Entertainment
Tolanibaj Reflects on Her Life-Changing Decision to Relocate to Nigeria.
Reality television star and disc jockey Tolani Shobajo, widely known as Tolanibaj, has recently shared a poignant reflection on her decision to relocate from the United States to Nigeria. In a heartfelt post on her X handle, she expressed that this pivotal choice ranks among the best she has ever made.
Tolanibaj, who was born on October 20, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois, revealed that, at the time of her move, the rationale behind it was not entirely clear to her. However, she felt an intrinsic pull towards Nigeria, prompting her to embrace the uncertainty and take the leap. Now, six years later, she looks back with gratitude, stating, “Honestly, one of the best choices I ever made in life was relocating to Nigeria. I’m grateful to God for the timing of my move. It’s been six interesting years, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Her journey to fame began in 2020 when she participated in the popular reality show Big Brother Naija, which significantly boosted her public profile. Tolanibaj’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the potential rewards that come from taking risks and following one’s instincts.
Afrobeats icon Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known globally as Wizkid, recently expressed his desire for improved governance in Nigeria and across the African continent. Speaking at the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of his documentary, “Wizkid: Long Live Lagos,” the artist highlighted governance as a crucial area needing significant improvement.
Wizkid encouraged fellow African creatives to share their narratives, emphasizing his optimism for the continent despite existing challenges. He stated his hope for greater success for African culture as a whole, spanning music, film, and sports. Ultimately, Wizkid conveyed a message of positivity and support for all African artists, while underscoring the vital need for better governance to unlock the continent’s full potential.
Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Kizz Daniel has suggested he may be considering retirement from the music industry. The artist, known for hits such as “Buga” and “Cough (Odo),” recently released the EP “Lemon Chase” and is already teasing another, “Orange Chase.”
Daniel explained his prolific output by stating his desire to release a backlog of over 600 songs before “hanging his boots.” This announcement followed the reveal of guest artists on “Orange Chase,” prompting a fan comment about overfeeding, to which Kizz Daniel responded with his retirement hint.
Further fueling speculation, the singer declared a hiatus from recording to prioritize family time. He acknowledged neglecting his family due to studio commitments, stating a change in priorities towards a more balanced lifestyle. While the exact timeline remains unclear, these statements suggest a potential shift in Kizz Daniel’s career trajectory.
Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known globally as Tems, was recognized at the inaugural Billboard Global Power Players Event held Wednesday at Shoreditch House in east London, England. Tems was among a select group of honorees, including British music icon Sir Elton John and EMPIRE founder and CEO Ghazi Shami.
Tems received the Diamond Award, presented by incoming Billboard Africa editor Nkosiyati Khumalo. In her acceptance speech, the Oscar-nominated artist emphasized the significance of the recognition, stating, “Being African and a musician is a whole new world and I feel like Billboard has been so supportive of not just African music but the whole scene and the culture.” She further acknowledged Billboard’s crucial role in the advancement of African music, noting its unprecedented rise and Billboard’s contribution to “moving that needle forward.”
Sir Elton John was presented with the Creators’ Champion Award, while Ghazi Shami, head of EMPIRE, received the Clive Davis Visionary Award. Notably, Nigerian musician and YNBL label executive Olamide presented the award to Shami. The event also marked the launch of the first-ever U.K. Power Players chart.
This honor further solidifies Tems’ place as a leading figure in the global music landscape. She holds the distinction of being the most-awarded African artist in Billboard’s history. In the previous year, Tems achieved another milestone as the first Nigerian woman to be honored at the Billboard’s Women In Music Event. Her consistent recognition underscores her significant impact and growing influence within the international music industry.
Wizkid Voices Hope for Better Governance in Africa.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Condemns Alleged Police Summon of Uzo-Uwani Chairman
