Adeayo Adebiyi

<h2>In a video shared on social media, the content creator's mother alleged that her son was arrested by Burna Boy after he shared a video online making fun of the Grammy winner.</h2>

On October 8, 2024, news of Speed Darlington missing circulated online with the content creator and comedian reportedly arrested at his residence three days ago.

In the video, Speed Darlington's mother revealed that she was just informed that he was missing after making a video about Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy.

In the video in question, Speed Darlington known for his humour made a mockery of Burna Boy over his affiliation with <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/american-rapper-sean-diddy-combs-arrested-amid-trafficking-allegations/bvn7qwt">American rapper P Diddy who was arrested by the FBI for multiple charges concerning sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and slavery</a>.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">speed darlington mouth no get filter 😂 <a href="https://t.co/WupNUMAmlg">pic.twitter.com/WupNUMAmlg</a>&mdash; 🍂 (@tahyvr) <a href="https://twitter.com/tahyvr/status/1843549064081879443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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In the video which many claim led to his arrest, Speed Darlington demanded that Burna Boy explain how he got his Grammy award for his album 'Twice As Tall' on which Diddy was an executive producer. Darlington's comment is one of the many online disparaging attacks at Burna Boy since Diddy's arrest with many suggesting a sexual relationship between them.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING NEWS: Speed Darlington Mother cries out about her missing son, says Burna boy and his team picked him up from his house <a href="https://t.co/gspDBZFUJI">pic.twitter.com/gspDBZFUJI</a>&mdash; Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) <a href="https://twitter.com/NigeriaStories/status/1843578532229943655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Speed Darlington's mother in her video calling attention to her son's arrest went on her knees to plead with the musician to "tamper justice with mercy" and free her only son from detention.

She also called on well-meaning Nigerians to come to Darlington's aid as she doesn't live in Nigeria and doesn't want her son to continue rotting in detention.

Burna Boy's camp is yet to confirm or deny the allegation that they are behind his arrest. Likewise, the Nigeria Police Force has yet to put out a statement about the arrest.

Speed Darlington's mother goes on her knees to beg Burna Boy to release her son

In a video shared on social media, the content creator's mother alleged that her son was arrested by Burna Boy after he shared a video online making fun of the Grammy winner.

<h2>Chris Brown is set to headline South Africa's FNB Stadium as one of the stops from his '11:11' tour in December 2024. </h2>

The tickets for the December concert went on sale on Friday 10, September 2024 with fans scooping up the available seats in 2 hours.

The speedy rate at which the tickets are sold out is a reflection of the singer's status as one of the biggest global music stars with a large collection of fans.

Chris Brown's South African concert is part of his '11:11' tour that has seen him sell out venues across the world with the latest being in Sau Paulo, Brazil.

The American multi-award-winning superstar has displayed an affinity for African music. In his latest album, he collaborates with Nigerian superstar Davido with whom he had previously worked on several records including the global smash hit 'Under The Influence' which the Afrobeats singer co-wrote along with producer KDDO.

Chris Brown has also collaborated with Wizkid, Lojay, and Fireboy. He also <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/full-list-of-winners-at-the-2022-headies-awards/kwt966f">won a Headies Award</a> which further emphasises his impact in Nigerian mainstream music.

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/ayra-starr-says-her-grammy-dress-and-acceptance-speech-are-ready/yvezvbf">Nigerian Grammy-nominated superstar Ayra Starr</a> has been one of the opening acts in Chris Brown's '11:11' tour. Fans will be eager to see the African stars that will share the stage with the singer at his December concert in South Africa.

American singer Chris Brown set to perform in Kenya [Details]

Chris Brown is set to headline South Africa's FNB Stadium as one of the stops from his '11:11' tour in December 2024.

Chris Brown sells out Africa's biggest stadium in 2 hours

<h2>During her acceptance speech at the 2024 VMAs, the South African superstar chose to identify with South Africa's Amapiano music after winning the Afrobeats category.</h2>

After accepting the Best Afrobeats Award at the<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/tyla-beats-tems-ayra-starr-davido-others-to-2024-vmas-afrobeats-award/n964s10"> 2024 VMAs</a> for her hit single 'Water', Tyla expressed her gratitude for winning the category while also pointedly deciding to offer the organisers a crash course on muddling up all music from Africa as Afrobeats.

