Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Afrobeats

Cole Enlists Afrobeats Royalty for Highly Anticipated Final Album

In a post shared by @adedejiadeyanju on TheNet.ng, American rap titan J. Cole has officially confirmed that Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Tems will feature on his seventh and final studio album, The Fall Off. This collaboration marks a significant bridge between US Hip-Hop and the global Afrobeats movement as Cole prepares to take his final bow.

The album, which has been teased for years, is reportedly a double-disc project that explores Cole’s legacy and the evolution of rap culture. By including Burna Boy and Tems, Cole is doubling down on the “world music” influence that has permeated recent US Hip-Hop charts.

Insiders suggest that the tracks featuring the Nigerian duo are not just melodic hooks but deep, lyrical exchanges. Tems is rumored to appear on a soul-heavy ballad, while Burna Boy joins Cole on a high-energy track that blends boom-bap rhythms with West African percussion.

* HipHopDX: “J. Cole reveals The Fall Off tracklist, confirming it will be a double album with features from Burna Boy and Tems.”

* The Source: “The Fall Off comes with a powerful Nigerian stamp as Burna Boy and Tems join Cole’s final musical journey.”

Echotitbits Take: J. Cole has always been intentional with his “no features” era, so choosing Tems and Burna Boy for his swan song is a massive validation of Afrobeats’ staying power in the US. This moves beyond a “trend” and cements these Nigerian artists as essential peers to Hip-Hop’s elite. Watch for The Fall Off to dominate both the Billboard 200 and Nigerian streaming charts simultaneously upon release.

Source: Facebook — https://web.facebook.com/musicbaseafrica/posts/-breaking-news-two-of-nigerias-greatest-and-biggest-exporters-of-afrobeats-are-f/913511877855881/?_rdc=1&_rdr# February 9, 2026

Photo Credit: Facebook

February 9, 2026
2Baba Crowns Burna Boy Global King of Afrobeats Above Wizkid and Davido

According to a report by The Nation, legendary Nigerian musician 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) has declared that Burna Boy is currently operating on a superior level compared to his counterparts, Wizkid and Davido. Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, the veteran artist emphasized that while he appreciates the talent of the entire “Big 3,” Burna Boy’s recent global influence and consistency have placed him at the pinnacle of the genre.

The “African Queen” crooner explained that evaluating these artists is similar to comparing different painters, noting that each has a unique style. However, he admitted that if he had to choose who is “top of the game” right now, the “Last Last” singer takes the crown. He further clarified that his assessment is based on current musical impact rather than personal bias or bank balances.

The statement has since sparked a massive debate across social media platforms like TikTok and X, where fans of the three heavyweights have been clashing over 2Baba’s verdict. This comes at a time when Afrobeats is facing a critical lens following the 2026 Grammy results, where Tyla took home the Best African Music Performance award over the Nigerian nominees.

2Baba’s comments serve as a rare public ranking from a veteran whose opinion carries significant weight in the industry. As the “Big 3” continue to dominate, this endorsement suggests a shift in the internal hierarchy of the scene, potentially influencing how these stars are perceived by international collaborators and award bodies in the coming year.

* Punch Newspaper (Official Website): “Burna Boy is currently on a different level right now… in terms of music influence and global reach.”

* Daily Post Nigeria (Entertainment): “I think Burna is on a different level right now… Everyone is doing fantastically well, but Burna is at the top.”

Echotitbits take:

2Baba’s endorsement of Burna Boy is a massive cultural marker because it signals a “changing of the guard” in the eyes of the industry’s elder statesmen. While Wizkid and Davido have long held the joint crown, Burna Boy’s relentless global touring and genre-bending “Afro-fusion” have clearly won over the veterans. Watch for how Wizkid and Davido respond through their upcoming releases, as this “Top 1” debate usually fuels a competitive streak in their music.

Source: The Cable — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/2baba-gives-verdict-on-afrobeats-big-three-says-burna-boy-is-the-biggest/ February 8, 2026

Photo Credit: The Cable

February 8, 2026
Tiwa Savage Declares Continued Love for Wizkid in Viral Video

In a post shared by Legit.ng, Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has once again set the internet ablaze with a viral video where she candidly discusses her relationship with Wizkid. During a recent interview, the “Water and Garri” actress admitted that she is “still in love” with her long-time collaborator, though the context suggested a deep, platonic, and professional bond rather than a romantic one.

