Nigerian singer Omah Lay has revealed the artists who shaped his sound and career, naming a mix of global and African superstars as his personal “Mount Rushmore” of music.

Speaking during an interview with KissXtra, the “Soso” crooner listed Wizkid, Burna Boy, Drake, The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, and Harry Styles as the top artists he looks up to.

“Wizkid, Burna Boy, Drake, The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, Harry Styles are my idols,” Omah Lay said.

Blending Global and African Influences

The selection reflects Omah Lay’s unique sound, which blends Afrobeats with elements of R&B, pop, and soul. His admiration for both Nigerian heavyweights and international chart-toppers highlights the growing global influence of African music.

Artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy have played a major role in taking Afrobeats to the world stage, while Drake and The Weeknd are known for shaping modern R&B and pop music.

Rising Influence of Omah Lay

Since his breakout, Omah Lay has become one of Nigeria’s most distinctive voices, known for his emotive songwriting and genre fusion. His acknowledgment of these artists offers insight into the inspirations behind his music and evolving artistry.

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Popular Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur, Linus Williams Ifejika a.k.a Blord, has regained his freedom after spending 20 days at the Kuje Correctional Facility in Kuje Correctional Centre, following the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

BLord was reportedly released on Monday evening after meeting all requirements set by the court, including earlier directives to deposit his international passport. His release was delayed after the passport could not arrive in Abuja from Anambra State in time, leading to his temporary return to custody.

He had been remanded over allegations of impersonation involving social media activist Martins Vincent Otse.

Sowore Confirms Release, Calls for Justice Reform

Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore confirmed BLord’s release, describing it as a product of collective advocacy.

Sharing a video of the release on social media, Sowore stated:

“Linus Williams, also known as @mrblordofficial, is finally out of Kuje Prison, and that outcome is a reminder that collective action can yield results. No one should be abandoned to unjust detention. No one shall be left behind. THANK YOU, EVERYONE.”

Visit and Political Remarks Spark Reactions

Shortly after regaining freedom, BLord reportedly visited Sowore, where he expressed gratitude and made comments linking himself to the “Revolution Now” movement.

He claimed he was originally expected to remain in detention until later in the month but credited Sowore for intervening during what he described as intimidation.

“I was supposed to be in Kuje prison till the 27th of this month but Sowore said over his dead body… I’m not part of the team,” he said.

In another remark, BLord declared symbolic support for the activist’s movement, stating:

“I’m among the Revolution team now. Sowore is the Minister of Youth.”

Background

BLord, known for his presence in Nigeria’s crypto and tech space, has remained a controversial public figure, frequently trending on social media for business and legal-related issues.

Linus Williams Ifejika was remanded by court order and granted bail under conditions including passport submission and other legal compliance requirements.

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Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year an honour that goes far beyond ceremony. It is a recognition of a legacy that reshaped global music, politics, and cultural identity.

Fela will receive the Early Influence Award at the Hall’s induction ceremony scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater, becoming the first African solo artist to earn a place in the institution. But the real story lies in why this recognition is happening now.

A Sound That Changed Global Music

Fela Kuti is being honoured primarily for creating Afrobeat a revolutionary genre that fused jazz, funk, highlife, and traditional African rhythms into a sound that was both danceable and politically charged.

At a time when Western music dominated global narratives, Fela introduced a distinctly African voice that resonated far beyond Nigeria. His compositions were complex, rhythm-driven, and deeply intentional, influencing generations of artists across continents.

From global icons to contemporary African stars, his sonic blueprint continues to shape modern music.

Music as a Tool for Resistance

Unlike many artists of his era, Fela did not separate music from activism. His induction reflects his fearless use of music as a weapon against oppression.

Through songs like Zombie, Authority Stealing, and International Thief Thief, Fela openly criticized military regimes, corruption, and colonial structures. His work made him a cultural symbol of resistance not just in Nigeria, but across Africa and the diaspora.

This alignment of artistry and activism is a key reason the Hall of Fame considers him an “early influence” someone whose impact extends beyond sound into social consciousness.

