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January 16, 2026

News, Sports

Anthony Joshua Returns To Training Weeks After Fatal Car Crash

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Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has resumed gym training just weeks after being involved in a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of two key members of his inner circle.

The fatal crash happened on December 29 along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Joshua was traveling in a Lexus SUV with his team when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside.

While Joshua escaped with minor injuries, the accident proved fatal for his personal trainer, Kevin Latif Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, both of whom died at the scene.

The 36-year-old boxer received immediate medical attention in Nigeria and was later discharged. He subsequently returned to the United Kingdom, accompanying the remains of his late colleagues, and took part in their funeral prayers at a mosque in London.

On Thursday, Joshua made his first public appearance since the tragedy by sharing photos and videos of himself back in the gym. The posts marked his return to training less than three weeks after the incident.

One clip showed the former two-time world heavyweight champion engaging in light sparring, followed by strength work, coordination drills, spinning exercises, and swimming. He captioned the sparring video “Mental strength therapy,” offering a glimpse into how he is coping during the recovery process.

Joshua has kept a low profile since the crash, speaking publicly only to honor his late teammates and acknowledge the emotional toll of the loss.

Also Read: Peter Obi Slams FG Over $9m Lobbying Deal, Says Funds Should Fix Nigeria’s Hospitals

While his return to training suggests a slow and deliberate move toward normal life, there is still no official word on when—or if—Joshua plans to return to competitive boxing in the near future.

News, Politics, Trending

Musa Cautions Governors Over Negotiations With Armed Groups

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Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has cautioned state governments against entering into peace agreements with bandits, warning that such moves pose serious risks to national security and undermine ongoing security efforts.

During an interview on BBC Hausa, the defence minister said the Federal Government has repeatedly advised governors and other subnational authorities to avoid negotiations with armed groups, describing dialogue with terrorists as both dangerous and ineffective. According to him, criminal groups involved in violence cannot be relied upon to keep any form of agreement.

Musa stressed that engaging bandits through negotiations only strengthens their networks, weakens military operations, and allows insecurity to persist. He reiterated the Federal Government’s firm stance, making it clear that there would be no peace deals, no payment of ransoms, and no recognition of groups responsible for terrorising communities across the country.

He urged state governors to fully support and align with the federal security framework, noting that lasting peace can only be achieved through sustained military action, intelligence-driven operations, and strong collaboration with local communities. Any approach outside this strategy, he warned, risks reversing the gains already made by security agencies.

The minister’s comments come amid rising public anger over reports that some states are pursuing local peace initiatives, including plans to free suspected or convicted bandits. Critics argue that such actions weaken the justice system and lower the morale of security personnel risking their lives to combat criminality.

Musa also appealed to members of the public to stop providing assistance to bandits, whether in the form of food, money, or information. He warned that civilian support for criminal groups directly contributes to continued violence and delays the country’s return to stability.

Also Read: “I’m Not Okay” — Doris Ogala Breaks Down in Emotional Video

His remarks follow allegations that the Katsina State Government had begun processes aimed at releasing around 70 individuals suspected or convicted of banditry, a development that has further intensified debate over how best to address insecurity in the country.

News, Politics, Trending

Oyo Fixes January 2027 For LG Elections

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The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has formally set the date for the next round of local government elections in the state, announcing that the polls will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027.

According to the commission, elections will take place simultaneously in all polling units across Oyo State’s 33 local government areas. Voting is scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m. on election day.

The decision was reached during OYSIEC’s inaugural management meeting, which took place at its headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan.

The meeting, chaired by the commission’s chairman, Dr. Babatunde Afees Adeniyi, focused on early preparations, strategic planning, and coordination aimed at ensuring a smooth and credible council election.

As part of the election timetable, the commission announced that political campaigns must end by midnight on Friday, January 15, 2027, ahead of the polls. It also disclosed that any supplementary or re-run elections, if required, would be conducted one week later, on Saturday, January 23, 2027.

