Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, better known by her stage as Tems, has become a club partner of San Diego FC, an MLS team.
Tems joined the ownership group through her company, The Leading Vibe, according to a statement released by SDFC today. Tems became the first African woman to acquire an MLS property in the process. In a statement, SDFC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour remarked, "We are thrilled that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a club partner." "Tems is an internationally renowned artist who will assist us in expanding our audience and promoting our special project, which naturally has its roots in sub-Saharan Africa through the distinctive Right to Dream organization."
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"I am thrilled to join San Diego FC's ownership group and to be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community," the singer said in response to being added as the newest partner in the ownership group.
Football has a wonderful ability to unite people, and I can't wait to contribute to the creation of something truly unique in San Diego, a city that values creativity and variety.
After being severely knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September, Joshua's heavyweight career is in ruins, and he hasn't finalized any plans for a rematch. Joshua is at a crossroads.
Tyson Fury, AJ's fierce rival, announced his retirement from the sport, therefore it looks like the match is no longer possible. After that, he recently confronted Bakole, who posted a video call-out on social media, threatening a massive confrontation in Africa. Ben Shalom, Bakole's promoter, recently declared that a deal was "done," but it's unclear if Joshua has signed.
Putting the previous two-time champion to the test would be difficult. Bakole is a tough nut. Bakole intends to include his native Congo in the conflict, but Joshua has always wanted to fight in Africa.
Bakole recently solidified his reputation as a rising competitor by decisively defeating potential talent Jared Anderson. He could get closer to the world title mix in May when he fights Efe Ajagba in an IBF world title eliminator.
A victory over Joshua might be the greatest blow to his career, elevating his already stellar status to previously unheard-of heights. According to former boxing legend McGuigan, Bakole is a huge talent, the heavyweight division's biggest danger, and a serious problem at 6' 6". He possesses quick hands and a rock-solid chin but isn't a dynamite puncher. "He can take a shot and throw volume." However, it's deflating if you strike someone in the chin and he takes it.
Bukola Saraki, the former president of the Senate, has congratulated his son Seni on winning the 67th Grammy Awards. Seni's work on the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack, which took home the Best Reggae Album Grammy, earned him his first Grammy. Saraki wrote on X that he is "extremely proud" of his son and that he is thrilled to see his passion acknowledged on a worldwide scale. "Seni, congrats on your first Grammy last night! You worked on the soundtrack to Bob Marley: One Love, which won Best Reggae Album!" he wrote.
It is an unfathomable delight to watch you put your all into your interest and have it acknowledged on a worldwide scale. Excellent work! We are very pleased with you!
Seni responded to the victory by thanking all of the producers and artists who helped make the project a success, including Bloody Civilian and Wizkid from Nigeria.
Thank them for embracing the songs, reworking them, and putting their spin on them. Artists such as Daniel Caesar, Wizkid, Jessie Reyez, and Bloody Civilian. The reggae legend's life is told in the biographical movie Bob Marley: One Love, which also explores the route that led to his groundbreaking music and how he overcame hardship.
Seni has previously received significant industry recognition. He served as a music consultant on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, which received four Grammy nominations in 2023. Seni is the CEO of The Native, a music magazine located in Lagos that he co-founded in 2016 with Teni "Teezee" Zaccheaus. Seni is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science. The magazine promotes African sounds and culture while celebrating music, fashion, and art.
Afrobeats icon Davido congratulated his colleague Tems on winning the 67th Grammy Awards' Best African Music Performance category on Sunday. Tems won her second Grammy with her popular song "Love Me, Jeje." She had previously won a Grammy for her work on Future's number-one single "Wait For U." The Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles hosted the 67th Grammy Awards.
