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Nicki Minaj cancels Saudi concert over women’s rights concerns

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Nicki Minaj has cancelled a performance in Saudi Arabia in a show of support for women’s and gay rights in the ultra-conservative kingdom, the US rapper said Tuesday.

Minaj’s scheduled appearance in the western city of Jeddah next week as part of a cultural festival had triggered a social media backlash over human rights in the country.

“After careful reflection, I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest,” Minaj said in a statement sent to AFP by her publicist.

“While I want nothing more than to bring my show to fans in Saudi Arabia, after better educating myself on the issues, I believe it is important for me to make clear my support for the rights of women, the LGBTQ community and freedom of expression.”

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Minaj, known for her profanity-laced lyrics and raunchy music videos, was due to perform as headline act of the festival — to be televised globally on MTV — as the kingdom loosens its decades-old restrictions on entertainment

Others scheduled to perform include British musician Liam Payne and American DJ Steve Aoki.

The New York-based Human Rights Foundation on Friday wrote Minaj an open letter urging her to withdraw from the festival, calling on her to “refuse the regime’s money” and use her global influence to demand the release of jailed Saudi women activists.

Amnesty International has described the Saudi human rights record as “abysmal,” adding that the nation is in the “grip of a sweeping crackdown against critics of the government.”

The festival in Saudi Arabia, which forbids alcohol and has a strict social code, comes as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pursues a sweeping liberalization drive that has led to new cinemas, concerts and sporting extravaganzas.

The reform is seen by some as an attempt to blunt public frustration over an economic downturn and high youth unemployment.

Saudi Arabia is also moving to boost domestic spending on entertainment and tourism, as the kingdom has reeled from low oil prices.

While Saudi Arabia is yet to offer tourist visas, the country has fast-tracked electronic permits for international visitors to attend such festivals to further boost revenue.

(AFP)

Read Also: Rapper Nicki Minaj to perform in Saudi Arabia this month

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Ryan Taylor Opens Up on Relationship with DJ Cuppy

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DJ Cuppy ex-fiancé Ryan Taylor interview
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British boxer and YouTuber Ryan Taylor, the ex-fiancé of Nigerian DJ and billionaire heiress Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has made new revelations about their time together.

Speaking during a recent episode of the Ladders Podcast, Taylor alleged that Cuppy “didn’t like people from her country” and even advised him against employing Nigerians in his business.

“Is it mad if I told you that she didn’t like people from her country?” Taylor said. “She’d come into my business and didn’t want me to have her fellow country people as staff. We used to walk in the mall and people would run from their counters and ask for money.”

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Cuppy and Ryan Taylor’s Engagement and Split

The couple got engaged in November 2022 after a whirlwind romance that caught public attention. They were often seen sharing affectionate moments online and attending events together, showcasing a luxurious lifestyle.

However, by mid-2023, reports surfaced that their relationship had ended. The speculation grew after both unfollowed each other on social media and deleted their joint photos and videos.

Ryan Reflects on Their Breakup

Despite his remarks, Taylor concluded his interview on a positive note, emphasizing that he had no regrets about the relationship.

“Everything happens for a reason. The time that I met her, where we both were at the time, it had to happen. No regrets, lesson learnt.”

About DJ Cuppy

DJ Cuppy, daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, is one of Africa’s most prominent female DJs and philanthropists. Over the years, she has built a strong personal brand in music, fashion, and business, with several global endorsements and charity projects under the Cuppy Foundation.

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Odumodublvck Faces Off with Blaqbonez’s Manager as Nigerian Rap Feud Escalates

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Odumodublvck Faces Off with Blaqbonez’s Manager as Nigerian Rap Feud Escalates
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The ongoing feud between Nigerian rappers Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez intensified on Saturday, October 18, 2025, after a viral video showed Odumodublvck confronting Blaqbonez’s female manager at an event in Uyo, sparking widespread reactions across the music industry.

The confrontation reportedly followed the release of Blaqbonez’s diss track “ACL”, featured on his newly released album No Excuses, in which he accused Odumodublvck of stream farming and chasing clout.

Shortly after the song’s release, leaked direct messages allegedly sent by Odumodublvck surfaced online, containing threats of physical harm toward Blaqbonez. The situation escalated further when sources close to Blaqbonez’s camp alleged that Odumodublvck had previously spat on the manager during a prior altercation.

