“Wizkid Stole My ”Name”—Seun Kuti Makes Shocking Claim

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Nigerian Afrobeat star Seun Kuti has accused Afrobeats superstar Wizkid of stealing his longtime nickname “Big Bird.”

The claim came during a recent Instagram livestream, after a Wizkid fan (FC) urged Seun to drop “Big Bird” since Wizkid is popularly known as “Biggest Bird.”

Seun fired back, insisting he’s the original and telling the fan to advise Wizkid to be more creative instead.

He said:

“Wizkid stole my name. Tell your fave to be original. Why are you telling me to change my name? Sorry, I can’t change it. This name has been here since. Nah me first put am. I am not dragging it with anybody, please.”

Rema Bags Three Awards: Burna Boy, Juma Jux Among Top Winners at 9th AFRIMA

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Nigerian artists once again proved their dominance on the continental stage at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), which held its glamorous grand finale on Sunday night, January 11, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.

Rema stole the spotlight as the biggest winner of the evening, securing three major accolades: Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul. The young star’s hat-trick highlighted his unstoppable rise and crossover appeal across Africa and beyond.

Burna Boy delivered a strong showing too, claiming Album of the Year for his 2025 release No Sign of Weakness. He also shared Best African Collaboration with Shallipopi for their hit track “Laho,” which independently earned Shallipopi the prestigious Song of the Year award.

Other standout Nigerian winners included Yemi Alade, who took home Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song “You Are” from the animated series Iyanu. In the hip-hop realm, Phyno was recognized as Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop.

From East Africa, Tanzania’s Juma Jux shone brightly by winning Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa, adding to the night’s celebration of regional talent.

Among the rising stars, Qing Madi was crowned Most Promising Artiste of the Year, while Chella captured the hearts of fans everywhere to win African Fans’ Favourite.

The event, hosted in partnership with the African Union Commission and broadcast live to over 80 countries, underscored the vibrancy, diversity, and global impact of African music. Nigerian talent led the charge, reinforcing Afrobeats’ position as a powerhouse genre while spotlighting collaborations and emerging voices across the continent.

Below is the full list of winners:

Best Male Artiste – Central Africa

  • C4 Pedro (Angola)
  • Eboloko (Gabon)
  • Gims (DRC)
  • Gerilson Insrael (Angola)
  • Kocee (Cameroon)
  • L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)
  • Fally Ipupa (DRC)
  • Magasco (Cameroon)
  • Singuila (The Congo) – Winner
  • Werrason (DRC)

Best Female Artiste – Central Africa

  • Anna Joyce (Angola)
  • Blanche Bailly (Cameroon)
  • Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon)
  • Cindy Le Coeur (DRC) – Winner
  • Deborah Lukalu (DRC)
  • Emma’a (Gabon)
  • Jessy B (The Congo)
  • Krys M (Cameroon)
  • Liriany (Angola)
  • Rebo (DRC)

Best Male Artiste – Eastern Africa

  • Bien (Kenya)
  • Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
  • Element Eleéh (Rwanda)
  • Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
  • Jux (Tanzania) – Winner
  • Marioo (Tanzania)
  • Mbosso (Tanzania)
  • Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
  • Sat-B (Burundi)
  • Yared Negu (Ethiopia)

Best Female Artiste – Eastern Africa

  • Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
  • Bridget Blue (Kenya)
  • Denise (Madagascar) – Winner
  • Haleluya Tekletsadik (Ethiopia)
  • Lady Jaydee (Tanzania)
  • Mahlet Wendimu (Ethiopia)
  • Salemia (Ethiopia)
  • Weeha (Ethiopia)
  • Winnie Nwagi (Uganda)
  • Zuchu (Tanzania)

Best Male Artiste – Northern Africa

  • A.L.A. (Tunisia)
  • Adviser (Mauritania) – Winner
  • Amr Diab (Egypt)
  • Cheb Momo (Algeria)
  • El Grande Toto (Morocco)
  • Hamza Namira (Egypt)
  • Lbenj (Morocco)
  • Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)
  • Stormy (Morocco)
  • Wegz (Egypt)

Best Female Artiste – Northern Africa

  • Chirine Lajmi (Tunisia)
  • Inez (Morocco)
  • Jannat (Egypt)
  • Jaylann (Morocco)
  • Manal (Morocco)
  • Meryem Aboulouafa (Morocco)
  • Sherine (Egypt) – Winner
  • Zina Daoudia (Morocco)

