Burna Boy, Wizkid make history winning Nigeria’s first Grammys - Newstrends
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Burna Boy, Wizkid make history winning Nigeria’s first Grammys

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Nigeria’s music icons Burna Boy and Wizkid have made history becoming first Nigerians to win internationally acclaimed music award, the Grammys.

Burna Boy won the Best Global Music Album category while Wizkid won the Best Music Video for his song with Beyoncé; Brown Skin Girl, from Lion King: The Gift album.

Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy was also a winner on the song.

Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, a nominee for a second consecutive year, won with his Twice As Tall album.

The 29-year-old beat four others including the Malian band, Tinariwen.

The Grammys described Twice As Tall as “a masterclass in the vibe and hustle that have made Burna Boy an international musical force.”

“[He] continues to torch limitations, seamlessly blending styles and genres and fearlessly fuelling the fire heating the melting pot of pop, Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae and more,” it said.

The album features a wide range of international artists such as Stormzy, Youssou Ndour, Naughty By Nature, and Chris Martin of Coldplay, and had Sean Combs as executive producer.

Burna Boy was nominated in the same category in 2019 – then known as Best World Music Album – but lost out to Angelique Kidjo at the awards ceremony in 2020.

However, Kidjo dedicated her win to him, saying: “Burna Boy is among those young artists that come from Africa that is changing the way our continent is perceived and the way that African music is the bedrock of all music.”

Born in Nigeria’s Port Harcourt, Burna Boy released his first album, LIFE, an acronym for Leaving an Impact For Eternity, in 2013.

That album was followed by the release of Redemption in 2015 and Outside in 2018 that included the international hit track, Ye.

But it was with his 2019 African Giant album that Burna Boy really hit the international scene and earned his first Grammys nomination.

Often compared to Nigerian superstar Fela Ransome-Kuti, whose songs Burna has sampled generously, he has become increasingly vocal about social causes in Africa.

At the height of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa in 2019, he threatened to never set foot in the country again unless the government took action, although he has since performed in the country.

He was also involved in the #EndSARS anti-police brutality protests in Nigeria last year, setting up a fund for victims and releasing a song in memory of those killed on October 20, 2020 at the Lekki tollgate, Lagos.

He recently tweeted his support for protesters in Senegal who took to the streets after the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.

Wizkid also won his first-ever Grammy for his role in ‘Brown Skin Girl’, a collaboration with Beyonce.

The victory was announced on Sunday evening (Nigerian time) at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards premiere.

Beyonce won the highest awards of the night as she carted home four prizes, breaking the record for the most-ever Grammy wins by a female artist, and the most by any singer, male or female.

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion followed with three awards including Best New Artist and pop powerhouse Taylor Swift won Album of the Year honors for the third time in her career.

-BBC

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Yul Edochie Slams ADC Leaders, Says Opposition Chieftains “Achieved Nothing” while in govt

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Popular Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie
Nollywood actor and political commentator, Yul Edochie

Yul Edochie Slams ADC Leaders, Says Opposition Chieftains “Achieved Nothing” while in govt

Nollywood actor and political commentator, Yul Edochie, has criticised the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging that its leading political figures failed to make meaningful impact while occupying high-ranking government positions in the past.

The actor made the remarks in a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, where he also declared strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ahead of the evolving political climate leading to the 2027 general elections.

His comments come amid rising political exchanges between supporters of the ruling party and opposition groups, as political actors intensify messaging on governance records, electoral credibility, and national performance narratives.

In his post, Edochie listed several prominent opposition figures associated with the ADC and past administrations, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye.

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He argued that despite holding various influential positions in government over the years, the opposition figures failed to deliver measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians, insisting that their current promises to “fix Nigeria” lack credibility.

Edochie also mocked a recent protest reportedly linked to the ADC against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as unconvincing and unnecessary.

In his words, he said: “I looked at the ADC led protest & I laughed. All the front men in ADC have been in high positions in Government before but they achieved nothing. Absolutely nothing. They made zero impact in the lives of the citizens. Na them wan fix Nigeria? I stand firmly with President TINUBU.”

His remarks have further intensified political debate online, as opposition groups continue to challenge the electoral system and governance direction, while ruling party supporters defend the current administration.

Political observers note that the growing involvement of celebrities in political commentary reflects the increasing influence of social media in shaping public opinion ahead of the 2027 elections, where political narratives are already beginning to take shape.

Reactions to Edochie’s statement remain divided, with supporters praising his boldness, while critics accuse him of oversimplifying complex governance issues and taking a partisan stance.

