Ayra Starr Names Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, And Rema As Her Personal Afrobeats “Big 3”

Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has revealed her personal “Big 3” of the genre, naming Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and Rema as the artistes she considers the most influential. The singer shared her picks during a recent interview with Hot 97 FM, when asked to identify the Afrobeats acts that have had the biggest impact on shaping the sound and global reach of the music. “My Afrobeats Big 3 would be Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Rema. My solid Big 3,” she stated. Starr explained that her choices reflect the unique contributions each artist has made to the evolution of Afrobeats. She praised Tiwa Savage as a pioneering female figure whose success has paved the way for women in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Her comments add a fresh perspective to the ongoing debate over the genre’s so-called “Big 3.” For years, fans and industry watchers have typically used the term to refer to Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, citing their commercial dominance and global influence.

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Shade 45 DJ And Hip-Hop Icon Lord Sear Dies At 54

Legendary Shade 45 DJ and radio host Lord Sear has passed away at the age of 54. Shade 45 confirmed the death of Steve Watson, known professionally as Lord Sear and also as Stak Cheda, in a statement on Wednesday. Details surrounding his passing have not yet been disclosed. To honor his legacy, Shade 45 will air a tribute episode on Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. ET on SiriusXM, celebrating Sear’s contributions to hip-hop and radio. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lord Sear. He was more than a voice on the radio — he was a force, a friend, and family to so many of us,” Shade 45 said in a social media post. “Rest easy, Lord Sear. The culture will never forget you.” Following the announcement, fans and fellow artists paid tribute on social media, including E-40, Hit-Boy, Fat Joe, Mickey Factz, Rapsody, Tony Yayo, 9th Wonder, and Skyzoo, celebrating the influential DJ’s impact on hip-hop culture.

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BBNaija’s Angel Smith Announces Upcoming White Wedding With Female Partner

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Angel Smith has announced that her white wedding with her female partner is just around the corner. The couple first made headlines a few weeks ago when reports of their upcoming marriage surfaced, along with images of a wedding ring and a marriage certificate. Angel had stayed silent at the time but recently showcased her ring on social media. She later shared a post featuring their wedding invitation card, which included the hashtag #Tunmisangel2026 and asked guests to dress in black for the celebration. Angel also addressed critics in a collage post, responding firmly to negative remarks. One person questioned her choice of wedding color, and she shot back, asking if they were even invited. Another critic suggested that no man was “good enough” for her, prompting Angel to respond angrily, telling them to “shut up.” Fans will recall that a few years ago, Angel stirred pregnancy rumours while dating fellow reality star Soma after posting a pregnancy emoji on Instagram, leading to congratulatory messages and speculation about Soma being the father. The upcoming wedding has reignited public interest in Angel’s personal life, as fans eagerly await the celebration of her love.

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Hilda Baci Celebrates Fiancé Dapson After Guinness World Record For Largest Afrobeats Orchestra

Celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci has praised her fiancé, music executive Damilola “Dapson” Akinwunmi, following his historic achievement at the “Trench Symphony: The Dapper Live Experience” in Lagos. Dapson’s team at Dapper Live and Dapper Music Entertainment made history by assembling the largest orchestra ever featured at an Afrobeats concert, with 85 musicians performing alongside some of Nigeria’s top Afrobeats artistes. The feat was officially recognised by Guinness World Records, marking a milestone not only for Dapson but for the global Afrobeats scene. Sharing a video capturing the historic moment, Hilda reflected on the hard work behind the achievement. She wrote: “I’ve seen the work. The sleepless nights. The risks. The reinvesting. The belief when things weren’t always easy. Watching this moment happen for you and the team at Dapper Live and Dapper Music Entertainment feels incredibly special. What started as a vision for Trench Symphony has now become a historic moment — officially a Guinness World Record for the largest orchestra at an Afrobeats concert. I’m so proud of you. Proud of the resilience, the passion, and the way you continue to create platforms for talent and for the culture. Also… our kids will definitely hear this story one day. Record breaker daddy. Record breaker mummy.” Dapson, founder of Dapper Group and owner of Dapper Records, has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s music industry, nurturing rising talents including Shallipopi and other emerging artistes. Through his record label and live entertainment company, he has created opportunities for artistes to showcase their talents on major platforms, helping to elevate Afrobeats to a global audience. Adding a personal touch to the celebration, Hilda shared photos from their traditional couple photoshoot, captioning them: “Love that flows like an ocean #meetthedapsons26,” giving fans a glimpse of their forthcoming wedding. The record-breaking achievement and Hilda’s heartfelt tribute have drawn widespread admiration, highlighting Dapson’s dedication to music and culture and the couple’s shared journey of support and success. This milestone positions Dapper Live as a trailblazer in large-scale Afrobeats productions and reinforces the growing international recognition of Nigerian music and orchestral collaborations.

