Home

Ayra Starr Announces Starrgirl World Tour (See Full Details)

Posted on by Tha Crown

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has announced the Starrgirl World Tour, a new international tour supporting her third studio album, Starrgirl, with performances scheduled across Africa, Europe and North America.

The singer announced the tour on Monday, October 12, shortly after delivering a headline halftime performance at the NFL London Game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. The announcement extends an eventful period for the Mavin Records star, whose international profile continues to grow.

The tour will begin with its African leg in December 2026 before moving to Europe in January 2027 and North America in March. While further African dates are yet to be announced, Ayra has confirmed that she will begin in the continent before the end of the year.

The European leg will begin on January 20, 2027, in Cologne, Germany, before continuing through several cities, including Amsterdam, Paris, Milan, Zürich and Brussels. The leg is scheduled to conclude in London on February 2, with a performance at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

Ayra will then begin the North American leg on March 18 in Houston, Texas. The schedule includes stops in Dallas, Atlanta, the Washington, D.C. area, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver and San Francisco, with the final currently announced date set for April 14.

The initial announcement includes seven European and UK dates and 13 North American dates, with additional African performances expected to provide more opportunities for fans to see the singer live.

The tour supports Starrgirl, Ayra Starr’s third studio album, released on August 14, 2026, through Mavin Records and Republic Records. The 16-track project brings together Afrobeats, R&B and pop, featuring collaborations with ZAYN, Wizkid, Rema, Leon Thomas, kwn, Theodora and Danny Ocean.

Among the album’s collaborations is “Heaven Baby,” featuring ZAYN, alongside a wider catalogue of releases that have helped shape the current era, including “Where Do We Go,” “Tornado,” “Gimme Dat” with Wizkid, “Hot Body” and “Who’s Dat Girl” with Rema.

With the album providing the foundation for the tour, the upcoming shows will give her an opportunity to bring the Starrgirl sound to audiences across multiple markets while continuing to build on the international following she has developed through her previous releases and live performances.

Ayra Starr has steadily expanded her international presence since the release of her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, in 2021. Her follow-up, The Year I Turned 21, arrived in 2024, further establishing her as one of the Nigerian artists attracting audiences beyond the Afrobeats scene.

Her live-performance includes appearances at Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage and opening slots for major international acts, including Coldplay and Chris Brown. Her NFL London Game halftime performance on October 11 added another significant moment to that journey.

General ticket sales for the announced European and North American dates are scheduled to begin on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time. Several presales are scheduled to open earlier in the week, including artist presales on October 14.

Ayra Starr Makes History as First African Artist to Headline NFL International Series Halftime Show

Posted on by Tha Crown

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr made history on October 11, 2026, as she headlined the halftime show during the NFL International Series game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

The performance marked a significant milestone for the whole of African music, with Ayra Starr becoming the first African artist to headline an NFL International Series halftime show. The appearance also underscored the growing international reach of Afrobeats, bringing one of the genre’s leading contemporary voices to a major American football event on British soil.

Presented by American Express, the halftime show took place in front of fans gathered at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the London matchup. It added another major international stage to Ayra Starr’s growing list of global appearances.

Ayra Starr delivered a high-energy performance featuring a medley of songs from her growing catalogue, combining material from her Starrgirl era with some of her established hits.

The set featured “Heaven Baby,” her collaboration with ZAYN, alongside “Hot Body,” “Ms. Paper” and “Rush.” The performance brought together her newer releases and one of her most recognisable songs, giving international viewers a taste of the sound that has helped establish her as a prominent figure in Afrobeats.

She performed on a raised stage positioned at midfield, surrounded by dancers dressed predominantly in black. The production featured mirrored geometric platforms, dramatic lighting and smoke effects, creating a striking visual backdrop for the medley.

The transitions between songs kept the performance moving, while the choreography and staging complemented Ayra Starr’s energetic delivery.