Yul Edochie Slams ADC Leaders, Says Opposition Chieftains “Achieved Nothing” while in govt

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Victoria Inyama Says Female Circumcision Is Evil But Helped Her Sexual Discipline

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Nigerian actress, Victoria Inyama
Nigerian actress, Victoria Inyama

Victoria Inyama Says Female Circumcision Is Evil But Helped Her Sexual Discipline

Nigerian actress, Victoria Inyama, has sparked widespread debate after revealing that her experience with female genital mutilation (FGM), though deeply traumatic, has influenced her personal sexual discipline and self-control in adulthood.

She made the disclosure during an Instagram Live session with media personality Daddy Freeze, where she recounted being subjected to circumcision at about five years old while living with her grandmother in a rural community.

The actress described FGM (female circumcision) as “evil,” but controversially said it played a role in shaping her behaviour and helping her maintain personal discipline in intimate relationships.

“FGM is evil… that is what is helping me. That is the best thing that they did for me,” she said, explaining that her upbringing and experience contributed to her strong self-control.

Her remarks have since triggered intense reactions online, with critics accusing her of sending mixed messages about a practice widely condemned by global health and human rights organisations.

She also gave a painful account of the procedure, alleging that she was given alcohol as a child before the operation was carried out, describing it as a traumatic experience she still remembers.

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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognised globally as a violation of human rights with no health benefits.

Inyama further clarified that she did not circumcise her own children, stating that they were raised in the United Kingdom and were not subjected to the practice.

She added that she would have only considered such a decision in consultation with her children’s father, noting the complexity of cultural and personal choices around the issue.

The actress’s comments have reignited public debate over FGM in Nigeria and Africa, with activists, health advocates, and social media users expressing opposing views.

While some empathised with her traumatic childhood experience, others condemned any attempt to link FGM with positive behavioural outcomes, stressing that the practice is harmful and should be eradicated.

Victoria Inyama, who was previously married to Godwin Okri from 2003 until their separation in 2018, remains active on social media, where she often engages in discussions on relationships, personal experiences, and social issues.

The controversy continues to generate strong reactions online, further amplifying conversations around women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and the elimination of female genital mutilation.

Victoria Inyama Says Female Circumcision Is Evil But Helped Her Sexual Discipline

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Afrobeats Drama: Burna Boy–DJ Tunez Clash Fuels Wizkid Face-Off Speculation

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Burna Boy and DJ Tunez and Wizkid

Afrobeats Drama: Burna Boy–DJ Tunez Clash Fuels Wizkid Face-Off Speculation

The fallout from the nightclub altercation involving Burna Boy and DJ Tunez has deepened, fueling widespread speculation about a possible rift with Wizkid and reigniting conversations around rivalry at the top of Afrobeats.

What initially appeared to be a disagreement over music selection at a Lagos nightlife venue has now escalated into a major talking point across the Nigerian entertainment industry. The controversy is closely tied to DJ Tunez’s longstanding professional relationship with Wizkid, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.

According to multiple accounts, the incident began when Wizkid’s songs were repeatedly played during the event—reportedly against the wishes of Burna Boy and his entourage. Eyewitness reports suggest tensions quickly rose, leading to a heated exchange that eventually turned physical, drawing attention from other guests and security personnel.

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While DJ Tunez claimed he was attacked during the altercation, Burna Boy has strongly denied the allegation, insisting the encounter was strictly a one-on-one confrontation. The situation took another turn when Burna Boy shared a video of himself dancing to the same Wizkid track linked to the dispute—an action many fans interpreted as a subtle but provocative response.

Further fueling the narrative, Burna Boy reportedly made remarks perceived as a challenge to Wizkid, intensifying online reactions and fan debates. However, Wizkid has remained publicly silent, a move that industry watchers say could either calm tensions or build anticipation for a potential response.

The controversy has also drawn institutional attention, with the Nigerian DJ Association announcing a temporary ban on Burna Boy’s music pending an investigation. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, highlighting divisions within the industry over how the situation should be handled.

At a broader level, the incident has revived long-standing discussions about Afrobeats rivalry, industry alliances, and brand dominance, particularly between Burna Boy and Wizkid—two global stars whose careers have been marked by both mutual respect and subtle competition.

For now, there is no confirmed face-off between Burna Boy and Wizkid, but the growing tension underscores the fragile dynamics within Nigeria’s music scene. Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation de-escalates or evolves into a more pronounced rivalry.

Afrobeats Drama: Burna Boy–DJ Tunez Clash Fuels Wizkid Face-Off Speculation

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