IShowSpeed wearing a red Portugal jersey with number 7, shouting excitedly in a stadium surrounded by diverse football fans holding flags from Nigeria, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.

The post 6 Million Views in 24 Hours! IShowSpeed’s Unofficial “World Cup” Anthem Goes Viral appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Official promotional artwork for Future and Tyla’s FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem “Game Time,” produced by Cirkut.

The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album is getting bigger, and its latest addition brings together two artists from very different corners of the music world. Tyla and Future have released “Game Time,” a new single from the project that pairs the South African star’s vocals with the Atlanta rapper’s unmistakable flow.

One thing listeners may not see coming is Tyla’s rap verse. Best known for her melodic delivery, she switches things up on “Game Time,” stepping into a faster, more rhythmic pocket that adds a different layer to the song. The accompanying video mirrors the scale of the tournament, weaving together performance scenes and football-inspired visuals that build anticipation for the months ahead.

For Tyla, the song is more than just another collaboration. She described being part of the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album as a full-circle moment, reflecting on South Africa’s hosting of the tournament in 2010. “I’m so excited to perform at the opening ceremonies. Let’s go Bafana Bafana,” she said. Future echoed the global significance of the event, describing the World Cup as a stage unlike any other and expressing his excitement about performing the track live in Los Angeles.

“Game Time” also joins a growing list of World Cup releases featuring African artists. Burna Boy recently teamed up with Shakira on “Dai Dai,” whose official video features Uganda’s renowned dance troupe, the Ghetto Kids. With Tyla, Burna Boy, Rema and others involved in this year’s musical rollout, African artists are helping shape the soundtrack to football’s biggest event.

Watch below

The post Tyla & Future Release New World Cup Anthem “Game Time” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Tems leads the African contingent at the 2026 BET Awards with three major nominations, including Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. Photo Credit: Tems/Instagram

BET has dropped the nominations for its 2026 ceremony and Nigerian music is, once again, all over the list. Tems, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake have all secured nominations for this year’s show, which holds on Sunday, 28 June 2026 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by comedian Druski.

Tems leads the Nigerian contingent with three nominations, making her the most nominated African act this year. She is up for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist alongside SZA, Olivia Dean, Mariah the Scientist, Kehlani, Jill Scott, Ella Mai, Coco Jones, and Ari Lennox. She also picks up a BET Her Award nomination for her song “First,” and a Viewers’ Choice nomination for “Raindance,” her collaboration with British rapper Dave.

Wizkid and Asake earned a joint nomination in the Best Group category for their collaborative project and string of chart-topping releases together, including tracks from their joint Real EP. Burna Boy rounds out the Nigerian music nominations with a Best Collaboration nod for “WGFT,” his feature on Gunna’s hit single from the 2025 album “The Last Wun.” Beyond music, stars of Nigerian heritage also feature prominently in the acting categories — Ayo Edebiri and Cynthia Erivo are both nominated for Best Actress, while Damson Idris received a Best Actor nomination.

South African star Tyla earned two nominations: Video of the Year and Viewers’ Choice for her track “Chanel.” Leading the overall nominations is Cardi B with six nods, followed by Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist with five each. This year also introduces two new categories — the Fashion Vanguard Award and the Pulse Award. The 2026 BET Awards air live on 28 June at 8pm ET/PT on BET, with simulcast across BET HER, MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and several other Paramount networks.

See the full nominees list below for the music category

The post Tems Leads Nigerian Artists in BET Awards 2026 Nominations Alongside Wizkid, Burna Boy & Asake appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

A promotional portrait of Nigerian alternative artist Dwin, The Stoic from his intimate musical collaboration with singer Celeste Ojatula on the song This Side of Love. Photo Credit: Celeste Ojatula/Instagram

Long-distance love is not for the weak, and Celeste Ojatula knows it.

