Tag: Artist

Publisher’s Note

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! 

Onyeka Onwenu hailed from Arondizuogu, Ideato North in Imo State, Nigeria. She was born on 31 January, 1952 and died on 30 July, 2024 (Aged 72). She was a journalist, singer, song writer, actress, activist and politician. Well known to some as the “Elegant Stallion”

Onyeka Onwenu previously served as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and also held the position of Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at the National Centre for Women Development.

EARLY DAYS

Onyeka Onwenu was raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

She was the youngest daughter of Late Dickson Kanu Onwenu, an Educationist and Politician who died in an autocrash a week before he was to be appointed Minister for Education and also represented Port Harcourt at the Federal House of Representatives between 1954 to 1956 when he passed on.

As at the time of his demise Onwenu was only four (4) years of age, leaving her and her siblings to be catered for by their widowed mother.

EDUCATION

Onwenu had a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts and an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, New York.

While away at the State, she served as a tour guide to the Unite Nations before returning home to Nigeria in 1980 and went for her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) where she was posted to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Lagos State, for her service.

CAREER

Journalist

As a an employee in Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Onwenu made her mark as a reporter for the television station. In the year 1984, she wrote and presented an internationally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary: “A Squandering of Riches” that depicted corruption in Nigeria and the Niger Delta agitation for the resource control and campaign against environmental pollution in the oil rich regions in Nigeria.

She was also a former member of the NTA board and was a also a presenter who hosted multiple shows all on NTA.

Music

Onwenu had a melodious voice and was also a very talented writer whose songs were mostly written by her. She sang on issues in the society and world at large relating to Health, Peace, Human right, etc.

She began her singing career in 1981 while still working at the Television station, releasing an album “For the Love of You” and later went on to release her second studio album “Endless Life” produced by Legendary Sonny Okosun. Both of her releases was done under EMI Label.

Onyeka Onwenu’s debut album with Polygram, “In The Morning Light,” came out in 1984. Her track “You and I,” was re-recorded for the 2001 film “Conspiracy,” starring Nkem Owoh and Onwenu.

For her 1988 album “Dancing In The Sun,” Onwenu embraced a more Afrocentric sound and collaborated with veteran jùjú artist Sunny Ade on the track “Madawolohun (Let Them Say).” This was their first collaboration, followed by “Choices” and “Wait For Me,” which focused on family planning and were endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, with “Choices” being used in their public service announcements.

“Dancing In The Sun,” her last release with Polygram, was dedicated to Winnie Mandela, whom Onwenu honored with a song of the same name, performed live during Nelson Mandela and Winnie’s visit to Nigeria in 1990 after his release from prison.

In 1992, Onwenu switched to Benson and Hedges Music and released her only album with them, “Onyeka!” After this, she transitioned to Christian and gospel music. Her latest collection, “Inspiration for Change,” focuses on promoting attitudinal change in Nigeria.

Onwenu partnered with Paris-based La Cave Musik, led by Nigerian cultural entrepreneur Onyeka Nwelue, and UK-based Jungle Entertainment Ventures, headed by musicologist David Evans-Uhegbu.

La Cave Musik is set to release her collection titled “Rebirth of a Legend.” Recognized for her contributions to music and the arts in Nigeria, she has been celebrated by professionals such as Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Laolu Akins, Charles O’Tudor, and former PMAN president Tony Okoroji.

She was one of the judges on X Factor Nigeria in 2013.

Acting

Onwenu’s debut film role was as Joke, a woman unable to have children who decides to adopt an abandoned baby in Zik Zulu Okafor’s Nightmare.

In 2006, she received the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in Widow’s Cot and was also nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Rising Moon.

In 2014, she starred in Half of a Yellow Sun alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandiwe Newton, and she was featured in Lionheart in 2018.

Politics

Onwenu was affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party. She ran for the position of Local Council Chairman in Ideato North Local Government Area, Imo State, on two occasions, but was unsuccessful both times. Despite these setbacks, she was later appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former governor Ikedi Ohakim.

On September 16, 2013, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan appointed her as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.

DEATH

On July 30, 2024, Onwenu collapsed while performing at a friend’s birthday celebration in Lagos. She was swiftly transported to Reddington Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. She was succeeded by two children.

May her soul rest in peace.

The Nigerian music industry is filled with great talents. Those who have by it made it to the big stage and gained limelight and those who can be termed the “underdogs” or as many would say upcoming artist. These people are despite the fact that they have not gotten to that big stage they desire are relentless in doing what they love and know how to do best and one of those people is who we would be looking at today due to her coming show on the 19th of July, 2024 in the University of Benin.

