Entertainment
Wizkid, Davido nominated for South African Music Awards #SAMA27
The South African Music Awards’ official Twitter page announced the news on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, with both artists nominated in the category of ‘Rest of Africa,’ which includes other African artists who are not South Africans.
Wizkid’s “Made In Lagos” album and Davido‘s “A Better Time” have both been nominated for the 27th South African Music Awards (SAMA).

The South African Music Awards’ official Twitter page announced the news on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, with both artists nominated in the category of ‘Rest of Africa,’ which includes other African artists who are not South Africans.
Other artists in the category and their projects include; “Midnight Train” by Sauti Sol, “Unity Album” by Buffalo Souljah, and “Songs in The Key of Love” by Berita.
Here’s the full list of nominees:
Album of the Year
- Persistence – Bongo Riot
- The Healers: The Last Chapter – Black Motion
- Once Upon A Time in Lockdown – Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa (Scorpion Kings)
- I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust – Kabza De Small
- Back to Love – Junior Taurus
Duo/Group of the Year
- Reece Madlisa & Zuma – Ama Roto EP
- MFR Souls – Musical Kings
- Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa (Scorpion Kings) – Once Upon A Time in Lockdown
- Mas Musiq & Aymos – Shonamalanga
- Mi Casa – We Made It
Female Artist of the Year
- Reign Africa – On the Frontline
- Bucy Radebe – Spiritual Encounter
- Sho Madjozi – What a Life
- Nomcebo Zikode – Xola Moya Wam’
- Hle – Your Kingdom on Earth
Male Artist of the Year
- Sun-El Musician – To The World & Beyond
- Bongo Riot – Persistence
- Kabza De Small – I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust
- Oscar Mbo – For the Groovists
- Junior Taurus – Back to Love
Newcomer of the Year
- Xolly Mncwango – Jesus Is Enough
- Reign Africa – On the Frontline
- Africado – BandaBanda & The Crocodiles
- Ingoma – Azana
- Spiritual Encounter – Bucy Radebe
Best Rock Album
- Chrome Neon Jesus – Ethyl Ether
- Here’s to the Now – Nathan Smith
- Orange Sunshine – Yum Yuck
- The Devils Cattle – Ruff Majik
- Nothing’s Gonna Change – Oooth
Best Pop Album
- 11:11 – Rowlene
- I Don’t Sleep – Jethro Tait
- Tribes & Angels – Locnville
- Sugar – Mark Stent
- She – Amy Lilley
Beste Pop Album
- 2021 – Die Heuwels Fantasties
- Die Toekoms is Synth – Synth Peter
- Twintig20 – Brendan Peyper
- Gewigloos – Juan Boucher
- Gemaklik Verlore – Christa Visser
Best Adult Contemporary Album
- In the Kingdom of the Aloes – amaFranx
- Repaired – Jack Atlantic
- Rise – Ndlovu Youth Choir
- Take Me To The River – Connell Cruise
- The South African Songbook – Kurt Darren & The Soweto Gospel Choir
Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album
- Wandel In My Woning – Refentse
- Herverbeel – Die Heuwels Fantasties
- Net Geleen – Bernice West
- Monumentaal – Ruhan Du Toit
- Spontaan – Riaan Benadê
Best African Adult Contemporary Album
- Umsebenzi – Sjava
- Isambulo – 1020 Cartel Artists
- Amakhaya – Max-Hoba
- Bamako – Simphiwe Dana
- Buhlebendalo – Chosi
Best Alternative Music Album
- Mania/Post Mania – Yellow House
- iimini – Bongeziwe Mabandla
- Hot Mess – Evert Snyman
- Filth and Wisdom – The Medicine Dolls
- Ebusuku – Th&o
Best R&B/Soul Album
- A Force To Be Reckoned With – Thando
- LANGA – Langa Mavuso
- Sindisiwe – LaSauce
- Small World – Ricky Tyler