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Asake Arrives In Saudi Arabia For Umrah Amid Middle East Tensions

Afrobeats star Ahmed Ololade, aka Asake, has arrived in Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Middle East tensions. In the early hours of Thursday, March 11, the “Lonely At The Top” singer shared videos of his departure from Nigeria and journey to the kingdom. His visit coincides with the last ten days of Ramadan, a period when many observe Umrah and seek the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr. In one clip, Asake appears at the airport dressed in ihram, indicating he is performing the spiritual pilgrimage. Umrah is a revered, voluntary journey to Makkah that can be undertaken year-round. The rites include entering a state of purity (ihram), circling the Kaaba seven times (Tawaf), walking between Safa and Marwa (Sa’i), and concluding with men shaving or trimming their hair, while women trim a small portion.   View this post on Instagram  

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Yhemolee Surprises Mother With Lexus After Her WhatsApp Request

Nigerian socialite and nightlife figure Yhemolee has surprised his mother with a brand-new Lexus after she openly asked him for the luxury vehicle in a WhatsApp chat he later shared online. In the screenshot posted by Yhemolee, his mother sent him a photo of a white Lexus and wrote, “My love I want this white Lexus as a gift for women’s day anniversary I so much love it.” Amused by the request, he replied, “okay mommy You have been spending so much time on IG oh. Wetin do your 3 cars.” His mother, however, stood by her desire for the vehicle and responded, “Me I just want it n I love it my son.” Yhemolee later posted a video showing the moment he presented the car to her. In the clip, his mother is seen embracing him warmly after spotting the newly acquired Lexus, clearly overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude for the gift.

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Timaya Sparks Debate After Advising Children Outside Marriage May Be Better Than Rushing Matrimony

Nigerian singer Timaya has sparked debate online after a video showed him giving candid relationship advice, suggesting it may be better to have children outside marriage than rush into tying the knot. The clip, which has gone viral, features the “Dem Mama” singer alongside Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, as they offered guidance to rapper Phyno. Speaking in Pidgin English, Timaya remarked that marriages often fail, implying that having children without formalising a union could be a safer path. “Just born pikin, pikin go grow. This marriage thing no dey work,” he said, drawing laughter from those present. The statement has since stirred mixed reactions on social media, with some criticising him for downplaying marriage, while others defended his view as a reflection of personal experience.

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Nkechi Blessing Sunday Says Men Are Driving Many Women To Get BBL Surgeries, Stands Firm On Her Body Confidence

Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has sparked conversations online after speaking out about body shaming and the pressures surrounding cosmetic surgery. In a video shared on social media, the actress criticised the hypocrisy of some men regarding body positivity. She pointed out that women are now encouraged to “love themselves the way they are,” despite having been ridiculed and criticised for their bodies for years. Her comments follow the death of Lagos socialite Jessica, who reportedly died after complications from a second BBL surgery. Nkechi Blessing highlighted that constant insults and societal pressures, particularly online, have pushed many women to consider cosmetic procedures to meet beauty standards. She also noted that the same people who once criticised women’s bodies are now often preaching self-acceptance, a contradiction she believes has contributed to the rise in body enhancement surgeries. The actress insisted that personal choices about one’s body should be respected and pledged not to let online criticism influence her own decisions. She emphasized that her body reflects her hard work and achievements, and that she is confident and comfortable in her appearance. While acknowledging that every woman has the right to make her own choices, Nkechi Blessing revealed that the only procedure she might consider in the future is weight-loss surgery.   View this post on Instagram  

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