Singer Portable thrills participants at Abuja Int’l Carnival

Energetic Nigerian singer Habeeb  Badmus, popularly known as Portable, on Monday   night thrilled  participants  at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Abuja International  Carnival.

Participants, including state delegates, government functionaries and music lovers, drawn from  different parts of the country, were held to series of electrifying performances by the “ZaZoo Zehh” crooner  at the Eagles Square.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the carnival, which held from Nov.23 to 25, with the theme,” Carnival of Renewed Hope: a Pledge to My Country”, had  participating troupe  from across different  states in Nigeria .

It featured a range of activities, including floats and street shows, musical concerts, traditional food competition, boat regatta, Durbar, children’s Fiesta and art exhibitions at different locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The closing ceremony was a night of glitz and glamour in colourful and festive ambience, which characterises carnivals, as it featured indigenous fashion show  and parade  across the arena  by participating teams.

Read Also: Wizkid sets new Spotify record

The concert started after the results of the competitive events in the carnival were announced ,with River State emerging  ‘Overall Best State’ winner.

Dance floor for the night was opened with series of performances  by upcoming artistes before portable came on stage.

The “Brotherhood” crooner was then ushered on stage amidst ovation by participants, especially his fans, and then the ‘party just started.’

He performed some of his hit tracks, including  ‘Pay Me My Money’, ‘Ema Joke Dada’, ‘Clear’, among others, amid cheers from  fans.(NAN) 

Wizkid sets new Spotify record

Ace Nigerian Artist, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has set a new Spotify record for the biggest streams by any song.

The superstar’s recently released album titled “Morayo” has claimed the number 1 spot on the Apple Music Nigeria Chart, with all his tracks dominating the charts to positions.

One of his singles from the album titled “Kese (Dance)” set the record for the highest opening day stream on Spotify Nigeria with 1.5 million streams.

Read Also: Wizkid drops new album ‘Morayo’ in tribute to late mother

Another single “Piece of My Heart” also surpass 1 million opening day streams on Spotify.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Wizkid’s album, Morayo, which translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba, is a heart felt tribute to his late mother, Juliana Balogun, who passed away in August 2023.

The album, which was launched on the Nov. 22, features tasteful selection of artistes across genres.

(NAN)

Wizkid drops new album ‘Morayo’ in tribute to late mother

Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known by his stage name Wizkid, has released his sixth studio album, “Morayo” in tribute to his late mother, Jane Balogun, who passed on in August 2023.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the much-anticipated 16-track album was release on streaming platforms on Friday.

The tracks include hit songs — Troubled Mind, Karamo, Kese (Dance), Bad Girl, Time, Piece of My Heart and Pray, with collaborations
featuring renowned artistes such as Asake, Brent Faiyaz, Jazmine Sullivan, Anaïs and Tiakola.

Wizkid had earlier in June, in a video message shared on his social media page, told his fans that the album was to honour his late mother.

He said “my album ‘Morayo’, dedicated to my mum, the love of my life, drops very soon. Don’t dull. Don’t sleep.”

In another post on his X handle, he wrote: “Morayo! Friday, Nov. 22.”

However, the ace singer in October dropped a track “Piece of My Heart”, featuring American singer and songwriter,Brent Faiyaz, from the album for his curious fans.

The soul-stirring track immediately set a new record on Spotify for the biggest first day streams by any song, pulling 1.01 million streams.

Read Also: PICTORIAL: Davido receives luxury car as 32nd birthday gift

Wizkid broke the record he previously shared with Asake for their chart-topping single “MMS” from  Asake’s “Lungu Boy” album, making
“Piece of My Heart” Africa’s first song to surpass one million opening day streams on Spotify.

NAN reports that Wizkid, born in Surulere, Lagos, started his music career at 11 and released a collaborative album with Glorious Five, a group formed with Church friends.

In 2009, he signed with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment and became famous with “Holla at Your Boy”, and since then, evolved to become a global brand.

Among other feats, Wizkid became the first Nigerian musician to have over one million followers on Twitter (now X) in 2014.