Ayra Starr also made a statement with her outfit for the occasion. She appeared in a purple-toned corseted top with sheer, lace-inspired details, paired with a short black skirt and boots.

Following the performance, clips from the show began circulating across social media, with fans highlighting her stage presence, vocals, choreography and the significance of the moment for African music.

The appearance generated particular excitement among Afrobeats fans, many of whom viewed the booking as another important step in the genre’s continued expansion into major international entertainment spaces.

Ahead of the show, the singer had spoken about preparing something special for the occasion and acknowledged the significance of becoming the first African artist to headline an NFL International Series halftime show.

Ayra Starr’s NFL appearance arrives amid the continued international growth of Afrobeats and the increasing visibility of Nigerian artists across major music, fashion and entertainment platforms.

From international festival stages to collaborations with global stars, Nigerian musicians have continued to expand their reach. Ayra Starr’s halftime performance adds another notable moment to that trajectory, placing Afrobeats at the centre of an international sporting event.

Chinazaekpere Chukwu’s Feature Debut “Her Daughters’ Mother” Set to Screen at Film Africa 2026

Posted on by Tha Crown

Nigerian filmmaker Chinazaekpere Chukwu is set to take her feature directorial debut, Her Daughters’ Mother, to London for Film Africa 2026, marking a major achievement in her filmmaking career.

Also known by its original language title, Oni ómó-Emeté, the drama is scheduled to screen on October 28 at EbonyLife Place London as part of the festival, which runs from October 23 to November 1.

Written and directed by Chukwu, the film explores women’s autonomy, marriage, motherhood and the societal expectations that shape their lives, with a particular focus on the pressure placed on women to produce male heirs.

Set in Nigeria, Her Daughters’ Mother follows Ejiro, who is married off at the age of 16. She returns home in her thirties as a widow, with two daughters and hopes of giving them a better future.

Ejiro later marries Osato, who promises a more secure life for the family. However, the relationship deteriorates when she fails to provide him with a male heir, turning the marriage into a source of suffering.

As she struggles with the expectations placed upon her, Ejiro finds herself longing for the freedom she remembers from childhood.

Through her story, the film examines the sacrifices women make to fulfil familial and societal expectations, as well as the personal dreams that can be lost along the way. It also addresses the cultural preference for male children and the consequences this expectation can have on women and their families.

Her Daughters’ Mother was filmed in Benin City, Nigeria, and features dialogue in English, Nigerian Pidgin, Urhobo and Bini, reflecting the cultural setting in which its story unfolds.

The film stars Ejovwoke Obad Olikuntuyi as Ejiro, alongside Osas Okonyon and Philip Asaya. The supporting cast includes Najite Dede and Adeoluwa Akintoba.

The story was developed by Efosa Ogbomo, with Sunday Melvin Iwinosa serving as co-writer. Production credits also include Joshua Tsotso, Mentong Minwo and Efosa Ogbomo, while Yinka Adegoke credited for cinematography.

Also known as Chinazaekpere Abigail Chukwu or Gail, Chukwu is a Nigerian screenwriter and director whose work spans film and television.

Before making her feature debut, she worked on television drama productions and directed the short film Tì ẹ ńbọ̀ (Ti e Nbo), which premiered at the Africa International Film Festival in 2023. She also directed A Psalm for Abigail, for which she received the Best Director award at the EbonyLife Creative Academy.

With Her Daughters’ Mother, Chukwu moves into feature filmmaking with a story rooted in Nigerian experiences but built around themes that extend beyond geographical and cultural boundaries all over Africa.

Presented by the Royal African Society, Film Africa celebrates African cinema and brings films from across the continent to audiences in London.

The selection of Her Daughters’ Mother places Chukwu’s debut among the Nigerian productions featured in this year’s programme, providing an international platform for a story grounded in the experiences and cultural identity of Nigeria’s South-South region.

