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  • Portable Opens Up on Hawking Pure Water, Family Struggles, Plans to Return to School

    Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has opened up about his difficult upbringing, revealing that he hawked pure water to support himself through school without sponsorship and was once regarded as the “olodo” (underachiever) in his family.

    The singer made the disclosure during a recent appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast, where he reflected on his journey from hardship to becoming the family’s breadwinner.

    ‘I sponsored myself through school’

    Speaking during the interview, Portable said while his father was able to sponsor the education of his siblings, he had to fend for himself by selling sachet water while pursuing his studies.

    The singer disclosed that he is a Business Administration student at Kwara State Polytechnic and intends to return to complete his education.

    He also explained that despite being underestimated while growing up, he now bears the responsibility of providing for his parents and siblings.

    Fans react to singer’s story

    Portable’s remarks have generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians applauding his resilience and determination.

    Some users described his story as proof that success is not determined solely by academic performance, while others praised him for supporting his family despite his humble beginnings.

    The interview has continued to trend online, with many highlighting his journey from street hustler to successful entertainer.

  • Davido Advises Rising Artistes to Stay Close to God Despite Fame

    Afrobeats superstar Davido has advised aspiring musicians to remain committed to God even after achieving fame, saying success often comes with distractions that can make people forget their source.

    Speaking during a recent interview with Kiss Xtra, the award-winning singer said hard work, dedication and self-belief are important, but maintaining a strong relationship with God is equally essential throughout a music career.

    Davido shares advice for upcoming artistes

    Reflecting on his journey in the music industry, Davido encouraged young artistes to believe in themselves and continually improve their craft.

    “My advice for up-and-coming artistes is, first of all, believe in yourself. I worked on my craft so much. I loved music so much that I just wanted to get better every time. When I was young, I was learning from YouTube and the people around me,” he said.

    ‘Don’t forget God when success comes’

    Davido also warned that fame can expose artistes to numerous distractions capable of affecting their values and priorities.

    “Secondly, love what you do and put God first and close, especially when you make it because there are so many distractions that can make you forget He is the reason you are here,” he added.

    His remarks come amid growing conversations about faith in the entertainment industry, with several celebrities in recent years admitting that they became less active in religious activities after attaining fame.

    Davido’s message has since resonated with many fans on social media, with supporters praising the singer for encouraging young artistes to remain humble and grounded despite success.

  • Tems to Perform at Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening in Chicago

    Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems is set to perform at the grand opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, United States, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The invite-only event will mark the official dedication of the landmark campus founded by former US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

    The ceremony, scheduled for 11 a.m. CT at the Center’s John Lewis Plaza, will feature a lineup of international music stars and cultural figures in what is expected to be one of the most significant cultural gatherings of the year.

    Global Stars Gather for Historic Opening

    Tems will share the stage with globally recognised artistes including Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, The Roots, Marc Anthony, Common, Eddie Vedder, U2’s Bono and The Edge, as well as actress-producer Marsai Martin.

    The event will be livestreamed worldwide via the Obama Foundation’s platforms, giving global audiences access to the opening ceremony. The public opening of the Obama Presidential Center is scheduled for June 19, coinciding with Juneteenth, with a series of free community events running through June 21.

    Tems’ Rising Global Profile

    Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, has grown from the Lagos alternative music scene into one of Africa’s most globally recognised music exports. Her rise has been marked by Grammy wins and nominations, including her work on Wizkid’s hit single Essence and her own solo projects.

    Her debut album Born in the Wild (2024) and subsequent releases have further established her presence in the global R&B and soul space, alongside multiple international award nominations in 2026.

    Industry observers see her appearance at the Obama Presidential Center as another major milestone in her expanding global career and a significant moment for Afrobeats representation on an international stage.

    Nigerian Music Gains Global Spotlight

    The selection of Tems as a performer has been widely viewed as a moment of pride for Nigerian music fans and the broader creative industry, reflecting the growing global influence of Afrobeats and African contemporary music.

