Home Blog Page 27

Esoterica Named Apple Music’s Up Next Artist in Nigeria as Alt-Scene Gains Spotlight

Lagos-based alt-pop artist Esoterica has been selected as Apple Music’s latest “Up Next” act in Nigeria, joining a prestigious list of artists recognized early in their careers for global potential.

The Apple Music Up Next programme highlights emerging talent across genres, offering curated exposure through playlists and editorial features.

Previous alumni include major global and African stars such as Tems, Rema, and Burna Boy.

Esoterica’s selection comes at a pivotal moment in her career as she prepares to release her debut EP titled Avant-God later this year.

Known for her genre-blending sound, Esoterica has built a reputation in Nigeria’s alternative music space by fusing elements of soul, folk, hip-hop, rock, pop, and Afro-house.

Her music defies easy categorisation, earning her a growing following within Lagos’s indie music community.

She began her music journey in London in 2019 before relocating to Lagos in 2020, where she has since released several singles and collaborated on projects within the Nigerian music scene.

She is also involved in independent music initiatives aimed at supporting emerging African artists and amplifying women’s voices in the industry.Speaking on the recognition, she described her journey as one rooted in patience, consistency, and creative growth, noting that the moment felt like a natural reward for years of dedication.

Her upcoming EP is expected to further showcase her experimental style and emotional depth, positioning her as one of the standout voices in Nigeria’s growing alternative music movement.

Turkey Criticizes Kanye West’s Istanbul Concert Over Religious Concerns

Turkey’s government has raised concerns about Kanye West’s recent concert in Istanbul, saying parts of the performance clashed with the country’s religious and cultural values.

The concert, which attracted nearly 120,000 fans, sparked debate after audience members were seen chanting “I Am a God,” a phrase taken from one of Kanye’s songs released in 2013.

A senior adviser to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described the scene as troubling and said it should be carefully examined.

Officials argued that the event went beyond music, claiming some of the imagery and symbolism used during the show conflicted with the spiritual beliefs of many citizens.

Particular attention was also drawn to the appearance of French designer Michèle Lamy, whose distinctive gothic style and artistic image have often generated public discussion.

The adviser urged authorities to be more cautious when approving events that may affect the country’s cultural and religious sensitivities.

Kanye West, also known as Ye, has faced controversy in recent years over antisemitic comments and statements perceived as praising Adolf Hitler. The backlash has led to cancellations and restrictions on several of his planned performances across Europe.

Earlier this year, a festival appearance in the United Kingdom was cancelled after he was denied entry into the country.

Planned concerts in France, Poland, and Italy also faced obstacles, with officials citing concerns ranging from public safety to the promotion of extremist views.West has repeatedly defended himself against accusations of antisemitism, insisting that he is neither a Nazi nor an antisemite. He has previously linked some of his controversial behavior to episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

Despite the controversies, the rapper is still expected to perform in several European cities in the coming weeks as part of his ongoing tour.

Femi Otedola Celebrates Son Fewa’s Birthday, Calls Him “Mbappé”

Nigerian billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has celebrated his son, Fewa, on his birthday with a heartfelt message shared on social media.

Posting photos of the celebrant, Otedola described Fewa as a cherished member of the family and expressed gratitude for the happiness and blessings he brings into their lives.

In the touching tribute, the businessman thanked God for Fewa’s life and affectionately referred to him as “Mbappé,” a nickname inspired by French football star Kylian Mbappé.“Happy Birthday to my beloved son, Fewa boy. You are a great blessing to our family, and I am thankful to God for your life and all the joy you bring.

Love you, Fewa boy, AKA Mbappé,” he wrote.The birthday message attracted warm reactions from friends, family members, and followers, many of whom joined in celebrating Fewa and sending him their best wishes on his special day.

Rising Afrobeat Star Wan Coded Gains Attention With Debut Music Release

Emerging Afrobeat artist Wan Coded is beginning to make a name for himself in Nigeria’s music scene following the release of his debut project.

Born Akande Opeyemi Riliwan on June 12, 2000, in Ode-Irele, Ondo State, the singer, songwriter, and performer is attracting attention with his unique blend of Afrobeat and Afropop sounds.

Drawing inspiration from his Yoruba roots, Wan Coded creates music that reflects themes of ambition, perseverance, and self-belief.