He became first Afrobeat artist to appear in the 2018 Guinness World Records for his contribution to “One Dance” and his song “Soco” became his first
Afrobeat single to be certified gold in Canada.

In mid-2019, Wizkid was featured on Beyonce’s “Brown Skin Girl”, taken from the acclaimed “The Lion King: The Gift” soundtrack, which earned
him his first Grammy Award, among other nominations and awards.

Besides “Morayo”, his studio albums include Superstar (2011), Ayo(2014),Sounds from the Other Side(2017),Made in Lagos(2020) and More Love Less Hate(2022)
(NAN)

PICTORIAL: Davido receives luxury car as 32nd birthday gift

Nigerian global music sensation, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been presented with a premium Escalade 600 luxury car as a birthday gift from one of his favourite automobile brands.

The company announced the gesture on their Instagram page, thanking the star for his continued loyalty and patronage.

Read Also: Davido to host livestream concert for fans to mark 32nd birthday

“On your birthday, our brand, MR JAY AUTOS LLC, has decided to gift you this new Escalade 600 premium luxury. We appreciate your patronage and love for the brand. Happy birthday Oriande @davido. Cheers to many more years.”

Davido who turns 32 today, November 21, responded with affection, commenting, “Love you” on the post.

Davido to host livestream concert for fans to mark 32nd birthday

Nigerian global music sensation, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is 32 today, and he is marking the milestone with a livestream  “Davido & Friends Birthday Concert” to his fans worldwide.

The Grammy-nominated singer disclosed this on his verified X account (formerly Twitter) with a post, “B DAY PARTY @StateFarmArena.”

The post has reaffirmed his earlier announcement to create an unforgettable experience for his fans worldwide with the highly anticipated “Davido & Friends Birthday Concert” holding in the United States.

According to the Afrobeat superstar, he is hosting the 32 birthday concert at State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, his place of birth.

The concert is streamed live for fans across the globe by Kiswe, American internet video company that develops live streaming and interactive video platforms, particularly for sporting events and concerts.

An array of artists performing alongside Davido include South African Grammy-nominated singer and producer Musa Keys, Ghanaian band The Compozers, rappers Darkoo and Odumodublvck, ECool, Cuhdeejah, Emmerson and Mayorkun, among others.

Davido had on Monday, November 18, announced a N300 million donation to orphanages and organisations combating drug addiction among young people across Nigeria.

The “Timeless” crooner has made it a tradition in recent times to make goodwill donations to orphanages on his birthday as an opportunity to give back to society.

He started this charitable tradition on his birthday in 2021 when he made over N200 million in donations after sharing his bank account details on his X page.

He, thereafter, announced that he planned to donate the funds to orphanages across Nigeria in celebration of his 29th birthday.

Read Also: BREAKING: Kellyrae winn BBNaija season 9

In 2022, Davido founded Davido Adeleke Foundation with the help of other charitable organisations, in a bid to help vulnerable children in the society.

The following year, the foundation announced that it had donated over N200 million to orphanages across Nigeria, with 13,818 children as beneficiaries.

Born on Nov. 21, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia U.S., Davido is the youngest of five siblings and his father’s third-born son.

He attended the British International School in Lagos and at the age of 16 he returned to the U.S. to study Business Administration at Oakwood University, Alabama.

Davido later dropped out of Oakwood University to pursue music full-time and relocated to London, where he worked on his vocals.

After returning to Nigeria in 2011, Davido paused his music career and agreed to honour his father by enrolling at Babcock University.

He graduated from Babcock in   July 2015, with a degree in music after his father paid the university to start a music department for an inaugural class of one student.

Davido came to limelight as a professional artiste with his 2012 debut studio album ‘Omo Baba Olowo’, which is a mixture of Afrobeat and hip hop.

Some of his albums, include ‘A Good Time’(2019), ‘A Better Time’(2020), and ‘Timeless’(2023), alongside hit  singles such  as ‘Ekuro’,’Skelewu’, ‘IF’ , ‘FIA’  and ‘Assurance’ ,among others.

He won Best African Act at the 2017 MOBO Awards, among other accolades, including BET and MTV honors, and several Grammy nominations.

