Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Entertainment

  • Tammy Abraham Returns to Premier League with Aston Villa Move

    Tammy Abraham Returns to Premier League with Aston Villa Move

    In a post shared by The Punch, Aston Villa has officially completed the signing of Tammy Abraham from Besiktas. The striker returns to the club where he previously enjoyed a successful loan spell, providing Unai Emery with much-needed firepower as Villa fights for a top-four finish. The deal was part of a flurry of late January activity for the Birmingham-based club, which also saw Douglas Luiz return on loan from Juventus.

    NBC Sports confirmed the “In” list for Villa, quoting: “Aston Villa strengthened their ranks with Tammy Abraham joining from Besiktas.” The Guardian’s sports desk reported: “Emery’s tactical acumen is being backed by the board with proven Premier League talent like Abraham.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Abraham is a “safe” bet for Villa. He knows the club, the league, and he has a point to prove after his stint in Turkey. With Villa emerging as genuine title contenders or at least Champions League locks, his goals could be the difference-maker in the final stretch of the season.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/latest-deals-premier-league-clubs-busy-in-january-transfer-window/ January 31, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

     

  • Arsenal Midfield Starlet Ethan Nwaneri Moves to Marseille on Loan

    Arsenal Midfield Starlet Ethan Nwaneri Moves to Marseille on Loan

    According to NBC Sports, Arsenal has confirmed that teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri will spend the remainder of the 2026 season on loan at French club Marseille. The move is seen as a strategic step to provide the highly-rated midfielder with regular first-team football as Arsenal pushes for the Premier League title. Nwaneri is among several young Gunners being sent out to gain experience in top European leagues.

    The Punch Online corroborated the transfer, quoting club sources: “Arsenal sent several players out on loan to gain experience, including Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille.” Transfermarkt (via social media trackers) confirmed the deal was finalized late Friday night, noting: “Nwaneri’s development is a priority for Arteta, but the current title race leaves little room for rotation.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Marseille is a “pressure cooker” environment, making it the perfect testing ground for Nwaneri. If he can handle the intensity of Ligue 1, he’ll return to North London ready to challenge for a starting spot next season. It’s a bold move that shows Arsenal is serious about long-term talent management even while chasing immediate trophies.

    Source: Arsenal —  https://www.arsenal.com/news/ethan-nwaneri-joins-marseille-loan/ January 30, 2026

    Photo Credit: Arsenal

     

  • Ayra Starr and Wizkid Secure Grammy Nomination for “Gimme Dat”

    Ayra Starr and Wizkid Secure Grammy Nomination for “Gimme Dat”

    In a post shared by News Ghana, the “Sabi Girl” Ayra Starr has clinched another Grammy nomination, this time alongside veteran Wizkid for their hit collaboration “Gimme Dat.” Nominated in the Best African Music Performance category, the duo’s entry ensures that three out of the five nominees in this category are Nigerian. This nomination brings Wizkid’s career total to six, as he continues to mentor and collaborate with the new generation of stars.

    Legit.ng reported on the fan reaction, quoting: “Ayra Starr is officially the queen of the new school with this second Grammy nod.” Vanguard Nigeria confirmed the listing, noting: “Ayra Starr secures another Grammy nod… further cementing the country’s influence on the world music stage.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Ayra Starr’s ability to secure back-to-back nominations proves she is far from a one-hit wonder. Aligning with Wizkid was a strategic masterstroke that blended his veteran “Starboy” pull with her Gen-Z appeal. They are strong contenders, though they face stiff competition from fellow Nigerians Davido and Burna Boy.

    Source: The Guardian —  https://guardian.ng/life/life-features/february-1-meet-the-five-nigerians-nominated-for-the-2026-grammys/ January 31, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

     

  • Davido and Omah Lay Earn Grammy Nod for Viral Hit “With You”

    Davido and Omah Lay Earn Grammy Nod for Viral Hit “With You”

    According to TVC News, Davido has returned to the Grammy spotlight with a nomination for Best African Music Performance for his collaboration with Omah Lay, “With You.” This marks Davido’s fifth career nomination and Omah Lay’s first, a milestone for the younger artist who has seen a meteoric rise over the last year. The track was one of the most streamed Afrobeats songs of 2025, praised for its melodic depth and emotional resonance.

    NewsNow Nigeria confirmed the news, quoting fans on social media: “Baddest for life! Davido finally getting the recognition his consistency deserves.” BellaNaija also covered the story, stating: “The collaboration represents a milestone for Omah Lay… his melodic control and emotional delivery received widespread praise.”

