Our correspondent reports that the fans took to social media platforms to celebrate the 15-year lyrical milestone.

‘OBO’, as the singer is fondly called by his teeming fans and industry peers, had earlier on shared a post on his X page(formerly Twitter), reflecting on his journey so far.

He wrote: “God is the best of all planners! 15 years in da game”.

The post has continued to generate accolades from Davido’s fans and Afrobeats lovers across the globe, with many commending the singer’s devotion, achievements and contributions to the growth of African music on the international stage.

Others noted that the singer’s craft has transcended borders, united diverse audiences and inspired a new generation of artistes across Africa and beyond.

A fan on X, @abazwhyllzz commented “after God, you are my own greatest. Thank you for blessing our ears, soul and spirit.

“Without you there would have been no Nigerian music. Thank you for taking us to the limelight. Cheers to many more years and more success”.

@sy40 said, “always the greatest”.

@h3nree_ commented “Ronaldo of Music”.

A fan on Instagram @annasoto2880 described Davido as, “The Godfather”.

Another user on X, @prince_thissO01 praised the singer’s consistency saying, “thank you Jesus for making us , see more of this amazing man’s work and kindness”.

@manlikeIcey wrote, “From the release of his breakout records to becoming one of Africa’s most recognisable global music icons, Davido consistently redefined the sound and reach of Afrobeats on the international stage.

“Over the years, his music transcended borders, united diverse audiences and inspired a new generation of creatives across the world.”

However, a fan @Quotez noted that, “15 years, while people that came after you have grammy”.

NAN reports that Davido, born David Adeleke on November 21, 1992 in Atlanta, US, began his music career professionally in 2011, and started working on his debut studio album ‘Omo Baba Olowo’,a mixture of Afrobeats and hip hop.

He made his music debut as a member of the group KB International, and rose to fame after releasing “Dami Duro”, the second single from‘Omo Baba Olowo’ (2012).

Within a decade and half, Davido has delivered several hit records, including five studio albums; Omo Baba Olowo (2012),A Good Time (2019),A Better Time (2020),Timeless (2023) and 5ive (2025).

He has secured several nominations and awards on the global stage, with three nominations at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards (2024), including Best Global Music Album for Timeless.

He won Best African Act at the MOBO and was the first African artist to perform live at the ceremony (2017), and has also clinched Best African Act at MTV Europe music award.

On international performances, Davido made headline as the first solo African artist to sell out the 20,000-capacity 02 Arena in London during his historic “City of Davido” concert on Jan 27, 2019.

His hit ‘Blow My Mind’ with Chris Brown became the first music video out of Nigeria to reach two million YouTube views in just 24 hours.

He became the first African artist to get a gold certification in the US as well as Canada in 2020 with his hit single ‘Fall’.

The music superstar made history as the first Afrobeats artist to be featured on the FIFA World Cup official theme song, featuring in “Hayya Hayya(Better Together)”, and performed at the closing ceremony in Qatar.

Davido was named one of the 100 most influential Africans by New African Magazine (2019), and featured on TIME Magazine’s 100 Next List (2021).

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The singer announced the release date for the much anticipated album on his Instagram account-@mrmoney, posting a striking video that shows a stone carver, crafting what appears to be the album’s cover art.

The project marks a significant moment in the artist’s career as it becomes his first full-length body of work under his independent imprint.

According to him, M$NEY features 13 tracks, with a line-up that includes previously released singles such as “Why Love,” “Badman Gangster”, featuring Tiakola, and his latest hit “Worship”,alongside DJ Snake.

The 13-track album is expected to showcase Asake’s signature fusion of Fuji-inspired vocals, Amapiano rhythms, and contemporary Afrobeats, while also exploring new sonic directions.

Our correspondent reports that Asake has released three major studio albums; Mr. Money With The Vibe (2022), Work of Art (2023), and Lungu Boy(2024).

His hit song “Amapiano” was nominated for “Best African Music Performance” category at the 2024 Grammy Award, despite being sung mainly in Yoruba.

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This is contained in a statement signed by the National President of DJAN, Prince Akim Edeh, and made available to our correspondent on Friday in Abuja.

Edeh said, “It has come to our attention that certain media outfits and other digital platforms have circulated a graphic combination of Burna Boy and a Disc Jockey who is not a registered member of DJAN.”

According to him, Disc Jockey is falsely associating our association with a “ban” placed on Burna Boy’s music.