The singer  has  six children; three girls and three boys (one of whom is now deceased),and on June 25, he married his long-term partner, Chioma Rowland, in a glamorous ceremony in Lagos.

FULL LIST: Meet winners of Miss Universe since inception

Miss Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the Miss Universe 2024 competition has made history by emerging as the first runner-up.

The 73rd edition of the pageant took place on Saturday night in Mexico City for the first time since 2007.

Miss Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark emerged winner of the contest.

Theilvig takes over the crown from Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.

The first edition of the pageant was held in 1952 and won by Armi Kuusela of Finland.

Read Also: 25 things to know about winner of Ondo election Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Here are the winners of miss universe since inception

2024. Victoria Kjaer Theilvig – Denmark

2023. Sheynnis Palacios – Nicaragua

2022. R’Bonney Gabriel – USA

2021. Harnaaz Sandhu – India

2020. Andrea Meza – Mexico

2019. Zozibini Tunzi – South Africa

2018. Catriona Gray – Philippines

2017. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters – South Africa

2016. Iris Mittenaere – France

2015. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach – Philippines

2014. Paulina Vega Dieppa – Colombia

2013. Gabriela Isler – Venezuela

2012. Olivia Culpo – USA

2011. Leila Lopes – Angola

2010. Ximena Navarrete – Mexico

2009. Stefania Fernandez – Venezuela

2008. Dayana Mendoza – Venezuela

2007. Riyo Mori – Japan

2006. Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza – Puerto Rico

2005. Natalie Glebova – Canada

2004. Jennifer Hawkins – Australia

2003. Amelia Vega Polanco – Dominican Republic

2002. Justine Pasek – Panama

2001. Denise M. Quiñones – Puerto Rico

2000. Lara Dutta – India

1999. Mpule Kwelagobe – Botswana

1998. Wendy Fitzwilliam – Trinidad and Tobago

1997. Brook Lee – USA

1996. Alicia Machado – Venezuela

1995. Chelsi Smith – USA

1994. Sushmita Sen – India

1993. Dayanara Torres – Puerto Rico

1992. Michelle McLean – Namibia

1991. Lupita Jones – Mexico

1990. Mona Grudt – Norway

1989. Angela Visser – Netherlands

1988. Porntip Nakhirunkanok – Thailand

1987. Cecilia Bolocco – Chile

1986. Barbara Palacios Teyde – Venezuela

1985. Deborah Carthy-Deu – Puerto Rico

1984. Yvonne Ryding – Sweden

1983. Lorraine Downes – New Zealand

1982. Karen Baldwin – Canada

1981. Irene Saez – Venezuela

1980. Shawn Weatherly – USA

1979. Maritza Sayalero – Venezuela

1978. Margaret Gardiner – South Africa

1977. Janelle Commissiong – Trinidad and Tobago

1976. Rina Messinger – Israel

1975. Anne Marie Puhtamo – Finland

1974. Amparo Muñoz – Spain

1973. Margie Moran – Philippines

1972. Kerry Anne Wells – Australia

1971. Georgina Rizk – Lebanon

1970. Marisol Malaret – Puerto Rico

1969. Gloria Diaz – Philippines

1968. Martha Vasconcellos – Brazil

1967. Sylvia Hitchcock – USA

1966. Margareta Arvidsson – Sweden

1965. Apasra Hongsakula – Thailand

1964. Corinna Tsopei – Greece

1963. Idea Maria Vargas – Brazil

1962. Norma Nolan – Argentina

1961. Marlene Schmidt – Germany

1960. Linda Bement – USA

1959. Akiko Kojima – Japan

1958. Luz Marina Zuluaga – Colombia

1957. Gladys Zender – Peru

1956. Carol Morris – USA

1955. Hellevi Rombin – Sweden

1954. Miriam Stevenson – USA

1953. Christiane Martel – France

1952. Armi Kuusela – Finland

Ayra Starr performs at YouTube live concert in Nairobi

Grammy-nominated African music artist Ayra Starr will perform a special YouTube Live concert streamed globally from Nairobi, Kenya. The event, produced in partnership with Raha Fest, will celebrate the release of her sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21”, and will be available for fans worldwide to experience on her official YouTube channel.