The film’s October 28 screening will introduce audiences to Chukwu’s feature length work and its exploration of the relationship between women, family and societal expectations.

As the film prepares for its London screening, Her Daughters’ Mother marks an important step in Chukwu’s transition to feature filmmaking and adds to the range of Nigerian stories reaching international festival audiences.

Burna Boy, Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and 12 Others Named on Forbes Africa Icons 2026 List

Posted on by Tha Crown

Forbes Africa has unveiled its inaugural Icons 2026 list, recognising 15 influential personalities whose ideas, innovations and voices have helped shape Africa’s past, present and future.

The list was released as the publication celebrates its 15th anniversary, bringing together prominent figures from music, business, entertainment, politics, sports and other fields whose contributions have left a mark on the continent and beyond.

Among the honourees is Nigerian music star Burna Boy, whose rise to international prominence has helped expand the global reach of Afrobeats and African music. The Grammy-winning singer has built an international career through acclaimed albums, major performances and collaborations with artists across different markets.

Also featured is Nigerian billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, whose business ventures have made him one of Africa’s most prominent industrialists.

Nigeria is further represented by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Mo Abudu, the media entrepreneur behind EbonyLife.

The list extends beyond Nigeria, bringing together personalities from across the continent and the African diaspora.

Other honourees include Patrice Motsepe, the South African mining magnate and philanthropist; Strive Masiyiwa, the Zimbabwean telecommunications entrepreneur; and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s former president and Africa’s first elected female head of state.

The entertainment industry is also represented by Lupita Nyong’o, the Kenyan-Mexican Academy Award winning actress; Trevor Noah, the South African comedian and former host of The Daily Show; and Angélique Kidjo, the Beninese singer celebrated for her contributions to African and world music.

The remaining honourees are Adrian Gore, the South African entrepreneur behind Discovery Limited; Abdulrazak Gurnah, the Tanzanian-born Nobel Prize-winning novelist; Haile Gebrselassie, the Ethiopian long distance running legend; Didier Drogba, the Ivorian football icon; and Johann Rupert, the South African billionaire businessman associated with Richemont.

Together, the 15 personalities represent a broad range of achievements spanning business, culture, entertainment, sports, literature and public service.

Importantly, Forbes Africa presents the Icons 2026 selection in no particular order. Rather than a conventional ranking, the list recognises individuals whose work and influence have contributed to Africa’s development, visibility and standing on the global stage.

Burna Boy’s inclusion puts African music in the same conversation as some of the continent’s most influential names in business, politics, sports and entertainment. His recognition reflects how far African music has travelled and the growing international attention it continues to attract.

For Forbes Africa, the Icons 2026 list is a fitting way to mark 15 years of the magazine spotlighting Africa’s stories and the people shaping them. From business and public service to music and sports, this year’s selection brings together 15 individuals who have made their mark in very different ways.

Burna Boy Becomes First African Act to Host a GTA VI Radio Station

Posted on by Tha Crown

Burna Boy is taking his Grand Theft Auto connection to a new level.

The Nigerian superstar has been announced as a host of AfroBank FM, one of the newly revealed radio stations in Grand Theft Auto VI. He will host the station alongside acclaimed electronic music producer Palms Trax, making Burna Boy the first African act to host a radio station in the GTA franchise.

The announcement adds another major milestone to Burna Boy’s longstanding relationship with the game.

The Grammy-winning artist has previously had his music featured in Grand Theft Auto, including “Killin Dem” on iFruit Radio in GTA V and “Gettin’ Money” as part of the Cayo Perico update. With GTA VI, however, Burna Boy moves from simply having his music featured in the franchise to helping shape its musical world.

Speaking exclusively to Hypebeast, Burna Boy described the moment as personal, recalling that he had been playing GTA long before his own music appeared in the series.

“I’ve been playing GTA since way before my music ever made it into the game, so this one is personal,” Burna Boy said.

