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Spotify celebrates Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” 10 years anniversary

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5 months ago

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Spotify, an online streaming platform, on Tuesday celebrated Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” 10 years anniversary.

Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, in a statement in Lagos, said the song had so far recorded over 55 million streams since its release in 2014.

Okumu said Spotify had released a special anniversary film to celebrate this milestone, capturing the song’s influence and journey over the years.

“Today marks the 10th anniversary of Wizkid’s groundbreaking single, “Ojuelegba”, a song that helped define the global rise of Afrobeats and continues to resonate with millions of listeners around the world.

“Since its release in 2014, Ojuelegba has achieved more than 55 million streams on Spotify, hitting that milestone in April 2024.

“From reaching one million streams in August 2015 to crossing the 10 million mark by January 2018, Ojuelegba’s journey to over 55 million streams on Spotify a decade later, reflects the global growth of Afrobeats and its increasing presence on the world stage.

“The song’s success stems from its strong and widespread popularity across diverse markets. Over the last decade, Spotify data shows an impressive global reach for “Ojuelegba.

“The United States, United Kingdom, France, Nigeria, and the Netherlands are the top five countries streaming the song.

“During this time, the song has solidified Wizkid’s legacy as one of Africa’s most influential artistes,” she said.

Okumu noted that Spotify’s data revealed the city streaming Ojuelegba the most as Lagos, particularly in the month of August.
She explained that the song paid homage to Ojuelegba, one of the most popular places in Lagos.

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“Following Lagos, the cities of London, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Nairobi round out the top five cities streaming “Ojuelegba”.

“This list showcases the song’s continued dominance in major cities across Wizkid’s home country, Nigeria and globally.

“Ojuelegba is popular amongst audiences of all age, the largest demographic in the past year has 43 per cent of listeners aged 18 to 24. This highlights its ongoing relevance to today’s youth.

“The song has also drawn significant interest from older listeners, with 23 per cent of plays coming from individuals aged 25 to 29, and 13 per cent from those aged 30 to 34.”

According to her, Ojuelegba is seen as a cultural phenomenon and not just a hit song.

She said the lyrics captured the essence of Wizkid’s journey, blending the vibrancy of Lagos street culture with a message of resilience and hope.

She noted that the music had become a gateway for many international listeners into the world of Nigerian music, influencing artistes, fans, and industry insiders alike.

“With its 10th anniversary, Ojuelegba continues to be celebrated as one of the most iconic Afrobeats tracks of all time, and a testament to the power of African music on the global stage,” she said. (NAN)

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Burna Boy’s mother bags nomination for Best Manager at Music Week Awards

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24 hours ago

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February 26, 2025

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Bose Ogulu, mother of Grammy winner and Nigerian singer Burna Boy, has been nominated for Manager of the Year at the 2025 Music Week Awards.

Organisers of the award on Wednesday announced Ogulu’s alongside other contenders for the highly coveted trophy.

This year’s Music Week Awards is scheduled to hold on May 8 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, United Kingdom.

Other nominees for the Manager of the Year, a category that highlights the best management talents in global music industry, include Alistair Goldsmith, Neil Hughes, and Wes Banton.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Music Week Awards celebrates excellence in the music industry, including labels, A&R, live events, and management.

Winners for the annual award are selected through peer voting and an independent panel of judges.

NAN also reports that this is not the first time, Burna Boy’s mum is clinching international award, as she won the Manager Of The Year at the 2022 Artist & Manager Awards in London.

Ogulu, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign languages and a Masters of Arts in Translation from the University of Port Harcourt, is from a family deeply rooted in arts and culture.

She is the daughter of Nigerian music critic, Benson Idonije, who managed Fela Kuti, and she was also one of Fela’s background dancers.

She built a successful career as a translator for the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and is proficient in English, French, German, Italian, and Yoruba.

Her role as manager is acclaimed to have played pivotal role in her son’s rise stardom on the global music stage, securing major deals and international recognition.