The duo, famously dubbed “TiwaZkid” by fans during their “Fever” video era, have been a source of speculation for years. This latest clip has reignited “ship” rumors on TikTok, where fans are editing nostalgic videos of the two performing together. Tiwa’s comments come at a time when both artists are focusing on their international careers and individual growth.

Wizkid, who has been relatively quiet on social media recently, has not yet responded to the clip. However, the chemistry between the two has always been a major talking point in Nigerian pop culture, with their collaboration “Ma Lo” still considered a modern classic in the Afrobeats genre.

The video has led to a wider discussion about the “Big 3” and their female counterparts, highlighting how Tiwa Savage remains a central figure in the narrative of Nigerian music royalty. Whether this leads to a new musical collaboration remains to be seen, but the “TiwaZkid” brand is clearly still as strong as ever.

* Legit.ng (Entertainment): ““I am still in love with Wizkid”: Tiwa Savage opens up about colleague in viral video.”

* Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET): “Tiwa Savage reflects on her bond with Wizkid, calling it a love that transcends music.”

Echotitbits take:

Tiwa Savage knows exactly how to keep her name in the headlines. Whether the “love” is romantic or professional, mentioning Wizkid is a guaranteed viral moment. This “revelation” serves to remind the public of their era of dominance, and it could be a strategic move to build hype for a potential reunion track in 2026.

Source: Facebook — https://web.facebook.com/groups/235978139062728/posts/890331816960687/?_rdc=1&_rdr# February 8, 2026

Photo Credit: Facebook

February 8, 2026
Tiwa Savage Sparks Internet Meltdown with “Feelings” Confession for Wizkid

In a post shared by @TiwaSavage, the Afrobeat queen has sent social media into a tailspin by hinting that her emotional connection with Wizkid remains as strong as ever. During a candid moment that has since gone viral, the “Water and Garri” star admitted that she still harbors deep feelings for the “Essence” singer, reigniting the long-standing “TiwaZkid” ship that dominated headlines years ago.

The revelation comes at a time when both artists are navigating high-octane careers and high-profile social lives, yet they frequently find their way back into each other’s orbits. Fans have been dissecting every syllable of her admission, looking for clues as to whether this is a nostalgic reflection or a precursor to a public reunion.

While Wizkid has yet to issue a direct response, the timing of Tiwa’s comment has overshadowed much of the post-Grammy discourse in the Nigerian entertainment space. The duo, who famously collaborated on hits like “Ma Lo,” have always maintained a “best friend” narrative, though their chemistry often suggested something more profound to the public eye.

This latest development adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming Afro Nation festival in Portugal, where both stars are slated to headline. Music enthusiasts are now speculating if the stage will become the backdrop for a formal confirmation of their status or simply another chapter in their legendary “situationship.”

* Naija News reported on the viral admission, noting: “The singer’s open declaration has sparked a massive wave of reactions across Twitter and Instagram, with many questioning if the duo ever really broke off their bond.”

* YEN highlighted the fan reaction, stating: “Social media is currently buzzing as supporters of the two superstars celebrate what they see as a romantic rekindling.”

Echotitbits take: Tiwa Savage is a master of narrative control, and this confession serves to keep her at the center of the pop culture conversation just as festival season kicks off. Whether this is a genuine romantic overture or a savvy PR move to build hype for future collaborations, it successfully taps into the deep nostalgia fans have for the “TiwaZkid” era. Watch for Wizkid’s characteristic “Starboy” silence or a cryptic emoji response to fuel the fire further.

Source: Naija News — https://www.naijanews.com/2026/02/06/im-still-in-love-with-wizkid-tiwa-savage-admits/ February 6, 2026

Photo Credit: Naija News

February 6, 2026
Tyla Claims Historic Second Win Over Afrobeats Heavyweights at 2026 Grammys

According to The Lagos Review, South African sensation Tyla has once again emerged victorious in the Best African Music Performance category at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Her hit track “Push 2 Start” bested a formidable lineup of Nigerian stars, including Davido’s “With You,” Burna Boy’s “Love,” and Ayra Starr’s “Gimme Dat.” This marks Tyla’s second win in the category, following her 2024 triumph with “Water.”

The results have sparked a massive debate across Nigerian social media, with fans questioning the Recording Academy’s voting criteria. Despite the loss for current stars, the night was sweetened by a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award for Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, accepted by his children Femi, Yeni, and Kunle Kuti.

