Entertainment
FULL LIST: 2024 Billboard Music Awards: Asake, Tems, Rema, Burna Boy Shines
The 2024 Billboard Music Awards are set for December 12, airing live on Fox at 8 PM ET/PT, hosted by Michelle Buteau. Afrobeats takes centre stage with Asake, Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, and Tyla vying for Top Afrobeats Artist.
Tems is also nominated for Top Afrobeats Song with “Me & U,” while Tyla dominates the category with three entries: “Water,” “Truth or Dare,” and “Jump.”
Taylor Swift leads the nominations with 17 entries across 16 categories, including Top Artist and Top Female Artist. Drake and Kendrick Lamar follow with eight nominations each, while Nicki Minaj and SZA also earn multiple nods. Beyoncé appears in country categories with “Cowboy Carter.”
READ MORE: Tyla Scores 8 Nominations At Billboard Music Awards
Catch unforgettable performances and winners on Fox, Paramount+, and Fire TV Channels, with highlights on Billboard’s platforms. Who’s your pick this year?
The 2024 Billboard Music Awards are set for December 12, airing live on Fox at 8 PM ET/PT, hosted by Michelle Buteau. Afrobeats takes centre stage with Asake, Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, and Tyla vying for Top Afrobeats Artist. Tems is also nominated for Top Afrobeats Song with “Me & U,” while Tyla dominates the category with three entries: “Water,” “Truth or Dare,” and “Jump.”
Taylor Swift leads the nominations with 17 entries across 16 categories, including Top Artist and Top Female Artist. Drake and Kendrick Lamar follow with eight nominations each, while Nicki Minaj and SZA also earn multiple nods. Beyoncé appears in country categories with “Cowboy Carter.”
Catch unforgettable performances and winners on Fox, Paramount+, and Fire TV Channels, with highlights on Billboard’s platforms.
Who are you rooting for?
See the full list of nominees across 72 categories:
ARTIST AWARDS
Top Artist
• Zach Bryan
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Drake
• Taylor Swift
• Morgan Wallen
Top New Artist
• Benson Boone
• Tommy Richman
• Chappell Roan
• Shaboozey
• Teddy Swims
Top Male Artist
• Zach Bryan
• Luke Combs
• Drake
• Post Malone
• Morgan Wallen
Top Female Artist
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Billie Eilish
• Chappell Roan
• Taylor Swift
• SZA
Top Duo/Group
• blink-182
• Coldplay
• Fuerza Regida
• Linkin Park
• Stray Kids
Top Billboard 200 Artist
• Zach Bryan
• Drake
• Taylor Swift
• SZA
• Morgan Wallen
Top Hot 100 Artist
• Zach Bryan
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Billie Eilish
• Taylor Swift
• Morgan Wallen
Top Hot 100 Songwriter
• Amy Allen
• Jack Antonoff
• Zach Bryan
• Kendrick Lamar
• Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Producer
• Jack Antonoff
• Zach Bryan
• Daniel Nigro
• Finneas O’Connell
• Taylor Swift
Top Streaming Songs Artist
• Zach Bryan
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Kendrick Lamar
• Taylor Swift
• Morgan Wallen
Top Radio Songs Artist
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Doja Cat
• Taylor Swift
• SZA
• Morgan Wallen
Top Song Sales Artist
• Jelly Roll
• Jung Kook
• Shaboozey
• Taylor Swift
• Teddy Swims
Top Billboard Global 200 Artist
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Billie Eilish
• Ariana Grande
• Taylor Swift
• The Weeknd
Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Artist
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Billie Eilish
• Ariana Grande
• Taylor Swift
• The Weeknd
Top R&B Artist
• Brent Faiyaz
• Tommy Richman
• SZA
• Tyla
• The Weeknd
Top R&B Male Artist
• Brent Faiyaz
• Tommy Richman
• The Weeknd
Top R&B Female Artist
• Muni Long
• SZA
• Tyla
Top R&B Touring Artist
• Chris Brown
• Bruno Mars
• Usher
Top Rap Artist
• Drake
• Future
• Kendrick Lamar