Best Male Artiste – Southern Africa

  • Anderson Mário (Mozambique)
  • Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
  • Manana (Eswatini)
  • Nasty C (South Africa)
  • Teddy Makadi (Malawi)
  • Tyler ICU (South Africa)
  • Wanitwamos (South Africa)
  • Yo Maps (Zambia) – Winner
  • Zeze Kingston (Malawi)
  • Kazba De Small (South Africa)

Best Female Artiste – Southern Africa

  • Babalwa M (South Africa)
  • Hanna (Zimbabwe)
  • Makhadzi (South Africa)
  • Nkosazana Daughter (South Africa)
  • Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa) – Winner
  • Sha Sha (Zimbabwe)
  • Temwah (Malawi)
  • Tyla (South Africa)
  • Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
  • Zee Nxumalo (South Africa)

Best Male Artiste – Western Africa

  • Asake (Nigeria)
  • Axel Merryl (Benin)
  • Black Sherif (Ghana)
  • Burna Boy (Nigeria)
  • Davido (Nigeria)
  • Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Djodje (Cape Verde)
  • Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
  • VJ (Senegal)
  • Wizkid (Nigeria)

Best Female Artiste – Western Africa

  • Amaarae (Ghana)
  • Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
  • Djelykaba Bintou (Guinea)
  • Josey (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Mariam Ba Lagaré (Mali)
  • Mia Guissé (Senegal)
  • Moliy (Ghana)
  • Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
  • Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
  • Wendy Shay (Ghana) – Winner

Continental Categories

Best Male Artiste – African Inspirational Music

  • Christian Mukuna (DRC)
  • Djunny Beatz (Mozambique)
  • Gaise Baba (Nigeria)
  • Israel Mbonyi (Rwanda)
  • Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
  • Joel Lwaga (Tanzania)
  • Kocee (Cameroon)
  • Lawrence Oyor (Nigeria)
  • Milo (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
  • Sjava (South Africa)

Best Female Artiste – African Inspirational Music

  • Ada Ehi (Nigeria)
  • Choisie Basolua (DRC)
  • Krys M (Cameroon)
  • Martha Mwaipaja (Tanzania)
  • Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
  • Morijah (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
  • Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa)
  • Roseline Layo (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Vestine & Dorcas (Rwanda)

Best African Artiste, Duo or Group – African Jazz

  • Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Ghana)
  • Haddinqo (Ethiopia) – Winner
  • Mádé Kuti (Nigeria)
  • Rorisang Sechele (South Africa)
  • Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane (South Africa)
  • The Cavemen (Nigeria)
  • Alune Wade (Senegal)
  • Nomfundo Xaluva (South Africa)
  • Kyle Shepherd Trio (South Africa)

Best Artiste, Duo or Group – African Contemporary

  • Fireboy DML (Nigeria)
  • Axel Merryl (Benin) – Winner
  • Espe Bass (Congo B)
  • Bien (Kenya)
  • Jaylann (Morocco)
  • Kizz Daniel, Angélique Kidjo & Johnny Drille (Nigeria)
  • Mbosso (Tanzania)
  • Ferre Gola & Rayvanny (DRC)
  • Didine Canon 16 (Algeria)
  • Wendy Shay (Ghana)

Best Soundtrack – Movie, Series or Documentary

  • Igho’le Trap Mix Version (To Kill a Monkey: Series) – Oscar Heman-Ackah (Ghana)
  • El Ma2as (The Start: Film) – Tamer Hosny, Reda Elbahrawy (Egypt)
  • You Are (Iyanu: Animated Series) – Yemi Alade (Nigeria) – Winner
  • Timpi Tampa (Timpi Tampa: Film) – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)
  • Tori Ife (Seven Doors: Series) – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)
  • Saatte Ragouj (The Last of the Mohicans: Film) – Kafon (Tunisia)

Songwriter of the Year

  • Bakhaw Dioum – Choix (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) (Senegal) – Winner
  • Emel, Jehanny Beth & Camille Berthomier – Fall in the Light (Tunisia)
  • Emma’a – Trop d’amour (Gabon)
  • Emmanuel Ayobami Alli-Hakeem – Za (Anendlessocean) (Nigeria)
  • Ferre Gola – Amour Illusoire (DRC)
  • Mohammed Ismail Sharrif – Rebel Music (Black Sherif) (Ghana)
  • Mugisha Fred Robinson – Tombé (Element Eleéh) (Rwanda)
  • Olamide Adedeji – Hassibunallah (Olamide) (Nigeria)
  • Prince Omoferi & Nwamu Francis Chukwudubem – It Hurts (Johnny Drille & Don Jazzy) (Nigeria)
  • Victor Ngatuvese Kaune – Oputuri ‘Queens’ (One Blood Namibia) (Namibia)

