Burna Boy Makes History As First African Artist To Top Billboard Global 200 Chart

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Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has etched his name into music history by becoming the first African artist to reach the No. 1 position on the Billboard Global 200 Songs chart.

The Grammy Award-winning singer achieved the landmark feat with ‘Dai Dai,’ the official FIFA World Cup collaboration featuring Colombian music icon Shakira. The song climbed to the summit of this week’s Billboard Global 200 rankings, marking a major milestone for African music on the global stage.

The success of ‘Dai Dai’ extended beyond the main global chart, as the hit single also claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Global 200 Excl. U.S. chart, highlighting its massive popularity across international markets.

In the United States, the song continued its impressive rise by jumping 12 places to reach a new career-best position of No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100. The achievement further cements Burna Boy’s reputation as one of Africa’s biggest musical exports and reflects the growing global influence of Afrobeats.

The historic accomplishment comes as Nigerian artists continue to dominate international music charts and earn widespread recognition for their contributions to the global entertainment industry.

Read Also: Funke Akindele: I Stopped Partying to Make My Movie Gross N2.7 Billion

Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian singer Tems also recorded another impressive milestone on the Billboard charts. Her hit song ‘What You Need’ climbed five places to a new peak of No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 after spending 15 weeks on the chart.

The track has also enjoyed remarkable success on American radio, recently reaching No. 1 on both the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and the Mediabase Urban radio airplay chart.

With the achievement, Tems remains the first solo African artist to top both airplay charts, further strengthening Nigeria’s growing influence in the global music industry.

The latest accomplishments by Burna Boy and Tems underscore the continued rise of Afrobeats, as Nigerian artists break records, dominate international charts, and introduce African music to an ever-expanding global audience.

Funke Akindele: I Stopped Partying to Make My Movie Gross N2.7 Billion

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Nollywood actress and film maker, Funke Akindele has revealed the sacrifices she made for her latest movie, Behind The Scenes which has grossed N2.7 billion.

Speaking with Bella Naija, she said: I put myself very busy and gave my all. She said she gave herself up to work, didn’t do her hair, didn’t go to parties, didn’t visit people’s houses to say hello.

Akindele said she was in it neck deep, put in the time and is now reaping the rewards. The director said it took a lot of sacrifice, sleepless nights, forgetting to eat and giving her all.

. . . “What I do differently to attain this level of success is lots of work. By “a lot of work” I mean, “do your best.” I gave myself up for work; I don’t even do my hair unless I am going on the red carpet or somewhere important. I don’t do parties, I don’t go say hello at home, I stop everything. I’m buried in work, I give my time to it. Now I am relaxed, feeling fresh, doing the skincare. It was a lot of sacrifice, sleepless nights, forgetting to eat, giving my all.”

Funke said nobody told her to dance for her movie and she does more than dance. “On dancing to promote her movie, Funke said no one asked her to dance and stated she does more than just dance. The box-office queen said her work should not be reduced to just dancing as she also does nails for people.

Read Also: Doris Ogala Declares Bid For Abia Governorship, Says ‘I’ll Be Your Next Governor’

At Wema Bank International Women’s Day program with Morayo Afolabi Brown, Funke talks about the sacrifices she made to build her brand. She revealed she had to give up her social life, didn’t attend parties and locked herself up in her Estate for almost two years. “My colleagues were angry with me, called me a sadist, not knowing that I was building my brand,” she said.

Akindele had shared some of the steps she took toward making her dream a reality in a post on Instagram. It didn’t happen in a day,” she said. “It took learning, praying and choosing to re-strategise, re-evaluate and re-execute.

In another post, she spoke about the pressures she faced in the industry, revealing that it didn’t break her but matured her. According to her, it taught her patience, discipline and emotional control.

The box office Queen was honoured by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) for her record-breaking achievements.

Funke took to her Instagram page and said, she is honoured and recognized for her hard work and consistency in the entertainment industry and she expressed her gratitude.

Funke has set new records as her Cinema 2025 film, Behind The Scenes, earned N2,100,000,000 in one month. She said she was excited and thanked God for being on the move and for her big win.

