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Tag: Wizkid

  • Rising star Harcher makes waves with debut single “Peace,’ set for new release

    Rising star Harcher makes waves with debut single “Peace,’ set for new release

    Fast-rising music sensation Harcher is making his mark in the Nigerian music industry with his debut single, Peace, released under Bullion Records.

    With a unique sound and undeniable energy, the young artist is already gearing up for his next big moves, two new singles titled Love and Jo Si.

    Speaking in an interview, Harcher shared insights into his musical journey, inspirations, and future aspirations.

    He revealed that his passion for music started in junior secondary school, where he used songwriting as a form of self-expression. Now, under the guidance of Bullion Records, he is determined to take his career to new heights.

    “Peace is my introduction to the world. I want people to know that I am here to make them dance, spread joy, and share positive energy,” Harcher said.

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    His upcoming tracks, Love and Jo Si, promise to showcase a fresh side of his artistry. “Expect energy, fire, magic, and romance,” he teased.

    Drawing inspiration from Afrobeats legends like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Olamide, Harcher blends Afrobeats with R&B influences.

    He also credits reading and diverse musical exploration as key elements in his songwriting process.

    With major projects on the way, including a performance at the OVO Arena in the UK this July, Harcher is ready to take his music global. “The team is working hard—there’s more to come,” he assured his growing fanbase.

    As he sets his sights on headlining major concerts and winning top awards, Harcher remains focused on his artistic growth. “Bullion Records supports me like family, ensuring I have everything I need to succeed,” he said.

    With an unstoppable drive and a fresh sound, Harcher is one to watch in the Afrobeats scene. Fans can expect more exciting releases and performances as he continues his rise in the music industry.

  • Do not compare me with Wizkid, May D warns fans

    Do not compare me with Wizkid, May D warns fans

    Singer May D has cautioned fans against comparing him to his colleagues, particularly Wizkid, asserting that he is a unique talent who stands apart in the industry.

    On his X, May D wrote, “Don’t ever compare me to anyone in this industry again!! Especially Wiz!! I’m a different breed! God’s baby.”

    “This isn’t the first time he has addressed comparisons to Wizkid. In the past, he claimed that if he had remained with Square Records, Wizkid wouldn’t be on his level today.

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    May D gained prominence after joining Square Records in 2011 but parted ways with the label in 2012.

  • Wizkid, Reekado Banks spotted together after public fallout

    Wizkid, Reekado Banks spotted together after public fallout

    Nigerian music stars Wizkid and Reekado Banks have seemingly reconciled, years after their heated fallout in 2020.

    The duo, who had not been seen together since Wizkid publicly called Reekado a ‘clout animal’ during the #EndSARS protest, were spotted dining together in Lagos.

    Their reunion took place on Tuesday, February 25 when Wizkid paid a visit to Reekado’s newly opened lounge.

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    A now-viral video shows the two sharing a meal alongside rapper Shallipopi, signalling that they have buried the hatchet.

    Fans will recall that in 2020, Wizkid harshly criticized Reekado Banks for attempting to release their collaboration, ‘Omo Ologo,’ amid the nationwide protests against police brutality. Furious, Wizkid had commented, “Delete this dude… Old song! #EndSARS fool!”

    Their recent link-up, however, suggests that the bad blood is now water under the bridge.

  • Otedola hosts Wizkid, Burna Boy at Lagos home 

    Otedola hosts Wizkid, Burna Boy at Lagos home 

    Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, recently hosted two of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, Wizkid and Burna Boy, at his Lagos residence. 

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    Sharing the moment on social media, Otedola expressed his privilege in welcoming the Afrobeats icons, describing it as an inspiring opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate the global success of the genre.

    In a post on his social media page, Otedola wrote: “A true privilege to host some of our biggest music icons @wizkidayo @burnaboy at my Lagos home. Always inspiring to share ideas and celebrate the global movement that is Afrobeats …F.Ote”.

  • Wizkid, Davido win at 2025 NAACP Awards

    Wizkid, Davido win at 2025 NAACP Awards

    Nigerian music sensations Wizkid and Davido have clinched awards at the recent NAACP Awards ceremony. 

    Wizkid won the award for Best Contemporary Duo or Group for his hit single “Piece of My Heart” featuring Brent Faiyaz.

    Davido also emerged victorious, winning the award for Best International Song for his collaboration with Chris Brown on “Hmmm”. 

    This marks the second time the duo has won an NAACP award, having previously won for their hit single “Sensational” in 2024.