African Fans’ Favourite

  • Ali Jita (Nigeria)
  • Barnaba (Tanzania)
  • BNXN & Rema (Nigeria)
  • Chella (Nigeria) – Winner
  • Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
  • Innoss’b (DRC)
  • Kizz Daniel (Nigeria)
  • Parazar (Algeria)
  • Faceless (Nigeria)
  • Tul8te (Egypt)

Best African DJ

  • DJ Malvado (Angola)
  • DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
  • DJ Moh Green (Algeria) – Winner
  • DJ Mombochi (The Congo)
  • DJ Tunez (Nigeria)
  • DJ YK Mule (Nigeria)
  • Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
  • Oscar Mbo (South Africa)
  • Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
  • Woodblock Djs (South Africa)

Producer of the Year

  • Beneth Seraphin Akatché Koffi (Senegal)
  • Butternut, Xolani Majoz (South Africa)
  • Dina One (Mali)
  • Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson (Rwanda) – Winners
  • Jazzworx (South Africa)
  • Progrex (Nigeria)
  • DaVinci (Angola)
  • Tempoe (Nigeria)
  • Themba Sekowe, Gomolemo Joy Gumede, Kabelo Motha (South Africa)

Album of the Year

  • Ebtadena – Amr Diab (Egypt)
  • No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy (Nigeria) – Winner
  • 5ive – Davido (Nigeria)
  • Diyilem & Bazarhoff: Genius – Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Ngomoya – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy (South Africa)
  • Salgoat – El Grande Toto (Morocco)
  • Big Aka 4 Aka Kai – Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Thato Ya Modimo – Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
  • Idrache (Traces of the Past) – Tinariwen (Mali)

Best African Video of the Year

  • “Rebel” – Black Sherif (Ghana)
  • “Meta” – Nomcebo Zikode & Sofiya Nzau (South Africa)
  • “Ki Lo Wa Wa” – Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
  • “Timpi Tampa” – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)
  • “Tori Ife” – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)
  • “Ova” – Mbosso (Tanzania) – Winner
  • “Ololufe” – Juma Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
  • “Shaolin” – Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
  • “Stk Stk” – Dizzy Dros, Kekra & Norfafrica (Morocco)

Song of the Year

  • “Isaka (6AM)” – Ciza, Jazzworx & Thukuthela (South Africa)
  • “Bengicela” – Mawhoo Gl Ceejay & Thukuthela (South Africa)
  • “Choix” – Mia Guissé (Senegal)
  • “Diplomatico” – El Grande Toto (Morocco)
  • “Kaay Waay” – VJ (Senegal)
  • “Laho” – Shallipopi (Nigeria) – Winner
  • “Ololufe Mi” – Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
  • “Push 2 Start” – Tyla (South Africa)
  • “Shake it to the Max” – Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy (Ghana)
  • “With You” – Davido (Nigeria)

Best African Dance/Choreography

  • Jaylann – “Ha Wlidi” (Morocco)
  • Lady Ponce – “Je veux danser” (Cameroon)
  • Rebo – “Mobambo” (DRC)
  • Serge Beynaud – “Taper Dedans” (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Toofan – “Deodorant” (Togo)
  • Tyla – “Push 2 Start” (South Africa)
  • Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq – “Zenzele” (Eswatini)
  • Weeha – “Dimama” (Ethiopia) – Winner
  • Werrason – “Tout se paie ici bas” (DRC)
  • Wizkid – “Kese” (Nigeria)

Best African Act – Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall

  • Magasco – “Dirty Whine” (Cameroon)
  • Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy – “Shake it to the Max” (Ghana)
  • Ruger & Kranium – “Dudu” (Nigeria)
  • Sean Morgan – “Vuu” (Malawi)
  • Black Sherif – “Rebel Music” (Ghana)
  • Takana Zion – “On My Eyes” (Guinea) – Winner
  • Tiwa Savage – “Forgiveness” (Nigeria)
  • Wakadinli – “Kum Baba” (Kenya)
  • Yemi Alade – “Baddie” (Nigeria)
  • Iyani, Mwanaa & Cedo – “Kifo cha Mende” (Kenya)

