Entertainment
‘We Won’t Allow Afrobeats to be Diluted’ – Davido’s Hype Man, Spesh, Takes Aim at Grammy
Davido’s hypeman, Special Spesh, has taken a swipe at the organisers of the Grammy Awards following the disappointment of his boss and other Nigerian nominees who were overlooked for the accolade.
Despite the nomination of Davido and other Nigerian artists, Tyla, the only non-Nigerian nominee in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category, clinched the award at the 66th Grammys held on Sunday.
Expressing his dissatisfaction, Spesh criticised the Grammy organisers for their perceived attempt to influence African music. He adamantly declared that Africans would not grant them the authority to diminish the significance of Afrobeats or any other African genre.
Taking to his Instagram page, Spesh wrote: “We won’t give you the power to dumb Afrobeats down or Afrofusion or anything African! That’s (white) America’s problem! When things start to take over and get massive they always want a part then try to have a say then try to control.”
Renowned American rapper Kanye West has expanded his tour itinerary to include Lagos among the destinations for his upcoming tours in 2024 and 2025.
The announcement was unveiled through a post on his official Instagram story, which surfaced on Wednesday.
West, gearing up for the successive release of his new album ‘Vultures’ alongside TY Dolla $ign, shared the comprehensive lineup for his tour.
The Instagram post delineated Eko Energy City in Lagos, Nigeria, as the venue for December 14, 2024, and Nyayo International Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, slated for December 7, 2024.
This marks Kanye West’s return to Lagos, following his initial performance at the 2007 Star Mega Jam.
Commencing his global journey on June 22, 2024, in Toronto, Canada, West’s tour spans across the United States until August. Subsequently, it traverses Mexico, Spain, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates before culminating in Kenya and Nigeria in December.
In January 2025, West’s tour extends from Nigeria to Australia before concluding in Japan in February.
Tyla, the esteemed South African songstress adorned with Grammy accolades, has disclosed her current solitary status.
In elucidation, she avows her solo stance as a deliberate pivot towards nurturing her melodic odyssey.
In a recent discourse on Power 96.5 FM, Miami, the melodious muse extolled a predilection for a suitor immersed in virtual realms as opposed to one ensnared in nocturnal revelries.
Queried by the host, “Doth thou prefereth a paramour engrossed in gaming or one ensnared in revelry?”
To which Tyla retorted, “Verily, the gaming enthusiast! Perchance a reveller? Nay! Perchance, what folly!
“I’d sooner embrace a companion devoted to pixels than one entrapped in bacchanalian fervor. Forsooth, the former assures domesticity. Moreover, I hold an ardor for the hearth.”
When probed regarding her single status, she articulated, “Aye, single am I. Presently, I eschew dalliance. Mine gaze is affixed to the ultimate triumph.”
Controversial Nigerian media personality Ifedayo Olarinde, known as Daddy Freeze, has voiced his support for South African singer Tyla’s victory over Nigerian artists at the 66th Grammys.
At the recent Grammy Awards, Nigerian musicians including Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Davido, Asake, and Olamide were not recognized in the maiden Best African Music Performance category. Instead, Tyla, the sole non-Nigerian nominee, clinched the award for her song “Water.”
Some Nigerian music fans expressed discontent with Tyla’s win, questioning the decision and suggesting bias from the Recording Academy.
However, Daddy Freeze defended Tyla’s victory during an Instagram live session with fans. He argued that Tyla’s Grammy win was justified and not a result of unfair practices.
He stated, “Tyla’s Grammy win over Nigerian artists was not rigged. I don’t see any rigging. I’m struggling to find any rigging.”
According to Daddy Freeze, globally, Tyla’s song “Water” had a broader impact compared to the Nigerian songs nominated. He acknowledged the significance of the Nigerian songs but emphasized the widespread popularity of “Water,” particularly on platforms like TikTok.
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