The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • FULL LIST: Top 10 Fela Kuti songs

    FULL LIST: Top 10 Fela Kuti songs

    Fela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, the popular musician and activist who created the Afrobeat music movement, has remained the subject of global obsession.

    In the past few days, the social media space has been rife with repeated comparisons between Afrobeats singer Ayodeji “Wizkid” Balogun and Fela Kuti by Wizkid’s fanbase, known as Wizkid FC.

    Seun Kuti, Fela’s son, has consistently argued that such comparisons are disrespectful, insisting that his father’s legacy goes beyond music to political activism and cultural resistance.

    Fela was born on 15 October 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, to influential upper-middle-class parents.

    He began his education at Abeokuta Grammar School after taking music lessons on the piano and percussion from his father. A lot of Fela’s honours and awards came well after his death

    Fela’s 1969 album The ’69 Los Angeles Sessions marks the beginning of Afrobeat, a genre that has further kept his legacy alive.

    His activism resonates across time and societies. His 1978 song Sorrow, Tears and Blood, for example, was recorded after the Nigerian Army attacked and burned his commune in 1977.

    Here are his top tracks:

    1. Let’s Start

    2. I.T.T. — International Thief Thief

    3. Water No Get Enemy

    4. 2000 Blacks Got To Be Free

    5. Fogo Fogo

    6. Expensive Shit

    7. Gentleman

    8. Upside Down

    9. Zombie

    10. Coffin for Head of State

  • 15 important things to know about Wizkid

    15 important things to know about Wizkid

    As the public exchange between Afrobeat heir Seun Kuti and global music star Wizkid continues to fuel conversations about the identity and evolution of Nigerian music, attention has increasingly turned to Wizkid’s role in projecting Afrobeat and Afropop onto the global stage.

    From his early breakthrough in the Nigerian music industry to his high-profile international collaborations and chart-topping successes, Wizkid’s ascent reflects the modern expression of African music—one that balances local influences with worldwide appeal.

    Examining his career offers insight into why he is both widely celebrated and occasionally critiqued amid ongoing debates over artistic authenticity and the future direction of the genre.

    Here are a few key things to know about Wizkid:

    1. His real name and background

    Wizkid was born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria. He grew up in a large polygamous family and was exposed to music and church performances at a very young age, which helped shape his early interest in music.

    2. Early start in music

    Wizkid began making music as a child and was once part of a gospel group known as the Glorious Five. He recorded his first songs before the age of 11, gaining early studio experience that laid the foundation for his professional career.

    3. Rise to fame with Superstar

    His debut album, Superstar (2011), marked his breakthrough in the Nigerian music industry. The project featured hit songs such as Holla at Your Boy, Tease Me/Bad Guys, and Don’t Dull, instantly establishing him as one of Nigeria’s leading young artistes.

    4. Multiple award-winning career

    Wizkid is one of the most decorated African artistes of all time. He has won several local and international awards, including BET Awards, MOBO Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and a Grammy Award for his contribution to Brown Skin Girl with Beyoncé.

    5. Grammy recognition

    In 2021, Wizkid won his first Grammy Award for Best Music Video through Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, where he was featured alongside Saint Jhn and Blue Ivy Carter. This achievement cemented his place among Africa’s globally recognised music stars.

    6. Global collaborations

    Wizkid has collaborated with some of the biggest names in global music, including Drake, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Skepta, Damian Marley, and Tems. His feature on Drake’s One Dance became a global smash, topping charts in multiple countries.

    7. Made in Lagos global success

    His fourth studio album, Made in Lagos (2020), is widely regarded as a cultural landmark. The album blended Afrobeats with global sounds and gained international acclaim, with Essence becoming the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

    8. Essence and historic Billboard impact

    Essence, featuring Tems, achieved massive global success, earning a Grammy nomination and peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart, further expanding the global reach of Nigerian music.

    9. Signature sound and style

    Wizkid is known for his smooth vocals, laid-back delivery, and fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, reggae, and pop. His style prioritises melody and emotion over aggressive lyricism, making his music widely appealing across cultures.

    10. Influence on Afrobeats globalisation

    Wizkid has played a major role in pushing Afrobeats onto the global stage. His international tours, collaborations, and chart success helped open doors for other African artistes in Europe, North America, and beyond.