    Full list of winners below:

    TV/MOTION PICTURE

    Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Motion Picture)

    “Wicked” – Paul Tazewell (Universal Pictures)

    Outstanding Hair Styling (Television or Motion Picture)

    “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” – Lawrence Davis (Peacock)

    Outstanding Make-up (Television or Motion Picture)

    “Shirley” – Debi Young (Netflix)

    Outstanding Stunt Ensemble

    “Rebel Ridge” – Keith Woulard, Nico Woulard (Netflix)

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    Outstanding International Motion Picture

    “Emilia Pérez” – (Netflix)

    Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture)

    Blue Ivy Carter – “Mufasa: The Lion King” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture)

    Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)

    Dawn Porter – “Luther: Never Too Much” (Sony Music Entertainment/Sony Music Publishing/CNN Films)

    Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture

    Jomo Fray – “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)

    Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)

    Malcolm Washington – “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)

    Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture

    Ebony Obsidian – “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)

    Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

    “The Six Triple Eight” – (Netflix)

    MUSIC

    Outstanding New Artist

    Doechii – (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

    Outstanding Male Artist

    Chris Brown – (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)

    Outstanding Female Artist

    Beyoncé – (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)

    Outstanding International Song

    “Hmmm” – Chris Brown feat. Davido (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)

    Outstanding Jazz Album

    “Portrait” – Samara Joy (Verve Records)

    Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song

    “Working For Me” – Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)

    Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album

    “Live Breathe Fight” – Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)

    Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)

    Adam Blackstone & Fantasia – “Summertime” (BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/EMPIRE)

    Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)

    Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz – “Piece of My Heart” (RCA Records/Sony Music International/Starboy Entertainment)

    Outstanding Original Score for Television/Film

    “Star Wars: The Acolyte (Original Soundtrack)” – (Walt Disney Records)

    Outstanding Song – Hip-Hop/Rap Song

    “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)

    Outstanding Album

    “Cowboy Carter” – Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)

    PODCASTS

    Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form

    “Stranded” – (Broadway Video and Audible)

    Outstanding Podcast – News and Information

    “Native Land Pod” – (iHeartPodcasts, Reasoned Choice Media)

    Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle/Self-Help

    “We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling” – (ABF Creative & Indian Meadows Production)

    TELEVISION

    Outstanding Children’s Program

    “Gracie’s Corner” – YouTube TV

    Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited Series)

    Leah Sava Jeffries – “Percy Jackson and the Olympics” (Disney+)

    Outstanding Animated Series

    “Gracie’s Corner” – YouTube TV

    Outstanding Character Voice – Over Performance (Television)

    Cree Summer – “Rugrats” (Nickelodeon)

    Outstanding Variety (Series or Special)

    “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was” (Netflix)

    Outstanding Guest Performance

    Marlon Wayans – “Bel-Air” (Peacock)

    Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series

    Crystal Jenkins – “No Good Deed – Letters of Intent” Netflix)

    Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

    Ben Watkins – Cross “Hero Complex” (Prime Video)

    Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special

    Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, Thembi L. Banks – “Young. Wild. Free.” (BET+)

    Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)

    Ayo Edebiri – “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)

    Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special, Movie)

    Taraji P. Henson – “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)

    Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, Movie)

    Samuel L. Jackson – “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)

    Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special

    Tina Mabry – “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu)

    Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series

    Tiffany Johnson – “How to Die Alone – ‘Trust No One’” (Hulu)

    Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series

    Rapman – “Supacell – ‘Supacell’” (Netflix)

    Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)

    “The Reidout” – MSNBC

    Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble

    Keke Palmer – “Password” (NBC)

    Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition Services/Game Show

    “Celebrity Family Feud” (ABC)

    BOOKS

    Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction

    “One of Us Knows: A Thriller” – Alyssa Cole (William Morrow – HarperCollins Publishers)

    Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction

    “Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest” – Fawn Weaver (Melcher Media Inc.)

    Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author

    Sarai Johnson – “Grown Women” (Harper – HarperCollins Publishers)

    Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography

    “Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America” – Joy-Ann Reid (Mariner Books – HarperCollins Publishers)

    Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional

    “Wash Day: Passing on the Legacy, Rituals, and Love of Natural Hair” – Tomesha Faxio (Clarkson Potter – Crown Publishing Group)

    Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry

    “This Is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets” – Kwame Alexander (Little, Brown and Company – Hachette Book Group)

    Outstanding Literary Work – Children

    “You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!): A Lil TJ Book” – Taraji P. Henson, Paul Kellam (Zonderkidz – HarperCollins Publishers)

    Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens

    “Brushed Between Cultures: A YA Coming of Age Novel Set in Brooklyn, New York” – Samarra St. Hilaire (Self-Published)

    Outstanding Literary Work – Graphic Novel

    “Punk Rock Karaoke” – Bianca Xunise

    SHORT FORM

    Outstanding ShortForm Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction/Documentary

    “The Prince of Death Row Records” (YouTube TV)

    Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)

    “How to Sue the Klan”

    Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)

    “Superman Doesn’t Steal”

    Outstanding Short Form (Animated)

    “Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz “Jackie Robinson” (Exhibit Treal Studios

  • Odumodublvck: Davido, Wizkid played key roles in my rise to fame

    Odumodublvck: Davido, Wizkid played key roles in my rise to fame

    Rapper Odumodublvck has revealed in an interview on the Afrobeats Podcast,  the significant roles Davido and Wizkid played in his rise to stardom.