“DJAN strongly dissociates itself from these reports. We did not, and have no intention to, ban the music of Burna Boy or any other artist.

“We categorically condemn the unauthorised use of the DJAN official logo as a watermark on these misleading graphics. This is a gross misuse of our intellectual property aimed at giving credence to misinformation.”

The DJAN president advised the media outfits and all other media platforms spreading the false narrative to issue necessary corrections.

According to him, the DJAN has noted with grave concern reports surrounding a recent incident involving a Disc Jockey and Burna Boy.

“As a body dedicated to the growth and integrity of the entertainment industry, we maintain a firm and unwavering stance against any form of violence or physical confrontation.

“We are currently monitoring the situation and await the conclusion of any ongoing. investigations.

“DJAN remains committed to fostering a healthy, collaborative environment between all practitioners and performing artists within the music space,” The DJAN boss said.

He urged the public to remain calm and allow the relevant authorities to investigate the matter.

According to him, music is a tool for unity, and we will continue to focus on upholding professional standards and protecting the integrity of the deejaying profession.

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The film, which is distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, achieved the milestone shortly after its release, drawing audiences to cinemas nationwide.

Aba Blues, set in 1989 Aba following the Nigerian Civil War, follows Amara (Angel Anosike) whose marriage is tested by the return of her former boyfriend, exploring themes of love, ambition, and nostalgia.

In a statement shared on its official Instagram page, the film distributor expressed appreciation for the support received from viewers across the country.

“Thank you Nigeria for a great opening weekend,” the company said while encouraging more cinema goers to see the film.

It noted that the movie is currently showing in cinemas nationwide and continues to attract attention from audiences.

It was reported that the movie has generated growing interest among movie lovers, contributing to its strong debut performance at the box office.

With its current momentum and ongoing nationwide screenings, the film is expected to maintain steady patronage in the coming weeks.

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This honor stands as a testament to Fellow Folake Philips’ unwavering commitment to service, her passion for uplifting communities, and her tireless advocacy for cultural visibility and social impact.

In her response to this recognition, Princess Folake Philips humbly remarked, “a win for one, is a win for our community. I am grateful and honoured to serve and to dedicate myself to amplifying our needs and voices and to bringing visibility through cultural exposure, educational enrichment and advocacy. Our roots have prepared us for these sorts of moments.”

Her words reflect the very essence of the Archaivar spirit, unity, heritage, and collective progress.

The Kord of Golden State, California Convergence, Americana Archaivar Plus Convergence, Grand Patron, (GP) Oluwafemi Aderemi Alonge, commended her achievement, describing it as “a moment of pride not only for California Convergence but for the entire Archaivar family worldwide. Fellow Folake Philips exemplifies the true meaning of leadership through service, embodying excellence, cultural pride, and a deep commitment to humanity. Her recognition is both earned and inspiring.”

Similarly, the Grand Kord of Americana Archaivar Plus Convergence, Patron Ranti Dairo, praised her accomplishment, stating, “This recognition speaks volumes of the calibre of individuals within our Convergence. Princess Folake Philips has elevated our collective identity through her impactful work, reminding us that service, when rooted in purpose and culture, transcends boundaries. We celebrate her as a beacon of excellence and a worthy ambassador of our values.”

Chairman board of Americana Achaivar Plus, Chief Adewale Fakorede, in his conclusion, “This recognition is not only a personal milestone but a shared victory for the entire Americana Archaivar community. It reinforces the Convergence’s mission of promoting cultural heritage, fostering unity, and driving meaningful impact across communities both in the diaspora and beyond and as we celebrate one of us, Fellow (Princess) Folake Philips, we are reminded that when one rises, the entire community is lifted”.

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The movie, distributed by FilmOne Entertainment also achieved significant commercial success at the domestic box office grossing N2.7 billion to become one of Nollywood’s biggest titles of all time.

In a post shared on its Instagram page, the distributor described the achievement as a record breaking run and a defining moment for African cinema.

”A record-breaking run. A defining moment for African cinema,” the company said, adding that the film continues to attract audiences across multiple regions.

Our correspondent reports that ‘Behind The Scenes’ explores themes around fame, success and the hidden emotional realities behind public admiration.

The film’s success extends beyond West Africa with growing viewership reported across international markets, further reinforcing Nollywood’s expanding global footprint.

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Spotify disclosed this in its “Loud & Clear” annual report released on Monday in Lagos.

