The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • “He was robbed”: Fans react to Davido’s Grammy loss

    “He was robbed”: Fans react to Davido’s Grammy loss

    Fans of Nigerian Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, have taken to social media to express disappointment following his loss at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Davido, who was nominated in the Best African Music Performance category, alongside other Nigerian artiste, lost to South African fast-rising singer, Tyla.

    The 24-year-old artiste secured the honour with her viral record, “Push 2 Start,” ahead of Burna Boy’s “Love,” Davido and Omah Lay’s collaboration “With You,” Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s “Gimme Dat,” as well as Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin’s “Hope & Love.”

    However, the development has sparked widespread reactions among fans and music lovers, particularly in Nigeria, with many expressing outrage on social media, alleging that the “Unavailable” crooner was robbed.

    The defeat marks the second year Davido has been edged out  by Tyla at the Grammys, despite his high-profile campaign and relentless efforts to secure the award.

    The fans expressed disappointment over what they perceive as a snub.

    @Osi_Suave  said, “Push 2 start was a non-starter, the song didn’t even make any impact or go anywhere. At this point, Nigerian artistes should stop submitting their songs for consideration.”

    Twitter user @_AsiwajuLerry slammed the Recording Academy, saying: “Grammy has robbed Davido for Tyla again.

    “That award show has officially lost its credibility in front of Nigerians. Never again…”

    @_iam_zayn  posted, “How long will Grammy keep sidelining Nigerians like this? I may not be an awards expert, but come on… isn’t it very glaring what’s going on?”

    @Tufab “When I don know say this Grammy no get joy or pity for anyone na when Essence no win anything. Which song big pass Essence for the world that year. dem Kala like mad.”

    @Twain_cy lashed ; “Grammy is overrated”

    However, a number of fans noted that Grammy recognition does not define Davido’s success, status and legacy in the music industry.

    They lauded his consistency and impact, not only in Africa, but on global stage.

    @Ariwodo_ “Grammy doesn’t define your greatness. You remain the best in the game.”

    @YKoluwaseun9 said, “At least he got nominated, All thanks to Omah lay that made the song banged. watin concern grammy with sweet fanta dialo.”

    Read Also: Grammy 2026: How I almost omitted ‘With You’ on 5IVE album – Davido

    @_egungunn  posted, “Grammy or No Grammy, we know Davido is the greatest of all time.”

    @SAMKLEF  wrote, “Hold your head high. A Grammy doesn’t define your impact, your work ethic, or the millions of lives your music has touched.”

    “You’ve already won where it matters most — consistency, longevity, and love from the people.

    “This is not a loss, it’s just a pause. Greater moments still ahead. Respect always. Not everyone wins today, some win tomorrow.”

    @Roniqbii   said, “Please Leave Davido alone and stop discouraging his efforts, he no kill person, Life is about wins and losses, and Davido is not a loser.

    “The Grammy doesn’t define his greatness. #30BG #OBO

    #GRAMMYS 2 #Grammys2026.”

    Also, Cubana Chiefpriest offered words of encouragement to Davido in a post, tweeting:,“Oyibo dey do everything possible to break a strong man so he can do their demonic sht with them but he will never do it.

    “Heads up brother, open the bag & drop another hot one for us. E no dey finish, gbedu na Water…”*”

    The 68th annual Grammy Awards was held on Sunday, Feb. 1, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with South African comedian Trevor Noah hosting the ceremony for the sixth consecutive time.

    (NAN)

  • Femi Kuti: Fela’s legacy unmatched, remains the greatest

    Femi Kuti: Fela’s legacy unmatched, remains the greatest

    Femi Kuti, son of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has emphasised his father’s unparalleled impact on music and cultural activism.

    In a recent interview on Arise News, Femi Kuti stated that Fela’s influence cannot be measured by modern metrics, saying, “For me, Fela is the greatest.”

    Femi Kuti also expressed confidence that Nigerian artists like Burna Boy and Davido wouldn’t claim to be greater than Fela, highlighting his father’s lasting legacy.

    “…These artists: Burna Boy, Davido, I don’t think they will say anything against Fela,” he said.

    He also addressed Wizkid’s past comments, choosing not to judge the artist’s intentions.

    “Wizkid is like a son to me and should’ve cautioned his fanbase.  I don’t go out of my lane to interfere with anybody’s life. I don’t tell people what to do because I don’t know their reaction.

    “When Wizkid decided to respond and said he’s greater than Fela, my question is: does he truly feel that way, or was it said out of the situation? I can’t prejudge him,” he added.

    He added that if such conversations were brought to him privately, he would address them with understanding rather than confrontation.

    Read Also: Fela should be idolised not compared – Femi Kuti

    “If he comes to me, I’ll talk to him like a father. If my brother, Seun, comes to me, I’ll talk to him like a brother. The family doesn’t need all this”, he said.

    Femi Kuti’s comments come amid ongoing debates about Fela’s relevance and comparisons with contemporary artists, following.