Best African Collaboration

  • Blanche Bailly & Lady Ponce – “Lève toi” (Cameroon)
  • Goon Flavour, Master Kg & Eemoh – “Ngishutheni” (South Africa)
  • Mia Guissé ft. Wally Seck – “Choix” (Senegal)
  • Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – “Shake It to the Max” (Ghana)
  • Paki Chenzu ft. Himra – “Assaut” (Togo/Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy – “Laho” (Nigeria) – Winner
  • Uncle Waffles ft. Cowboii, Royal Musiq, Uncool MC & Xduppy – “Zenzele” (Eswatini)
  • Davido ft. Omah Lay – “With You” (Nigeria)
  • Mawhoo, GL Ceejay & Thukuthela ft. Jazzworx – “Bengicela” (South Africa)
  • Benny Adam & Khadija El Warzazia – “Mok Ya Mok” (Morocco)

Most Promising Artiste of the Year

  • Cysoul (Cameroon)
  • Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
  • King Luca (Cameroon)
  • L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)
  • Lwah Ndlunkulu (South Africa)
  • Massamba Amadeus (Senegal)
  • Qing Madi, Valorant (Nigeria) – Winner
  • Rym (Morocco)
  • Kunmie (Nigeria)
  • Fola (Nigeria)

Artiste of the Year

  • Amr Diab (Egypt)
  • Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
  • Burna Boy (Nigeria)
  • Davido (Nigeria)
  • DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
  • El Grande Toto (Morocco)
  • Fally Ipupa (DRC)
  • Jux (Tanzania)
  • Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
  • Shallipopi (Nigeria)
  • Tyla (South Africa)

Breakout Artiste of the Year

  • Blaq Major (South Africa)
  • Ciza (South Africa) – Winner
  • Eboloko (Gabon)
  • Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Marioo (Tanzania)
  • Mawhoo (South Africa)
  • Moliy (Ghana)
  • Shallipopi (Nigeria)
  • Trap King (Algeria)
  • VJ (Senegal)

Best African Lyricist Rapper

  • ALA (Tunisia)
  • Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
  • Jessy B (Congo B)
  • Klassafan le Melangeur (Guinea)
  • Nasty C & Usimamane (South Africa)
  • Nyashinski (Kenya)
  • Reminisce (Nigeria)
  • Sarkodie (Ghana)
  • Switch (Libya)
  • Yacou B OG (Mali)

Best African Artiste, Duo or Group – African Hip-Hop

  • ALA ft. Mootjeyek (Tunisia)
  • Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
  • Eboloko (Gabon)
  • El Grande Toto (Morocco)
  • Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Phyno (Nigeria) – Winner
  • Nasty C & Usimamane (South Africa)
  • Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
  • Sarkodie (Ghana)
  • Suspect 95 (Côte d’Ivoire)

Best African Artiste, Duo or Group – RnB & Soul

  • Bensoul & V- Be (Kenya)
  • Big Zulu ft. Malungelo (South Africa)
  • Braye (Nigeria)
  • Calema (Sao Tome)
  • Emma’a (Gabon)
  • Kunmie (Nigeria)
  • Manal (Morocco)
  • Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele (South Africa)
  • Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
  • Wegz ft. Tayc (Egypt)

Best African Duo, Group or Band

  • Babylone (Algeria)
  • Blaq Diamond (South Africa)
  • Celema (Sao Tome & Principe)
  • Team Paiya (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
  • The Cavemen (Nigeria)
  • Tinariwen (Mali)
  • Toofan (Togo)
  • Vestine & Dorcas (Rwanda)
  • Wapendwa Muziki (Kenya)
  • We Are Nubia (Kenya)

Legendary Feat: Wizkid Surpasses 10 Billion Spotify Streams, First African Ever

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Wizkid has officially surpassed 10 billion total streams on Spotify across all credits, becoming the first African artist ever to achieve this historic milestone, as confirmed by industry trackers in early January 2026.

This groundbreaking feat is far more than a number—it stands as undeniable proof of his immense global impact and the explosive rise of Afrobeats on the world stage. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Wizkid has evolved from a rising Nigerian talent into the undisputed face of Afrobeats and a true global superstar, thanks to his innovative sound, powerful collaborations, relentless evolution, and an incredibly loyal fanbase.