Ayra Starr, who is known for her distinct melodies and soulful blend of Afrobeats and pop international attention has hits like “Bloody Samaritan” and “Rush”.

Her rise in the music world has been powered not just by her undeniable talent but also by platforms like YouTube, which have enabled African artists to connect with audiences globally.

This concert will offer fans an intimate experience as Ayra Starr will perform new tracks from “The Year I Turned 21” alongside other fan favourites. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube, making it accessible to audiences all around the world, giving them the chance to be part of this special moment. Fans, Mobstarrs, as she calls them will also have the opportunity to engage directly with Ayra Starr through the “Woman Commando” YouTube Shorts challenge, allowing them to create and share their own interpretations of her hit single. Additionally, exclusive behind-the-scenes content will be captured, adding another layer of excitement to the experience, which will be shared on YouTube.

Nairobi, with its vibrant music scene, deep roots in African culture, and a youth population that adores Ayra Starr, was chosen as the perfect setting for this electrifying performance. Ayra’s growing fan base across Kenya and East Africa makes the city a fitting backdrop for her first YouTube Live concert.

Read Also: Facts about BBnaija season 9 winner Kellyrae you should know

Speaking about the concert, Ayra Starr said, “Performing live is where I get to connect deeply with my fans, and I’m so excited to do this on a global scale from Nairobi. This album means so much to me, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone through YouTube.”

Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa at YouTube, shared, “We are thrilled to host this Ayra Starr’s YouTube Live concert in partnership with Raha Fest. YouTube is not just a platform for music, but a place where artists from all over the world can connect directly with fans, no matter where they are. We’ve seen African music grow tremendously on YouTube, and this concert is a continuation of that journey—bringing Ayra Starr’s incredible talent to a global stage.”

“Raha Fest is proud to partner with YouTube to present an unforgettable music experience with the sensational Ayra Starr! By merging Kenya’s bustling creative scene with global acts, we’re fostering a cultural exchange and positioning Kenya as a global destination for tourism and entertainment,” said Ashleigh Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Raha Creative Kenya.

YouTube has always been a major force in promoting African music to the world. More than 70% of watch time on content produced by channels in Nigeria comes from outside of Nigeria, showcasing how YouTube has provided a global audience for African music. The platform continues to be a key player in amplifying the voices of artists like Ayra Starr, who are shaping the sound of today’s music.

Fans around the world can tune in to watch the concert live on October 20, 2024, at 9 PM EAT on Ayra Starr’s official YouTube channel: YouTube.com/AyraStarr.

Facts about BBnaija season 9 winner Kellyrae you should know

Big Brother Naija housemate, Kingsley Sule, popularly known as Kellyrae on Sunday won the ‘No Loose Guard’ edition of the reality TV show.

The winner, who is married to his former pair Kassia, beat other top seven finalists to emerge the winner on Sunday night.

Here are things to know about BBnaija season 9 winner Kellyrae

1. Kellyrae’s real name is Kingsley Sule.

2. He was born on February 15, 1991, in Warri, Delta State.

3. He is 33.

4. He hails from the Urhobo tribe and grew up in a Christian family.

5. His early love for music was nurtured within his family and community.

6. Kellyrae is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who began his career performing at local events in Warri.

7. He gained a reputation as a talented vocalist, eventually releasing his Success EP, which includes collaborations with Nigerian artists like Graham D and Erigga.

8. His music is known for its impactful lyrics and soothing vocals.

9. Some of his notable tracks include Life No End For There, Upgrade (featuring Graham D), and Success (featuring Erigga)

Read Also: BREAKING: Kellyrae winn BBNaija season 9

10. Kellyrae participated in BBNaija Season 9 (“No Loose Guard” edition) alongside his wife, Kassie Sule, as part of the “Double Kay” couple.