A Global Cultural Influence

Fela’s reach transcended music charts. His ideas, style, and philosophy have influenced artists such as Beyoncé, Burna Boy, and Thom Yorke, among many others.

His legacy has also been amplified through modern storytelling. The podcast Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, hosted by Jad Abumrad, introduced his life and ideology to a new generation, featuring voices like Barack Obama and Questlove.

This sustained global interest underscores why his influence remains relevant decades after his passing.

Institutional Recognition Catching Up

Fela’s Hall of Fame induction is also part of a broader wave of recognition from global institutions. In 2025, the Recording Academy awarded him a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Grammy, while his iconic album Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

These honours signal a shift: African music pioneers are finally being acknowledged on the same platforms that historically overlooked them.

More Than Music: A Movement

Across over 50 albums, Fela Kuti built more than a discography he built a movement. His work addressed identity, governance, inequality, and African unity, making his music both timeless and urgent.

Events like Felabration in Lagos continue to celebrate his legacy, while reissues of classics such as Expensive Shit and The Best of the Black President ensure his message reaches new audiences.

The Bigger Picture

Fela Kuti’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is not just about one artist it represents a broader validation of African music as a foundational force in global culture.

It acknowledges that Afrobeat is not a trend, but a genre with deep historical roots and global impact. More importantly, it cements Fela’s place as not just a Nigerian icon, but a world-changing figure whose voice still echoes in today’s music and movements.

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Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has officially announced her third studio album, Starr Girl, during her U.S. daytime TV debut on The Jennifer Hudson Show.

The 23-year-old star shared the exciting news with a live audience, confirming that the highly anticipated project is set for release in July 2026. The announcement marks a new chapter in her fast-rising global career, following the success of her previous projects and international recognition.

Moments after revealing the album title, Ayra Starr delivered a captivating live performance of her single “Where Do We Go.” Dressed in a shimmering blue ensemble, she commanded the stage with confidence, backed by striking purple lighting and cityscape visuals that elevated the performance’s emotional tone.

The moment quickly gained traction online, with fans praising her stage presence, vocal control, and bold fashion choices. Fellow Nigerian music heavyweight Olamide also reacted, describing her high-energy entrance as “too lit,” further fueling excitement around the upcoming album era.

With Starr Girl, Ayra Starr is expected to push her sound and image even further, as she continues to cement her place among Africa’s leading global music exports.

Watch the full performance and hear the big announcement in this video!👇

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSHv9RrXb

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The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has discharged and acquitted popular socialite and nightclub owner, Pretty Mike (real name Mike Nwalie), after upholding a no-case submission filed by his legal team.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, who presided over the matter, ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendant and his co-accused, Joachim Hillary, a supervisor at the nightclub.

In his judgment, the court held that the evidence presented by the prosecution did not meet the minimum legal threshold required to sustain the charges, describing the case as one built on “mere suspicion” without cogent and compelling proof linking the defendants to the alleged offences.

Both defendants were consequently discharged without being called upon to enter their defence.

The case was instituted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, which had earlier arraigned the defendants on a three-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, unlawful possession of hard drugs, and permitting the use of premises for illicit drug activities.

The charges stemmed from a raid carried out by the agency on October 26, 2025, at Proxy Lagos nightclub located in Victoria Island. During the operation, the NDLEA claimed to have recovered 169 cylinders of nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas, weighing over 384 kilograms, as well as 200 grams of cannabis.

Prosecutors alleged that the substances were intended for use at an illegal drug party and sought to link the defendants to their storage and possession. The agency also described the nightclub as an instrumentality of crime and pursued its forfeiture.

However, after the prosecution closed its case, defence counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), filed a no-case submission, arguing that the evidence presented was weak, inconsistent, and insufficient to establish any direct link between the defendants and the alleged drugs.

He further contended that the prosecution failed to prove ownership, control, or knowledge of the substances, emphasizing that suspicion alone cannot ground a criminal conviction.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa agreed with the defence, ruling that the prosecution failed to disclose a prima facie case and that the defendants were entitled to be discharged.

The ruling brings an end to the high-profile case, which had drawn public attention due to the celebrity status of Pretty Mike and the nature of the allegations.

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