Showbiz
How Flavour’s Uplifted Album Changed the Game: 15 Years of Igbo Pride and Global Hits
Fifteen years ago, something truly special dropped onto the music scene: Flavour N’abania’s second album, Uplifted. This was a first showcase of his talent. With powerful vocals, masterful highlife production, and a deep connection to his cultural roots, Uplifted solidified Flavour’s reputation as a gifted artist.
At the time of its release, Uplifted smashed through borders and cultural divides, all thanks to Flavour’s deep commitment to celebrating his Nigerian roots, especially his Igbo heritage. This powerful connection to his culture has made him a major force, not just in Nigeria, particularly in the East, but also among the Igbo community dotted around the world.
The sheer success of Flavour’s cultural expression is highlighted by Spotify data from Uplifted and his other tracks. Even though his songs are deeply rooted in his culture and often sung in Igbo, they’re getting massive plays all over the globe.
Uplifted itself has stayed a big deal on streaming platforms, with its standout tracks racking up some serious numbers. Among the most-streamed hits from the Uplifted album are Ashawo Remix, Adamma, and Oyi (I dey Catch Cold). These tracks, along with other timeless fan favourites like Time To Party, Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix), and Game Changer (Dike) have all contributed significantly to Flavour’s overall streaming success, proving their lasting appeal. Reflecting on the album’s anniversary during an exclusive chat with Spotify, Flavour revealed that for him, “Adamma” truly captured the essence of Flavour from the Uplifted album era.”
From the heart of Nigeria to global playlists: Flavour’s universal pull
Flavour’s music really does have a universal pull. His songs have popped up in over 2 million user-made playlists, which shows just how much people are connecting with and sharing his tunes. And get this: in the last three years, from 2022 to 2024, Flavour’s music has seen a growth in streams, a total stream increase of 134% globally, and a 573% increase across Sub-Saharan Africa.
While 51% of his total audience is in Nigeria, his influence stretches far and wide with the USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, and France all among his top listening countries. That’s a truly global footprint, reaching across Africa, Europe, and America.
Leading Flavour’s listenership in Nigeria is a strong showing from Lagos, accounting for 38% of his Nigerian audience. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Rivers State also follow closely, making up 22% and 16% respectively, together claiming 76% of his Nigerian audience. He also enjoys love in the east as two Eastern Nigerian cities, Enugu and Onitsha, break into his global top 10. Big international cities like Greater London, Johannesburg, and New York City feature prominently too. This wide geographical spread shows how his music crosses all sorts of borders.
Who’s listening? A look at Flavour’s fanbase
Flavour’s audience is diverse with Gen Zs (18-24 year olds) as his biggest fans globally and across Sub-Saharan Africa. This strong youth appeal is vital for his long-term success. While his music celebrates women, men form the majority of his listeners globally (57%) and in Sub-Saharan Africa (63%).
The lasting success of Uplifted highlights how digital streaming has completely changed the music industry. Platforms like Spotify have given artists like Flavour ways to connect with fans everywhere. These days, streaming data gives us a clear, numbers-based look at an artist’s reach, showing that Flavour’s cultural stories, delivered in fluent Igbo, truly resonate far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Flavour’s strong link to his Igbo roots, seen in his music, has driven his global success, acting as a cultural bridge for Nigerian traditions. The ongoing popularity of Uplifted and his other songs on streaming platforms proves that genuine cultural expression, mixed with great artistry, ensures lasting success today. As Uplifted hits 15 years, it showcases the power of culture worldwide.
After days of anticipation, Flora and Aikou have been confirmed as this season’s Gambits after receiving the highest number of votes from viewers. This was revealed during Sunday’s live show, where host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the pair as the viewers’ choices.
Introduced as a brand-new twist for Season 11, The Gambit guarantees two selected housemates a place in the House until the final day. Although they will participate in tasks and House activities throughout the season, they will not be eligible to compete for the grand prize.
Sunday’s live show also marked the end of the Ladies-versus-Gentlemen format that defined the opening weeks of the competition. With the teams officially dissolved, the housemates will now compete as individuals.
Biggie also unveiled this week’s wager task, Game On, challenging the housemates to define the identity of Season 11. Through a creative presentation incorporating elements such as a logo, slogan, song, artwork and props, the housemates have been tasked with capturing what they believe this edition of Big Brother Naija should stand for and how they want it to be remembered.
The excitement continues today with the second Head of House Challenge at 2:00 p.m., where housemates will once again battle for power in the House. This will be followed by this week’s nomination show at 7:00 p.m., when viewers will find out who will become the first set of housemates to face possible eviction.
With Flora and Aikou’s fate in the House secured till the last day and the housemates now playing as individuals, the stakes have never been higher as the battle for the grand prize gathers momentum.
Viewers can enjoy the 24/7 BBNaija Season 11 experience on DStv and GOtv, or stream every episode live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.
For more updates, visit Africa Magic’s Big Brother Naija page and follow #BBNaija on X (@bbnaija), Instagram (@bigbronaija) and Facebook (Big Brother Naija).
By Adedapo Adesanya
Former P-Square manager, Mr Jude Okoye, has dismissed fresh allegations by his younger brother, Peter Okoye, professionally known as Mr P, insisting he never diverted the group’s earnings.
