Showbiz
Celebrating The Legacy of AFRIMA’s Vice President Modupe Temitope Dada
Late Modupe Temitope Oriyomi Ige Dada will forever be remembered as a beacon of selflessness, compassion, and dedication. She lived a life of purpose, both professionally and personally. As a highly accomplished investment banking professional with over two decades of experience, Modupe touched countless lives through her work and her enduring spirit of service.
She was a woman of remarkable grace, strength, and immeasurable faith. Modupe was not only a dedicated professional but also a loving and caring wife, a nurturing mother, and a source of compassion for many.
Her life was defined by her deep commitment to relationships—whether as a friend, colleague, or family member. She had an innate ability to connect with others, always extending a helping hand, a listening ear, or comforting words to those around her.
As a wife, Mrs Dada embodied the true essence of love, submissiveness, and partnership. She was a supportive spouse, standing beside her husband, Mike Dada, in every endeavour. Mike Dada is the President and Executive Producer of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in partnership with the African Union, a global music award institution and the Managing Director of PRM Africa Marketing and Communication Limited as well as a lawyer and techpreneur.
Her home was built on a foundation of mutual respect, love, and faith. Modupe’s commitment to her family was steadfast, and she played an important role in nurturing and guiding her children, instilling in them the same values of love, service, and compassion that she lived by.
Known as a performer, Modupe excelled as a banking expert, recognized for her strategic leadership and operational excellence. At the time of her passing, she was serving as the Branch Manager at Fidelity Bank PLC, a position she assumed in September 2024. In a short period, she demonstrated her exceptional talent for turning around loss-making branches into profit-generating entities, a skill she had developed throughout her distinguished career.
Modupe’s journey began humbly as a journalist with the Nigerian Tribune. After a brief stint as a Marketing Manager at My Phone Nigeria Ltd and serving as the Protocol Manager for the All Africa Games (COJA’03) in Abuja, she ventured into the banking sector. Her banking career started at the now-defunct Pacific Bank Ltd as a Customer Service Officer from 2004 to 2005.
In October 2005, Modupe became a cash officer at Unity Bank Plc, where she supervised the daily activities of cashiers and ensured compliance with cash limits.
Her operational expertise led to her promotion in December 2009 to Head of Operations at Unity Bank Plc, a position she held until March 2012. In this role, she ensured sufficient cash was available in the vault, managed cash limits for cashiers, and collaborated closely with commercial and consumer banking teams to develop value-chain marketing strategies for potential clients.
In February 2013, Modupe joined Keystone Bank Limited as a relationship manager for commercial banking. She played a vital role in formulating and implementing strategies for acquiring and retaining accounts across various sectors. Her efforts helped the branch achieve established goals and consistently meet performance targets.
Her dedication and outstanding performance resulted in her appointment as Branch Manager of Commercial Banking at Keystone Bank in October 2013, a position she held until June 2024. During her tenure, she demonstrated remarkable leadership by transforming two loss-making branches into profitable ones within just three months. She led initiatives to increase deposit positions, created quality risk assets, and provided overall team leadership to ensure the branch consistently met its financial targets.
In June 2024, Modupe was appointed as Sector Head for Private Banking (UHNI) at Keystone Bank, where she managed relationships with ultra-high-net-worth individual clients, offering customized financial solutions tailored to their unique needs.
She held this role before later joining Fidelity Bank PLC, where she served until her passing.
Her leadership was not solely about achieving numbers; it focused on fostering a culture of efficiency, team collaboration, and effective risk management. Under her stewardship, branches that were once struggling flourished, and her team thrived under her guidance.
Beyond her professional achievements, like her husband, Mrs. Dada was a lifelong learner. She earned an MBA in Marketing from Lead City University, along with a Postgraduate Diploma from Lagos State University. Her academic journey also included an HND in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic Ibadan, an OND from Ogun State Polytechnic, complemented by numerous professional certifications. Modupe’s relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to complete the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School and the Associate Chartered Banker Programme at the same institution. She is also an Associate Chartered Banker (ACIB).
She was expected to conclude her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program in November 2024 before she passed on in October 2024.