"I know there's a tendency to group all African artists as Afrobeats. Even though Afrobeats has run things and opened doors for us, African music is so diverse," Tyla said.

"I come from South Africa and I represent Amapiano and my culture," Tyla added before shouting out to Rema, Tems, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Wikzid, Davido, and other Afrobeats acts with whom she was nominated.

Tyla's acceptance speech has attracted some criticism from Nigerian observers who questioned her decision to largely disavow the Afrobeats after winning an Afrobeats category with a song that's clearly Afrobeats in its composition.

Media personality and award-winning OAP Do2tun criticised the South African star for accepting the Afrobeats award at the 2024 VMAs if she thought her song wasn't an Afrobeats song.

"Aunty&nbsp;@tyla&nbsp;aka am not Afrobeats, I am Amapiano. We have heard you but your song “Water” isn’t amapiano either. If you thought you were categorized in the wrong category, you should have given the award back or denounced the nomination. You clearly took an award that didn’t represent you or your sound from that statement you made," Do2tun said on his Instagram account.

Media Personality Do2tun knocks Tyla for her acceptance speech after winning Afrobeats category at 2024 VMAs

Tyla's recent statement on Afrobeats is considered by some observers to be a tacit <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/a-look-into-the-origin-of-afrobeats/pwn4lbr">disassociation from the genre and movement i</a>n what has been a disturbing trend in Nigerian music.

Legends like Rihanna and Aaliyah have influenced Tyla's cross-continental appeal and genre-blending sound.

If you don't know Tyla's name, you almost certainly know her voice; "Water," released in July, was one of the defining hits of 2023. The afrobeat-pop smash debuted at No. 67 on the Hot 100 — making Tyla the first South African soloist to chart since th...

During her acceptance speech at the 2024 VMAs, the South African superstar chose to identify with South Africa's Amapiano music after winning the Afrobeats category

Tyla says she represents Amapiano after winning Afrobeats category at 2024 VMAs

<h2>At the event on September 11, 2024, at The USB Arena in New York, Taylor Swift led the nominees with 12 nods of which she won 7 for the highest win of the night.</h2>

Tyla's smash hit 'Water' fended off competition from Ayra Starr's 'Last Heartbreak Song', Chris Brown's 'Sensational' featuring Lojay and Davido, Usher's 'Ruin' featuring Pheelz, Tems' 'Love Me Jeje' to the award.

Tyla's 'Water' has dominated the award season with the song winning the Best African Song Performance category at the<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/heres-the-complete-list-of-winners-at-the-2024-grammy-awards/0vxs6k4"> 66th Grammys</a>.

See the full winners list of the 2024 VMAs below.

<h3>Video of the Year</h3>

Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”&nbsp;

<h3>Artist of the Year</h3>

Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”

<h3>Best New Artist</h3>

<h3>MTV Push Performance of the Year</h3>

June 2024: LE SSERAFIM – "EASY"

<h3>Best Collaboration&nbsp;</h3>

Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”

Eminem – “Houdini”

SZA – “Snooze”

<h3>Best Alternative</h3>

Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”

Lenny Kravitz – “Human”

Anitta – “Mil Veces”

Tyla – “Water”

LISA – “Rockstar”

WINNER: Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For (From The Motion Picture “Barbie”)”

<h3>Best Editing&nbsp;</h3>

Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”

<h3>Best Choreography</h3>

Dua Lipa – “Houdini”

<h3>Best Visual Effects</h3>

<h3>Best Art Direction</h3>

Megan Thee Stallion - “BOA”

<h3>Best Trending Video</h3>

Megan Thee Stallion ft. Yuki Chiba – “Mamushi”

<h3>Song of the Summer</h3>

Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”&nbsp;

<h3>VMAs Most Iconic Performance</h3>

Katy Perry – “Roar”

<h3>Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award</h3>

Tyla beats Tems, Ayra Starr, Davido, others to 2024 VMAs

At the event on September 11, 2024, at The USB Arena in New York, Taylor Swift led the nominees with 12 nods of which she won 7 for the highest win of the night

Tyla beats Tems, Ayra Starr, Davido to win 2024 VMAs

<h2>In a new interview on Echo Room, Portable shared that while he was on his tour of America, he met Davido in Atlanta and the meeting came with a cost. According to the Street pop star, he had to turn down a show worth $6,000 and instead opted to spend the time with Davido. </h2>

Portable shared that after they hung out, Davido promised him a verse before the Grammy winner changed his mind.