Our correspondent reports that Loud & Clear provides insights into the economics of music streaming and how artistes build careers, grow audiences and reach new markets globally.

According to the report, revenue earned by Nigerian artistes from Spotify alone grew by more than 140 per cent over the past two years.

“The figures reflect both the growing global appeal of Nigerian music and the increasing economic opportunity for artistes across the market,” the report said.

It also highlighted strong listener engagement with Nigerian music on the platform.

It said that in 2025, Nigerian artistes generated about 30.3 billion streams and 1.6 billion listening hours on Spotify, which was also discovered by first-time listeners more than 1.3 billion times, thereby representing a 26 percent increase compared with 2024.

“At home, Nigerian music continues to command a powerful share of listening.

“In 2025, Nigerian artistes were responsible for over 80 per cent of the tracks featured on Spotify Nigeria’s Daily Top 50, underlining the strength of local talent in shaping the country’s listening habits.

“Local consumption of Nigerian artistes also grew by 170 per cent year-on-year on Spotify alone,” the report said.

Jocelyn Muhutu- Remy, Managing Director for Africa at Spotify, said that Nigeria’s music industry continues to demonstrate creativity and global cultural influence.

“What we are seeing is a market where talent is not only reaching new audiences around the world but also building deeper connections at home.

“For us, Loud & Clear is an opportunity to spotlight the evolving pathways artistes are taking to build sustainable careers and to show the many ways Nigerian creators are shaping the future of music,” she said.

Muhutu-Remy also highlighted significant growth across key artiste segments as local streams of Nigerian female artistes increased by 55 per cent year-on-year, while streams of Nigerian independent artistes grew by 75 per cent over the same period.

She added that about 58 per cent of all royalties generated by Nigerian artistes on Spotify in 2025 went to independent artistes or labels, underscoring the role of independent creators in the country’s music ecosystem.

She revealed that the platform’s editorial ecosystem also played a role in artistes discovery with nearly 2,000 Nigerian artistes added to the platform’s editorial playlists in 2025.

“Globally, Nigerian artistes were featured in about 320 million user playlists while over 12 million user playlists featuring Nigerian artistes were created in Nigeria.

“In total, more than 60 million playlists featuring Nigerian artistes were created on Spotify alone in 2025.

“Over the past five years, genres with the fastest growth on Spotify in Nigeria include pop urbane, alternative pop, anime, emo and drill.”

According to her, Loud & Clear continues to offer a deeper look at the data behind streaming.

“In Nigeria, this year’s story is clear: local artistes are building momentum at home, reaching new audiences at scale, and generating growing economic value from Spotify alone.”

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According to Touring Data, a global tour monitoring platform, on X (formally Twitter), @burnaboy’s “No Sign of Weakness” is officially the highest-grossing tour by an African artist in Oceania’s history, with $3.1 million from 31,000 tickets sold across 4 shows.”

He reached the milestone during the Sydney stop of his recent ‘No Sign Of Weakness’, which took place at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, generating $1.117 million in revenue.

The ‘No sign of Weakness’ tour was held across 20 shows in three continents , including North America, Europe and Oceania.

During the Oceania leg of the tour, four shows in Australia sold about 30,946 tickets and generated $3.1 million in total revenue.

This milestone has further proven that African artists can sell out large arenas outside Africa as the “On The Low”crooner’s global tours are now among the highest-earning tours by African artists. ,

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The data shows playlists focused on longing, vulnerability, and emotional recovery.

In a statement on Friday in Lagos, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said insights from the streaming platform, showed that mood-led playlist creation had surged in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day.

Okumu said data showed that heartbreak-themed listening rose faster than love-coded playlists.

According to her, between Jan. 1 and Feb. 4, Spotify recorded a steep increase in ‘yearn playlists’, a signal of heartbreak and longing, which jumped by 305 per cent from 2024 to 2025.

She said this was followed by another 170 per cent rise from 2025 to 2026.

“While romance remained present, the figures suggested Valentine’s Day in Nigeria is increasingly becoming a season where listeners sit with complicated emotions rather than just celebrate love.

“Valentine’s Day in Nigeria is no longer a single-note romance moment.

“We are seeing listeners embrace love and heartbreak as equally valid emotional realities, and use music to move through both with honesty,” she said.

Okumu said Spotify’s data points to Gen Z as the clearest driver of the heartbreak trend.

According to the data, among listeners aged 18 to 24 on Valentine’s Day, nearly 60 per cent skewed toward heartbreak listening while almost 40 per cent leaned into love.