Chris Brown's Sensational (with Davido & Lojay), Asake's MMS, Burna Boy's Higher, and Yemi Alade's Tomorrow were among the songs vying for the Best African Music Performance title. The South African singer Tyla previously won the category, which was only launched last year, with her hit song "Water." Davido congratulated Tems on her triumph in an Instagram Story post early Monday, writing, "Congrats Queen!" As she accepted the medal, Tems paid homage to her mother.
“Wow, dear God,” remarked an emotional Tems as he took the stage. I sincerely appreciate you introducing me to this team and placing me on stage. This is my mother's first Grammy, and tomorrow is her birthday. Since my mother has done so much for my brother and me, I just wanted to say thank you. Mum, happy birthday. And my staff deserves my gratitude. My gorgeous stylist Wale, Muyiwa, and the kind girls... I cherish you all.
The top 10 grossing films in 2024 Funke Akindele, an actress and filmmaker, has disclosed that she will not receive all of the N1.8 billion made from her most recent film, Everybody Loves Jenifa. Wunmi Toriola and Funke were the highest-grossing lead actresses for 2024. Funke's "Everybody Loves Jenifa" took first place, but Wunmi Toriola's "Queen Lateefah" came in second. Toyin Abraham's film, "Alakada Bad and Boujee," came in third. Eniola Ajao placed fifth for "Beast of Two Worlds: Ajakaju," while Tomike Adeoye secured fourth place for the film "Ajosepo." Adunni Ade secured seventh place for "Lakatabu," while Kehinde Bankole was sixth for "Funmilayo Ransome Kuti."
For the films "Thinline," "Silent Intruder," and "The Betrayed," Uche Nwaefuna ranks sixth. Gbugbemi Ejeye came in tenth place for "Farmer's Bride," while Regina Daniels became the ninth highest-grossing main actress.
For the eighth straight year, Wizkid's sixth album, "Morayo," is the first to have every single song appear on the Billboard Afrobeats list. After all 16 of the album's tracks stayed on the list for the tracking week of January 25, 2025, this historic achievement was achieved. "Lose" completes the unprecedented accomplishment with a NO. 45 entry, while "Piece of My Heart," starring Brent Faiyaz, tops the charts with a NO. 5 entry.
The album, which has broken several records, including the most streams in its first week on Spotify Nigeria, has accomplished another noteworthy milestone. 'Morayo' also broke the record of becoming the first album to have every song receive at least 500,000 listenings on its first day on Spotify Nigeria. Before the November 22, 2025, release of "Morayo," the song "Piece of My Heart" starring American vocalist Brent Faiyaz was released. When Wizkid released "Dance (Kese)," they shattered the previous opening day record established by the song on Spotify Nigeria.
Asake, Jasmine Sulivan, Tiakola, and Anais Cardot all appeared on the album, which bears the name of Wizkid's late mother, who was buried in a sumptuous ceremony in 2024. At several events in Lagos, including the Oando End of the Year Party, where Burna Boy and Davido also played, the Grammy winner sang songs from the album. Wizkid made a hint that he will be traveling in 2025 after releasing his most recent effort. The concert dates, where their favorite Wizkid songs will be performed live, will be eagerly anticipated by fans.
Grammy-nominated rapper Olamide assured fans they have more to look forward to after thrilling them with a freestyle that takes listeners back in time. The multiple award-winning rapper stated his intention to release the second part of his EP 'Ikigai' in a post on his X account. When a fan complained that his new freestyle song "Idan Buruku" was too short, Olamide responded.
Ikigai volume two is almost coming, so you'll have to wait," Olamide said. Olamide's 'Ikigai', which means "a reason to live" in Japanese, had a successful first installment. The project included the Asake & Fireboy songs "Metaverse," "Habibi," and "Uptown Disco." Olamide's tenth solo project, the EP, reflects his ongoing development and ability to stay abreast of cultural trends.