On “This Side of Love,” the singer teams up with Dwin, The Stoic for a sweet, slow-burning track about loving someone from afar and still finding ways to feel close to them. From the soft guitar lines to the easy rhythm running through the song, everything about it feels warm and comforting, like a late-night phone call you do not want to end. Dwin slips into the record smoothly with understated lines and soft claps that make the song feel even more intimate, as though we are listening in on two people trying to hold onto each other from different corners of the world.

Then there is the video, which might just make you want to redecorate a room with someone you are in love with. One of the first scenes shows Celeste perched on Dwin’s shoulders while they paint a wall deep teal-green together, and the chemistry between them carries through the rest of the clip. Between silhouette shots, teasing little hand-clapping moments, and cosy close-ups in softly lit spaces, the visual feels personal in a way that quietly pulls you in.

A promotional portrait of Nigerian alternative artist Dwin, The Stoic from his intimate musical collaboration with singer Celeste Ojatula on the song This Side of Love. Photo Credit: Celeste Ojatula/Instagram

“This Side of Love is a tender song about what it feels like to love someone in these times when they could be anywhere in the world,” Celeste says. “It’s a bittersweet feeling, and I wanted to remind myself we’ll always have each other.”

The single sets the tone for Celeste’s forthcoming EP, *Our Time In The Sun*, arriving on May 29, 2026. If this track is anything to go by, the project may well lean into love, longing, closeness, and the small emotional moments people carry with them long after conversations end.

Watch below

The post Celeste Ojatula & Dwin, The Stoic Capture the Sweetness of Long-Distance Love on “This Side of Love” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The official promotional artwork for the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” a historic cross-cultural track by Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

The wait is over. Nigerian Afrobeats icon Burna Boy and Colombian superstar Shakira have released “Dai Dai,” the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song. It is Burna Boy’s first time on an official FIFA World Cup anthem, and Shakira’s second — her first being the iconic Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) from the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

“Dai Dai” is a nearly four-minute track blends Afrobeats, dance-pop, and reggaetón into a chorus that rallies in five languages — Japanese, Spanish, French, English, and Italian — with the words “Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let’s go.” Lyrically, it is a love letter to football and the people who play it. Shakira opens with “You knew from the day you were born, that here in this place you belong,” while Burna follows with “Go follow your desire, where there’s a will there’s a way.” The pair also shout out the legends — Maradona, Maldini, Ronaldo, Beckham, Kaká, and Messi — as well as participating countries including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, the United States, and the Netherlands.

Royalties from “Dai Dai” will go towards the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is targeting $100 million by the end of the tournament to provide children across the world with access to quality education and football.

Shakira on set for the “Dai Dai” official music video, celebrating her historic return to the global football tournament stage. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Africa’s presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup goes well beyond the official anthem. A record 10 African teams have qualified for this tournament — Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, South Africa, and DR Congo. On the performance side, Tyla and Rema will also perform at the US opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 12 June alongside Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, and LISA.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and wraps on 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Shakira will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show alongside Madonna and BTS. Dai Dai will almost certainly soundtrack all of it.

Listen to “Dai Dai” below

The post Listen to Burna Boy & Shakira’s Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Anthem “Dai Dai” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Nigerian star Rema and South Africa’s Tyla are set to perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at the Los Angeles Stadium on 12 June 2026.

Don’t you just love it when the worlds of music and football come together? There is something truly special about the way a massive stadium anthem can unite fans from every corner of the globe, and for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Africa is taking centre stage. FIFA has officially confirmed that Rema and Tyla are set to headline the opening ceremony in the United States, ensuring that the sounds of Afrobeats and Amapiano lead the world’s biggest sporting conversation.

The ceremony is scheduled for 12 June 2026 at the Los Angeles Stadium. Designed to celebrate the cultural diversity of the host nation, the event will see Rema and Tyla joining a star-studded lineup that includes Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, and LISA. This Los Angeles showcase is one of three major opening celebrations across North America, with additional events planned for Mexico City and Toronto.