OYSIEC further clarified that the tenure of the current chairmen and councillors across the state’s 33 local councils is expected to expire on May 23, 2027, in accordance with the provisions of the existing local government law in Oyo State.

The commission noted that the early announcement of the election date was made in line with the authority vested in it by relevant sections of the Electoral Act and the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission Law, which empower it to issue advance notice for elections.

You May Like: “I’m Not Okay” — Doris Ogala Breaks Down in Emotional Video

OYSIEC urged political parties, aspirants, security agencies, civil society groups, and other key stakeholders to cooperate fully with the commission to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and successful conduct of the local government elections slated for January 2027.

Entertainment, News, Trending

Davido Denies Paternity Claims Again, Threatens Legal Action Over DNA Test Dispute

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Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has again dismissed claims by a young woman, Anu Adeleke, that he is her biological father, warning that continued allegations could lead to legal action against her mother.

The renewed controversy followed the circulation of private messages on social media, in which Anu reportedly reached out to the singer, pleading with him to agree to a DNA test.

In the exchange shared on Instagram, Davido firmly rejected the claim, insisting that he is not her father and stressing that multiple DNA tests had already proven there is no biological link between them.

According to Davido, he has taken DNA tests on five different occasions, all yielding the same result. He expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the persistent allegations are unfair to his children and family, and urged Anu to bring the matter to an end. He also warned that he would not hesitate to involve law enforcement if the accusations continue.

Anu, however, reportedly asked Davido to release the results of the DNA tests he referenced. In response, the singer said he was prepared to make the test results public and pursue the matter legally, including filing a court case against her mother.

The issue escalated further after Anu’s mother, Ayo Labinjoh, posted a lengthy statement defending her daughter and condemning Davido’s actions. She denied ever being romantically involved with the singer and rejected claims that she was his “baby mama,” describing such labels as insulting and false.

Labinjoh said her primary concern has always been her daughter’s mental and emotional wellbeing, revealing that Anu allegedly endured years of bullying, emotional distress, and therapy as a result of the paternity controversy. She claimed the story had resurfaced globally despite her belief that the family had moved on.

In her statement, she accused Davido and his associates of misrepresenting past DNA test procedures, alleging that blood samples taken years ago were mishandled and that false results were produced. She also disputed claims that multiple tests had been properly conducted, insisting that the process was flawed and misleading.

Labinjoh further alleged that Davido sent threatening and abusive messages to her daughter, including threats of arrest and repeated verbal attacks. She described the language used as inappropriate and harmful, adding that her daughter was not seeking attention or financial gain but clarity about her identity.

She concluded by stating her intention to seek international oversight for any future DNA test, calling for a neutral and independently supervised process. According to her, Anu deserves transparency, dignity, and protection from what she described as years of intimidation and public humiliation.

Also Read: Atiku’s Son Joining Our Party Is A Generational Statement – APC

As of the time of reporting, Davido has not issued an official public statement beyond the private messages circulating online, while the controversy continues to generate intense debate across social media platforms.

News, Politics

Peter Obi Slams FG Over $9m Lobbying Deal, Says Funds Should Fix Nigeria’s Hospitals

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Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 election, has criticised the Federal Government over reports that it approved a $9 million contract for foreign lobbying in the United States, describing the expenditure as a symbol of misplaced priorities and national embarrassment.

Reacting in a post on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) on Friday, the former Anambra State governor argued that the funds could have been better deployed to address Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system, particularly by equipping hospitals and improving medical outcomes for citizens.

Obi lamented what he described as a persistent pattern among Nigerian leaders to favour wasteful spending, propaganda, and image laundering over meaningful development.

According to him, public funds are often channelled toward masking governance failures rather than fixing the systems that directly affect people’s lives.

He noted that the reported $9 million lobbying deal represents only a fraction of similar expenditures globally, yet it vividly reflects the broader governance crisis facing the country. Obi linked such spending to Nigeria’s long-standing poor performance on key development indicators, especially the Human Development Index (HDI).

