According to the festival’s official announcement on X-@Afro Nation, the 2026 edition promises a powerful lineup that blends established legacies with exciting new voices on the global music scene.

The festival, regarded as one of the world’s premier celebrations of Afrobeats, Amapiano and R&B, is scheduled to take place from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5 at Praia da Rocha Beach in Portimao, Portugal.

Burna Boy, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist known for his dynamic fusion of Afrobeat, dancehall, and global rhythms, is scheduled to open the festival on July 3.

The ‘African Giant’ will share the stage with South African star Tyla, whose rise in Amapiano and global charts has cemented her status as a breakout international talent.

Asake, who is well celebrated for his infectious blend of Afrobeats, street pop, and soulful melodies will headline July 4 , while Wizkid  is slated to close the festival on July 5.

In addition to the headline acts, the Afro Nation 2026 lineup includes a diverse roster of international performers.

American R&B singer Kehlani and rapper Gunna are among the special guests confirmed for the festival, bringing cross-genre flair to the music fiesta.

Several Nigerian artistes are also billed to perform at the event , including Olamide, Young John, Darkoo, Wande Coal, and Mavo, a move that underscores the global rise of African music and culture.

According to the organisers, early access ticket sales will begin on February 5, allowing fans to secure passes ahead of the general public sale.

Afro Nation is an annual three-day music festival organised by The Malachite Group to unite the African diaspora in a celebration of dance, food, fashion, music.

The festival, which started in 2019 in Portugal, focuses on showcasing African and international artists across genres such as Afrobeats, Amapiano, RnB, Hip hop, Dancehall, and more.

Besides the annual Portugal edition, Afro Nation has also since taken place in Ghana, Puerto Rico, Miami and Detroit.

Acclaimed to be a global cultural movement, Afro Nation  has evolved into a platform that amplifies voices of African artists worldwide.

Past headliners include Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Megan Thee Stallion, 50 Cent, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj, among others.

Source: NAN

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Every December in Nigeria is a whole mood. The harmattan breeze and the Christmas themed red and white decorations all over the cities and towns; the cousins returning from the UK, US and Europe with “I just came back” stamped on their accents — and of course, the unmissable lineup of street carnivals, concerts, plays, and festivals that keep Lagos, Abuja, Warri and Port Harcourt buzzing deep into the New Year. Since its launch, FirstBank’s “DecemberIssaVybe” (DIAV) campaign has stood at the centre of this cultural energy, giving Nigerians more than just access to premium entertainment — it’s been about creating awesome shared moments, uniting families, and giving the creative industry the big boost it deserves.

For almost a decade, DIAV has quietly shaped the last few months of the year especially December as the season of vibe, through its First@arts initiative, and if you’ve ever danced shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands at a FirstBank-sponsored event, you’ll know exactly what that means.

2018: When the Vybe Began

December 2018 felt different. Nigerians were beginning to embrace “Detty December” as a tradition, and FirstBank cleverly caught the wave. The bank rolled out DecemberIssaVybe with free and discounted tickets to mega concerts and stage plays, pulling crowds that wanted premium vibes without premium stress. Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy were headlining the big music festivals, while stage productions like “Moremi the Musical” got a new audience thanks to FirstBank’s push.

For the over 130-year-old FirstBank, “DecemberIssaVybe is a way of giving back during the festive season. It’s not just about music or theatre; it’s about connecting people, supporting the creative industry, and ensuring families make memories together.

Families who hadn’t been to the theatre in years found themselves seated side by side at Terra Kulture, watching Nigerian history come alive on stage. And for diaspora kids back home with “I just came back” energy? DIAV became their shortcut into Nigeria’s hottest events.