He also highlighted the cultural significance of AfroBank FM, describing the station as an opportunity to bring African music, energy and culture into a world he has experienced as a player for years.

AfroBank FM will spotlight African sounds across generations, featuring a mix of classic records, contemporary music and emerging sounds from across the continent, including Afrobeats, amapiano and 3-step.

The station is expected to feature a broad selection of African music, further expanding the representation of the continent’s rapidly growing sound within one of the world’s biggest gaming franchises.

Among the tracks already revealed for AfroBank FM is Asake’s “Joha,” alongside music from artists including Pat Thomas, Ebo Taylor, DJ Lag, Robot Boii and Kamo Mphela.

Burna Boy and Palms Trax are part of an impressive lineup of artists and personalities announced to host GTA VI radio stations.

The confirmed hosts include:

Burna Boy & Palms Trax – AfroBank FM

Bad Bunny & RaiNao – Cocoteo FM

Morgan Wallen, Lana Del Rey & Jeremy Dufrene – Back Country Radio

Kerry King & Tom Araya – The Chamber 106.6

Robyn & Alex Consani – Flash FM

Trick Daddy & Trina – Dirty South Classics

The new radio experience will also expand beyond traditional in game stations, with GTA VI introducing podcasts and allowing players to listen to radio and podcasts while on foot through headphones and earbuds.

For Burna Boy, however, the significance is particularly personal. From playing Grand Theft Auto as a fan, to having his records featured in the franchise, and now helping host his own station, his GTA journey has come full circle.

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026.

Asake Moves Up to Tie Burna Boy for Most 500M+ Spotify Projects by a Nigerian Artist (Updated)

Posted on by Tha Crown

Asake has moved up to four projects with over 500 million streams on Spotify, tying Burna Boy for the most among Nigerian artists.

The latest milestone further highlights the rapid growth and staying power of Asake’s catalogue, as the YBNL star continues to rank among Nigeria’s biggest streaming acts globally.

Asake was already part of the exclusive group of Nigerian artists with projects above the 500 million stream mark. His latest achievement, however, moves him up the ranking and puts him level with Burna Boy at the top.

Nigerian artists with projects above 500 million Spotify streams

Burna Boy — 4

Asake — 4

Wizkid — 2

Tems — 2

Ayra Starr — 2

Davido — 2

Rema — 1

Fireboy DML — 1

Omah Lay — 1

CKay — 1

Davido has now joined Wizkid, Tems and Ayra Starr with two projects surpassing 500 million streams on Spotify. His debut studio album, A Good Time, has crossed the milestone, adding to his streaming achievements and highlighting the continued popularity of his catalogue years after its release. 
The latest update sees Davido move up to two projects above 500 million Spotify streams, while Asake and Burna Boy remain tied at the top with four each. 

Asake’s rise to four projects above 500 million streams is another indication of how quickly he has established himself as one of the defining Nigerian artists of his generation.

Since breaking out with Mr. Money With the Vibe, Asake has consistently recorded major numbers across streaming platforms. His catalogue has continued to accumulate streams beyond the initial release periods of his projects, strengthening his position among Nigeria’s most streamed artists.

The milestone also adds to a growing list of streaming achievements for the singer, whose music has maintained a strong presence across Nigeria and international markets.

Burna Boy’s four projects keep him level with Asake at the top of the ranking.

The Grammy winning artist has built one of the most successful catalogues in African music, with multiple albums crossing major streaming milestones while his global audience continues to expand.

Netflix Orders ‘Bridgerton’ Prequel Centered on Young Violet and Edmund

Posted on by Tha Crown

Netflix is expanding the Bridgerton universe with a new limited prequel series centered on the love story of young Violet Ledger and Viscount Edmund Bridgerton.

The untitled series, officially announced on October 8, will explore Violet and Edmund’s early relationship, from their first meeting and courtship to the romance that eventually leads to their marriage and the creation of the Bridgerton family.