According to him, Nigeria has remained stuck in the low HDI category for more than three decades, from 1990 to 2025, while countries that were once peers have made remarkable progress. He pointed to nations like China and Indonesia, which have transitioned from low to medium and even high HDI levels, despite Nigeria having a significantly higher per capita income than China in 1990.

Obi stressed that these countries’ progress was not accidental but the result of deliberate choices, sound leadership, and consistent prioritisation of human development. In contrast, he said Nigeria continues to lag behind due to poor decision-making and lack of discipline in public spending.

Breaking down the implications of the $9 million expenditure, Obi referenced the three core components of the HDI: health, education, and income. He argued that Nigeria is underperforming in all three, with the health sector being a particularly glaring example.

Converting the amount to about ₦14 billion, Obi highlighted Nigeria’s dire health statistics, including having one of the lowest life expectancies globally and ranking among the top two countries for maternal mortality. He described childbirth in Nigeria as dangerously risky and questioned why such realities persist while funds are spent abroad to polish the country’s image.

He maintained that the money reportedly spent on lobbyists could have been used to procure critical medical equipment for hospitals across the country, directly improving healthcare delivery and saving lives. Obi added that the same amount would be enough to cover the entire 2024 capital budget of at least one major teaching hospital in each geopolitical zone.

Also Read: Nigerian Artists Shine as Ayra Starr, Davido, Wizkid Lead 2026 MOBO Nominations

According to him, Nigeria does not lack resources but suffers from a deficit of effective leadership, clear priorities, and accountability. Without addressing these fundamental issues, he warned, the country will continue to struggle despite its vast potential.

Entertainment, News, Trending

“I’m Not Okay” — Doris Ogala Breaks Down in Emotional Video

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Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has triggered an outpouring of concern after taking to social media to reveal that she is going through a deeply distressing period in her life, marked by emotional pain, trauma, and serious allegations against a well-known clergyman, Chris Okafor.

In a circulating video, the actress appeared visibly shaken as she fought back tears while speaking about a chain of experiences she said have severely affected her mental and emotional health. Ogala told viewers that she has been struggling to cope, insisting that her current situation is far from normal.

She recounted alleged miscarriages, her arrest and detention following earlier public accusations against the cleric, and what she described as a turbulent and painful marriage.

According to her, one of the most devastating moments came when she reportedly returned home to discover her husband’s mistress and child living there. She said the weight of these experiences has become unbearable.

“This is not okay. None of what I’ve been through is okay,” Ogala said emotionally in the video, breaking down as she spoke.

Moments later, the actress shared another post that further alarmed fans and colleagues. In the message, she suggested she was reaching a breaking point, stating that the series of events she attributed to Chris Okafor had left her exhausted and struggling to hold on.

“I may not be alive for a long time,” she wrote. “I am tired of hanging on. Everything is not okay.”

In the same post, Ogala made a direct appeal to a family member she identified as Emeka, asking him to contact her if possible.

Also Read: Nigerian Artists Shine as Ayra Starr, Davido, Wizkid Lead 2026 MOBO Nominations

Her posts have since sparked widespread reactions online, with many expressing concern for her safety and urging her to seek help and support during what appears to be one of the most challenging periods of her life.

Dangote Refinery: No Fuel Shortage Expected Despite Tanker Drivers’ Strike
Business, News, Trending

Dangote Rewards Loyal Cement Distributors With ₦15 Billion Worth Of Gifts

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Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has rewarded distributors and key customers of Dangote Cement Plc with incentives valued at ₦15 billion, in recognition of their loyalty and exceptional performance across the country.

The gesture was announced during the company’s 2026 Distributors’ Awards Night held in Lagos, where outstanding partners were honoured for their role in driving sales and ensuring the widespread availability of Dangote Cement nationwide.