2019: The Year of Mega Concerts

By 2019, the Vybe was unstoppable. DecemberIssaVybe became synonymous with front-row seats at Davido’s “A Good Time” concerts, Kizz Daniel’s explosive Lagos show, and of course, the unforgettable Wizkid Starboy Fest. But it wasn’t just music. DIAV sponsored families into “Mad About You”, a romantic stage play that had couples rediscovering love, and rolled out tickets to AY Live Comedy Show, proving that December isn’t just about music — it’s about laughter too. By year’s end, DIAV had cemented itself as a December passport.

2020: The Pandemic Pause

2020 was strange for everyone. COVID-19 clipped the wings of live entertainment. But even then, FirstBank didn’t fold its arms. DIAV adapted by sponsoring virtual concerts and livestreamed plays, ensuring families could still bond over art and entertainment from the safety of their homes. It wasn’t the usual sweaty concert hall, but for many, DecemberIssaVybe campaign was proof that even in tough times, music and theatre are powerful connectors.

2021: The Big Comeback

With restrictions easing, Nigerians were desperate for a proper December. DIAV answered in full colour. Imagine a December where Adekunle Gold (AG Baby) sang his heart out at sold-out shows, Simi serenaded lovers, and Fireboy lit up the stage with “Peru” before it became an international anthem.

READ ALSO: Police rescue five abducted children in Adamawa

Families returned to KAKADU the Musical, friends reunited at comedy festivals, and for diasporans who hadn’t been home since 2019, the Vybe was a welcome mat rolled out in sound and laughter.

2022: The Golden Year

By 2022, DIAV wasn’t just an add-on to December, it was the main dish. That year, Asake’s breakout concerts shook Lagos, Burna Boy’s Love, Damini show was an electric storm, and the theatre scene — from The King Must Dance Naked to Awo The Musical — had DIAV stamping tickets for culture lovers.

2023: A Night of Queens

DecemberIssaVybe 2023 brought something fresh to the table with “A Night of Queens”, an all-female musical showcase at Eko Convention Centre. It was a dazzling lineup: Tiwa Savage, Simi, Teni, Yemi Alade, Waje, Niniola and Dope Ceaser all shared the stage in one unforgettable night of music.

FirstBank also sponsored the revival of Kakadu the Musical at MUSON Centre — a play that blends highlife, Afrobeat, soul and pop with the turbulent history of 1960s Nigeria. Meanwhile, families trooped out for Ali Baba’s January 1st concert and Basketmouth Unprovoked, while diaspora returnees shared DIAV tickets proudly on Instagram.

2024: From Comedy to Culture

Last December opened with a bang: Kenny Blaq’s Reckless Musicomedy Festival at Onikan Stadium. The crowd roared as Kenny Blaq, DJ Neptune, Aproko, MC Monica, and OvyGodwin delivered a high-energy mix of music and stand-up.

At the same time, FirstBank sponsored Motherland the Musical, Street Souk at Harbour Point, A True Christmas Story, and family-friendly events like Eko Hotel Pride Land Adventures and the Calabar Carnival Festival.

Reflecting on the season, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications said: “FirstBank is facilitating memorable homecoming and unforgettable experiences in December with family reunions, concerts and festivals. DecemberIssaVybe isn’t just about entertainment — it’s about the cultural glue for Nigerians everywhere.

Across the years, DIAV has done more than hand out tickets. It has fuelled the creative economy by investing in theatre, comedy, and music. Families and friends have been reunited, turning concerts into bonding sessions. Given the diaspora a homecoming anchor, it has blended the “I just came back” energy with Nigerian hospitality.

In a country where December is both the busiest and most joyful month, DIAV has positioned FirstBank not just as a financial giant, but as a lifestyle brand that understands culture.

2025: The Vybe Is Loading

Now here we are, on the cusp of another December. Whispers are already flying: who will headline the 2025 DecemberIssaVybe experience? Will it be another electrifying Davido Timeless Experience? Will Asake shut down Lagos again? Will Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, or Ayra Starr bring home the global magic? Or will DIAV surprise everyone with a mix of music legends and fresh new voices?