She held certifications in Money Laundering Prevention & Compliance, the Terrorism Finance Act, Export Trade Training on Learning Management Systems (LMS), Cluster Compliance Training on the CBN Dollarization Policy, and Customer Due Diligence in Digital Banking, among others.
Mrs. Dada was more than just a leader; she was also a mentor, a team player, and a resilient goal-getter. Her strong communication skills, high sense of fashion, creative thinking, and global business mindset endeared her to both colleagues and clients. She was passionate about excellence and driven by the desire to contribute to the well-being of others.
Outside of banking, Modupe found joy in reading, traveling, fashion,helping others and learning. Her curious mind was always exploring new ideas and ways to improve both herself and her environment. She embodied grace, good character,resilience, and determination—qualities that made her an inspiration to many who crossed her path.
Not only was she an exemplary professional, but she was also a devoted lover of Christ who served God passionately throughout her life. Her faith guided her actions, decisions, and relationships, consistently embodying Christian values both at home and in her career.
Born on May 5, 1976, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Modupe took great pride in her roots. Her passing is a profound loss to all who knew her, but her legacy will live on through the institutions she helped build, the people she mentored, and the countless lives she touched throughout her career.
As we remember, Modupe Temitope Dada nee Baruwa, we honour not only her contributions to the banking industry but also her spirit of excellence, compassion, and dedication to making a difference. She was, and will always remain, a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and heart. May her soul rest in peace.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The 2019 single released by Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer, CKay, Love Nwantiti, has officially surpassed one billion streams on Spotify.
This feat has made him one of the few African artists to reach this milestone and the first Nigerian solo act to achieve this.
The song has sustained a global appeal, with listeners from the United States, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and the United Kingdom playing it in the last 28 days alone, a proof of the track’s staying power well beyond its viral peak.
This achievement places CKay in an elite group of African artists with billion-stream records on Spotify, which includes hits driven by collaborations with Nigerian artists, such as Drake’s One Dance (featuring Wizkid and Kyla), Future’s Wait For U (featuring Drake and Tems), and Rema’s Calm Down (featuring Selena Gomez), and solo song Water, by Tyla.
Love Nwantiti was released on CKay’s EP titled CKay the First. It began as a slow-burn masterpiece that captured a global audience. It then broke out by blending the grooving rhythm of Afrobeats with an emotional feeling and an entrancing melody, a sound CKay himself pioneered and coined as Emo-Afrobeats, fusing African rhythms with raw, heartfelt emotion.
The song, which translates to sweet gentle love in the Igbo language, communicates an intense desire for a love interest. Its journey from a homegrown Nigerian track to a cultural sensation fuelled by countless dance challenges, social virality, and international remixes is proof of the widespread power of its sound.
It remains a fixture on playlists globally, with over 3.9 million playlist adds and sustained streaming momentum across continents.
CKay achieved this historic mark with a solo, non-collaborative lead release by a Nigerian artist. This distinction highlights his unique vision and singular impact as both a writer and performer, making him a true torchbearer for the new generation of African music talent.
The verdict is in and the message from Johannesburg is clear; the TikTok community has spoken, and Africa has crowned its newest icons. This past Saturday, the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa saw Nigerian creators assert their dominance, securing six out of the ten category wins in a night that celebrated the theme “New Era, New Icons”.
From the streets of Sokoto to the studios of Lagos, TikTok honoured the Nigerian trailblazers who are not just steering the global conversation on African culture.
On the night, creators also celebrated the role TikTok played in enabling them to share their culture. “Thank you, TikTok for giving us this platform to showcase our culture, to express our talent,” said 2025 Creator of the Year (@diaryofanortherncook) Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim.
Speaking on stage as he collected his Storyteller of the Year Award, Brian Nwana said, “Every single creator is a storyteller. We all tell stories that help drive the local communities, our cities, and our countries, and when we do that we change the perception that the world has about us”.
The platform has also played a significant role in spreading culture through music in 2025. 2025 Artist of the Year and “Laho” hit-maker, Shallipopi said, “Thank you, TikTok, for supporting all upcoming artists and giving them a spotlight to shine.”
The night of glitz, red-carpet glam and soul-thumping performances was a true celebration of African culture and the creativity that brought it to the world stage in 2025.