"Who go bless you no go stress you," Portable said in pidgin English during the interview where he ranted about how Davido reneged on his Promise and how Afrobeats star Zlatan had a role to play in it.

In the interview, Portable further shared that he was in the United States in search of a foreign artist to feature when he got a call from Davido inviting him to hang out. The Street pop sensation shared that it was during his time with Davido that Afrobeats star Zlatan told the Grammy nominee to be careful associating with him.

After days of social media ranting and accusing Zlatan of sabotaging his relationship with Davido, Portable apologised to the hitmaker in another of his many efforts to mend a broken relationship with an industry colleague.

Zlatan isn't the only celebrity with whom Portable has had issues in 2024. Earlier in the year, he was in a <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/portable-says-bobrisky-shouldnt-have-won-best-dressed-female-at-event/34983jq">highly publicised dispute with socialite Bobrisky</a>. He also only recently settled his differences with musician Goya Menor after the duo fell out over the<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/portable-tenders-apology-to-the-headies-and-fellow-nominees/bmtt9zf"> 2022 Headies Best Street Pop Award</a>.

Portable recently released a new single 'Oriade' which he performed as part of his interview session on Echo Room.

You can watch Portable's full interview below.&nbsp;

Portable shares that he turned down a $6K show to hangout with Davido

In a new interview on Echo Room, Portable shared that while he was on his tour of America, he met Davido in Atlanta and the meeting came with a cost. According to the Street pop star, he had to turn down a show worth $6,000 and instead opted to spend the time with Davido

Portable says he turned down a $6K show to hangout with Davido

<h2>In a news that circulated on September 5, 2024, the North Carolina musician Michael Smith was arrested by the FBI after he was indicted for garnering over $10M in royalties through BOT streams. </h2>

According to reports, Smith used automated programs to stream AI generated billions of times to generate millions of dollars in royalties.

In the charges brought against the Smith, between 2017 and up until his arrest in 2024, he used his fraudulent means to garner up to 661,000 daily streams across multiple AI-generated songs using up to 10,000 fake profiles which earned him up to $1 million in annual royalties.

Smith is accused of teaming up with the CEO of an unnamed AI music company and a music promoter to generate the volume of songs needed to make his scheme work.

Arrested by the FBI at his residence in North Carolina, the musician is facing charges of wire fraud and money laundering which can get him up to 60 years in prison if found guilty.

Micheal Smith's story is the latest in the problem of <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/streaming-farms-in-nigerian-music-abominable-apple-everyone-seems-to-be-eating/5fh9s2x">streaming manipulations confronting the music industry</a>.

In Nigeria, streaming manipulations commonly called stream farming have also become a problem with <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/are-streaming-platforms-doing-enough-to-curb-stream-farming/mnq1c9e">DSPs cracking down on the trend</a> that has been described as a criminal attempt to get illegal revenue and undue commercial advantage.

FBI arrests American musician who used Bot streams to generate $10M in royalties

In a news that circulated on September 5, 2024, the North Carolina resident Michael Smith was arrested by the FBI after he was indicted for garnering over $10M in royalties through BOT streams

<h2>Nigerian megastar Davido is one of the artists at the forefront of exporting Afrobeats to a global audience through his award-winning music. </h2>

In a recent video posted on social media on September 5, 2024, Davido was spotted in the streets of Paris where he was introduced to a fan who described himself as a Prince from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In response, Davido describes himself as the "King of Nigeria" before granting the Prince's request for a picture.

In the video, Davido also revealed that he was booked for a show in Saudi Arabia later in the year.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Davido linked up with Saudi Arabia Prince in Paris 🥶🇫🇷 <a href="https://t.co/AenWGsB10U">pic.twitter.com/AenWGsB10U</a>&mdash; Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) <a href="https://twitter.com/dammiedammie35/status/1831787099479232678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Davido's title as the "King of Nigeria" is the latest in his list of monikers that includes "OBO (Omo Baba Olowo)" meaning son of the wealthy man, which is his first alias that marked his<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/pulse-list-davido-30-ranking-davidos-top-30-songs/v2137be"> era-defining 2012 hit single 'Dami Duro'.</a>

Davido is also fondly called "Baddest" and "001" which is a testament to his superstar status and declaration as Afrobeats' number 1 citizen.