The African excellence doesn’t stop at the opening ceremony, either. Burna Boy is making history as a featured artist on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup theme song. Titled “Dai Dai“, the track sees him collaborating with the legendary Shakira, who returns to the World Cup fold following her iconic 2010 anthem. The collaboration is expected to be a massive global hit, blending Burna’s distinct sound with Shakira’s world-renowned pop style. The full track is expected to drop on 14 May 2026.

So, while you are getting ready to cheer your teams on and support your favourite players, don’t forget to get your groove on with the music. We have no doubt that Rema and Tyla will perform awesomely, providing the perfect vibes for the world’s biggest football party.

The post Afrobeats Meets Amapiano as Rema & Tyla Headline FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Asake posing in a spotlight wearing a white t-shirt and grey tracksuit for his MONEY album campaign. Photo Credit: Spotify/Instagram 

Has “M$NEY” been on repeat since yesterday? Because if it has, you are not alone, and we would not have it any other way.

Asake told us the album was coming on 1st May 2026, and the man kept his word to the letter.

This is Asake’s fourth studio album, and it arrives at a remarkable point in his career. For context, his debut album “Mr Money With The Vibe” made Apple Music history in 2022 as the biggest opening day for an African album on the platform — and according to Apple Music, “M$NEY” finds him cashing in on the international acclaim he has built in the years since, resulting in his most global-facing body of work yet.

According to Apple Music, the core elements that have defined Asake’s sound — high-octane beats, fuji influences, and hooks that stay with you — remain firmly intact across the album. Tracks such as “Gratitude” and “Forgiveness” marry propulsive indigenous grooves and choral refrains with soulful, soul-searching melodies, while amapiano titan Kabza De Small features on “Asambe,” a momentum-building anthem that arrives and does not let go. Apple Music also highlights the album’s cross-genre moments — the R&B register of “Oba,” the festival-ready production DJ Snake brings to “WORSHIP” — noting that Asake’s own sonic identity remains the dominant expression throughout, absorbing more instantly recognisable sounds and making them his own.

A signed Polaroid of Asake wearing sunglasses and a white beanie, captured by KJohn LaSoul for Spotify. Photo Credit: Spotify/Instagram 

One of those moments is “BADMAN GANGSTA,” a collaboration with Tiakola that samples Amerie’s 2005 hit “1 Thing,” a bold move that, according to Apple Music, succeeds in subsuming a well-known beat and making it entirely Asake’s.

Apple Music sums it up well: “It’s the same carefully managed balance of authenticity and expansion Asake has bet on for his entire career. With M$NEY, he hits the jackpot once again.”

Stream below

The post Asake’s New Album M$NEY Blends Fuji, Amapiano & Global Sounds | Listen appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

A studio portrait of Asake wearing a black sweatshirt, two gold Cuban link chains, and a black beanie, posing with his arms crossed against a neutral grey background. Photo Credit: Asake/Instagram

We bring you good news from Mr Money’s camp! If you have been looking forward to a Friday release from the YBNL star, we are here to tell you that you shouldn’t worry too much. Asake has officially released the tracklist of what you should expect from his upcoming album, “M$NEY,” which is set to arrive on Friday, 7th August 2026.

The announcement arrived via a cinematic teaser video featuring a gallery-inspired aesthetic. In the visual, Asake walks through a grand marble hall where the names of his new tracks are etched into the stone, appearing as the floor cracks beneath his feet. The 13-track project includes his pre-released hit, “Worship“, featuring French electronic icon DJ Snake, a collaboration that has already set the tone for the album’s global reach.

Other notable guest appearances include French-Congolese rapper Tiakola and South African Amapiano pioneer Kabza De Small.

“M$NEY” follows the massive success of his 2024 sophomore album, Lungu Boy, which saw the artist experiment with faster tempos and international collaborations. The project was anchored by chart-topping hits like “Active” featuring Travis Scott, “MMS” with Wizkid, and the vibrant “Suru” featuring Stormzy.

