Entertainment News

Bukayo Saka Wins the Socrates Award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or, Presented by Burna Boy

By Blessed Records Exclusive Entertainment · Published 27 October 2026

Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka won the Socrates Award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium on Monday night, 26 October. The prize honours footballers for their humanitarian work, and Nigerian superstar Burna Boy was the one who presented it to him.

Why he won

The award recognises Saka’s charity work, mainly his partnership with BigShoe, a children’s medical charity. Reports say his support helped fund surgeries for 120 children in Nigeria, his parents’ homeland, and that he has kept working with the charity for several years.

Watch: Saka with the trophy

Watch: the moment it was announced

Highlights from the night

• The 2026 Ballon d’Or was held in London for the first time, as the award marks its 70th anniversary.
• Burna Boy presented the Socrates Award to Saka on stage.
• In his speech, Saka told the story of a 14-year-old boy from Rwanda whose eyesight improved through BigShoe, and thanked France Football for the chance to raise awareness of these causes.
• The Socrates Award began in 2022. Earlier winners include Sadio Mané, Vinícius Júnior and Jenni Hermoso.

Why it matters

It is a reminder that a Ballon d’Or night is about more than goals. For Nigerian fans, it also puts a British-Nigerian footballer and one of the country’s biggest music stars on the same stage, celebrating work that changes children’s lives.

Sources: reports on the ceremony from Yahoo Sports, Goal and Gazette NG. Photo and videos as supplied.

Jay-Z to Headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show on 14 February 2027

By Blessed Records Exclusive Entertainment · Published 27 October 2026

Hip-hop fans have a date to mark. Apple Music, the NFL and Roc Nation announced on Monday, 26 October, that Jay-Z will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles, on 14 February 2027.

The key facts

• Show: Apple Music Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show, with Jay-Z as the headliner.
• Date and place: 14 February 2027, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California.
• Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s company, is executive producing the show, and Hamish Hamilton is directing.
• Where to watch: the game airs on ESPN, ABC and Disney+, with mobile streaming on NFL+.
• Other performers have not been announced yet.

A big moment for his career

Roc Nation has worked with the NFL since 2019 to help shape its entertainment presentations, including the halftime show. Now Jay-Z steps onto the stage himself. In his statement, he described the road from his debut album Reasonable Doubt to the Super Bowl halftime stage as a journey. He was also the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, in 2017. For more on his message to young fans, read our earlier piece on why rap is loved around the world.

Sources: announcement coverage from ESPN, Variety and WRTV. Teaser video as supplied. Details may change, so check official NFL and Apple Music announcements.

Wizkid Announced for Detty Dezemba Festival on 12 December at Laureate Gardens

By Blessed Records Exclusive Entertainment · Published 25 October 2026

Wizkid fans have a new date to mark. A festival poster for Detty Dezemba Festival lists Wizkid on the line-up for 12 December, with the venue given as Laureate Gardens.

What the poster says

• Artist: Wizkid.
• Date: 12th December.
• Venue: Laureate Gardens.
• Tickets: the poster directs fans to Dettydezema.com.
• The poster also carries the logos of Active Vibes KE and WeWannaParty.

Before you plan

Details such as ticket prices, gates and set times are not on the poster, so please check the official ticket page and the organisers’ announcements before making travel plans. For more on Wizkid, read our Wizkid Week round-up and our report on his seven Headies nominations.

Source: the festival poster shown above. Event details may change, so confirm with the organisers.

Jay-Z on Why Rap Is Loved Around the World: “I Can Be Something Tomorrow”

By Blessed Records Exclusive Entertainment · Published 24 October 2026

Few artists have taken hip-hop further than Jay-Z, and in a short black-and-white interview clip he explains why he believes rap connects with people everywhere. His answer is not about money, fame or fashion. It is about hope. Watch the clip below, then read our summary of what he says.