11. During the show, the duos were eventually unpaired, and Kellyrae went on to compete individually.

12. He emerged victorious after 71 days in the house, winning a grand prize of N100 million, which includes cash, an SUV, and other sponsored rewards

13. Kellyrae married his long-time partner, Kassie Sule, in February 2024.

14. The couple reportedly dated for some years before getting married and have a daughter together.

15. His bond with his family, especially his wife, played a significant role in his popularity during the show

16. He completed his primary and secondary education in Warri before pursuing a degree in Music at Delta State University, where he honed his musical skills by participating in various events

17. Kellyrae’s journey, both in music and reality TV, has captivated many, making him a celebrated figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

BREAKING: Kellyrae winn BBNaija season 9

Big Brother Naija Housemate Kingsley Sule, popularly known as Kellyrae, has been crowned the winner of the highly competitive ‘No Loose Guard’ edition of the reality TV show.

In a dramatic grand finale on Sunday night, Kellyrae secured the coveted title, beating out other top seven finalists to emerge as the champion.

Kellyrae, who is married to his former Housemate and pair Kassia, is walking away with a grand prize of N100 million.

This impressive reward includes a cash prize, a brand-new SUV, and several other exciting sponsored prizes that will be revealed in the coming days.

The ‘No Loose Guard’ season, which captivated fans for 71 thrilling days from July 28, was marked by twists, turns, and intense competition.

Among the highlights of the show was the dynamic pairing of Housemates, with each pair competing together until an unexpected twist shook up the house.

Read Also: How to watch BBNaija season 9 on DSTV, GOTV, other platforms

On Sunday, September 1, Big Brother surprised the Housemates by unpairing them, forcing them to compete as individuals after the eviction night.

The unexpected twist added an extra layer of tension and excitement to the competition, as each Housemate had to navigate the final stages of the game on their own.

The runner-up of the season was Wanni, who, along with her former partner Handi her twin, had been a strong contender throughout the show.

Other finalists included Onyeka, Victoria, Nelly, Ozee, Anita, and Sooj, all of whom gave their all in the quest for the ultimate prize.

Kellyrae’s victory marks the end of a season filled with drama, alliances, and emotional moments, cementing his place in BBNaija history as the winner of the ‘No Loose Guard’ edition.

Fans of the show will undoubtedly be eager to see what’s next for Kellyrae as he steps into the limelight as a reality TV champion.

Justin Bieber, wife Hailey welcome baby Jack Blue

Canadian singer Justin Bieber and wife Hailey on Saturday August 24, announced the birth of their first child, Jack Blue.

The 30-year-old music star, shared the joyous news of his son his Instagram on Saturday morning.

Justin posted an adorable photo of their newborn’s feet while welcoming the baby to the world.

Justin Bieber wrote: “WELCOME HOME JACK BLUES BIEBER.”

Hailey and Justin Bieber had revealed in May 2024, during a dual celebration of their vow renewal and maternity shoot that they were expecting a baby as Hailey was pregnant.

After the celebration, they shared a beautiful carousel of videos and photos from a photoshoot, with Hailey cradling her baby bump in a flowing, lacy white dress.

A lot of celebrities have joined in welcoming Jack Blue into the world:

Read Also: How to watch BBNaija season 9 on DSTV, GOTV, other platforms

Here are some reactions from celebrities on Instagram.

khloekardashian said: “Jack blues!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!! I love this tiny foot so so much.”

Katy Perry said “Your blessing has arrived.”

Kylie Jenner said: “I can’t handle this little foot JACK BLUES .”

Facts about Justin Bieber and Hailey you should know

Bieber became engaged to model and longtime friend Hailey on July 7, 2018.

They had briefly dated from December 2015 to January 2016, before reconciling in June 2018.

Bieber and Hailey reportedly obtained a marriage license in September 2018, leading to reports that they had a civil marriage.

On September 14, 2018, Baldwin said on Twitter that she and Bieber had not yet married, but deleted the tweet afterward.

On November 23, 2018, Bieber stated he was married to Baldwin.

Bieber and Hailey had an official ceremony in Bluffton, South Carolina, on September 30, 2019.

On May 9, 2024, Bieber announced through an Instagram post that he and Hailey were expecting their first child.

On August 23, 2024, they welcomed a son, Jack Blue Bieber.