Entertainment
Ayra Starr Makes History at 2025 MOBO Awards, Wins Best African and Best International Music Act

By Abigail Philip David
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has emerged victorious at the 2025 MOBO Awards, winning the Best African Music Act category ahead of fellow Nigerian artists Asake and Tems, as well as South Africa’s Tyla.
Her win makes her the first female artist in 16 years to claim the award, marking a significant milestone in her career.
In addition to this achievement, Ayra Starr also took home the prestigious Best International Music Act award, triumphing over global stars like Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto.
The ceremony, held in Newcastle, was hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi and celebrated the best of Black music and culture.
During her acceptance speech, a visibly emotional and overwhelmed Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude:
“Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is the first time I’m winning a MOBO Award—make some noise! I am actually shaking right now. I am actually nervous.”
She went on to thank her supporters, her team, and her label, MAVIN Records, alongside her producers and family:
“Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS. My amazing brothers who make music with me—the producers in the studio—my studio partners in crime; my label—MAVINS Records, Embryo, my mummy… Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”
Ayra Starr’s double victory further cements her status as one of Africa’s leading musical talents on the global stage.
Entertainment
‘Your papa no try,’ Eedris Abdulkareem tells Seyi Tinubu in new protest song

Veteran Nigerian hip-hop artist Eedris Abdulkareem has released a fiery new protest song titled “Tell Your Papa,” calling on Seyi Tinubu to speak to his father, President Bola Tinubu, about the worsening state of the country.
The track, which was shared via X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, delivers a hard-hitting critique of Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges. Abdulkareem uses his signature lyrical style to channel the frustrations of many Nigerians who are grappling with rising inflation, insecurity, and unfulfilled political promises.
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga,” he raps, referencing his earlier hit song “Jaga Jaga” which similarly condemned political and social decay.
The song comes on the heels of Seyi Tinubu’s recent remarks in Adamawa State, where he hailed his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history”—a statement that sparked strong reactions online.
In the track, Abdulkareem accuses the President of abandoning campaign promises and being disconnected from the realities on the ground. He challenges Seyi directly:
“Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.”
The outspoken artist goes on to criticize the privilege and detachment of Nigeria’s political elite:
“Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”
Known for using music as a tool for activism, Abdulkareem’s latest release adds to his long-standing tradition of confronting authority and championing the plight of ordinary citizens.
The song has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many praising the musician’s courage and raw delivery.
Entertainment
Full list: Adedimeji Lateef, Uzor Arukwe, Chioma Chukwuka, others nominated for AMVCA 2025
Entertainment
Why I won’t sign up-and-coming artistes – Tiwa Savage

Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress Tiwa Savage has revealed that she has no plans to sign upcoming artists, citing the stress and responsibility involved in managing musicians. Instead, she aims to create an ecosystem where African artists can thrive independently.
Speaking in an interview with Forbes Africa on Thursday, Savage explained that handling artists can be overwhelming. “Everyone always asks me, ‘When will you sign an artiste?’ I don’t think I have the gift to sign another artiste, because artistes are stressful. I could just be sleeping, and then I will wake up and my artist is trending for something else,” she said.
Rather than signing musicians, Savage is focused on launching a music school that will equip artists with the skills they need before signing with record labels that can properly support them.
She also emphasized the importance of African artists building their own industry instead of seeking validation abroad. “Why are we trying to break into another market? We should build our own to be the one others try to break into,” she said, highlighting the need for infrastructure, affordable data, and investment in Africa’s entertainment industry.
Beyond music, the ‘Somebody’s Son’ hitmaker is expanding her portfolio, having made her executive producer debut in 2024 with Water and Garri. Looking ahead, she is setting her sights on greater ambitions. “I want to go into my mogul era – billionaire Tiwa Savage,” she declared.