His artistic journey was shaped by years of self-taught songwriting and freestyle practice before officially launching his music career in 2025.His debut track, Zero My Mind (ZMM), introduced listeners to his sound and versatility, helping him build a growing fan base within and outside Nigeria.

Supporters and industry observers have praised his ability to combine relatable storytelling with commercially appealing music while staying true to his cultural identity.

Many of his songs explore the challenges and victories experienced by young Africans striving to achieve their goals, a message that continues to resonate with listeners from different backgrounds.

As Afrobeat continues to enjoy global recognition, Wan Coded is being viewed as one of the promising new artists to watch. His rise from a small town in Ondo State to the professional music scene reflects determination, consistency, and a clear commitment to his craft.

“I Can No Longer See” – Fuji Star Remi Aluko Opens Up About Glaucoma Battle

Veteran Fuji musician Remi Aluko has revealed that he has lost his sight due to complications from glaucoma, a condition he has been battling for several years.

Speaking during a recent interview, the singer shared the emotional reality of living with the eye disease, explaining that his vision has deteriorated significantly despite undergoing surgery in the past.

According to Aluko, his condition has reached a stage where he can no longer see, adding that there is little difference between his situation and that of a blind person.

The Fuji star said many people are unaware of his health struggles because he has chosen not to allow the condition to define him or affect his daily life.

He explained that he has adapted to living independently and remains determined to stay positive despite the challenges.

Aluko noted that focusing on his disability could lead to depression, which is why he continues to manage his situation with courage and resilience.

His revelation has sparked concern among fans and colleagues, many of whom have expressed support and wished him strength as he continues his battle with glaucoma.

Kantanka Family Divided Over Funeral Plans as Conflicting Dates Emerge

The family of late Ghanaian inventor and businessman Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka appears to be facing internal disagreements over plans for his final funeral rites, with conflicting information emerging about the burial arrangements.

During a recent press conference, former Member of Parliament Adwoa Safo announced that her father’s burial would take place in Gomoa Mpota on July 30, 2026.

She also revealed that a thanksgiving service would be held in Kumasi, explaining that her father was deeply connected to the Ashanti Region.

According to her, the thanksgiving service will take place in Kumasi to honor his Ashanti heritage, while details regarding the venue for the main funeral ceremony are still being finalized by the funeral committee.

However, a different funeral date surfaced shortly afterward when Akofena, one of the late inventor’s sons, shared on Instagram that the final funeral would be held on June 25, 2026.

The announcement has sparked confusion among supporters and well-wishers due to the conflicting timelines provided by family members.

Adding to the controversy, Dr. Philip Kissi Siaw, co-chairman of the funeral committee, claimed that Apostle Kwadwo Safo had expressed a wish not to be kept in a morgue for an extended period and did not want an autopsy performed after his passing.Dr. Siaw further alleged that Adwoa Safo arranged for the body to be placed in a mortuary after her father’s death and claimed that members of the committee are unaware of its exact location.

He stated that when concerns were raised, Adwoa reportedly explained that a mortuary space had been made available for the body.

The differing accounts have highlighted growing tensions within the family as preparations continue for the funeral of one of Ghana’s most celebrated inventors and entrepreneurs.

Deborah Seyram Adablah Calls Out Nana Ama McBrown, Sparks Heated Debate Online

Controversial social media personality Deborah Seyram Adablah has stirred reactions online after making allegations against celebrated Ghanaian actress Nana Ama McBrown.

In a video that quickly gained attention on social media, Adablah accused McBrown of allegedly taking over endorsement deals that were originally meant for other actresses.

She specifically claimed that actress Roselyn Ngissah lost a lucrative brand partnership due to McBrown’s influence, although no evidence was provided to support the allegation.

The claims surfaced shortly after the one-week observance for the late actress Beverly Afaglo, an event attended by McBrown and largely coordinated by Roselyn Ngissah, who was one of Afaglo’s close friends.Adablah’s remarks immediately triggered mixed reactions online.

While some social media users questioned whether there could be some truth to her claims, many others dismissed the allegations and defended McBrown, arguing that she has consistently earned her endorsements through hard work and years of dedication to the entertainment industry.

The controversy comes just days after McBrown made headlines for publicly addressing entertainment pundit Sammy Flex during a live television appearance.