- Uhambo – Soul Kulture
Best Hip Hop Album
- 4436 – Boity
- Nadia Naked II – Nadia Nakai
- Zulu With Some Power – Nasty C
- Pop Star – Yanga Chief
- Zakwe & Duncan – Zakwe & Duncan
Best Kwaito Album
- Sgubhu OverDoze – Lvovo & Danger
- Endaweni – Darkie Fiction
- Don’t Lose Hope – Sukiripapa
- Bhut’Madlisa – Mampintsha
- Ama Roto EP – Reece Madlisa & Zuma
Best Dance Album
- To The World & Beyond – Sun-El Musician
- For The Goovists – Oscar Mbo
- Xola Moya Wam’ – Nomcebo Zikode
- The Healers: The Last Chapter – Black Motion
- We Made It – Mi Casa
Best Traditional Faith Music Album
- Worship House Project 17, Chapter II – Worship House
- Buya Nkosi – Thinah Zungu
- Spiritual Encounter – Bucy Radebe
- Wathi Eloyi Eloyi – Sipho Makhabane
- Izulu – Sneziey
Best Contemporary Faith Music Album
- Devotion – Nqubeko Mbatha
- Face 2 Face – Collen Maluleke
- Jesus is Enough – Xolly Mncwango
- Your Kingdom on Earth – Hle
- The Promised Revival Part One – Tshwane Gospel Choir
Best African Indigenous Faith Music Album
- Makhosi Akithi – Vuma Zion
- Izwi Lakho – Mandlethu Gospel Singers
- Katlehong Gospel Choir Artist Development – Katlehong Gospel Choir Artist Development
- Sithembe Wena Nkosi – JTG Gospel Choir
- Enyokumkhonza – Enyonini Mission Ministries
Rest of Africa Award
- Unity Album – Buffalo Souljah
- A Better Time – Davido
- Made in Lagos – Wizkid
- Midnight Train – Sauti Sol
- Songs in the Key of Love – Berita
Best Traditional Album
- Love and War – Henny C
- What a Life – Sho Madjozi
- Angeke Bakuthande Boke – Smangele
- Shebeen Queen – Vusi Mahlasela
- Ndavhuko – Vendaboy Poet
Best Maskandi
- Amagupta – iChwane Lebhaca
- Ziyangiluma Izinja – Phuzekhemisi
- Iqatha Eliziqobayo – Thokozani Langa
- Banathi Shaqa – Imithente
- Imfene Kamakhelwane – Abafana Baka Mgqumeni
Best Jazz Album
- Africado – BandaBanda & The Crocodiles
- An Open Dialogue – Linda Sikhakhane
- iHubo Labomdabu – Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane
- Modes of Communication: Letters From The Underworlds – Nduduzo Makhathini
- Thandi Ntuli (Live at Jazzwerkstatt) – Thandi Ntuli
Best Classical/Instrumental Album
- Live in Cape Town – Guy Battery & Derek Gripper
- Imagine – Charles du Plessis Trio
- Live in Lisbon – Nibs van der Spuy & Guy Battery
- Tek’o – CH2
- We’ve All Known All Times – Wouter Kellerman
Best Afropop Album
- Ingoma – Azana
- Molimo – Manu Worldstar
- Ngumama – Vusi Nova
- The Voice of Africa – Kelly Khumalo
- Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars) – Simmy
Best Live Audio Visual Recording of the Year
- Your Kingdom on Earth – HLE
- The Throne (Live Edition) – Presss
- Spiritual Encounter – Bucy Radebe
- My Hart Klop Refentse – Refentse
- A Journey to the World & Beyond – Sun-El Musician
Best Collaboration
- ‘Uthando’ – Darque ft. Zakes Bantwini
- ‘Ek Like Hoe Jy Dans’ – Chê ft. Snotkop
- ‘Mali Eningi’ – Big Zulu ft. Riky Rick & Intaba Yase Dubai
- ‘Senzeni’ – Mthandazo Gatya ft. Comado & DJ Manzo SA
- ‘Yehla Moya’ – Da Capo & Nduduzo Makhathini ft. Omagugu
Best Produced Music Video
- ‘Where is the DJ’ by Malumz on Decks ft. Khanyisa – Oscar Nyathi
- ‘Qhawe’ – Made to Create by Toya Delazy – Kyle Lewis & Vjorn Tucker
- ‘Mamela’ by Mi Casa – Katya Abedian
- ‘Lucky Star’ by K.O – Adam Zackon & Dale Fortune
- ‘Hosh’ by Prince Kaybee ft. Sir Trill – Ofentse
Best Produced Album of the Year
- In the Beginning Was the End by Manana – Manana & Noble
- Ithemba by Luyolo – Marcus MC & Andy Keys