She said the pattern cuts across gender, with men accounting for over 65 per cent of heartbreak streams and 61 per cent of love streams, while women represented just over a third in both categories.

She said, geographically, heartbreak listening was most concentrated in Lagos, followed by Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Benin, highlighting how young Nigerians in major cities are using music to process romance, ambiguity and healing.

She noted that even as heartbreak topped the mood charts, Nigerians were not navigating these emotions alone.

According to her, Valentine’s Day 2025 was described as the “Blendiest” day of the year, with collaborative listening peaking as users merged Afrobeats, street-pop and R&B into shared playlists.

Top Blend tracks included Fido’s ‘Awolowo’, OdumoduBlvck’s ‘Juju’ (with Smur Lee & Shallipopi)
,and Rema’s ‘Fi Kan We Kan’.

“In direct song shares, listeners leaned toward emotionally direct records such as Future’s ‘Worst Day’ and Drake’s ‘Give Me A Hug’.

Okumu said the broader Valentine season was also expanding beyond romance into friendships and community.

“Globally, ‘Galentine’ playlist creation rose by more than 70 per cent year-on-year, reflecting how many young listeners are marking the day through peer support as much as romantic connection.

“Faith-based podcasts also remained highly visible on Feb. 14, alongside relationship-centred conversations, pointing to a listening culture where romance, spirituality and community wisdom coexist.

“This year’s Valentine’s data presents a portrait of a generation redefining connection: emotionally fluent, culturally hybrid, community-oriented, and unafraid of contradiction”.

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Our correspondent,nreports that the ace actor had earlier made a post on Instagram announcing his birthday.

He said: “Today, I celebrate my 51st birthday with a heart full of gratitude and reflection.

“As I embrace this new year of life, I want to take a moment to honor the memories of those we recently lost: Bukky Coker, Gbenga Adenowo, and Omolara Obatolu.

“In their memory, I dedicate this special day to them, praying for comfort and strength for their families during this difficult time.

“I am truly grateful for the gift of life and the love of my family and friends.

“Here’s to cherishing every moment and holding our loved ones even closer.

“Thank you, God, for the blessings in my life and for the memories that will always remain in our hearts. #BirthdayReflections #InMemory Gratitude #51AndThriving #Blessed #Joyinoverdrive.”

Following the post, his fans, well-wishers and industry colleagues have flooded social media with goodwill messages and prayers for the ace thespian.

Iam_osayandeogiemwonyi posted: “Happy birthday papa. May this new chapter be a new beginning of God’s innumerable blessings in your life.”

25billiondollars said: “This is so amazing, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU SIR. God bless you. We believe you wella. Our future president.”

Olori_Folaademi offered prayers for him,”Happy birthday Hon. DOE. Age with God’s unending grace and increase in all that you do.”

Odamttencharlotte said “Happy birthday my big boss. May God continue to bless you n give you more years. Enjoy to the day to max sir.”

Frankysage wrote “Happy Birthday Sir, Long Life and Prosperity, Good Health, More answers to your secret prayers, Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding of God, More Light of God Shine Upon Your Life in Jesus Mighty Name I Pray, AMEN.”

Also, some of the veteran actor’s colleagues in the motion picture industry offered glowing birthday wishes to him.

Ufuoma Mcdermott(ufuomamcdermott), said, “Happy birthday dearest. Blessings unending.”

Chioma Akpotha (chiomakpotha) wrote “Happy birthday Dessy.”

Iniedo said “Happiest birthday Des.”

Nancy Isime(nancyisimeofficial) “Happy Birthday Uncle Des.”

Ace comedian and actor (aycomedian) wrote,”Happy birthday brotherly.”

NAN reports that Desmond Elliot, born Feb. 4, 1974, in Lagos, began his career in television soap operas such as Everyday People, One Too Much and Saints and Sinners.

He later became one of Nollywood’s leading actors, appearing in over 200 films, including Men Who Cheat, Yahoo Millionaire and 30 Days in Atlanta.

The actor has received several major nominations, including African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 2006 and multiple Best Actor nominations at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

Beyond filmmaking, Elliot ventured into politics in 2014 where he contested under the All-Progressives Congress and won the Surulere Constituency in the April 2015 Nigerian General Elections.

He is also known for his advocacy work, including involvement in initiatives aimed at addressing child illiteracy in Nigeria and across Africa.

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