What he says in the clip

According to the on-screen captions, the clip opens with the question of why rap is so loved around the world. His answer starts with a picture of life with very little. He talks about families on food stamps, about having cereal for dinner the night before, and about not having anything. Then the tone turns. The same young person who has nothing today is thinking, “tomorrow I can be something.” He describes the feeling of not being looked down on, and of finding a way out of a hard situation. He closes by calling that a worldwide message that resonates with people.

The key ideas

• Rap speaks first to people who start with very little, and tells them that where they begin does not decide where they finish.
• The music turns hardship into a plan: “I have nothing now, but I am going to do this.”
• Respect matters as much as money. Being looked down on is part of the pain that rap pushes back against.
• Because struggle and hope exist in every country, the message travels far beyond the place where it was first written.

How rap took him places

His own story fits the message. Jay-Z grew up in the Marcy Houses public housing complex in Brooklyn, New York, and released his debut album Reasonable Doubt in 1996. He went on to co-found Roc-A-Fella Records and later Roc Nation, and he became the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, in 2017. Forbes has also reported that he became hip-hop’s first billionaire. Those figures are widely reported, and they show how far a rapper’s words can carry a person who once had very little.

A legacy that goes beyond his own records

The legacy he points to is bigger than any single album. Rap gave young people in the Bronx, Brooklyn and many other places a way to describe their lives in their own voice. Today that voice is heard in Lagos, London, Johannesburg and Accra as well. Nigerian artists such as Olamide helped popularise rapping in Yoruba, and Afrobeats stars regularly blend rap flows into their songs. The thread is the same: tell the truth about where you are, and show the way to where you are going. If you want to see that story in action, read our post on Olamide’s O2 Arena show, and watch the music videos on our Videos page.

What young creators can take from it

• Start where you are. Write about the life you really know, because honest stories connect best.
• Treat your situation as the first chapter, not the last.
• Keep going when the start looks small. Many careers began with a single recorded verse.
• Build something that lasts: your catalogue, your brand and your team are your legacy.

If you are making music in Nigeria or anywhere else and want to be heard, our promotion page shows how Blessed Records can help.

Source: the interview clip shown above. The summary describes the on-screen captions in our own words. Biographical details are widely reported and may be updated over time.

Party Addict: High Glory Music’s Next Song from the Light EP Arrives Friday 27 November

By Blessed Records Exclusive Entertainment · Published 22 October 2026

High Glory Music is bringing the party. “Party Addict”, the next song from his upcoming Light EP, will be released on Friday 27 November 2026 on all platforms.

The details

• Song: “Party Addict” by High Glory Music.
• Project: the upcoming Light EP.
• Release date: Friday 27 November 2026.
• Where: all streaming platforms.
• Pre-save: the link is in the artist’s bio on his social pages.
• Content note: the artwork carries a Parental Advisory label, so the song contains explicit content.

About the artwork and the EP

The campaign art shows a cartoon-style portrait of the artist in a beanie and glasses, and carries the Bible verse Matthew 5:14 about being the light of the world, which echoes the “Light” in the EP’s title. The Light EP is the next major project from High Glory Music, and you can read about it, including the project plan for sponsors and partners, on our Music page.

How to get ready

• Pre-save the song so that it lands in your library on release day.
• Follow High Glory Music on Spotify so you see new releases first.
• Share this page with friends who love Afrobeats and good vibes.

Release details are taken from the official campaign artwork. Dates may change, so please check the artist’s official pages.

Blessed Records Artist of the Week: High Glory Music

By Blessed Records Exclusive Entertainment · Published 22 October 2026

This week’s Blessed Records Artist of the Week is High Glory Music, also known as Ogo Oke, our recording artist and one of the most versatile talents on the roster.

High Glory Music is a musician, songwriter, producer and dancer. Away from the studio he is an entrepreneur who runs the Ogo Oke Salon, and he is a contestant on Soundz Afrique Season 3. His catalogue on this website includes My Padi (Volume 1), My Experience and Love Don’t Cost A Dime, and he is the featured guest on “Skyline”, the Dark Horse single released through Never Go Down (NGD) on 5 December 2025.