• Metro Boomin
• Travis Scott
Top Rap Male Artist
• Drake
• Kendrick Lamar
• Travis Scott
Top Rap Female Artist
• Doja Cat
• GloRilla
• Nicki Minaj
Top Rap Touring Artist
• Nicki Minaj
• Travis Scott
• $uicideboy$
Top Country Artist
• Zach Bryan
• Luke Combs
• Post Malone
• Chris Stapleton
• Morgan Wallen
Top Country Male Artist
• Zach Bryan
• Luke Combs
• Morgan Wallen
Top Country Female Artist
• Beyoncé
• Megan Moroney
• Lainey Wilson
Top Country Duo/Group
• Zac Brown Band
• The Red Clay Strays
• Treaty Oak Revival
Top Country Touring Artist
• Zach Bryan
• Kenny Chesney
• Luke Combs
Top Rock Artist
• Zach Bryan
• Hozier
• Jelly Roll
• Noah Kahan
• Linkin Park
Top Rock Duo/Group
• Good Neighbours
• Linkin Park
• The Red Clay Strays
Top Hard Rock Artist
• Bad Omens
• HARDY
• Linkin Park
Top Rock Touring Artist
• Coldplay
• The Rolling Stones
• Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
Top Latin Artist
• Bad Bunny
• Fuerza Regida
• Junior H
• KAROL G
• Peso Pluma
Top Latin Male Artist
• Bad Bunny
• Junior H
• Peso Pluma
Top Latin Female Artist
• KAROL G
• Shakira
• Kali Uchis
Top Latin Duo/Group
• Eslabon Armado
• Fuerza Regida
• Grupo Frontera
Top Latin Touring Artist
• Bad Bunny
• KAROL G
• Luis Miguel
Top Global K-Pop Artist
• ENHYPEN
• Jimin
• Jung Kook
• Stray Kids
• TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Top K-Pop Touring Artist
• ENHYPEN
• SEVENTEEN
• TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Top Afrobeats Artist
• Asake
• Burna Boy
• Rema
• Tems
• Tyla
Top Dance/Electronic Artist
• Beyoncé
• The Chainsmokers
• Charli XCX
• Dua Lipa
• Calvin Harris
Top Christian Artist
• Lauren Daigle
• Elevation Worship
• Forrest Frank
• Brandon Lake
• Anne Wilson
Top Gospel Artist
• Kirk Franklin
• Maverick City Music
• Chandler Moore
• Naomi Raine
• CeCe Winans
ALBUM AWARDS
Top Billboard 200 Album
• Zach Bryan, Zach Bryan
• Drake, For All the Dogs
• Noah Kahan, Stick Season
• Taylor Swift, 1989 (Taylor’s Version)
• Taylor Swift, The Tortured Poets Department
Top Soundtrack
• Hazbin Hotel: Season One
• Trolls: Band Together
• Twisters: The Album
• Wish
• Wonka
Top R&B Album
• Chris Brown, 11:11
• Brent Faiyaz, Larger Than Life
• PARTYNEXTDOOR, PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4)
• Bryson Tiller, Bryson Tiller
• Tyla, Tyla
Top Rap Album
• 21 Savage, american dream
• Drake, For All the Dogs
• Future & Metro Boomin, WE DON’T TRUST YOU
• Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday 2
• Rod Wave, Nostalgia
Top Country Album
• Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
• Zach Bryan, The Great American Bar Scene
• Zach Bryan, Zach Bryan
• Chris Stapleton, Higher
• Bailey Zimmerman, Religiously. The Album.
Top Rock Album
• Zach Bryan, The Great American Bar Scene
• Zach Bryan, Zach Bryan
• Hozier, Unheard (EP)
• Noah Kahan, Stick Season
• Dolly Parton, Rockstar
Top Hard Rock Album
• Bring Me The Horizon, POST HUMAN: NeX GEn
• Falling In Reverse, Popular Monster
• HARDY, Quit!!
• Pearl Jam, Dark Matter
• Sleep Token, Take Me Back to Eden
Top Latin Album
• Bad Bunny, nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana
• Fuerza Regida, Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada
• Grupo Frontera, El Comienzo
• Junior H, $AD BOYZ 4 LIFE II
• KAROL G, MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO (BICHOTA SEASON)
Top K-Pop Album
• ATEEZ, THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL
• Jung Kook, GOLDEN
• Stray Kids, ROCK-STAR
• Stray Kids, Ate: Mini Album
• TOMORROW X TOGETHER, The Name Chapter: FREEFALL
Top Dance/Electronic Album
• Charli XCX, BRAT
• Jungle, Volcano
• Odetari, XXIII SORROWS
• Troye Sivan, Something to Give Each Other
• John Summit, Comfort in Chaos
Top Christian Album
• Elevation Worship, CAN YOU IMAGINE?