See the tracklist for “M$NEY” below

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Spotify Africa (@spotifyafrica)

The post Asake Reveals Tracklist for New Album “M$NEY” featuring DJ Snake & Kabza De Small appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

A grainy, high-contrast black-and-white portrait of Tyla with voluminous hair covering her face, overlaid with a bold pink “A*POP” graphic. Photo Credit: Tyla/Instagram

Tyla is officially ready to usher us into a new era. After months of subtle teasers, the South African singer has confirmed that her sophomore album, A*POP, will be released on 24 July 2026. The announcement arrived via a cinematic trailer that sets a clear tone for what is to come: a project that is unapologetically African, confident, and global.

The trailer serves as a visual manifesto for the A-Pop era. Tyla narrates the transition into this new phase of her career,describing the project as an evolution where she is “settled in” and has a clearer sense of her direction. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she explained that while her debut felt like a “rush,” she now knows exactly what she wants to say. This shift in perspective is evident in the album’s 19-track scope, which Tyla told i-D Magazine “really reflects” where she is in her life now, moving from the initial pressure of a massive debut to a sound that materialised naturally.

It is a significant moment for the singer, who has spent the last two years collecting accolades at a record-breaking pace. Her 2024 self-titled debut, “TYLA,” was the launchpad for “Water,” the viral hit that earned her the first-ever Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance. She proved that success was no fluke by winning the same category again in February 2026 for “Push 2 Start,” making her the first artist to win the award twice and the youngest African artist with two Grammys to her name.

While the full tracklist for A*POP remains under wraps, the album already has a solid foundation. It features “Chanel,” which first appeared on her 2025 mixtape “WWP,” and her recent collaboration with Zara Larsson, “She Did It Again,” which leans into a 2000s-inspired pop aesthetic. There are also reports of a collaboration with Wizkid titled “Dynamite” being part of this cycle, further expanding the cross-continental reach she is aiming for.

Tyla is scheduled to perform at the TODAY Show’s Citi Concert Series in New York City on the day of the release, marking a high-profile start to the album’s life cycle.

Watch the trailer below

The post Tyla Confirms A*POP Release Date With Cinematic Trailer appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ayra Starr Lyrics

Tornado lyrics by Ayra Starr celebrate confidence, beauty, and self-assurance as she embraces her power, independence, and star quality. The song highlights her magnetic presence and the admiration she commands, while the catchy "whine like tornado" refrain reinforces its empowering message. The track also features a memorable cameo from FOLA in the outro, adding an extra layer of charm to Tornado by Ayra Starr.

Ayra Starr - Tornado Lyrics

Intro
Oh, okay

Verse 1
Don't nobody care about your moolah
I’m keep it straighter than a ruler
You say that I'm a pretty mami chula
So put some ice on me to keep me cooler
I know my diamonds wet like scuba
Everything blessed, hallelujah
Me and my girls in the club like a duo
Treating every day like e be a new year (Uh-uh-uh)

Pre-Chorus
You can't wait to see me moving on the beat
Feel my fire, hard to breathe
Press play, then rewind, repeat (One way, way)
Inflation, I'm the price they wanna beat
If you're starving, come and eat
I'm that girl they wanna be

Chorus
When I, hmm
Whine like tornado, whine like tornado, whine like tornado
My figure no be fable
Whine like tornado, whine like tornado, whine like tornado
Just hold me for my sake, oh

Verse 2
Uh, throw it back, put you back in the corner
I never wait for anybody, you know I ain't just anybody
My body tea like boba
And I make a man fall in order
If I tell you I want, come collect (á¹¢o ye, á¹£o ye)

Pre-Chorus
You can't wait to see me moving on the beat
Feel my fire, hard to breathe
Press play, then rewind, repeat
Inflation, I'm the price they wanna beat
If you're starving, come and eat
I'm that girl they wanna be

Chorus: Ayra Starr
When I, hmm
Whine like tornado (Torna)
Whine like tornado (Tornado, ayy)
Whine like tornado
My figure no be fable
Whine like tornado (Torna)
Whine like tornado (Tornado, ayy)
Whine like tornado
Just hold me for my sake, oh