In addition to releasing 'Ikigai' in 2024, Olamnide has made several guest appearances, including on songs with Shallipopi, Zlatan, Khaid, Alpha P, Gimba, and more recently, the Antiworld Gangsters. Over his more than ten years in the music business, Olamide has solidified his status as one of the greatest Nigerian musicians of the twenty-first century. In addition to being a successful label boss, Olamide has produced several well-known artists, including Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy, and Asake. With the release of his next project, the superstar rapper hopes to carry on his legacy.
During the holiday season, British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua surprised everyone by traveling to his hometown in Ogun State, Nigeria. As people gathered to celebrate, a video of the heavyweight champion taking in the lively atmosphere became popular on social media. It shows the two-time world champion dancing softly to Fuji music. As a man danced near him and mumbled something inaudible, AJ, 35, was seen swaying to the music in the widely shared video, looking composed and humble. Fans on social media expressed their respect and longing for Joshua's honest moment. AJ, or Anthony Joshua, has solidified his place as one of the most well-known figures in boxing. Nigerian superstar Anthony Joshua was born in Watford.
Nigerian superstar Anthony Joshua was born in Watford. He is the son of Yeta and Robert Joshua and was born Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua in Watford, Hertfordshire. Joshua's roots can be traced back to the Yoruba people, while his father has Nigerian and Irish lineage. His mother is Nigerian. In 2013, Joshua made his professional boxing debut alongside his cousin, Ben Ileyemi, a skilled fighter.
Joshua was lovingly referred to as "Femi" by classmates and instructors, a reference to his middle name, Oluwafemi, during his time in Nigeria, where he attended Mayflower School in Ikenne as a boarding student until moving back to the UK at the age of 12 after his parent's divorce. Eddie Hearn claims that Turki Alalshikh will approve a rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. Daniel Dubois defeated Anthony Joshua in their most recent fight. Andy Ruiz, Dillian Whyte, and Wladimir Klitschko are among the legendary fighters who have sparred with the former two-time world heavyweight champion.
Joshua's reputation as a world-renowned athlete endures despite recent defeats against Daniel Dubois. From 2016 to 2021, he won the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles twice before losing twice.
Veteran actor Dharmendra, who most recently starred in "Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya," has celebrated his 89th birthday. On this special day, the elderly actor was spotted at his Mumbai mansion on Juhu Tara Road with his two sons, Bobby and Sunny. The seasoned actor gave his two youngsters hugs and cut the cake in front of his admirers. Additionally, Hema Malini, the actor's second wife, posted a special social media post on the occasion. On Instagram, the actress posted two photos of herself with Dharmendra. In the caption, she said, "A day to rejoice! To the man I've always dreamed of, happy birthday.
Since we first met many years ago, you have held my heart and I have held yours. We have always been united and unwavering in our love for one another through good times and bad. I want to continue to be enchanted by your charm for many years to come. I pray that God will always grant you health and pleasure. Hema Malini and Dharmendra dated for five years before getting married in 1980. Since Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur and had two sons, Bobby Deol, and Sunny, their marriage was a contentious issue. To marry Hema, the veteran actor became an Islamist and adopted the name Dilawar Khan.
Aisha Bi was Hema's new name. The wedding ceremony was conducted in the Iyengar manner. Actresses Esha and Ahana Deol are the couple's two daughters. Regarding his career, Dharmendra made a spectacular return to the Hindi film industry with "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," which was followed by "Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya," which starred Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. The actor had previously appeared in a few Punjabi films.
Despite having overhead to consider, distributors and outlet owners typically emerge as the true winners in theatrical distribution. Unless the numbers have changed recently, you will receive roughly 35% of the movie's total revenue as a producer.
At this point, you're left hoping that streaming services like Netflix or Amazon will provide enough to let you recover your losses and possibly turn a little profit because this significantly lowers your bottom line," he stated.
The issue, according to Abinibi, whose most recent film, "Miss PJ," is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime, is not with streaming services cutting back on their Nollywood expenditures. He pointed out that people grew weary of our games, which is the uncomfortable truth.
