Showbiz
Feel the Love of this Valentine’s Day with these Playlists
Music is the universal language of love, and in this month of Valentine’s, it’s definitely setting the scene for romance. The relationship between music and love is profound – music has the ability to touch us emotionally, and those who are in love have always expressed their feelings for one another through the lyrics of a song, or a melody when words alone will not suffice.
On Valentine’s Day, love is truly all around, inspiring people to take thoughtful actions, like sending gifts, setting up cosy candle-lit dinners, proposing marriage or renewing their relationship vows. One of the most vital ingredients in the day’s recipe for romance is music, with people worldwide setting the scene with songs that they love, thereby transporting their Valentine’s moment to a magical place.
Making a playlist of songs is an art and can take time, so try these different playlists specially curated and released by Spotify for Valentine’s Day.
First is 100 Best African Love Songs, a playlist with the best love songs from the continent from the 2000s to date, which everyone can enjoy while reminiscing where they were when a specific song was released. For those tying the knot, there’s Small chops, a selection of West African wedding songs specially curated to light up the moment and turn every wedding reception into a feast of love.
Cocoa butter is a smooth blend of local and international R&B and soul tracks, the perfect soundtrack for Valentine’s celebration, and only matched by Bedroom Jams for setting the scene on a charged evening of romance.
The songs on Country Kind of Love will strike up a melodic rhythm for Valentine’s event, while 90s Love Songs has beautiful numbers from icons like Brandy, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. Finally, for those moments when love hurts, there’s the End in Tears playlist to lean into for comfort.
While Spotify has an impressive 1,116,121 playlists globally that contain the word “Valentine” in them, those who simply want to share playlists with friends, and those who are hurt from heartbreak are also included in the day, with the word “galantines” (for your female besties) featuring in 28,188 of Spotify’s playlists, and the term “break-up” included in 870,884 playlists around the world.
Adding to the fun of the moment is Blend, a great Spotify feature for friends and couples to try out. Blend merges your most-streamed songs with that of another person, generating a matching results percentage that shows you how much your music tastes align. Try it by typing “BLEND” in the search bar, clicking on “create blend” and simply sharing your invite link with your fellow Spotify streamer (or secret crush!).
Get ready to stir up your emotions with music, and enjoy your Val.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Mr Peter Okoye, professionally known as Mr P, has alleged that a proposed multi-billion Naira sale of the defunct P-Square’s music catalogue collapsed after prospective buyers uncovered irregularities during the due diligence process.
This revelation offers a fresh financial dimension to the long-running dispute that has divided Nigeria’s most successful music duos.
The singer made the allegation in a video series posted on his social media pages, where he shared his account of the events surrounding the group’s 2021 reunion and the disagreements that followed with his twin brother, Mr Paul “Rudeboy” Okoye, and their elder brother and former manager, Mr Jude “Engees” Okoye.
According to Mr P, the failed catalogue transaction occurred after the brothers publicly reunited in 2021.
He alleged that interested buyers had made offers worth billions of Naira for the rights to P-Square’s music catalogue, but the proposed deal did not proceed after issues were allegedly discovered in backend records submitted as part of the due diligence process.
As of press time, neither Rudeboy nor Mr Jude Okoye has publicly responded to the latest allegation.
Mr P’s claims add another layer to the financial disagreements that have repeatedly overshadowed the affairs of the award-winning music duo, whose catalogue includes hit songs such as Bizzy Body, Do Me, Personally, No One Like You and Chop My Money.
Beyond the alleged failed sale, the singer claimed that shortly after the brothers reconciled in 2021, he was asked by his two other brothers to sign documents aimed at reviving P-Square under a new bank account.
The music maker said he declined because he wanted to preserve the renewed family relationship rather than return to a business arrangement he believed could recreate the conflicts that had led to the group’s earlier split.
Mr P also alleged that before the reunion, both Rudeboy and Jude had disagreed over a N90 million loan. According to him, Rudeboy assured him that he would be kept informed about discussions taking place behind his back.
The singer insisted that the widely celebrated reunion in November 2021 was never intended to revive P-Square as a commercial entity. Instead, he said the brothers had only agreed to reconcile as family members while continuing their respective solo music careers and supporting each other’s work.
P-Square, formed in 1999 by Peter and Paul Okoye with Jude serving as manager, became one of Africa’s biggest music acts before publicly splitting in 2017 following years of disagreements over management, finances and creative control. Although the brothers reunited in 2021 and returned to the stage, their relationship deteriorated again, with Rudeboy later confirming that P-Square no longer existed.
The latest revelations also come against the backdrop of an ongoing criminal case involving Mr Jude Okoye.
Last year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the former manager before the Federal High Court in Lagos on allegations involving approximately N1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59 in alleged money laundering. He has since pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
Mr P, who testified for the prosecution during the trial, said his video series is far from over and promised to continue sharing what he described as the true story behind the collapse of P-Square and the business decisions that ultimately strained the family’s relationship.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Popular musician, Mrs Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore, otherwise known as Saint Janet, has died.
The singer, known for her explicit lyrics, was said to have died in the early hours of Sunday, August 2, 2026, after a brief illness.
Her demise has thrown some of her admirers into shock. Some of her fans and colleagues have started to send their condolences.
The Highlife musician, who is also fondly called Mama Yabis, rose to fame after her controversial Faaji Plus featured lewd lyrics and was banned multiple times by regulatory bodies like PMAN and the Lagos State House of Assembly.
However, this did not stop her from performing at private events, as she was loved by some who were moved by her guts and electrifying live performances, energetic stage presence, and unique style of engaging audiences through satire, humour, and socially unfiltered commentaries.
The battle of the sexes continued in Big Brother Naija Season 11 as the gentlemen claimed victory in this week’s wager task presentation, while the ladies fell short in a debate centred on the age-old question: Nature or Nurture?
From the start of the season, Biggie split the House into two teams, with the ladies and gentlemen to compete against each other in key challenges, including wager task presentations and arena games. For this week’s wager, the teams were assigned opposing sides in a Nature versus Nurture debate, with the gentlemen arguing that inherited traits have the greatest influence on who people become, while the ladies defended the idea that people are largely shaped by their upbringing, environment and life experiences.
After both teams presented their arguments, Biggie declared the gentlemen the winners of the wager. While announcing the result, he admitted that neither team delivered an outstanding performance, noting that the House is still in its “honeymoon phase” and that he was selecting a winner based on the stronger overall presentation.
Despite his reservations, Biggie singled out Nomy, Neche, Chimsom Chuka, Cassi and Gerard for their standout contributions, praising their confidence, delivery and commitment during the task.
With one team victory secured, the rivalry between the ladies and the gentlemen continues to heat up, and the competition is only getting tougher.
But that’s not the only thing viewers have to look forward to this weekend. All eyes are now on the Saturday night party and Sunday’s live show, where the mystery surrounding The Gambit will finally be revealed. Tune in from 7:00 p.m on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 and GOtv channel 7) to find out who The Gambit is and what it could mean for the game as the twists in Big Brother Naija Season 11 continue to unfold.
Keep up with all the drama, twists and surprises on DStv and GOtv, or stream the show live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.