The viral Uyo video shows Odumodublvck engaging in a heated exchange with Blaqbonez’s manager before being restrained by security personnel and event organizers.

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As of the time of filing this report, neither Odumodublvck nor Blaqbonez has issued an official statement addressing the incident, though both artists’ fanbases have taken to social media to debate the conflict and call for restraint.

The altercation adds a new layer of tension to what has been one of Nigerian hip-hop’s most publicized rivalries in recent years, pitting two of the genre’s biggest voices against each other in a clash blending music, ego, and controversy.

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Rema and Ayra Starr Dance to Wizkid Tracks at Lagos Club After ‘Who’s Dat Girl’ Release

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Viral clips show Rema and Ayra Starr dancing to Wizkid’s hits “Kese” and “Wiz Party” in Lagos, celebrating the release of their joint single “Who’s Dat Girl.”
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Lagos, Nigeria – Nigerian Afrobeats stars Rema and Ayra Starr set social media abuzz on Friday night after being spotted dancing together to Wizkid’s classics “Kese” and “Wiz Party” at a Lagos nightclub.

The duo, who recently dropped their much-anticipated collaboration “Who’s Dat Girl” on October 17, were seen in viral clips moving energetically and sharing smiles as Wizkid’s tracks filled the club. The videos quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter), drawing tens of thousands of views and sparking lively reactions from fans.

Both Rema and Ayra Starr, hailing from Benin City and signed under Mavin Records, have been celebrated for their chemistry and shared artistic evolution. Fans linked their recent hit’s theme of self-discovery and youthful confidence with the carefree energy displayed during their night out.

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Rema and Ayra Starr partying together last night 👀 #rema #ayrastarr

♬ original sound – BONA NAIJA

Meanwhile, Wizkid’s timeless tracks once again proved their staying power, dominating the night’s playlist and uniting fans of all three artists under one groove.

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Sabinus’s ‘Spray Money’ Skit Surpasses 85,000 Engagements on X

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Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, known as Sabinus, released a pidgin-infused skit on October 9, 2025, satirizing the cultural practice of spraying cash at events by mocking hesitation in celebratory moments.

The video quickly garnered over 35,000 likes and 4,000 reposts, topping X trends and drawing praise for its relatable humor on stinginess and social expectations.

Sabinus, a Port Harcourt native and top comedian, continues to dominate Nigeria’s digital comedy scene with his timely social commentary.

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Big Brother Naija Winner Imisi Ayanwale Opens Up on Strategy, Friendship, and Faith in Ebuka Interview

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Imisi Ayanwale Opens Up to Ebuka on Strategy, Faith, and Life After BBNaija Win
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Imisi Ayanwale, the 23-year-old winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10, has shared new insights into her journey to victory in an exclusive 23-minute interview with show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, released on the official BBNaija YouTube channel on Tuesday.

The conversation offered fans a closer look at Imisi’s strategic gameplay, emotional growth, and the personal meaning behind her name — Imisi,” which translates to “hope” in Yoruba.

Speaking on her approach to the game, Imisi revealed that her strategy was built around authenticity, observation, and emotional intelligence, noting that she chose to “connect with people’s hearts rather than their egos.”

She also addressed widespread speculation about a possible love triangle involving fellow housemates Faith and Kaybobo, clarifying that her relationship with Faith was purely platonic.

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“Faith and I shared mutual respect and understanding. There was never any romantic tension just friendship and support,” she explained.

Imisi further discussed her style evolution, her resilience in overcoming personal challenges, and how her background in Mass Communication from Yaba College of Technology helped her communicate confidently and stay grounded in the spotlight.

The interview coincided with the presentation of her ₦150 million grand prize, which includes ₦80 million in cash, an Innoson SUV, and other sponsored rewards at a ceremony in Lagos.

Since its release, the video has garnered over 1,300 engagements on X (formerly Twitter), sparking mixed reactions. While many praised her authenticity and emotional depth, others debated her English proficiency, with fans defending her as “real, unfiltered, and relatable.”

“Imisi’s story is about courage and hope — she’s not just a winner, she’s a reflection of resilience,” one viewer commented.

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