What’s certain is that FirstBank will once again hold the keys to the hottest tickets in town — concerts, fashion, culture, musicals, plays, comedy shows — all to be rolled out on their social media handles, where lucky fans can get premium access.

So, whether you are keeping it real in Naija or you are planning to visit, DecemberIssaVybe 2025 is coming, and FirstBank is about to make it unforgettable.

The post DecemberIssaVybe: How FirstBank made yuletide the season of music, memories and magic appeared first on Frontpageng.

This year’s nominations followed a record-breaking 10,717 entries, the highest since the inception of AFRIMA 12 years ago.

A 13-member International Jury, after 10 days of adjudication, shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.

The International Committee of AFRIMA confirmed that public voting would open globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website (www.afrima.org).

Music lovers across Africa and the diaspora will be able to participate in determining the winners in the various categories.

Voting will close on the eve of the main awards on November 30.

Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Davido both secured five nominations each.

Burna Boy’s album No Sign of Weakness and Davido’s 5ive were both nominated for Album of the Year, while their hit singles also earned them spots in Song of the Year and Best Collaboration.

South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa matched them with five nods, including Best African DJ and Album of the Year.

Morocco’s rap star El Grande Toto also secured five nominations, with his album Salgoat and hit Diplomatico catching global attention.

Nigeria’s fast-rising street-pop sensation Shallipopi also stood tall with four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration Laho.

Senegal’s Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy joined the top bracket with five nominations each, proving that female acts are now commanding major influence on the continent’s music stage.

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One of the best-selling artists in the whole of the Middle East, Egypt’s Amr Diab, scooped four nominations, just as Côte d’Ivoire’s Himra picked up three nominations, including Album of the Year.

His album Big Aka 4 Aka Kai and hip-hop collaborations have made him one of the strongest newcomers in this year’s race.

Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz grabbed four nominations, continuing his dominance in East Africa.

South Africa’s breakout star, Tyla and Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles, each earned four nominations, confirming the rising power of amapiano and Afro-house sounds.

Cote d’Ivoire’s Didi B got three nominations, including Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Album of the Year, while Gabon’s Eboloko was listed for Breakout Artiste of the Year among his three nods, just as  Emma’a also received three nominations, including Best Female Artiste in Central Africa.

DR Congo’s heavyweights are not left out.

Fally Ipupa bagged three nominations, including Artiste of the Year, while Ferre Gola earned three nods, among them Songwriter of the Year.

In North Africa, Morocco’s Jaylann received three nominations, while Tanzania’s Juma Jux also scored three, including Song of the Year for Ololufe mi. South Africa produced two triple nominees: Mawhoo, recognised for her hit Bengicela, and rap star Nasty C, who got three nods for his track Soft.

Nigeria’s Rema also emerged with three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa.

Ayra Starr has two nominations, but she is contesting for the Artiste of the Year Award with big stars including Davido, Burna Boy and El Grande Toto.

The diaspora also shone brightly on the list, with male nominees such as DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L’Algérino, and Odeal making the cut. On the female side, the nominees include Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho.

AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, who represents the Southern African region on the panel, described the 2025 nominees’ list as proof of how far African music has come.

“It’s been a dream of ours for a long time to work this hard to get to a place where African music can be heard by everyone. We were marginalised for so many years; our voices were not heard as artists, as creators, as songwriters, as producers, as engineers, as video makers, as filmmakers. Twelve years in, we’re now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the face of the continent,” he said.

In collaboration with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA 2025 is being organised alongside the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Official Host City, Lagos State.

The 2025 celebration will run from November 25 to 30, 2025, featuring the Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, the Nominees Party, and the Main Awards Ceremony.

The grand finale on November 30 will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.

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We are told not to judge a book by its Cover.

But, I tell you, in the publishing business, we know that there is a lot of judging by the cover.

For that reason, a lot of attention is usually invested into crafting the title and making the cover attractive, not only aesthetically, but in terms of its communicative value, because people can’t help but judge a book by its cover.