    While no official setlist has been released, expectations are high that her performance will reflect themes of hope, unity and cultural connection, aligning with the significance of the ceremony.

     

  • Full List of Nigerian Nominees for 2026 BET Awards

    Nigerian music stars have once again gained major international recognition after several artists from the country secured nominations for the 2026 BET Awards.

    The nominees for the annual award ceremony were unveiled on Tuesday ahead of the event scheduled to hold on June 28, 2026, in Los Angeles, United States.

    Tems leads Nigerian nominees

    Tems emerged as one of the top Nigerian nominees after securing three nominations across different categories.

    She earned nominations for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, BET Her Award for her song “First,” and Viewers’ Choice Award for “Raindance,” her collaboration with Dave.

    Wizkid, Asake secure group nomination

    Wizkid and Asake received a joint nomination in the Best Group category following their collaborative projects and successful releases.

    The nomination further adds to Wizkid’s long-standing influence on the BET Awards stage over the years.

    Burna Boy earns collaboration nod

    Burna Boy also secured a nomination in the Best Collaboration category for “WGFT,” his feature on Gunna’s track.

    The Grammy-winning singer remains one of Africa’s most successful BET Awards performers and nominees in recent years.

    Nigerian actors also recognised

    Beyond music, Nigerian-born actors also gained recognition in major acting categories.

    Ayo Edebiri and Cynthia Erivo were nominated in the Best Actress category, while Damson Idris earned a nomination for Best Actor.

    Full list of Nigerian nominees

    Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

    • Tems

    Best Group

    • Wizkid & Asake

    Best Collaboration

    • “WGFT” — Gunna ft. Burna Boy

    BET Her Award

    • “First” — Tems

    Best Actress

    • Ayo Edebiri
    • Cynthia Erivo

    Best Actor

    • Damson Idris

    Nigeria’s growing global influence

    Nigerian artists have continued to make strong appearances at the BET Awards over the years, with stars like Davido, 2Baba, D’banj, Ice Prince and Ayra Starr previously receiving nominations and awards.

    The latest nominations further reinforce Nigeria’s growing presence in the global entertainment industry as Afrobeats continues to dominate international music conversations.

  • “I Didn’t Know Till I Was 8” — Davido Opens Up About Family, Praises Father’s Parenting

    Afrobeats superstar Davido has stirred reactions online after speaking about his family background and praising his father, Adedeji Adeleke, for keeping the family united despite its blended structure.

    The singer made the revelation during a recent interview on Ndani TV, where he reflected on how his upbringing shaped both his life and his approach to parenting.

    Davido Speaks on Childhood Discovery

    According to the “Fall” crooner, his late mother, Veronica Adeleke, only gave birth to him and his sister, Sharon Adeleke.

    Davido revealed that he did not realise some of his siblings had different mothers until he was about eight years old.

    “My mom had only Sharon and I. She’s like my second mom and I didn’t even know my mom wasn’t their mom till I was 8 years old,” he said during the interview.

    Singer Praises Father’s Role in Family Unity

    The music star applauded his father for successfully raising all the children with love and balance despite the complexities surrounding the family structure.

    According to Davido, the experience influenced how intentional he now is with raising his own children.

    “I applaud my dad for that because it’s same thing I want to do for my kids too,” he added.

    Davido Opens Up About His Own Children

    Davido is a father of five children with four different women.

    His first daughter, Imade, is with Sophia Momodu, while his second daughter, Hailey, is with US-based Amanda. He also welcomed twins with his wife, Chioma Adeleke, and has another son with UK-based makeup artist Larissa London.

    The singer and Chioma previously suffered a heartbreaking loss after the death of their son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, in 2022.

    The interview has since sparked conversations online, with many fans praising Davido for speaking openly about family, parenting, and personal growth.

  • “Make Una Comot Road” — Portable Sends Message to Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, Others

    Controversial street-hop artist Portable has stirred fresh debate after calling on leading Nigerian musicians to make way for emerging talents.