What is next

The big talking point is the Light EP. Its next song, “Party Addict”, arrives on Friday 27 November. Read the release details, then listen to his earlier songs while you wait.

Artist of the Week is chosen by the Blessed Records editorial team.

Blessed Records Artist of the Week: Cityman

By Blessed Records Exclusive Entertainment · Published 22 October 2026

Our second Artist of the Week is Cityman, the Lagos-born Afrobeat artist whose street-driven energy and melodic storytelling keep winning new listeners.

Cityman, whose full name is Abubakar Ishaq Abiodun, has been releasing music since 2016. Standout releases include Out Of The Ghetto, “GRIND” and “YOLO”, and he has worked with Seyi Vibez and Lyta. He is best known for “YOLO” featuring Wizka and “Pray For Me” featuring Seyi Vibez, while his newer songs “Pami Baby” and “One Time” show a fresh phase in his sound.

Why he is our pick this week

Cityman has kept releasing and collaborating for years, and he keeps connecting with listeners through honest, street-level storytelling. You can read our earlier report, Cityman drops “YOLO” and keeps the streets talking, for more on his journey.

Artist of the Week is chosen by the Blessed Records editorial team.

Olamide Announces His Biggest London Show Yet: The O2 Arena, 25 March 2027

By Blessed Records Exclusive Entertainment · Published 22 October 2026

Olamide, the YBNL boss known to fans as Baddo, has confirmed the biggest London headline show of his career. He will take over The O2 Arena on Thursday 25 March 2027, according to the announcement from promoter Hera Touring and YBNL Entertainment.

What has been confirmed

• The show is set for Thursday 25 March 2027 at The O2 Arena in London, a venue that holds about 20,000 people.
• It follows his headline night at OVO Arena Wembley in November 2025.
• The set is billed as a career-spanning performance with his best-known songs and music from his 2025 album Olamidé.
• According to reports, he joins Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Asake and Rema on the list of Nigerian stars who have headlined the arena.

How to get tickets

The announcement lists an O2 Priority and artist presale on Wednesday 21 October at 10am, and a venue presale on Thursday 22 October at 10am. Olamide’s own post says general sale opens on Friday 23 October at 10am. Tickets are expected through AXS, Ticketmaster and Cokobar.com, and the artist’s website, olamide.london, is the place to confirm details. Always buy from official sellers, because resale tickets from unofficial sites may not be valid. Update: the latest official poster now reads “Tickets out now” and lists AXS, Ticketmaster, Cokobar and olamide.london as the places to buy.

Why it matters

Olamide has shaped modern Nigerian music for years, as a rapper who helped popularise rapping in Yoruba and as the label owner who signed Asake to YBNL in 2022. Seeing him move from Wembley to The O2 within two years shows how strongly the Afrobeats audience in London keeps growing. It also continues a pattern we have covered on this page: Nigerian artists are filling the largest indoor venues in Europe. For more on that story, read about Asake’s big 2026.

Source: the announcement from Hera Touring and YBNL Entertainment, and Olamide’s official social posts. Dates and sale times may change, so please check official channels.

Asake Brings the In God We Trust World Tour to London’s O2 Arena

By Blessed Records Exclusive Entertainment · Published 22 October 2026

Asake’s In God We Trust World Tour reached London’s O2 Arena on Thursday 15 October 2026, and clips from the run are already circulating among fans. Here is what the tour is about, and why the London date matters.

The tour in brief

• The tour supports his album M$NEY, which we looked at in our piece on Asake’s explosive 2026.
• It opened on 4 July 2026 with a headline set at Afro Nation in Portimão, Portugal.
• A North American leg followed in August and September, with arena stops in cities including Chicago, Toronto, New York, Atlanta, Houston and Los Angeles.
• The European leg brought the tour to The O2 in London on 15 October, with a date at Accor Arena in Paris planned for 24 October.

