Entertainment
Tems, Ayra Starr, Asisat Oshoala, Khloe Abiri named in Forbes Africa’s ’30 Under 30′
Forbes Africa has released its annual 30 Under 30 list, which celebrates the achievements of exceptional young entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders under the age of 30.
Dubbed “The Newest Self-Made Young Innovators and Leaders Scripting a New Vision for Africa,” this year’s list recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of 30 “multi-tasking multi-hyphenate entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders” who are driving Africa’s progress on their own terms. The list features Tems, Ayra Starr, Asisat Oshoala, Blessing Joel Abeng, and Khloe ‘Koko’ Abiri.
The finalists were selected from a pool of over a thousand applicants, which included former Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 alumni, an editorial team led by Under 30 curator Chanel Retief, as well as a panel of independent external judges and subject-matter experts. The rigorous selection process considered factors such as innovation, scalability, social impact, and overall contribution to the development of Africa.
“In a post-pandemic Africa, everything is evolving all over again; everything is a work in progress. That was evident in the pool of talent we received… because here is a young batch of people completely cognizant of the changes the continent is going through and who are coming up with ideas and solutions for some of these very new problems. There are also problems that have been around for a long, and they are now trying to tackle them quickly. I think the speed with which they are trying to execute some of these ideas is what we need to highlight. They are also building their own brand and changing the image of the continent,” says Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of Forbes Africa.
And the class of 2023 are:
• Dr Wedu Tose Somolekae, 29, Botswana – Founder, Medi-Glow Aesthetics
– Industry: Aesthetic medicine
• Khethokuhle ‘Kay Yarms’ Ngonyama, 29, South Africa – Beauty Influencer
– Industry: Content creation
• Koaile Monaheng, 29, Lesotho – Associate Director and Shareholder, Khantša Energy
– Industry: Renewable Energy
• Mutethia Mbaabu, 29, Kenya – Co-founder and CEO, MarketForce
– Industry: E-Commerce
• Oluwabusayo Victoria Abiri, 29, Nigeria – Founder and CEO, Koko By Khloe
– Industry: Beauty and Skincare
• Rosalia Nghitalesheni Joseph, 28, Namibia – Regional Coordinator, Women in Vector Control (WIVC), Central
and Southern Africa
– Industry: Medical entomologist/public researcher
• Temilade Openiyi / ‘Tems’, 27, Nigeria – Singer-songwriter
– Industry: Music and Entertainment
• Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe / ‘Ayra Starr’, 20, Benin/Nigeria – Singer
– Industry: Music and Entertainment
• Dr Olivier Uwishema, 29, Rwanda – Founder, Oli Health Magazine Organization (OHMO)
– Industry: Medicine/Research
• Lethabo ‘Focalistic’ Sebetso, 26, South Africa – Rapper
– Industry: Music and Entertainment
• Joel Embiid, 29, Cameroon – Center for Philadelphia 76ers National Basketball Association
– Industry: Professional Basketball Player
• Nompumelelo ‘Mpoomy’ Ledwaba, 29, South Africa – Entrepreneur/Digital Creator
– Industry: Digital Marketing
• Yvette Ishimwe, 25, Rwanda – Founder and CEO, Iriba Water Group
– Industry: Water Solutions
• Hansel Ndu Okeke, 28, Nigeria – Co-founder and CEO, Weevil Company
– Industry: Technology
• Germain Ndu-Okeke, 24, Nigeria – Co-founder and Chief Operation Officer, Weevil Company
– Industry: Technology
• Asisat Oshoala, 28, Nigeria – Striker for Spanish Liga F club FC Barcelona and the Nigeria women’s national
team
– Industry: Professional Footballer
• Jacques Jordaan, 27, South Africa – Co-founder and Director, Specno
– Industry: Entrepreneur/Technology
• Blessing Joel Abeng, 28, Nigeria – Co-founder and Director of Communications, Ingressive For Good
– Industry: Branding and Communications
• Jessica Mshama, 27, Tanzania – Founder and CEO, Nakua Na Taifa Langu, Director of Assumpter Digital
Schools
– Industry: Entrepreneur/Social Impact
• Dricus ‘Still Knocks’ du Plessis, 29, South Africa – Professional mixed martial artist in the Middleweight division
of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
– Industry: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
