Entertainment
Encomium as Wizkid turns 32
Eunice Oluwafunmilayo
As Wizkid turns 32 on Saturday, his fans have taken to social media to show their love as they wish him a happy birthday.
Wizkid, real name Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, entered the Nigerian music scene in 2011 and has been making waves ever since.
The Grammy Award winner, often known as Big Wiz, has made a number of noteworthy contributions to both Nigerian and international music.
His supporters, known as Wizkid FC, celebrated the star on Twitter with the trendy hashtags #WizkidAt32 and #Machala.
A fan, @lagossultan, said, “Nigeria have crude but Wizkid is Nigeria’s biggest export.
“Happy life anniversary to the GOAT (Greatest of All Times) of afrobeat. Biggest African musical artiste ever.”
Another fan, @ceejayok26, tweeted, “32 looks good on you Big Wiz. May the oil on your head never dry. Cheers to more life and good music.”
Praying for the singer, @wizjnr9 tweeted, “Happy birthday to the greatest African artist of all time, Big Wiz. Wishing you the best in life. #WizkidAt32”
“Happy Birthday Big Wiz. More wins, keep soaring higher in good health and sound mind. #Machala #WizkidAt32,” @edthesongwriter prayed.
A disc jockey, @djjamzy_, tweeted, “If you’re playing at a party and the party is boring and you want them to start turning up, just play a Wizkid song and see the reaction of the crowd. Happy birthday Big Wiz. Keep making Nigeria global. God bless you. #WizkidAt32”
Hailing Wizkid for his young look, @kimberly_donne wrote, “Happy birthday Big Wiz, 32 looking like 16; forever young
“As for your birthday present, you’ll get it when you get on a collaboration with Nicki Minaj. Long live the King of AfroPop.”
Entertainment
Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Others Dazzle Fans At Flytime Music Festival 2024
Lagos witnessed an electrifying night of Afrobeats excellence on December 23, 2024, as the Flytime Music Festival took center stage.
Headlined by Nigerian music powerhouse Olamide, the event brought together an impressive lineup of stars to deliver unforgettable performances.
Olamide, affectionately called “Baddest” by fans, captivated the audience with back-to-back hits from his extensive catalog, including fan favorites like Melo Melo and Duro Soke.
The night turned emotional when Zlatan Ibile joined Olamide on stage and knelt in homage, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd.
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The festival also showcased the generational impact of Olamide’s artistry.
Rising stars like Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, and Pheelz, who credit Olamide as a mentor, joined him on stage for a nostalgic display of talent.
Bella Shmurda, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal also made show-stopping appearances.
A highlight of the night was the powerful duet between Olamide and Wande Coal on their hit song Kpe Paso.
Afrobeats royalty turned out in full force to support Olamide. Icons like Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Peruzzi, and Iyanya performed alongside emerging stars such as Magixx, Omah Lay, Orezi, Khaid, and Lojay, making the event a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.
CKay added extra flair by joining Olamide for a vibrant performance of their collaboration, Wahala, while Tiwa Savage brought her signature energy to the stage, keeping fans on their feet.
Backstage, entertainers Tunde Perry and Farulee added a dose of humor, further elevating the night’s excitement. Flytime Music Festival 2024 was more than a concert; it was a testament to the unifying power of music and a celebration of the global dominance of Afrobeats.
Entertainment
Davido Spotted With Burna Boy’s Mother At Tony Elumelu’s All White Party
Nigerian music sensation Davido was recently seen engaging warmly with Bose Ogulu, the mother and manager of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, at Tony Elumelu’s exclusive all-white party in Lagos.
The event, hosted by the prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, gathered a star-studded assembly of celebrities, business leaders, and influencers.
The interaction between Davido and Ogulu drew significant attention, especially considering the previously reported tensions between Davido and Burna Boy.
Their cordial exchange at the event has sparked discussions among fans and observers, suggesting a possible easing of past disagreements.
READ MORE: Davido Announces 2025 Album 5IVE, Drops Single ‘Funds’
The all-white party, known for its elegance and high-profile guest list, featured performances from top Nigerian artists, including Davido and Burna Boy. Their individual performances were among the highlights of the evening, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Nigerian music industry.
Tony Elumelu’s gatherings are renowned for bringing together diverse talents and fostering a spirit of collaboration. The presence of both Davido and Burna Boy’s mother at the same event underscores the influential role such occasions play in bridging gaps within the entertainment community.
As videos and images from the event circulate on social media, fans express optimism about the potential reconciliation between the two music giants. Many hope that this encounter signifies a new chapter of collaboration and mutual respect in the Nigerian music scene.
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Entertainment
Tragic Funfair Crush In Ibadan Claims Children’s Lives
Several children lost their lives, and many others were injured in a tragic incident at a funfair in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.
The event, which was advertised as free entry, attracted a massive crowd, resulting in a crush as attendees struggled to gain access.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 5,000 children gathered at the venue, located at the Islamic High School Basorun. The tragedy unfolded when the main organisers arrived to begin the event. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains unclear, the situation escalated into chaos, leaving scores injured.
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The Oyo state government confirmed the incident, stating that victims had been rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. In a statement, they acknowledged “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” Authorities have urged concerned parents to check local hospitals for their children’s whereabouts.
The devastating event has left the community in shock, with residents mourning the lives lost in what should have been a joyous occasion. Investigations are expected to shed light on how the situation spiraled out of control.