His response comes after Mr P claimed that the proposed sale of the defunct group’s multi-billion Naira music catalogue collapsed due to financial irregularities, including disputes over royalty payments, backend records and access to the group’s digital assets.
The music executive described the allegations as “blatant lies” and “manipulative tactics,” arguing that the issues raised by Mr P had already been investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and are currently before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
“So, what is he doing, coming out again now, if not to spill emotional blackmail, manipulate, and make me look like a bad person by dragging Paul into this?” he said.
Responding to allegations that he diverted royalty payments, Mr Okoye said the disputed funds were distributed based on instructions contained in a June 1, 2016, email from Arrow Kings and IROKO.
According to him, the correspondence directed that Mr P receive $12,891, while $25,782 meant for Jude and Paul be paid into the Nosa Entertainment account.
He argued that Mr P presented only part of the transaction publicly, creating the impression that he and Paul had appropriated funds belonging to the entire group.
Jude also rejected claims that his younger brother was excluded from the group’s bank accounts.
Displaying what he said were account mandate documents from FCMB, he maintained that Peter, Paul and himself were all authorised signatories to P-Square’s accounts, disputing claims made by Peter.
He further claimed the matter was addressed during court proceedings, where Peter allegedly acknowledged being a signatory after documentary evidence was presented.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the proposed catalogue sale, Jude denied withholding backend records or streaming data from potential investors.
He said Peter requested royalty statements and catalogue documents on October 16, 2022, after which he immediately contacted Lex Records.
According to him, the financial statements were forwarded the same day, while the backend logs were received six days later and sent to Peter without delay.
He therefore dismissed claims that it took more than three months to provide the documents, describing the allegation as false.
Jude maintained that the disputed royalty payments, email correspondence and supporting documents had already been reviewed during the EFCC investigation.
He claimed Peter and his legal representatives were shown the records during the probe and raised no objections at the time.
Accusing his younger brother of attempting to retry the matter on social media while the case remains before the court, Jude said the videos were intended to manipulate public opinion and drag Paul Okoye into the dispute.
Jude said he would leave the issues to be determined by the court, adding that Peter had failed to attend some recent court sittings, resulting in the matter being adjourned until September. He also claimed his bank accounts, passport and travel documents remain restricted because of the ongoing proceedings.
“If I’m found guilty, if they prove I took even one Kobo that wasn’t mine, let them send me to jail. I’m ready for that,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, Peter had not publicly responded to Jude’s latest claims. The criminal proceedings remain pending before the Federal High Court in Lagos, where Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
There aren’t many TV shows that can make you remember characters more than a decade after you first met them.
Mention Sheila Gardia or Freddy Ade-Williams and anyone who has followed Tinsel instantly remembers the boardroom battles, unexpected betrayals, complicated romances and family feuds that made it impossible to stop at just one episode. Through every season, viewers have watched alliances shift, businesses rise and fall, and relationships survive or crumble under pressure.
Now, the story continues.
Season 19 of Tinsel premieres on Monday, August 3, taking viewers back into the world of the Ade-Williams family, where the drama is far from over. This season, the Reel Group is looking to grow bigger than ever, but that growth comes with new enemies determined to bring the company down. As business rivalries heat up and people begin plotting against each other, familiar faces will also have to deal with personal challenges and unexpected investigations that could change everything. If there’s one thing Tinsel has always proven, it’s that just when you think things are finally settling down, another twist is around the corner.
The new season welcomes back familiar faces including Ireti Doyle as Sheila Gardia, Dozie Onyiriuka as Freddy Ade-Williams, Linda Ejiofor as Bimpe, Ibrahim Suleiman as Damini, Iyke Okechukwu as Chuks and Florence Uwaleke Okechukwu as Ene, alongside the gripping storytelling that has kept audiences invested for nearly two decades.
Catch new episodes of Tinsel every weekday from Monday, August 3, at 7:30 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv Channel 8).
And just when you think the drama is over…
Africa Magic is also introducing a brand-new story that asks one simple question: What happens when the truth you’ve been protected from is finally revealed? Premiering on the same day is Secret Lives, a brand-new drama that explores what happens when hidden truths finally come to light.
The series follows Zee, whose life takes an unexpected turn after a shocking discovery puts her relationship and future in doubt. As she begins to uncover secrets that have been hidden from her for years, she is forced to deal with heartbreak, betrayal and difficult choices while trying to protect the people she loves.
Blending romance, family drama and suspense, Secret Lives stars Oluchi Amajuoyi, Keppy Ekpeyong, Nonso Odogwu, Eyiyemi Olivia Rogbinyin, Ejiro Badare, Floyd Igbo and Favour Etim in a story where every episode promises fresh twists and emotional turns.
The series, produced by FEEMO and helmed by AMVCA-nominated showrunner James Omokwe, explores themes of love, identity and generational secrets, making it the perfect follow-up for viewers who enjoy emotionally layered dramas.
Secret Lives premieres on Monday, August 3, with new episodes airing weekdays at 8:30 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv Channel 8), with episodes also available on DStv Stream.
Whether you’re returning to the familiar world of Tinsel or diving into the mysteries of Secret Lives, one thing is certain: August is bringing the kind of stories that will keep you counting down to the next episode.
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