• Isaack Damian Buhiye, 28, Tanzania – CEO, Firm 23 Limited
– Industry: Digital Enterprise Solutions
• Emmanuel Whajah, 29, Ghana – Creative Director, Videographer and owner of Emzy Production Films
– Industry: Film and entertainment
• Cheslin Denman, 29, South Africa – Managing Director and Co-Founder, Trustlink Africa Hub
– Industry: Fintech
• Mhlengi Mluleki Ngcobo, 28, South Africa – Founder and CEO, CoffeeMM
– Industry: Agriculture
• Talifhani Tshitwamulomoni, 29, South Africa – Chief Operation Officer, Green Development Foundation
– Industry: Sustainability
• Cody Gordon, 26, South Africa – Co-founder and CEO, CG Technology Group (be frank, Constructive Candor
and It’sOk)
– Industry: Mental Health Technology
• Thembi Kgatlana, 26, South Africa – A Forward for NWSL club Racing Louisville FC and South Africa
women’s national team
– Industry: Professional Football
• Mohammed Kudus, 22, Ghana – Attacking midfielder for Eredivisie club Ajax and the Ghana national team
– Industry: Professional Football
• Sharva Hassamal, 29, Mauritius – Founder, Portage Labs
– Industry: Information Technology
• Alessandrio Bergman, 29, South Africa – Founder, SYNC Model Management
– Industry: Fashion and Marketing
Entertainment
Burna Boy Splashes $100,000 on 6uff, Odumodublvck at Lagos Club Night
Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy turned heads over the weekend after reportedly spending $100,000 to support rising acts during a high-energy night at Bayrock Lifestyle in Lagos.
The early Sunday event saw standout performances from Odumodublvck and fast-rising act 6uff, as Burna Boy vibed enthusiastically alongside Phyno and Seyi Vibez.
The artists lit up the venue with their hit track “10 Minutes,” creating a charged atmosphere under neon lights and confetti.
Surprise Moment with Nasboi
One of the night’s most talked-about moments came when Burna Boy spotted comedian and singer Nasboi leaving the club. Calling him back, the Grammy-winning star praised his work, requested a quick performance, and gifted him a stack of $100 bills.
Nasboi later shared the moment online, expressing excitement and gratitude, saying he felt “on top of the world” after the unexpected encounter.
Artists React, Fans Weigh In
Following the event, Odumodublvck humorously remarked that the intense performance left him sleeping until 3 p.m., highlighting the demanding nature of the night.
Fans have since flooded social media with praise for Burna Boy’s generosity and support for fellow entertainers.
However, some critics argue the lavish spending could be part of a strategic rollout ahead of new music.
Industry Buzz
The club appearance has further fueled speculation about upcoming releases from Burna Boy, known for blending headline-making moments with music promotion.
Regardless of intent, the night reinforced his influence in the Nigerian entertainment scene and his willingness to spotlight emerging talent.
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Entertainment
Omah Lay Announces ‘Clarity of Mind’ World Tour, Set to Headline Wembley
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Omah Lay has officially unveiled his highly anticipated “Clarity of Mind World Tour,” marking a major milestone in his global career.
The tour comes on the back of his critically acclaimed second album Clarity of Mind, a project that has resonated widely for its introspective themes and Afro-fusion sound. The album made a strong impact internationally, topping Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart with multiple tracks gaining traction across streaming platforms.
As part of the European leg, Omah Lay will perform in major cities including Brussels on November 6, Berlin on November 8, and Paris on November 13. The tour will culminate in a landmark headline show at OVO Arena Wembley, a 12,500-capacity venue in London—a significant achievement for the fast-rising star.
Tickets for all dates are scheduled to go on sale May 8 at 10 a.m. local time.
Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the announcement, viewing it as yet another indication of Afrobeats’ growing global dominance. Many also pointed to fellow Nigerian artist Young Jonn, who has similarly made waves internationally, highlighting a broader movement of African artists commanding major global stages.