Akindele celebrated 27 years in the movie industry late last year. She acknowledged how God’s favour and hard work has brought her this far, and shared the secret to achieving continuous success.

Opeyemi Famakin Reflects On His Journey From 9-to-5 Job To Food Critic

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Popular food critic and content creator Opeyemi Famakin has shared a candid reflection on his life before achieving fame, revealing that he genuinely enjoyed every 9-to-5 job he held and remains thankful for the experiences that helped shape his career.

In a heartfelt post on social media, Famakin challenged the common perception that corporate jobs are always unpleasant. According to him, the work itself was never the problem. Instead, the most difficult part of his daily routine was the long and exhausting commute to and from work by public transportation.

“I genuinely enjoyed all my 9-to-5s, and I learnt a lot. The only thing I disliked about 9-to-5 was commuting to work by bus. It’s the only thing as an adult that made me depressed,” he wrote.

The content creator explained that despite the stress associated with commuting, he looks back on his time in the corporate world with gratitude. He credited those years with teaching him valuable life lessons, building his character and preparing him for the success he enjoys today.

Read Also: Funnybone Says Being Born Again Doesn’t Automatically Heal Childhood Trauma

Famakin also used the opportunity to acknowledge one of the people who played a significant role in his professional development—his former boss at Green News Media. He described the company’s chief executive as the best boss he ever worked with and someone who believed in his abilities from the beginning.

“I forgot to add my job as a journalist at Green News Media. The CEO there was easily my best boss and, of all my bosses, I think he was the one who believed in me the most,” he added.

His post has resonated with many Nigerians, particularly young professionals who face the challenges of long work hours and difficult daily commutes. Many social media users praised Famakin for highlighting the value of every career stage and acknowledging the mentors who helped shape his journey.

For many of his followers, his story serves as an inspiring reminder that success is often built through perseverance, hard work, supportive leadership and the willingness to embrace every opportunity, even when the journey is far from easy.

Funnybone Says Being Born Again Doesn’t Automatically Heal Childhood Trauma

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Nigerian comedian and actor Funnybone has sparked widespread discussions on the relationship between faith and mental health after stating that becoming “born again” does not automatically erase childhood trauma or long-standing emotional and behavioural struggles.

In a post shared on social media, the entertainer challenged what he described as a common misconception within some Christian circles that spiritual conversion alone is enough to resolve deep emotional wounds.

According to Funnybone, many believers place greater emphasis on outward signs of moral transformation, such as abstaining from smoking, drug use and premarital sex, while neglecting unresolved trauma that continues to influence a person’s emotions, relationships and behaviour.

Read Also: Diamond Platnumz And Wife Zuchu Announce Separation After Six Years Together

“I hope that one day the church understands that being ‘born again’ doesn’t erase childhood trauma or behavioural dysfunction,” he wrote.

The comedian explained that while a person may have embraced the Christian faith and adopted a new lifestyle, they can still struggle with bitterness, anger, emotional pain or unhealthy behavioural patterns rooted in past experiences.

He noted that unresolved trauma often shapes subconscious reactions, making emotional healing just as important as spiritual growth.

Funnybone also stressed that seeking professional help should not be viewed as a sign of weak faith. Instead, he argued that therapy and spirituality can work together in helping individuals achieve complete healing.

“Therapy, prayer, spi

Diamond Platnumz And Wife Zuchu Announce Separation After Six Years Together

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Tanzanian music stars Diamond Platnumz and his wife, singer Zuchu, have ended their marriage, with the award-winning songstress confirming that the couple is now separated and undergoing divorce proceedings.

Zuchu made the announcement in a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram Story on Sunday, bringing an end to months of speculation about the state of their relationship.

The singer, who is also signed to Diamond Platnumz’s WCB Wasafi record label, did not reveal the specific reason behind the breakup. However, she suggested that despite their efforts to make the marriage work, circumstances had led them in different directions.

“We tried, but Allah has His own plans,” she wrote, expressing gratitude while acknowledging the difficult decision to walk away from the relationship.