As of early January 2026, he boasts more than 13 million monthly listeners on Spotify (with peaks reaching up to 13.8 million), his catalog seamlessly blending traditional African rhythms with R&B, dancehall, and pop elements that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

The journey to this record began in the early 2010s with his debut album Superstar (2011), which introduced timeless tracks like “Holla at Your Boy” and “Don’t Dull.” The real turning point came in 2014 with “Ojuelegba,” a raw, heartfelt anthem of urban hustle and dreams that has amassed over 100 million streams and became the first Afrobeats song to receive a major international remix featuring Drake and Skepta in 2015—sparking worldwide attention for the genre and widely regarded as one of the greatest Afrobeats tracks of all time.

Momentum exploded further with his iconic feature on Drake’s 2016 global smash “One Dance” (alongside Kyla), now one of the biggest songs of the 21st century with over 3 billion streams. Subsequent hits like “Come Closer” (feat. Drake), the viral phenomenon “Essence” (feat. Tems—over 333–334 million streams, platinum-certified, and boosted by a Justin Bieber remix), “Joro” (over 200 million), and “2 Sugar” (feat. Ayra Starr—over 70 million) have kept his catalog growing.

Key albums such as Made in Lagos (his most-streamed project, surpassing 1 billion streams), More Love, Less Ego, and Morayo (the most-streamed album on Spotify Nigeria in 2025) have added massive volume, while high-profile collaborations with artists like Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Skepta, Major Lazer, Metro Boomin, and Ty Dolla $ign have accelerated his reach.

Beyond the streams, Wizkid’s influence is profound: he is widely credited as the architect of modern Afrobeats, inspiring a new generation with his unique fusion of fuji, R&B, and hip-hop. His achievements include the record-breaking 2024 concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, sold-out shows across Europe and the Americas, and an unmatched awards tally—over 15 Headies wins, a Grammy, BET, MOBO, MAMAs, and a total of 197 career awards, making him one of Africa’s most decorated musicians.

Leading far ahead of peers (Burna Boy currently sits at over 9.5 billion), this 10 billion milestone is a monumental victory not just for Wizkid, but for Afrobeats and the entire continent’s growing global dominance.

“I Didn’t Know I Was Being Recorded” – Tiwa Savage Rejects Apology Demand After Tape Leak

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Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has revealed that she was urged by a Nigerian politician to issue a public apology following the circulation of her leaked private video — a demand she firmly but calmly rejected.

Speaking during a conversation with American radio host Angela Yee, alongside three other women, the award-winning singer reflected on the period following the viral spread of the footage and how she processed the situation.

Tiwa Savage said the call from the politician left her feeling both stunned and confused. According to her, the individual insisted that she owed Nigerians – particularly young girls – an apology over the incident.

She explained that she immediately questioned the basis of the demand, pointing out that she had not released the video herself. In response, the politician reportedly argued that allowing an intimate moment to be recorded was itself inappropriate.

Tiwa countered by clarifying that the man involved was her boyfriend at the time and stressed that she had no knowledge that the recording was being made. She said she was completely unaware of the camera.

Reflecting further, the singer noted that the experience opened her eyes to a broader issue. She questioned how many people may have been violated in similar ways without their stories ever becoming public.

Her comments shed light on the personal impact of the incident and the wider conversation around consent, privacy, and accountability in cases involving leaked intimate content.

Skales Breaks Silence on Controversy Surrounding His Church Testimony

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Afrobeats star Skales has addressed the backlash surrounding his recent testimony at Harvesters Church, admitting his first response might have been hasty while offering a more measured clarification.

During the church service, Skales shared how his career received a major boost when Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal helped revive his 2015 hit “Shake Body,” bringing it back into the spotlight. He thanked God for using Yamal to reignite his musical journey.

Taking to X to respond to critics, Skales posted: “I may have responded too quickly to the concerns raised about my crossover testimony at Harvesters Church. After sitting with it, I felt it was important to respond again. This time with more clarity and less emotion, for the sake of the Body of Christ.”

He stressed that every believer has a unique purpose, whether inside the pulpit or out in the world, and that callings beyond traditional ministry are just as valid and significant.

Defending his decision to share the testimony, Skales argued that professionals in various fields—musicians, filmmakers, athletes, teachers, and more—serve God through their talents and platforms. Referencing 1 Corinthians 12:28, he maintained that openly acknowledging God’s hand in one’s life and career is always appropriate.

