Nigeria’s music scene isn’t just booming; it’s thriving with homegrown loyalty. A recent industry report confirmed what many in the industry already suspected: Nigerian listeners stream local music more than any other country in the Middle East and Africa. According to Luminate’s 2025 mid-year music consumption data, an incredible 61.3 % of all on-demand streams in Nigeria go to Nigerian artists, the highest local share in the entire region.
That 61 % figure isn’t just a statistic, it’s a reflection of how deeply fans in Nigeria engage with their own music. From Afrobeats and Street Pop to Alte, Fuji, and Amapiano-influenced sounds, Nigerian listeners are choosing local artists over international stars at an extraordinary rate.
This level of local support is rare in global markets and it speaks to the emotional connection between Nigerian artists and their audiences. Whether it’s Burna Boy commanding stadiums around the world, or emerging stars like Odumodublvck and Ayra Starr dominating playlists, the music resonates with listeners at home in a way few other countries can match.
This isn’t limited to audio streaming. On platforms like Spotify, Nigerian users are creating millions of local playlists, a sign that listeners aren’t just passive consumers; they’re building the culture around Nigerian music.
Despite this massive streaming support, financial returns remain a challenge. Industry analysts point out that even millions of streams in Nigeria generate relatively modest payouts compared to global markets.
This highlights a broader issue in Africa’s music economy: popularity doesn’t always equal profit. Many Nigerian artists still face hurdles when it comes to converting streaming success into sustainable earnings at home.
While local support is huge, Nigerian music also continues to make waves internationally. Artists like Rema, Wizkid, Tems, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr regularly feature on global charts and playlists proving that the world is listening, too.
Nigeria’s streaming landscape shows a powerful truth: local music loyalty can become a pillar of cultural and economic growth. When fans support artists consistently, it fuels creativity, strengthens industry infrastructure, and encourages more talent to emerge.
After years of anticipation, J. Cole is officially back. The rapper and Dreamville founder has confirmed that his highly awaited studio album, The Fall‑Off, will be released on February 6, 2026. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this project ever since the concept first appeared in the closing track of his 2018 album KOD, titled “1985 (Intro to The Fall Off).”
The Fall‑Off has been teased for years, with fans speculating about its content, collaborations, and release date. The album is expected to continue Cole’s tradition of introspective lyricism and socially conscious storytelling, themes that have defined his career.
In a cinematic teaser released alongside the announcement, Cole reflects on fame, legacy, and the passage of time, giving listeners a glimpse into the album’s deeper themes.
The album’s announcement signals a potential turning point in Cole’s career, possibly serving as his final solo project. The rapper has previously hinted that this album would mark a “full circle” moment, wrapping up a decade of introspection and artistry.
Social media erupted following the announcement, with fans praising Cole for maintaining artistic integrity and building anticipation over nearly eight years. Music communities online are already speculating about possible features, production credits, and standout tracks.
This article is part of our weekly #OpinionPiece series. Today, we deviate slightly from our schedule to celebrate the birthday of a modern legend, Asake.
Introduction
This is a special edition of our series! Today, January 13, 2026, marks the 31st birthday of the man who redefined the speed of success in the Nigerian music industry: Asake (Ahmed Ololade).
To celebrate “Mr. Money,” we are diving into his journey from the “Lungu” streets of Lagos to the global arenas and looking at the pivotal moves he has made in just the last few months.
Today, the 13th of January 2026, the “Lungu Boy” himself turns 31. Just four years ago, many of us were just learning his name through “Omo Ope.” Today, it is impossible to discuss the global lifestyle of Afrobeats without mentioning his name.
In my opinion, Asake is not just a musician; he is a cultural movement. While 2022 and 2023 were about his “lightning fast” rise, I believe 2025 and the start of 2026 have shown us a more mature, independent, and grounded version of the artist.
The Career Highlights
Asake’s career trajectory is, factually, one of the most successful in African history. He achieved what few thought possible; three consecutive #1 albums in Nigeria.
From Mr. Money with the Vibe (2022) to Work of Art (2023) and finally Lungu Boy (2024), which became the longest-running #1 album in Nigerian chart history.
In 2024 and 2025, he successfully headlined the world’s most iconic stages, including Madison Square Garden and the O2 Arena, proving that his “Street-Pop” sound had no borders.