2024 has gotten off to a positive start for <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-loses-all-3-nominations-at-the-66th-grammy-awards/3yetmfe">Davido who earned three nominations at the 66th Grammys</a>.

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-sparks-grammy-talks-with-new-collaboration-with-angelique-kidjo/sk33wtk">Davido recently sparked Grammy conversations after he announced the new single 'Joy,' a collaboration with 5X Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo </a>which was released on August 30 just before the submission deadline for the 67th Grammys.

Davido is expected to release his fifth project in 2024 which he earlier announced to be ready and described as his best yet.

Nigerian megastar Davido is one of the artists at the forefront of exporting Afrobeats to a global audience through his award-winning music.

Davido meets Saudi Prince, describes himself as 'King of Nigeria'

<h2>With Nigerian music enjoying global recognition, Afrobeats stars are winning notable awards including the Grammys which is considered the biggest price in music. </h2>

On August 26, 2024, Davido took to his X (formerly Twitter) page to announce his latest collaboration titled 'Joy' with Angélique Kidjo. The song featuring the Beninois music legend will be released on Friday, August 30, 2024.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It was an honor working with the legend <a href="https://twitter.com/angeliquekidjo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@angeliquekidjo</a> on JOY Dropping Friday ☀️❤️ <a href="https://t.co/ItgpwTE9iP">pic.twitter.com/ItgpwTE9iP</a>&mdash; Davido (@davido) <a href="https://twitter.com/davido/status/1828127843571650805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Davido's announcement has sparked conversations over his desire to edge his Grammy chances through collaboration with the five-time winner.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🌞This song JOY is who I am!🌞Coming out this Friday, thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/davido?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@davido</a> for bringing your LIGHT! 🙏🏿 No one could have done it better ❤️ We hope this song can bring the world together for a moment of JOY! Pre-save now: <a href="https://t.co/Z8QnwIpK2y">https://t.co/Z8QnwIpK2y</a> Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/shizzi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shizzi</a> <a href="https://t.co/TfWFHf0bGR">pic.twitter.com/TfWFHf0bGR</a>&mdash; Angelique Kidjo (@angeliquekidjo) <a href="https://twitter.com/angeliquekidjo/status/1828127515602215173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The fact that the single is also set to drop on the date of the Grammy entry deadline for 2024 added to the speculation that Davido had his eyes on the golden gramophone.

Davido made his Grammy mark in 2023 when he was nominated for Best Global Album for his <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/17-records-set-by-davidos-fourth-album-timeless/53g13c1">record-breaking fourth album 'Timeless',</a> Best Global Song Performance for 'Feel', and Best African Song Performance for 'Unavailable' featuring Musa Keys.

While Davido lost out at the <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/the-full-winners-list-at-the-66th-grammy-awards/mv709xf">66th Grammys</a>, his three nominations were a giant stride for the hitmaker who appears poised to secure another nomination courtesy of his collaboration with 5-time winner Angélique Kidjo.

Grammy winner and<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/6-grammy-achievements-burna-boy-is-the-first-nigerian-to-attain/0xrxrmp"> most nominated Nigerian artist Burna Boy </a>scored one of his 10 nominations courtesy of his guest appearance on Kidjo's 'Do Yourself' which earned a Global Song Performance nod at the 64th Grammys.

With 'Joy', Davido might be hoping to earn a nomination in the global categories where Angélique Kidjo has been a recurring figure with 14 nominations.

With Nigerian music enjoying global recognition, Afrobeats stars are winning notable awards including the Grammys which is considered the biggest price in music

Davido sparks Grammy conversations with new collaboration with Angélique Kidjo

<h2>Nigerian music is enjoying international success and one of the artists exporting the music is the Flavour whose vibrant music fuses cultural elements and has won him several distinctions. </h2>

In a recent interview on The Afrobeats Podcast with Adesope, Flavour was asked how he felt about being left out of the list of Afrobeats' biggest global exports.

The hitmaker quickly pointed out that he wasn't bothered with such a conversation as he doesn't identify as an Afrobeats artist.

"I am not an Afrobeats artist. I am an African artist," Flavour replied.

He also pointed out how the microscope is currently on Afrobeats and how it's mostly what the media focuses on while neglecting other music across the continent.

