Category: Music

In a surprising turn of events, the Lagos State Government has announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated Greater Lagos Fiesta 2025, scheduled to take place today (December 31, 2025). Instead of the usual concerts, fireworks and public gatherings, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged Lagosians to spend the final hours of the year in private and collective prayer;  praying for prosperity, good leadership, peace, productivity and the overall wellbeing of the state and the nation. 

For years, the Greater Lagos Fiesta  also known as the Countdown to the New Year  has been one of Lagos’s most vibrant cultural celebrations. It traditionally brings together thousands of people from across Nigeria and beyond for music performances, carnival-like atmosphere, fireworks and entertainment across multiple locations in the state. The event has become a staple for residents and visitors looking to usher in the New Year with high energy and festive spirit. 

The 2025 edition was no different in anticipation until the cancellation was announced just hours before it was set to begin.

In a statement released on Tuesday by Mr. Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Sanwo-Olu approved the cancellation of the event. The decision was communicated as a directive that instead of large gatherings, Lagosians should devote time to spiritual reflection and prayer for their families, their communities and the future of the state. 

According to the statement, residents were specifically encouraged to pray for:

• Continued prosperity and economic growth
• Effective and wise leadership
• Peace and social harmony
• Productivity and personal wellbeing
• The overall general wellbeing of Lagosians 

However, the governor’s message focused on optimism about the year ahead, describing 2026 as a year of promise for Lagos State and expressing confidence that the state government will continue to work hard to deliver progress and development. 

The Greater Lagos Fiesta cancellation marks a significant shift from the usual festive custom. Over the years, the event has not only served as entertainment but has also driven local tourism, small business sales and hospitality activities around the New Year period. 

At the same time, the focus on prayer and introspection highlights a growing trend among leaders and citizens to blend cultural celebration with spiritual meaning, especially during transitions such as entering a new year.

Governor Sanwo-Olu ended his statement with a message of hope and goodwill. He extended warm New Year wishes to all Lagos residents and expressed confidence that 2026 will bring better opportunities, growth and peace for Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. 

“On behalf of my family, I wish every resident of our dear state a happy and prosperous New Year,” the governor said. “I want to assure you all that the year 2026 will be a better year for us in the state, as our administration is determined to work twice as hard to deliver the good for the residents of the state.” 

Afrobeats Songs With 1 Billion Streams

1. “Calm Down (Remix)” – Rema ft. Selena Gomez

Current Streams (2025):- 1.79 billion remix / 2.5+ billion combined

A global breakthrough that merged Nigerian Afrobeats with Western pop appeal. Released as a remix, the song found massive success across international markets, charting in multiple countries and gaining long-term replay value. It became a cultural connector, familiar enough for global radio, but still rooted in Afrobeats rhythm.

2. “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)” – CKay

Current Streams (2025):– 1.3 billion

What started as a sleeper hit grew into one of the biggest viral songs from Africa. Powered by TikTok challenges, emotional simplicity, and international covers, it rose steadily into the billion-stream bracket. The track’s streaming journey reflects organic discovery rather than a heavy promotional rollout, which makes its milestone stand out. I remember listening to Love Nwantiti and I’m like “this is good music” and this shows the whole world feel the same about it. 

Worthy of Note

Wizkid on Drake’s “One Dance” (2016)

While not his own single, Wizkid’s feature marked the first time an African artist appeared on a billion-stream record. It became a foundational moment that widened the lane for future Afrobeats global entries.

Afrobeats Albums With 1 Billion+ Streams

Album Title	Artist	Streams (Approx.)
Rave & Roses Ultra	Rema	3.1 billion+
Love, Damini	Burna Boy	1.5 billion+
Boy Alone (Deluxe)	Omah Lay	1.2 billion+
The Year I Turned 21	Ayra Starr	1.1 billion+
African Giant	Burna Boy	1.1 billion+
Made In Lagos (Deluxe)	Wizkid	1.1 billion+

Rave & Roses Ultra – Rema

A project that expanded Afrobeats into a fully global sound. With pop, bounce, and world influences, it sustained long-term replay value. Multiple tracks  including “Calm Down”  fueled its run, helping it cross the 3-billion mark.