    He emphasised Fela’s work as a blueprint for cultural activism, shaping African music’s definition of success.

    The 68th Grammy Awards also honoured legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti with a Lifetime Achievement Award, shining a light on the continent’s cultural impact.

  • James Brown announces spiritual revival amid fame concerns

    James Brown announces spiritual revival amid fame concerns

    Media personality James Brown has announced a renewed focus on spirituality, citing concerns about the implications of fame.

    In a post on Instagram, Brown revealed that a series of dreams had prompted him to return to church, seeking spiritual covering.

    Brown was seen receiving prayers in a white garment church, further fueling speculation about his spiritual journey.

    Read Also: James Brown solicits financial help, ditches female identity

    ”Since I resumed this year, my spirit has been speaking loudly through my dreams. And it reminded me of something very real: being known, being visible, being famous is not just physical, it is spiritual. The whole world sees you. Lovers see you. Enemies see you.

    “Your image travels places you don’t even know. You don’t know where your pictures have been taken or used. So I said to myself: this is the time. This is the right time to return fully to church, to cover myself spiritually,” he wrote.

    The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising his decision as a step towards personal growth and others questioning his approach.

  • Toyin Alausa condemns circulation of images of deceased on social media

    Toyin Alausa condemns circulation of images of deceased on social media

    Actress Toyin Alausa has criticised the growing practice of exposing deceased individuals on social media, describing it as disturbing and unnecessary.

    In a post shared on Instagram, Alausa questioned the motive behind the circulation of images and videos of the dead, stressing that such actions undermine respect, dignity, and emotional closure for grieving families.

    She urged social media users to show empathy by covering the faces of the deceased, particularly in cases of accidents or sudden deaths, noting that public exposure compounds the pain of loved ones.

    While acknowledging that there may be rare instances where footage is shared for clarification or public interest, the actress condemned the routine use of such content as material for online engagement.

    According to her, sharing images of the dead is disrespectful and can be deeply traumatic for viewers. She called on users to exercise restraint and compassion, urging greater sensitivity in the handling of such situations.

    She wrote, “The way people just expose the Dead on social media these days is so annoying and mind-blogging! Haba, what’s the point actually? Immediately, it’s confirmed someone has passed, the right thing to do is to cover them, at least the Face!! It’s showing respect, offering dignity, and, in a way, providing emotional closure for their relatives. What’s the motive of showing a deceased person in full glare?

    “This inhumane attitude has become the norm lately; sadly, it may be necessary and important to get footage for clarification or in cases where the immediate relations aren’t near, but not to be splashed as content on social media. It’s so disrespectful to the deceased!

    “Be it road accidents, in the hospital, or at home, the first thing people do is record and post Haba. Seeing a blank face devoid of life and emotions can be extremely traumatic, and I personally don’t think it’s appropriate, health-wise! We can do better and be more empathic. Laaro Monday.”

  • Aura V makes history as youngest Grammy winner at 8

    Aura V makes history as youngest Grammy winner at 8

    Eight-year-old American singer Aura V has become the youngest individual to be credited a Grammy win in history at age eight.

    She won Best Children’s Music Album for “Harmony” alongside her father Fyütch at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, breaking the record previously held by Blue Ivy, who won her first Grammy at 9 in 2021.

    Read Also: Grammy: Kendrick Lamar breaks Jay-Z’s record as most-awarded rapper

    Blue Ivy, daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, won Best Music Video for her contribution to “Brown Skin Girl”, featuring Beyoncé, Wizkid, and Saint Jhn.

    Aura V’s win makes her the youngest winner ever in Grammy’s history.

  • How online trolls mocked my dentition – Actress Blessing Obasi

    How online trolls mocked my dentition – Actress Blessing Obasi

    Actress Blessing Obasi Nze has revealed how she was trolled online over her teeth during her first wedding anniversary photo shoot.

    Speaking during an interview with media personality Ifedayo Agoro, Blessing said the criticism led her to improve her smile for which she’s now confident.

    She said: “They showed me during my first anniversary. They said I should stop laughing, that my dentition is bad. Shebi, now my teeth are fine. It’s trolling that gave me this fine dentition now.”

    Read Also: Home Alone actress Catherine O’Hara dies at 71

    The mother of one also spoke about her marriage to fellow actor Stan Nze, saying that their relationship is built on support and teamwork.

    She addressed working with her husband, stating he gets paid like every other professional on set, contrary to assumptions.

    “We’ve always known that it’s me and you against the world,” she said, adding she’s proud to spend her money on her husband when needed.

  • Grammy: Kendrick Lamar breaks Jay-Z’s record as most-awarded rapper

    Grammy: Kendrick Lamar breaks Jay-Z’s record as most-awarded rapper

    American rapper and songwriter Kendrick Lamar has dominated the rap categories at Sunday’s 68th Annual Grammy Awards, winning all four awards.

    His album “GNX” took home Best Rap Album, while “TV Off” with Lefty Gunplay won Best Rap Song.

    Lamar also received awards for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Luther” featuring SZA, and Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips” with Clipse.