• Forrest Frank, CHILD OF GOD
• Brandon Lake, COAT OF MANY COLORS
• Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, The Maverick Way Complete: Complete Vol 02
• Katy Nichole, Jesus Changed My Life
Top Gospel Album
• Kirk Franklin, Father’s Day
• Koryn Hawthorne, On God
• Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, The Maverick Way Complete: Complete Vol 02
• CeCe Winans, More Than This
• Naomi Raine, Cover The Earth: Live in New York
SONG AWARDS
Top Hot 100 Song
• Benson Boone, “Beautiful Things”
• Jack Harlow, “Lovin on Me”
• Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help”
• Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
• Teddy Swims, “Lose Control”
Top Streaming Song
• Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves, “I Remember Everything”
• Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”
• Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help”
• Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
• Teddy Swims, “Lose Control”
Top Radio Song
• Benson Boone, “Beautiful Things”
• Jack Harlow, “Lovin on Me”
• Tate McRae, “Greedy”
• Taylor Swift, “Cruel Summer”
• Teddy Swims, “Lose Control”
Top Selling Song
• Benson Boone, “Beautiful Things”
• Jung Kook, “Standing Next to You”
• Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen “I Had Some Help”
• Shaboozey “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
• Teddy Swims “Lose Control”
Top Collaboration
• Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves “I Remember Everything”
• Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar “Like That”
• Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen “I Had Some Help”
• Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone “Fortnight”
• Morgan Wallen feat. ERNEST “Cowgirls”
Top Billboard Global 200 Song
• Benson Boone “Beautiful Things”
• Sabrina Carpenter “Espresso”
• Tate McRae “Greedy”
• Taylor Swift “Cruel Summer”
• Teddy Swims “Lose Control”
Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Song
• Benson Boone “Beautiful Things”
• Sabrina Carpenter “Espresso”
• Tate McRae “Greedy”
• Taylor Swift “Cruel Summer”
• Teddy Swims “Lose Control”
Top R&B Song
• 4batz feat. Drake “act ii: date @ 8 (remix)”
• Muni Long “Made for Me”
• Tommy Richman “MILLION DOLLAR BABY”
• SZA “Saturn”
• Tyla “Water”
Top Rap Song
• Doja Cat “Agora Hills”
• Doja Cat “Paint the Town Red”
• Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar “Like That”
• Jack Harlow “Lovin on Me”
• Kendrick Lamar “Not Like Us”
Top Country Song
• Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves “I Remember Everything”
• Dasha “Austin”
• Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen “I Had Some Help”
• Shaboozey “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
• Morgan Wallen “Thinkin’ Bout Me”
Top Rock Song
• Zach Bryan “Pink Skies”
• Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves “I Remember Everything”
• Djo “End of Beginning”
• Hozier “Too Sweet”
• Noah Kahan “Stick Season”
Top Hard Rock Song
• Falling In Reverse feat. Jelly Roll “All My Life”
• Falling In Reverse, Tech N9ne & Alex Terrible “Ronald”
• HARDY “Psycho”
• Linkin Park “The Emptiness Machine”
• Superheaven “Youngest Daughter”
Top Latin Song
• Bad Bunny “MONACO”
• Bad Bunny & Feid “PERRO NEGRO”
• FloyyMenor & Cris MJ “Gata Only”
• KAROL G & Peso Pluma “QLONA”
• Xavi “La Diabla”
Top Global K-Pop Song
• ILLIT “Magnetic”
• Jimin “Who”
• Jung Kook “Standing Next to You”
• Jung Kook feat. Jack Harlow “3D”
• LE SSERAFIM “Perfect Night”
Top Afrobeats Song
• Adam Port & Stryv feat. Malachiii “Move”
• Tems “Me & U”
• Tyla “Truth or Dare”
• Tyla “Water”
• Tyla, Gunna & Skillibeng “Jump”
Top Dance/Electronic Song
• Dua Lipa “Houdini”
• Dua Lipa “Illusion”
• Kenya Grace “Strangers”
• Ariana Grande “yes, and?”