Love, Damini – Burna Boy

A personal album that blends Afrobeats with soul, fusion and alternative rhythm. Its emotional themes and international reach helped it accumulate consistent streaming momentum over time.

Boy Alone (Deluxe) – Omah Lay

A reflective project focused on vulnerability, emotional expression, and calm production. Its streaming growth came gradually through deep-listening appeal rather than viral spikes.

The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr

A confident and youthful entry into global pop spaces. The album’s blend of Afrobeats, alt-pop, and R&B helped it travel across streaming markets and build strong playlist presence.

African Giant – Burna Boy

A culturally significant album that helped position Afrobeats on the world stage. Its fusion of African identity and international production opened doors for wider global engagement.

Made In Lagos (Deluxe) – Wizkid

A laid-back, atmospheric project that extended across world charts. “Essence” became the project’s anchor, pushing the album into long-term replay and streaming relevance.

The billion-stream achievements of Afrobeats signal more than popularity, they show demand. Global audiences are no longer discovering the genre for the first time; they are returning, replaying, and staying.

From songs breaking into international markets to albums that sustain full-project engagement, Afrobeats has transitioned from introduction to influence.

Burna Boy has officially set a new benchmark in African music history, achieving the highest-grossing concert by any African artist. His recent performance at London Stadium as part of the “I Told Them…” Tour generated $6.147 million (approximately ₦9.22 billion) from 58,973 tickets sold, solidifying his status as one of the continent’s most commercially successful acts.

The London Stadium event, part of Burna Boy’s global tour promoting his latest album, attracted fans from across Europe and beyond. The impressive turnout not only underscores Burna Boy’s international appeal but also demonstrates the growing global demand for Afrobeats artists.

According to Touring Data, the London Stadium show now holds the record for the highest-grossing single concert by an African artist, surpassing previous records set by other major Afrobeats stars. This achievement reflects both the scale of Burna Boy’s fanbase and the strategic planning behind his international tour.

The I Told Them… Tour has been a commercial powerhouse. Across 22 shows, Burna Boy has reportedly sold 302,801 tickets, earning approximately $30.5 million in total. In addition to London, his U.S. arena show at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. grossed $1.7 million, marking another milestone for African artists performing internationally.

Afrobeats on the Global Stage

Burna Boy’s historic concert is another indicator of Afrobeats’ expanding influence worldwide. With artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy breaking into international markets, African music continues to dominate streaming platforms, festivals, and concert arenas.

From Rema to Shallipopi, here are the Nigerian tracks shaping global Afropop in 2025 according to recent Rolling Stone list. 

Nigeria’s music wave continues to shape the world, and Rolling Stone’s latest editorial just confirmed it. In the publication’s “45 Best Afropop Songs of 2025” ranking, Nigerian artists took up multiple slots across the list, proving once again why Afrobeats remains one of the most influential sounds on the planet.

With heavyweight legends, rising stars, and viral newcomers all represented, the list highlights how diverse Nigeria’s sound has become; from Fuji-infused pop to amapiano blends, street-hop, spiritual Afrofusion, and glossy mainstream Afrobeats.

Nigerian Songs on Rolling Stone’s 45 Best Afropop Songs of 2025

Rank	Artist(s)	Song Title
#2	Shallipopi	Laho
#5	Adekunle Gold, Yinka Ayefele & Adewale Ayuba	Many People
#6	Davido & Omah Lay	With You Have
#10	Rema	Kelebu
#11	Ayra Starr	Hot Body
#13	Tems	Big Daddy
#14	Rema	Baby (Is It A Crime)
#20	Olamide & Wizkid	Kai!
#21	Tiwa Savage & Skepta	On The Low
#23	Taves	Popstar Party
#24	Mavo & Wave$tar	Escaladizzy
#25	Blaqbonez	ACL
#27	Chella	My Darling
#29	Seyi Vibez	How Are You
#31	Show Dem Camp & Winny	Pele
#37	Rigo Kamp	Marathon
#40	DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez, Wizkid & Mavo	Money Constant
#43	Asake	Why Love

Kanye West, the Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and fashion icon, made a surprise appearance at comedian Deon Cole’s show at the Hollywood Improv in Los Angeles on December 27, 2025, leaving fans in awe. The unexpected moment quickly became the talk of social media as Ye joined Cole onstage mid-performance, sparking excitement in the crowd.