    11. Sold-out global tours

    The Nigerian superstar has sold out major venues across the world, including London’s O2 Arena and Madison Square Garden in New York. These historic shows highlighted the global demand for African music and performers.

    12. Record label and business ventures

    Wizkid founded Starboy Entertainment, a record label that has signed and developed talents within the Nigerian music industry. Beyond music, he has secured major endorsement deals with brands such as Pepsi, Puma, and Tecno.

    13. Fashion and cultural influence

    Beyond music, Wizkid is a major fashion and lifestyle icon. His minimalist fashion sense and collaborations with global fashion brands have influenced youth culture both in Africa and internationally.

    14. Private personality

    Despite his global fame, Wizkid is known for emphasizing privacy. He rarely grants interviews and keeps much of his personal life away from the public, allowing his music and performances to speak for him.

    15. Legacy and cultural impact

    Wizkid is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Afrobeats. His journey from Lagos to global stardom has inspired a new generation of African artistes and positioned Nigerian music as a powerful force on the world stage.

  • 15 key things to know about Fela Anikulapo Kuti

    15 key things to know about Fela Anikulapo Kuti

    Amid the ongoing public exchange between Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and global music star Wizkid over the legacy and direction of Nigerian music, renewed attention has turned to the life and influence of the genre’s founder.

    Widely regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo Kuti created a groundbreaking fusion of music, politics and cultural identity that reshaped African soundscapes and inspired generations of artists. His work laid the foundation upon which contemporary Nigerian and global music continue to build.

    Understanding Fela’s journey provides important context for today’s debates on authenticity, artistic purpose and the evolution of Afrobeat from its revolutionary roots to its modern, globally recognised form.

    Here are 15 key things to know about the life and legacy of Fela Anikulapo Kuti:

    1. His full name and roots

    Fela was born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti on October 15, 1938, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. He came from an influential family; his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was a renowned women’s rights activist, while his father, Reverend Israel Ransome-Kuti, was an educationist.

    2. Classical music foundation

    Fela studied classical music and trumpet at Trinity College of Music in London. During his time abroad, he was exposed to jazz and political ideas that would later shape both his sound and his worldview.

    3. Birth of Afrobeat

    Fela is the pioneer and creator of Afrobeat, a genre that blends traditional African rhythms, jazz, funk, highlife, and socially conscious lyrics. Afrobeat became his weapon for cultural expression and political resistance.

    4. Transformation in the United States

    A defining turning point in Fela’s life came during his visit to the United States in 1969, where he met Sandra Izsadore, a civil rights activist. She introduced him to Black Power ideology, Pan-Africanism, and the works of Malcolm X, radically changing his political direction.

    5. Name change and philosophy

    Fela dropped the colonial surname “Ransome” and adopted Anikulapo, meaning “the one who carries death in his pouch.” The change reflected his rejection of colonial influence and his embrace of African identity and self-determination.

    6. Kalakuta Republic

    Fela founded the Kalakuta Republic, a self-declared independent commune that served as his home, studio, and political base. It became a symbol of resistance to military rule and a target of repeated government attacks.

    7. Africa Shrine and live performances

    Fela’s performances at the Afrika Shrine were legendary. His shows were part concert, part political rally, featuring extended songs, powerful lyrics, and direct criticism of corruption, oppression, and military dictatorship.

    8. Music as political protest

    Unlike many musicians of his time, Fela used music openly as a form of protest. Songs such as Zombie, Sorrow, Tears and Blood, Coffin for Head of State, and Authority Stealing directly challenged Nigeria’s ruling elite.

    9. Repeated arrests and persecution

    Fela was arrested over 200 times by Nigerian authorities on various charges, many widely seen as politically motivated. Despite harassment, beatings, and imprisonment, he remained defiant and outspoken.

    Read Also: Fela Anikulapo Kuti: Musical genius and activist

    10. The 1977 Kalakuta raid

    One of the darkest moments in Fela’s life occurred in 1977 when soldiers raided Kalakuta Republic, burning it to the ground. His mother was thrown from a window during the attack and later died from complications related to her injuries.

    11. Unconventional personal life

    Fela was known for his nonconformist lifestyle, including marrying 27 women in a single ceremony in 1978. His personal choices challenged social norms and reinforced his image as a radical figure.

    12. Political ambitions

    Fela attempted to enter Nigerian politics, forming the Movement of the People (MOP) party and declaring his intention to run for president. Though unsuccessful, the move underscored his belief that true change required political action.