Confirming the win, The Nation Nigeria reported on the mixed reactions within the Nigerian music industry. The outlet quoted fan reactions stating, “He was robbed,” in reference to Davido’s narrow miss. Switsalone also covered the event, capturing Tyla’s emotional acceptance speech where she said, “I’m just so lucky to be here, and I’m so proud to be African.”

Echotitbits take: While Tyla’s dominance is a testament to the global appeal of Amapiano-fusion, the “zero for ten” streak for Nigerian nominees this year is a wake-up call for the Afrobeats industry. Expect a shift in how Nigerian labels strategize for international awards, possibly moving toward more collaborative “global” sounds to appeal to the Academy’s current palate.

Source: The Lagos Review — https://thelagosreview.ng/tyla-beats-davido-wizkid-burna-boy-to-grammy-win/ February 5, 2026

Photo Credit: The Lagos Review

February 5, 2026
Davido Faces Backlash Over “Grammy Exit” Following Disappointing Night in LA

According to Legit.ng, Nigerian Afrobeats titan Davido has reportedly initiated a major move to distance himself from the Grammy Awards after failing to secure a win at the 2026 ceremony. Despite multiple nominations for his hit “With You,” the singer’s camp is allegedly “done” with the Recording Academy, signaling a potential shift in how the DMW boss will approach international accolades moving forward.

The move comes as fans and critics alike digest the results from the Crypto.com Arena, where South African star Tyla once again edged out Nigerian heavyweights in the Best African Music Performance category. While some fans are rallying behind Davido’s perceived snub, others are calling for a more diplomatic approach to international award cycles.

Naija News reported on the singer’s mood, stating, “Davido breaks silence after Grammy loss, sparking mixed reactions among the 30BG fan base.” Meanwhile, The Nation highlighted the frustration of the audience, noting that “He was robbed; fans react to Davido’s Grammy loss” as the conversation continues to dominate Twitter (X) and Instagram.

Echotitbits take:

This development marks a significant “temper tantrum” or a strategic “pivot” depending on who you ask. If Davido truly halts his pursuit of the Grammys, it could encourage other Afrobeats stars to prioritize home-grown awards over Western validation. However, at this level of stardom, completely ignoring the Academy is easier said than done, so watch for a quiet return to the submission list by next year.

Source: The Nation — https://thenationonlineng.net/he-was-robbed-fans-react-to-davidos-grammy-loss/ February 4, 2026

Photo Credit: The Nation

February 4, 2026
Grammys 2026: Tyla Secures Victory as Tinubu Honours Fela Kuti

Reporting by Channels TV indicates that South African star Tyla has once again triumphed over Nigerian heavyweights Davido, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr to win the “Best African Music Performance” category at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Despite the disappointment for Nigerian fans, the night was historic as the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti was posthumously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

President Bola Tinubu hailed the late Afrobeat pioneer as the “fearless voice of the people,” noting that the award is a testament to the enduring global impact of Nigerian culture. The President’s message emphasized that Fela’s music continues to inspire generations toward social justice and cultural pride, cementing Nigeria’s place as a global entertainment powerhouse.

Validation of the awards and the President’s reaction came from The Nation and Daily Post. The Nation reports that “the 2026 Grammys saw a massive turnout of the Nigerian contingent,” quoting a music critic who said, “Fela’s recognition is long overdue and validates the roots of the current Afrobeats explosion.” Daily Post adds that the APC National Chairman echoed the President’s sentiments, stating, “Our artists are our greatest ambassadors on the world stage.”

Echotitbits take: While Nigerian artists missed out on the top African performance prize, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Fela Kuti is arguably a bigger win for the nation’s cultural heritage. It shifts the conversation from modern commercial success to the foundational influence of Afrobeat. Expect a surge in Fela-themed events and documentaries throughout the year as this global recognition sinks in.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/fearless-voice-of-the-people-tinubu-salutes-felas-posthumous-grammy-recognition/, February 4, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

February 4, 2026
Davido Opens Up on Wife Chioma’s Support After Grammy Snub

In a post shared by Punch Newspapers, Afrobeat superstar Davido has recounted the touching words of encouragement he received from his wife, Chioma, following his recent Grammy loss. Despite the disappointment of not securing a win at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, Davido revealed that Chioma’s resilience and perspective were what motivated him to attend the high-profile after-parties.

The singer noted that his wife reminded him of his global impact and the love of his fans, which far outweighs a single trophy. This public display of affection and mutual support has further solidified the couple’s status as a fan favorite in the Nigerian entertainment scene, especially after a taxing award season.

