A US man has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a large-scale fraud scheme that used artificial intelligence and automated bots to generate millions in streaming royalties. According to the US Department of Justice, 52-year-old Michael Smith admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after allegedly manipulating music streaming platforms between 2017 and 2024. Prosecutors said Smith…
Sony has rolled out a new system update for the PlayStation 3, nearly 20 years after the console first launched in 2006. The latest update, version 4.93, arrives a year after the previous 4.92 release. As with several recent updates, the official patch notes offer little detail, stating only that the update “improves system performance.”…
Ubisoft has halted game development at its subsidiary Red Storm Entertainment, a move that has resulted in the loss of 105 jobs as part of a broader restructuring effort. The decision follows Ubisoft’s earlier announcement of company-wide cost-cutting measures, which have already led to layoffs, project cancellations and studio closures. According to internal communications, Red…
Nigerian singer Qing Madi has described the financial rewards in the music industry as extraordinarily high, comparing them to “drug money.” Speaking on the Tea With Tay podcast, the 19-year-old artist said musicians can earn in a single performance what many Nigerians might make over months or even years in regular employment. According to Qing…
Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has sparked excitement among fans after previewing an unreleased track featuring fellow hitmaker Asake. The singer shared a snippet of the song during a recent appearance on PlaqueboyMax’s livestream, where she was seen vibing to the high-energy record. Although the official title has not yet been revealed, fans have already…
Nigerian actress and reality TV star Bisola Aiyeola has shared her emotional journey of becoming a single mother, revealing the fears and challenges she faced at the time. Speaking in a recent interview with Tope Olowoniyan, the actress disclosed that she initially struggled with feelings of shame and anxiety after discovering she was pregnant outside…
IO Interactive has officially confirmed the end of its publishing partnership with Build a Rocket Boy for the upcoming title MindsEye. The announcement follows earlier reports suggesting the collaboration was nearing its conclusion. In a recent blog update, IO Interactive stated that the partnership formally ended on March 16, 2026. Going forward, Build a Rocket…
Nigerian music star Asake has revealed that his decision to pursue a career in music initially caused a major rift between him and his father. Speaking during a recent interview with YouTuber Korty EO, the “Sungba” hitmaker shared that his father strongly opposed his ambitions, leading to a breakdown in their once close relationship. According…
Veteran Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has shared details about a deeply personal decision she made years ago to stop having more children. Speaking on her YouTube platform, Shaffy Bello TV, the actress revealed that she underwent a procedure known as tubal ligation about 26 years ago, as she was certain she did not want a…
A court has ruled in favour of the co-founders of Unknown Worlds Entertainment in their legal dispute with Krafton over the development of Subnautica 2, ordering the reinstatement of CEO Ted Gill. The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the studio’s leadership and its parent company. Krafton had previously accused key…
Nigerian artists earned more than ₦60 billion in royalties from Spotify in 2025, according to the streaming platform’s latest annual report. The figure represents a significant surge in earnings, with revenue generated by Nigerian artists rising by over 140 percent in the past two years. The growth highlights the increasing global demand for Nigerian music…
Gaming company Valve has outlined the performance and compatibility requirements developers must meet for their games to receive verification on its upcoming hardware platforms, the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame. The announcement was made during the Game Developers Conference, where Valve shared new guidelines aimed at ensuring a smooth gaming experience across its next…
Japanese gaming company Sega has announced plans to reform its marketing and sales strategies as it seeks to strengthen revenue from its game releases. The company disclosed the move during a recent earnings call, where chief executive Haruki Satomi acknowledged that while Sega has maintained relatively lower development costs compared to many large-scale AAA titles…
American rapper Nicki Minaj has filed a lawsuit against Nigerian social media influencer Dr Penking over alleged cyberbullying and copyright infringement. The dispute began after the influencer shared an old video of the rapper on the social media platform X on Saturday. In the post, he reportedly captioned the clip with a remark suggesting that…
Fans have been given their first glimpse of the next chapter in the Spider-Man saga, as the official trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been released. The highly anticipated film will see Spider-Man return to the big screen, with a theatrical release date set for July 31, 2026. Watch the trailer below. The project…
Samsung is expanding the library of games compatible with its glasses-free 3D gaming monitor, adding new titles to its dedicated “3D Hub” platform as the company continues to push forward with the technology. The South Korean tech giant first introduced its glasses-free 3D monitor earlier this year, offering gamers a way to experience 3D visuals…
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has made history after becoming the first African artiste to generate more than $1 million from a single concert in Oceania. The milestone was achieved during the Sydney stop of his No Sign Of Weakness tour, which took place on October 18, 2025, at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia….