• Marshmello & Kane Brown “Miles on It”
Top Christian Song
• Elevation Worship feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore “Praise”
• Forrest Frank “GOOD DAY”
• Josiah Queen “The Prodigal”
• Seph Schlueter “Counting My Blessings”
• Tauren Wells with We The Kingdom & Davies “Take It All Back”
Top Gospel Song
• Koryn Hawthorne “Look at God”
• Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine “God Problems”
• Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard “In the Room”
• Victor Thompson X Gunna feat. Ehis ‘D’ Greatest “THIS YEAR (Blessings)”
• CeCe Winans “That’s My King”
![Davido Drops 4th Album ‘Timeless’ [Video]](https://biztellers.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_20230331_094254_1000_x_800_pixel-400x240.jpg){kind=tracking}
![Davido Drops 4th Album ‘Timeless’ [Video]](https://biztellers.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_20230331_094254_1000_x_800_pixel-80x80.jpg){kind=tracking}
Nigerian ceramic sculptor and artist, Chris Onaivi Ekuafeh, has opened Unity Forged in Clay, a solo exhibition that draws on clay, culture and personal experience to explore one of humanity’s enduring questions, “How can people remain different and still belong together?”
The exhibition opened on Saturday, September 26, at Quintessence Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos, and continues until October 10, 2026.
Featuring 13 ceramic works, Unity Forged in Clay is Ekuafeh’s first solo exhibition on Nigerian soil and follows his first solo show in China in 2025, after a residency at the Taoxichuan Arts Centre in Jingdezhen, one of the world’s historic centres of ceramic art. At the heart of the exhibition are two deceptively simple questions: What is unity? And are we united as a people?
Ekuafeh, however, thinks unity does not necessarily have to demand uniformity. “Unity, for me, is not sameness,” he said. The idea is reflected throughout a body of work in which distinct forms, patterns, faces and cultural references coexist while retaining their individual character. “Unity unveils to me bits and pieces of different entities coming together to achieve a thing,” he said.
READ ALSO: NNPC Flaunts $800m Ima FID, as Affirmation of Upstream Viability
Works in the exhibition include Identity, Where We Connect, What the Fire Kept and Kin, with titles across English, Yoruba and Ekuafeh’s native Igarra language. The choice of language, like the forms themselves, is driven by the story and meaning of each piece rather than by a single cultural frame.
The works reflect a creative journey formed across several Nigerian environments and traditions. Born in Kano and trained at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Industrial Design with a specialisation in ceramics, Ekuafeh says his exposure to northern Nigerian architecture and material culture first awakened his fascination with clay.
The geometric patterns associated with northern architecture continue to appear in his work, while the distinctive faces he carves into some of his pieces draw from his Edo heritage. Lagos, where he now lives and works, has added another layer to the practice, exposing him to contemporary artistic influences and encouraging an increasingly research-driven approach. The result is an artistic vocabulary in which culture, identity, spirituality, emotion, community and human connection repeatedly intersect.
Ekuafeh said clay is more than a convenient artistic medium. His relationship with the material begins from sourcing from the earth, digging, preparing and processing the clay before shaping it into finished work. That physical process has become part of his understanding of both creativity and human experience.
The work captures that connection through scenes of the artist working directly with clay – pressing, shaping, carving and building – alongside reflections on diversity, fracture, belonging and the continuous work required to sustain unity. Rather than provide predetermined answers, Unity Forged in Clay invites viewers to arrive at their own.
Individual works combine sculptural forms with recurring markings, human features and patterns that encourage closer looking. Some begin with sketches and carefully developed ideas; others evolve more organically as Ekuafeh works with the material, allowing the form to develop alongside the thought that inspired it.
This tension between intention and discovery is central to his practice. Clay becomes both material and collaborator. And the exhibition is a visible expression of the process. Unity Forged in Clay is an opportunity to bring years of experimentation, cultural inquiry and technical practice into a focused solo presentation before returning to the studio to develop the next body of work, Ekuafeh said.
Beyond that, however, Unity Forged in Clay leaves its larger question with the audience. “If different particles of earth can be worked, fired and brought together without losing the marks that make each form distinctive, what might that suggest about people, communities and society?”
Photo Caption: From Left, Ofuma Agali, Business Lead, The Candella & Company; Saheedat Lawal, Gallery Supervisor, Quintessence Gallery; and Chris Ekuafeh; at Ekuafeh’s ‘Unity Forged in Clay’ exhibition, held at Quintessence Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos, Saturday, 26 September 2026
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourned his passing.
SEE ALSO: Shock as Eagle Online Publisher Dotun Oladipo Dies Suddenly at 56
“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo,” the statement read.