During the appearance, Kanye West took the opportunity to confirm that a new album is on the way, delighting fans who have been anticipating fresh music since his last projects in 2025. While Ye didn’t reveal a full tracklist or all details, the announcement marks one of the first public confirmations of his next studio effort.

The upcoming project, reportedly titled BULLY, has been discussed by Kanye throughout the year but faced multiple delays. Sources indicate that the album is now scheduled for a January 30, 2026 release, and fans can expect new singles or teasers in the coming weeks leading up to the drop.

This isn’t the first time Kanye has leveraged unexpected public appearances to make major announcements. His surprise presence at Cole’s show follows a pattern of high-profile, unconventional reveals that keep fans and the media engaged. Social media quickly reacted, with clips of the appearance trending and fans speculating about the album’s sound, collaborations, and themes.

Ye’s confirmation comes at a time when his influence on music, fashion, and pop culture remains significant. With multiple Grammy awards, fashion lines, and chart-topping hits to his name, each new project from Kanye West carries global attention. BULLY is expected to continue this trajectory, giving fans both the signature Ye sound and new creative directions.

As anticipation builds, fans are keeping a close eye on Kanye’s channels and social media for additional updates. Industry watchers predict that BULLY could be one of the biggest releases of early 2026, potentially dominating charts and streaming platforms worldwide.

The Lagos State Government has confirmed enhanced transportation support for Wizkid’s upcoming “G.O.A.T: The Greatest Of All Time Experience” concert, scheduled to hold on Sunday, 28 December 2025 at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos. According to an official press release, the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line will operate a special service to manage mobility demands and ease movement for attendees.

The temporary upgrade will see the Blue Line boost its normal Sunday schedule from 22 trips to 54, with trains running at 30-minute intervals between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. This adjustment is designed to accommodate the increased traffic expected around the concert venue and nearby Marina axis.

Concert Timeline

The “G.O.A.T Experience” concert, headlined by Wizkid, will run from: 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, 28 December 2025 to 6:00 a.m. on Monday, 29 December 2025.

With thousands of fans expected to attend, the additional rail support is intended to reduce road congestion, improve safety, and provide a more coordinated travel experience into central Lagos. The Blue Line service will return to its regular weekday schedule of 90 train trips daily starting Monday, 29 December 2025.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) stated that the arrangement aims to keep Lagos moving efficiently during festive activities while ensuring concertgoers have a reliable alternative to road traffic.

Wizkid’s “G.O.A.T Experience” concert is already shaping up to be one of the biggest shows of 2025, and the Lagos State Government’s approval of a 54-trip Blue Line railway service signals a significant commitment to event logistics and public convenience. With extended operating hours and a scaled-up route schedule, concertgoers are expected to benefit from a safer and more organized movement system throughout the event.

In a significant shake-up for the global music industry, YouTube has announced it will stop providing its streaming data to Billboard’s U.S. music charts starting January 16, 2026. This decision ends a decade-long partnership that helped measure song popularity and influence chart positions for artists around the world. 

The move arose from a dispute over how Billboard weights different types of streams, raising questions about digital consumption, fairness, and how chart success should be defined in the streaming era. Here’s a breakdown of what this change means for artists, fans, and the music business at large.

Why YouTube Pulled Back Its Data

At the heart of the split is a disagreement over Billboard’s chart methodology specifically, how it assigns different values to paid versus ad-supported streams:

• Billboard currently gives more weight to paid or subscription streams (like Spotify Premium or Apple Music) than to free, ad-supported plays.
• YouTube argues this system undervalues listening behaviour on its platform, where billions of users stream music for free with ads. 

In response, Billboard updated its formula for 2026 to make ad-supported streams count more than they did before (reducing the number of streams needed to count toward the charts). However, paid streams still count significantly more than free streams, and YouTube says this doesn’t reflect how modern fans actually engage with music. 