Beyond winning the Best African Act at the 2024 MOBO Awards, his 2025 Grammy nomination for “MMS” (with Wizkid) solidified his status as an elite global collaborator.
The Birth of Giran Republic
Choosing independence is one of the most significant lifestyle and business moves Asake made as he departed from YBNL Nation in early 2025.
In February 2025, Asake officially launched his independent label, Giran Republic. This marked his transition from being a “star under Olamide” to becoming a CEO and mogul in his own right.
Opinion Piece: I see this as a bold lifestyle statement. In an industry where artists often fear leaving the nest of a major label, Asake chose the “Giran” path. It showed his fans that true success is about eventually owning your platform.
The 2026 Milestone: Family and Reconciliation
Few weeks ago before his 31st birthday, Asake made headlines for something more personal than music: healing his home.
Following public accusations in 2025 regarding neglect of his family, January 9–10, 2026, saw a major turnaround. Asake publicly reunited and reconciled with his father (Fatai Odunsi), his daughter, and his baby mama. He reportedly pledged to finance his father’s medical bills and purchase a new home for him. He also paid a visit to his Alma mater where he was welcomed by students and authorities of the school.
Opinion Piece: I believe this is his most important “win” yet. At 31, Asake is showing that being “Mr. Money” is empty if your foundation isn’t solid. This reconciliation shows a man maturing beyond the fast-paced fame of his 20s.
The Fashion Oracle: Defining the Gen Z Look
Asake’s lifestyle influence on Gen Z fashion remains unparalleled.
From his Paris Fashion Week appearances (showcasing Marine Serre and Off-White) to his signature baggy trousers and eclectic grills, he has made “quirky-cool” the standard.
Opinion Piece: He taught a generation that you don’t have to look like a traditional “gentleman” to be taken seriously in global luxury and it’s also okay to try out different styles until you probably understand what works best for you.
Even though I can’t really say if this current look of his would be his last change, we can all agree his styles are interesting. His fashion is a mix of Lagos “Lungu” (slum/street) energy and high-end couture. It’s an “unbothered” lifestyle that resonates with millions.
Starting 2026 on a High: The Goldrush Dome
Asake didn’t wait long to dominate 2026. Just ten days ago, on January 3, 2026, he shut down the 10,000-capacity Goldrush Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa.
His album, Mr. Money with the Vibe, has also surpassed 800 million streams on Spotify, entering the top 10 Nigerian projects on the platform.
This was his first-ever headline show in South Africa, a market that has deeply influenced his sound (through Amapiano).
Opinion Piece: By starting the year this way, he is signaling that 2026 will be another year where we will have more of Asake because his impact is just beginning.
As we celebrate Asake today, we aren’t just celebrating hit songs like “Lonely at the Top” or “Mentally.” We are celebrating the evolution of a man.
From the theatre student at OAU to the CEO of Giran Republic, Asake’s 31st birthday represents a transition from “The Next Big Thing” to a stable, independent, and family-oriented icon.
Happy Birthday, Ololade Mr. Money. The world is still watching.
Who should be our next feature for the #OpinionPiece series? Drop your comment below!
The 57th NAACP Image Awards nominations are officially out, shining a spotlight on the best in film, television, music, literature, and digital content. This year’s list celebrates Black excellence across a variety of creative fields, with fan favorites and rising stars vying for top honors. The ceremony is scheduled for February 28, 2026, airing live on BET with a simulcast on CBS.
Entertainer of the Year
One of the most anticipated categories, Entertainer of the Year, brings together performers who have made significant impact across multiple platforms:
Cynthia Erivo
Doechii
Kendrick Lamar
Michael B. Jordan
Teyana Taylor
Both Kendrick Lamar and Teyana Taylor received six nominations each across different categories, highlighting their dominance in music and film this year.
Television & Streaming
Television continues to shine with shows that blend storytelling, culture, and humor.
