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‘What is Akon saying?’ Nigerians slam singer for claiming creation of Afrobeats

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Akon

Senegalese-American singer Akon has stirred controversy online after stating that he played a major role in the rise of Afrobeats, the globally celebrated music genre that originated from West Africa.

While the artiste credits himself with shaping the early stages of Afrobeats through collaborations with Nigerian stars, many Nigerians aren’t having it.

In a recent interview with American talk show host and actress Sherri Shepherd, the ‘Smack That’ star reflected on his influence in the genre’s development, citing his work in the late 2000s with Nigerian acts like Wizkid, PSquare, and D’banj.

“…I was in Africa and time just flew past. 2008 was my last official album, which was the ‘Freedom’ album,” Akon recounted. “And then I was producing the music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. From there, I went to Nigeria. What we created in Nigeria was what you see and hear now as Afrobeats.”

He continued, “Wizkid was the first Nigerian artiste that we signed back in 2008. We went to work with him and Banky W in Nigeria. From there, we just started developing artists like PSquare, Dbanj and others.”

While Akon’s statements may have been intended to highlight his support for African music, his remarks were met with swift backlash on Nigerian social media, where users accused him of overstating his influence and attempting to rewrite the genre’s history.

“He needs to shut up 🤣🤣 Akon lies effortlessly just like Shaq!” wrote @Loadedbrodah on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Akon just wants to rewrite the history of Afrobeats lol,” added @Ms_Fej.

User @paul_osigbemhe1 challenged Akon’s timeline and role, saying, “Akon did not open doors for Nigeria 🇳🇬 musics and he should stop seeing himself as the pioneer of Afrobeats. Way back in the 2000s — 2003, 04, 05 — Psquare, D’banj, and a host of others were already a formidable force in African music before I even knew Akon was from Senegal.”

Another critic, @Bisping_Chad, pointed out inconsistencies: “When Wizkid come out wey u sign am 2008. Akon Dey lie for dis one or maybe he missed the year. Psquare rejected the contract he was offering them.”

Others dismissed his claims entirely. “Anyone would be silly to take Akon serious,” wrote @KirkHammettR.

 

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‘I’m honored’ -Actor Ninalowo Gets Role To Mobilize Atlanta Support For Tinubu’s Re-Election

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Bolanle Ninalowo has been named the Atlanta, USA, coordinator for Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN), a group supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The actor expressed excitement over the appointment, posting images that included the All Progressives Congress (APC) logo and Nigerian symbols to encourage support from the diaspora community.

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‘The conflict is behind us’ – Churchill confirms reconciliation with Tonto Dike

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Olakunle Churchill, ex-husband of actress Tonto Dike, has confirmed reconciling with her ten years after their messy divorce.

Ekwutosblog reports that Tonto Dike had on Saturday announced a reconciliation with Churchill, described the development as an end to their 10 years of online battles.

Reacting to the actress’ reconciliation post on his Instagram page on Sunday, Churchill said “The conflict is behind us.”

 

While expressing surprise after years of separation from his son, he noted that the purpose of their reconciliation is to  co-parent, and not to be as a couple.

“I was surprised when I received a call for the first time from my son, calling me “Daddy” was deeply touching & a reminder that what God can not do does not exist.

The conflict is behind us. We’re now focused on co parenting with love, care, & a shared commitment to raising our son. I look forward to a future filled with collaboration, respect, and peace trusting God to guide me,” he said.

Ekwutosblog reports that Tonto Dikeh got married to Churchill in August 2015, and welcomed their son, King Andre, in February 2016.

The actress who was rumoured to have left Churchill barely two years after their marriage, officially announced her divorce in July 2017 over alleged infidelity and domestic violence.

They have constantly engaged in online altercations since their controversial split.

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Peace Has Replaced Chaos – Tonto Dikeh Confirms Reconciliation With Ex-Husband, Churchill After 10 Years Of Public Feud

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Nollywood actress and politician Tonto Dikeh has reconciled with her former husband, Olakunle Churchill, bringing an end to their decade-long public feud.

Tonto and Churchill were married in 2015, but their union collapsed less than two years later amid allegations of infidelity, intense public controversy and child custody battles.

In an emotional post shared on her Facebook page, Tonto attributed the reconciliation to divine intervention, humility and sustained prayers, stressing that what human efforts could not repair was healed through faith and obedience to God.

While describing the reunion as a divine restoration after years of public conflict and separation, Tonto Dikeh said peace has replaced chaos after nearly a decade of dispute, bitterness and broken communication.

According to the movie star, the renewed relationship was built on humility, forgiveness and love for their child, and encouraged people facing similar challenges not to lose hope.

She wrote, “We are living proof that the Word of God is eternal and unfailing. God is not a God who abandons what He has started. When He begins a work, He stays with it until it is completed.

“After ten long years of public battles, deep wounds, broken communication, bitterness, and pain, God stepped in. What looked ugly, impossible, and beyond repair has been touched by mercy. Peace has replaced chaos. Respect has returned where anger once lived. What human effort could not fix, God healed by salvation, humility, and the sincere prayers of a child.

“This restoration is not by might, not by wisdom, not by strength but by the Spirit of the Lord. When God moves, the human mind cannot comprehend the process. He softens hearts, silences the enemy, and rewrites stories that looked finished. Every plan of darkness has failed. Stubbornness has bowed. Pride has melted. Love has found its voice again for my child.

“I am deeply grateful to the father of my child Dr kunle for yielding to God’s word and choosing peace. Obedience to God always births restoration, even when the road has been long and painful. To anyone standing where I once stood, tired, wounded, misunderstood, and believing nothing good can come out of the situation.please hear this: God has not abandoned you. Your story is not over. What He has started, He will surely perfect. Keep praying. Keep choosing love. Keep trusting God even when it hurts.

“May this restored relationship remain built on the solid rock of God’s mercy, protection, grace, and mighty hand. May it stand as a living testimony that God never fails, never forgets, and never walks away from His own. If God did it for us, He can do it for you. To my spiritual father, Papa, thank you for grooming a God-fearing, impact-making woman out of a Total Mess.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DT5df1YiIG9/?igsh=bnhyczJ0M3AxNmN4

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