    Read Also: Grammy 2026: How I almost omitted ‘With You’ on 5IVE album – Davido

    The “Luther” collaboration also earned Record of the Year, bringing Lamar’s total Grammy wins to 27, surpassing Jay-Z as the most-awarded rapper.

    Other notable winners included Olivia Dean, who took home Best New Artist, and Bad Bunny, who made history with the first Spanish-language Album of the Year win for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos”.

    Beyoncé remains the most awarded artist in Grammy history with 35 wins.

  • Grammy 2026: How I almost omitted ‘With You’ on 5IVE album – Davido

    Grammy 2026: How I almost omitted ‘With You’ on 5IVE album – Davido

    Five-time Grammy nominee Davido has revealed that his hit song ‘With You’, featuring Omah Lay, almost didn’t make the final tracklist of his 5IVE album.

    The Afrobeats star made the disclosure in an interview with OkayAfrica, shared by HYPETRIBE on Monday.

    He said the song, which earned him a Grammy nomination, was not a favourite during internal listening sessions.

    “Man, it’s so crazy because that song almost didn’t make the album. With You was not in anybody’s top five, ” Davido said.

    The song’s success made its near omission emotional for Davido, who often wonders what would have happened if he hadn’t included it.

    “And now look at it go. Every time I was performing it, my heart would just start beating like, what if I didn’t put this song?” he added.

    Davido also recalled the moment he learned of his latest Grammy nomination, saying the news came unexpectedly while he was in Dubai, close to his birthday.

    “I was in the car, actually, checking a car, and then my phone rang. They were like, ‘Oh yeah, another nomination.’ I was like, wow. Thank God,” he said.

    Read Also: Grammy 2026: I thought Davido didn’t like me – Omah Lay

    ‘With You’ has become one of Davido’s most successful recent releases, topping charts and garnering over 100 million streams on Spotify.

    Despite the song’s success, Nigeria didn’t win any Grammys, with South Africa’s Tyla taking home Best African Music Performance.

    Speaking on his focus, Davido said his eyes his set on touring and new music, with a performance at Coachella 2026 confirmed.

    Davido, who is the only Nigerian artist on the festival’s lineup is set to perform on both Saturdays, April 11 and April 18, 2026, in Indio, California.

    “Going back on tour, definitely more music. I’m about to do Coachella. Big plans,” he said.

  • Grammy 2026: I thought Davido didn’t like me – Omah Lay

    Grammy 2026: I thought Davido didn’t like me – Omah Lay

    Afrobeats singer Omah Lay said he initially assumed Davido didn’t like him. 

    But the assumption was later proven wrong, paving the way for their Grammy-nominated collaboration “With You”.

    According to him, he saw a clip of Davido reacting positively to his music, which changed his perception.

    The singer made the revelation in a GRAMMY red carpet interview with OkayAfrica, shared by HYPETRIBE on Monday, stating that the assumption was quickly dispelled, and they connected, leading to their collaboration.

    “I was in the house, really, and I was going through it when I saw it, and I lost my mind.

    “It was the fact that I didn’t know Davido was like that. I thought we had a beef. I thought he didn’t like me.

    Read Also: Grammy 2026: How I almost omitted ‘With You’ on 5IVE album – Davido

    “It was funny, and we connected so well after that. Boom—magic happened,” he said.

    Omah Lay described their work together as effortless and organic.

    Omah Lay was optimistic about his chances at the Grammys, but also acknowledged the strong Nigerian presence in the Best African Music Performance category. “Me and Davido, of course,” he said when asked who he expects to win. “But Burna is there, Ayra is there, Wizkid is there. Any of us—I mean, we are repping Nigeria.”

    Despite being nominated alongside other Nigerian stars, the Best African Music Performance award went to South Africa’s Tyla for “Push 2 Start”.

  • Why I don’t do 50/50 with my husband – Blessing Obasi

    Why I don’t do 50/50 with my husband – Blessing Obasi

    Actress Blessing Obasi Nze has opened up about the financial dynamics in her marriage to actor Stan Nze.

    Speaking in an interview with Ife, Blessing said their approach to finances is based on mutual responsibility and trust, rather than a specific sharing formula.

    The movie producer explained that she and her husband take full responsibility for expenses, with each partner contributing their best without measuring who contributes more.

    According to her, they pay for things as needed and exchange receipts to keep a record of expenses, allowing them to function as a team.

    Nze advised against fixing money ratios in marriage, saying it can make the relationship feel too formal and transactional.

    “It’s 100/100. There is no 50/50 with me and my partner. We just do things equally and sometimes he does it and just sends the receipt to me, and I do likewise. I bring mine, he brings his. Our goal is to make it work. I can’t be doing 50/50 or 70/30 because it’s like office work already,” she said

    She emphasised that their focus is on partnership and support, with each person stepping in whenever necessary.

    Blessing Nze, who got married to Stan Nze in September 2021 and welcomed their first child in October 2023, believes this approach helps them make their marriage work.