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Harlem (Prime Video)
Survival of the Thickest (Netflix)
The Residence (Netflix)
The Upshaws (Netflix)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Cedric The Entertainer – The Neighborhood
David Alan Grier – St. Denis Medical
David Oyelowo – Government Cheese
Mike Epps – The Upshaws
Vince Staples – The Vince Staples Show
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Ayo Edebiri – The Bear
Maya Rudolph – Loot
Michelle Buteau – Survival of the Thickest
Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
Uzo Aduba – The Residence
Outstanding Drama Series
Bel‑Air (Peacock) — leading with seven nominations
Abbott Elementary, Reasonable Doubt, Ruth & Boaz — six nominations each
Forever — five nominations
Motion Picture Categories & Nominees
Outstanding Motion Picture
Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
One Of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Sarah’s Oil (Amazon MGM Studios)
Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
André Holland – Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
Denzel Washington – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
Michael B. Jordan – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Nnamdi Asomugha – The Knife (Relatively Media)
Tyriq Withers – HIM (Monkeypaw Productions)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Cynthia Erivo – Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures)
Danielle Deadwyler – 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
Keke Palmer – One Of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Kerry Washington – Shadow Force (Lionsgate)
Tessa Thompson – Hedda (Amazon MGM Studios)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
A$AP Rocky – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
Damson Idris – F1 (Apple Original Films)
Delroy Lindo – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Jeffrey Wright – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
Miles Caton – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Janelle James – One Of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Jayme Lawson – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Regina Hall – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
Sinners — Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Buddy Guy, Delroy Lindo, et al. (Warner Bros. Pictures)
One Of Them Days — Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Wicked: For Good — Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Coleman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Ariana Grande, et al. (Universal Pictures)
A House of Dynamite — Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer‑King, Greta Lee, Jason Clarke (Netflix)
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
Magazine Dreams (Briarcliff Entertainment)
Opus (A24)
Unexpected Christmas (3 Diamonds Entertainment)
Outstanding International Motion Picture
40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
My Father’s Shadow (MUBI)
Souleymane’s Story (Kino Lorber)
The Fisherman (Luu Vision Media)
The Secret Agent (NEON)
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
Elio (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix)
Sneaks (Briarcliff Entertainment)
The Bad Guys 2 (DreamWorks Animation)
Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Character Voice‑Over Performance – Motion Picture
Anthony Mackie – Sneaks
Craig Robinson – The Bad Guys 2
Danielle Brooks – The Bad Guys 2
Lil Rel Howery – Dog Man
Quinta Brunson – Zootopia 2
Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)
ADO (Baylor University)
Before You Let Go (Find Your People Program)
Best Eyes (American Film Institute Conservatory)
Ella (Netflix)
Food for the Soul (P.A. Works)
Outstanding Short Form (Animated)
ASALI: Power of the Pollinators (Upenndo! Productions)
Black Man, Black Man (Chainwheel Productions)
Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II (Cutting Edge Animation)
Full Music & Recording Nominees
Outstanding New Artist
Elmiene – Useless Without You (Def Jam Recordings)
Lee Vasi – Love Me To Life (Capitol CMG/Leeda Music Group)
Madison McFerrin – Scorpio (MadMcFerrin Music LLC)
Monaleo – Who Did the Body? (Columbia Records)
Ravyn Lenae – Bicycle Race (Atlantic Records)
Outstanding Male Artist
Bryson Tiller – Solace & The Vices (RCA Records/TrapSoul)
Chris Brown – It Depends feat. Bryson Tiller (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
GIVĒON – Beloved (Epic Records)
Kendrick Lamar – luther (pgLang/Interscope)
Leon Thomas – MUTT Deluxe: Heel (EZMNY/Motown Records)
“Ride (Remix)” – Chance the Rapper feat. Do or Die & Twista
“Typa” – GloRilla
Literature Work Categories
Outstanding Literary Work — Fiction
Can’t Get Enough — Kennedy Ryan
Chronicles of Ori: An African Epic — Harmonia Rosales
Death of the Author — Nnedi Okorafor
Happy Land — Dolen Perkins‑Valdez
Harlem Rhapsody — Victoria Christopher Murray
Outstanding Literary Work — Non‑Fiction
A More Perfect Party… — Juanita Tolliver
Born in Flames — Bench Ansfield
From These Roots — Tamara Lanier
Hidden Hospitality… — Calvin Stovall Jr.