Outro: Ayra Starr & Fola
Mo da mi ogbon, o lọ ti ma lọ when you boogie down with me
And if it belongs to Caesar, steal am like Anini
And when I'm with thunder, back to sender, and they can't believe it
Can't believe
You can't wait to see me moving on the beat
Feel my fire, hard to breathe
Press play, then rewind, repeat
Inflation, I'm the price they wanna beat
If you're starving, come and eat
I'm that girl they wanna be

Check Lyrics of latest songs here, and get fresh updates as they drop via X and Facebook

The post Tornado Lyrics by Ayra Starr appeared first on NotjustOk.

Three members of the Ugandan dance group Ghetto Kids executing a synchronised mid-air dance routine on stage at the Oslo Business Forum. Photo Credit: Triplets Ghetto Kids/Instagram

If you have spent any time on the internet over the last few years, chances are you have come across the Ghetto Kids. The Ugandan dance group’s high-energy performances have a definitive way of stopping people mid-scroll. Recently, the group brought their signature choreography to “Dai Dai,” the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem by Shakira and Burna Boy.

As the world prepares for their upcoming appearance alongside Shakira at the World Cup final halftime show at MetLife Stadium on 19 July, here are five essential facts about the Kampala creators who made it to football’s ultimate stage.

They grew up in the Katwe slums of Kampala

Founded in 2014 by Dauda Kavuma, the Ghetto Kids began in the Katwe slums of Kampala, Uganda. Kavuma’s foundation has provided shelter, nutrition, and education to street children since 2007, using music, dance, and drama as a sustainable pathway to a better life. The group currently supports 60 children between the ages of 4 and 16, all coming from underprivileged backgrounds.

A group portrait of the Ghetto Kids dance group from Kampala posing outdoors in matching green, yellow, and black patterned tracksuits. Photo Credit: Triplets Ghetto Kids/Instagram

A viral 2014 video changed everything

The group first secured international attention after a homemade dance routine to Ugandan star Eddy Kenzo‘s hit track “Sitya Loss” went viral online. Their digital footprint expanded significantly in 2017 when they teamed up with Rwanda-born choreographer Sherrie Silver for a routine to Angolan musician Dotorado Pro’s Afro-house track “Marimba Rija,” gathering over 25 million views and establishing a permanent global audience.

They made Britain’s Got Talent history

The Ghetto Kids became a global talking point when they earned a Golden Buzzer mid-performance on Britain’s Got Talent—marking the first time in the franchise’s history that the buzzer was pressed before an act had even finished their routine. The moment introduced their story to a massive European audience and ultimately propelled them to the competition’s finals.

They have commanded global stages for years

Their upcoming stadium performance is part of a long history of high-profile appearances. The group famously featured in French Montana’s multi-platinum “Unforgettable” music video, performed at events during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and made their Norwegian debut at the Oslo Business Forum in September 2025. Their accolades include an AFRIMMA Award, a YouTube Creators Award, and official recognition from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The Ghetto Kids delivering their debut performance in Norway at the Oslo Business Forum, incorporating traditional African props into their routine. Photo Credit: Triplets Ghetto Kids/Instagram

They are co-starring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

The group’s relationship with Shakira evolved from a viral dance challenge they created for one of her tracks, eventually landing them a featured slot in the official Hannah Lux Davis-directed music video for “Dai Dai” alongside Burna Boy. Now, Shakira has confirmed the Ghetto Kids will join her live on stage at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium for the halftime show on 19 July—placing the Kampala dancers in front of a global television audience expected to exceed one billion viewers

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shakira (@shakira)

The post 5 Things to Know About Uganda’s Ghetto Kids Ahead of Their 2026 World Cup Final Performance appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

IShowSpeed wearing a red Portugal jersey with number 7, shouting excitedly in a stadium surrounded by diverse football fans holding flags from Nigeria, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.