    He made the remarks during a livestream conversation, where he spoke about generational shifts in the music industry.

    Portable pushes ‘make way’ argument

    Speaking in Pidgin, Portable argued that every wave of success in the industry is built on previous stars stepping aside.

    He suggested that established artists should create room for younger acts to grow and thrive.

    “Before people dey, people don dey o,” he said, stressing that no generation remains dominant forever.

    References to past music eras

    The singer pointed to earlier industry figures such as D’banj, Don Jazzy, Flavour, and KCee, noting that their era paved the way for the current crop of stars.

    According to him, artists like Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, and Burna Boy benefitted from that transition.

    He also cited Timaya as an example of someone who allowed space for others to rise.

    Warning against blocking new talents

    Portable warned that refusing to step aside could lead to established acts being forced out by the next wave.

    “Make them leave road for us,” he said, adding that new artists will eventually push through if opportunities are blocked.

    His comments have since triggered mixed reactions online, with some agreeing with his stance while others argue that longevity in music is earned, not handed over.

  • Davido Apologises to Fans After Missing Lagos Show Over Aviation Fuel Issues

    Afrobeats star Davido has apologised to fans after failing to appear at a scheduled performance in Lagos, blaming aviation fuel challenges that disrupted his travel plans.

    The singer was billed to headline an event marking Secret Place’s fifth anniversary in Ikate Elegushi.

    Fans react as Davido misses show

    Fans who gathered for the event on Sunday were left disappointed when the singer did not show up.

    The show, which also featured Zlatan Ibile, had drawn a large crowd expecting Davido’s performance.

    His absence quickly sparked reactions among attendees.

    Singer cites fuel challenges

    In a post shared on his Instagram story on Monday, Davido explained that logistical issues linked to aviation fuel shortages forced him to reschedule his trip.

    “The world happened to me yesterday… finding fuel was a problem to even fly. Everything had to be rescheduled,” he said.

    He linked the situation to broader global disruptions affecting fuel supply.

    Apology and promise to fans

    The singer apologised to fans who attended the event, assuring them that he would make up for the missed performance.

    “To my fans that pulled up… sorry I missed it. We’re going to run it back again soon,” he added.

    Wider concerns over fuel supply

    The incident comes amid growing concerns about aviation fuel availability and rising costs, which have impacted flight operations in several regions.

    Such disruptions have increasingly affected travel schedules, including those of entertainers and event organisers.

  • Top 10 Afrobeats Songs to Listen to This Weekend

    The weekend is here, and if there’s one thing that rarely disappoints, it’s the steady flow of Afrobeats hits. Right now, the soundscape feels layered. You’ve got club anthems, soft emotional records, and those in-between songs that somehow work everywhere. Whether it’s a house party, a late-night drive, or just music in your ears while you figure life out, this list holds up.

    1. Worship – Asake & DJ Snake

    This one is loud, confident, and built for big speakers. Asake leans fully into his high-energy style, while DJ Snake adds a global polish. It’s the kind of song that doesn’t ask for attention, it takes it.

    2. Jogodo – Wizkid & Asake

    There’s a certain ease to this track. Wizkid keeps it smooth as expected, while Asake adds bounce. It’s not trying too hard, and that’s exactly why it works.

    3. I AM – Omah Lay

    A slower, more reflective record. Omah Lay stays in his lane emotionally, and it lands. This is for those quiet moments when you don’t want noise, just something that understands your mood.

    4. Big Bum Bum – Kidd Carder & Mavo

    Playful and straight to the point. It’s not complicated music, but it doesn’t need to be. Once it comes on, movement is almost automatic.

    5. Fun – Rema

    Rema sounds free on this one. The beat is lively, the delivery is sharp, and it carries that youthful energy he’s known for. Definitely one for outside.

    6. Raindance – Dave & Tems

    A different texture entirely. Dave brings his calm, reflective rap style, and Tems floats over the beat. It’s subtle, but it sticks with you.

