Showbiz
Stakeholders Reject Musawa’s Africa Grammy Plan
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The proposal being made by the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Ms Hannatu Musawa, for an African version of the Grammy Awards has been rejected by stakeholders in the music industry.
They have called on President Bola Tinubu to halt the proposed partnership between the Nigerian and the American Grammy Awards, saying it is not what the sector needs at the moment, expressing concerns that the proposed African Grammy Awards could overshadow existing continental music awards and platforms.
It was reported that Ms Musawa was on the verge of finalising a deal with the American Grammy Awards to use its platform for the proposed African Grammy Awards, with Nigeria slated to host the inaugural edition.
Reacting to this, the chief executive of Trending Musik, Mr Segun Ogunjimi, cautioned against this move, citing the potential risks it poses to the African music industry’s autonomy and growth trajectory.
He highlighted the remarkable strides made by Nigeria’s music industry players, which has achieved global recognition and acceptance without significant government support and foreign back-up, and expressed apprehension that the proposed partnership with the Grammy Awards could undermine the industry’s progress over the past two decades.
Mr Ogunjimi stressed the need to maintain and promote African music on its terms, rather than adopting foreign models that may not align with the continent’s cultural heritage and artistic direction.
“This is a clear case of misplaced priorities. It’s shocking how the Minister could endorse the adoption of an award by an entity that doesn’t understand our culture and heritage. It reeks of neo-colonialism, and many of us in the industry see it as a perpetuation of a culture of waste that could harm our economy.
“Why bring in an American entity when we have well-established music award institutions that have tirelessly celebrated and honoured our music icons in an authentic African manner, gaining global acceptance in the process?
“Instead of supporting homegrown initiatives like the Headies, All African Music Awards (AFRIMA), Soundcity MVP Awards, and Trace Awards, among others, the Minister has opted to prioritise foreign involvement. This is unacceptable and should be condemned by all those who love this country and the burgeoning creative industry.
“There is a movement within the music industry to reject this vexatious initiative by Musawa and we are calling on President Tinubu to prevail on her to bury this idea forthwith,” he said.
A veteran music producer and industry consultant, Mr Benjamin Iguebor, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the importance of preserving Africa’s rich musical heritage and cautioning against prioritizing international recognition over the continent’s diverse musical traditions.
Mr Iguebor emphasised the significant role that African music awards institutions, such as AFRIMA, Headies, Ghana Music Awards (GMA), Soundcity MVP Awards, Trace Awards and SAMA (South African Music Awards), amongst others, play in promoting the continent’s music industry on a global level.
He argued that supporting these locally-grown initiatives is crucial in fostering the growth and sustainability of African music, rather than importing foreign elements that will not align with the continent’s unique cultural identity and context.
“Minister Hanatu Musawa is ignorant of the workings and intricacies of the global music industry where cultural identities and products are protected and promoted for the benefits of national pride and economic security.
“The stakeholders in the industry are poised to call out and expose the egocentric individuals who are involved in these shenanigans of reversing the gains that have been made in the music industry and sell us out to second slavery, but we will fight it till the end.
“While international recognition and collaboration are indeed valuable, we must not overlook the significance and beauty of Africa’s rich musical traditions; we saw it at the just-concluded Grammys. The individuals being brought in do not grasp the intricacies that define African music.
“They will merely come here, extract our resources, and organize an award ceremony that fails to resonate with our unique characteristics because they lack an understanding of them.
“We already have established awards institutions that have effectively showcased us to the world. The continent’s music industry enjoys global acclaim today, largely due to the collaborative efforts of these organisations and other stakeholders. Instead of importing foreign elements that are not only unfamiliar but also detrimental to our progress, why not continue nurturing our own by providing support to these entities?”
By Adedapo Adesanya
Popular Nigerian singer, Niniola Apata, professionally known as Niniola, has revealed that becoming a young widow has been one of the most difficult experiences of her life, reflecting on the demise of her heartthrob, Mr Michael Ndika.
In an emotional message on X on Sunday, marking two months since his sudden and unexpected death, the music star disclosed that she initially intended to record a video message but found herself unable to get through it because of the overwhelming emotions.
“Today makes it two months since my husband, business manager and best friend, Michael, was very suddenly and unexpectedly taken from me and truly, from us,” she wrote.
Niniola admitted that although she lost her father at a young age, nothing had prepared her for the reality of widowhood. She described the grieving process as “hard” and “exceedingly difficult,” saying some days are manageable while others are “painfully indescribable.”
The singer spoke candidly about the unanswered questions and unfinished conversations left behind, adding that she has struggled to find the words to express the depth of her emotions.
Despite her grief, Niniola said her faith has remained her anchor, noting that God continues to reassure her of His presence even during moments of doubt.
