By OBSERVERS TIMES

Nigerian artistes continue to make waves on the global stage as the nominees for the 2025 BET Awards were unveiled, with Ayra Starr leading the pack as the most nominated African artist.

Joining her are fellow Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Tems, Rema, and Shallipopi, who also earned significant nominations.

Ayra Starr secured three nods in key categories: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. The 21-year-old singer, renowned for her vibrant sound and dynamic performances, has enjoyed a breakthrough year with chart-topping releases and acclaimed international appearances.

Her BET nominations come on the heels of her recent triumph at the Headies Awards, where she was named Best Female Artist, cementing her position as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising music talents.

Grammy-winning singer Tems, celebrated for her soulful style, received two nominations in the BET Her category for her impactful tracks “Burning” and “Hold On,” both featured on her debut album Born In The Wild.

Afrobeats heavyweights Burna Boy and Rema were both nominated for Best International Act, highlighting their continued influence on the global music scene. Burna Boy, a dominant figure in the genre, is no stranger to this category, having won the award four times.

Emerging artist Shallipopi, known for his distinctive street-hop sound, earned a nomination in the Best New International Act category, representing the fresh wave of Nigerian talent gaining international recognition.

Other notable African nominees include South African acts Tyla and Uncle Waffles, Ghana’s Black Sherif, and Tanzania’s Abigail Chams, all recognized across various categories.

On the broader nominations front, American rapper Kendrick Lamar leads with ten nominations, including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for “Not Like Us.” Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla each received six nominations, while Metro Boomin garnered five. SZA and The Weeknd followed with four nominations apiece.

The nominations cover music, film, television, and sports, and were selected by the BET Voting Academy—a panel of industry professionals spanning entertainment, media, digital, public relations, and the creative arts.

Nigerian singer Portable has made a rather eye-popping claim on social media, alleging that Access Bank has frozen his account which he says holds over 400 billion Naira. In a now-viral video, the “Zazu Zeh” crooner passionately denied any involvement in fraudulent activities, stating that his wealth is a result of his music career, specifically payments received from Apple Music.
Visibly distressed, Portable referenced a recent incident involving fellow celebrity VDM and GT Bank, expressing his fear of a similar encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if he were to visit the bank. He then appealed directly to Nigerians, urging them to help him plead with Access Bank to release his funds.
The figure of 400 billion Naira has understandably sent shockwaves across social media, with many questioning the veracity of the claim. If true, this would indeed position Portable as one of, if not the wealthiest musician on the African continent.
It’s important to note that as of the time of this report, Access Bank has not publicly addressed Portable’s allegations. Further developments are expected as more information becomes available regarding this extraordinary claim.

Funke Akindele, a famous Nigerian actress-turned-politician, has announced her political plans after an unsuccessful attempt in the last general elections.

Akindele said she will contest for public office again.

The actress was the running mate to Abdulazeez Adediran, the Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2023.

Following their defeat by Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Funke Akindele took to her social media page to delete all politically related posts.

However, in response to her loss during her most recent interview on the premiere live episode of the ‘WithChude’ podcast, the actress, who had been mute on political topics since 2023, stated plans to run again.

However, in response to her loss during her most recent interview on the premiere live episode of the ‘WithChude’ podcast, the actress, who had been mute on political topics since 2023, stated plans to run again.

She said, “I need to support. I need to give back. That’s why I went into politics. Getting into it, seeing violence, and shouting, then I started watching female politicians like Mummy Abike Dabiri and co.

“The way they speak, and command respect and authority. I’m like, you too go, you can do it.

“And I stood and spoke. I learnt that from there that you have to be bold, courageous, and strong. What would be would be. Fear will only put you in a place.

“So, all this I learnt from doing politics, and I got to know a lot of numbers. I got educated more and acquired more knowledge.

“You know, I’m reading more and knowing more about my country and my state. When I want to speak, I speak with statistical data.

“So, I’m glad that I went into politics. And ask me if I am going to do it again? Oh, yes”.

By OBSERVERS TIMES.

Top Nollywood actors and filmmakers are breathing new life into cultural storytelling with “Ohioma” a full-length Igala-language movie that recently premiered in Abuja.

At the premiere, veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo shared his experience and the challenges he faced while portraying a culturally significant character in the film produced by Kogi-born Nollywood actor Thompson Makolo Jnr

In an interview with Daily Trust, Kanayo revealed that he was approached by the producers, who sought to create a story deeply rooted in Nigerian heritage. After reviewing the script, he was convinced of its cultural importance and committed to authentically bringing the vision to life.

Playing the role of “Atah Igala” Kanayo explained, was demanding. He requested detailed guidance on the character’s mannerisms to ensure an accurate portrayal.
“During filming, I learned that when an Oba or Sultan rises from his chair, attendants cover him,” he said. “This showed me the specific cultural practices I needed to master.”

He added, “One of the biggest challenges is ensuring the audience does not say, ‘This is not how our people behave.’ I had to be very careful to get it right.”

Filmmaker Aquila Njamah also made a strong return to the screen with Ohioma after a creative hiatus.
“Many fans had been reaching out, saying I was missing — not as a person, but creatively,” he said.

Njamah revealed that “Ohioma” is just one of several projects currently underway, but it is the first to be completed and ready for release.

The film features a stellar cast including Ugezu J Ugezu, Emma Umeh, Adim Christian and Ajanigo Simeonz It also marked a memorable reunion between Njamah and Kanayo O. Kanayo after nearly three decades.

“Ohioma” is being hailed as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s cultural cinema and a celebration of indigenous languages and traditions.