    7. Colorado – Johnny Drille, Young Jonn & Ayra Starr


    Soft, melodic, and easy on the ears. Johnny Drille brings the emotion, Ayra Starr adds brightness, and the production ties it together nicely.

    8. Forgiveness – Asake

    Less aggressive than his usual hits, but still very much his sound. There’s a reflective tone here that shows a slightly different side without losing rhythm.

    9. Who’s Dat Girl – Ayra Starr & Rema

     

    This one sits comfortably between playful and catchy. The chemistry is obvious, and it’s the kind of track that sneaks into your head and stays there.

    10. Holy Ghost / Reason – Omah Lay

    Both songs continue to perform strongly, and for good reason. They’re smooth, emotional, and easy to replay. Not loud, but very effective.

    There’s something interesting about this current wave of Afrobeats. It’s no longer just about dancing, though the dance is still there. Artists are experimenting more, blending sounds, and leaning into emotion without losing mainstream appeal.

    If you’re curating your weekend playlist, this is a solid place to start. Mix them, shuffle them, play them straight through, it all works. The energy is balanced, the vibes are real, and honestly, you won’t run out of replay value anytime soon.

  • Davido Speaks on Retirement Fears, Proposes Therapy Centre for Ex-Stars

    Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has opened up on his fears about leaving music and the emotional toll fame can take on highly successful public figures once attention fades.

    Davido raises concern over life after fame

    In a viral video, Davido said his biggest concern is knowing the right time to quit music, adding that he constantly seeks divine guidance to avoid ending his career on a wrong note.

    He explained that sustained success in entertainment and sports often comes with emotional challenges when public attention shifts elsewhere, despite past achievements.

    Proposal for therapy centre for ex-stars

    Davido said he would love to build a support centre dedicated to former celebrities who once enjoyed massive fame but may struggle with life after the spotlight.

    According to him, many high-profile individuals experience emotional decline once public attention fades, even after winning major awards and reaching global recognition.

    He said the idea is rooted in mental health awareness and the need for structured support systems for people transitioning out of public fame.

    Lessons from sports and global icons

    The singer referenced football stars to explain his point, noting that even globally celebrated athletes still face criticism despite their achievements.

    He specifically mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo, describing him as a close friend, and pointed to the backlash the footballer received after the World Cup.

    Davido said such reactions show how quickly public perception shifts, even after years of consistent excellence at the top level.

    Personal fears about legacy and career

    The music star also expressed personal anxiety about his own journey, saying he is careful about decisions that could affect his long-term legacy in the industry.

    He noted that his fear is not just about success, but about maintaining it without making costly mistakes that could overshadow his achievements.

    Davido added that he regularly prays for guidance on when to step back from music, stressing that timing is critical in preserving greatness.

    Ongoing conversation on mental health in entertainment

    His comments have since sparked conversations online around fame, mental health, and the pressure placed on entertainers even after years of success.

    The discussion continues to grow across social media, with many linking his remarks to broader concerns about mental wellness in the creative industry.

  • Davido Wins Best International Act at Liberian Awards, Beats Rema, Tyla

    Nigerian music star Davido has won the Best International Act at the 2026 Liberian Entertainment Awards, further strengthening his global presence.

    The award was announced after the ceremony held on April 25 at the Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC.

    Beats Strong Contenders

    Davido emerged ahead of a competitive list of nominees, including Rema, Tyla, Gunna, and Fridayy.

    The win marks another major international recognition for the singer, who continues to dominate global Afrobeats conversations.

    About the Awards

    The Liberian Entertainment Awards, established in 2009, celebrates the achievements of Liberian entertainers at home and in the diaspora.

    Over time, it has expanded to include international categories across music, film, fashion, and community service.

    The event, held annually in the United States, also showcases performances from both emerging and established acts.

    Afrobeats Continues Global Rise

    Davido’s latest win underscores the growing influence of Afrobeats on the global stage, with Nigerian artists maintaining a strong presence at international award platforms.

    The recognition adds to the wave of global acceptance for the genre as it continues to reach wider audiences.