    13. International recognition

    Fela’s influence extended far beyond Africa. His music gained a global following, influencing artists across jazz, hip-hop, funk, and alternative music. He is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential musicians.

    14. Death and legacy

    Fela died on August 2, 1997, from complications allegedly related to AIDS. His death marked the end of an era, but his message, music, and spirit of resistance continue to resonate worldwide.

    15. Enduring cultural impact

    Today, Fela remains a symbol of artistic freedom, political courage, and African pride. His sons, Femi and Seun Kuti, have continued his musical and activist legacy, ensuring that Afrobeat remains a powerful voice against injustice.

  • Ojudu berates comparisons between Wizkid, Fela Kuti

    Ojudu berates comparisons between Wizkid, Fela Kuti

    Former senator Babafemi Ojudu has criticised comparisons between younger musicians and Fela Kuti, saying the late Afrobeat icon’s life and work remain unmatched.

    Ojudu’s comments came amid the ongoing feud between Wizkid and Seun Kuti, Fela’s son.

    Ojudu, on Facebook, described Fela as a movement, a revolution, and a conscience who stood fearlessly against military dictatorships.

    He noted that Fela’s legacy includes over 200 arrests, imprisonment, torture, and exile for fighting injustice.

    According to him, Fela’s music birthed Afrobeat, a genre now studied globally, and his impact on music and activism is still felt.

    Ojudu added that the comparisons with younger artists are misguided, emphasising Fela’s unique contributions to music and society.

    “Is it true that a Nigerian youngster said he is greater than Fela? I sincerely hope he was misquoted. Even if he were to live ten lifetimes, his art and his life could not measure up to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Is it in art? Is it in music? Is it in activism, courage, or originality?

    “Fela was not just a musician; he was a movement, a conscience, a revolution in human form. His music gave birth to Afrobeat, a genre now studied in universities across the world, sampled by global superstars, and performed on the world’s greatest stages. From Lagos to London, New York to Berlin, Fela’s sound reshaped global music and African identity.

    “Fela stood alone—fearless in the face of military dictatorships, unapologetic in his resistance to oppression. He used his music as a weapon against injustice, corruption, colonial mentality, and state violence. For this, he was arrested over 200 times, brutalized, imprisoned, tortured, exiled, and silenced—yet never broken.

    Read Also: Ojudu warns against import dependence, over-reliance on oil revenue

    “His mother was murdered by the state. His house, the Kalakuta Republic, was burned to the ground. His property was seized. He was flogged, beaten, and jailed from Alagbon to Panti, hounded by police and soldiers alike. Yet, after every assault, Fela returned with sharper lyrics, deeper rhythms, and more defiant truth.

    “For any young person—musician or not—to compare himself to Fela, he must first walk the corridors of Nigerian jailhouses: Lagos, Maiduguri, Benin. He must endure police cells and military tribunals. He must lose everything, go into exile, and still return with his creative spirit intact.

    “Fela was a multi-instrumentalist, a composer, bandleader, philosopher, and cultural theorist. He could play virtually every instrument in his band, wrote complex compositions lasting 15 to 30 minutes, and fused jazz, highlife, funk, Yoruba rhythms, and political poetry into something entirely original—something timeless”, he wrote in part.

    The feud started when Wizkid claimed to be a greater artist than Fela, after a trigger from Seun Kuti, who attacked his fans.

  • Nathaniel Bassey warns married men, young women against extramarital affairs

    Nathaniel Bassey warns married men, young women against extramarital affairs

    Popular gospel artiste and pastor, Nathaniel Bassey, has cautioned married men involved in extramarital relationships with young women, as well as women who knowingly engage in such affairs, warning that there would be severe consequences.

    In a video that has gone viral, Bassey addressed a congregation, stressing that married men who lead young women astray would face divine judgment and public disgrace.

    He also warned that shame would be unavoidable, adding that such actions could be exposed publicly, including on social media.

    “You are a married man, and you go about deceiving young girls, leading them on. Some even go as far as sleeping with them. I place a demand on the grace of God upon my life. If you try it this year, you won’t survive.

    Read Also: Nathaniel Bassey condemns Kwara, Kebbi attacks

    “Your shame will not be forgotten; it will be on social media. You take a lady to a hotel, you lie, meanwhile you are married; you will not come out alive from that hotel,” Bassey said.