"Most time, the media just talk about Afrobeats. They are not talking about African music. If you talk about African music, you have to talk about Flavour," the veteran musician said.

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/flavour-narrates-how-he-used-to-charge-naira5000-per-beat/1mg3z4z">Flavour whose career has spanned over two decades</a> with several hit records and critically acclaimed albums pointed out that not every artist needs to fit into the Afrobeats narrative.

Flavour referred to the <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/a-ranking-of-asakes-top-10-songs/22k0z1p">era-defining popstar Asake</a> whose music offers a modern take on Fuji music just like he was creating music that embraces different aspects of Igbo culture.

Flavour's stance as an African artist was reflected in his last album titled <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/a-review-of-african-royalty-by-afrobeats-superstar-flavour/gxjlgzj">'African Royalty' </a>released in December 2023. The award-winning veteran has also collaborated with several African artists including Fally Ipupa and Diamond Platnumz.

You can watch Flavour's full interview on The Afrobeats Podcast with Adesope below.

We need to promote African Music not just Afrobeats - Flavour says

Nigerian music is enjoying international success and one of the artists exporting the music is the Flavour whose vibrant music fuses cultural elements and has won him several distinctions

<h2>Afrobeats is enjoying international success with Nigerian superstars garnering billions of streams, winning notable awards, and collaborating with global superstars.</h2>

Spice, the Jamaican dancehall sensation is the latest international star to express her love for Afrobeats. She did this in a recent interview with Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze while also declaring herself as a fan of Grammy winner Burna Boy.

"I don't think Afrobeats is f**ckery. It's kind of absurd to say that," Spice said in reaction to a recent criticism of Afrobeats by Jamaican artist Buju Banton. "I am a fan of Afrobeats and I love the genre. I don't think it's right to say they don't make cultural music," she adds.

Spice further went on to share that within Afrobeats, there are artists like 2Baba and Falz making conscious music while pointing out that even in Jamaica, there are Reggae artists who make conscious music and Dancehall acts who make party-starting pop records.

Spice acknowledged that while she is the Queen of dancehall, she must admit that Afrobeats is the bigger genre right now.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“I don’t think Afrobeats is fvckery, I am a fan of Afrobeats. I listen to Burna Boy &amp; I know his songs. There are artistes who make songs about political issues in Nigeria...” Dancehall singer, Spice reacts to her countryman Buju Banton’s take on Afrobeats <a href="https://t.co/cZlk3ciHvf">pic.twitter.com/cZlk3ciHvf</a>&mdash; @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) <a href="https://twitter.com/OneJoblessBoy/status/1823763722097078321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Her comments come after <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/buju-banton-accuses-afrobeats-off-biting-off-dancehall-without-paying-respect/22y0sev">Jamaican dancehall star Buju Banton accused Afrobeats music of failing to capture the reality and plight of Africans</a>.

According to Buju Banton, Afrobeats is enjoying international success but the music doesn't edify or reflect the struggles of the continent like the work of older African artists.

Banton named<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/fela-kuti-heres-the-best-interview-about-the-afrobeat-legend/s2sh5zq"> Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti</a>, Malian legend Salif Keita, and Senegalese musician Youssou N'dour as African artists whose music had a sociopolitical impact albeit that these artists made music different from the mainstream pop music that defines Afrobeats.

Buju Banton during his interview with the Drinking Champ Podcast also claimed Nigerian superstars do not collaborate with their Caribbean counterparts despite Afrobeats being strongly influenced by Dancehall and Reggae.

Jamaican star Spice expresses her love for Afrobeats (Charlotte Rutherford)

Afrobeats is enjoying international success with Nigerian superstars garnering billions of streams, winning notable awards, and collaborating with global superstars.

I am a fan of Afrobeats - Spice says following Buju Banton's criticism

<h2>The music company has agreed to a licensing deal with Meta that will bring its music to the social media messaging platform used by billions of users globally.</h2>

The agreement is part of UMG's effort to strengthen the licensing agreement first signed in 2017 with Meta (formerly Facebook) which brought the label's catalogue across the company's social media platforms that now include Threads.

As part of the new agreement, UMG artists and songwriters will get a cut in advertising revenue from the use of licensed music on&nbsp;Meta creator posts.