Why London matters

London has been central to Asake’s international story. He sold out The O2 Arena in 2023 and again in September 2024 on his Lungu Boy World Tour, when actor Idris Elba presented him with a sold-out plaque. Posts shared around this year’s night describe another packed room, with the stage set featuring a brass section dressed in white alongside his band.

The second clip comes from his Afro Nation appearance, the festival where this tour began. It shows how much of his sound depends on live musicians, with drums and guitar giving songs from the fuji, amapiano and Afropop family a big, human feel.

What artists can learn

Asake’s run shows the value of building a live identity: a strong band, a clear visual world and a story that fans can follow from festival to arena. Independent artists can borrow the principle on a smaller scale by investing in rehearsal, in good musicians and in recording short clips that capture the energy of every show.

Sources: official tour announcements and venue listings for The O2, and reports on his earlier O2 Arena shows. Tour dates and venues may change.

Wizkid Week: Ojuelegba at Afro Nation, a Stage Anthem and a Birthday Shout-Out for Jada P

By Blessed Records Exclusive Entertainment · Published 22 October 2026

It has been another busy stretch for Wizkid fans, with new clips, old favourites and a family celebration all trending together. Here are the moments worth your time.

Ojuelegba live at Afro Nation

One clip shows Wizkid on the Afro Nation stage performing Ojuelegba, a song named after a busy neighbourhood in Lagos. It remains one of the songs fans most connect with his rise, because it tells the story of where he came from. Watch how the crowd takes over the chorus.

The stage moment fans called an anthem

Another fan-made clip shows Wizkid on a raised platform above a packed arena crowd, with the on-screen caption “African National anthem”. It is the kind of line fans write when a chorus is sung back by thousands of voices at once.

On the decks with DJ Tunez

A third clip, shared with us under the title of Wizkid performing with DJ Tunez, shows a red-lit club with a performer on the microphone beside the DJ booth. Moments like this show how Afrobeats lives beyond big stages, in clubs and lounges where DJs and artists share the energy.

Life on the move

The lifestyle clip below follows a boarding scene and a look inside a private jet cabin. It is a reminder of how much of a global artist’s year is spent travelling between shows, and how closely fans follow every step.

Birthday shout-out: Jada P

The week also brought birthday wishes for Jada Pollock, known as Jada P, who is Wizkid’s manager and long-time partner. She has built a name as one of the best-known talent managers in Afrobeats. Her birthday is on 20 October, and the DMAX graphic below carries the wishes of fans and friends. Happy birthday, Jada P.

Want more on Wizkid? Read our report on his seven Headies nominations.

Clips are credited to their owners where known. If you own any of this footage and want it credited differently or removed, please contact us.

A Fan, a Dance Floor and Tiwa Savage: DJ Davey Shares a Joyful Moment

By Blessed Records Exclusive Entertainment · Published 22 October 2026

Not every great music moment happens on a stage. This week, DJ Davey, who performs as DJ Vadey, shared a video of a lively moment with Tiwa Savage in the middle of a happy crowd.

What happens in the clip

The video shows Tiwa Savage, in a white top and holding a small handheld fan, laughing as she dances with a man in a bright blue patterned shirt. Around them, people smile and lift their phones to film. The caption says Tiwa asked whether he wanted to dance, and he happily said yes, calling it big vibes with the Queen.

Why moments like this matter

• They feel real. Fans connect with artists who laugh, dance and mingle, not only those who perform.
• They travel fast. A short, warm clip is easy to share and often reaches people who have never heard the artist’s songs.
• They help DJs and artists grow together. Collaboration and friendly visibility between DJs and singers is a big part of Afrobeats culture.

