Celebs

Asake Is the Most Streamed Artist of All Time on Spotify Nigeria

Spotify entered the Nigerian market 5 years ago, and in that time, Afrobeats superstar Asake has been the most-streamed artist on the platform.
In celebration of its fifth anniversary in Nigeria, Spotify has revealed the list of the top 5 most-streamed artists since it launched in the country in 2021. Topping the list is hitmaker Asake, who leads other global sensations in what is a testament to its status as an era-defining star.

Wizkid ranks second on the list as his illustrious career continued to hit new heights in the streaming era. Street pop sensation Seyi Vibez is ranked third thanks to his tireless project releases and a steady supply of hit singles, which have made him a digital force.

Burna Boy’s global historic feats can also be reconciled with his success in Nigeria, where he’s the fourth most-streamed artist in the history of Spotify Nigeria. Davido rounds off the top five after releasing two acclaimed projects and scoring several hit records since 2021.

In January 2022, Asake stepped into the Nigerian mainstream with the release of his hit single ‘Omo Ope,’ featuring Olamide Baddo, who added him to the roster of his label YBNL. The single became an instant hit and rocketed him to nationwide fame, yet not many could have anticipated the era-defining influence he was about to have on the nation’s music industry.

Wielding an emphatic artistry that found expression through his smooth blend of fuji inflected melodies and electrifying rap flows, Asake formed a formidable duo with producer Magicsticks, whose clever use of Amapiano imported log drums delivered a sound that revolutionized Nigerian mainstream pop music.

His debut EP was an emphatic success, and he followed up with the release of the singles ‘Pallazo’ featuring Spinall, ‘PBUY,’ and ‘Terminator,’ which led up to his debut album ‘Mr Money With Vibe’ released in December 2022.

Asake’s debut album announced not only his arrival but also his takeover as Afrobeats leading hitmaker. The album, filled with hits, has surpassed over 800 million Spotify streams. A year later, he followed up with his sophomore album ‘Work of Art,’ which was also an instant success thanks to its array of hit singles such as ‘Remember,’ ‘2:30,’ ‘Basquiat,’ and ‘Lonely At The Top,’ which is the most-streamed song in the history of Nigeria.

Celebs

Veteran Actress Ngozi Nwosu appeals for N30 Million For Three Surgeries as she battles health crisis

Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu has made an emotional appeal to fans, colleagues and well-wishers as she battles a serious health condition that requires urgent medical attention.

The actress shared a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed, revealing that she has been hospitalised for the past three weeks. According to her, speaking publicly about her condition was a difficult decision, but she could no longer remain silent as she urgently needs three life-saving surgeries estimated to cost ₦30 million.

“My people, my fans and my family. I know you have not seen me in circulation for some time. I’ve been hospitalised now for three weeks.

“Pls, the thing has gone beyond my control. I need your help. Don’t let me die. I know that you people never forsake me, and I know that God will always see me through. But I am begging you my fans and family, don’t let me down.”

Nwosu also revealed the physical pain she has been enduring, adding that anyone willing to support her treatment should reach out to her management.

“I am going through a lot of pain. I have like three surgeries to go through.

“If there is anything you want to do for me, pls contact my management; they will be there. Thank you, God bless you. My sickness will never be anybody’s portion.”

n the caption accompanying the post, the actress reiterated her appeal, asking fans to share her message and contribute towards her treatment.

“Please don’t scroll past. Share this post and support if you can. God bless you, and may you and yours never experience this affliction.

“Please contact my legal representative/management for more details.

“Total amount needed for all surgeries is: N30,000,000.”

Nwosu is one of Nollywood’s celebrated veteran actresses, with a career spanning decades. She is widely recognised for her memorable performances in films and television productions.

Celebs

Nollywood Veteran Hanks Anuku captured roaming the streets of Abuja

A viral video showing veteran Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku on a roadside in Abuja has sparked concern among Nigerians on social media. The footage, believed to have been recorded recently, shows the 64-year-old actor appearing distressed, holding a disposable cup and seemingly talking to himself. Some social media users speculated that he may have been under the influence of alcohol, though this remains unconfirmed.

Sharing the clip online, eyewitnesses appealed for support, writing:

“Please Nigerians, Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku needs our help. Please repost and share so he can get help.”
The video has generated mixed reactions, with some expressing concern for the actor’s well-being, while others urged the public not to jump to conclusions.

One user said, “He made his choice. Donate for him and he will still visit his drugs and drinks. Best advice na the one wey person advice himself.”

Several fans called on his fellow actors and the Nigerian Actors Guild to provide the actor with the necessary medical and financial support.\

Anuku previously made headlines in November 2022 after a viral video showed him dressed in worn-out clothing while wandering the streets, prompting widespread speculation about his mental health. The actor later dismissed claims that he was battling mental illness. However, this latest video shows concerns over the state of his mental health and well-being.

During his time in Nollywood, Hanks Anuku was known for playing the archetypal bad-boy role, which earned him fame through his performances in movies like ‘The Senator.’ The actor’s current situation sheds light on the issues confronting movie stars and other celebrities who often battle with depression and financial crisis after leaving the limelight.

Celebs

“I can never marry a Nigerian” — DJ Cuppy

DJ Cuppy has decided against marrying a Nigerian man, and she has a reason that says as much about the unique pressures of dating as a billionaire’s daughter as it does about the men involved.

Speaking in a resurfaced interview, the DJ and media personality said her last Nigerian partner spent more energy trying to secure a meeting with her father, business mogul Femi Otedola, than actually pursuing her.

“I can never marry a Nigerian. The last Nigerian I dated was already asking me when he could meet my dad. I don’t even think they actually like me,” she said.

The comment was received well because it touched something many high-profile women have spoken about privately, which is the difficulty of knowing whether interest is genuine or transactional when your last name opens doors that most people spend careers trying to reach.

Cuppy added that her father has no strong preference on nationality, only that she eventually gets married. She also used the moment to express happiness about her sister Temi Otedola’s relationship with star Mr Eazi.

Cuppy’s romantic history has rarely been quiet. Her most high-profile relationship was with British boxer Ryan Taylor, which moved quickly from a 2022 engagement to a 2023 breakup and a series of very public exchanges in the years that followed.

In early 2024, Cuppy posted something her exes interpreted as a taunt, suggesting they could not afford to be where she was without her help. Taylor responded in the comments with: “Neither can you.”

The back-and-forth did not stop there. In 2025, Taylor appeared on a podcast and alleged that Cuppy had expressed discomfort around Nigerians, claiming she discouraged him from hiring Nigerian staff and was uncomfortable when Nigerian fans approached her in public.

That allegation, largely unaddressed at the time, now circles back with some irony given her latest comments.

Before Taylor, Cuppy was publicly linked to Davido’s manager Asa Asika and Nigerian footballer Victor Anichebe.

She has since said she prefers low-key, non-celebrity partners, someone with a regular job, away from the spotlight that has followed most of her previous relationships.