Tim Godfrey’s Collaboration With Oxlade On “Infinity” Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Christians

Tim Godfrey’s Collaboration With Oxlade On “Infinity” Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Christians

Nigerian gospel artist Tim Godfrey has stirred mixed reactions online following the release of his new single “Infinity,” featuring Afrobeats singer Oxlade. The track, which dropped this week, serves as the seventh song on Godfrey’s upcoming 12-track studio album No Label. It blends contemporary gospel rhythms with Oxlade’s smooth R&B and Afrobeats style, creating a fusion that has drawn both praise and criticism. While many listeners have hailed the collaboration for its creativity and crossover appeal, others — particularly within Nigeria’s Christian community — have questioned the choice of featuring Oxlade, who is widely known for secular hits such as “Ku Lo Sa” and “Away.” In a statement unveiling the song, Godfrey described Infinity as a “magnificent piece” that aligns with his vision of spreading faith-driven music to a broader audience. The single follows Praise the Lord, which also appears on the forthcoming album. Reactions on social media have been divided, with supporters celebrating the blend of genres as a modern expression of worship, while critics argue that inviting a secular artist onto a gospel record undermines the sacred nature of the message.

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Tim Godfrey Criticizes Churches for Poor Treatment of Gospel Artists, Reveals Being Paid in Yams and Live Chicken

Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has raised concerns over the way some churches in Nigeria treat gospel artists, revealing that he has been paid with yams and even a live chicken for his performances. In a video shared on Thursday by AsakuGRN on X, the award-winning singer expressed frustration over the lack of fair compensation for gospel performers, saying it has made performing in Nigeria increasingly challenging. “I don’t like coming. I come to Nigeria, but it has become difficult because of how artists are being treated,” Godfrey said in the viral clip. He described receiving food items instead of monetary payment and questioned how artists are expected to meet basic expenses. “I have collected tubers of yams as honorarium. I have even received a living, breathing chicken. How am I supposed to pay school fees, rent, or buy property with that? It’s completely unfair,” he added. The singer’s remarks have sparked widespread debate on social media about the ethics of church payments for gospel performances and the need to properly support artists in ministry settings.  

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100 US Military Personnel Deploy To Bauchi To Train And Support Nigerian Armed Forces

About 100 United States military personnel, accompanied by equipment, have arrived at Bauchi Airfield to support the Nigerian Armed Forces in training, technical assistance, and intelligence-sharing, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Monday. Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the deployment is part of ongoing Nigeria–US defence collaboration, following discussions during a recent joint military working group meeting. “The arrival of US personnel is planned and deliberate, responding to a formal request from the Federal Government of Nigeria to address specific military training needs,” the DHQ stated. The partnership is intended to provide Nigerian forces with access to specialized technical expertise, strengthening their ability to counter terrorist threats and protect vulnerable communities across the country. Major General Uba emphasized that the US personnel are advisory specialists focused solely on training and guidance, not combat operations. All activities will be conducted under the authority and supervision of the Nigerian government in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria. As part of the cooperation, Nigerian troops and US advisers will participate in joint training exercises and intelligence-focused initiatives designed to improve the military’s capacity to identify, confront, and neutralize extremist groups threatening national stability. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to defeating terrorist organizations that endanger the country’s sovereignty, security, and citizens,” the DHQ said, promising regular updates on the collaboration. This deployment reflects the deepening defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States, reinforcing joint efforts to boost national security and combat terrorism.

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Wizkid Named Person Of The Year 2025 At West Africa On Point Awards

Nigerian music sensation Wizkid has been named Person of the Year 2025 (African Artiste of the Year) at the West Africa On Point Awards. The honour celebrates Wizkid’s remarkable contributions to African music and culture over the past year, spotlighting his global reach, chart-topping hits, and role in elevating Afrobeats to the international stage. Fans and industry figures have hailed the recognition as a significant milestone in Wizkid’s career, which already boasts record-breaking streaming numbers and multiple international accolades. The award at the West Africa On Point Awards crowns a year of dominance for the Afrobeats superstar, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s most influential artists worldwide.