    According to Odumodublvck, Wizkid was the first major Nigerian artist to share his music, posting his song “Picanto” and later “Declan Rice”, which became an instant hit.

    Wizkid’s endorsement drove mass attention to Odumodublvck’s music, propelling him from relative obscurity to fame.

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    “In Nigeria, Wizkid was the first major artist to post my music. He posted picanto…Then after I dropped ‘Declan Rice’, he posted the song and there’s also a video of him vibing to the song”, he said.

    Odumodublvck also expressed his gratitude to Davido, who chose to help him when he didn’t have to.

    The rapper praised Davido’s kindness and generosity, stating that he will always appreciate his support.

    “David (Davido) is someone who helped me when he didn’t need to. So there’s no way I will say anything bad about him even if I have the chance to”, he said.

  • 67TH GRAMMY: Tems beats Wizkid, Davido, others, wins Best African Music Performance award

    67TH GRAMMY: Tems beats Wizkid, Davido, others, wins Best African Music Performance award

    Afrobeats singer Tems wins the award for Best African Music Performance at the 67th Grammy Awards, beating out a talented lineup of fellow Nigerian artists.

    Tems’ win marked a historic moment for Nigerian music, with the country’s artists dominating the nominations in the category.

    The singer’s victory was met with widespread celebration from fans and industry insiders alike.

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    The Best African Music Performance category, introduced last year, was won by South African star Tyla for her hit single “Water”.

    This year’s nominees included Yemi Alade’s “Tomorrow”, Asake and Wizkid’s “MMS”, Chris Brown’s “Sensational” featuring Davido and Lojay, and Burna Boy’s “Higher”.

  • 2025 Grammy: Who brings home the biggest music awards tonight

    2025 Grammy: Who brings home the biggest music awards tonight

    Finally, the d-day is here. The 67th Grammy Awards will be holding tonight at Crypto.com Arena Los Angeles, California. The event will feature talented Afrobeats artistes who are nominated in various categories. Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Asake, Wizkid, Tems, Davido, and Lojay are competing for the crown at music’s biggest night.

    Check out Nigerian entertainers and their body of works nominated by the Recording Academy.

    Yemi Alade — ‘Tomorrow’

    One of African pop music’ biggest stars, Yemi Alade would be a legend even without a Grammy nod. She first rose to fame a decade ago thanks to continental hits like “Johnny” and “Oh My Gosh” with Rick Ross. In July, she took her sound to new heights on Rebel Queen, an album incorporating genres such as highlife and dancehall for a global celebration of Black music that solidifies her reputation as “Mama Africa.”

    “Tomorrow,” the GRAMMY-nominated song from the album, is a triumphant, bright amapiano tune, the latest result of Alade’s flirtation with the genre. Produced by Yasso and incorporating choral vocals, the lyrics in English and Nigerian Pidgin assert the singer’s unflappable confidence and self-belief. “I dance away my sorrow,” she sings, “Rain or shine, I’ll be shining like a diamond.”

    “Tomorrow” marks the legendary artist’s first-ever GRAMMY nomination, but whether or not she grabs the golden gramophone, it’s clear from her song that nothing will phase this Rebel Queen.

    Burna Boy — Higher

    Burna Boy is such an undisputed force in African music, it’s not surprising for him to be nominated in this Category two years in a row. Already a GRAMMY winner for Best Global Music Album (Twice As Tall took the prize in 2021), his bold, American R&B-inspired “City Boys” earned a Best African Music Performance nod last year and was among a medley of tracks Burna performed on the Grammy stage. The braggadocious hip-hop song ultimately fell to Tyla’s “Water,” however.

    The success of his 2023 album I Told Them may have put Burna Boy in a more contemplative state of mind, because “Higher,” his current nominated track, is a much more conscious effort. Over a mellow, amapiano-inspired beat from producer Yo Dibs, Burna reflects on his limited time on Earth and the harshness of daily life: “You know say streets don’t love you rara / It’s full of snakes and spiders / Make a wrong move, lose your life / Make it hard for your mother to sleep at night.”

    The song’s video, conceptually similar to Drake’s visual for “God’s Plan,” shows the singer making an emotional visit to his hometown of Port Harcourt and distributing aid with his charity group Project PROTECT. It seems that magnanimity has already been rewarded: The song gained 1.3 million streams on Spotify in its first day of release, a new record for an African artist, and its video has been viewed over 7.3 million times as of this writing.