Hey! I plead guilty! Not only for having judged a few books by the cover, but for judging one particular book by the cover, that being Sarina Wiegman, England’s Women Football Head Coach.

I have always been intrigued by her steely composure. Her dour demeanour and  really serious look at the touchline was an indication, to me, that she was a no-nonsense Coach (person) with little or no time for anything else but Football.

Her success, first as a player, but more spectacularly as a Coach, first with her home country (Netherlands), and now England, with which she has now won the Euro Cup for the second time, making it the third straight win for her, being proof that she has the midas touch.

That, I instinctively attributed to her industry, passion for the game, relentless drive for success, eye for detail, a winning mentality, self-discipline, and a streak of stubbornness.

I wasn’t surprised to hear from the Commentators in the England-Spain match that she had come under criticism for being slow to make changes in the team and all that. That self-assured stubbornness, I was sure of, was in her DNA.

I had read so much of the cover, having paid a bit of attention to her during the last World Cup and the last 2 Euro tournaments, that what played out at the Celebration party for the team caught me by surprise, just like many others.

READ ALSO: Strike: Nurses urge FG to meet demands

I could have easily taken a bet, if asked to, that she couldn’t have possibly known a musician by the name, Burna Boy. To see that he was not only one of her favourite artists, but seeing her singing a song some of us don’t even know, word for word, was so good to see. She evidently enjoyed herself, vibing along, as if it was a collabo between herself and Burna Boy.  It was such a pleasant surprise and beautiful sight to behold. Who would have known that there was this other side to Sarina?

The shock on the faces of the players at her reaction on seeing Burna Boy was priceless. One of the players, Esme Morgan captured it in her reaction, speaking to BBC Sport: “Her face when they brought Burna Boy out was a picture. None of us could believe it, to be honest.”

Now, we have another reason to always remember not to judge a book by its cover.

Even Sarina confessed to her shock. She said: “I was very flabbergasted…But I thought: ‘I’m going to take my moment with him so let’s have a little dance with him’.

“I like to dance and I like his music but I totally didn’t expect him, so it was such a surprise and I think everyone went out of their mind.”

Whoever came up with the idea of bringing Burna Boy come to play at that event is a Genius!  That was a masterstroke.

It was said to have started at a Press Conference, where she had mentioned Burna Boy as one of her favourite artistes, and of the top acts on her current playlist on Spotify.

Glad to see Nigeria again take the centre stage at what was supposed to be a ‘local’ event for England.

It just reminds us of the tremendous success we are capable of making on the diplomatic front, if we will deftly put to use our cultural diplomatic assets to enhance our soft power quotient.

In the world we live in, it is a battle for the minds and what a country might not be able to achieve with hard power, it can accomplish through strategic use of soft power.

Happy for Burna Boy. Happy for Sarina.

Now, we have another reason to always remember not to judge a book by its cover.

The post EXTRA: Guilty! I judged this book by its Cover appeared first on Frontpageng.

The single is coming off Burna Boy’s upcoming album, “No Sign of Weakness”, twisted up with a mixture of afrobeats, pop, and some ampiano.

Burna Boy presented the music video via his Instagram page on Wednesday, with the caption, “Update, out now #NOSIGNOFWEAKNESS”.

Burna Boy, in the energetic music video, shows off his dance moves, having fun with the dancers, and fully embracing the rhythm of the new track.

READ ALSO: How 2 suspects in murder of Anambra lawmaker escaped –Police

Meanwhile, some fans took to the comment section of the post to express their excitement.

@kdjah137 wrote,  “I love whoever came up with these creative visions for the videos😂.”

@shawvibez wrote, “Highest!!!!❤️❤️.”

Also, @ozonnamani, said,  “Greatest of all time 🔥.”

@ayolawal wrote, “Damini 😍😍😍.”

@vdj_roody said “New sound wave update!!!”

Source: NAN

The post Burna Boy releases ‘Update’ sampling Soul II Soul’s 1989 classic appeared first on Frontpageng.