Stakeholders are now forced by the current reality to go beyond their goals and find workable solutions for the industry. After all, streamers have historically generated a sizable income, and we want to maintain that trend. For years, the system's flaws have been apparent. A few of us expressed our worries, but they were ignored. We're all currently rushing to find alternate distribution methods outside of movie theaters and beyond what YouTube presently offers.
Kevin Costner, the writer, director, producer, and star of "Horizon: An American Saga," has been a well-known supporter of Westerns. Now, he explains why the genre haunts him. The "Yellowstone" star explained in the foreword of "The Great Horizon: Photographing Kevin Costner's 'American Saga,'" that Westerns are based on "no greater narrative than the arduous journey of men and women from across America in pursuit of a dream." Costner's "Horizon:
Despite being a dark horse for the awards season, "An American Saga" is only one of four planned films that examine how the American West changed during the Civil War. The release date for "Part Two," which made its debut at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, has not yet been announced.
Photographer Cale Glendening documented the first installment's filming. The official making-of book, "The Great Horizon" (Weldon Owen, published November 26), includes close-up cast portraits and behind-the-scenes photos. More than 250 never-before-seen photos, cast and crew reactions, articles, and script excerpts are included in the book.
In his foreword, Costner describes "Horizon: An American Saga" as the "most challenging journey" he has ever worked on. "The most difficult journey I've ever taken was the creation of Horizon: An American Saga," Costner wrote. "I'm a storyteller at heart, and the arduous journey of men and women across America in pursuit of a goal is perhaps the greatest narrative that has ever been told.
Their ideal was fiercely pursued and only a select few succeeded, and even then, it took many people's blood, sweat, and tears to make it happen. The nightmares of the people who had inhabited and prospered in the West for ages came as a result of following their fantasies westward. This was a tale I had to share.
"I wanted to go beyond the myth and tell the story of the common people creating a new chapter in the history of America in the face of war, over great distances, in a nation at war with itself," Costner added. Traders and trackers, surveyors and settlers, missionaries and soldiers, lawmen and criminals – everyone was enthralled with the hazy promise of a brighter future.
I wanted to depict their journey from the perspectives of friends, family, and enemies who are all trying to alter their fates. Everybody, from Chinese traders to Pima cavalry scouts, from European colonists to White Mountain Apache, penned their tale and entered uncharted territory.
The excerpt states, “They believed in the journey and were willing to risk everything. The women especially faced intense hardship, but showed tremendous resilience in trying to keep their families clean, fed, and healthy. It is important to me that their stories are firmly at the center of all of the chapters of ‘Horizon: An American Saga.’ We can only measure our lives against the generations that came before and wonder whether we would have been as resourceful, as tenacious, as brave.”
Costner also gave some thought to the country's current situation. "Everyone in America is searching for something, whether it be opportunity, vision, or belief," Costner wrote. "It has been a long and difficult journey of opportunity, vision, and belief to create the first two episodes of the 'Horizon' film cycle. I hope that Cale Glendening's photographs from the sets of "Horizon:
See that in the faces of the outstanding performers in "An American Saga," and sense the timeless allure of the American West in Cale's photographs of Utah's breathtaking canyons. And when the film starts and you sit down in the dark, I hope you will also feel the allure of the American West dream and lose yourself in the gripping tales of the people who sought it and those who were affected by it.
Costner has stated that he finds "comfort" in the Western genre itself in an interview with IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit program. "I hope that aspect of the film appeals to viewers. I'm not sure whether they do anymore, but I don't care. He said, "I love my gunfights, but I'm not in a rush to get to them. I do like it, so when I make them, it's still going to be there." I think the language informs [the action], and I'm in love with it. I'm prepared to take my time when stating my desired lines in opposition to these large areas.