Tiwa Savage is one of the most recognisable women in Afrobeats, and clips like this show the relaxed side of life around the music. If you enjoy seeing the people behind the songs, keep an eye on this page for more.

Source: video shared by DJ Davey (DJ Vadey). We describe only what is visible in the clip and its public caption.

Artists of the Week: Rick Ross, DJ Khaled and Cardi B

By Blessed Records Exclusive Entertainment · Published 22 October 2026

This week’s spotlight goes to three American stars with strong links to each other: rapper Rick Ross, DJ and producer DJ Khaled, and rapper Cardi B.

Rick Ross: Set in Stone

Rick Ross released his twelfth studio album, Set in Stone, on 17 July 2026, his first full project in nearly five years. The 19-track album features guests including T.I., Jeezy, Don Toliver, French Montana, Kodak Black and BigXthaPlug, and its lead single was “Minks in Miami” with French Montana and Max B. He is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album Port of Miami with a black-tie tour backed by an orchestra and a choir. The clip below, captioned as coming live from “The Throne” on Star Island, shows relaxed scenes at a palm-lined property.

DJ Khaled: the connector

DJ Khaled is known for bringing big names together on one record, and he has worked with both of this week’s other artists. His first Grammy-winning song, “Higher”, featured John Legend and the late Nipsey Hussle. In the clip below, shot on a golf course under palm trees, his caption says he told people from the start that they would see this moment, even when they did not believe him.

Cardi B: a Grammy winner and a Khaled favourite

Cardi B won the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2019 for Invasion of Privacy. She has joined DJ Khaled on songs including “Wish Wish” with 21 Savage and “Big Paper”, the latter added to his album Khaled Khaled only hours before its release.

The connection

Khaled’s catalogue includes hits with Rick Ross such as “We Takin’ Over” and “I’m So Hood”, so this week’s trio sits inside one connected story of Miami and New York hip-hop. It also shows how collaboration builds careers, an idea worth remembering for every upcoming artist.

Sources: public album information and reports. This page is for entertainment and information only.

Wizkid Live on Stage: A Night of Pure Energy

🎤 Wizkid takes the stage and the whole room feels it! Watch the star in action as the lights, the sound and a packed, singing crowd come together in one electric performance. Hit play, turn the volume up and enjoy the moment. 🔥🎶

Video credit: Wizkid (official TikTok). All rights belong to the owner.

Vote High Glory Music on Soundz Afrique Season 3

High Glory Music is a contestant on the Soundz Afrique Musical TV Reality Show, Season 3. Each vote costs N50 and you can vote as many times as you like. See the flyer and voting steps on our Artists page.

How to vote

My Padi (Volume 1) by High Glory Music

The new song My Padi from High Glory Music is now playing on the Blessed Records website. Press play, turn it up and share it with your padi.

Listen now

Light EP: the next project from High Glory Music

Light EP is on the way. Join our list to be among the first to hear when it drops.

See the artwork

Remembering Dolly Parton: A Legacy That Touched the World

The world lost a true icon on August 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton, the beloved "Queen of Country," passed away peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, at age 80, after a brief battle with cancer. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Dolly gave the world timeless hits, sold over 100 million records, and was known for her extraordinary generosity, including funding literacy programs and a hospital that turned away no child. Rest well, Dolly. You will always be loved.

Asake's Explosive 2026: Inside the "M$NEY" Era

Nigerian superstar Asake, popularly known as "Mr. Money With The Vibe," has had a career-defining year in 2026. His fourth studio album, M$NEY, dropped in May and delivered massive hits including "Worship" (featuring DJ Snake), "Gratitude" and "Forgiveness." Asake also linked up with Wizkid for "Jogodo," logging 22 weeks at No. 1 on Nigeria's charts this year, more than any other artist.

Congratulations, Basit!

The Blessed Records family is celebrating a huge milestone! Our accountant, Olanrewaju Abdul Basit, has successfully completed his certification at HabbyForex Academy, under the mentorship of Habby Forex himself. This achievement reflects the same discipline he brings to Blessed Records every day. Here's to bigger wins ahead!