The artistes received nods in the nomination list for  the annual event released by the organisers .

The 56th NAACP Image Award is scheduled to take place on February 22 at the Pasadena Civic Center, California in the United States.

Burna Boy, alongside American singer Usher, got nomination for  “Outstanding Duo, Group, or Collaboration (Contemporary)” for their song “Coming Home,” while  “Hmmm”, by Chris Brown and Davido bagged a nomination  for “Outstanding International Song.”

Wizkid is also in contention for the same category for his hit single ‘Piece of My Heart’, featuring American singer  Brent Faiyaz.

READ ALSO: 2025: Another year or a new year?

The song also got a nod for “Best International Song’ category, thus earning Wizkid  two nominations.

Ace  female singer, Tems also got nomination for the ‘Best International Song’  for ‘Love Me Jeje’ off her debut album “Born in the Wild.”

Ayo Edebiri secure an uncommon feat with five nominations, including “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series,” “Outstanding Voiceover”, while South African Grammy winner, Tyla, got a nod for “Outstanding New Artist.”

The NAACP Image Awards celebrates outstanding representations and achievements of people of colour in motion pictures, television, music, and literature.

The award ceremony  for the 2025 edition will be broadcast live on BET and CBS, with the theme, “Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence,” emphasising  diversity in the entertainment industry.

Source: NAN

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December marks a special time in Nigeria, a moment when people take a break from their hectic year to unwind, celebrate, and create lasting memories with loved ones. The month is filled with vibrant arts and entertainment, including plays, musical concerts, festivals, operas, fashion shows, poetry, and various performance arts.

As the month unfolds, the atmosphere is electrified with fireworks, street carnivals, and colourful Christmas decorations, complemented by numerous year-end thanksgiving parties. It’s also a time for bonding, as Nigerians reconnect with family and friends visiting from around the world.

Recognising the significance of December, FirstBank, through its First@arts initiative, hosts the annual DecemberIssaVybe campaign. This initiative aims to inspire and empower people to create and enjoy thrilling memories by providing fully paid access to highly sought-after concerts, shows, plays, and festivals featuring A-list entertainers.

In light of the tough economic climate, FirstBank offers a welcome relief for Nigerians looking to celebrate and have fun this December. For over 130 years, the premier financial institution has consistently woven itself into the fabrics of the society including its massive support for festive concerts showcasing Africa’s biggest music stars, including Kizz Daniel, Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, Tiwa Savage and many others, creating unforgettable experiences for music lovers.

The DecemberIssaVybe campaign is all about making memories. It provides a platform for both Nigerians and international audiences to enjoy unique experiences. Since its inception in 2018, the FirstBankIssaVybe campaign has delivered exciting moments that people eagerly anticipate each December.

As we get into the 2024 year end season, FirstBank has curated an impressive lineup of events for maximum enjoyment through DecemberIssaVybe. The much-anticipated campaign kicked off on Saturday, December 13, at Onikan Stadium in Lagos, featuring the sponsorship of Kenny Blaq’s Reckless Musicomedy Festival.

Through engaging social media activities, FirstBank distributed free tickets to young Nigerians and entertainment enthusiasts eager to attend the show.

READ ALSO: Sanusi: Radical Emir in a conservative city, By Kazeem Akintunde

The event which started in the late afternoon into the night showcased an unforgettable evening filled with laughter and music, featuring performances from DJ Neptune, Kenny Blaq, Aproko, MC Monica, OvyGodwin, and others. Attendees enjoyed a night of laughter, dancing, and vibrant energy.

The exhilarating festival merges the dynamic worlds of music and comedy, highlighting Africa’s impressive creative entertainment scene. Alongside renowned comedians, many emerging talents were given the stage to showcase their skills, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Headlining the event, comedian and singer Kehinde Otolorin, also known as Kenny Blaq, delighted fans with a captivating combination of dance, music, and comedy. Ahead of the event, he articulated his vision for the festival, stating, “Music and comedy have always been intertwined for me, and I aimed to create an event that highlights both in a unique way. This festival encourages people to embrace boldness and creativity while having fun.”