I Am Nobody’s Slave — Lee Hawkins
Outstanding Literary Work — Debut Author
American Soul: The Black History of Food… — Anela Malik
Red Clay — Charles B. Fancher
High Functioning… — Dr. Judith Joseph
A Sky Full of Love — Lorna Lewis
History Lessons — Zoe B. Wallbrook
Outstanding Literary Work — Biography/Autobiography
107 Days — Kamala Harris
The Look — Michelle Obama
Toni at Random — Dana A. Williams
Truly — Lionel Richie
Uncommon Favor… — Dawn Staley
Outstanding Literary Work — Instructional
American Soul… — Anela Malik
Braided Heritage… — Dr. Jessica Harris
We the Pizza… — Muhammad Abdul‑Hadi
Who Better Than You? — Will Packer
Wine Pairing for the People — Cha McCoy
Outstanding Literary Work — Poetry
Death of the First Idea — Rickey Laurentiis
Florida Water — Aja Monet
The Grace of Black Mothers — Martheaus Perkins
The Intentions of Thunder — Patricia Smith
We Look Better Alive — Ali Black
Outstanding Literary Work — Children
Black Boy, Rise — Brynne Barnes
Black Diamond Kings — Charles R. Smith Jr.
My Quiet Place — Monica Mikai
The History of We — Nikkolas Smith
Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark — Allen R. Wells (ill. DeAndra Hodge)
Outstanding Literary Work — Youth/Teens
(S)Kin — Ibi Zoboi
Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Book of Anansi — Angie Thomas
The Scammer — Tiffany D. Jackson
The Story of My Anger — Jasminne Mendez
Through Our Teeth — Pamela N. Harris
Outstanding Literary Work — Graphic Novel
Creaky Acres — Calista Bril
Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls — Rob Edwards
One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel — Rita Williams‑Garcia
Parable of the Talents (Graphic Novel) — Octavia E. Butler (adapted)
They Choose Violence — Sheldon Allen
Outstanding Literary Work — Journalism(New Category)
As Black New Yorkers Move Out, N.Y.C. Politics May Be Reshaped — Maya King
Audra McDonald Took The Stage and Rewrote The Rules — Adam Davenport
Black joy and boots: How line dancing is fanning cultural connection — Lisa Respers France
HBCUs Reel as Trump Cuts Black‑Focused Grants — Jasper Smith
On Borrowed Time — Anissa Durham
Digital Content Creator Categories
These categories honor creators across platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube:
Outstanding Digital Content Creator — Art/Comedy
Darren Watkins Jr. (@IShowSpeed)
Jordan Howlett (@jordan_the_stallion8)
Joshua Neal (@joshuadneal)
Lou Young (@Louuuyoung)
Tee Sanders (@teesanderscomedy)
Outstanding Digital Content Creator — Political/Culture
Elizabeth Booker Houston (@bookersquared)
Garrison Hayes (@garrisonh)
George Lee Jr. (@theconsciouslee)
Joshua Doss (@doss.discourse)
Lynae Vanee (@lynaevanee)
Outstanding Digital Content Creator — Fashion/Beauty
Allyiah Gainer (@allyiahsface)
De’arra Taylor (@dearra)
Eni Popoola (@enigivensunday)
Jackie Asamoah (@jackieaina)
Wisdom Kaye (@wisdm)
Outstanding Digital Content Creator — Gaming/Tech
Berlin Edmonds (@Berleezy)
Cory Kenshin (@CoryxKenshin)
Gerard Williams (@Hiphopgamer)
Jay Ann Lopez (@blackgirlgamers)
Khleo Thomas (@khleothomas)
Outstanding Digital Content Creator — Fitness/Wellness/Food
Alex Hill (@justaddhotsauce)
Jeanette Jenkins (@msjeanettejenkins)
Keith Lee (@Keith_Lee125)
Kimberly Villalobos (@KimmysKreations.1)
Massy Arias (@Massy.arias)
Public Voting & Ceremony
Fans can vote in select categories through February 7, 2026 at NAACPImageAwards.net. Winners will be announced during the live ceremony on February 28, 2026.
The 2026 NAACP Image Awards showcase the best in Black creativity and culture. From Sinners dominating film categories to TV hits like Bel‑Air, and music legends Kendrick Lamar and Teyana Taylor leading the recording scene, this year’s nominations reflect cultural impact, artistic excellence, and creative innovation across all entertainment fields.