     Chris Brown — ‘Sensational’ feat. Davido & Lojay

    It can’t be denied that Chris Brown is something of a survivor in the music industry. The GRAMMY winner for Best R&B Album (F.A.M.E.) is as famous for his hits — from “Run It!” and “Kiss Kiss,” to “Look at Me Now” and “No Guidance” — as he is infamous for his checkered past.

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    Now he’s back in the GRAMMY spotlight with a single from his 2023 album 11:11. “Sensational” marks a bold stylistic pivot for the R&B singer as he adopts Afrobeats for a slick song that could be called, well, “breezy.” Adding some African bona-fides, he’s recruited Davido — one of the genre’s most important acts and a GRAMMY nominee last year in this Category — as well as rising artist Lojay, for feature verses. The result is a transatlantic collab that makes the case that Americans can take on African genres too, with a little help from their continental friends.

    Asake and Wizkid — ‘MMS’

    In just a few short years, Asake has established himself as one of the most creative and charismatic new talents in Afrobeats. His 2023 record Work of Art blended the globally-aspirational Nigerian pop sound with South African house offshoot amapiano and the indigenous Yoruba genre fújì; Asake earned a Grammy nod in this category for album single “Amapiano” last year.

    Asake isn’t one to rest on his laurels, however. He dropped another record, Lungu Boy, earlier in 2024, for which he switched up his sound further and recruited global stars like Stormzy, Central Cee, and Travis Scott. Single “MMS” keeps things refreshingly local in terms of guest spots, recruiting GRAMMY-winner Wizkid for the feature. Incorporating the same Yoruba-language choral vocals Asake used throughout his last album, he trades verses with Wiz over a glamorous, jazz-inflected, ‘90s R&B-inspired beat by P.Priime. The lyrics, in English, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin, narrate Asake’s journey to finding his signature sound and letting fate determine his path. It’s a classy, reflective song from a pair of Africa’s biggest stars.

    Tems — ‘Love Me JeJe’

    Tems is already a GRAMMY winner and the first African artist to top the Billboard Hot 100, all thanks Future sampling her song “Higher” on his hit “Wait For U.” Yet 2024 was the year in which the Nigerian artist stepped into her own spotlight, finally releasing her debut album Born in the Wild. Its single “Love Me JeJe” hit No. 1 on the UK Afrobeats charts and No. 3 on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs.

    Interpolating an identically-titled 1997 hit from Seyi Sodimu that’s regarded as an African pop classic, “Love Me JeJe” is an Afrobeats tune as tender as the Pidgin phrase that makes up its title. Tems’ smooth, heartfelt vocals float over the track as she sings of her desire for unconditional, supportive love: “I need your lovin’, so fresh, so clean / Love me in and out, unfailingly / And I’ll be down now, anytime you call me.”

    Debuting the song during her set at Coachella 2024, it could be argued that “Love Me JeJe” was meant to provide American audiences with a bridge to African music, from its past icons to its present talents. With her GRAMMY nod for the song, it seems that Tems has done just that.

  • Wizkid releases dates for ‘Morayo’ 2025 European tour

    Wizkid releases dates for ‘Morayo’ 2025 European tour

    Grammy award-winning singer Wizkid is set to embark on the highly anticipated ‘Morayo’ tour in 2025.

    Wizkid announced dates in France, Netherlands, and Germany with stops at iconic venues like the 12,000-capacity Velodrome Arena in Berlin, Germany on May 21, the Ahoy RTM Stage in Rotterdam, Netherlands on May 23, and the famous 20,000-capacity Accor Arena in Paris, France on May 25.

    This tour comes on the heels of Wizkid’s sixth album release, ‘Morayo’, which dropped in November 2024 and features collaborations with Afrobeats star Asake, French hitmaker Tiakola, and American R&B stars Jasmine Sulivan and Brent Faiyaz. 

    Fans got a sneak peek of the album’s songs during Wizkid’s surprise concert appearances at the 2024 Detty December festive season.

    Wizkid’s previous tours have been nothing short of remarkable, with achievements like selling out the O2 Arena for three consecutive nights and headlining the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. 

    As he gears up for this new tour, Wizkid is also eyeing second Grammy award at the upcoming 67th ceremony where he’s nominated for Best African Music Performance for his work on Asake’s ‘MMS’.

  • I was bigger than Wizkid, Davido, says May D

    I was bigger than Wizkid, Davido, says May D

    Singer May D has asserted that he was once on the same level as Wizkid and Davido and even bigger at one point.

    In a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, May D compared his hit song “Soundtrack” to Wizkid’s “Holla at Your Boy”, stating that his song was more successful.

    He said: “Then it was Wizkid, David, and I. I was even like bigger. Wetin be ‘Holla at Your Boy’ compared to ‘Soundtrack?’”

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    May D previously claimed that Wizkid’s success was partly due to his departure from Square Records, May D’s former label.