Zuchu disclosed that after six years together, she had decided to prioritize her own well-being, explaining that she now wants to focus on healing, improving her health and advancing her music career.

Read Also: Davido Reveals His Greatest Fear, Says He Prays For The Right Time To Leave Music

“I have finally decided to choose myself. This is a time to heal and focus more on my health and career. My husband and I are now separated and going through a divorce. I announce this with a heavy heart,” she stated.

The couple officially tied the knot in June 2025 after dating for about five years, becoming one of East Africa’s most celebrated celebrity couples.

Following the announcement, Diamond Platnumz’s former partner, Ugandan socialite Zari Hasan, reacted to the news. Zari, who previously ended her relationship with the singer over allegations of repeated infidelity, praised Zuchu for enduring the relationship for as long as she did.

Although Diamond Platnumz has yet to publicly comment on the separation, news of the split has generated widespread reactions from fans across East Africa, with many expressing sadness over the end of one of the region’s most high-profile celebrity marriages.

Davido Reveals His Greatest Fear, Says He Prays For The Right Time To Leave Music

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Afrobeats superstar Davido has spoken candidly about one of his deepest personal fears, admitting that he worries about not knowing the right time to step away from the music industry.

The award-winning singer, whose real name is David Adeleke, made the revelation during a recent broadcast while reflecting on the pressures that come with fame and long-term success. According to him, remaining relevant in the entertainment industry is a challenge, and he hopes to avoid staying in the spotlight beyond the right moment.

Davido explained that watching once-celebrated public figures lose their influence and popularity has left a lasting impression on him. He said the emotional struggles experienced by celebrities after falling from grace are often overlooked, adding that many of them would benefit from professional mental health support.

The singer disclosed that if he had the opportunity, one of the projects he would love to establish would be a therapy centre dedicated to helping former celebrities and successful individuals adjust to life after fame. He believes the transition from being admired worldwide to living outside the spotlight can be emotionally overwhelming.

Read Also: S’Dumo Mtshali Wins Global Praise For Villainous Role In Netflix’s ‘The Polygamist’

“It is crazy to be on top of the world and the next moment you are not,” Davido said, noting that success can be temporary despite years of hard work and achievements.

Drawing a comparison with football, Davido referenced his friend, Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, saying that even after winning numerous major trophies and setting remarkable records, the legendary player still faced criticism following Portugal’s exit from the FIFA World Cup.

The singer said the experience serves as a reminder that public admiration can quickly change, regardless of past accomplishments.

Davido added that his greatest concern is damaging the legacy he has spent years building. He revealed that he constantly prays for wisdom to recognise the right time to retire from music, stressing that he wants to leave the industry with his reputation and achievements intact rather than overstaying his welcome.

S’Dumo Mtshali Wins Global Praise For Villainous Role In Netflix’s ‘The Polygamist’

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South African actor S’Dumo Mtshali is enjoying international recognition following his standout performance as Jonasi Gomora in Netflix’s hit African drama The Polygamist. While audiences have praised his acting, many admit they cannot stand the character he portrays—a testament to how convincing his performance has been.

The Polygamist, an isiZulu telenovela adapted from Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi’s novel of the same name, tells the story of Jonasi Gomora, a wealthy businessman whose secret relationships and manipulative lifestyle leave emotional destruction wherever he goes. The series explores themes of betrayal, deception, broken families and the consequences of selfish decisions.

Jonasi presents himself as a respected family man while secretly maintaining multiple relationships. As his web of lies grows more complicated, those closest to him begin uncovering the truth, forcing him to confront the fallout from years of dishonesty.

The drama has become one of Netflix’s biggest African success stories. During its second week on the streaming platform, The Polygamist attracted an impressive 7.7 million views and climbed to the number two spot on Netflix’s global charts. The achievement highlights the growing international appetite for African storytelling and locally produced television content.

The series has also caught the attention of international celebrities. American actress Taraji P. Henson is among those who have publicly praised the show, further boosting its global visibility.

Much of the attention has focused on Mtshali’s portrayal of Jonasi. Critics have described his performance as powerful and believable, saying he successfully captures the complexity of a man who uses charm and cultural arguments to conceal manipulation and infidelity.