Winners at the ceremony walked away with a range of high-value rewards, including cash prizes, cement containers, luxury sport utility vehicles, and CNG-powered trucks, all collectively valued at ₦15 billion.

Addressing guests at the event, Dangote described the distributors as the backbone of the business, commending their consistency and commitment to the brand. He noted that their daily engagement with customers and communities is what turns corporate plans into measurable success.

According to him, the awards ceremony, themed “Partner for Growth,” signals the beginning of the company’s growth push for 2026. He stressed that the strong relationship between Dangote Cement and its distributors remains central to the company’s long-term ambitions.

Dangote also used the platform to restate the Group’s Vision 2030 roadmap, an ambitious plan aimed at growing the Dangote Group into a $100 billion enterprise within the next decade. The strategy prioritises industrial expansion, regional investments, and strengthening Africa’s self-reliance in critical sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy.

He revealed that Dangote Cement is working towards increasing its production capacity to about 90 million tonnes by 2030, noting that the company’s objectives extend beyond physical infrastructure. According to him, the broader goal is to build sustainable industries that can power Africa’s economy, create jobs, and drive long-term development.

Providing further insight into the Vision 2030 targets, Dangote disclosed plans to expand the Dangote Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, scale up fertiliser production to 12 million metric tonnes annually, and boost output at the polypropylene plant. He added that achieving a 90-million-tonne cement capacity would place the company’s output at about 50 per cent higher than Saudi Arabia’s total cement production.

Also Read: Nigeria Removed from EU High-Risk Financial List: Boost for Trade & Investment

Dangote concluded by reaffirming his belief in Africa’s potential, stating that Vision 2030 is rooted in the conviction that the continent’s future will be shaped by Africans willing to think boldly, push boundaries, and transform ambition into reality.

News, Politics, Trending

Atiku’s Son Joining Our Party Is A Generational Statement – APC

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The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the decision of Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to align with the ruling party as a powerful signal of shifting political realities.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the party said the younger Atiku’s move away from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) carries more weight than any public defence or political argument. According to the APC, the decision reflects a deeper verdict on credibility, belief and leadership within Nigeria’s political space.

The Lagos APC pointed to the former vice president’s history of frequent party changes — from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action Congress (AC), back to the PDP and now the ADC — arguing that this pattern has raised doubts among Nigerians about his ideological clarity and long-term vision.

The party further portrayed the defection as a vote of confidence in its performance at both state and national levels, particularly in the policies and direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It said the move suggests a growing acceptance of the APC’s leadership style and governance philosophy.

While welcoming Abubakar Atiku Abubakar into the party, the Lagos APC urged Nigerians to view the development as evidence of an evolving political landscape. It maintained that public tolerance for what it described as “politics without principle” is waning, as voters increasingly demand consistency and conviction from their leaders.

Also Read: ADC Calls Out Tinubu for Missing 2026 National Armed Forces Ceremony

The party concluded by stressing that national leadership must begin with credibility at the grassroots and within one’s immediate political environment, noting that Nigerians are becoming more discerning in how they assess those seeking to lead them.

Davido Becomes Voting Member of the Recording Academy for 2026 GRAMMYs
Entertainment, Music, News, Trending

Nigerian Artists Shine as Ayra Starr, Davido, Wizkid Lead 2026 MOBO Nominations

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Nigeria’s influence on the global music scene continues to grow as Ayra Starr, Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage secure nominations at the 2026 MOBO Awards.

The organisers of the prestigious awards unveiled the nominees on Thursday, revealing contenders across 20 categories ahead of the ceremony slated for March 26, 2026, at Co-op Live in Manchester. 

The upcoming edition is particularly significant, marking the first time the MOBO Awards will be held in Manchester and coinciding with the event’s 30th anniversary.

In one of the most hotly contested categories, Best African Music Act, Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage will compete alongside fellow Nigerian stars Ayra Starr, Rema, Shallipopi and Adekunle Gold. 

