Entertainment
‘What is Akon saying?’ Nigerians slam singer for claiming creation of Afrobeats
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.
Entertainment
I’m Sick And Homeless – Nigerian Actor, Okemesi Cries Out For Help (Video)
Bamidele Tope Saint, the Nigerian actor and content creator, who is popularly known as Okemesi, has appealed for help after an alleged spiritual attack reportedly left him homeless.
He made the plea on Thursday during an interview with his colleague, Tony Montana.
Okemesi, who has been away from the screen for almost a year, disclosed that he has been suffering from a spiritual attack that left him paralysed.
While calling on his fans for help, the actor stated that he is now homeless and helpless.
Actor Tony Montana said, “I’m very sad seeing you in this condition. It is difficult for people, including your fans, to recognise you. What happened to you?”
Okemesi responded: “It was a spiritual attack. May God protect us from spiritual arrows. I was taken to Island Hospital, and people donated to foot my bills. But we realised it was beyond the hospital when my condition worsened. That was when the people with me searched for my relatives’ numbers on my phone.
“My senior brother in Osogbo asked them to bring me to him. He picked me up from the motor park and took me directly to an Islamic cleric for a solution. It was a serious attack. I became crippled. It was the prayers from people and God’s miracles that revived me. I couldn’t talk or stand. I began to walk with crutches a few hours after the Alfa gave me some spiritual items to use the same day I arrived.
“My brother was also attacked after I left the cleric’s place to stay with him for proper care. He was involved in an accident and also had a marital crisis with his wife. I had to leave his place and started staying on church premises. I don’t have a place to sleep, I don’t have anything. In fact, it’s difficult to feed. My fans, you are the only thing left for me. Please, I need your help to get back on my feet, especially with accommodation,” he stated.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUYV0ukiDLa/?igsh=MTF4cW5hdGo0bjhrOQ==
Entertainment
Ijoba Lande accuses Lagos police officers of assault, theft
Nigerian comedian and actor Ijoba Lande has accused operatives attached to the Area “J” Division of the Lagos State Police Command of allegedly assaulting him, confiscating his mobile phone and stealing cash said to belong to his brother.
A video circulating widely on social media shows the entertainer with visible facial injuries, including blood stains around his eyes, while onlookers poured water on his face in an attempt to assist him.
The footage also features scenes from a location believed to be a police facility, where Ijoba Lande appeared to be reporting the incident after the alleged attack.
Speaking on the incident, the skit maker claimed it occurred just six days after his return to Nigeria from the United Kingdom.
He, however, did not provide specific details about the exact location or events that led to the confrontation with the police officers.
Ijoba Lande alleged that the officers physically assaulted him, seized his iPhone 16 Pro Max and made away with $1,200 in cash belonging to his brother.
The popular content creator, known for his comedy skits and roles in Yoruba Nollywood films, said the experience has left him traumatised as he seeks redress over the alleged misconduct.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had yet to issue an official response, while the full circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
Entertainment
‘I’m honored’ -Actor Ninalowo Gets Role To Mobilize Atlanta Support For Tinubu’s Re-Election
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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