However, fellow cast member Wonder Ndlovu, who plays Menzi, has clarified that the character should not be seen as an accurate representation of traditional polygamy. Speaking about the series, she stressed that Jonasi’s actions are rooted in deception rather than genuine cultural practice, adding that authentic polygamous traditions are based on honesty and responsibility rather than secrecy.

Mtshali’s rise to prominence began in 2010 when he won the SABC1 talent competition Class Act. The victory opened doors to major acting opportunities, including the lead role in Intersexions, a drama series that later earned a prestigious Peabody Award for its impact and storytelling.

Over the years, the Durban-born actor has established himself as one of South Africa’s most respected performers. He gained widespread popularity for portraying Sbu in the television drama Isibaya and later received a Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actor. His film credits include Avenged, iNumber Number: Jodi Gold, Back of the Moon, and Inside Story.

With The Polygamist continuing to attract viewers around the world, Mtshali has once again demonstrated his acting range. Although Jonasi may be one of Netflix’s most disliked characters, the overwhelming audience reaction reflects the strength of Mtshali’s performance and further cements his place among Africa’s leading actors.

Tekno Says COVID-19 Changed Relationships, Claims Many People No Longer Believe In Love

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Nigerian Afrobeats star Tekno has shared his thoughts on the changing nature of love and relationships, arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered how many people approach romance and long-term commitment.

The Duro hitmaker made the remarks during an interview on Cool FM, where he reflected on how relationships have evolved in recent years. According to the singer, genuine love and emotional commitment appear to have become less common, with many people now reluctant to fully invest in romantic relationships.

Tekno suggested that the COVID-19 lockdown played a major role in this shift. During the pandemic, couples were forced to spend extended periods together because of movement restrictions and stay-at-home orders. While some relationships became stronger during that period, he believes many others were exposed to realities that partners had previously ignored.

According to him, spending so much uninterrupted time together gave people the opportunity to discover aspects of their partners and relationships they had not noticed before. In some cases, the experience made individuals realise that the emotional connection they believed existed was not as deep or genuine as they had imagined.

The award-winning singer explained that this realization may have left many people emotionally guarded, making them less willing to fall deeply in love or fully commit to romantic relationships after the pandemic.

Speaking further, Tekno expressed concern about the current state of marriages, claiming that many unions are facing increasing challenges. He suggested that maintaining lasting relationships has become more difficult in today’s fast-changing social environment, where values and priorities have shifted.

Read Also: “How My Teeth Made People Mock Me On My 1st Wedding Anniversary, Saying I Was 10 Years Older Than My Husband” – Blessing Obasi

The singer also pointed to changing societal trends, arguing that the idea of love no longer occupies the same place in popular culture as it once did. He recalled a time when romance was a dominant theme in entertainment, particularly in movies, where stories often centered on genuine affection, sacrifice, and emotional connection.

According to Tekno, today’s entertainment industry appears to focus more on chasing attention, social media influence, and viral moments than on authentic storytelling. He believes this shift reflects broader changes in society, where people increasingly prioritize visibility and popularity over meaningful emotional bonds.

Sharing his perspective, Tekno said that many people have become hesitant to open their hearts because of disappointment and changing expectations. He noted that experiences during the pandemic may have permanently influenced how individuals view love, trust, and commitment.

He further remarked that even high-profile marriages have not been immune to these challenges, suggesting that relationship struggles now affect people regardless of their status or public image.

Reflecting on the importance of emotional balance in relationships, the singer emphasized that people can only truly value someone’s presence when they understand the feeling of absence. In his words, appreciating distance and longing gives greater meaning to togetherness and strengthens genuine affection.

Tekno concluded by lamenting what he sees as the gradual decline of authentic love in modern society. While acknowledging that successful relationships still exist, he believes many people have become more cautious, emotionally reserved, and skeptical about lasting commitment than in previous generations, making genuine romance increasingly difficult to find and sustain.

