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.
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
READ MORE: WHO Expresses Regret Over US’ Withdrawal
Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Adeleke Congratulates New DG, PEBEC, Princess Audu
Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
READ MORE; I Love Men Who Use Sex Toys On Me, Says Ada La Pinky
Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
Watch Video here
Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Allow Trump A Third Presidential Run
Belgium Appoints Rudi Garcia As National Team Coach
Tinubu Appoints Ganduje, Ajibola, Others As Heads Of Federal Agencies
Bangkok Shuts Over 350 Schools As Air Pollution Reaches Dangerous Levels
Abia Courts Set To Resume As JUSUN Calls Off Strike
Turkish Airlines Resumes Flights To Damascus After 13-Year Hiatus
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
