News
Lady Gaga leads as Burnaboy, Tems, Asake others gets nominations for 2025 MTV Video Music Awards
Lady Gaga leads the nominations for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), scoring an impressive 12 nods.
It marks the third time the pop idol has topped the nominations list – a feat no other artist has matched in VMA history.
Gaga’s trong showing is followed closely by Bruno Mars, who earned 11 nominations, and Kendrick Lamar with 10.
Pop favourites Rosé and Sabrina Carpenter are not far behind, each collecting eight nominations, including in major categories like Best Pop and Artist of the Year. They’re joined by Ariana Grande and The Weeknd, who both picked up seven nods.
Elsewhere, Billie Eilish earned six nominations, while Charli XCX is up for five, including Best Collaboration and Video of the Year.
A number of major artists landed four nominations apiece, including Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus and Tate McRae.
There are two new categories this year for Best Country and Best Pop Artist.
Artist of the Year will be a battle between Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Lamar, Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd. Up for Best New Artist are Alex Warren, Ella Langley, Gigi Perez, Lola Young, Sombr and The Marías.
Bad Bunny (Debí Tirar Más Fotos), Kendrick Lamar (GNX), Lady Gaga (Mayhem), Morgan Wallen (I’m the Problem), Sabrina Carpenter (Short n’ Sweet), and The Weeknd (Hurry Up Tomorrow) will contend for Best Album.
The winners will be announced during a star-studded bash on Sunday, September 7, at the UBS Arena in New York City. For the first time, CBS will simulcast the awards live alongside MTV, while Paramount+ will also stream the show for viewers around the world.
Voting is now open via MTV’s official website.
The nominees for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards:
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
Billie Eilish – Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die with a Smile
Rosé and Bruno Mars – Apt.
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – Timeless
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Bad Bunny
Beyoncé
Kendrick Lamar
Lady Gaga
Morgan Wallen
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
SONG OF THE YEAR
Alex Warren – Ordinary
Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather
Doechii – Anxiety
Ed Sheeran – Sapphire
Gracie Abrams – I Love You, I’m Sorry
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die with a Smile
Lorde – What Was That
Rosé and Bruno Mars – Apt.
Tate McRae – Sports Car
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – Timeless
BEST NEW ARTIST
Alex Warren
Ella Langley
Gigi Perez
Lola Young
Sombr
The Marías
BEST POP ARTIST
Ariana Grande
Charli xcx
Justin Bieber
Lorde
Miley Cyrus
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
MTV PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
August 2024 – Shaboozey – A Bar Song (Tipsy)
September 2024 – Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song
October 2024 – Mark Ambor – Belong Together
November 2024 – Lay Bankz – Graveyard
December 2024 – Dasha – Bye Bye Bye
January 2025 – Katseye – Touch
February 2025 – Jordan Adetunji – Kehlani
March 2025 – Leon Thomas – Yes It Is
April 2025 – Livingston – Shadow
May 2025 – Damiano David – Next Summer
June 2025 – Gigi Perez – Sailor Song
July 2025 – Role Model – Sally, When the Wine Runs Out
BEST COLLABORATION
Bailey Zimmerman with Luke Combs – Backup Plan (Stagecoach Official Music Video)
Kendrick Lamar and SZA – Luther
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die with a Smile
Post Malone ft. Blake Shelton – Pour Me a Drink
Rosé and Bruno Mars – Apt.
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco – Sunset Blvd
BEST POP
Alex Warren – Ordinary
Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
Ed Sheeran – Sapphire
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die with a Smile
Rosé and Bruno Mars – Apt.
