Category: Entertainment
DJ Cuppy Marks Nigeria’s 65th Anniversary, Pledges To Be Nigerian In Next Life
Nigerian DJ and music producer DJ Cuppy has taken to Instagram to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, sharing a heartfelt message that reflects her deep love and pride for her country. “Èmi ni Omo Naija. 🇳🇬❤️ My birthplace. My home. My country. Nigeria turns 65 today,” she wrote, celebrating the nation and the resilience of its people. She praised Nigerians for their perseverance, noting that despite the challenges the country has faced, its citizens continue to push forward, find joy, and maintain hope. Cuppy highlighted the unique spirit that defines Nigerians, writing, “God didn’t rush when He made us… He gave us resilience, spirit, and endless energy.” Her words underscore the pride she feels in being part of a nation known for its strength and vibrancy. Reflecting on her personal connection to Nigeria, she added, “In my next life, I’d still choose to be Nigerian 🫡,” affirming her unwavering pride in her heritage. Her post has resonated widely, with fans applauding her message as a celebration not just of Nigeria’s independence, but of the courage, determination, and enduring spirit of its people. Through her tribute, DJ Cuppy reminds Nigerians and the world why their culture and resilience continue to inspire admiration globally. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cuppy (@cuppymusic)
Wiz Khalifa Sparks Debate After Declaring Himself “Big Wiz,” A Title Long Associated With Wizkid
American rapper Wiz Khalifa has ignited controversy by announcing himself as the new “Big Wiz,” a nickname long linked to Nigerian superstar Wizkid. Taking to his Instagram story, Wiz Khalifa wrote, “Call me Big Wiz from now on,” a bold statement that immediately drew reactions across social media and the music industry. Wizkid has been widely recognized as “Big Wiz” for years, a title that has become synonymous with his global music brand. The rapper’s announcement has sparked debate among fans and industry observers—some interpret it as a playful nod to Wizkid, while others see it as a direct challenge to the Nigerian artist’s established identity.
Qdot Speaks Out After Armed Robbery, Calls Ordeal Most Terrifying Experience Of His Life
Singer Qdot has spoken out for the first time following the armed robbery at his home, describing the ordeal as the most terrifying experience of his life. The incident occurred on September 28 around 2:00 AM, when Qdot and his official DJ were attacked at gunpoint inside his residence. “It was the most terrifying experience of my life. In that moment, I genuinely didn’t know if I would make it out alive. But by the grace and mercy of God, I am still here. I’m alive and for that, I’m eternally grateful,” Qdot revealed. He explained that the robbers made away with all his valuables. “They took everything valuable I owned, down to the last pin — but they didn’t take my life, and that alone is a blessing I don’t take for granted,” he added. The singer admitted he is still traumatised by the incident but reassured fans that he is safe. “I will not lie, I’m still in shock, traumatised and deeply shaken by what happened. But I want you all to know: I’m okay.” Reports indicate the robbers not only stole personal items such as phones and laptops but also carried out unauthorized transfers from his bank accounts. Despite the loss, Qdot emphasized that surviving the attack is the greatest gift.
Tems Becomes First Female Nigerian Artist To Sell 10 Million Singles In US
Nigerian singer and songwriter Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, has made history as the first female Nigerian artist to sell over 10 million units of a single in the United States. On September 30, 2025, Chart Data on X (formerly Twitter) confirmed that “WAIT FOR U,” her collaboration with Future and Drake, had officially surpassed the 10 million sales milestone in the US. The song, which also won Tems a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, represents a major leap in her international career. Tems is also the first African female artist to reach one billion streams on Spotify, cementing her influence on the global music scene. She gained worldwide recognition in 2020 after featuring on Wizkid’s hit single “Essence,” which entered the Billboard Hot 100 and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Her career began in 2018 with the release of her debut single “Mr Rebel.” After her performance in Kenya, Tems took to X to express her gratitude: “Kenya! The love has been insane! I love you so much. Till next time.” She is currently on her 2025–2026 world tour, which started on September 28 and will run through November 15, with stops in Nairobi, Salvador (Brazil), and Los Angeles, where she will perform at Dodger Stadium. In comparison, Wizkid remains the first Nigerian male artist to reach 10 million sales, with his feature on Drake’s “One Dance” certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2022. Tems’ latest milestone reinforces her role as a trailblazer for African female artists on the global stage, adding to her growing list of accolades, including BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and a Soul Train Music Award.
Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2025 to Feature Record 140 Galleries from 35 Countries
Abu Dhabi Art returns for its 17th edition this year, bringing together 140 galleries from more than 50 cities across over 35 countries. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the fair will run from November 19 to 23 at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The 2025 edition continues to expand its global reach, welcoming first-time participants from Algeria, the Netherlands, Peru, and Tanzania. Key regions highlighted this year include Nigeria, the Gulf, and Türkiye, each featured in dedicated Focus sectors that spotlight emerging and established voices shaping contemporary art today. Since its founding in 2009, Abu Dhabi Art has grown into the region’s largest and most diverse art fair, attracting world-renowned galleries such as Pace, Richard Saltoun, Mennour, Hanart TZ, and ATHR. Newcomers this year include Loft Art Gallery, Pedro Cera, and EQTNA Rare Books, reflecting a 40% increase in participating galleries over last year. Nigeria Spotlight One of the fair’s main attractions this year is a special focus on Nigeria, curated in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy. Part of the broader “Nigeria Everywhere” initiative, the section features seven Nigerian galleries including SOTO Gallery, AMG Projects, kó, O’DA Gallery, 1897 Gallery, Windsor Gallery, and Ishara Gallery, with a special project by MADhouse and Tikera Africa. The works on display highlight the richness and urgency of Nigeria’s contemporary art scene, exploring themes of identity, politics, and history. Modern Türkiye A new addition this year is the Modern Türkiye section, curated by Doris Benhalegua Karako. It features works by key modern artists such as Fahrelnissa Zeid (DG Art Gallery), Burhan Doğançay (Art On Istanbul), and Gülsün Karamustafa and Cengiz Çekil (BüroSarigedik). Focus on the Gulf Leading galleries from the Gulf region will showcase contemporary artists including Hassan Sharif, Mohammed Kazem, Alia Zaal (Gallery Isabelle), Rashid Al-Khalifa (SAPAR Contemporary), and Nasser Al Salem (Iris Projects), among others. Collectors’ Salon and Aldar Hall The fair also welcomes back the Collectors’ Salon, curated by Roxane Zand, with participants including Kent Antiques, Daniel Crouch Rare Books, INLIBRIS, Almine Rech, and Perrotin. Real estate developer Aldar returns as a major partner and will launch a new space—Aldar Hall—at the entrance of Manarat Al Saadiyat. This venue will host galleries from the Gulf region, West Asia, North Africa, and West Africa. Notable exhibitors include Loft Art Gallery, Comptoir de Mines Galerie (Morocco), Yosr Ben Ammar Gallery (Tunisia), and Galerie Farah Fakhri (Ivory Coast). More Than a Fair Abu Dhabi Art positions itself as more than just a commercial event. Alongside gallery booths, the fair features a robust public programme with talks, exhibitions, installations, and performances held year-round across the emirate. The November fair serves as the culmination of these initiatives, offering galleries a platform to present ambitious, site-specific works to a broad and diverse audience. For full details and participating galleries, visit: www.abudhabiart.ae
Bad Bunny to Headline Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in 2026
Puerto Rican global superstar Bad Bunny will take center stage at the world’s biggest sporting event. The NFL announced on Sunday that Bad Bunny—real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. “This is for my people, my culture, and our history” Reacting to the news, Bad Bunny shared an emotional statement: “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history.” The announcement follows the singer’s highly successful two-month residency at Puerto Rico’s Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, which concluded with a live-streamed concert on Amazon. The residency alone generated hundreds of millions in tourism revenue for the island, underlining his massive influence at home and abroad. The halftime show will be produced by Roc Nation, in partnership with the NFL and Apple Music. Jay-Z, founder of Roc Nation, praised the cultural impact of the artist, saying: “What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.” Oliver Schusser, Apple’s Vice President of Music, Sports and Beats, echoed that sentiment: “His music has not only broken records but has elevated Latin music to the center of pop culture.” Bad Bunny joins a growing list of culturally influential artists to headline the Super Bowl stage. The previous halftime show, headlined by Kendrick Lamar, was the most-watched in Super Bowl history, earning four Emmy nominations and a win for Outstanding Music Direction. With his international fan base and undeniable stage presence, Bad Bunny’s performance is expected to be a global event. World Tour Kicks Off in November Ahead of his Super Bowl performance, Bad Bunny is set to launch a world tour starting November, with stops across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. The artist has previously voiced concerns about performing in the U.S., citing fears of ICE raids at concert venues.
Penny Lancaster Says She Felt ‘Belittled’ by Former MasterChef Host Gregg Wallace
TV personality and former MasterChef contestant Penny Lancaster has revealed she felt “ashamed and belittled” by how former host Gregg Wallace treated her during her time on the show. In an interview with Sky News’ The UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee, Lancaster, who is also a model and married to rock legend Sir Rod Stewart, said she was not only hurt by Wallace’s actions but also felt let down by the show’s producers, Banijay UK. “I didn’t feel like I was supported in that moment,” Lancaster said. “I felt ashamed and belittled by the way Gregg Wallace treated me, but equally disappointed that the production company hadn’t come to my rescue.” Lancaster, now 54, appeared on MasterChef in 2021. She said speaking out was important and part of a broader effort to foster a safer, more respectful working environment in the entertainment industry. “There’s still a long way to go, but just by people being honest about their experiences, I think it helps in the long run,” she added.
Ayra Starr Crowned Biggest Female Afrobeats Artist by Spotify
Global streaming platform Spotify has unveiled its latest rankings of the Top 5 Female Afrobeats Artists of the Last 12 Months, naming Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr as the leading act on the list. Dubbed “the pop star of Afrobeats” by Spotify, Ayra Starr continues her meteoric rise in the global music scene, securing the top position thanks to her consistent streaming numbers, chart-topping hits, and growing international presence. Tems, another Nigerian powerhouse and Grammy Award winner, claimed the second spot, while American-Cameroonian singer Libianca came in third. Malian-French artist Aya Nakamura ranked fourth, and British-Nigerian rapper Darkoo rounded out the top five. Notably absent from the list is South African breakout star Tyla, despite her impressive run over the past year, which included multiple major Afrobeats awards. In addition to the female artist rankings, Spotify also released its list of the Top 5 Afrobeats Artists in Latin America—and Nigerian stars dominated once again. Rema topped the list, followed by Ayra Starr in second place and CKay in third. Heavyweights Burna Boy and Wizkid secured the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. The rankings highlight the continued global influence of Nigerian artists in shaping the sound and reach of Afrobeats across continents.