- Umsebenzi by Sjava – Delaydem, Ruff, Webmoms, Zadok & Vuyo Manyike
- Tugela Fairy: Made of Stars by Simmy – Sun-El Musician, Claudio Wayde, Da Capo & Mpho Mohlolong
- The Healers: The Last Chapter – Black Motion
Best Engineered Album of the Year
- Swingle Bells by Jonathan Roxmouth – Adam Howard
- Goodluck Upclose by Goodluck – Murray Anderson & Andrew Rawborn
- Isambulo by 1020 Cartel Artists – Mfanafuthi Ruff
- The Second Coming by Kid Tini – James Smals, Kitie, Ron Epidemic & Tweezy
- Inganekwane by Zoe Modiga – Papi Diretsi & Songo Oyama
Remix of the Year
- ‘Jerusalema’ – Kid Fonque
- ‘Ndanele’ – Dwson
- ‘Sala Nabani’ – Sun-El Musician, Claudio & Kenza
- ‘Speak Lord’ – Sculpturedmusic
- ‘Yehla Moya’ – Da Capo
Best Reggae Album
- The Journey – Ras Canly
- Persistence – Bongo Riot
- My Music – Freeky
- On the Frontline – Reign Africa
- Empathy Riddim – Lavoro Duro
Best Amapiano Album
- Musical Kings – MFR Souls
- Back to Love – Junior Taurus
- I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust – Kabza De Small
- Once Upon A Time In Lockdown – Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa (Scorpion Kings)
- Shonamalanga – Mas Musiq & Aymos
Best Gqom Album
- We Don’t Play the Same Gqom – Que
- Make Cape Town Great Again – Mshayi & Mr Thela
- Isiqalo – DragerNation
- InzaloYekwaito – Zinaro
- Idando Kazi – Babes Wodumo
Entertainment
Rihanna and Tyla’s Met Gala Interaction Sparks Online Debate
A brief interaction between Rihanna and South African star Tyla at the 2026 Met Gala has triggered widespread discussion across social media after a viral video appeared to show Rihanna brushing past the “Water” hitmaker.
The clip, which circulated widely on X, TikTok, and Instagram after the event, showed Tyla approaching Rihanna during the gala. In the video, Rihanna appeared distracted and reportedly mentioned that her partner, A$AP Rocky, was calling her before walking away, leading some online users to accuse the singer of snubbing Tyla.
The moment quickly became one of the most talked-about celebrity interactions from the Met Gala, with fans debating whether there was tension between the two stars.
However, Tyla later addressed the situation in a video shared on social media, dismissing claims of any feud. The singer explained that Rihanna appeared occupied during their interaction and insisted there was no bad blood between them. Tyla described the encounter as “awkward” but harmless, adding that she hopes they will have a calmer moment to connect properly in the future.
Reports also suggested Rihanna responded to some of the online backlash through a now-deleted Instagram Story, although screenshots and reposts of the alleged response continued circulating online.
The viral discussion came amid broader speculation surrounding Rihanna and A$AP Rocky after additional videos from the Met Gala sparked rumors of tension between the couple. Sources close to the pair later dismissed the claims, saying the duo were simply exhausted after a long day of preparations and appearances surrounding the high-profile fashion event.
Both Rihanna and Tyla drew praise for their fashion choices at this year’s Met Gala. Tyla wore a custom Valentino ensemble inspired by peacock tones, while Rihanna stunned in a metallic Maison Margiela look that became one of the standout outfits of the night.
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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.
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