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
BEST HIP-HOP
Doechii – Anxiety
Drake – Nokia
Eminem ft. Jelly Roll – Somebody Save Me
GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red – Whatchu Kno About Me
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
LL Cool J ft. Eminem – Murdergram Deux
Travis Scott – 4X4 – Cactus Jack/Epic Records
BEST RNB
Chris Brown – Residuals
Leon Thomas and Freddie Gibbs – Mutt (Remix)
Mariah Carey – Type Dangerous
Partynextdoor – N o C h i l l
Summer Walker – Heart of a Woman
SZA – Drive
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – Timeless
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Gigi Perez – Sailor Song
Imagine Dragons – Wake Up
Lola Young – Messy
MGK and Jelly Roll – Lonely Road
Sombr – Back to Friends
The Marías – Back to Me
BEST ROCK
Coldplay – All My Love
Evanescence – Afterlife (From the Netflix Series Devil May Cry)
Green Day – One Eyed Bastard
Lenny Kravitz – Honey – Roxie Records
Linkin Park – The Emptiness Machine
Twenty One Pilots – The Contract
BEST LATIN
Bad Bunny – Baile Inolvidable
J Balvin – Rio
Karol G – Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido
Peso Pluma – La Patrulla
Rauw Alejandro and Romeo Santos – Khé
Shakira – Soltera
BEST K-POP
Aespa – Whiplash
Jennie – Like Jennie
Jimin – Who
Jisoo – Earthquake
Lisa ft. Doja Cat and Raye – Born Again
Stray Kids – Chk Chk Boom
Rosé – Toxic Till the End
BEST AFROBEATS
Asake and Travis Scott – Active
Burna Boy ft. Travis Scott – TaTaTa
Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng and Shenseea – Shake It to the Max (Fly) (Remix)
Rema – Baby (Is It a Crime)
Tems ft. Asake – Get It Right
Tyla – Push 2 Start
Wizkid ft. Brent Faiyaz – Piece of My Heart
BEST COUNTRY
Chris Stapleton – Think I’m in Love With You
Cody Johnson with Carrie Underwood – I’m Gonna Love You
Jelly Roll – Liar
Lainey Wilson – 4x4xU
Megan Moroney – Am I Okay
Morgan Wallen – Smile
BEST ALBUM
Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos
Kendrick Lamar – GNX
Lady Gaga – Mayhem
Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem
Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow
BEST LONG FORM VIDEO
Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos (Short Film)
Damiano David – Funny Little Stories
Mac Miller – Balloonerism
Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful
The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow
VIDEO FOR GOOD
Burna Boy – Higher
Charli xcx – Guess featuring Billie Eilish
Doechii – Anxiety
Eminem ft. Jelly Roll – Somebody Save Me
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco – Younger and Hotter Than Me
Zach Hood ft. Sasha Alex Sloan – Sleepwalking
BEST DIRECTION
Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
Charli xcx – Guess featuring Billie Eilish
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Rosé and Bruno Mars – Apt.
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
BEST ART DIRECTION
Charli xcx – Guess featuring Billie Eilish
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Lorde – Man Of The Year
Miley Cyrus – End of the World
Rosé and Bruno Mars – Apt.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
Ed Sheeran – Sapphire
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Miley Cyrus – Easy Lover
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
BEST EDITING
Charli xcx – Guess featuring Billie Eilish
Ed Sheeran – Sapphire
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching (From F1 The Movie)
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Doechii – Anxiety
FKA Twigs – Eusexua
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Tyla – Push 2 Start
Zara Larsson – Pretty Ugly
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Rosé and Bruno Mars – Apt.
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching (From F1 The Movie)
The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow
News
Kano Residents Protest Trump’s Threat of U.S. Military Action Over Christian Killings
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Kano State on Saturday, rallying against U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent warning of possible military action in Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians by Islamic extremists.
The mass demonstration, organized primarily by followers of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky under the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), saw crowds chanting anti-American slogans, waving placards, and burning U.S. flags to express outrage over what they described as a foreign attempt to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
Trump, in his November 1, 2025 speech, had vowed that the United States would “take action” if the Nigerian government failed to stop what he termed the “ongoing Christian genocide” in parts of the country.
Protesters in Kano, however, accused the American leader of bias and misinformation, arguing that Nigeria’s security crisis affects all citizens Muslims and Christians alike.
“We reject Trump’s threats. Nigeria is a sovereign nation, and we will not allow any foreign army to invade our land under the guise of religion,” said one demonstrator who joined the rally near the Kofar Nassarawa Gate in central Kano.
Security operatives were deployed to monitor the demonstration, which remained largely peaceful despite the tense rhetoric.
Nigeria’s federal government has also condemned Trump’s comments, describing his framing of the crisis as “unhelpful and misleading.” Officials maintained that ongoing military operations in the North-East and North-West are targeting all extremist elements, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits, without regard to religious identity.
