Nollywood actor Kunle Remi has joined growing public frustration over the rising cost of petrol, using his platform to call for more open conversations about the country’s current economic strain

The actor pushed back against the idea that public figures should stay silent on political or economic issues. “Usually I say things like I don’t really get involved with politics… No, that’s the most stupid statement from anyone in Nigeria right now,” he said. “We should be discussing, we should be talking about it, we should be trying to fix… There’s nothing like sitting on the fence.”

Remi linked his concerns to the direct impact of fuel prices on everyday life, pointing to the ripple effect across businesses and households. “Today I bought petrol for 1,300-something naira,” he said, noting that everything from shopping malls to small barber shops depends heavily on petrol to operate. “I have a child, so I’m thinking not just for myself.”

He also questioned Nigeria’s sensitivity to global oil market shifts, particularly ongoing tensions in the Middle East. “I don’t understand why Nigeria is one of the first countries to be affected by the war in Iran. My spirit is very angry. All the things I’ve been working for is for what?” he said.

His comments come amid sustained pressure on petrol prices across Nigeria. Despite the start of domestic refining operations, including the Dangote Refinery, pump prices have continued to reflect global market volatility. Industry stakeholders have pointed to international crude oil price movements and geopolitical tensions as key factors limiting any immediate relief.

Recent market data shows that a nearly 20 per cent increase in petrol prices implemented last week remains in place, with a national average of about N1,300 per litre. A decline in crude oil prices earlier in the week has yet to translate into lower pump prices, raising further concerns among consumers.

Online, Remi’s remarks have drawn widespread support, with many users commending him for speaking out on an issue that directly affects daily living. Some described his comments as reflective of broader public sentiment, especially as more Nigerians grapple with rising transportation and operating costs.

In a recent BBC 1Xtra interview, Davido revealed that his upcoming sixth studio album will be rooted in African sounds, marking a deliberate shift away from Western music influences.
In a recent appearance on BBC 1Xtra’s Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show, hosted by Congolese-British comedian and presenter Eddie Kadi, Davido offered what appears to be the clearest indication of where his music is headed next, emphasising his plan to decenter the West.

“This part of my career… I’ve performed everywhere, sold out every arena, been at all the award shows. I’ve been to three Grammys in the last three years. Now, I want to go back home. I want to go back to Africa. Even the music I’m recording now is very, very Davido African. I’m not focused on Western sounds. This one that’s coming next is very African,” he said.

Outside the casual interview quote, if we can recall, on his birthday in November last year, Davido subtly announced the coming of his sixth studio album. With this latest comment, he appears to be offering an indirect preview of what that project will sound like, indicating a deliberate pivot toward African audiences after years of building and consolidating a global presence.

It would not be the first time Davido has made that choice consciously. His fifth studio album, 5ive, released in 2025, was a commercial success anchored firmly in Nigerian identity. The album connected deeply with the markets Afrobeats had spent a decade cultivating across the continent, reflecting an artist who understood that the genre’s most loyal and most responsive audience had always been at home.

That conviction extended to his live shows. Last year, Davido held the 5ive Tour across five major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Ibadan, and Enugu. It was a domestic tour that came at a time when major acts had largely abandoned the Nigerian touring circuit, and was widely commended as a statement of intent.

Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has launched a Music Foundation dedicated to discovering, developing, and empowering the next generation of African music creatives.
Tiwa Savage’s Foundation is rooted in a simple belief that the music industry is far bigger than just the artist alone. Behind every global hit are producers, songwriters, sound engineers, music executives, and creative professionals whose work shapes culture. Yet across Africa, access to structured, world-class training for these careers remains limited.

The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation was created to expand that access, building pathways not only for performers, but for the broader ecosystem that sustains the music industry. The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is a philanthropic initiative dedicated to empowering emerging talent through music, education, and creative opportunity by providing access to world-class music training, mentorship, and resources across the African continent, particularly aimed at underrepresented or underserved communities.

Rooted in the belief that music is a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence, and social change, the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation aims to nurture the next generation of creatives while fostering pathways to sustainable careers within the music and creative industries.

Through strategic partnerships, community-driven programs, and targeted initiatives, the Foundation is committed to creating lasting impact and expanding access to opportunities across Africa and beyond.

The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation has partnered with Berklee College of Music, the world’s most prestigious contemporary music institution, to bring an immersive educational experience directly to Nigeria and Africa.

Speaking on the launch of the Foundation, Tiwa Savage shared;

“I wanted to build something that opens people’s eyes to the full scope of what’s possible in music. The person who composed the score for a film, who creates music for global campaigns, or who uses music as a tool for healing. These are meaningful, sustainable careers that don’t always make headlines. This foundation is my way of creating a platform that helps African music creatives understand what’s possible and gives them access, guidance, and support to pursue those paths with confidence. At this point in my career, I’m incredibly grateful for everything music has given me, and it means a lot to be able to give back in a way that creates real opportunity for others. This day has been years in the making, and I’m so excited to finally share it.”

The four-day intensive will train 100 students and cover hands-on training across live performance, songwriting, music production, and the business of music, meeting participants at their current level while expanding their technical, creative, and commercial capabilities.