Davido admits he almost removed his biggest 2025 hit with Omah Lay from ‘5ive’

Davido and Omah Lay

 Davido has revealed that With You, his smash collaboration with Omah Lay, nearly didn’t make it onto his fifth studio album, 5ive.

 Speaking in an interview with American TV network ABC, the Afrobeats superstar confessed, “It almost didn’t make the album… Every time I remember I almost took it off the album, my heart starts beating.”

Placed as the closing track on the 17-song project, With You has since emerged as not only the standout song on 5ive, but also one of the biggest Afrobeats records of 2025. 

Reflecting on the collaboration, Davido added, “Shout out to Omah Lay. I am glad we were able to collaborate on a true African classic.”

The track’s success has spilled over to his 5 Alive world tour, where it has become a fan favourite. 

During his sold-out show at the Scotia Bank Arena in Canada, the crowd erupted when Omah Lay joined him on stage to perform the hit live.

Made Kuti says Fela died broke

Made claims Fela died broke

Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician Made Kuti has opened up about the financial state of his grandfather, the late music icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

He said the pioneer of Afrobeat passed away poor despite making huge sums during his career.

“Fela died poor. He was the kind of person who made a bunch of cash and had the kind of money that could have bought the whole street,” Made said during an appearance on the Tea By Tae podcast.

He explained that Fela’s generosity and open-door lifestyle meant that his wealth was constantly shared with others. 

“Anybody from the street could walk into Fela’s house. He would return from a show in Kalakuta, open a box of money, and say anybody who needs it should take it,” he recalled.

Made’s account mirrors stories told by his father, Femi Kuti, and uncle, Seun Kuti, who have both spoken about life growing up in Kalakuta Republic. 

They revealed that Fela even insisted they call him by his name rather than “Dad,” as he didn’t want them to receive special treatment.

DJ Tunez shares how Wizkid personally chose him as official DJ

DJ Tunez recounts how he became Wizkid's DJ

DJ Tunez has opened up about the moment Wizkid invited him to become his official DJ, a move that marked the start of a partnership now spanning eight years.

Speaking in an interview with BBC 1Xtra, the US-based Nigerian DJ revealed that his journey began in the African diaspora scene in America, where he gained a following by hosting Afrocentric events. 

As his name grew, he sought to build stronger ties with the Nigerian community.

During one of his December trips to Lagos, Tunez, who had already exchanged messages with Wizkid online, finally met the singer in person. 

“He said, ‘I need you to be my DJ. We are going to take over the world,’” Tunez recalled.

That meeting kicked off a successful working relationship that has seen Tunez join Wizkid on global stages, including the singer’s record-breaking three-night sold-out run at London’s O2 Arena. 

Over the years, they’ve also collaborated on music, including a recent track with rising artist Fola.

As part of Wizkid’s Starboy imprint, DJ Tunez continues to release his own projects in partnership with Sony Music’s RCA, further cementing his place as one of Afrobeats’ most prominent DJs.

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Tinubu backs AFRIMA 2025 as Nigeria prepares to host Africa’s biggest music awards in Lagos

Nigeria is set to welcome the continent’s biggest music celebration, AFRIMA 2025, following an official endorsement from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

The president’s approval came after the African Union Commission reached out to Nigeria for collaboration on the next edition of the awards, prompting swift action from the federal government.

With Lagos selected as the host city, preparations are already in full swing. 

An inter-ministerial Local Organising Committee (LOC) has been established, bringing together the Ministries of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Foreign Affairs; Information; Interior; Youth; Education; and Aviation. 

Key agencies such as the Nigerian Film Corporation and the National Film and Video Censors Board are also on board, alongside representatives from the AFRIMA International Committee and the African Union. 

Speaking at the inauguration of the LOC in Abuja on July 9, 2025, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, expressed her enthusiasm for Nigeria’s role in delivering what she called the most spectacular AFRIMA yet. 

“This is more than just an awards show,” she said. “It is a major platform to create jobs, promote tourism, celebrate African talents, and tell our positive stories authentically through music to the world.” 

Musawa emphasized that the event is directly aligned with President Tinubu’s broader vision of using the creative sector as a strategic tool for national development and economic growth. 

Adding to the momentum, Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy, conveyed the president’s official endorsement. 

“We appreciate the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting Nigeria the opportunity to host this historic event,” she said, thanking the Honourable Ministers of Arts and Foreign Affairs for jointly driving the collaboration that brought AFRIMA back to Nigeria. 

AFRIMA President and Executive Producer Mike Dada also applauded the federal government’s swift response and commitment. 

“We thank President Tinubu for his quick and visionary approval and backing of AFRIMA 2025,” Dada said. 

“This is not just an event approval. It’s a loud statement that the Nigerian government values the culture and creative industry and its power to promote unity and prosperity across Africa.” 

Dada also praised Lagos State for accepting the role of host city and investing in the creative sector.

“Nigeria has always been a creative and cultural powerhouse,” he said. 

“With this support, we are confident that this year’s AFRIMA will be an unforgettable celebration of African talent and creativity for the whole world to see.” 

 The highly anticipated event will return to Nigeria after its last edition was successfully hosted in Dakar, Senegal. AFRIMA 2025 is scheduled to take place in Lagos from November 25 to 30. 

Asake reportedly left YBNL after feeling cheated by Olamide

Entertainment lawyer Yemisi Falaye has come forward with fresh revelations about why Afrobeats star Asake ended his relationship with Olamide’s YBNL Nation label. 

According to her, the singer made an emotional decision to sign a contract she had advised him against, and eventually regretted it. 

Back in December 2024, rumors swirled that Asake and Olamide had quietly gone their separate ways.

The whispers grew louder in February 2025 when Asake launched his own imprint, Giran Republic, solidifying his independence. 

While both artists maintained a respectful silence publicly, Falaye has now opened up on what allegedly led to the split. 

She claimed Asake was warned about the long-term consequences of the agreement offered to him but chose to ignore her advice. “I remember when Olamide was going to sign Asake,” she recounted.

“He was so overwhelmed that he said to Olamide, ‘I’m not going to get a lawyer to review this agreement. YBNL wants to sign me, do you know how long I’ve been waiting?’” 

Falaye said Olamide himself encouraged Asake to seek legal counsel before making any commitment.

Asake reportedly brought the contract to her, but when she raised red flags about the terms, particularly the clause that would see him assign his rights “in perpetuity,” things took a turn. 

“I advised him not to sign it,” she said. “And he looked at me and said, ‘Are you kidding me? You said what? Did they send you? You want to pour sand in my garri.’ He insulted me and called my bluff.”

Asake allegedly disregarded her concerns and signed the contract on the spot. 

According to Falaye, the deal ultimately didn’t favor him as he had expected. 

“Because if it did, he would have renewed the agreement or at least been open to reviewing the terms,” she said. “But he was so hurt, he felt cheated.”