Here are the full winners from the night:
Creator of the Year (Sponsored by NIVEA)
Winner: Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim @diaryofanortherncook (Nigeria)
Taking the night’s most prestigious title, @diaryofanortherncook was recognised for her mastery of visual storytelling through food with the rich sounds of northern music. Based in Sokoto, the creator has captivated a global audience by documenting Northern Nigerian cuisine with that kind of cinematic flair that draws global attention to Nigerian food.
Storyteller of the Year (Sponsored by inDrive)
Winner: Brian Nwana @briannwana (Nigeria)
Based in Abuja, @briannwana claimed the Storyteller of the Year award through his food content. From street interviews to compelling personal narratives woven into his food adventures, Brian has a rare gift for capturing the human experience bite by bite. His content keeps audiences hooked from the first second to the last. His Guinness World Record for the most fast-food restaurants visited in 24 hours is just the latest example of his bold, inventive approach to content.
Education Creator of the Year
Winner: Izzi Boye @izziboye (Nigeria)
Making tech accessible to the masses, @izziboye is the go-to guy for gadget reviews, hacks, and digital tips. He proves that TikTok is a powerful classroom for the digital age.
Runner-up: @michelle_expert (South Africa) empowers her audience with expert advice and actionable insights from career development and financial literacy to personal growth and everyday decision-making.
Entertainment Creator of the Year (Sponsored by PEP)
Winner: Belove Olocha @beloveolocha (Nigeria)
A dominant force in content creation, Lagos-based @beloveolocha was awarded for her consistent ability to entertain and engage audiences with relatable movie content. She also stands out for incorporating her love for movies, sharing film moments and recommendations that resonate with her community. On stage, Olocha spoke about being grateful she took the risk to make a career as a content creator “Thank you to God first, and then to my mum, my family, and to my community. I want to thank TikTok. I resigned from my job to do content full-time, and it has not been a waste.”
Runner-up: Jabulani Macdonald @jabu_macdonald (South Africa) is a staple of South Africa’s entertainment scene, known for his quick wit and engaging presence.
Social Impact Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Dis-chem)
Winner: Dejoke Ogunbiyi @noositiwantiwa_ (Nigeria)
Using the platform for good, @Noositiwantiwa_ is driving conversations that matter. From Ibadan, she tackles social issues with grace and impact, mobilising her community for positive change.
Runner-up: Sinethemba Masinga @ufarm_julia (South Africa) – A champion for agriculture and sustainability, proving that farming is the future.
Artist of the Year
Winner: Crown Uzama @theycallmeshallipopipp (Nigeria)
2025 was the year of“Plutomania”. Shallipopi, popularly referred to as “Pluto Presido” by his fans, “plutomanians”, dominated the soundwaves and the platform, with tracks that sparked viral challenges and became the soundtrack of the year across the continent.
Guests were treated to an electrifying night of glitz and glamour, but the energy peaked when the Pluto Presido himself, Shallipopi, took the stage to accept his Award for the Artist of the Year Award. The Benin-born superstar has had the industry in a chokehold throughout 2025. His smash hit “Laho” both topped the charts and became a cultural reset as it sent shockwaves across our For You Feeds. Blending his signature Edo-infused street lingo with an irresistible Afrobeats bounce, the track sparked a viral frenzy that transcended borders, proving once again that when Nigeria creates, the world moves.
Supported by partner brands like NIVEA, inDrive, Coca-Cola, PEP and Dis-chem, winners hailed from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania, reflecting the commitment to elevating the voices shaping entertainment, education, and social impact across the continent.
“With Nigerian creators securing six of the ten awards, we are honoured to celebrate their impact, especially as these victories were voted for by the TikTok community, who continue to champion the stories shaping culture”, reflects Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa. Adding to this, she said, “Tonight’s ceremony was a gathering of the trailblazers who have redefined what it means to be a creator in Africa. This year, we are honoured to see West African creators who turned short video clips into cultural movements be recognised.”
Audiences across Africa will get a chance to experience the glamour, performances, and emotional acceptance moments when the ceremony is broadcast exclusively on TikTok LIVE on 11 December at 19:00 WAT on the @tiktok.africa account.