The post 6 Million Views in 24 Hours! IShowSpeed’s Unofficial “World Cup” Anthem Goes Viral appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Official promotional artwork for Future and Tyla’s FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem “Game Time,” produced by Cirkut.

The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album is getting bigger, and its latest addition brings together two artists from very different corners of the music world. Tyla and Future have released “Game Time,” a new single from the project that pairs the South African star’s vocals with the Atlanta rapper’s unmistakable flow.

One thing listeners may not see coming is Tyla’s rap verse. Best known for her melodic delivery, she switches things up on “Game Time,” stepping into a faster, more rhythmic pocket that adds a different layer to the song. The accompanying video mirrors the scale of the tournament, weaving together performance scenes and football-inspired visuals that build anticipation for the months ahead.

For Tyla, the song is more than just another collaboration. She described being part of the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album as a full-circle moment, reflecting on South Africa’s hosting of the tournament in 2010. “I’m so excited to perform at the opening ceremonies. Let’s go Bafana Bafana,” she said. Future echoed the global significance of the event, describing the World Cup as a stage unlike any other and expressing his excitement about performing the track live in Los Angeles.

“Game Time” also joins a growing list of World Cup releases featuring African artists. Burna Boy recently teamed up with Shakira on “Dai Dai,” whose official video features Uganda’s renowned dance troupe, the Ghetto Kids. With Tyla, Burna Boy, Rema and others involved in this year’s musical rollout, African artists are helping shape the soundtrack to football’s biggest event.

Watch below

The post Tyla & Future Release New World Cup Anthem “Game Time” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Tems leads the African contingent at the 2026 BET Awards with three major nominations, including Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. Photo Credit: Tems/Instagram

BET has dropped the nominations for its 2026 ceremony and Nigerian music is, once again, all over the list. Tems, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake have all secured nominations for this year’s show, which holds on Sunday, 28 June 2026 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by comedian Druski.

Tems leads the Nigerian contingent with three nominations, making her the most nominated African act this year. She is up for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist alongside SZA, Olivia Dean, Mariah the Scientist, Kehlani, Jill Scott, Ella Mai, Coco Jones, and Ari Lennox. She also picks up a BET Her Award nomination for her song “First,” and a Viewers’ Choice nomination for “Raindance,” her collaboration with British rapper Dave.

Wizkid and Asake earned a joint nomination in the Best Group category for their collaborative project and string of chart-topping releases together, including tracks from their joint Real EP. Burna Boy rounds out the Nigerian music nominations with a Best Collaboration nod for “WGFT,” his feature on Gunna’s hit single from the 2025 album “The Last Wun.” Beyond music, stars of Nigerian heritage also feature prominently in the acting categories — Ayo Edebiri and Cynthia Erivo are both nominated for Best Actress, while Damson Idris received a Best Actor nomination.

South African star Tyla earned two nominations: Video of the Year and Viewers’ Choice for her track “Chanel.” Leading the overall nominations is Cardi B with six nods, followed by Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist with five each. This year also introduces two new categories — the Fashion Vanguard Award and the Pulse Award. The 2026 BET Awards air live on 28 June at 8pm ET/PT on BET, with simulcast across BET HER, MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and several other Paramount networks.

See the full nominees list below for the music category

The post Tems Leads Nigerian Artists in BET Awards 2026 Nominations Alongside Wizkid, Burna Boy & Asake appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

A promotional portrait of Nigerian alternative artist Dwin, The Stoic from his intimate musical collaboration with singer Celeste Ojatula on the song This Side of Love. Photo Credit: Celeste Ojatula/Instagram

Long-distance love is not for the weak, and Celeste Ojatula knows it.

On “This Side of Love,” the singer teams up with Dwin, The Stoic for a sweet, slow-burning track about loving someone from afar and still finding ways to feel close to them. From the soft guitar lines to the easy rhythm running through the song, everything about it feels warm and comforting, like a late-night phone call you do not want to end. Dwin slips into the record smoothly with understated lines and soft claps that make the song feel even more intimate, as though we are listening in on two people trying to hold onto each other from different corners of the world.