    The gospel singer also targeted young women who pursue relationships with married men, attributing their actions to greed and a desire for material possessions.

    He cautioned that such behaviour will lead to severe repercussions.

    “If you like, take what I am saying jokingly. You too are a lady, if you know in your heart that the man is married, but because of greed, attention, Brazilian wigs, hair, or a Louis Vuitton bag, if you try it, you won’t survive it,” he warned.

  • Nkechi Blessing cries out after phone number goes viral on Facebook

    Nkechi Blessing cries out after phone number goes viral on Facebook

    Actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has expressed frustration and exhaustion over an overwhelming surge of unsolicited messages and marriage proposals from men on Facebook.

    In a video on Instagram, Nkechi revealed that she wakes up daily to thousands of messages from men of various ages and locations, all introducing themselves, inquiring if she’s truly single, and expressing intentions to marry her.

    She described her WhatsApp inbox as chaotic, flooded with over 5,000 unread messages from these admirers.

    Read Also: Nkechi Blessing to abandon film production amid financial losses

    Nkechi explained that she has repeatedly tried to remove or change her phone number on Facebook without success, and blocking or archiving chats no longer makes a difference due to the sheer volume.

    She emphasised that while she is indeed single and a mother of one, she is not searching for a husband and has no interest in romantic pursuits right now. 

    “Please, I need help on how to remove my phone number from Facebook. I have over 5000 men in my dm saying they want to marry me, I don’t know which video trended online, please, I am single, but I am not searching, stop texting my number” she said.

  • Yhemolee blames Seun Kuti for Fela’s online disrespect

    Yhemolee blames Seun Kuti for Fela’s online disrespect

    Nightlife influencer Yhemolee has weighed in on the online feud between Wizkid and Seun Kuti, blaming Seun for provoking the backlash.

    The dispute ignited last week when Seun accused Wizkid FC of disrespecting Fela’s legacy by comparing the late legend to the Grammy-winning artist.

    In a Snapchat post, Yhemolee argued that Wizkid’s fans, mostly young people, know little or nothing about Fela Kuti and were simply reacting to comparisons made by Seun himself.

    Yhemolee pointed out that Wizkid is a generational icon, with fans who grew up listening to his music, and that many Nigerians only know Fela through history lessons or limited exposure.

    He criticised Seun for engaging with online trolls and bringing unnecessary embarrassment to the Kuti family.

    Read Also: Daddy Freeze: Wizkid not comparable to Fela

    He wrote: “Na seun kuti I blame!! This fraction of FC you are cursing out don’t even know fela! They have no single memory of him. Wiz is their GOAT! They can go memory lane with him from Holla at your boy till date!!

    “Even some of us na fela shrine make us. Even know some things about fela except you study history. No be say we sabi anything when e Dey!!  
    “Some people no know pass 1 fela song! Water no get enemy same people can sing 200 of wizkid’s song start to finish.

    “This current internet warriors no get single respect for anybody papa. Na you cause this embarrassment for the Kuti family. What are you putting on ring light for 5 days in a row addressing people you don’t even know.

    “Innocent wife self collect inside, Nigerians know Fela shouldn’t be disrespected as a matter of fact this is the first time I’m ever seeing anything disrespectful about Fela courtesy you!!! Go carry sax Egbon leave FC”.

    Yhemolee also highlighted the age gap, noting that Fela died 29 years ago, and the teenagers and Gen Z involved in the feud wouldn’t know much about him.

    He concluded that Seun’s actions have led to Fela’s name being disrespected online.

    “No be only you be Fela piken!! Only you won face FC? How? Wetin you chop?? Rage baited wiz till e burst out!! And everybody know sey the man mouth worst! I didn’t think a day would come I will read very silly and embarrassing stuff about FELA. Fela died 29yrs ago!! Who dem born that same year self would be 30yrs next year. But you are fighting teenagers and Gen Z’s that know absolutely nothing about him.. Make it make sense.”

  • Daddy Freeze: Wizkid not comparable to Fela

    Daddy Freeze: Wizkid not comparable to Fela

    Media personality Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, has spoken on the heated online debates comparing global Afrobeats sensation Wizkid to Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

    In a recent video broadcast, Daddy Freeze firmly stated that such comparisons are invalid, emphasising that Fela’s legacy extends far beyond music into profound activism and sacrifice.

