Echotitbits – Nigeria News

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  • 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

     

  • Massive Shift in Regional Markets: ECOWAS Projects 5% Growth for 2026

    Massive Shift in Regional Markets: ECOWAS Projects 5% Growth for 2026

    According to reporting from The Guardian, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has officially projected a regional economic growth rate of 5.0% for the current 2026 fiscal year. This optimistic forecast follows a resilient 4.6% growth recorded in the previous year, despite global economic headwinds and high inflation. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja regarding the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the commission emphasized that the West African bloc continues to outperform other regions on the African continent.

    The projections are built on the back of recovering industrial output and a steady decline in inflation across member states. Officials noted that while the global economy has slowed down, Africa’s resilience remains a key driver for the regional uptick. The commission is now focusing on harmonizing trade policies to ensure this 5% target is met through increased intra-regional commerce and infrastructure stability.

    This development has been corroborated by Vanguard and The Nation. Vanguard noted that the “resilience of the West African economy is a testament to recent fiscal reforms,” while The Nation reported that “member states are being urged to maintain fiscal discipline to meet the 5% growth threshold.”

    Echotitbits take:

    This 5% growth projection is a bold signal of stability for a region recently rocked by the exit of three key members. Investors should watch for new trade treaties within ECOWAS to compensate for the “exit shock,” as the commission seeks to prove that the bloc remains economically viable without the Sahelian trio.

    Source: Daily Trust – https://dailytrust.com/ecowas-targets-5-growth-for-west-african-countries-in-2026/ , January 31, 2026

    Photo credit: Daily Trust

  • Drake Spotted at NBA Game with Rumored New Jewelry Collection

    Drake Spotted at NBA Game with Rumored New Jewelry Collection

    0Drake was spotted courtside at a Lakers game wearing a striking new chain that insiders say is tied to an upcoming jewelry collaboration with a renowned designer.

    His courtside presence also sparked chatter about wider sports-media ambitions after he was seen in conversation with LeBron James, adding fuel to business-rumor cycles.

    TMZ and Hypebeast have echoed the jewelry buzz and the luxury-accessories angle around the sighting.

    Echotitbits take: Drake remains the master of headline-by-appearance. Big “ice” moments often precede bigger brand announcements, and the sports + luxury crossover keeps him planted at the center of pop culture’s attention economy.

    Source: Facebook — https://web.facebook.com/insaneluxurylife/posts/drake-attended-the-latest-raptors-nba-game-wearing-his-ultra-rare-out-of-catalog/1361797505604380/?_rdc=1&_rdr# (2026-01-30)

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • LeBron James Makes History with New Scoring Milestone in Lakers Win

    LeBron James Makes History with New Scoring Milestone in Lakers Win

    LeBron James has hit another historic scoring marker, adding a new longevity-driven milestone as he powered the Lakers to a key win at age 41.

    Observers continue to point to his conditioning and recovery discipline, with LeBron reiterating long-term motivation tied to playing alongside his sons.

    ESPN and Bleacher Report have both reinforced the significance of the latest record-setting moment.

    Echotitbits take: LeBron’s story has fully evolved into the GOAT-longevity era: each game is now a living archive. For the NBA, his sustained excellence is a global marketing engine that keeps the league’s cultural footprint enormous.

    Source: Sport.Yahoo – https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lakers-lebron-james-hits-bonkers-022817556.html (2026-01-30)
    Photo Credit: Sport.Yahoo

  • Bukayo Saka Leads Arsenal to Victory and Sets New Assist Record

    Bukayo Saka Leads Arsenal to Victory and Sets New Assist Record

    Bukayo Saka delivered a standout performance in a London derby, posting two assists and reaching a landmark of 100 goal involvements faster than any player of his age in Arsenal’s history.

    The winger—widely celebrated for his consistency and Nigerian heritage—has become a symbol of Arsenal’s modern resurgence and a fan-favorite across the diaspora.

    The Athletic and BBC Sport have both highlighted Saka’s importance to Arsenal’s system and the value of his output.

    Echotitbits take: Saka is the archetype of the modern, marketable superstar: elite output, calm leadership, and a clean brand. For Nigerian fans, he’s a visible diaspora success story—and for Arsenal, a franchise face with global pull.

    Source: Arsenal FC – https://www.arsenal.com/news/sakas-latest-assist-equals-premier-league-record (2026-01-30)
    Photo Credit: Arsenal FC