The category also features Ghanaian singer Moliy, Uganda’s Joshua Baraka and South African sensation Tyla, underscoring the growing international reach and cross-border appeal of African music.

Ayra Starr emerged as one of the most prominent African acts on the shortlist, earning nominations in both the Best African Music Act and Best International Act categories. 

In the international category, the ‘Rush’ hitmaker will go head-to-head with global stars such as Cardi B, Kehlani, Gunna and Vybz Kartel. Tyla and Moliy also received nominations in both categories.

The nominations further cement Ayra Starr’s rising profile at the awards. 

At the 2025 ceremony, she made history by becoming the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act, while also taking home the Best International Music Act award.

Widely regarded as Europe’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture, the MOBO Awards recognise outstanding artists, projects and performances released between September 1, 2024, and October 1, 2025.

Reacting to the announcement, MOBO founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kanya King CBE, said the 2026 shortlist reflects the depth, diversity and global impact of Black music today.

“As MOBO enters its 30th year, this year’s nominees capture the spirit of the times we’re living in,” King said. “Their voices don’t just soundtrack our lives; they help shape the future of culture.”

She added that this year’s nominations represent one of the strongest and most diverse showcases of Black British music in recent years, while also highlighting the awards’ expanding international footprint.

Strong Field Across Categories

Leading the overall nominations are Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Kwn and Jim Legxacy, who each picked up four nods. Central Cee, Skepta, PinkPantheress and FLO followed closely with three nominations each across major categories.

The 2026 awards will also spotlight achievements beyond music. Nominees for Best Performance in a TV Show/Film include Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Ashley Walters and Stephen Graham for Netflix’s Adolescence, and Nigerian-British actress Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners.

Ahead of the main ceremony, Manchester will host the MOBO Fringe Festival — a week-long cultural celebration organised in partnership with Manchester City Council. 

The programme will feature live performances, industry discussions and creative workshops, with hosts, performers and special honourees set to be announced in the coming weeks.

With Nigerian artists once again dominating key categories, the 2026 MOBO Awards stand as a powerful reflection of Africa’s growing influence on the global Black music landscape.

Full List Of 2026 MOBO Awards Nominees

BEST MALE ACT

CENTRAL CEE

ELMIENE

JIM LEGXACY

NEMZZZ

ODEAL

SKEPTA

BEST FEMALE ACT

FLO

KWN

LITTLE SIMZ

OLIVIA DEAN

PINKPANTHERESS

SASHA KEABLE

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

CENTRAL CEE – CAN’T RUSH GREATNESS

EZRA COLLECTIVE – DANCE, NO ONE’S WATCHING

FLO – ACCESS ALL AREAS

KOJEY RADICAL – DON’T LOOK DOWN

LITTLE SIMZ – LOTUS

OLIVIA DEAN – THE ART OF LOVING

SONG OF THE YEAR

AJ TRACEY FEAT. JORJA SMITH – ‘CRUSH’

DONAE’O FEAT. OMAR, LEMAR & HOUSE GOSPEL CHOIR – ‘NIGHTS LIKE THIS’

FRED AGAIN, SKEPTA & PLAQUEBOYMAX – ‘VICTORY LAP’

JIM LEGXACY & DAVE – ‘3X’

KWN – ‘DO WHAT I SAY’

MYLES SMITH – ‘NICE TO MEET YOU’

OLIVIA DEAN – ‘MAN I NEED’

PINKPANTHERESS – ‘ILLEGAL’

RAYE – ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’

TIM DUZIT – ‘KAT SLATER’

BEST NEWCOMER

DC3

ESDEEKID

FINESSEKID

JIM LEGXACY

KWN

NAMESBLISS

NIA SMITH

SEKOU

SKYE NEWMAN

YT

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

POZER – ‘SHANGHIGH NOON’ (DIRECTED BY BAS HASELAGER)

FKA TWIGS – ‘EUSEXUA’ (DIRECTED BY JORDAN HEMINGWAY)