American rapper Rick Ross has revealed the artists he would most love to collaborate with, naming a mix of legendary and contemporary music icons. Speaking during a recent livestream interview, the Maybach Music Group founder said his ideal collaboration would feature reggae legend Bob Marley, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, and Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy….
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has revealed her personal picks for the greatest artistes in Afrobeats, naming Wizkid, Tiwa Savage and Rema as her “Big 3” of the genre. Speaking during a recent interview on Hot 97, the fast-rising star shared her view on the most influential figures in Afrobeats, a conversation that has long been…
Veteran Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has said differences in funding requirements helped Afrobeats gain global recognition faster than Nigeria’s film industry, popularly known as Nollywood. Speaking during a recent appearance on the Afropolitan Podcast, the actress explained that producing music is generally less expensive than making films, allowing musicians to create and distribute content more…
Nigerian singer and songwriter Ayra Starr has spoken about the personal inspiration behind one of her songs, revealing that it was influenced by a private relationship she has been navigating. The music star shared the details during a recent appearance on The Intern, a programme produced by Roc Nation. During the conversation, Ayra Starr explained…
Nigerian actress and reality television personality Beverly Osu has spoken about the financial challenges she has faced in the entertainment industry, saying she believes her career achievements should have made her far wealthier. Osu made the remarks during a recent appearance on the Ghacha’s Chough Podcast, where she reflected on her journey across different areas…
A co-founder of the Call of Duty franchise has claimed that publisher Activision once attempted to push developers toward creating a storyline centered on Iran launching an invasion of Israel. Chance Glasco, who helped establish Infinity Ward and worked on early titles in the Call of Duty series, said the concept emerged after the studio’s…
Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has expressed concern over the rising cost of basic amenities in Nigeria, revealing that he spends about N40,000 daily to maintain electricity in his home. The 78-year-old actor made the remarks during a recent appearance on Jigsaw, a programme aired by African Independent Television (AIT), where he discussed the country’s…
Developer Embark Studios has released a hotfix for its upcoming shooter ARC Raiders after a software engineer discovered that the game was unintentionally storing users’ private Discord messages on their computers. The issue was first flagged by computer engineer Timothy Meadows, who reported that the game was logging certain Discord data locally once a player…
Nigerian content creator Nasiru Lawal, popularly known as Nasboi, has criticised fellow entertainer Carter Efe over comments suggesting that skit making is no longer thriving. Carter Efe recently sparked debate after stating during an appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast that the skit-making industry was “dead.” The comedian, who has transitioned into live streaming, said…
Bukayo Saka has surprised fans after admitting he was unfamiliar with Canadian music icon Celine Dion during a recent conversation with Nigerian singer Tems. The revelation came during a light-hearted chat in which the Arsenal F.C. winger asked the Grammy-winning artist about her musical influences while growing up. Tems explained that she began singing at…
Microsoft has officially confirmed that its next-generation Xbox console is in development under the codename Project Helix, marking the company’s clearest signal yet that future Xbox hardware will blend traditional console gaming with PC capabilities. The announcement came from Asha Sharma, who recently took over leadership of Microsoft’s Xbox division. In a brief update, Sharma…
Nigerian singer Joeboy has weighed in on the debate surrounding Tyla’s victory at the Grammy Awards earlier this year. Tyla won the Best African Music Performance category at the 2026 Grammys with her hit track “Push 2 Start,” beating several Nigerian nominees including Davido, Omah Lay, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, and Burna Boy. Her win sparked…
Nigerian Afrobeats star Adekunle Gold has stirred excitement online after posting a brief but cryptic message hinting at major plans for 2026. On Tuesday, the singer shared the phrase “EJA NLA 2026” across his social media platforms. Translated from Yoruba, the words mean “Big Fish” – a term that has increasingly become associated with his…
A new instalment of the long-running Gran Turismo franchise appears to be in development, with Japanese studio Polyphony Digital launching a fresh recruitment drive. The studio, best known for its racing simulator series often described as “The Real Driving Simulator,” has published 18 job openings across a range of roles. Vacancies include positions for testers,…
Nigerian rapper and singer Superboy Cheque has revealed that his battle with acne once pushed him to the brink of quitting music. In an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, the artiste shared how severe skin issues earlier in his career took a toll on his confidence and nearly derailed his ambitions. Cheque said he became…
Nigerian music producer Sarz has criticised the country’s electricity supply, saying he has never experienced 24-hour power since birth. Speaking on a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, the 36-year-old producer, whose real name is Osabuohien Osaretin, described erratic power supply as a major obstacle for creatives in Nigeria. Sarz said unreliable electricity often disrupts…
Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has spoken about her marriage to an older spouse, saying age differences can bring understanding and tolerance into a relationship. The 64-year-old actress shared her views during a recent appearance on Your View, where she discussed her long-running marriage to fellow actor Olu Jacobs. Silva, who married Jacobs in 1985,…
Prominent Nigerian music producers Sarz, Ozedikus and disc jockey DJ Kaywise have publicly shared accounts of what they describe as exploitation by musicians within the industry, reigniting debate over compensation and credit for creatives behind the scenes. The conversation was triggered by comments from Sarz during a recent appearance on the Afropolitan Podcast, where the…
A Lagos State magistrate court sitting in Ikorodu has approved three foreign laboratories to conduct DNA tests to determine the paternity of Liam, the son of late singer Mohbad. The decision was disclosed after the court session by Oladayo Ogungbe, counsel to Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba. According to him, the court authorised one laboratory in…
The Lagos State Judiciary has fixed April 14, 2026, for the start of a coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The child died on January 7, 2026, after complications reportedly arose from a series of preparatory medical procedures. In the aftermath, the family issued…
Nigerian music producer Sarz has said weak economic conditions in Nigeria are a major reason artists earn far less from music streaming in the country than in the United States and other Western markets. Speaking on a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, Sarz explained that payouts for the same number of streams vary sharply…
Nigerian singer Asake has been named the most-streamed artist of all time on Spotify Nigeria, following the release of new milestone rankings by the streaming service. Spotify published the list to mark its fifth anniversary in Nigeria, highlighting the country’s most-played artistes and songs since the platform launched locally. Asake led the all-time artistes’ chart,…
Nigerian singer Tems has overtaken South Africa’s Tyla to become the African artiste with the highest number of monthly listeners on Spotify. Spotify data shows Tems reaching 38.3 million monthly listeners, edging past Tyla’s 38.2 million. The surge follows a run of recent releases and high-profile collaborations that have boosted her global reach. Industry watchers…
Nollywood actors Uzor Arukwe and Bam Bam have continued to draw attention for their on-screen partnership amid renewed speculation about the actress’s personal life. The pair recently appeared as romantic leads in Without You, a love-themed film released shortly before Valentine’s Day. Scenes from the movie and behind-the-scenes clips have circulated widely online, sparking conversations…
American rapper Future has said his biggest personal regret is failing to treat women better in his earlier relationships, describing the admission as part of a broader effort at self-reflection. The Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Nayvadius DeMun Cash, made the comments during a recent interview with Hot 97 FM, where he spoke candidly…
Nigerian publisher and politician Dele Momodu has said discussions are underway with the Adeleke family to resolve the child custody dispute involving Afrobeats star Davido and Sophia Momodu. Momodu, who is the publisher of Ovation Magazine and an uncle to Sophia Momodu, disclosed this while responding to public calls urging him to intervene in the…
Veteran Nigerian singer Beautiful Nubia has accused gospel musicians Yinka Ayefele and a newer artiste identified as BBO of allegedly copying the melody of one of his songs without authorisation. In a post shared on X on Tuesday, Beautiful Nubia, whose real name is Segun Akinlolu, claimed that Ayefele’s 2012 track My Faith in God…
Nigerian stars Tems and Burna Boy have become the African artistes with the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking a long-standing tie with South African rock band Seether. The milestone was achieved this week after both artists earned fresh chart appearances through collaborations on J. Cole’s new album The Fall-Off. Tems appears on…
Nigerian singer Simi has ignited widespread debate after calling for extreme punishment for rapists amid growing concern over sexual violence in the country. The Afrobeats star, whose full name is Simisola Kosoko, made the remarks in a post on X late Tuesday, as public outrage continued to build over a series of rape allegations reported…
Billboard has drawn criticism online after describing Nigerian singer Rema as a “one-hit wonder”, a label many fans say downplays his global success. The controversy followed a post shared by Billboard on X on February 16, in which the magazine reshared an article from its June 2025 chart analysis. The post ranked Rema at number…
Nigerian singer Joeboy has suggested that Afrobeats is entering a new creative phase, describing the moment as a necessary reset that is steering the genre back toward authenticity and substance. The artist made the remarks during his sold-out Valentine’s Day concert in Lagos, where he paused midway through his performance to reflect on the current…
After years of speculation, Konami has officially announced Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, a release that brings Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots to PC and current-generation consoles for the first time. The collection is scheduled to launch on August 27, 2026, ending the game’s long-standing confinement to PlayStation 3 hardware….
Nigerian music heavyweights Phyno and Flavour have reunited on a new collaborative single titled Uzo Ano, marking another chapter in one of the most enduring partnerships in contemporary African music. Released under the Penthauze imprint, the song’s title translates from Igbo as “Four Roads,” a metaphor for destiny, progress, and the choices that define success….
