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
Plateau Govt Backs BBNaija Housemate Sheba, Urges Massive Votes
The Plateau State Government has thrown its weight behind Big Brother Naija housemate, Sheba Faith Gamde, urging residents and supporters across the country to vote massively for the Plateau-born contestant.
The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Prince Miaphen, made the call when he received members of Team Sheba, who visited the ministry on Thursday to seek government support for the reality TV star.
ALSO READ: BBNaija Season 11 Begins Today With Record ₦160m Grand Prize
Miaphen assured the delegation that the ministry would mobilise support for Sheba and provide the encouragement needed to help her succeed in the competition.
Describing Sheba as a proud daughter of Plateau State, the commissioner said her participation in the popular reality show provided an opportunity for the state to showcase its talents and culture on a wider national platform.
“As a proud daughter of Plateau, I believe it is our collective responsibility to stand behind her and support her journey,” Miaphen said.
He called on Plateau indigenes, residents, friends and supporters of the state to unite behind Sheba and vote for her, stressing that every vote could make a difference in determining the eventual winner.
“Together, we can help our own bring the ultimate prize home,” he added.
Miaphen further encouraged youths and other residents to support the housemate throughout her stay in the BBNaija house.
“Let us support Sheba. Let us make Plateau proud,” the commissioner said.
Entertainment
‘I’ll Control Him’ — Ayra Starr Reveals What Happens If She’s Richer Than Her Partner
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has sparked a debate over money and power in relationships after revealing how she would behave if she were financially richer than her male partner.
The “Bloody Samaritan” hitmaker shared her views on financial disparity in relationships while speaking on an episode of the Wahala podcast.
SEE ALSO: Ayra Starr Breaks Records, Hits One Billion Views On YouTube
Ayra Starr said that if she dates a man who is not as wealthy as she is, she would naturally have control over him because of her financial advantage.
According to the singer, however, being richer than her partner would not mean he would be exempted from providing for her.
“If I date a man who I am richer than, I will control him. But even if I am richer, he will still be providing, and I won’t let him know I have a lot of money,” she said.
Ayra Starr also disclosed that she would deliberately keep the extent of her wealth away from such a partner, meaning he would not necessarily know that she has substantial financial resources.
Her comments have since generated mixed reactions from members of the public.
While some people agreed with the singer’s position, arguing that “it is a man’s job to provide” regardless of how much his female partner earns, others criticised her stance.
Critics particularly questioned her decision to hide her financial status from a future partner, arguing that openness about finances is an important part of a relationship.
The singer’s comments have consequently reignited conversations about financial power, control, transparency and traditional gender expectations in relationships.
The debate also comes amid growing conversations about changing gender roles, as more women attain financial independence and, in some cases, earn significantly more than their male partners.
Ayra Starr, who has established herself as one of Nigeria’s prominent Afrobeats artistes, continues to attract attention both for her music and her outspoken comments on issues surrounding relationships and society.
Entertainment
Funke Akindele, Ex-Husband JJC Skillz Reunite in Paris, Spark Reactions
Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, and her former husband, Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, have sparked reactions online after they were spotted together in Paris, France, during a family holiday.
The former couple were seen spending time with their twin sons while exploring different parts of the French capital.
In a video shared by JJC Skillz on Snapchat on Wednesday, Akindele and her ex-husband were seen with their children at what appeared to be a shopping centre in Paris.
SEE MORE: Nollywood Mourns as Veteran Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies at 66
The video was captioned, “Family time.”
In another clip, JJC Skillz asked Akindele, “Mama Ibeji, are we playing games?”
She replied, “Yess ooo.”
The former couple were also reportedly spotted at the Eiffel Tower, according to videos shared online.
Akindele also shared a video showing herself, JJC Skillz and their children at a PlayStation section of what appeared to be a mall in Paris.
The family outing comes after Akindele and her children travelled to the United Kingdom for a holiday following the completion of her latest cinema project, The Four.
Akindele and JJC Skillz got married in London in 2016 and welcomed twin boys in 2018.
However, in June 2022, JJC Skillz announced their separation in an Instagram post, citing
“irreconcilable differences.”
Despite their separation, the former couple have continued to maintain a relationship centred around their children.
Their latest reunion in Paris has attracted attention online, with the videos showing the pair enjoying family moments with their children.
The Paris outing is also not the first time Akindele and JJC Skillz have been seen together publicly since their separation.
In 2023, the former couple were spotted together at the Lagos premiere of their movie, She Must Be Obeyed. They were seen dancing and embracing as they joined other celebrities at the event.
JJC Skillz also directed the movie.