Adegheosa or Ade is a young talented Nigeria music artist who has captivated and captured the minds of her listeners with her melodious voice and unique way of dishing out her songs in her indigenous language, the Bini or Benin Language.

The artist recently announced that she would be hosting a show themed “Afro Benin” and as a result of this show is why this exclusive interview was organised by Streamdorm.

WHO IS ADEGHEOSA?

“My name is Enehikhare ADEGHEOSA Gift, and I’m the second of six children born to Mr. And Mrs. Isaac Enehikhare in Edo State, Nigeria. Born in the early 2000s, I began singing at a young age and was nicknamed “little Ade.” With the guidance of my pastor, Pastor Isaac Ossai, I officially entered the music industry at age 8, performing in churches. In 2020, I met my mentor, Influence Akaba, after a cover of his song I did went viral in 2019. He provided me with my first stage experience and financial support, and I joined his team. However, I had to leave due to school commitments. Despite facing criticism for singing Edo songs, my supportive family encouraged me to continue. Now, I’m a renowned female artist in Edo State and a final-year student at the University of Benin, studying Special Education. I’m excited for the opportunities awaiting me after graduation.”

Do you consider yourself a Gospel or a Secular Artist?

“I’m fully in music ministry, the industry part”

Let’s talk about your show “Afro Benin” What’s the motivation behind you wanting to host this event in the University?

“I want to create awareness about my culture in Uni before graduating”

Talking about the criticism from doing your own thing in your own style, which is awesome by the way. Do you ever think of shifting from an Edo indigenous singer to like the English side of singing or even mixing it up for the bigger stage and audience?

“No! I don’t see myself doing it”

TRACKS BY ADEGHEOSA

• Urhuese
• Obanosoba
• Owegie
• Ekpomwen
• Oduwa – 01

AUDIOMACK – @adegheosa

About your coming show, “Afro Benin” I know it’s going to be an awesome experience. Can you give us like a tip of the iceberg on what to expect on that day?

“I will reply with a video”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ade Ghe Osa (@ade_ghe_osa)

ADEGHEOSA LIVE IN UNIBEN – AFRO BENIN

• Date – 19th, July, 2024.
• Time – 10am (Red Carpet) 11am (Main Event)
• Venue – ASUU Hall, Behind Faculty of Education University of Benin, Benin City.

Guest Artists

• Adegheosa
• Jaytunes
• Jerry Praise
• Yere Osas
• Xstar
• PraiseKeyz
• T.Drumz
• JerryDrumz
• DianaDrumz
• DJ Real Ice
• Terry Drumz
• C Wise

Host MC

• Bongo J

Come experience a thrilling and captivating show…

Nigeria as an African country is a country with a vast cultural heritage and a part of this heritage includes our unique music. Before the advent of Afrobeat and all other modern day beat and pattern of singing, there has been what we would call indigenous music of every community and society in Nigeria. In today’s world little or no attention is paid to our indigenous music system. There has been a shift to the secular and modern day king of music. Our indigenous singers and artist needs to be more celebrated and appreciated.

Gospel music goes beyond the lyrics, beats, or rhythm; it is the connection to the soul. Being a gospel artist may not win you 20 awards in one year, but the impact will be felt for generations.

Traditional gospel artists combine English and their local language to produce the finest soul-touching songs. This article will highlight 20 of the greatest Yoruba gospel artists of all time, presented in no particular order.

Tope Alabi

Tope Alabi is a successful artist and actress. She has written and released hundreds of songs. Many of her songs are sung in numerous churches nationwide and are featured in films and television programs.

Before gospel music, she belonged to the Jesters International comedy troupe and has performed in various theatres in Nigeria. She has released over seven albums in her lifetime and over 350 soundtracks for films and series.

Lara George

Lara George is a respected and award-winning Gospel musician and producer, she was once a member of the group, KUSH before going solo. In 2008, she published her first studio album, Forever in My Heart featuring her hit single “Ijoba Orun.”

Sola Allyson

Sola Allyson-Obaniyi, born on September 24, 1971, is recognized as one of Nigeria’s most successful and accomplished soul and gospel musicians and composers. She gained recognition after the release of her album Eji Owuro in 2003, The album was made into a film and the tracks were made the official soundtrack for the film – Eji Owuro.

Others include:

Yinka Ayefele

Lanre Teriba

Ayo Vincent

Bola Are

Bidemi Olaoba

Dunni Olanrewaju

Tomi Favored

Sunmisola Agbebi

Funmi Aragbaye

TY Bello

Snatcha

Joseph Adebayo Adelakun

Joshua Mike-Bamiloye

Kunle Ajayi

Mega 99

Mr Gbera

Funke Bada