Portable Accuses Afrobeats ‘Big Four’ of Blocking Rising Stars

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January 29, 2026

Portable has attacked four Afrobeats superstars—Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Olamide—claiming they have dominated the industry for a decade and block new artists.

He also alleged they exaggerate luxury spending and influence, putting pressure on younger musicians chasing status and visibility.

Reactions online are split between those who see a real gatekeeping issue and those who dismiss the claims as attention-seeking.

Echotitbits take: Portable is the unfiltered street microphone: chaotic delivery, but sometimes a real sentiment underneath. Calling out the giants who helped build the global pipeline is risky, though—especially when your own visibility depends on the same ecosystem.

Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/24/wizkid-davido-burna-boy-blocking-other-artists-from-rising-portable-alleges/ Nigeria 2026-01-24
Photo Credit: Daily Post

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Mikal Bridges Leads Knicks to Fourth Straight Win

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Mikal Bridges scored a team-high 30 points to lead the New York Knicks to a 119-92 win over the Toronto Raptors.

The victory extended New York’s win streak to four and kept them in the thick of the Atlantic Division race as the season approaches its midpoint.

With Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns building chemistry, Knicks fans are increasingly talking about a real Eastern Conference run.

Echotitbits take: The ‘Nova Knicks’ concept is translating on the floor. Bridges gives New York the two-way edge that stabilizes everything around Brunson. If health holds, they’re not just a playoff team—they can threaten the East’s top tier.

Source: Sport.inquire – https://sports.inquirer.net/660597/nba-knicks-rally-past-raptors-for-4th-straight-win 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Sport.inquire

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Odessa A’zion Quits Film Following Whitewashing Backlash

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Actress Odessa A’zion has withdrawn from the upcoming A24 film Deep Cuts following backlash alleging the casting amounted to whitewashing.

She addressed the controversy via Instagram Stories, saying she agrees with critics and would rather the role go to someone more appropriate.

The move is being interpreted as a rare public accountability step that may shape how studios handle culturally sensitive casting decisions.

Echotitbits take: This is textbook Gen Z accountability: direct, personal, and fast. By stepping aside early, she protects her brand equity and forces the studio to own the casting decision—an approach that’s becoming the new playbook for young stars.

Source: UsaToday – https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2026/01/29/odessa-azion-deep-cuts-whitewashing-controversy/88411596007/ 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times

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Justin Bieber Confirmed for 2026 Grammy Performance

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Entertainment Tonight reports that Justin Bieber is set to perform at the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking a major return to the spotlight.

Fans are speculating the performance could be paired with new music, as the Grammys often serve as a launchpad for headline comeback cycles.

While production details remain under wraps, the announcement has already driven heavy chatter across TikTok and Instagram.

Echotitbits take: A Grammy stage is the loudest ‘I’m back’ statement in pop. If Bieber is healthy and ready, this is less a one-off performance and more a brand reset—positioning him for a fresh chart run.

Source: Rolling Stone – https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/justin-bieber-performing-2026-grammy-awards-1235506212/ 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Rolling Stone

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Manchester United Eyes Chelsea’s Tyrique George for Summer Overhaul

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Reports suggest Manchester United has placed 19-year-old Chelsea winger Tyrique George on its summer recruitment shortlist.

United is said to be pursuing a youth-driven rebuild, and George’s versatility across the front line makes him an attractive long-term option.

Chelsea’s squad size and financial pressures could increase the likelihood of academy players seeking minutes elsewhere as the window approaches.

Echotitbits take: This looks like a classic ‘buy low, develop, and win big’ play. Chelsea’s squad congestion creates opportunities for rivals, and George could see a clearer pathway at Old Trafford than in West London—if United can sell him a coherent project.

Source: Mirror – https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-utd-transfer-chelsea-george-36629662 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Mirror

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Ye Reveals Past Brain Injury in Public Apology

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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In a full-page Wall Street Journal advertisement, Ye revealed he suffered a significant injury to the right frontal lobe during a car accident 25 years ago.

The ad also included an apology for his past antisemitic remarks and framed the disclosure as part of taking accountability.

The move has generated mixed public reactions—some seeing sincerity, others questioning timing—while reopening conversations about neurological health, celebrity conduct, and public responsibility.