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Among other initiatives, she co-founded Spaceship Collective, supporting African artists and expanding the reach of Afrobeats worldwide.(NAN)

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Why I Don’t Support Disrespectful Wives—Nollywood Star

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4 days ago

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February 23, 2025

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Funke Akindele, the Nigerian filmmaker, says despite being a feminist, she does not encourage women being disrespectful to their husbands.

A feminist is someone who advocates the political, economic, and social equality of women.

In a video addressing skit maker Kamo State and his wife, the filmmaker said she rejects the notion that women are the “weaker sex,” emphasising that they are “strong and bold”.

She urged men to treat women “specially” and not confine them to traditional roles of being in the kitchen.

She further stressed the importance of women’s economic power, advising them to secure financial independence to support their husbands.

“I’m a feminist but I do not support a woman disrespecting her husband. Do what is right,” she said.

“I believe that we are not the weaker sex or vessel. Men are suppose to treat us specially and respect us. Men should not also feel that a woman belongs to the kitchen and can be talked to anyhow.

“We women are strong, and bold. Also, our economic power is important that is why we should make sure we have the power and protect it so we can support our husbands.”

Akindele and producer Abdulrasheed ‘JJC Skillz’ Bello tied the knot in London in 2016 and welcomed a set of twin boys in 2018.

But in June 2022, JJC Skillz announced his separation from Akindele, citing “irreconcilable differences”.

The singer claimed he tried to address the situation but the matter is now “beyond repair.”

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Ayra Starr leads Spotify’s 2025 impact list

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1 week ago

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February 19, 2025

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Spotify has announced Nigerian singer Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, known as Ayra Starr, as the leading artiste in its Global Impact List for 2025.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, shared the news in a statement on Tuesday.

Okumu revealed Ayra Starr’s dominance on Spotify’s Global Impact List, leading 30 Nigerian songs and connecting with audiences worldwide.

The top 10 list includes Ayra Starr, Rauw Alejandro, and Rvssian’s “Santa”; Tems’s “Love MeJeJe”; Burna Boy, Coldplay, Elyanna, Little Simz, and TINI’s “WE PRAY”; and more.

Other songs featured are Ayra Starr and Giveon’s “Last Heartbreak Song”; 21Savage, Burna Boy, and Metro Boomin’s “Justlike Me”; Tems and Tyla’s “No.1”; and others.

Okumu highlighted Nigerian artistes breaking boundaries, saying Spotify is proud to amplify their global reach.

She explained that Nigerian music’s influence has gone global, with Ayra Starr leading the charge in Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List.

The list showcases 30 Nigerian songs with the strongest international connections this year, reflecting Nigeria’s growing global influence.

Okumu called Ayra Starr a chart-topping force, reshaping the global music scene with her international success.

Ayra’s hits top Nigerian charts, with her music becoming global anthems that resonate worldwide.

“As a Spotify RADAR and EQUAL alumna, Ayra Starr was Nigeria’s most-streamed female artiste in 2024,” Okumu said.

While only two of her tracks, “Last Heartbreak Song” and “Bad Vibes”, are on the Global Impact List, Ayra’s collaborations like “Santa” highlight her wide-reaching influence.

The success of “Santa”, featuring Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro, showcases Ayra’s ability to connect across diverse markets.

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Ayra Starr’s six entries on the list, including “Commas”, “GOOD FEELiNGS”, and “Hypé”, show her versatility and global appeal.

Her album The Year I Turned 21 was one of the top 10 most-streamed albums of the year, cementing her global presence.

Okumu emphasised the power of collaboration in amplifying Nigerian music’s global impact, noting 22 of the 30 songs are collaborations.

She explained that collaborations are essential for Nigerian artistes aiming for international success, with 19 involving artistes from other countries.

Songs like “Santa”, “WE PRAY (TINI Version)”, and “Another Vibe” demonstrate the power of such cross-continental partnerships. (NAN)

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