Yemi Alade, the Nigerian singer, says downplaying the role of Afrobeats in the development of music artistes is “hypocrisy”.

Afrobeats has been one of Africa’s biggest exports in the past years. In 2023, Afrobeats enjoyed massive global recognition, with top Nigerian artistes like Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy — among others — gracing the stages of some of the biggest events and occasions worldwide.

But Wizkid recently sparked controversy after he asked the public not to label him an “Afrobeats artiste”.

The ‘Essence’ hitmaker said although he is African, he “makes all sorts of music”.

He said referring to every song as Afrobeats is why Nigerian artistes are only nominated in “African categories” of music awards like the Grammys.

Similarly, Burna Boy, in 2022, said his style of music is called Afrofusion, and not Afrobeats as assumed.

In a post via her Instagram story on Wednesday, Alade said African artistes are free to define their music genre.

The songstress, however, advised her colleagues not to downplay the role of Afrobeats in their development.

“I don’t see anything wrong in informing your listeners of the genre of music an artist makes especially when you feel it doesn’t define your art,” she said.

“Just announce your genre in peace. Downplaying the role Afrobeats has played in every artist’s development is hypocrisy.”

Alade is arguably one of the top female artistes in the country. She gained fame with the release of ‘Johnny’, her 2014 single.

Sola Sobowale, the Nigerian actress, has revisited the rumours surrounding her alleged arrest for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia.

In the recent episode of the ‘King of Talk’ podcast with Teju Babyface, the 58-year-old film star recalled how several negative reports were published about her in Nigeria after she relocated to the United Kingdom to do menial jobs.

The actress said one of such reports was that she was killed in Saudi Arabia for drug trafficking.

She said lots of people were shocked to see her alive when she decided to return to Nigeria.

“The worst of the rumours I heard about me was when they said Sola Sobowale had been killed in Saudi Arabia. That I carried cocaine,” she said.

“It was written here in Nigeria. That I was arrested in Saudi Arabia. That there, they amputated my leg and my hand. And I said to them that I am a star in Nigeria and that they should kill me.

“So when I now got to Nigeria, at the airport, they said ‘Sola Sobowale is dead’. I said do you believe in abracadabra? I said I am alive. I have never been to Saudi Arabia.

“I do not even know where it is on the map. So many negative things. But to God be the glory. God has compensated me.”

Toyin Abraham, the Nigerian actress, has revived her hit comedy series ‘Alakada’ with a new sequel titled ‘Alakada! Bad and Boujee’.

‘Alakada! Bad and Boujee’ is the fifth movie in the popular ‘Alakada’ series.

The movie has a hilarious storyline centered around the character Yetunde and portrayed by Abraham.

Yetunde, a young woman grappling with feelings of inadequacy, navigates her world by weaving elaborate tales about her social status to mask her insecurities.

Following the success of ‘Alakada’ (2009), Abraham continued with ‘Alakada 2’ (2013), ‘Alakada Reloaded’ in 2017 and ‘Fate of Alakada’ in 2020.

In a post via Instagram on Wednesday, Abraham announced Alakada’s latest sequel.

She also revealed that it will hit cinemas in December.

“Say Bad and Boujee!!! Alakada: Bad and Bouje #abbmovie in Cinemas from December,” she wrote.

Abraham, whose acting journey began in 2003, excelled in front of the camera. She also made giant strides as a producer.

With notable films like ‘Elevator Baby’, ‘Prophetess’, ‘Malaika’, ‘Ijakumo’, and ‘Ghost and the Tout Too’ under her belt, she continues to showcase her versatility and talent in the industry.

The actress has won numerous nominations and awards to her credit.