Reaffirming his faith, the singer declared he remains unapologetic about publicly testifying to what God has done for him.

“As children of the Lord, we all have our part to play,” he wrote. “I truly believe that those who believe in the Word but are not in the pulpit do not have a lesser calling, just a different assignment. Just because something doesn’t happen from the pulpit doesn’t make it any less significant. Musicians, filmmakers, athletes, teachers, etc. We exist to make life lighter for others. We all function here, serving God through what we’ve been called to do.

“That said, I will never believe that testifying about what my God has done for me is wrong! I’m a child of God, and I have no problem sharing that with the world. 1 Corinthians 12:28.”

Wizkid Inducted as Honorary Member of Lagos Motor Boat Club

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Nigerian music star Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has been formally inducted as an honorary member of the prestigious Lagos Motor Boat Club, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most renowned private social clubs.

The induction followed Wizkid’s high-energy performance at the club’s New Year’s Eve gala, where he entertained attendees with his signature Afrobeats repertoire. During a ceremony at the event, the club’s Commodore presented the internationally acclaimed musician with an official certificate of honorary membership and a club hat.

Founded on 23 January 1950, the Lagos Motor Boat Club has long been recognised as a pre-eminent social and boating organisation in the country. It maintains a membership drawn from prominent boat owners, business leaders, and social figures, and has played a continuous role in Lagos’s elite recreational and cultural life for over seven decades.

In accepting the honour, Wizkid joins a roster of distinguished figures associated with the club. The organisation, originally formed by boating enthusiasts breaking away from the earlier Lagos Tarpon Club, has grown to include a wide array of recreational and social activities for its members throughout its history.

Wizkid’s induction highlights an intersection between contemporary Nigerian entertainment and the long-standing traditions of the Lagos Motor Boat Club, symbolically linking his global cultural influence with one of the country’s notable social institutions.

From breaking barriers on international stages to earning respect within Nigeria’s most prestigious social circles, Wizkid continues to redefine what it means to be a Nigerian artist in the global arena. This latest honor adds another distinguished chapter to his remarkable journey.

Jesse Flames Starts 2026 Strong: Drops ‘Praise the Lord’ Collab with Magnito

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After closing out 2025 with the release of “Praise the Lord” featuring Magnito, Jesse Flames steps into 2026 with renewed clarity and purpose. He continues to craft a body of work grounded in intention rather than fleeting noise. Amid an Afrobeats scene that’s louder and faster than ever, his approach stays measured and deliberate, placing emphasis on meaning, craftsmanship, and lasting impact over short-lived hype. The official music video for the track is set to drop on January 10.

Building on the energy from his breakout hit “FLEX,” “Praise the Lord” marks a thoughtful evolution—from pure celebration to deeper grounding. The song is reflective and soulful, weaving themes of gratitude, personal growth, and broader perspective into a quiet yet powerful confidence that lingers long after the beat fades.

“This song is about recognizing the full picture,” Jesse explains. “The work people see and the work they don’t. The lessons, the setbacks, the growth.”

Teaming up with Magnito—a revered figure in Nigerian hip-hop celebrated for his razor-sharp lyrics and authentic cultural voice—lends the track added layers of depth. Their collaboration amplifies messages of resilience, faith, and introspection, making the record even more resonant.

Dropped in December during the peak of Detty December festivities, “Praise the Lord” quickly became a fitting soundtrack for both end-of-year parties and quiet moments of reflection. Now, with the visuals arriving in January, it gains fresh significance, serving as a meaningful tone-setter for the new year ahead rather than just another seasonal release.

Born in the United States, raised in Festac, Lagos, and currently based in London, Jesse Flames infuses his music with a truly global outlook. He seamlessly blends Afrobeats, hip-hop, and melodic soul into a polished, purposeful sound that draws from real-life experiences and cultural depth, steering clear of passing trends.

His journey so far boasts over 11 million streams, standout performances at venues like O2 Brixton Academy and OVO Arena Wembley, plus features in outlets such as The Guardian and Business Post Nigeria—a testament to his steady, self-driven ascent. Looking forward to 2026 and beyond, he’s gearing up for exciting collaborations with Ice Prince, M.I Abaga, and Smurlee.

“Praise the Lord” ft. Magnito is out now and streaming on all major platforms.