With the “Clarity of Mind World Tour,” Omah Lay continues to cement his position as one of Afrobeats’ most compelling voices, bringing deeply personal storytelling and genre-blending sounds to an ever-expanding international audience.
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Entertainment
Tiwa Savage Reveals Musical Influences, Names Brandy, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido
Award-winning Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has opened up about the musical icons who have shaped her sound, revealing a blend of global and African influences.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the Afrobeats star disclosed that her music is inspired by a mix of legendary R&B and Afrobeats artists, including Brandy, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido.
The revelation has sparked widespread reactions online, with many fans expressing surprise at her inclusion of fellow Afrobeats stars as part of her inspiration. While her admiration for Brandy—known for her smooth vocals and emotional delivery comes as no shock, her acknowledgment of Nigerian contemporaries has drawn particular attention.
Tiwa Savage is widely recognized for blending R&B elements with Afrobeats, creating a unique sound that resonates with audiences both locally and globally. By drawing from artists across different genres and regions, she continues to position herself as one of Africa’s most versatile music stars.
Following her comments, social media platforms have been buzzing with mixed reactions. While some fans praised her openness and ability to evolve musically, others described the moment as a sign of unity within the Nigerian music industry.
Her latest statement further highlights her creative process and reinforces her status as a global Afrobeats icon, whose music continues to bridge cultures and genres.
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Entertainment
BNXN Slams Fat Joe Over “Buju” Claim, Sparks Global Afrobeats Debate
Nigerian Afrobeats star BNXN has responded to comments made by American rapper Fat Joe regarding the origins of his former stage name “Buju,” reigniting debate across the global music scene.
Speaking on the Joe and Jada podcast, Fat Joe claimed he once called out a “fake guy in Africa” for using the Buju name, suggesting that the criticism led BNXN born Daniel Etiese Benson—to eventually rebrand in 2022. The remarks quickly went viral, drawing backlash from fans and industry figures.
BNXN initially reacted strongly in a now-deleted post, accusing Fat Joe of spreading misinformation and showing “hate” toward African music. He later softened his stance, calling for mutual respect between artists across continents and emphasizing the need for better understanding of Afrobeats and its cultural roots.
The controversy has sparked wider conversations online, with Nigerian rapper Olamide and other artists publicly backing BNXN.
Supporters argue that the name “Buju” was never exclusively owned, pointing out its separate usage by Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton, whose influence spans decades.
Fans have also weighed in with streaming comparisons, noting that BNXN’s catalog has, in some cases, outperformed Buju Banton’s on platforms like Spotify fueling debates about generational shifts and the global rise of Afrobeats.
BNXN adopted his new name in 2022 to establish a distinct identity while maintaining his artistic legacy. Despite the brief clash, his recent comments suggest a desire to move forward, focusing on music and cross-cultural collaboration rather than conflict.
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9FpVVGG
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Entertainment
Blessing CEO Backtracks on ‘Stage 4 Cancer’ Claim Amid Fraud Allegations
Nigerian relationship expert Blessing CEO has issued a public apology following widespread backlash over her earlier claim that she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
In a video shared online, Blessing admitted that her use of the term “stage 4” may have been a miscommunication, acknowledging that it caused confusion, concern, and public embarrassment. The claim had initially triggered sympathy from followers, leading to reported donations totaling about N13 million.
However, skepticism quickly grew as critics began questioning inconsistencies in her medical reports and referencing her history of past controversies. The situation escalated into allegations of possible fraud, with many demanding clarification and proof.
Responding to the backlash, Blessing stated that she never intended to mislead the public and expressed regret over how the information was presented. She also announced that she is willing to refund donors who feel misled.
To rebuild trust, she promised to release detailed medical evidence, including scan results and biopsy reports, to provide transparency about her health condition. She has since begun sharing hospital scan footage, which has continued to draw mixed reactions online.
While some supporters believe her apology is genuine and view the situation as a misunderstanding, others remain doubtful, insisting that full medical disclosure is necessary to resolve the controversy.
The incident has reignited conversations around accountability, online influence, and the responsibility public figures have when sharing sensitive personal information.
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