Then there is the video, which might just make you want to redecorate a room with someone you are in love with. One of the first scenes shows Celeste perched on Dwin’s shoulders while they paint a wall deep teal-green together, and the chemistry between them carries through the rest of the clip. Between silhouette shots, teasing little hand-clapping moments, and cosy close-ups in softly lit spaces, the visual feels personal in a way that quietly pulls you in.

A promotional portrait of Nigerian alternative artist Dwin, The Stoic from his intimate musical collaboration with singer Celeste Ojatula on the song This Side of Love. Photo Credit: Celeste Ojatula/Instagram

“This Side of Love is a tender song about what it feels like to love someone in these times when they could be anywhere in the world,” Celeste says. “It’s a bittersweet feeling, and I wanted to remind myself we’ll always have each other.”

The single sets the tone for Celeste’s forthcoming EP, *Our Time In The Sun*, arriving on May 29, 2026. If this track is anything to go by, the project may well lean into love, longing, closeness, and the small emotional moments people carry with them long after conversations end.

Watch below

The post Celeste Ojatula & Dwin, The Stoic Capture the Sweetness of Long-Distance Love on “This Side of Love” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The official promotional artwork for the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” a historic cross-cultural track by Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

The wait is over. Nigerian Afrobeats icon Burna Boy and Colombian superstar Shakira have released “Dai Dai,” the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song. It is Burna Boy’s first time on an official FIFA World Cup anthem, and Shakira’s second — her first being the iconic Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) from the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

“Dai Dai” is a nearly four-minute track blends Afrobeats, dance-pop, and reggaetón into a chorus that rallies in five languages — Japanese, Spanish, French, English, and Italian — with the words “Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let’s go.” Lyrically, it is a love letter to football and the people who play it. Shakira opens with “You knew from the day you were born, that here in this place you belong,” while Burna follows with “Go follow your desire, where there’s a will there’s a way.” The pair also shout out the legends — Maradona, Maldini, Ronaldo, Beckham, Kaká, and Messi — as well as participating countries including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, the United States, and the Netherlands.

Royalties from “Dai Dai” will go towards the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is targeting $100 million by the end of the tournament to provide children across the world with access to quality education and football.

Shakira on set for the “Dai Dai” official music video, celebrating her historic return to the global football tournament stage. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Africa’s presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup goes well beyond the official anthem. A record 10 African teams have qualified for this tournament — Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, South Africa, and DR Congo. On the performance side, Tyla and Rema will also perform at the US opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 12 June alongside Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, and LISA.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and wraps on 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Shakira will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show alongside Madonna and BTS. Dai Dai will almost certainly soundtrack all of it.

Listen to “Dai Dai” below

The post Listen to Burna Boy & Shakira’s Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Anthem “Dai Dai” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Nigerian star Rema and South Africa’s Tyla are set to perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at the Los Angeles Stadium on 12 June 2026.

Don’t you just love it when the worlds of music and football come together? There is something truly special about the way a massive stadium anthem can unite fans from every corner of the globe, and for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Africa is taking centre stage. FIFA has officially confirmed that Rema and Tyla are set to headline the opening ceremony in the United States, ensuring that the sounds of Afrobeats and Amapiano lead the world’s biggest sporting conversation.

The ceremony is scheduled for 12 June 2026 at the Los Angeles Stadium. Designed to celebrate the cultural diversity of the host nation, the event will see Rema and Tyla joining a star-studded lineup that includes Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, and LISA. This Los Angeles showcase is one of three major opening celebrations across North America, with additional events planned for Mexico City and Toronto.

The African excellence doesn’t stop at the opening ceremony, either. Burna Boy is making history as a featured artist on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup theme song. Titled “Dai Dai“, the track sees him collaborating with the legendary Shakira, who returns to the World Cup fold following her iconic 2010 anthem. The collaboration is expected to be a massive global hit, blending Burna’s distinct sound with Shakira’s world-renowned pop style. The full track is expected to drop on 14 May 2026.