She also expressed profound appreciation to family, friends, fans, colleagues, media organisations and well-wishers for their prayers, messages and unwavering support since Michael’s passing.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all for your outpouring of love, your kind words, prayers, thoughtful messages and posts. I do not know how I will ever repay each and every one of you, but please know that I am truly and sincerely grateful,” she wrote.
Before his death, Mr Ndika was the chief executive of a multimedia platform focused on Afro-house and contemporary African music known as NaijaReview.
Niniola is the older sibling of another famous entertainer, Teni.
Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija, returns for its highly anticipated Season 11 on Sunday, 26 July 2026 on DStv and GOtv.
The launch show will air from 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family channels, with the 24-hour show on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49. BBNaija fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
This season’s winner will walk away with a record ₦160 million grand prize, which includes a cash sum of N100 million and a brand-new SUV. The prize is the highest in the show’s history, raising the stakes for what is expected to be another landmark season.
Speaking on the new season, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said:
“Big Brother Naija has consistently redefined entertainment in Africa by bringing together authentic storytelling, compelling personalities and moments that resonate with millions of viewers. Season 11 builds on that legacy with even bigger stakes, fresh twists and an exciting mix of housemates that will keep audiences engaged from premiere night through to the finale”.
The new season also ushers in an exciting lineup of brand partners, with betPawa, the home of Africa’s biggest winners, joining the Big Brother Naija family as the Headline Sponsor.
Commenting on the partnership, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR, betPawa, said: “At betPawa, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together through the things they are passionate about. Big Brother Naija is one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainment properties, and we are proud to come on board as Headline Sponsor for Season 11. We look forward to rewarding fans, deepening engagement throughout the season and delivering exciting experiences that complement the energy and excitement of the show.”
Guinness returns as the Gold Sponsor, while Minimie comes on board as an Associate Sponsor, reinforcing continued confidence from leading brands in one of Africa’s most influential entertainment platforms.
On the season’s partnerships, Babatunde commented: “We are delighted to welcome betPawa as our Headline Sponsor alongside Guinness and Minimie, whose partnership reflects the enduring value and impact of the Big Brother Naija platform.”
Since its return in 2017, Big Brother Naija has evolved beyond a reality TV show into a cultural phenomenon, creating household names, creating jobs across the creative economy, and shaping popular culture.
With Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returning as the show’s host, viewers can expect a season filled with unexpected twists, dynamic tasks, strategic gameplay, entertaining challenges and the authentic interactions that have made Big Brother Naija one of Africa’s most-watched reality TV show franchises.
Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with viewers able to follow every moment of the action throughout the season on DStv, GOtv, DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Eligible subscribers can vote through the MyDStv and MyGOtv self-service apps, upgrade their packages for additional voting benefits, and enjoy uninterrupted access throughout the season by subscribing or renewing for multiple months.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The first dedicated talent management training institution in Nigeria, TGM Academy, is set to commence operations in September 2026.
This institution is the brainchild of one of Nigeria’s leading public relations and strategic communications agencies, That Good Media (TGM).
The firm has expertise in talent management, influencer sourcing, personal branding, media relations and reputation management.
According to a statement from the company, TGM Academy will equip aspiring and practising talent managers with the knowledge, skills and industry exposure required to support the growth of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding creative economy.
The academy was established to professionalise talent management as a viable career path while developing a new generation of globally competitive managers capable of strengthening Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
While talent management has become increasingly important in helping creatives access international opportunities, build sustainable careers and create long-term
commercial value, the profession has lacked structured education, recognised standards and dedicated capacity-building platforms.
Ahead of the launch in about two months, TGM is organising a Talent Management Leadership Roundtable on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Abora Suites of Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the French Consulate, and Megowa, a digital platform connecting Nollywood talent with industry opportunities, training and resources across the African creative landscape.
Expected at the event are senior talent managers, entertainment executives, brand leaders, diplomats, cultural institutions, media executives, creatives and key decision makers whose work is shaping the future of Nigeria’s creative economy.
The roundtable themed Talent Management as Critical Infrastructure for Cultural Exchange and the Creative Economy will examine the evolving role of
talent management as a strategic enabler of commercial growth, international collaboration and cultural exchange.
It will create a platform for honest conversations around the future of talent management and its role in driving the creative economy, as participants will explore how professional management contributes to the long-term success of creatives, what brands expect before entering partnerships, how managers can build trusted relationships with corporate organisations, and how diplomatic missions and international cultural institutions engage with the creative sector through cultural exchange programmes, festivals and international collaborations.
The discussions will also examine the structures, competencies and ethical standards required for Nigerian talent managers to compete successfully within global markets, with insights generated during the roundtable to directly inform the curriculum, partnerships and learning framework of TGM Academy ahead of its official launch.