JIM LEGXACY – ‘FATHER’ (DIRECTED BY LAUZZA)

LITTLE SIMZ – ‘FLOOD’ FEAT. OBONGJAYAR & MOONCHILD SANELLY (DIRECTED BY SALOMON LIGTHELM)

RAYE – ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’ (DIRECTED BY THE REIDS)

SKEPTA & FRED AGAIN – ‘BACK 2 BACK’ (DIRECTED BY DOMAMANIC and SKEPTA)

BEST R&B/SOUL ACT

ELMIENE

FLO

KWN

ODEAL

OLIVIA DEAN

SASHA KEABLE

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ACT

ALT BLK ERA

BLOOD ORANGE

HAK BAKER

MICHAEL KIWANUKA

NOVA TWINS

RACHEL CHINOURIRI

BEST GRIME ACT

CHIP

JAYAHADADREAM

KASST 8

RUFF SQWAD

SCORCHER

WILEY

BEST HIP HOP ACT

AITCH

ASCO

CATCH

CENTRAL CEE

D-BLOCK EUROPE

KOJEY RADICAL

LITTLE SIMZ

LOYLE CARNER

WRETCH 32

YOUNGS TEFLON

BEST DRILL ACT

36

BOOTER BEE

CHY CARTIER

ESDEEKID

K-TRAP

LEOSTAYTRILL

NEMZZZ

POZER

TWIN S

WOHDEE

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT

AYRA STARR

CARDI B

CLIPSE

GUNNA

KEHLANI

LEON THOMAS

MARIAH THE SCIENTIST

MOLIY

TYLA

VYBZ KARTEL

BEST MEDIA PERSONALITY

BEMI OROJUOGUN (BUS AUNTY)

DJ AG

IN MY OPINION

MELISSA HOLDBROOK-AKPOSOE (MELISSA’S WARDROBE)

NADIA JAE

NIKO OMILANA

PK HUMBLE

REMI BURGZ

UCHE NATORI

WINNERS TALKING

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A TV SHOW/FILM

AARON PIERRE – MUFASA: THE LION KING

ASHLEY THOMAS – HOSTAGE

ASHLEY WALTERS – ADOLESCENCE

CYNTHIA ERIVO – WICKED

DAMSON IDRIS – F1

DAYO KOLEOSHO – EASTENDERS

LENNIE JAMES – MR LOVERMAN

MARIANNE JEAN-BAPTISTE – HARD TRUTHS

STEPHEN GRAHAM – ADOLESCENCE

WUNMI MOSAKU – SINNERS

BEST AFRICAN MUSIC ACT

ADEKUNLE GOLD (NIGERIA)

AYRA STARR (NIGERIA)

DAVIDO (NIGERIA)

JOSHUA BARAKA (UGANDA)

MOLIY (GHANA)

REMA (NIGERIA)

SHALLIPOPI (NIGERIA)

TIWA SAVAGE (NIGERIA)

TYLA (SOUTH AFRICA)

WIZKID (NIGERIA)

BEST CARIBBEAN MUSIC ACT

AYETIAN

LILA IKÉ

MASICKA

SHENSEEA

VYBZ KARTEL

YUNG BREDDA

BEST JAZZ ACT

CKTRL

EGO ELLA MAY

EZRA COLLECTIVE

KOKOROKO

NUBYA GARCIA

YAZMIN LACEY

 BEST ELECTRONIC/DANCE ACT

FKA TWIGS

JAZZY

KILIMANJARO

PINKPANTHERESS

SALUTE

SHERELLE

BEST GOSPEL ACT

ANNATORIA

DC3

FAITH CHILD

IMRHAN

Also Read: Fubara Orders Jobs for Children of Fallen Soldiers

SONDAE

STILL SHADEY

BEST PRODUCER

INFLO

JAE5

MILES CLINTON JAMES

P2J

SAMMY SOSO

ZACH NAHOME

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