Entertainment
T-Pain To Receive Recognition At Soul Train Awards 2023

T-Pain is set to be honored with the ‘Legend’ award at the 2023 Soul Train Awards by BET.
The six-time Grammy-winning artist, Faheem Rashad Najm, known as T-Pain, who hails from Tallahassee, has not only transformed pop, hip-hop, and R&B but has achieved remarkable success with over 50 million singles sold.
His repertoire includes ten #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, billions of streams, and sold-out performances around the world.
Prepare for a harmonious fusion as Arin Ray, Eric Bellinger, Marsha Ambrosius, and Nicci Gilbert come together for the Soul Cypher at this year’s “Soul Train Awards” 2023.
The turntables will be under the command of multi-platinum music producer Bryan-Michael Cox. Adding to the lineup, Maeta will perform, and the BET Amplified stage will feature Honey Bxby and October London.
This edition of the awards, hosted by the multi-talented Keke Palmer, promises to showcase the best in Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop, recognizing both established legends and promising newcomers.
The show will be premiere on Monday, November 27, at 2:00 am, with a repeat at 07:00 pm WAT on BET Africa, DStv Channel 129.
Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, expressed admiration for T-Pain’s unparalleled musical genius, stating, “When it comes to his overall approach to music as a songwriter, the genius of T-Pain stands among the most memorable and enviable in the business.
“He has reshaped the fabric of the music industry, and his influence transcends generations in pop, Hip Hop, and R&B.
“We are honored to celebrate his limitless contributions to the culture at the soulful party of the year: “Soul Train Awards 2023.”
“To be honest, it feels incredible to be recognized by BET as this year’s “Soul Train Awards” Legend honoree,” said T-Pain. “Not that I’m looking for recognition at this point in my career; I’m just doing what I like and what makes me happy, but it still feels great when you receive it. I’ve done a lot in the last 20 years, and for BET to be one of the first networks to recognize that is pretty cool.”
In Los Angeles, CA, the “Soul Train Awards” 2023, being taped, will pay tribute to artist Janelle Monáe, presenting her with the prestigious ‘Spirit of Soul’ award.
The event will feature performances by BJ The Chicago Kid, Coco Jones, Danté Bowe, Fridayy, Keke Palmer, Muni Long, and SWV.
A historic three-way tie sees Summer Walker, SZA, and Usher leading the nominations for the “Soul Train Awards” 2023 with an impressive nine nods each.
The official nominees were chosen by a distinguished voting academy comprising music industry insiders, performers, and presenters.
Presented by BET, the “Soul Train Awards” 2023 promises a dynamic showcase of electrifying performances, special moments, and appearances by influential figures in Black culture and entertainment.
This annual event remains dedicated to highlighting the enduring impact of Soul Train on music and dance, spanning from the ’70s to the present day.
The annual show will be overseen by Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, who will also serve as Executive Producer for BET.
Joining her in the executive production role is Jamal Noisette, VP, Specials & Music Programming. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, will take on the position of Executive Producer for the “Soul Train Awards” 2023, alongside Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon from Jesse Collins Entertainment.
Entertainment
Portable Remanded In Kwara Prison For Failing To Meet Bail Terms

Controversial street-hop singer, Okikiola Badmus, better known by his stage name Portable, has been remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State, after failing to meet the bail terms set by an Upper Area Court.
The singer was arraigned on Monday following allegations of defamation filed against him by veteran Fuji star, Akorede Saheed, popularly known as Saheed Osupa.
Although the court approved bail for Portable in the sum of N1 million, the conditions attached proved difficult for the singer to meet immediately.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Court Grants Singer Portable ₦1m Bail Over Criminal Charges
The court stipulated that he must produce two sureties in like sum — one of whom must be “either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria,” while the second must be “a property owner within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.”
More to follow……….
Entertainment
‘Nigeria Jaga Jaga’ Will Remain Unofficial National Anthem Until Change Happens – Eedris Abdulkareem

Renowned Nigerian rapper and activist Eedris Abdulkareem has boldly asserted that his 2001 protest anthem Nigeria Jaga Jaga will continue to serve as Nigeria’s unofficial second national anthem, insisting it will remain so until the country addresses the systemic issues it critiques.
Abdulkareem, famed for his fearless criticism of corruption and social injustices, made these remarks in a recent interview with Channels TV.
The song, which has seen a resurgence in popularity on platforms like TikTok, was groundbreaking for its uncompromising portrayal of Nigeria’s governmental failures, rampant corruption, and decaying infrastructure.
READ MORE: Rapper Eedris Abdulkareem Drops New Single ‘THANK YOU‘
Abdulkareem declared, “Nigeria Jaga Jaga will continue to be the second national anthem, whether anybody likes it or not. But I always pray to wake up one day and find the song is no longer relevant. That would make me very happy.”
Released nearly a quarter of a century ago, Nigeria Jaga Jaga caused a national stir with its sharp criticism of the nation’s political and economic decay.
Even though the song faced government bans and significant backlash at the time, it has stood the test of time, resonating with generations of Nigerians who continue to grapple with the same issues.
Abdulkareem expressed regret that the song’s message remains as relevant today as it was when it was first released: “Until we see real development—constant electricity, security, and good leadership—Nigeria Jaga Jaga will remain relevant. Sadly, 24 years later, the message of the song is still our reality.”
Aside from revisiting his iconic hit, Abdulkareem also addressed the controversy surrounding his latest track, Tell Your Papa. The song, which was recently banned by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and marked “Not to be Broadcast” (NTB), has ignited a fresh debate on the state of censorship and freedom of expression in Nigerian music.
Many believe that Tell Your Papa is a direct rebuttal to a viral video in which Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, passionately defended his father’s administration.
Abdulkareem explained his motivation behind the song, revealing, “I was inspired by Seyi Tinubu. In the video, he kept repeating, ‘My father is the greatest president.’ But I differ. He may be the best father to Seyi, but he’s the worst president to Nigerians.”
The rapper went on to criticize the current administration for its failure to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, insecurity, and widespread youth unemployment.
Abdulkareem contrasted the privileged life of Seyi Tinubu with the struggles faced by everyday Nigerians, saying, “I told him to travel by road without security and feel the pain of the people.
Nigerian youths are asking for basic things—electricity, security, job opportunities—not palliatives.”
Despite the ban, Abdulkareem maintained that his song was not an insult but a truthful commentary on the country’s leadership.
“If you listen carefully, there’s nowhere in the song that I insult him. I just stated the truth. He spoke publicly, so I responded publicly. If he had remained silent, I wouldn’t have recorded the song,” Abdulkareem clarified.
Drawing comparisons to the legendary Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti, Abdulkareem emphasized that his criticism comes from a deep love for Nigeria.
“I’m a passionate Nigerian. I love this country deeply. But truth is bitter, and those in power don’t like hearing it,” he said. “I want a better Nigeria, and I’ll keep speaking out until we see real change.”
Entertainment
JUST IN: Court Grants Singer Portable ₦1m Bail Over Criminal Charges

An Upper Area Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has granted bail to controversial Nigerian singer, Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, in the sum of ₦1 million.
Portable was arraigned before the court on Sunday on charges bordering on criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking.
Ruling on his bail application, the court ordered that the singer must produce two sureties in like sum.
READ ALSO: I Want To Fight Anthony Joshua – Portable
One of the sureties is required to be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the other must own a landed property within a Government Reserved Area (GRA) and present a valid Certificate of Occupancy as proof.
The court has adjourned the case, with further proceedings expected to continue in the coming days.
Details later…