The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, drawing artists and industry leaders from across the continent for one of African music’s most important nights.
Held under the theme “Unstoppable Africa,” the ceremony celebrated commercial success, cultural impact, regional diversity, and artistic excellence. The event was hosted by Falz and Liliane Maroune and broadcast live on DStv, GOtv, and digital platforms, concluding a week-long AFRIMA programme in Lagos.
Below is the full breakdown of major categories, including WINNERS and OFFICIAL NOMINEES as released by AFRIMA ahead of the awards.
ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Winner
Rema (Nigeria)
Nominees
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Davido (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Winner
Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness
Nominees
Rema – HEIS
Davido – Timeless
Black Sherif – The Villain I Never Was
Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21
SONG OF THE YEAR
Winner
Shallipopi – “Laho”
Nominees
Tyla – “Water”
Asake – “Lonely at the Top”
Rema – “Trouble Maker”
Black Sherif – “Oil in My Head”
BEST MALE ARTISTE – WESTERN AFRICA
Winner
Rema (Nigeria)
Nominees
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Davido (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
BEST FEMALE ARTISTE – WESTERN AFRICA
Winner
Wendy Shay (Ghana)
Nominees
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Simi (Nigeria)
Gyakie (Ghana)
BEST MALE ARTISTE – EASTERN AFRICA
Winner
Jux (Tanzania)
Nominees
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Harmonize (Tanzania)
Alikiba (Tanzania)
Bien (Kenya)
BEST FEMALE ARTISTE – EASTERN AFRICA
Winner
Denise (Madagascar)
Nominees
Zuchu (Tanzania)
Nandy (Tanzania)
Azawi (Uganda)
Nikita Kering (Kenya)
BEST MALE ARTISTE – CENTRAL AFRICA
Winner
Singuila (Congo)
Nominees
Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)
Innoss’B (DR Congo)
Gaz Mawete (DR Congo)
Dadju (DR Congo)
BEST FEMALE ARTISTE – CENTRAL AFRICA
Winner
Cindy Le Coeur (DR Congo)
Nominees
Rosny Kayiba (DR Congo)
Shan’L (Gabon)
Queen Etémé (Cameroon)
Mel B Akwen (Cameroon)
MOST PROMISING ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Winner
Qing Madi (Nigeria)
Nominees
Victony (Nigeria)
Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
Tyla (South Africa)
Llona (Nigeria)
AFRICAN FANS’ FAVOURITE ARTISTE
Winner
Chella (Nigeria)
Nominees
Rema
Burna Boy
Davido
Wizkid
BEST AFRICAN VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Winner
Black Sherif – “Rebel”
Nominees
Rema – “Trouble Maker”
Burna Boy – “City Boys”
Ayra Starr – “Commas”
Asake – “Yoga”
BEST AFRICAN DANCE / CHOREOGRAPHY
Winner
Weeha – “Dimama” (Ethiopia)
Nominees
Tyla – “Water”
Diamond Platnumz – “Achii”
Kizz Daniel – “Twe Twe”
CKay – “Love Nwantiti”
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Winner
Bakhaw Dioum (Senegal) – “Choix”
Nominees
Asa (Nigeria)
Johnny Drille (Nigeria)
A-Reece (South Africa)
Sauti Sol (Kenya)
BEST SOUNDTRACK (FILM / SERIES / DOCUMENTARY)
Winner
Yemi Alade – “You Are” (Iyanu)
Nominees
Adekunle Gold – Aníkúlápó
CKay – Shanty Town
Amaarae – The Origin
Teni – Breaded Life
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Recipients
Kenny Ogungbe
Dayo “D1” Adeneye
Honoured for decades of contribution to African music development, media, and artist growth.
Asake is officially a streaming powerhouse. His 2022 album, Mr. Money With The Vibe, has now crossed 800 million streams on Spotify, making it the 9th most streamed Nigerian project of all time and remarkably, this is Asake’s first entry into the all-time top 10.
The album’s infectious blend of Afrobeat, street-pop, and Amapiano-inspired sounds has kept fans hooked since its release. Standout tracks like “Omo Ope,” “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY),” and “Terminator” have dominated playlists, TikTok trends, and social media buzz, driving the album to this historic milestone.