And the other 2025 Winners included:
Video of the Year
Winner: Fanuel John Masamaki @zerobrainer0 (Tanzania)
Tanzanian sports creator @zerobrainer0 makes a triumphant return, winning Video of the Year after securing Sports Creator of the Year in 2024. He has become a continent-wide fan favourite thanks to his signature beige blazer and his unique, silent comedy spin on football moments.
Rising Star of the Year
Winner: @tunero_animations (Kenya)
The future of African storytelling is animated. Celebrating the next generation of talent, the Rising Star award went to Nairobi-based @tunero_animations, who has carved out a niche with animated characters like Bob Kichwa Ngumu, whose clever, sarcastic and stubborn traits resonate with Kenyans and the world.
Runner-up: Esther Francis @estherfrancisbackup (Nigeria), adds a creative and relatable flair to health information that empowers users on the platform with credible information.
Food Creator of the Year (Sponsored by Coca-Cola)
Winner: @malumfoodie (South Africa)
Pretoria’s self-taught cook, @malumfoodie took home the trophy thanks to the flavour and fun his videos bring to the kitchen. His approachable recipes and charismatic delivery using South African street language called Spitori and native South African languages bring a fresh, entertaining twist to his recipes and meals.
Runner-up: Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye @chefabbys (Ghana) – Showcasing the best of Ghanaian cuisine to the world with style. She was recently named amongst Time Magazine’s 2025 list of the 1000 most influential creators in the World
Sports Creator of the Year
Winner: @zozasportscast (Kenya)
From Nairobi to the world, the @zozasportscast team delivers football analysis with passion and precision. They represent a new wave of sports journalism, which is fan-led, authentic, and always on the ball.
Runner-up: Victor Ademola @ademolavictortv (Nigeria) has kept the Super Eagles and global football conversation alive with energetic commentary.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and the British High Commission in Nigeria have entered into a cultural partnership aimed at boosting creative exchange, strengthening cultural ties, and opening more international doors for African music as the 9th AFRIMA Awards is set to hold from January 7-11, 2026.
The collaboration, formalised through a newly signed Cultural Cooperation Agreement, also affirms that the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos will co-host the Welcome Soirée for the Nominees and Guests in Lagos, the official opening event of the 9th AFRIMA Awards Week.
The exclusive gathering will take place on January 7, 2026 and in attendance will be AU officials, AFRIMA delegates, jury members, international guests, nominees, creatives, and media professionals for an evening of networking and cultural connection.
Unarguably, Africa’s global music awards, the 9th AFRIMA, is organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission and the Lagos State government as the Official Host City.
Speaking of the partnership, AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer (CXO), Mr Adenrele Niyi, described the collaboration as a strategic move to deepen cultural diplomacy through music.
“This partnership reflects AFRIMA’s mission to position African music as a global force,” she said. “Beyond the awards, we are committed to building spaces where creativity meets opportunity and where African talent can confidently engage the world. Working with the British High Commission expands our platform for industry innovation, collaboration, and meaningful cultural exchange.”
Mr Niyi added that this edition of AFRIMA will place strong emphasis on strengthening global creative-industry relationships.
“Partnerships like this show just how relevant African music has become on the world stage. We’re honoured to collaborate with such an important institution, and we believe the impact will go far beyond 2025.”
The agreement, signed by Mr Gill Lever OBE, Chargé d’Affaires, British High Commission Nigeria, aligns with the UK’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s creative industries through enhanced cultural exchange and innovation.
She said, “The UK is delighted to partner with AFRIMA to celebrate the extraordinary creativity and talent of Africa’s music industry. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening cultural ties between the UK and Nigeria, and across the African continent. Our Jollof and Tea campaign has shown us the power of bringing people together through culture, and we’re excited to build on that spirit. We look forward to a week of celebration that showcases the very best of African music and opens new doors for creative exchange and collaboration.”
Across the five-day celebration, the 9th AFRIMA will deliver a lineup of key events including the Diamond Showcase (January 7–8), the Africa Music Business Summit (January 8), Host City Tour and CSR Visit, the Music Village Concert (January 9), the Nominees & Industry Party (January 10), and the Red Carpet and Grand Awards Night (January 11). The awards ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries, ensuring the excitement reaches audiences around the world.
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