The family identified him as Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, MFR, and gave his dates as July 11, 1942, to September 16, 2026.
Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most recognised veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.
Entertainment
What New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Ayra Starr’s Link-Up Says About Afrobeats’ Global Influence
Afrobeats star Ayra Starr’s meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has ignited attention online, but beyond the photo ops, the public is wondering what that stunt says about the music industry, particularly Afrobeat, and the Nigerian’s career.
Many are of the view, going by the fan reactions, that the encounter highlights the growing cultural influence of Nigerian music on the global stage.
Ayra Starr shared photographs of herself with Mamdani on Instagram on Thursday CC, captioning the post, “Mr Mamdani 🙏🏾.”
The pictures showed the singer and the mayor smiling, laughing and pointing at each other in a relaxed setting.
Adding to the curiosity was the music accompanying the post — Ayra Starr’s “Midnight in New York.
SEE ALSO: ‘I’ll Control Him’ — Ayra Starr Reveals What Happens If She’s Richer Than Her Partner
Released in August 2026 as part of her third studio album, Starrgirl, the song carries a strong connection to the city in both its title and inspiration.
Ayra has spoken about the personal experience behind the track, linking it to her experience of being in New York and the sense of independence that came with living away from home. That detail has made the Mamdani photograph particularly intriguing.
A Nigerian singer posting a picture with the mayor of New York while her New York-themed song plays in the background creates an obvious cultural connection.
However, there is currently no confirmation that “Midnight in New York” was the reason for the meeting or that the song and the mayor’s appearance were part of a planned collaboration.
From Nigerian Breakthrough to Global Star
The moment also reflects just how far Ayra Starr has travelled in her career.
She emerged prominently after joining Mavin Records, releasing her self-titled debut EP in 2021 before following it with 19 & Dangerous. Songs such as “Away,” “Ija,” “Sare,” “Bloody Samaritan” and “Rush” helped establish her identity and build an increasingly international audience.
“Rush” became one of the defining songs of her early career, pushing her beyond Nigeria and strengthening her profile among international listeners.
She continued that momentum with songs including “Sability,” “Commas” and “Rhythm & Blues,” while her second album, The Year I Turned 21, showed a more mature side of her artistry.
Her international collaborations have further expanded that reach. Her music has increasingly brought together Afrobeats, R&B and global pop influences, allowing her to compete for attention in a music industry where African artists are no longer viewed simply as regional acts.
Her 2026 album Starrgirl represents another stage in that evolution, bringing together Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B and other global sounds, with collaborations involving major international and African artists.
Why the Mamdani Moment Matters
New York occupies a unique position in global culture. It is one of the world’s most influential cities in music, fashion, entertainment and politics, while also being home to a large African and Nigerian diaspora.
For Ayra Starr, therefore, being publicly associated with the city’s mayor carries significance beyond a celebrity photograph.
It demonstrates how Nigerian artists are increasingly becoming part of cultural conversations in major international cities.
Watchers note that Afrobeats has undergone a similar transformation. What was once largely identified with West African audiences now commands international streaming audiences, global collaborations, major festival stages and attention from some of the world’s biggest entertainment markets.
Ayra Starr’s career is a reflection of that shift.
More Than a Viral Photograph
The online reaction to the photographs was largely playful and celebratory.
Fans described the pair as “two icons,” while others joked about asking Mamdani for a freestyle and declared that “NYC belongs to Ayra now.
One follower jokingly wrote, “Tell Mr Mamdani to give us a freestyle.”
Another described the encounter as “When two icons link up.”
The song itself became part of the conversation, with one fan joking that Mamdani had “heard Midnight in New York.”
Another declared: “NYC belongs to Ayra now sorry mr Mayor.”
Other fans celebrated Ayra Starr’s continued rise, with comments such as “Star girl season,” while another described Ayra and Mamdani as “Two beautiful personalities.”
Sahara Champions Global Shipping Collaboration for $20m Mercy Ships Healthcare Impact
30 Nigerians Bag Postgraduate Scholarship from NNPC Ltd, Eni
2027: ‘Algorithms Will Not Decide Election Results’, INEC Chairman Declares
Navy Recovers 98,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude in Rivers
DPRP’s Appeal Against Fuel Import Licence Ruling Earns Stakeholder Backing
State Govs, Wike Endorse One-Party State, Join APC Campaign Council
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
https://bandori.party/user/284201/roscargr/