In a report by the LA Times, Coachella attendees were treated to a massive surprise during Justin Bieber’s headlining set when he brought out Wizkid and Tems to perform their global anthem, “Essence.” The performance was a highlight of Night 2, with the three artists delivering a soulful, stripped-back rendition that Bieber described as a “beautiful” moment of connection.

The surprise appearance came during a set that Bieber used to experiment with “white-soul” arrangements of his own hits, but the inclusion of Wizkid signaled a continued reverence for the track that dominated 2021. This unexpected reunion on one of the world’s biggest stages quickly went viral across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), with fans celebrating the longevity of the “Song of the Summer.”

Rolling Stone verified the guest spot, quoting Bieber as saying, “Tonight has been beautiful, especially sharing the stage with legends like Wizkid.” Additionally, Billboard noted the cultural impact, stating, “The return of the ‘Essence’ trio to the Coachella stage was the weekend’s most talked-about viral moment.”

**Echotitbits take:** While Wizkid has been relatively quiet on the solo release front lately, this surprise appearance keeps him firmly in the global conversation. It signals that his relationship with Western A-listers remains strong and suggests he might be gearing up for a new project rollout. The chemistry between him and Bieber still hits, making us wonder if a new “Essence”-level collab is in the works.

Source: LA Times — https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2026-04-12/coachella-justin-bieber-review April 12, 2026

Photo Credit: LA Times

A post shared by TVC News reveals that Burna Boy has publicly addressed a recent physical altercation involving DJ Tunez and members of his entourage. Speaking during an Instagram Live session with fellow artist Shallipopi, the “City Boys” singer admitted to “slapping” the DJ, while clarifying that his crew was not involved in the confrontation and that he acted entirely on his own.

The incident has sparked a heated debate within the Nigerian music industry about artist-DJ relations and Burna Boy’s frequent run-ins with controversy. Despite the gravity of the claim, Burna Boy appeared nonchalant during the live stream, dismissing the narrative that his camp is responsible for the aggression he is often accused of.

Premium Times followed up on the story, quoting an industry insider who said, “This level of public admission is rare and could lead to legal or professional fallout for the artist.” Notjustok also weighed in, stating, “Fans are divided over Burna’s ‘slap’ comment, with many calling for a more professional approach to conflict resolution.”

**Echotitbits take:** Burna Boy’s “Outsider” persona is part of his brand, but admitting to physical violence on IG Live is a risky move, even for him. While it likely won’t hurt his core fanbase, it could complicate his relationship with major brands and festival organizers who prioritize “safe” public images. We’ll be watching to see if DJ Tunez or Starboy Entertainment pursues any formal response.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/dj-tunez-clash-opens-another-chapter-in-burna-boys-violent-history/ April 9, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

According to The Nation Online, Nollywood powerhouse Toyin Abraham has spoken out to defend her adherence to traditional Yoruba values, specifically the act of kneeling to greet elders. This public statement comes amidst a brewing rift with fellow actress Funke Akindele, which intensified after Abraham reportedly unfollowed Akindele following a perceived snub at a recent movie premiere.

Abraham insisted that her upbringing, which emphasizes deference through physical gestures, remains central to her identity and is not an act of “eye-service” or pretense. The tension between the two “Queens of the Box Office” has captivated Nollywood fans, as both actresses continue to dominate the domestic film market with record-breaking projects.

Vanguard News confirmed the friction, stating, “The silent war between Toyin and Funke has become more visible as fans take sides in the cultural debate.” Pulse Nigeria also reported, quoting Abraham: “I was raised to kneel when greeting those older than me; it is a value I will continue to uphold with pride.”

**Echotitbits take:** This is more than just a greeting; it’s a battle for the soul of Nollywood’s “top spot.” By framing the rift around cultural values, Toyin is appealing to a traditionalist fanbase. This “cold war” usually precedes a massive box-office showdown, so watch for both actresses to announce competing projects for the upcoming holiday season.

Source: The Nation Online — https://thenationonlineng.net/toyin-abraham-defends-kneeling-to-greet-elders-rejects-abosi-tag/ Leadership April 11, 2026

Photo Credit: The Eagle Online