The project will be the second Bridgerton spinoff following Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, which premiered on Netflix in 2023 and explored the young Queen Charlotte while also introducing viewers to a younger Violet.

Shonda Rhimes and Nicholas Nardini will write and serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Tom Verica, who will also direct, and Betsy Beers as executive producer. The series comes from Netflix and Shondaland.

No cast has been announced yet. Connie Jenkins-Greig, who portrayed young Violet in Queen Charlotte, could potentially reprise the role, although Netflix has not confirmed her return. Ruth Gemmell plays the older Violet in the main Bridgerton series, while Rupert Evans previously portrayed Edmund in flashbacks.

Violet and Edmund’s relationship is one of the most important pieces of Bridgerton history. Their marriage produced the eight Bridgerton siblings at the center of the franchise, while Edmund’s death at a young age left Violet to raise their children and become the family matriarch audiences know today.

The new prequel will give fans the opportunity to see that love story unfold rather than experience it solely through flashbacks and references in the main series.

The announcement comes as Bridgerton continues to expand. Season 5, which focuses on Francesca Bridgerton and Michaela Stirling, is currently in production and is expected to premiere in 2027, while the main series has already been renewed through Season 6.

Netflix has yet to announce a release date, episode count or additional casting for the Violet and Edmund prequel.

Trust Streamdorm to keep you updated.

Burna Boy Makes Spotify History as Shakira’s “Dai Dai” Surpasses 500 Million Spotify Streams

Posted on by Tha Crown

Burna Boy has added another major milestone to his growing global catalogue as “Dai Dai,” his collaboration with Shakira, surpasses 500 million streams on Spotify.

Released in May as the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Song, “Dai Dai” has become one of the biggest global records of Burna Boy’s career, connecting Afrobeats with Shakira’s established football and pop legacy. 

The latest Spotify milestone also places Burna Boy in a select group of African artists with multiple 500 million stream songs on the platform. His current 500M+ catalogue includes “Location” with Khalid, “Last Last,” and “Dai Dai.” “Location” leads the group with more than 740 million Spotify streams, followed by “Last Last” with over 615 million and “Dai Dai” with more than 501 million.

The song’s success extends well beyond Spotify.

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spotify reported that “Dai Dai” generated more than 138 million streams, making it the most streamed official World Cup song ever on the platform at the time. It recorded more than six times the streams of the most played official song from the 2022 tournament, Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” 

The song also delivered a major chart achievement for Burna Boy and Shakira, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 while spending three consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. In the tracking week ending July 9 alone, “Dai Dai” generated 94.3 million official on demand streams globally. 

“Dai Dai” also made history on U.S. radio. The song reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart, giving Shakira her first No. 1 on the chart and Burna Boy his first No. 1 as a lead artist.

On YouTube, the official music video crossed 1 billion views in less than three months, becoming the first music video released in 2026 to reach the milestone. It has since continued its run and has now surpassed 1.2 billion views.

The song was also part of the FIFA World Cup’s biggest musical moments, with Shakira and Burna Boy performing “Dai Dai” during the tournament’s opening ceremony. 

With “Dai Dai” now joining “Location” and “Last Last,” Burna Boy has established three 500M+ Spotify songs in which he is credited.

His wider Spotify catalogue has also passed 11 billion total streams, with more than 6.2 billion coming from songs where he is the lead artist.

Wizkid Signs With CAA for North American Touring Representation: What Does It Mean?

Posted on by Tha Crown

Nigerian superstar Wizkid has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for live music and touring representation across North America, marking a new chapter in the Grammy winning artist’s touring strategy.

The signing was reported by Booking Agent Info on October 2, 2026, with CAA music agents Zack Borson and Joseph Harris named as the agents handling Wizkid’s North American touring representation. 

Wizkid will continue working with United Talent Agency (UTA) for touring outside North America, making the new arrangement a territory specific split rather than a complete move away from UTA. His wider team also remains in place, with Starboy Entertainment continuing its management role. 