So, while you are getting ready to cheer your teams on and support your favourite players, don’t forget to get your groove on with the music. We have no doubt that Rema and Tyla will perform awesomely, providing the perfect vibes for the world’s biggest football party.

The post Afrobeats Meets Amapiano as Rema & Tyla Headline FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Asake posing in a spotlight wearing a white t-shirt and grey tracksuit for his MONEY album campaign. Photo Credit: Spotify/Instagram 

Has “M$NEY” been on repeat since yesterday? Because if it has, you are not alone, and we would not have it any other way.

Asake told us the album was coming on 1st May 2026, and the man kept his word to the letter.

This is Asake’s fourth studio album, and it arrives at a remarkable point in his career. For context, his debut album “Mr Money With The Vibe” made Apple Music history in 2022 as the biggest opening day for an African album on the platform — and according to Apple Music, “M$NEY” finds him cashing in on the international acclaim he has built in the years since, resulting in his most global-facing body of work yet.

According to Apple Music, the core elements that have defined Asake’s sound — high-octane beats, fuji influences, and hooks that stay with you — remain firmly intact across the album. Tracks such as “Gratitude” and “Forgiveness” marry propulsive indigenous grooves and choral refrains with soulful, soul-searching melodies, while amapiano titan Kabza De Small features on “Asambe,” a momentum-building anthem that arrives and does not let go. Apple Music also highlights the album’s cross-genre moments — the R&B register of “Oba,” the festival-ready production DJ Snake brings to “WORSHIP” — noting that Asake’s own sonic identity remains the dominant expression throughout, absorbing more instantly recognisable sounds and making them his own.

A signed Polaroid of Asake wearing sunglasses and a white beanie, captured by KJohn LaSoul for Spotify. Photo Credit: Spotify/Instagram 

One of those moments is “BADMAN GANGSTA,” a collaboration with Tiakola that samples Amerie’s 2005 hit “1 Thing,” a bold move that, according to Apple Music, succeeds in subsuming a well-known beat and making it entirely Asake’s.

Apple Music sums it up well: “It’s the same carefully managed balance of authenticity and expansion Asake has bet on for his entire career. With M$NEY, he hits the jackpot once again.”

Stream below

The post Asake’s New Album M$NEY Blends Fuji, Amapiano & Global Sounds | Listen appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

A studio portrait of Asake wearing a black sweatshirt, two gold Cuban link chains, and a black beanie, posing with his arms crossed against a neutral grey background. Photo Credit: Asake/Instagram

We bring you good news from Mr Money’s camp! If you have been looking forward to a Friday release from the YBNL star, we are here to tell you that you shouldn’t worry too much. Asake has officially released the tracklist of what you should expect from his upcoming album, “M$NEY,” which is set to arrive on Friday, 7th August 2026.

The announcement arrived via a cinematic teaser video featuring a gallery-inspired aesthetic. In the visual, Asake walks through a grand marble hall where the names of his new tracks are etched into the stone, appearing as the floor cracks beneath his feet. The 13-track project includes his pre-released hit, “Worship“, featuring French electronic icon DJ Snake, a collaboration that has already set the tone for the album’s global reach.

Other notable guest appearances include French-Congolese rapper Tiakola and South African Amapiano pioneer Kabza De Small.

“M$NEY” follows the massive success of his 2024 sophomore album, Lungu Boy, which saw the artist experiment with faster tempos and international collaborations. The project was anchored by chart-topping hits like “Active” featuring Travis Scott, “MMS” with Wizkid, and the vibrant “Suru” featuring Stormzy.

See the tracklist for “M$NEY” below

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Spotify Africa (@spotifyafrica)

The post Asake Reveals Tracklist for New Album “M$NEY” featuring DJ Snake & Kabza De Small appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.