YouTube’s global head of music, Lyor Cohen, called Billboard’s formula “outdated” and insisted that all streams paid or free should be counted equally for chart calculations. Because Billboard would not adopt this approach, YouTube announced it will stop submitting its data for all Billboard charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200. 

A Brief History of YouTube & Billboard Charts

YouTube began contributing data to Billboard’s Hot 100 in 2013, recognizing that video streams were a growing part of how people consume music. Later, its data was added to album charts like the Billboard 200. 

Because YouTube reaches billions of listeners worldwide; especially in regions where paid subscriptions are less common, its inclusion historically helped songs chart higher based on popularity across video and music formats.

Now, with the partnership ending after January 16, 2026, YouTube streams will no longer factor into these official U.S. rankings unless the two organizations find a new agreement. 

How Billboard’s New Chart Rules Work

For charts dated January 17, 2026 (tracking data from January 2-8), Billboard will adjust its streaming values:

• 1,000 paid/subscription on-demand streams = one album unit
• 2,500 ad-supported on-demand streams = one album unit

This narrows the difference between paid and free streams compared with previous years, but paid streams still count more per stream than ad-supported ones. 

Under this system, a song must be streamed more times on a free tier to count the same as fewer paid streams, a key reason YouTube disagrees with the approach. 

What this could mean for Artists

• Chart Visibility Changes: Songs that used to climb based on huge YouTube view counts alone may now chart lower or not at all on Billboard charts.
• Strategy Shifts: Labels may push artists toward platforms where plays still count fully for Billboard, such as Spotify, Apple Music, or other paid services.
• Video Release Planning: Big-budget music videos might become less central to chart strategies, though they’ll still matter for engagement and reach.

Artists with strong YouTube performance particularly in genres like K-pop, hip-hop, Latin pop, and Afrobeats,  may feel the biggest impact, as many of their fans use YouTube as a primary means of listening. 

For Fans

• Streaming Choices Matter More: Streaming on paid platforms may have more chart impact than listening on YouTube alone.
• Billboard Chart Dynamics Change: Fans who boosted songs to the charts via YouTube views might see different results going forward.

What This Doesn’t Change

• Music Industry Certifications: YouTube streams will still count toward certifications like RIAA Gold and Platinum, which have their own criteria separate from Billboard charts.
• Luminate Reporting: YouTube continues to submit data to Luminate (a major industry analytics provider), so labels and artists will still see full YouTube consumption metrics. 

YouTube’s move isn’t just a technical shift in how charts are calculated, it’s a cultural statement about what matters most in music consumption today. Whether this leads to new chart models or renewed negotiation between platforms and publishers remains to be seen.

Barack Obama’s annual favorite music list has become a cultural moment of its own. Every year, the former U.S. president shares songs he enjoyed the most, cutting across genres, generations, and continents.

In 2025, the list once again proved how global modern music has become and Nigeria stood tall once again.

Asake, Burna Boy, and Olamidé all earned spots on Obama’s favorite music list this year, reinforcing Afrobeats’ growing influence on the world’s biggest cultural stages.

Afrobeats’ Strong Presence on a Global Playlist

Obama’s music lists are not charts or awards. They are personal playlists that reflect what he listens to and enjoys. That’s what makes them powerful.

So, when Nigerian artists appear, it signals something deeper than popularity; it shows cultural relevance.

This year’s list included:

• Burna Boy with Tatata (featuring Travis Scott)
• Olamidé, Asake, Seyi Vibez, Daecolm, and Young Jonn on 99

These selections placed Nigerian street pop and Afrofusion side-by-side with global pop, hip-hop, indie, and jazz records.

Burna Boy’s appearance on the list comes as no surprise. Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent global exports.

Tatata, his collaboration with Travis Scott, blends Afrofusion rhythms with international rap energy. Its inclusion reflects how Burna Boy continues to operate comfortably at the intersection of African identity and global appeal.

Perhaps the most significant moment on the list is the inclusion of 99; a song deeply rooted in Nigerian street pop culture.