    Echotitbits take:

    This nomination is a huge win for Omah Lay, who has often been the “underdog” of the big Afrobeats stars. For Davido, it’s a chance to finally clinch the trophy that has eluded him despite his massive global influence. Their chemistry on this track was undeniable, and it highlights a shift toward more soulful, mid-tempo Afrobeats gaining Academy favor.

    Source: TVC News — https://www.tvcnews.tv/category/entertainment/ January 31, 2026

    Photo Credit: NativeMag

  • Burna Boy Leads Nigerian Contingent with Double 2026 Grammy Nominations

    Burna Boy Leads Nigerian Contingent with Double 2026 Grammy Nominations

    A report by News Ghana confirms that Burna Boy has secured two nominations for the 68th Grammy Awards, making him the most nominated African artist in the history of the ceremony. The “City Boys” crooner is up for Best African Music Performance for his track “Love” and Best Global Music Album for No Sign of Weakness. This marks his seventh consecutive year receiving a nod from the Recording Academy, further solidifying his status as a global heavyweight.

    Legit.ng validated the nominations, quoting industry analysts: “Burna Boy’s consistency is unmatched; he has turned the Grammys into an annual tradition.” Meanwhile, Pulse Nigeria highlighted the competitive nature of his categories, noting: “The Best African Music Performance category features a heavy Nigerian presence, including Davido and Ayra Starr.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Burna Boy is no longer just competing with his peers; he is competing with his own legacy. These nominations prove that his pivot toward a more global, “Global Music” sound hasn’t alienated the Academy. If he wins Best Global Music Album again, he firmly cements himself as the definitive face of modern African music exports.

    Source: News Ghana — https://www.newsghana.com.gh/five-nigerian-artists-nominated-for-2026-grammy-awards/  January 31, 2026

    Photo Credit: News Ghana

     

  • Fela Kuti Set for Historic Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

    Fela Kuti Set for Historic Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

    In a post shared by Leadership News, the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is slated to become the first African artist to be honored with the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The announcement comes just ahead of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, signaling a massive cultural moment for African music on the global stage. The Recording Academy’s decision to honor the “Abami Eda” underscores the foundational role Afrobeat has played in shaping contemporary global sounds.

    Validation comes from Vanguard Nigeria, which noted the excitement in the Kuti camp, quoting a representative: “Fela lives on, and this honor tomorrow proves his message is still as potent as ever.” NewsNow Nigeria also corroborated the story, stating: “Fela Kuti becomes first African icon honored with Grammy Lifetime Award,” while referencing the global impact of his “rebel genius.”

    Echotitbits take:

    This is more than just a trophy; it’s a formal validation of the source code of modern Afrobeats. With five contemporary Nigerian stars nominated this year, Fela receiving this award creates a “full circle” moment for the industry. Watch for a potentially massive tribute performance at the ceremony that could further boost Nigerian music’s stock in the US market.

    Source: Leadership Nigeria — https://leadership.ng/fela-becomes-first-african-artiste-to-be-honoured-with-posthumous-grammy-lifetime-award/ January 30, 2026

    Photo Credit: Leadership Nigeria

  • Funke Akindele Fires Back at Critics Questioning Her Marketing Tactics

    Funke Akindele Fires Back at Critics Questioning Her Marketing Tactics

    According to TVC News, Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has officially responded to industry whispers suggesting her aggressive, dance-heavy promotional style is stifling other filmmakers. Akindele, whose latest project Behind The Scenes recently shattered records by crossing the ₦2.4 billion mark at the box office, took to her Instagram stories to clarify that her success is a result of hard work, not a monopoly on the market. She urged colleagues to stop the jealousy and instead focus on creating their own unique promotional paths.

    Confirming the development, Legit.ng reported on the filmmaker’s defiant stance, quoting her directly: “If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. No allow jealousy burn you.” Additionally, Naija News highlighted the viral nature of her response, noting her advice to other creatives: “Go ahead and create alternative promotion or marketing strategies for promoting your business.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Funke Akindele has effectively gamified movie marketing in Nigeria, and her defensive stance suggests a growing friction between “old guard” Nollywood and the new era of influencer-style promotion. By crossing the ₦2 billion threshold, she has set a benchmark that is intimidating to many, but her “sky is big enough” philosophy puts the ball back in the court of her peers to innovate rather than complain.