    He described Fela not merely as a musician but as a dedicated freedom fighter, philanthropist, and staunch critic of oppressive governance.

    Daddy Freeze argued that Wizkid would need to demonstrate similar real-world courage before any legitimate parallel could be drawn.

    He said, “Until Wizkid is ready to stand up and stone the government, he shouldn’t compare himself to Fela”.

    Read Also: Yhemolee blames Seun Kuti for Fela’s online disrespect

    He highlighted Fela’s harrowing experiences, including brutal imprisonments, physical assaults, and his 1995 release from prison due to illness to prevent public outrage if he died in custody.

    “Did you know that Fela was released from prison just to prevent him from dying there?. They released him to go and die at his home because they knew his death would spark an uproar if he died in the prison. That was 1995, I was a fresher in the university then,” he added.

    The broadcaster stressed that Fela was no mere troublemaker; his activism and music were inseparable, forming a powerful tool for social and political change.

    “Fela was not a troublemaker; he was a freedom fighter. We are talking about music, but I cannot talk about Fela, if I don’t talk about everything he stood for. His activism and music went hand-in-glove. You can’t separate the two,”  he added. 

  • Hilda Baci breaks another record, becomes three-time Guinness record holder

    Hilda Baci breaks another record, becomes three-time Guinness record holder

    Celebrity chef Hilda Baci has announced that she is now a three-time Guinness World Records holder, with her latest recognition stemming from a record-breaking jollof rice cook in September 2025.

    According to Hilda on Instagram, she received the news, confirming that her jollof rice feat had broken not one, but two records: largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice and largest serving of rice overall.

    This adds to her existing record for the longest cooking marathon, set in 2023 with a total of 93 hours and 11 minutes of continuous cooking.

    The massive 8,780-kilogram pot of jollof rice was enough to feed over 16,600 people and was verified by Guinness World Records on September 15, 2025.

    Hilda expressed gratitude, thanking her team, Guinness World Records, and everyone who supported her.

    She wrote: “Woke up a three-time Guinness World Records holder and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. What a way to step into 2026.

    “This morning, I was just doing my usual routine, casually scrolling through my emails, when I saw the message come in. I was shocked and happy at the same time, completely caught off guard. Five months after the initial record announcement, I was just finding out that there was more.

    Read Also: Hilda Baci receives second Guinness plaque for World’s largest jollof rice pot

    “When I and @ginonaija broke the Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, I thought that was it. What I didn’t know, until now, is that on that same day, we had also broken the record for the largest serving of rice overall. So what I thought was one record… turned out to be two. And now, officially, that makes three Guinness World Records in total.

    “The very first person I called was @oreoluwa_atinmo , because this journey, this vision, and this record would not have been possible without her. We did this together. From idea to execution, side by side, fully aligned. Sharing that moment with her made everything feel real.

    “Honestly, God is faithful. The kind of faithful that still surprises you. This feels like such a beautiful reminder that even when you think you’ve seen the full picture, God can still say, “There’s more.” What a blessing, and what a way to enter this new year.

    “To my incredible team, this is OUR win. Every long day, every detail, every push, it all mattered. To Guinness World Records, @guinnessworldrecords thank you for the recognition and for honoring this achievement. And to everyone who supported, believed, and stood with us, my heart is so full. Still processing. Still grateful. Still in awe”.

  • I’m bigger than Fela, Wizkid replies Seun Kuti

    I’m bigger than Fela, Wizkid replies Seun Kuti

    Grammy winner Wizkid has finally broken silence after days of criticism from Seun Kuti, who accused Wizkid’s fans of disrespecting his father, legendary Fela Kuti.

    The dispute ignited last week after Seun, publicly accused his colleague’s fanbase, known as Wizkid FC, of disrespecting his late father’s legacy by drawing comparisons between Fela and the Grammy winner.

    In a response shared on IG Stories, Wizkid posted a video of a woman defending him, saying he’s done more to promote Fela Kuti’s work to a new generation.

    READ ALSO; Jubilations as Alaafin moves to ancient palace

    Wizkid added: “Fela fight for freedom this Dey fight fc!! I big pass your papa, wetin you wan do? @bigbirdkuti I’m Big Wiz everyday bigger than your papa!! Wetin u one do”

    Seun Kuti had warned against comparing modern artists to his father, saying it was disrespectful and an attempt to “steal the man’s image”.