Echotitbits take: Ye is the master of the unpredictable pivot. By citing a physical brain injury from his 2002 crash, he’s attempting to reframe his narrative from ‘villain’ to ‘medical context.’ Whether it lands as a genuine reset or opportunistic PR, it clearly lowers the runway for a new project cycle.

Source: The Guardian – https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jan/26/kanye-west-takes-out-full-page-ad-apologising-for-antisemitic-behaviour-and-denying-he-is-a-nazi-ye 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: The Guardian

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Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake Set to Headline Afro Nation 2026

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Afro Nation organizers have confirmed a headline trio for the 2026 edition: Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake.

The booking aligns with a period of strong commercial momentum for all three artists and is expected to draw thousands of international fans.

With recent musical chemistry between Wizkid and Asake, speculation is rising about special guests and on-stage collaborations.

Echotitbits take: Afro Nation remains the barometer for who is truly ‘hot’ on the global African music circuit. Wizkid and Burna Boy sharing a bill is always a cultural win, but Asake’s headliner jump is the headline—proof that the Neo-Fuji wave has crossed into top-tier global viability.

Source: TheCable – https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/wizkid-burna-boy-asake-to-headline-2026-afro-nation-festival/ 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: TheCable

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Samuel Chukwueze Bereaved Following Mother’s Passing

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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The family of Super Eagles and Fulham forward Samuel Chukwueze has announced the passing of their mother, with emotional tributes shared by his brother on Instagram.

Reports indicate she died after a brief illness. Condolence messages have already spread through the football community as the family prepares burial arrangements.

The loss comes as Chukwueze is expected to return to club duties following his recent international commitments.

Echotitbits take: Losing a parent is a massive blow, especially for a player who often credits family support for his rise. Expect Fulham to grant compassionate leave, and don’t be surprised if his return to action carries a visible emotional edge.

Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/super-eagles-forward-samuel-chukwueze-loses-mother-after-brief-illness/ 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Vanguard

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Funke Akindele Honored by Federal Government for N2 Billion Box Office Feat

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Reporting by Channels TV indicates that the Federal Government has lauded Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele for a record-breaking box office performance reportedly surpassing N2 billion. The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy described the feat as a benchmark for the creative economy and a signal of Nollywood’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to GDP.

Officials said the recognition reflects growing interest in positioning the creative sector as a serious economic pillar. Plans were also referenced around institutional support through a Creative Economy Fund, aimed at enabling larger-scale productions and industry financing.

Vanguard corroborated the commendation and quoted the minister praising Nigerian stories as commercially powerful, while The Punch amplified the milestone as a historic Nollywood commercial height in a single theatrical run.

Echotitbits take: Funke Akindele has evolved from superstar to commercial institution. This N2bn signal is exactly what investors look for—expect more private equity-style financing structures, distribution partnerships, and higher-stakes marketing plays across Nollywood.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/fg-hails-funke-akindele-on-box-office-record/ 2026-01-29

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Senator Ndume Criticizes President Tinubu’s Inner Circle over “Lagos Elitism”

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January 29, 2026

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In an update published by Daily Post, Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) criticized President Bola Tinubu’s advisory circle, alleging it is disconnected from everyday realities. Speaking on Arise Television, Ndume said the President is surrounded by people who “only know Ikoyi and Victoria Island” and frequently travel abroad, while grassroots political voices are sidelined.

He argued that Tinubu’s Lagos-era political strength was built on loyalists who have now been replaced by a newer technocratic clique—fueling internal party debate over influence and coalition management ahead of 2027. The Presidency has not issued a formal response.

The Punch quoted Ndume’s complaint that some advisers “don’t know politics” and are often abroad, while The Nation framed the comments as reflecting unease within sections of the APC hierarchy.

Echotitbits take: Ndume is functioning as a warning signal inside the APC. If the “Lagos-centric” perception hardens, the presidency may need visible rebalancing moves—appointments, engagement, and policy concessions—to keep Northern support consolidated for 2027.

Source: Facebook — https://web.facebook.com/100064638796212/posts/senator-ali-ndume-apcborno-south-has-again-criticised-president-bola-ahmed-tinub/1262561532575128/?_rdc=1&_rdr# 2026-01-29

Photo Credit: Facebook

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