Entertainment

Burna Boy and Tems Fly Nigeria’s Flag with 3 Nominations at 2026 MTV VMAs

by Women Times on August 21, 2026

Published: August 21, 2026|By Prosper Mene

Nigerian music stars Burna Boy and Tems are leading the country’s charge at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, securing three nominations between them.

Burna Boy bags two nods alongside global pop icon Shakira for their hit single “Dai Dai” in the Best Collaboration and Best Latin categories. The Afro-fusion superstar and Shakira have been performing the track to packed crowds, with children in yellow shirts joining them on stage during recent live shows.

Tems earns her nomination in the Best R&B category for “Raindance” with British-Nigerian rapper Dave. The soulful collaboration puts Tems back in the VMA spotlight following her previous global acclaim.

The 2026 MTV VMAs will hold on Sunday, September 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

No Best Afrobeats Category This Year

In a notable shift, MTV has dropped the Best Afrobeats category for 2026. Introduced in 2023, the category produced three winners:

– 2023: Rema & Selena Gomez – “Calm Down”

– 2024: Tyla – “Water”

– 2025: Tyla – “Push 2 Start”

Tyla remains the only artist with two wins in the category. Rema is still the sole Nigerian winner of Best Afrobeats. With the category absent this year, Burna Boy and Tems are representing Nigeria in broader genre and collaboration fields.

Other African and Diaspora Nominees

African and diaspora artists remain visible across the nominations:

– PinkPantheress leads with 5 nods, including for “Stateside” with Zara Larsson

– RAYE picks up 2 nominations

– Shaboozey appears in Best Country and Best Cinematography

– Tyler, The Creator is nominated in Best Hip-Hop

– French Montana earns a Best Collaboration nod

MTV also removed several categories this year, including Best Rock, Best Pop Artist, Best Album, Video for Good, Best Group, and Song of the Summer. Best Dance returns for the first time in seven years.

Madonna tops the 2026 nominations with 11, followed by Taylor Swift* with 9. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each have 7, while Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress, and Zara Larsson have 5 apiece.

2026 MTV VMA – Major Nominee List

Video of the Year

Ariana Grande — “hate that i made you love me”

Bruno Mars — “I Just Might”

Madonna — “Confessions II – The Film”

Taylor Swift — “The Fate of Ophelia”

Sabrina Carpenter — “Tears”

Artist of the Year

Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Madonna, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift

Best Collaboration

Shakira and Burna Boy — “Dai Dai”

Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter — “Bring Your Love”

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson — “Stateside”

Best R&B

Dave and Tems — “Raindance”

Bruno Mars — “I Just Might”

Justin Bieber — “YUKON”

Best Latin

Shakira and Burna Boy — “Dai Dai”

Bad Bunny — “NUEVAYoL”

KAROL G — “Papasito”

Best Hip-Hop

Tyler, the Creator — “SUGAR ON MY TONGUE”

Drake — “Janice STFU”

Travis Scott — “DUMBO”

The full list of nominees is available on MTV’s official channels.

With no dedicated Afrobeats category this year, all eyes will be on Burna Boy and Tems to extend Nigeria’s VMA legacy on September 27.

Entertainment

History Made! Angélique Kidjo Becomes First African Musician to Receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

by Women Times on August 21, 2026

Published: August 19, 2026 | By Prosper Mene

Benin’s global music icon Angélique Kidjo has made history.

The 5-time Grammy winner was honoured on August 18, 2026 with the 2,854th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Recording category — becoming the first African musician ever to receive the recognition.

The unveiling took place at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, with Kidjo kneeling beside her star in a vibrant orange outfit and blue headwrap.

To mark the occasion, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce officially declared August 18 as “Angélique Kidjo Day” in Hollywood.

This is a first for African music. While the Walk of Fame has celebrated global icons for over 60 years, Kidjo is the first Black African artist and the first African musician to be immortalized there. Across all entertainment categories, she is only the second African-born entertainer to receive a star, after South African actress Charlize Theron.