Three renowned Nigerian artists—Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, and Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye—have been honored with the U.S. Exchange Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award as part of celebrations honoring 50 years of artistic collaborations between Nigeria and the United States of America (USA). In honor of the three, who participated in the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) more than 50 years ago, US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills presented the award to the awardees.
Each of the legends received a commemorative certificate yesterday, according to a statement from the US Mission, in recognition of their extraordinary dedication to their craft, their unwavering mentoring of up-and-coming artists, and their priceless contributions that have deepened the ties between the people of the two nations. The U.S. government is dedicated to funding programs and initiatives that foster cultural exchange, encourage artistic expression, protect cultural heritage, and build the skills of Nigerian artists and professionals in the creative industries, Ambassador Mills said in his remarks.
He emphasized how alumni of U.S. government exchange programs contribute to their communities in a variety of ways, including the creative economy.
For this reason, we have funded these programs for fifty years, and we will continue to do so for many years to come," Mills stated. Chief Davies-Okundaye, who has taught students all over the world the ancient arts of batik and adire, stated that taking part in the exchange program had a big influence on her life and gave her access to fresh viewpoints and experiences that influenced both her professional and personal development.
Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, a renowned bead painter and awardee, expressed his happiness at the recognition. "It was life-changing for me to travel to the United States on an exchange program fifty years ago in 1974. It allowed me to mentor the upcoming generation of artists and share my work with a wider audience." In addition to teaching at esteemed establishments like the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine and universities in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, Chief Buraimoh's artwork has been shown all over the world.
Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, who is 92 years old, is still a prominent presence in Nigeria's visual arts landscape, producing sculpture, printmaking, painting, and installation. He pointed out that emerging artists find it difficult to stay committed to their craft as a result of the prize recognition. "I feel so inspired and thrilled. By fostering upcoming talent in the field, I will keep giving back," he continued. Professor Onobrakpeya is well-known for being the illustrator of Chinua Achebe's No Longer at Ease. He has had exhibitions all over the world, including this one.
"The Mask and the Sword" at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, and is still regarded as one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century from West Africa. Political and corporate executives, diplomats, academics, art curators and collectors, and alumni of various U.S. government exchange programs were among the notable attendees of the ceremony.
It emphasized the 50-year Sister Cities relationship between Lagos and Atlanta, as well as the historical people-to-people linkages in the visual arts between the two nations.
DNigerian musician Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Balogun, has disclosed that he is married. During a recent event, the award-winning singer revealed this while on stage. Wizkid was heard warning a woman not to go too near to him since he is married in one of the widely shared videos from the occasion.
I'm a married man, baby; stay away from me. My spouse and I are wed. I have my kids at home," he remarked. Whether the singer was making a joke or not is unknown. Currently, Wizkid is seeing his baby mama, Jada Pollock, who is also his manager.
Following the birth of their first child, Zion, in 2017, Wizkid and Pollock's relationship was first made public. A few years later, the couple welcomed another son, AJ. Recently, when Jada showed off what appeared to be a baby bump on social media, there have been rumors that they are expecting their third child.
Ten years have passed since Wizkid's album "Ayo" was published. Among the album's prominent tracks is "Ojuelegba," which has become a huge success.
The mid-tempo track emphasized his contemplation of his ascent to fame, which began in Lagos' Ojuelegba neighborhood. The song struck a chord with audiences because it contained catchy melodies in both Yoruba and Pidgin English while also spreading a message of thankfulness, optimism, and endurance.
Rappers Skepta, a British-Nigerian, and Drake, a Canadian, were drawn to Ojuelegba's commercial success and decided to freestyle on what would eventually become the unauthorized remix. The song will be essential in the internationalization of Nigerian mainstream pop music since, a year later, Drake will include Wizkid in his worldwide hit song "One Dance." Through this partnership, Wizkid and Afrobeats will gain international recognition, helping to steer the genre toward success on a global scale. Wizkid's "Ojuelegba," released ten years ago, has become a legendary song with noticeable effects on the Nigerian music scene.