Entertainment
My Kids Always Want Me To Stand Up – Yinka Ayefele
Yinka Ayefele, a well-known Nigerian gospel singer, recently opened up to his ‘boys’ on the life-changing car crash, which confined him to the wheelchair.
In a video that he posted to Instagram with the caption: “They always want me to stand up… And they kept asking me why every day, even up till last night… I tried hard not to be emotional… Indeed, it was ‘My turning point. 12/12/1997’. To God be the Glory,”
The gospel artiste was seen lying on a bed with his kids, engaging in a heart-to-heart discussion.
His son, Richard, driven by curiosity, directly questioned his father about why he couldn’t stand on his feet.
Ayefele responded, revealing that he was involved in an accident.
Little Richard, still curious, persistently sought more details.
The singer then explained that it was an auto crash that occurred during the festive season on December 12, 1997.
Curious about the car accident, Little Richard and the other kids listened as Yinka described how he was driving on a slippery road when his car somersaulted six times and landed in a deep pit within a bush.
Ayefele recounted being rescued by Good Samaritans who promptly took him to the hospital.
He shared that he later underwent further treatment in London for better recovery.
During the conversation, Ayefele noticed his son’s concern, assuring him that he would be fine and expressing confidence in his ability to walk someday.
Ayefele also shared in the video how his kid pushed him to try getting out of his wheelchair and doing workouts to speed up his recuperation and regain his walking abilities.
Ayefele was forced to use a wheelchair after suffering spinal cord damage in a car accident on December 12, 1997.
In 2019, the musician and his spouse, Temitope, welcomed their trio of triplets.
Entertainment
Tyla Scores 8 Nominations At Billboard Music Awards
Tyla, the rising South African sensation, has achieved a historic milestone by earning 8 nominations at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), tying as the second most nominated African artist in BBMAs history.
Among her nominations are Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Female Artist, Top Afrobeats Artist, and three nods in the Top Afrobeats Song category for her tracks Water, Truth or Dare, and Jump (featuring Gunna and Skillibeng).
She is also recognised for Top R&B Album and Top R&B Song, showcasing her global influence.
Adding to her achievements, the music video for her hit single Push 2 Start has surpassed 9 million views on YouTube, further cementing her growing dominance in the music industry.
READ MORE: Ayra Starr’s “19 & Dangerous (Deluxe)” Achieves 600 Million Spotify Streams
In another exciting development, Tyla is set to launch a limited-edition cup collaboration with Stanley, which will be available starting tomorrow, November 26th. This partnership adds a new dimension to her growing brand, blending music and lifestyle in a way that resonates with fans.
Born in Johannesburg, Tyla began gaining recognition with her breakout single Getting Late in 2021, which showcased her vibrant energy and unique sound. Her follow-up single Water propelled her to international fame, becoming a viral sensation on platforms like TikTok and charting globally.
At just 22, Tyla has already performed on major stages, including the MTV Europe Music Awards and Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and has earned accolades like “Best African Act” and “Best Afrobeats Artist” at prestigious events.
Her debut album, featuring hit collaborations with global artists, has solidified her place as one of Africa’s brightest musical exports.
Entertainment
Ayra Starr’s “19 & Dangerous (Deluxe)” Achieves 600 Million Spotify Streams
Ayra Starr has once again proven her place as a trailblazer in the Nigerian and global music industries. The deluxe edition of her debut album, 19 & Dangerous (Deluxe), has reached a monumental milestone of 600 million streams on Spotify.
This achievement cements her position as one of Nigeria’s most exceptional musical talents and a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
This milestone is particularly significant, as 19 & Dangerous (Deluxe) is only the second project by a Nigerian female artist to surpass 600 million Spotify streams.
READ MORE: Wizkid’s Morayo Crowned Fans’ Favourite New Music Release Of The Week
The first was Ayra Starr’s The Year I Turned 21, making her the sole Nigerian female artist with two albums reaching such heights. Her ability to craft timeless music with global appeal speaks volumes about her artistry and dedication.
Reflecting on her journey, Ayra Starr has often expressed admiration for her labelmate Rema, who she credits as an inspiration. “I looked up to Rema even before I joined Mavin Records… His first EP, I was like wow! This is a Nigerian teenage boy. I didn’t know that was possible. I can do this too,” she shared.
With each milestone, Ayra Starr continues to redefine success for Nigerian artists, solidifying her legacy as a global music powerhouse. As her influence and achievements grow, it’s clear that her journey is only just beginning.
Stay tuned for more updates as Ayra Starr pushes the boundaries of music and inspires fans worldwide.
Entertainment
Wizkid’s Morayo Crowned Fans’ Favourite New Music Release Of The Week
Wizkid’s latest album, Morayo, has topped Billboard’s weekly all-genre music poll, capturing an overwhelming 78% of the votes from music fans.
The poll, conducted on Friday, November 22, highlighted fan-favourite new music releases, with Wizkid’s album emerging as a clear winner against competition from global heavyweights like ROSÉ, Kendrick Lamar, and Lil Nas X.
The Nigerian superstar’s new project, released via Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records, is a heartfelt dedication to his late mother, Juliana Morayo Balogun. Reflecting its emotional depth, the album’s title, Morayo, means “I see joy” in Yoruba.
READ MORE: Wizkid’s “Morayo”: Critics, Fans Clash Over Album’s Quality
“It’s very, very personal,” Wizkid said during an interview with Esquire earlier this year. “I hope it lifts spirits and spreads positive energy.”
The 16-track album features high-profile collaborations with Jazmine Sullivan, Brent Faiyaz, Asake, Anaïse, and Tiakola. It follows his 2022 release, More Love, Less Ego, which peaked at No. 2 on the World Albums chart and No. 59 on the Billboard 200.
The album’s lead single, Piece of My Heart, featuring Brent Faiyaz, debuted in October and has already achieved significant success, reaching No. 4 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and No. 7 on the World Digital Song Sales chart.
Trailing Morayo in this week’s poll results were ROSÉ’s solo single Number One Girl in second place and Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album GNX in third.
With Morayo, Wizkid continues to solidify his place as one of the most influential artists in the global music scene, capturing hearts with his personal storytelling and infectious sound. Fans and critics alike are lauding the album’s depth and artistry, making it a standout release of 2024.