Davido’s vulnerability about the loss has sparked a wider conversation about the Grammys’ relationship with Afrobeats. While he remains optimistic, the singer is clearly leaning into his “30BG” family and personal support system to navigate the mixed emotions following the Los Angeles ceremony.

* Daily Post Nigeria: “Davido reveals his hit song ‘With You’ almost didn’t make his album, but Chioma’s words after the Grammy loss were what truly ‘made them attend the after-party.’”

* The Nation: “Fans react to Davido’s Grammy loss as the singer credits Chioma for keeping his spirits high during the LA trip.”

Echotitbits take:

Davido’s decision to share this intimate moment is a strategic PR move to control the “loser” narrative. By pivoting the focus to his marriage and internal strength, he maintains his “001” status and keeps the fans emotionally invested. Watch for a potential “revenge” single or a new album announcement as he channels this energy back into the studio.

Source: Vanguard — vanguardngr.com/2026/02/what-my-wife-told-me-after-i-lost-grammy-davido/ February 3, 2026

Photo Credit: Vanguard

February 3, 2026
Nigerian Stars Face Grammy Heartbreak as International Competitors Sweep Awards

According to reporting by The Punch, the Nigerian music industry is reeling from a disappointing night at the 68th Grammy Awards, where several top Afrobeats stars failed to secure wins in their respective categories. Despite a record number of nominations for Nigerian artists, the “Global Music” categories were dominated by performers from other regions, sparking a heated debate on social media about the Grammys’ evolving criteria for African music.

The “Grammy heartbreak” has dominated conversations in Lagos and London, with fans questioning why the global commercial success of Afrobeats is not translating into more trophies from the Recording Academy. Nevertheless, industry insiders argue that the sheer volume of nominations proves that Nigerian music remains at the forefront of the global cultural zeitgeist, regardless of the final winners.

The event was also detailed by Daily Post and Channels TV. Daily Post noted that “Afrobeats fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustrations,” while Channels TV featured an interview with a music critic who noted, “The Grammys are just one platform; the real win is the $1 billion in revenue Afrobeats generated last year.”

Echotitbits take: This “snub” might actually be a blessing in disguise for the local industry, fueling the push for the “Afrobeats Grammys” or a more robust African-led awards system. The focus should remain on streaming dominance and global touring, which provide more sustainable income than a golden gramophone.

Source: TribuneOnline – https://tribuneonlineng.com/nigerians-react-as-davido-others-lose-grammy-award-to-tyla/, February 3, 2026

Photo credit: TribuneOnline

February 3, 2026
Tragedy Strikes as The Voice Nigeria Alum Nanyah Dies from Snake Bite

According to Yardbarker, the Nigerian entertainment community is in mourning following the tragic passing of Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah. The 26-year-old singer, who rose to fame during the third season of The Voice Nigeria, reportedly died after being bitten by a venomous snake while she was asleep in her Abuja residence on Saturday.

The incident has sparked a heated controversy regarding the adequacy of medical care in the capital. Reports suggest that Nanyah was rushed to multiple facilities that lacked the necessary antivenom. While her collaborators claim a critical delay in treatment led to her demise, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jabi has issued a statement defending their response, asserting that they provided “immediate and appropriate treatment.”

Witnesses described a harrowing scene where the singer was conscious but unable to speak, using hand gestures to communicate her distress as she struggled to breathe. Her death has highlighted systemic issues within the healthcare sector, particularly the availability of specialized treatments like polyvalent snake antivenom in urban centers.

Nanyah was regarded as a rising star with a promising career ahead of her. Her sudden departure has left fans and fellow contestants from The Voice Nigeria devastated, with many taking to social media to demand an investigation into the circumstances of her treatment.

* BBC Africa (via News Report): “Nwangene was bitten in her sleep on Saturday (31.01.26), and later died after seeking medical treatment.”

* Hillary Obinna (Collaborator via Statement): “The snake bite woke her up… while they were trying to stabilise her, she could not speak but she could make hand gestures.”

Echotitbits take:

This is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the dire state of emergency medical response. The conflicting reports between the singer’s family and the hospital suggest a potential legal battle or public inquiry ahead. Beyond the celebrity gossip, this story is likely to trigger a wider national conversation on medical infrastructure in Nigeria.

Source: BBC — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77k0nlvx3yo February 2, 2026

Photo Credit: BBC

February 2, 2026