Michael Nash, UMG's Chief Digital Officer and Executive VP, in a statement, said:&nbsp;“We are delighted that Meta shares our artist-centric vision for respecting human creativity and compensating artists and songwriters fairly. We look forward to continuing to work together to address unauthorized AI-generated content that could affect artists and songwriters so that UMG can continue to protect their rights both now and in the future.”

The deal will also see UMG's catalogue becomes the first cache of songs to be accessible for content sharing and usage on WhatsApp. This will see Nigerian artists like Adekunle Gold and Odumodublvck who are signed or affiliated to UMG have their music on available on Whatsapp.

Universal Music under the leadership of Lucian Grainge has been leading the crackdown against unauthorised use of its music, especially through artificial intelligence that infringes on the rights of its artists.

In 2024, UMG was in a protracted disagreement with TikTok over royalty rate and allegations that the social media platform failed to crack down on the use of Artificial Intelligence.

The conflict was later <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/tiktok-and-umg-reach-agreement-to-return-their-songs-to-the-app/gyrnfg1">resolved in a deal that will see UMG artists and songwriters get paid for using their music</a> and their likeness by artificial intelligence.

Universal Music agrees deal with Meta to bring its music to WhatsApp

The music company has agreed to a licensing deal with Meta that will bring its music to the social media messaging platform used by billions of users globally.

<h2>Afrobeats is enjoying a global rise with Nigerian musicians winning international awards, collaborating with global stars, and headlining record-breaking concerts.&nbsp;</h2>

In a recent interview on the Drinking Champs Podcast, Jamaican Reggae &amp; Dancehall star Buju Banton commented on the<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/the-02-arena-and-the-international-rise-of-afrobeats/ltnhsjv"> rise of Afrobeats </a>which he tags as lacking in impact.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“A lot of culture vultures out there. They’ve focused on our music so hard &amp; stolen our culture. They don’t give us no respect” - Buju Banton talks about Afrobeats not giving Jamaican Reggae &amp; Dance hall enough props. <a href="https://t.co/Ost7x1lBDx">pic.twitter.com/Ost7x1lBDx</a>&mdash; OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olamide0fficial/status/1822670256118108671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Banton named<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/fela-kuti-heres-the-best-interview-about-the-afrobeat-legend/s2sh5zq"> Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti</a>, Malian legend Salif Keita, and Senegalese musician Youssou N'dour as African artists whose music had a sociopolitical impact.

The Jamaican stated that while Afrobeats is on a global rise, the songs do not connect with the plight of its audience. Banton pointed that unlike Reggae music which documents different aspects of life, Afrobeats don't reflect Africa's current political climate with ongoing protest in different countries.

In the interview, Buju Banton also pointed out that although Afrobeats and Latin American pop music Reggaeton are all inspired by Reggae and Dancehall, both movements don't give sufficient regard to their Caribbean influences.

He faulted Afrobeats for cutting off Jamaicans in their efforts to connect with the rest of the world despite enjoying goodwill and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/what-afrobeats-can-learn-from-the-international-decline-of-dancehall/9zeq3kf">finding inspiration from Dancehall and Reggae</a>.

According to Banton, Afrobeats stars aren't featuring their Jamaican counterparts but will rather feature artists from other continents.

The Jamaican musician's comment has generated reactions on social media where observers have tagged Buju Banton's claim that Afrobeats lack conscious music as false and his comments that Nigerians don't feature their Jamaican counterparts as unfounded.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Buju Banton: Name one Afrobeats song that can uplift us? Me: Here’s 20 that dropped this year… 1. Burna Boy - Higher 2. Yemi Alade &amp; Ziggy Marley - Peace &amp; Love 3. Wizard Chan - Demons &amp; Angels 4. Show Dem Camp, The Cavemen, Nsikak David &amp; Moelogo - Blessings 5. Ladipoe,… <a href="https://t.co/x3IoY2nmKI">https://t.co/x3IoY2nmKI</a>&mdash; gracey mae (@_graceymae) <a href="https://twitter.com/_graceymae/status/1822754149081243740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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You can watch Buju Banton's full interview on Drinking Champs below.

Reggae Crooner Buju Banton set to perform at KICC, first time in Africa

Afrobeats is enjoying a global rise with Nigerian musicians winning international awards, collaborating with global stars, and headling record-making concerts.

