Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Davido, Shallipopi Set Afro Nation 2025 Ablaze on Opening Night in Portugal
Afro Nation 2025 launched with a bang on Wednesday night as Nigerian superstar Davido lit up the stage with a powerful, career-spanning performance that left thousands of fans screaming for more.
The festival, held on the sunny shores of Portugal, opened with electric sets from J Hus, Shallipopi, Tiakola, and Gabzy, each artist bringing their energy and flair to set the perfect vibe for the night.
One of the early highlights came from Shallipopi, who turned the stage into a family affair by performing his viral hit “Laho” with his siblings and close collaborators.
The crowd erupted in excitement, with fans singing along and dancing to the infectious beat.But it was Davido who truly stole the show.
The Afrobeats icon thrilled the audience with a hit-filled setlist that included classics like “Dami Duro,” “Aye,” “If,” “Fall,” and “Fia.” He also performed “With You,” much to the delight of fans, some of whom traveled across countries to witness the star live.Notably absent from the night was fast-rising star Qing Madi, who unfortunately had to cancel her set due to unforeseen circumstances. Taking to Instagram, she shared a heartfelt message with fans:
“I’m sad to inform everyone about this, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I will not be performing at Afro Nation today. My deepest apologies to all my Qings who came to see me from different places. I will be back. Love you always.”
The Afro Nation festival continues on Thursday with a highly anticipated performance from Grammy winner Tems, alongside other top international acts. The event wraps up on Friday with a star-studded finale featuring Burna Boy, Booba, Dexta Daps, and Kamo Mphela.
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Nigerian Men Scared of Bold, Confident Women, Phyna Claims
Former Big Brother Naija winner, Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has claimed that she is still single because Nigerian men are scared of confident and independent women.
Speaking during a recent livestream on Twitch, the reality star claimed that most Nigerian men prefer women they can control when choosing a life partner and avoid independent women.
Phyna explained that expressive women like her are the worst hit because most men judge them by their social media rhetoric and decide to avoid them even before meeting them.
The actress said she is, however, not bothered by the trend, stressing that she can’t change herself to fit into a man’s expectations.
“I am a ten over ten. The thing is just that men are scared of bold and confident women. There are someone women that by mere looking at them you know that you can’t control them. But our Nigerian men like women that they can control.
“They don’t want women who have says or are exposed. So, we that are very loud about how we are, even without they meeting us, they are already scared and forming assumptions. But I really don’t care,” she expressed.
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
How God Changed My Story after 16 Years in Music, Says Spyro
Afrobeats singer Spyro has revealed that 16 years of perseverance and struggle in the music industry finally paid off three years ago, attributing his success to divine intervention.
In a social media post, Spyro shared his testimony, recalling a period of profound struggle and disappointment that preceded his breakthrough.
He explained that it was at this critical juncture that his fortunes changed.
Following his past struggles, the singer now encourages others facing similar challenges, urging them to hold on to their dreams and never give up.
He attributes his turnaround to God, who transformed his life and propelled him to success three years ago.
Spyro wrote, “If someone had told me 3 years ago that I would become this fly, I would have argued it, and now I look at my life, and all I can say to someone reading this is please don’t give up…
“I have been in the industry hustling for 16 years, and I was at my lowest when JESUS changed it all, and that same JESUS is still in the business of changing lives, JUST BELIEVE.”
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Asake Reaffirms Loyalty to Olamide, Downplays Split Rumours
Afrobeats star Asake has reiterated his unwavering loyalty to his former label boss and mentor, Olamide, amid speculation of a fallout between the two artists.
Despite removing YBNL from his Instagram bio and unfollowing Olamide in December 2024, Asake in a recent interview with YouTuber Korty EO, emphasised that his perception of the rapper remains unchanged, stating, “Till the world ends, Baddo will always be Baddo.
The way I saw Baddo yesterday is the same way I see him today, and that will be the same way I will see him tomorrow, even if I become the president of America or Zimbabwe. Baddo will always be Baddo”.This development followed reports that Asake’s contract with YBNL may have expired, with the singer opting for independence rather than renewing the deal.
While neither Asake nor Olamide has publicly addressed the situation, industry insiders believe the split was amicable.
Asake has consistently credited Olamide for changing his life, and his latest comments reaffirm their enduring professional and personal bond.