The protest in Kano adds to growing domestic and international tensions following Trump’s remarks, which have drawn mixed reactions from religious groups and human rights organizations around the world.
News
Adeboye to Tinubu: Give Security Chiefs 90 Days to End Terrorism or Sack Them
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has finally spoken on the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged genocidal attacks against Christians in Nigeria and the reported plans by the United States to take military action against the country.
For weeks, Christian leaders had faced public criticism for their perceived silence amid the global outcry following US President Donald Trump’s warning and the subsequent revelation of a possible military intervention.
In a newly released video clip from one of the church’s recent programmes, Pastor Adeboye urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to act swiftly, diplomatically, and strategically to prevent escalation.
He said:
“My children, if I were asked to make suggestions, I will say quietly to our government, move fast, move diplomatically, move wisely.
Find a way to convince the president of America to please delay his actions for about 100 days. And then come home and say to our security chiefs: get rid of these terrorists within 90 days, or resign.”
Adeboye further advised the President to give firm directives to the nation’s security heads to eliminate not only terrorists but also their sponsors, regardless of their influence.
“Make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists, they should eliminate their sponsors no matter how influential,” he added.
The respected cleric also warned that Nigeria must not rely on foreign allies should a conflict erupt, stressing that “if the US should attack us, China is not coming to defend us, Russia won’t defend us.”
Adeboye’s statement comes amid intensifying diplomatic discussions between Abuja and Washington following reports of a contingency military plan by the US Africa Command (AFRICOM).
Watch video here
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Music News
Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid Lead Nigeria’s Charge in 2026 Grammy Nominations
The Recording Academy has unveiled the 2026 Grammy Awards nominations, spotlighting a rich mix of international superstars, breakthrough talents, and African heavyweights with Nigeria once again making a strong showing on the world stage.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, celebrating the best in global music released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025.
This year’s awards also introduce two new categories Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover marking another evolution in the prestigious ceremony.
Leading the pack is Kendrick Lamar with nine nominations, followed by Lady Gaga, who scored seven nods, including her fifth Album of the Year nomination for “MAYHEM.”
Nigerian Stars Shine Bright
Nigeria continues to dominate the African and Global Music categories, with Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid earning nominations alongside continental legends like Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), Tyla (South Africa) and Youssou N’Dour (Senegal).
Burna Boy leads the Nigerian contingent with two nominations:
- Best African Music Performance (“Love”)
- Best Global Music Album (“No Sign of Weakness”)
Davido also earned a nod for Best African Music Performance with “With You” featuring Omah Lay, while Ayra Starr and Wizkid scored a joint nomination for “Gimme Dat.”
Other contenders in the category include Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin (“Hope & Love”) and Tyla (“Push 2 Start”).
In the Best Global Music Album category, Burna Boy faces stiff competition from Youssou N’Dour (“Éclairer le Monde – Light the World”), Angélique Kidjo, and India’s Anoushka Shankar (“Chapter III: We Return to Light”).
Highlights From the 2026 Grammy Nominations
Album of the Year
- Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
- Justin Bieber – Swag
- Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
- Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
- Lady Gaga – Mayhem
- Kendrick Lamar – GNX
- Leon Thomas – Mutt
- Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia
Record of the Year
- Bad Bunny – “DtMF”
- Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
- Billie Eilish – “Wildflower”
- Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
- Kendrick Lamar with SZA – “Luther”
- Rosé and Bruno Mars – “APT.”
Song of the Year
- Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
- Bad Bunny – “DtMF”
- Kendrick Lamar with SZA – “Luther”
- Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
- Billie Eilish – “Wildflower”
Best African Music Performance
- Burna Boy – “Love”
- Davido ft. Omah Lay – “With You”
- Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid – “Gimme Dat”
- Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – “Hope & Love”
- Tyla – “Push 2 Start”
Best Global Music Album
- Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness
- Youssou N’Dour – Éclairer le Monde – Light the World
- Anoushka Shankar – Chapter III: We Return to Light
- Shakti – Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live)
- Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia – Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo
African Excellence on the World Stage
The 2026 Grammys reaffirm Africa’s growing global influence in music, especially as Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afro-fusion sounds continue to dominate charts and playlists worldwide.