The actress expressed frustration over comments she believed undermined her contributions to Ghana’s entertainment industry and urged critics to show her respect for her decades of work and achievements.As the debate continues online, neither McBrown nor Roselyn Ngissah has publicly responded to Adablah’s latest allegations.

Bozoma Saint John Urges Ghanaian Creatives to Look Beyond Social Media

Ghanaian-born global marketing executive Bozoma Saint John has advised creatives to stop depending solely on social media to build their brands and businesses.

Speaking in a recent interview, the former Netflix Chief Marketing Officer said many talented creatives are producing outstanding work but often fail to market themselves effectively beyond their immediate audiences.

According to her, challenges such as limited funding, poor distribution networks and inadequate promotion structures continue to affect the growth of many creatives because marketing is often treated as an afterthought rather than a key part of the business.

She stressed that talent alone is no longer enough in today’s competitive creative industry. Creatives must be intentional about how they present themselves, tell their stories and position their brands to attract opportunities and partnerships.

Bozoma explained that visibility does not happen by accident. It requires strategy, consistency and a clear brand identity.

She encouraged creatives to engage with traditional media, participate in meaningful conversations and place themselves in spaces where their work can gain wider recognition.

The marketing expert noted that Ghana already has an abundance of creative talent capable of competing on the global stage.

However, she believes more effort is needed to shine a spotlight on that talent internationally.Using Ghanaian fashion as an example, she praised local designers for their creativity and originality, adding that the industry deserves greater global exposure.

Beyond marketing, Bozoma also highlighted the importance of collaboration in the creative sector. She said many creatives limit their growth by trying to handle everything on their own instead of building strong professional relationships.

According to her, collaboration allows people to learn from one another, improve their craft, expand their reach and unlock new opportunities.

She encouraged young creatives to focus less on competition and more on supporting one another.Bozoma added that collaboration goes beyond working together on projects. It also includes promoting each other’s work, celebrating shared successes and helping amplify one another’s voices.She believes that strong creative industries are built on collective effort, mutual support and meaningful partnerships rather than individual success alone.

Marrying a Rich Man Shouldn’t Be the Goal, Build Your Own Success — Ivy Ifeoma Advises Women

Ivy Ifeoma, the wife of Nigerian music star Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy of P-Square, has shared a message encouraging women to prioritize financial independence over seeking wealthy partners.

In a recent social media post, Ivy advised women not to make marrying a rich man their ultimate life goal. Instead, she encouraged them to focus on building their own careers, businesses and sources of income.

According to her, personal success and financial stability provide confidence, freedom and security that cannot be replaced by relying solely on a partner’s wealth.

She noted that while there is nothing wrong with marrying a successful man, women should also invest in themselves, develop valuable skills and work toward achieving their own goals.

Ivy emphasized that having personal achievements and financial independence allows women to contribute meaningfully to relationships and make decisions from a position of strength rather than dependence.

Her comments have sparked conversations online, with many social media users praising the message as a reminder that self-development and financial empowerment are important regardless of relationship status.

The advice has resonated with many young women, who see it as encouragement to pursue their ambitions while building fulfilling personal lives.

Businesswoman Takes Nana Agradaa to Court Over Alleged Defamatory Remarks

A Ghanaian businesswoman and NGO operator has taken controversial televangelist Nana Agradaa to the Accra High Court over alleged defamatory comments she claims damaged her reputation.

According to the businesswoman, the legal action stems from accusations made by Agradaa, who allegedly claimed that she demanded a bribe. She insists the allegation is false and has sought legal redress to clear her name.

Speaking after a recent court session, the plaintiff revealed that the case was first filed in 2024. However, she claimed that Agradaa has repeatedly failed to appear in court despite being served with the necessary legal documents.

She explained that the presiding judge has now decided to move forward with the case and has reportedly directed Agradaa to appear before the court or risk having a judgment entered in her absence.

The dispute is said to be connected to an earlier controversy involving a woman identified as Sarah Gold, who accused Agradaa of keeping family gold that had allegedly been brought to her church for prayers and spiritual blessings.

Sarah Gold previously claimed that the valuables were never returned and alleged that she and her child were mistreated when they attempted to retrieve them.

The allegations attracted widespread public attention and sparked heated discussions both online and offline.

The latest lawsuit has reignited public interest in Agradaa’s legal troubles, with supporters and critics closely following developments in the case.The court is expected to continue hearing the matter in the coming months as both sides prepare for further legal proceedings.