Congratulations, Remilekun! A letter of appreciation

The Blessed Records family is celebrating a huge milestone! Our Managing Director and CEO, Remilekun Blessed, has graduated from the Virtual Assistant Scholarship Class at Mumtaz Tech Academy, earning distinction as Extra Ordinary Best Student and Top Student on 24th September 2026.

“All glory and thanks be to the Almighty God, the giver of wisdom and strength. I am immensely grateful to my coach, Mumtaz, for the guidance that carried me through this journey. I dedicate this achievement to my beautiful and amazing daughter, Farayiola Ikhlas, and her mommy, for their endless love and support. To my younger brother Abdul Basit, my sister Hassanat Ashabi (Taiwo), and Fathiu, popularly known as High Glory — thank you for standing by me. To my mother and father, thank you for the foundation you gave me. And to my colleagues at Mumtaz Tech Academy, thank you for making this journey memorable. Dream, learn, build — this is only the beginning.”

The whole Blessed Records family celebrates this milestone. Congratulations, boss!

Cityman drops “YOLO” and keeps the streets talking

Cityman (Abubakar Ishaq Abiodun) is a Lagos-born Afrobeat artist known for his blend of street-driven energy and melodic storytelling. Since emerging in 2016, he has built momentum with standout releases including Out Of The Ghetto, “GRIND” and “YOLO,” alongside collaborations with Seyi Vibez and Lyta. His recent drops, “Pami Baby” and “One Time,” mark a new phase in his sound, positioning him as a rising voice in Nigeria’s evolving music scene.

Best known for: “YOLO” ft. Wizka, and “Pray For Me” ft. Seyi Vibez.

“Thank you all for the love and support so far, it truly means everything to me. Every stream, share and message keeps me going. I just dropped my new single ‘One Time,’ and this is just the beginning — more music, more vibes, and bigger moments ahead. Stay with me on this journey… we’re going all the way.” — Cityman

Rising Afrobeat star Yuniq Black set to take over with anticipated single “LAGOS”

Hailing from the gritty, culturally rich neighbourhood of Ikorodu, Lagos — a renowned breeding ground for musical greatness — Yuniq Black is rapidly capturing the attention of music lovers with a unique blend of street-hop grit, melodic Afro-fusion and infectious rhythms.

Growing up in Ikorodu exposed Yuniq Black to a melting pot of street struggles, ambition and vibrant energy, and that authenticity runs through everything he records. His catalog already features collaborations with street-pop titan Seyi Vibez on the hit track “Doe,” alongside work with Softi and BIOKID.

The buzz is building fast as he prepares to drop his highly anticipated new single, “LAGOS” — built on a distinct sound developed with frequent collaborator Softi, promising heavy basslines and lyricism that captures the relentless spirit of Africa’s entertainment capital. Fans can expect more joint work with Softi as Yuniq Black continues refining his signature sound.

Wizkid bags 7 Headies nominations, set to headline Detty December

Grammy-winning Afrobeats pioneer Ayodeji Balogun, globally known as Wizkid, is once again dominating headlines. He has pulled in seven nominations for the 18th edition of the Headies Awards, themed “Africa to the World.” His acclaimed project Morayo picked up a nod for Afrobeats Album of the Year, while joint works with Asake — including “Jogodo” and “MMS” — secured spots in Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year and Producer of the Year. He also contends in Best Male Artiste and Digital Artiste of the Year.

His international footprint remains unmatched: fresh off headlining the Afro Plus Fest in Maryland, USA — marking 15 years in the industry — he made a surprise appearance alongside Black Coffee at UNVRS in Ibiza.

Back home, organizers of the Detty December Fest in Lagos have announced Wizkid will headline the grand opening night on December 18, closing out a year of chart dominance with one of the most talked-about musical events of the season.