“How My Teeth Made People Mock Me On My 1st Wedding Anniversary, Saying I Was 10 Years Older Than My Husband” – Blessing Obasi

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Nollywood actress Blessing Obasi has opened up on how she dealt with online trolling after she got married to her younger colleague, Stan Nze.

In a recent interview, she said she was body shamed and mocked over her appearance during her first anniversary celebration. People on trolls told her to stop laughing in public, she said, and she was mercilessly dragged over her teeth

My teeth carried me to my first wedding anniversary. Trolls told me to stop laughing in public because of my teeth.

Blessing said that when Stan initially put up a photo of her on the internet, a lot of people doubted their union, claiming she seemed a decade older than him. Some even said they only acted because they could not believe he would marry her.

“When my husband first posted my picture, people said I was 10 years older than him. ‘They said it was a movie too because they didn’t think he would marry me for real.

She said her husband was also a victim of the online narratives, as one of his comments during an interview was misrepresented and taken out of context.

Read Also: “How My Teeth Made People Mock Me On My 1st Wedding Anniversary, Saying I Was 10 Years Older Than My Husband” – Blessing Obasi

She said that she has stayed focused on her marriage despite the criticism and decided not to let online opinions define her.

“My husband gave one interview and his words got twisted on social media.

In an interview in 2024, Blessing shared about the stigma of late marriage, saying it was a choice. The world often measures a woman’s worth by her marital status, she said, urging her fans to take their time, walk their own path and embrace it.

This wasn’t the first time the movie star had talked about her late marriage. In 2022 Blessing Obasi said that when it comes to matters of the heart, age is just a number.

In an interview, she said she never imagined she would end up marrying her colleague because she thought men in the entertainment industry are unfaithful but her husband proved her wrong.

Blessing Obasi is happily married to her younger colleague Stan Nze and the couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in 2023.

Blessing and Stan stirred up controversy in September 2022 on their first anniversary with hints of marital troubles.

May Edochie Sues Ex-Lawyer, Others For N1.5bn Over Alleged Privacy Breach

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May Yul-Edochie, estranged wife of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has taken her battle against years of alleged online harassment to a Lagos High Court, naming her former legal representative among those she blames for the attacks.

The lawsuit, filed by her current legal team at Greylaw Partners, is against Yinka Omolola Theisen, Emeka Ugwuonye and several unnamed operators of social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X, and seeks permanent injunctions to stop the alleged harassment and to compel the removal of disputed content from all platforms.

One of the suit’s more curious aspects is May’s inclusion of a former lawyer. The person had acted for her in a legal case and she claims that in revealing information learned in that capacity, the person violated solicitor-client confidentiality and weaponized privileged access to her.

To understand why she has come under attack, we need to go back to 2022, when Yul Edochie announced publicly that he had taken a second wife, actress Judy Austin, with whom he had fathered a child.

May, who has been married to Yul for 20-plus years and has four children with him, was caught off guard by the news. The fallout was almost entirely public, turning May into one of the most talked-about figures in Nigerian entertainment that year, garnering her sympathy and, in some quarters, sustained hostility online.

The hostility never stopped, according to a 126-paragraph affidavit filed in support of her suit. She alleges a sustained campaign over several years, involving doctored photographs, AI-generated images, fabricated stories, defamatory caricatures and death threats, all intended, she says, to humiliate her and damage her commercial standing.

Her personal contact details were also leaked online, reportedly exposing her and her family to direct harassment outside of social media.

She had tried to solve the situation without going to court. In September 2025, two of the named defendants received cease-and-desist notices demanding takedowns, public retractions and apologies. Instead, she says, the attacks became more aggressive and new accounts were created specifically to continue the attacks after earlier ones were flagged.

In addition to emotional distress, she points to tangible financial consequences, including lost endorsements, damaged business relationships and reputational harm she claims has directly affected her income.

May is demanding ₦1 billion in damages from Ugwuonye, ₦500 million from Theisen, and court orders requiring social media platforms to identify and disclose information about the operators of anonymous accounts involved in the alleged campaign.

Justice Abdul-Raheem Tejumade Muyideen ordered that the court’s processes be served through all known contact channels for the defendants. The matter has been adjourned for service report.