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Nigerian Filmmaker Biodun Stephen Opens Up About Undergoing Female Circumcision At Age Six

Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Biodun Stephen has shared her painful experience with female circumcision, revealing that she underwent the procedure at six years old. During an appearance on the Diary Of A Naija Girl Podcast, Stephen said the procedure was performed by her grandmother as part of a longstanding family tradition. “It was my grandma, God bless her soul. My mom also went through it. It was their culture,” she said, adding that she doesn’t want to dwell too much on the details. Stephen recounted being taken to a location outdoors under her grandmother’s supervision. At first, she was allowed to play and eat, which made her feel safe and unaware of what was about to happen. Later, she was asked to take a shower and then lie down, after which the circumcision was carried out. She described the pain as vivid and unforgettable, lingering in her memory to this day. “I was six and didn’t understand what was happening. My grandma just said, ‘let’s go somewhere.’ They let me play and eat first, which made me comfortable. Then I was told to shower and later to lie down,” she recalled. No one explained the procedure to her at the time. When she returned home, her mother tried to comfort her but the family never discussed it further. “The pain was intense. My mother rubbed me and said, ‘sorry, my baby,’ but that was it. No conversation about why it happened,” Stephen said. She noted that female circumcision was treated as a normal tradition in her family, passed down through generations, even though children were not told its purpose. Stephen’s story sheds light on the lasting emotional and physical impact of cultural practices carried out on children without their understanding.

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FA Cup 2025-26 Fifth Round Draw: Newcastle United vs Manchester City And Full Fixtures List

The fifth round of the FA Cup for the 2025-26 season has been drawn, with eight matches scheduled for the weekend of March 7–8, 2026. The draw, held ahead of Monday’s game between Macclesfield and Brentford, was conducted by former England stars Joe Cole and Karen Carney. Teams are now preparing to battle for a place in the quarter-finals. Each club that progresses from this round will receive £238,500 from the 2025-26 competition prize fund. Final match schedules, including kickoff times, will be confirmed after discussions with the clubs, broadcasters, and local authorities. Fifth-Round Fixtures: Fulham v Southampton Port Vale or Bristol City v Sunderland Newcastle United v Manchester City Leeds United v Norwich City Mansfield Town v Arsenal Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool Wrexham v Chelsea West Ham United v Macclesfield or Brentford

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Protests Alleged Exclusion From Senate Committee

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has raised fresh concerns over what she described as unfair treatment within the Senate after her alleged removal from the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission. The situation reportedly unfolded when the lawmaker arrived at a committee session expecting to participate, only to discover that her name was not included on the official list of members. The development sparked immediate questions, given that the commission’s mandate directly affects states in the North Central geopolitical zone, which she represents. In a bid to clarify the matter, Akpoti-Uduaghan was directed to the office of the committee chairman, Senator Titus Tartenger Zam of Benue North-West, where the committee clerk was said to be present. Her visit reportedly resulted in a tense exchange, with the senator alleging that the chairman hinted at acting on instructions from higher authorities, though no specifics were disclosed. Describing the incident as part of a broader pattern, she said, “This incident is part of a recurring pattern of marginalisation. All senators are constitutionally equal in status, authority, and mandate.” She questioned the constitutional and procedural basis for excluding her from a committee that oversees matters central to her region. In a statement issued in Abuja by her media aide, Mike Idoko, the senator further alleged that tensions escalated when aides attached to the committee chairman confronted members of her media team. “Approximately six aides, including the chairman’s secretary, seized my cinematographer’s phone and engaged in verbal hostility. This is unacceptable,” she said. Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to representing the interests of her constituents, stating that her stance is rooted in the electoral mandate given to her by the people of Kogi Central. She pledged to continue advocating for fairness and equal treatment within the legislative chamber. Fresh tension at the National Assembly as Senator Natasha Akpoti was reportedly involved in another confrøntation at the office of Senator Titus Zam👀👀 pic.twitter.com/E19P3GLPa2 — CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) February 16, 2026