This achievement places Asake alongside Nigeria’s streaming elite, joining artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Olamide. Beyond numbers, it’s a testament to his ability to craft hits that resonate both locally and globally, proving that contemporary Nigerian music continues to thrive on the world stage.
With this milestone, Asake demonstrates that originality, consistency, and fan connection remain the ultimate formula for success in today’s streaming era.
Nigerian Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has sparked fresh controversy on social media after he publicly admonished fans of global pop star Wizkid, particularly members of Wizkid FC for comparing the award‑winning artist to his late father, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
According to reports and the widely shared video circulating online, Seun delivered a pointed message in his video addressing what he described as an inaccurate and disrespectful narrative about Wizkid or any other artist being the “new Fela.”
“Wizkid FC needs to keep Fela’s name out of their mouth. You people try to steal the man’s image. You try to claim your fake artiste is the new Fela. It’s an insult to Fela to call Wizkid the new Fela. Wizkid FC are the most ignorant fanbase in the world.”
In recent weeks, debates have flared online around whether modern Nigerian stars like Wizkid should be celebrated in the same vein as Fela. Some fans and social media users beyond just Wizkid FC have jokingly or seriously heralded Wizkid’s success as being “on par” with Fela’s cultural legacy.
Seun’s message appears to draw a clear boundary between the politically charged Afrobeat legacy of his father and the commercial, global pop success of today’s Afrobeats artists particularly those who lean into mainstream sound and international collaborations. In calling out comparisons to Fela, Seun reiterated that Fela’s legacy was rooted in socio‑political resistance and cultural revolution, which he implies cannot be easily equated with modern pop stardom.
Seun Kuti, who has long positioned himself as a guardian of Afrobeat’s original spirit, has spoken publicly on similar themes in the past, including debates about Grammy nominations and how modern artists are compared to legacy figures.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti
Fan Reactions
The response online has been mixed and often heated:
Some social media users support Seun, praising him for defending Fela’s legacy and rejecting comparisons that feel shallow or forced.
Other fans argue that celebrating Wizkid’s achievements doesn’t diminish Fela’s impact, and that music can evolve without erasing history.
Whether fans agree with Seun or not, the viral video has reignited a significant cultural debate. It isn’t simply about fandom, it’s about how legends are remembered, how new talent is honored, and how different eras of music influence each other without losing their identity.
Fela’s legacy remains monumental. A revolutionary sound rooted in resistance. Wizkid’s success represents global Afrobeats reaching new audiences.
Lana Del Rey has just crossed a major streaming milestone: her song “Born To Die” has officially surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. This achievement cements the track’s place in the Spotify Billions Club.
But this isn’t just a standalone moment for her, it’s part of a bigger story about Del Rey’s enduring influence. Let’s break it down.
Del Rey’s cinematic title track from her breakthrough album Born To Die, released in 2012 has now hit 1 billion streams on Spotify. While it wasn’t an instant global radio smash, the song has grown steadily in popularity over more than a decade.
This puts it in elite company with songs like Summertime Sadness and Video Games, meaning that Born To Die now joins her list of multi-billion-streaming tracks.
Lana’s Spotify Legacy So Far
This milestone brings the number of Lana Del Rey songs with over 1 billion Spotify streams to at least eight. The confirmed tracks include:
Summertime Sadness (over 2 billion)
Video Games
West Coast
Young and Beautiful
Stargirl Interlude (with The Weeknd)
Other major catalogue favourites
Born To Die (now confirmed)
Hitting 1 billion streams on a single song is a rare feat and having multiple songs reach that mark puts an artist in a very elite category.
This milestone also contributes to Born To Die becoming one of the longest-charting albums by a female artist in recent history.
Twenty-plus years into her career, Born To Die stands as a defining track for Lana Del Rey.
In the broader music world, hits continuing to climb streaming milestones years after release isn’t unusual but it is significant. Only a select group of artists have multiple tracks with 1 billion+ Spotify streams.
FOLA’s debut album Catharsis has reached a major streaming milestone in Nigeria.
The project has now spent 10 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Nigeria Spotify Albums Chart, making it the longest-running No. 1 album released in 2025 so far.
