Showbiz
Olamide Maintains Street Decent on Global Stage With UY Scuti
By Stephen Chibuzor
Ever since Olamide emerged in 2010 with the freestyle-inspired hip-hop single Eni Duro, the Lagos native has kept us on our toes: his first three albums, Rapsodi, YBNL and Baddest Guy Ever Liveth were indigenous rap albums that defined hip-hop as a commercial genre in Nigeria.
From his fourth tape, Street OT, he began to incorporate more pop-leaning sounds as he delivered Afropop anthems like Story for the gods (2014), Lagos Boys (2015), Wo (2017), Science Student (2018), Woske (2019) and Infinity (2020).
“I’m a citizen of the world now, so my choice of sound is a combination of all the beautiful music I’ve heard. This is a full-time pop album, and its way, way above everything I’ve ever done.
“My son is a huge fan of astrology, and one day he asked me what the biggest star in the universe was. I found out; it stuck in my head and I titled the project that because it’s the biggest move I’ve made in my career,” Olamide said.
Olamide has retained his reputation as the most charismatic Voice of the Street by consistently delivering streetwise lyrics during his pop transitions. On his latest project, UY Scuti, his Caribbean pop sensibilities are the highlight of the 10-track tape. It’s buttressed by some brilliant beat making—throwback Caribbean harmonies produced by Eskeez (“Julie”), undiscovered guest features—Fave (a newcomer in the Nigerian music scene), and Layydoe (who infused an afro bashment vibe), and Olamide writing from his most self-assured position yet.
It’s as if Olamide spent the last year scouring through streaming service playlists for rhythms that could make his lessons from the streets that raised him feel more thrilling and reflect his expanding worldview. He was able to adapt Caribbean melodies into his sound without damping his sharp-witted pen game and it emphasized his prestige as the biggest star.
Fans’ reaction to the pop direction of UY Scuti has been positive as it pulled over one million streams on Boomplay alone within the first 24 hours after it dropped.
It surpassed other new releases to trend number one in the country on other streaming platforms though, the bonus track, Petty was available exclusively on Boomplay.
The streaming service also showed support for the project’s rollout through strategically located billboards and with their primary focus on African local and urban music for its over 60 million MUA, the favourable numbers confirmed that Olamide’s globe-trotting approach to the album didn’t discourage his local fanbase. It’s a testament to his endearing character that has also allowed him numerous opportunities to be endorsed as an ambassador to some top local and international brands.
UY Scuti positions Olamide as one of Afropop’s ambassadors as the genre continues to grow more internationally renowned following recent Grammy awards and other international recognition.
As reported by Boomplay, UY Scuti has been played over 4 million times on the platform which is impressive within the context of the streaming platform’s 68 million MAU. Olamide continues to release new albums yearly, keeping fans entertained without being afraid to experiment and explore new sounds.
Stephen Princewill Chibuzor popularly called papi wemba is a music enthusiast, Afrobeat music curator, entertainment and lifestyle PR consultant and serial entrepreneur who writes at his leisure. He is currently making magic with Boomplay as their PR Manager (Nigeria)
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A Nigerian actress, Temitope Osoba, fondly called Tope Osoba by her fans, has reportedly passed away.
She died barely a year after she survived a battle with breast cancer, reports say.
The 41-year-old entertainer left the acting world to cater to her health, but returned shortly after she had a successful treatment in 2025.
The movie producer, however, has not been very active in the past months, ostensibly due to her health.
Her demise has come as a shock to some of her colleagues and admirers, as she was very lively during her lifetime.
Details about the unfortunate incident, which became known to her fans on Wednesday morning, have not been given by her family.
The first official voting of Big Brother Naija Season 11 is here, and fans have the power to decide who stays in the House and who leaves the competition.
After a week of getting to know the housemates, watching alliances form and seeing personalities emerge, this is where fans move from watching the game to influencing it. If you’ve been thinking about voting, here are five reasons why now is the time.
1. This Is the Season’s First Real Eviction
First evictions are always significant. They set the tone for the weeks ahead, reshape the House and often change the direction of the game. Viewers hold the power to change the trajectory of the game as they influence who continues their BBN journey and who the first set of housemates to leave are.
2. It’s Too Early to Lose Someone You Enjoy Watching
You may not have settled on a favourite housemate yet, and that’s perfectly normal. It’s only the first eviction. But if there’s someone you’ve enjoyed watching over the past week, this is your chance to help keep them in the House. Waiting until you’ve picked a favourite could mean losing a housemate you wish had stayed a little longer.
3. Every Vote Shapes the Competition
Who stays and who leaves affects everything from alliances and rivalries to tasks and strategies. The decisions viewers make this week will have an impact on how the game unfolds in the coming weeks.
4. Online Buzz Doesn’t Keep Housemates in the House
A housemate may trend all week, but that doesn’t automatically translate into safety. At the end of the day, it’s the votes that determine who survives eviction.
5. Don’t Leave It to Someone Else
It’s easy to assume other fans will do the voting, but every vote contributes to the final result. If there’s a housemate you’d like to see remain in the competition, this is your opportunity to back them.
Here’s How to Vote
Voting is available through the MyDStv app and MyGOtv app, as well as the Africa Magic voting website.
To vote:
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Register or log in using your mobile number and password.
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Select your favourite housemate.
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Choose the number of votes you’d like to cast.
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Submit your votes before the voting window closes.
Looking to boost your voting power? You can also earn bonus votes by playing games and completing quizzes on the MyDStv app and MyGOtv app.
The voting window for the first eviction is now open and closes on Thursday at 10:00 p.m. If there’s a housemate you’d like to see in the House for another week, be sure to cast your votes before the deadline.
Catch all the drama live and 24/7 on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49. BBNaija season 11 is also available to watch on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. For updates and exclusive news, visit www.africamagic.dstv.com/
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).