The festival’s theme centres around a positive interpretation of recklessness, celebrating courage, creativity, and authenticity. FirstBank enhanced the festive atmosphere with a fun booth, where attendees engaged in trivia games, received mementos, and took photos.

Olayinka Ijabiyi, Ag. Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, expressed the bank’s commitment to delivering a ‘Wow December to Remember’ experience for all generations. He noted, “FirstBank is facilitating memorable homecoming experiences this December for gatherings such as weddings, family reunions, and festivals.”

Ijabiyi emphasised FirstBank’s 130-year legacy of supporting the arts through its First@arts initiative, and he encouraged Nigerians to embrace the entertainment offerings through the DecemberIssaVybe campaign. He stated that FirstBank is dedicated to creating memorable experiences while considering the overall well-being of its customers.

With over 500 VIP tickets available for premium events valued between N15,000 and N50,000, the FirstBank #DecemberIssaVybe and #FirstBankIssaVybe giveaway fest is set to reward customers with access to exciting events across Lagos.

Nigerians eager to join in on the festivities can follow FirstBank on social media—Facebook: First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Instagram: @firstbanknigeria, and Twitter: @firstbankngr—to stay updated on ticket giveaways and experience the vibrant party atmosphere this season.

The post FirstBank kicks off DecemberissaVybe 2024 with Kenny Blaq‘s ‘Reckless’ Musicomedy appeared first on Frontpageng.

Its Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Okumu said according to “Spotify Wrapped 2024”, artistes like: Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Rema, Tems, Omah Lay, Asake, Wizkid, Davido, Fireboy and Victony emerged the top ten most exported artistes on Spotify in the year 2024.

“Burna Boy’s global impact is undeniable. He’s Nigeria’s most-exported artiste and the only Nigerian in the UK’s Top 100.

“In a surprise twist, Young Jonn’s Jiggy Forever leads as the most-streamed album, followed by Asake’s Lungu Boy.

“Odumodu’s Eziokwu makes a comeback from last year, while Rema’s HEIS and Asake’s Work of Art also secured top spots, with the latter making a notable return.

“Rising global star and Spotify RADAR alumna, Ayra Starr, is also making waves. She’s the top female artist in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, the most-streamed Nigerian artist in Latin America, and the top Nigerian female artiste in Europe.

“Sharing stages with Coldplay and Chris Brown, she holds the record for the longest time on Spotify’s global chart, surpassing even Rema and Burna Boy,” she said.

She said the top 10 most streamed albums in Nigeria within the period under review were: Jiggy Forever by Young Jonn; Lungu Forever by Asake; Eziokwu by Odumodu Blvck; HEIS by Rema and Work of Art by Asake.

Okomu said others were: I Told Them by Burna Boy; The Year I Turned 21 by Ayra Starr; Boy Alone by Omah Lay; Mr Money With The Vibe by Asake and RNB by Ruger and Bnxn.

She also revealed the top ten most streamed local podcasts in Nigeria as: “Apostle Femi Lazarus” and “Success Addicted Podcast with the voice of Earl Nightingale; Napoleon Hill; Jim Rohn and many more”.

According to her, others are: The HonestBunch Podcast; Apostle Joshua Selman; Afro Latest Music; Cycasmotivation’s Podcast; KOINONIA with Apostle Joshua Selman; P.Daniel Olawande; I Said What I Said and ShxtsNGigs.

On Nigeria’s listening habits in the year 2024, Okumu noted that Nigeria’s love for homegrown talent has been clear, with a 146 per cent increase in local music consumption over the past year.

She said that Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja were the top cities driving Nigeria’s music scene.

According to her, Religion and Spirituality; Lifestyle and Health; Business and Technology; Arts, Entertainment and Education remained the top growing podcast categories.