With Burna Boy eyeing another Grammy victory and Davido, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid securing key nominations, Nigerian music’s global momentum remains unstoppable.
The 68th Grammy Awards will air live worldwide on February 1, 2026, promising electrifying performances and unforgettable moments from the biggest names in global music.
2026 GRAMMYS: See The Full Nominations List
News
Full List: FEC Approves Major Road Projects Across Nigeria
FEC Approves Major Road Projects Across Nigeria, Including Lagos–Ibadan and East–West Highways
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Thursday, November 6, 2025, approved several major road projects across the country aimed at improving connectivity, easing traffic congestion, and enhancing economic activity.
According to a list shared by the Special Assistant to Presiden Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Media.
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- Adeboye to Tinubu: Give Security Chiefs 90 Days to End Terrorism or Sack Them
- Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid Lead Nigeria’s Charge in 2026 Grammy Nominations
- Davido Splashes ₦1.08 Billion on 2025 Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan
Below are the key road projects approved during the meeting:
- Lagos–Ibadan Expressway (Phase II, Section II – Lagos to Ibadan):
Approval granted for repairs of failed sections, completion of underpasses, ramps, and adjoining roads. - Mushin–NNPC Junction–Apapa–Oshodi Expressway (Lagos):
Dualisation of the expressway approved, with cost revisions to reflect inflation and updated design specifications. - Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (Section III: Badagry–Ogun–Oyo border):
New contract approved for the 162.97-kilometre stretch, linking the Southwest and Northwest corridors. - Ilorin–Omu Aran–Egba Road (Kwara/Egba region):
A 216-kilometre road project divided into phases; Phase I received approval under the current budget. - East–West Road (Federal corridor):
Redesign approved to improve traffic flow and pavement strength, with dual carriageways and additional bridges included. - Ota–Idi-Iroko Road (Ogun State):
Approval for review and redesign; the road will now use rigid concrete pavement and include a new bridge to address challenging terrain and high water-table conditions. - Jos–Turunku–Maraban–Jama’a Road (Kaduna State):
Rehabilitation works approved to enhance inter-state connectivity in the North-Central region. - Ijebu–Ibu Ete–Egba–Owena Road (Ogun & Ondo States):
Reconstruction approved for this inter-state route linking Ogun and Ondo, with upgraded design standards.
The approved projects reflect the federal government’s ongoing commitment to upgrading Nigeria’s road infrastructure to boost trade, logistics, and regional integration.
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Biafra
Court Forecloses Defence, Fixes November 20 for Nnamdi Kanu Judgment
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed November 20, 2025, for judgment in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing charges bordering on alleged terrorism.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, set the date on Friday after foreclosing Kanu’s right to present his defence, following his repeated refusal to proceed under a law he claimed had been repealed.
“This court has given the defendant every opportunity required under Section 36 of the Constitution, and I will not allow this to continue. It is on this basis, without hesitation, that I hold that the defendant has waived his right,” the judge ruled.
Kanu had consistently declined to open his defence, insisting there was no valid charge against him and that his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) was illegal.
The court had, on October 24, adjourned the matter to October 27 to allow Kanu commence his defence after he disengaged his legal team and opted to represent himself. On November 4, Justice Omotosho gave the defendant a final opportunity to open his defence or risk forfeiting his right to do so.
Despite the judge’s persuasion for him to engage legal counsel, Kanu maintained that the terrorism charges were unconstitutional, citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution to argue that there was “no written law establishing terrorism as an offence in Nigeria.”
At Friday’s proceedings, Kanu complained that he had been prevented from filing an important process. The judge subsequently directed that the court’s registry be temporarily relocated to the courtroom to enable the defendant file the document. Proceedings were stood down for one hour to complete the process.
Upon reconvening, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), counsel to the Federal Government, informed the court that he would rely on the exhibits already attached to the defendant’s motions rather than file a new response.
In one of his motions, Kanu asked the court to expunge his “not guilty” plea from the record, alleging that he was “deceptively arraigned” in violation of his constitutional rights. He also sought an order nullifying all proceedings in the case and demanding his immediate release.
Justice Omotosho, however, held that the defendant’s refusal to present his case amounted to a waiver of his right to fair hearing, having been given several opportunities to do so.
The court then adjourned the matter to November 20 for judgment.
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