The decision comes as Wizkid continues to strengthen his presence in the North American live music market.

The singer has already built a significant touring history across the United States and Canada. In 2025, his Morayo tour included performances at major venues such as State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Toyota Center in Houston and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. 

His 2026 activity has also included appearances at major North American events, including Tribeville Festival in Minneapolis, Ditch Party in Los Angeles and Afro+ Fest in Maryland.

With CAA now handling his North American live representation, the move could provide a more focused approach to arena tours, major festivals and other large scale opportunities in the United States and Canada.

CAA agents Zack Borson and Joseph Harris will oversee Wizkid’s North American touring strategy.

Zack Borson from our research is particularly known for his work within the African and Caribbean music space, while Joseph Harris is an experienced CAA music agent with a roster and track record spanning major tours and festivals.

Their involvement places Wizkid alongside a wider network of international artists represented within CAA’s music division.

The signing for Wizkid is expected to be less about changing his entire touring structure and more about strengthening one of the world’s biggest live music markets.

North America remains a crucial territory for Afrobeats’ continued global expansion, with Nigerian artists increasingly moving from club and theatre shows into arenas, festivals and stadium scale performances.

Wizkid has already demonstrated his ability to command major venues in the region. His Morayo touring cycle further established that demand, and the CAA partnership could help position his next North American run for even larger opportunities.

For now, UTA remains responsible for his touring outside North America, while CAA takes the lead in the United States and Canada.

The arrangement gives Wizkid two specialized touring structures across different territories while allowing his existing management and wider teams to remain intact. 

Tems Earns Two Nominations at the 2026 Soul Train Awards

Posted on by Tha Crown

Nigerian star Tems has earned two nominations at the 2026 Soul Train Awards, adding another major recognition to her growing presence in the global R&B space.

Tems is nominated for R&B/Soul Song of the Year for her song “What You Need”, while also receiving a nomination for Spotify’s RNB X International Artist.

Notably, Tems is the only artist nominated in both of the Soul Train Awards’ two new fan-voted categories, placing her in contention for awards that recognize both the impact of individual R&B songs and the genre’s growing international reach. 

“What You Need” is up against songs from some of the biggest names in contemporary R&B, including Brent Faiyaz, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller, Daniel Caesar, Justin Bieber, Kehlani, Mariah the Scientist and Kali Uchis, Olivia Dean, and Tyla.

Her second nomination comes in the Spotify’s RNB X International Artist category, where she competes alongside Cleo Sol, FLO, kwn, Odeal, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Tiana Major9.

The recognition is particularly significant for Tems given the role R&B has played throughout her career. From her early releases to her international breakthrough, the Nigerian singer has consistently blended elements of R&B, soul, and Afrobeats into a sound that has connected with audiences far beyond Africa.

Tems has also previously been recognized by the Soul Train Awards. In 2021, she received nominations following the global success of “Essence” with Wizkid, marking an early moment in her rise within the international R&B space. 

The Soul Train Awards is one of the major annual celebrations of Black music and culture, with the ceremony centered on Soul, R&B, and Hip-Hop and featuring both established legends and emerging artists. The awards are presented by BET and continue the legacy of Soul Train, the influential music and dance television program created by Don Cornelius.

Over the years, the ceremony has recognized some of the biggest names across R&B, soul and hip-hop, while also creating space for new generations of artists. Past honorees and winners include artists such as Usher, SZA, Summer Walker, T-Pain, Janelle Monáe, Maxwell and Ashanti. 

The 2026 edition will be hosted by Anthony Anderson and is scheduled for November 27, airing on BET.

This year also introduces fan voting in the two new categories, giving audiences a direct role in deciding the winners.

These two nominations add another chapter to Tems continued evolution from a Nigerian breakout artist into one of Africa’s most recognizable voices in contemporary R&B.

Scroll to Top