Buju Banton accuses Afrobeats of biting off Dancehall without paying respect

<h2>Canadian global sensation Drake is one of the biggest artists in the world whose influence stretches across different continents and genres.</h2>

The Grammy-winning rapper recently had files leaked online with songs and video recordings among the nearly 100 gigabytes of content.

Among the leaked content are unreleased songs featuring Rema and Tems which has sparked excitement from fans online.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Drake and his team grooving to his incoming collaboration with Rema ‘Mention Me’🔥 <a href="https://t.co/JTlgsgwaWY">https://t.co/JTlgsgwaWY</a>&mdash; T.U.E (@TheUpperEnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUpperEnt/status/1821054566349050238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The collaboration with Rema was posted on X (formerly Twitter) in a video where Drake was playing the song for some of his OVO associates. An old Rema post on X from 2022 where he talked about his collaboration with Drake has also given credence to the leaked song.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The day Me &amp; Drake actually drop, hmm.&mdash; REMA (@heisrema) <a href="https://twitter.com/heisrema/status/1594279100209926146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also shared online was a clip of an unreleased collaboration with Nigerian Grammy winner Tems which is believed to be an alternate version of their collaboration 'Fountain' off Drake's album 'Certified Lover Boy'.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Drake - Fountains (OG) <a href="https://t.co/qUZlr9eKmI">pic.twitter.com/qUZlr9eKmI</a>&mdash; Unreal HipHop (@Unreal_HipHop) <a href="https://twitter.com/Unreal_HipHop/status/1820934902046429480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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After collaborating on 'Fountain', Tems and Drake will later appear on Future 'Wait For U' which debuted at NO. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

Drake's leaked file has generated excitement from fans who have eagerly awaited new materials from the rapper after his recent <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/kendrick-lamar-asks-drake-to-return-2pacs-ring/465ygkv">beef with Kendrick Lamar</a>.

Following his beef with Kendrick Lamar, Drake is yet to release a song although he has made guest appearances on songs with Sexy Redd and more recently on Gordo's 'Sideways'.

The leaked files might suggest the beginning of another run from the rapper who holds the record as the <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/drake-sets-new-global-streaming-record-on-spotify/pnt48zr">first artist to surpass 100 billion Spotify streams</a>.

Unreleased songs with Rema, Tems among contents of Drake's leaked files

Canadian global sensation Drake is one of the biggest artists in the world whose influence stretches across different continents and genres

Drake's leaked files contain unreleased songs with Rema, Tems

<h2>Nigerian international superstar Asake has made a name for himself as one of Afrobeats' most reliable hitmakers whose music has earned him several distinctions.</h2>

Ahead of the release of his third album 'Lungu Boy', Asake has released a new single 'Active' featuring American hit-making rapper and producer Travis Scott.

The song released on August 7 is a blend of era-defining Amapiano log drum with Dance elements which made for an up-tempo party-starting record. On the single, Asake sampled Adewale Ayuba's chorus from 'Raise The Roof' his hit collaboration with Jazzman Olofin.

Asake recently released the tracklist for his third album 'Lungu Boy' which will feature guest appearances from Wizkid, Central Cee, Stormzy, and Ludmina.

In 2024, Asake released 'Only Me' and 'Wave' featuring Central Cee which is one of the tracks on the 'Lungu Boy'.

The album comes ahead of Asake's upcoming 'Lungu Boy' tour which will include stops at the<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/afrobeats-star-asake-dazzle-listeners-in-o2-arena-concert/bmby48f"> famous O2 Arena which he previously headlined in 2023 </a>and the iconic Madison Square Garden which will make him only the fourth Nigerian artist to headline the venue.

Asake's upcoming album will be his third in three years in what is a breathless run of hits for the era-defining superstar.

Since breaking into the mainstream, Asake has been on a steady ascension. His debut album 'Mr. Money With The Vibes' won the Album of the Year prize at the <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/the-winners-list-at-the-2023-16th-headies-awards/77cevpm">2023 Headies Awards</a>. His second album 'Work of Art' had the hit single 'Lonely At The Top' which set the<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/lonely-at-the-top-becomes-all-time-longest-1-song-in-nigeria/hzt42vw"> record for longest charting song on TurnTable Top 100</a>.

Asake teams up with Travis Scott for new single 'Active'

Nigerian international superstar Asake has made a name for himself as one of Afrobeats' most reliable hitmakers whose music has earned him several distinctions.

Adeayo Adebiyi

Articles written by the author