“Spotify users can now dive into their personalised 2024 Wrapped experience, exclusively on the Spotify mobile app.

“Premium users will enjoy a personalised playlist featuring music videos from their most-loved artistes of the year.

“Fans of Ayra Starr, Joeboy, Ladi Poe, Crayon, Magixx, and Bayanni are in for a treat, as these artistes share special messages directly within the Wrapped Experience,” she said.

Source: NAN

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The “Twice As Tall” crooner disclosed this in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday.

He wrote: “Album dropping 12AM.”

According to the Afrobeat superstar, the new album will be dropping on July 30.

The announcement came after his recent celebration of the fifth anniversary of his Grammy nominated 2019 album “African Giant”, which he marked with a concert at the kolo Camden, United Kingdom.

The multiple award-winning artiste has continued to make headlines for being at the forefront of exporting Nigerian music with his award-winning albums and historic sold-out concerts.

In 2019, he won the Best International Act at the BET Awards, and was named an Apple Music Up Next artist.

He also released his fourth studio album, African Giant, which went on to win Album of the Year at the All Africa Music Awards.

The album was nominated for Best World Music Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards and he clinched  the African Artist of the Year at the 2020 Ghana Music Awards.

READ ALSO: EXTRA: Farooq, steeze and courage, By Simbo Olorunfemi

Burna Boy released his fifth studio album, ‘Twice as Tall’, in August 2020, which fetched him the Best World Music Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

His sixth studio album Love Damini was released in 2022 and became the highest debut of a Nigerian album on the Billboard 200 chart.

Love Damini also became the highest-charting African album in France, the Netherlands and the UK.

In October of same year, Burna Boy was awarded the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic plaque for his achievements in music.

In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked him number 197 on its list of the 200 greatest singers of all time and he won his fourth Best International Act at the BET Awards in 2023, among others.

He made history again when his seventh album, ‘I Told Them’ released in October 2023, earned him nominations for the 2024 Grammys, which became his fourth consecutive album to be nominated for the Grammys.

Source: NAN

The post Burna Boy announces release of new album appeared first on Frontpageng.

This was disclosed in a letter signed by Ruthzee Louijeune, the Boston City Councillor.

The letter reads: “Singer and songwriter Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known professionally as “Burna Boy, was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria and is now a global cultural icon who has helped introduce and popularise afrobeats to the entire world.

“For too long, mainstream narratives have marginalised African voices and overlooked the richness of the continent’s cultural heritage, with Burna Boy’s rise to prominence highlighting a shift in this paradigm.

“Burna Boy proudly embraces his Nigerian and African identity, infusing it with contemporary sounds to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide, thereby challenging stereotypes about African artistry and opening doors for aspiring artistes from similar backgrounds.

“Through his performances and advocacy work, Burna Boy amplifies the voices of marginalised communities and advocates for their recognition and rights.

“Using his platform not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire, starting conversations about social justice, equity, and representation.

“Nigeria is the largest source of African immigration in the United States and Massachusets is one of the top 10 states with the highest Nigerian-born population, according to the American Community Survey.

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“Boston’s commitment to recognising and celebrating culture and diversity is evident in the range of cultural events, festivals, and community initiatives that showcase the city’s multicultural landscape.

“Burna Boy’s legacy serves as a reminder of possibility, reminding us to continue amplifying voices that have long been silenced or overlooked.

“NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That March 2, 2024 is designated Burna Boy Day in the City of Boston.”

Burna Boy is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer, who won Best Global Music Album for “Twice As Tall” at the premiere ceremony of the 63rd GRAMMY Awards.

In October 2022, Burna Boy was awarded the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MON, for his achievements in music, and in 2023.

Rolling Stone ranked him number 197 on its list of the 200 greatest singers of all time.

Also, in 2023, he won The Headies Afrobeats Single of the Year category and also the Song of the Year for “Last Last”.

Source: NAN

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