    Source: TVC News — https://www.tvcnews.tv/funke-akindele-defends-film-promotion-style/ January 31, 2026

    Photo Credit: TVC News

     

  • Blackdrum TV Celebrates 5 Years of Promoting African Culture

    Blackdrum TV Celebrates 5 Years of Promoting African Culture

    According to Vanguard, Blackdrum TV is celebrating its fifth anniversary of broadcasting authentic African culture and lifestyle content. Launched on February 1, 2021, the channel has become a major player on the StarTimes platform, reaching audiences across the continent and the diaspora. Over the past five years, the channel has broadcast over 500 live and recorded events, ranging from festivals and fashion shows to art exhibitions, solidifying its position as a key voice for African storytelling.

    The channel’s leadership highlighted its commitment to showcasing the vibrancy of African experiences to viewers aged 16 to 65. As it marks this milestone, Blackdrum TV plans to expand its digital footprint and increase its weekly hours of fresh content. The anniversary is seen as a testament to the growing global appetite for African-centric media and the resilience of the continent’s creative ecosystem.

    The celebration was also reported by Tribune and Daily Post. Tribune noted that “the channel has been a platform for emerging African designers,” while Daily Post highlighted its “100% broadcast uptime over the last half-decade.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Blackdrum TV’s success shows that there is a massive market for “cultural lifestyle” content beyond just news and movies. As they move into their sixth year, watch for them to launch a dedicated streaming app to capture more of the younger, mobile-first demographic in the diaspora.

    Source: TheSun – https://thesun.ng/blackdrum-tv-5-years-of-telling-authentic-african-stories-on-startimes/#google_vignette, January 31, 2026

    Photo credit: TheSun

  • Creative Sector Identified as Primary Driver for 2026 GDP Growth

    Creative Sector Identified as Primary Driver for 2026 GDP Growth

    Figures cited by Leadership from the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, indicate that the creative sector is being prioritized as a primary engine for Nigeria’s economic growth in 2026. Following a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), the government pledged to create a more enabling environment for filmmakers, musicians, and digital creators. The sector is expected to play a critical role in the government’s plan to bring 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.

    The Minister emphasized that the “orange economy” has the potential to generate massive foreign exchange and create jobs for the youth at a faster rate than traditional manufacturing. Plans are underway to provide better copyright protection and access to low-interest loans for creative projects. This shift reflects a broader policy move to diversify the economy away from oil and leverage Nigeria’s cultural influence globally.

    The story was also reported by The Punch and ThisDay. The Punch noted that “TAMPAN has requested for a dedicated creative industry bank,” while ThisDay highlighted that “creative exports could account for 5% of Nigeria’s GDP by 2027.”

    Echotitbits take:

    The government is finally putting its money where its mouth is regarding Nollywood and the music industry. By involving the Ministry of Interior, they are also likely looking at “visa facilitation” for international crews coming to film in Nigeria. Watch for the rollout of the “Creative Industry Fund” in the Q2 budget.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/creative-sector-key-to-growth-tunji-ojo/ , January 31, 2026

    Photo credit: The Punch

  • Security Agencies Nab Popular Actor Over Alleged Coup Involvement

    Security Agencies Nab Popular Actor Over Alleged Coup Involvement

    In an update published by Premium Times, security forces have confirmed the discreet arrest of Nollywood actor and former Actors Guild chairman, Stanley Amandi, in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Amandi was reportedly taken into custody in Enugu by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) during a quiet operation that initially left his family in the dark. The investigation is said to involve both high-ranking military officers and civilian collaborators linked to the foiled coup attempt.

    The actor’s family initially suspected the Department of State Services (DSS) was behind the move due to the opaque nature of the arrest. However, formal correspondence later clarified that the DIA is leading the probe into what has been described as a “national security threat.” Amandi’s legal team and family have already raised concerns regarding his health, specifically citing his battle with hypertension, while requesting immediate access to him in detention.

    The arrest has also been detailed by The Punch and Daily Post. The Punch stated that “the operation marks a significant expansion of the government’s crackdown on alleged dissenters,” while Daily Post reported that “security is being beefed up in Enugu following the actor’s detention.”

    Echotitbits take:

    The involvement of a civilian entertainment figure in a coup investigation is rare and suggests the government is casting a wide net to identify “civilian influencers” potentially tied to military unrest. Watch for a public statement from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) as this could trigger a rift between the creative industry and the security apparatus.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/nollywood-actor-stanley-amandi-arrested-for-alleged-role-in-coup-plot-against-tinubu/, January 31, 2026

    Photo credit: BusinessDay