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“No One Can Stop My Shine” – Portable Fires Back At Olamide Following Tunde Perry’s Claims

Nigerian singer Portable has hit back directly at veteran rapper Olamide following entertainment manager Tunde Perry’s claims that Portable’s actions were blocking opportunities for upcoming artistes. Perry had suggested that some top industry figures were avoiding Portable because of his past insults toward Olamide. In a video response, Portable addressed Olamide head-on, dismissing the allegations and asserting his independence in the music industry. “I hear say Tunde Perry talk say Olamide talk say dem circle make dem no play my song… I get my own fans ooo. I big pass any fvcking body. Who go help you no go stress you,” he said. He added, “No man can stop my shining. Olamide dey your dey, make I dey my dey.” Portable’s comments underline his confidence and determination to continue his rise, insisting that neither criticism nor industry gatekeeping can stop his career or influence over his fan base. “I hear say Tunde Perry talk say Olamide talk say dem circle make dem no play my song… I get my own fans ooo. I big pass any fvcking body. Who go help you no go stress you… Olamide dey your dey, make I dey my dey.” — Portable deliver blunt warning 😤 pic.twitter.com/Q1lLIECWRy — Naijagistblog (@Naijagistblog_) February 16, 2026

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Super Eagles To Face Jordan In March Friendly Ahead Of FIFA World Cup Verdict

The Nigerian Super Eagles are set to face Jordan in an international friendly in Amman this March. Jordan plans to use the match as part of their preparations ahead of their debut appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria’s participation, however, hinges on FIFA’s upcoming decision regarding the country’s eligibility protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition to the Jordan clash, the Super Eagles are reportedly in discussions to arrange another friendly against Iran later in March. Jordan, coached by Jamal Sellami, will make their first-ever World Cup appearance this summer and have been drawn into a challenging group alongside defending champions Argentina, Algeria, and Austria.

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Billboard Faces Backlash For Calling Rema One-Hit Wonder

American entertainment magazine Billboard has sparked outrage online after resurfacing a June 2025 article that labeled Nigerian star Rema a “one-hit wonder.” The post, shared Sunday on Billboard’s X account, ranked 25 artists under that label, placing Rema at No. 6 for his global hit Calm Down, which features U.S. pop singer Selena Gomez. Billboard’s article noted that while the original version of Calm Down gained traction on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, the remix with Gomez pushed the song to mainstream success, peaking at No. 3 on the Hot 100. The magazine added that Rema has yet to return to the Hot 100, although he had recorded six top-10 entries on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart as of June 7, 2025. “After releasing the original Calm Down in 2023, Rema noticed it breaking on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. He recruited Gomez for the remix, and shockingly, she agreed. ‘I had my fingers crossed,’ he told Billboard,” the article read. The resurfaced ranking immediately drew criticism from fans, who accused the publication of downplaying Rema’s catalogue and global influence. Others defended the label, noting that it likely reflected performance on the U.S. charts rather than his overall impact. On X, user Pauline (#Pauline1318957) wrote, “Rema of all people called a one-hit wonder? Africans are always disrespected in every field—sports, entertainment, oil and gas—because of bad governance.” Yang (@Getme1082445) added, “Calm Down was a global hit before Selena joined. Rema has countless hits; this song is still breaking records. They’re trying to give Selena the credit instead.” Ovie1 (@AjekpakoDante) said, “They’re judging based on their own view, not reality. We shouldn’t depend on external validation. Value what you have, and it will be cherished.” Other fans also reacted. Wanderlust (#Erinma_2809) wrote, “No Nigerians or Africans on your editorial team, clearly. Listing Rema as a one-hit wonder is outrageous.” Yorkshire Lass (#eyup_io) added, “Some of those tunes are fun, but it’s a shame when a catchy song is all you’re remembered for. What could have been?” The incident underscores ongoing tensions over how international media portrays African artists, with fans defending Rema’s achievements and global influence.

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