According to Spotify Nigeria chart data, this achievement places Catharsis in rare company. The last album to record a similarly long stay at the top of the chart was Wizkid’s Morayo, which also logged 10 weeks at No. 1 during its run.
FOLA
Released in 2025, Catharsis has steadily grown from a strong debut into a dominant streaming force. The album’s sustained performance reflects:
Consistent listener retention week after week
Strong word-of-mouth and playlist support
A growing core fanbase driving repeat streams
Rather than debuting and quickly fading, Catharsis has shown unusual staying power, a metric increasingly used to measure true impact in the streaming era.
Spending double digit weeks at No. 1 on Nigeria’s Spotify Albums Chart remains a rare feat, even among top-tier Nigerian artists. By matching the 10-week benchmark previously set by Wizkid’s Morayo, FOLA’s album enters a very short list of projects with that level of dominance.
As 2026 continues, Catharsis currently stands as the most commercially consistent album of the year on Nigerian Spotify.
The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards have officially announced their nominees, spotlighting the artists and songs that dominated radio airplay, streaming platforms, and fan culture throughout 2025. The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on March 26, 2026, live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, airing on FOX and iHeartRadio platforms.
This year’s nominations cut across pop, hip-hop, R&B, country, rock, Latin, K-pop, and global music, reflecting the industry’s growing diversity and the power of radio-driven hits. Several chart-topping artists return as multiple nominees, while newer acts secure major career-defining nods.
Below is the full list of nominees for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Major Categories
Song of the Year
“Anxiety” — Doechii
“Good News” — Shaboozey
“Love Somebody” — Morgan Wallen
“luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
“Manchild” — Sabrina Carpenter
“MUTT” — Leon Thomas
“Ordinary” — Alex Warren
“Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else” — Benson Boone
“Stargazing” — Myles Smith
“The Fate of Ophelia” — Taylor Swift
Artist of the Year
Bad Bunny
Benson Boone
Chris Brown
Jelly Roll
Kendrick Lamar
Lady Gaga
Morgan Wallen
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
Taylor Swift
Pop, Group & Collaboration Categories
Pop Artist of the Year
Alex Warren
Benson Boone
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
Taylor Swift
Duo/Group of the Year
HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA & REI AMI
Linkin Park
Maroon 5
Shinedown
Twenty One Pilots
Best Collaboration
“All The Way” — BigXthaPlug ft. Bailey Zimmerman
“APT.” — ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
“luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
“Timeless” — The Weeknd ft. Playboi Carti
“WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” — GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red
Genre Categories
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
Cardi B
GloRilla
Kendrick Lamar
Playboi Carti
Tyler, The Creator
Hip-Hop Song of the Year
“luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
“NOKIA” — Drake
“Outside” — Cardi B
“The Largest” — BigXthaPlug
“WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” — GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red
R&B Artist of the Year
Chris Brown
Kehlani
Leon Thomas
Mariah the Scientist
SZA
Country Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Jelly Roll
Lainey Wilson
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Rock Artist of the Year
Linkin Park
Papa Roach
Shinedown
Sleep Token
Three Days Grace
Global & International Categories
World Artist of the Year
Ayra Starr
Jackson Wang
JO1
MOLIY
Tyla
Latin Music Categories
Latin Pop/Urban Artist of the Year
Bad Bunny
Feid
J Balvin
Karol G
Shakira
Latin Pop/Urban Song of the Year
“Angel” — Grupo Frontera & Romeo Santos
“DEGENERE” — Myke Towers & benny blanco
“DtMF” — Bad Bunny
“Qué Pasaría…” — Rauw Alejandro & Bad Bunny
“Soltera” — Shakira
K-Pop Categories
K-Pop Artist of the Year
JENNIE
j-hope
Jin
LISA
ROSÉ
K-Pop Group of the Year
ATEEZ
BLACKPINK
ENHYPEN
Stray Kids
TWICE
Fan-Voted & Industry Categories
The 2026 edition also includes fan-voted awards such as Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, Favorite TikTok Dance, Favorite On Screen, and Favorite Broadway Debut, alongside industry honors like Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year.
Voting remains open on iHeartRadio platforms ahead of the ceremony.
