ENTERTAINMENT GIST
Joeboy headlines Easter edition of ‘African Voices’
Afro-pop star Joeboy takes the centre stage this week as he features on the Easter edition of African Voices, the Globacom-sponsored magazine programme on CNN.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In this episode, the Nigeria-born singer sits down with show anchor, Larry Madowo, in Lagos, where he shares the story of his journey from a young university student with big dreams to becoming one of Afrobeats’ most recognised voices.
Long before global attention, Joeboy, born Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus, started out experimenting with music and sharing covers online. His 2017 cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” marked a turning point, helping him transition fully into singing and setting the stage for what was to come.
That moment soon opened new doors, including a connection with Mr. Eazi, who brought him into the emPawa Africa talent programme. This provided support and exposure for his music to reach a wider audience, laying the foundation for his professional career. The alliance also birthed “Fààjí,” which featured Mr. Eazi in 2018, after which he was signed to Warner Music Africa. Under this partnership, Joeboy released his hit single “Baby” in 2019, followed by “Beginning,” which has 23 million views on YouTube. He also released “Love & Light” the same year and featured Mayorkun in the tracks “Don’t Call Me” and “All for You”
Since then, the 29-year-old has gone on to release two albums, Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic in February 2021 and Body & Soul in 2023, while earning recognition across the continent, including awards for his contributions to African pop music. He won Best Artist in African Pop at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards and Best Pop at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.
The programme will air on Saturday at 7.30 a.m., with several repeat broadcasts scheduled across the weekend and into the following week. 11 a.m. on Saturday; on Sunday at 3.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. This continues on Monday at 3 a.m. and 5.45 p.m, and on Tuesday at 5.45 p.m. The schedule will be repeated next week until 3 a.m. on Monday
I nearly went bankrupt due to my extravagant lifestyle – Bella Shmurda confesses
Afrobeats singer, Bella Shmurda has revealed that he nearly went bankrupt due to an extravagant lifestyle.
Speaking in an interview with YouTuber Korty EO, Shmurda said accommodating and sponsoring his friends’ lavish lifestyles also drained his resources.
The music star said the experience made him change his approach to money management.
“I used to have a lot of money but I rushed things. I wish I was wise then. I was just buying things extravagantly, things I eventually had no need for,” he said.
“At this point, as I am getting new money, I have to think about every move I want to take. I was accommodating up to ten of my friends back then and we were all receiving female visitors. I bought three cars at once just so that my friends would go out with me in convoy. I was reckless,” he added.
Bella Shmurda urged his colleagues and fans to manage their money with wisdom to avoid bankruptcy and learning the hard way.
DJ Pretty Play recovering after gruelling 12-day DJ marathon in Lagos
Nigerian disc jockey and cultural curator, DJ Pretty Play, is currently receiving medical attention following a gruelling 300-hour non-stop DJ marathon in a bid to set a new Guinness World Record.
The Akwa Ibom-born, Lagos-based entertainer undertook the endurance challenge at Bay Lounge, where she performed continuously for 12 days, from March 3 to March 15, 2026, surpassing her initial 288-hour target.
Sources close to the DJ disclosed that she is being treated for swollen legs, extreme fatigue and breathing complications, and is presently on oxygen support as part of her recovery process.
Despite the physical toll, DJ Pretty Play maintained high-energy performances throughout the marathon, delivering a mix of Afrobeats, Afrohouse, Hip-Hop and Amapiano, while sustaining audience engagement over the extended period.
The attempt, however, was not without setbacks. Four days into the challenge, she was forced to restart after inadvertently repeating a song — a development that could have invalidated the record under standard guidelines. Undeterred, she resumed and completed the full duration, observing only five-minute breaks per hour.
Widely known for her seamless transitions and vibrant stage presence, the DJ has built a reputation within and beyond Nigeria’s entertainment circuit. She has performed on notable platforms, including the Big Brother Naija stage and the AFRIMMA Awards in the United States, and has collaborated with artistes such as Magnito and Skales.
Industry observers note that the marathon attempt goes beyond personal ambition, highlighting the growing influence of African female DJs on the global stage and challenging gender stereotypes within the industry.
While official confirmation from Guinness World Records is still pending, associates say the immediate focus remains her health.
Supporters and fans across social media have continued to send goodwill messages, expressing hope for her swift recovery. Though she is yet to address the public due to her condition, close sources expressed confidence that she will return to the stage after recuperation.