Led by Olamidé and Asake, alongside Seyi Vibez, Daecolm, and Young Jonn, 99 represents a raw, energetic Lagos sound. It is the kind of song born from the streets, clubs, and everyday experiences of Nigerian youth.

Seeing it land on a playlist curated by a former U.S. president speaks volumes.

Olamidé’s role as a culture driver and Asake’s rise as one of Afrobeats’ most exciting modern stars come together on this track.

Barack Obama’s favorite music lists have always served as a snapshot of the year’s cultural mood. In 2025, that snapshot clearly includes Nigeria.

For Asake, Burna Boy, and Olamidé, making the list is not just a personal win; it’s another moment of validation for Nigerian music as a global force.

As Detty December 2025 reaches full momentum across Nigeria, Abuja is preparing for one of its biggest music moments of the year. British-Nigerian star Skepta has landed in the capital ahead of his first-ever live performance in Abuja, where he will headline the Capital Machine block party alongside Nigerian rap heavyweight Odumodublvck.

The event, scheduled for December 18, 2025, is already generating massive attention online, with fans describing it as one of the most important UK–Nigeria hip-hop crossovers of the year.

Skepta, born Joseph Junior Adenuga to Nigerian parents, is one of the most influential figures in UK grime. Known globally for songs like Shutdown and That’s Not Me, he has built a career that blends music, fashion, and cultural leadership.

In 2025, he was named GQ Man of the Year, further cementing his relevance beyond music. His appearance in Abuja during Detty December carries symbolic weight, representing both a return to his roots and a growing global interest in Nigerian hip-hop culture beyond Lagos.

Videos shared online, including clips posted by Odumodublvck, show Skepta arriving in Abuja in high spirits, fueling anticipation for the night’s performance.

Capital Machine Block Party: What to Expect

The Capital Machine block party, presented by Anti World Gangstas, kicks off at 7 PM and is expected to run late into the night. More than a regular concert, the event is positioned as a cultural statement, merging UK grime with Nigeria’s evolving rap sound.

Odumodublvck, an Abuja native best known for Declan Rice, has long championed the city’s rap scene. In past interviews and posts, he predicted that global artists like Skepta would eventually tap into Abuja’s sound and energy. This collaboration brings that vision to life.

This collaboration goes beyond Detty December hype. It highlights Abuja’s rising importance in Nigeria’s music and entertainment landscape and shows how Nigerian rap is gaining global attention on its own terms.

Lagos witnessed a historic moment as Nigerian music superstars Davido and Wizkid both performed at the GTCO End-of-Year Party. The event, held in Lagos, became one of the biggest highlights of the 2025 Detty December celebrations and drew massive attention from fans, media, and social platforms.

The GTCO End-of-Year Party is an annual corporate event organized by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) to celebrate the end of the year with customers, partners, and staff. Over the years, the event has grown into a major entertainment gathering, often featuring top Nigerian artists. However, this year’s edition stood out due to the presence of both Davido and Wizkid on the same stage.

The event took place in Lagos and attracted a large audience made up of music lovers, influencers, business leaders, and celebrities. Excitement was already high before the performances began, but it reached a new level when Wizkid and Davido both appeared.

Wizkid delivered a powerful performance, thrilling fans with some of his biggest hits. The crowd sang along as he performed with confidence and energy. His appearance officially signaled the start of Detty December, a period known for concerts, parties, and entertainment across Lagos.

Later in the night, Davido also took the stage and gave an equally energetic performance. Known for his strong stage presence, Davido performed several of his popular songs, keeping the audience fully engaged. Fans responded with loud cheers and excitement throughout his set.

What made the GTCO End-of-Year Party special was the fact that Davido and Wizkid both performed at the same event. The two artists are often seen as rivals by fans, even though both have contributed greatly to the global growth of Afrobeats. Seeing them perform at the same corporate event surprised many people and quickly became a trending topic online.

Videos from the event spread rapidly on social media platforms, with fans praising GTCO for bringing both stars together. Many described the moment as historic and a positive sign for the Nigerian music industry.