Born in Ouidah, Benin, Kidjo grew up surrounded by West African rhythms before moving to Paris in the 1980s. Over the last 40 years, she has released 19 studio albums, blending Fon, Yoruba and pan-African sounds with jazz, funk, R&B and pop.

Her accolades include:

– 5 Grammy Awards

– Polar Music Prize

– A spot on TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list

– Years of advocacy as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

The ceremony was hosted by Variety correspondent Angelique Jackson and drew a powerful crowd.

Speakers included Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe, longtime friend of Kidjo, and Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy.

Beninese actor Djimon Hounsou and Nigerian star Adekunle Gold were also in attendance to support her.

In her acceptance speech, Kidjo made it clear the honour was bigger than her.

“We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world, and what we continue giving to the world for music to exist,” she said.

“It’s not just my star. It’s our star.”

For many, this star is long overdue. Kidjo helped pave the modern path for African music on the global stage — long before “Afrobeats to the world” became a catchphrase.

From Ouidah to Hollywood Boulevard, her star now sits permanently in the Recording category, a reminder that African sound has always shaped global music.

Entertainment Uncategorized

Ayra Starr’s Starrgirl Is the Album That Wants You to Dance, Feel & Believe in Yourself

by Women Times on August 14, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Ayra Starr has released her third studio album, Starrgirl, a 16-track project featuring Wizkid, Rema, ZAYN, Leon Thomas and more, wrapped in a rich purple aesthetic.

Has Ayra Starr convinced you to make purple your colour of the season? The Nigerian superstar has officially dropped her third studio album, Starrgirl, cloaked in a vivid purple visual identity that defines this new era.

Following the success of 19 & Dangerous and The Year I Turned 21, the 16-track project affirms her place among Afropop’s most inventive and self-assured talents.

The title itself deepens her personal lore, positioning her as a multifaceted star fully owning her space at the top of her game.Starr teams up with an impressive mix of global and local heavyweights across the record. She links with Wizkid on “Gimme Dat,” joins Mavin labelmate Rema on “Who’s Dat Girl,” and features UK singer kwn on “Amazing.”

American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas appears on “Pressure,” French artist Theodora joins her on “Ms. Paper,” and Colombian star Danny Ocean features on the remix of “Hot Body.”

One of the album’s most talked-about moments is “Heaven Baby,” a piano-driven duet with UK pop star ZAYN, where their contrasting vocal styles create an instant standout. Before the full release, Starr built steady momentum with a series of strategic singles that kept her prominent on the charts. Early previews arrived via “Gimme Dat,” “Hot Body,” “Who’s Dat Girl,” “Where Do We Go,” and the June single “Tornado,” each feeding directly into the album’s arrival.

From the full-band crescendos of “Letter to God” to the late-night rhythms of “Midnight in New York,” Starrgirl delivers across moods and textures. At its core sits her declaration on the track “Dance”: “Feels good to be who I am.”

Entertainment

Bimbo Ademoye Returns in ‘Sibe’ And It’s the Nollywood Drama You Can’t Afford to Miss

by Women Times on August 10, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The highly anticipated film, led by the award-winning actress, producer and storyteller, is already stirring conversations for its raw emotion, cultural depth, and timely message. If you haven’t added it to your watchlist, here’s why you should do it now.

1. A story that hits close to home

Sibe is not just entertainment. It’s a mirror. The film explores themes of love, sacrifice, family pressure, and the quiet strength of women navigating impossible choices. Set against a rich Nigerian backdrop, it blends tradition with modern realities in a way that feels both personal and universal.

Without giving too much away, Sibe asks the hard questions: What do you do when loyalty and survival collide? How far would you go for the people you love?

2. Bimbo Ademoye at her best

We’ve watched Bimbo grow from comedy queen to one of Nollywood’s most bankable dramatic leads, Personal Assistant, Sugar Rush, The Blood Covenant. But in Sibe, she goes deeper.

This is Bimbo stripped of gimmicks. Vulnerable. Fierce. Relatable. She carries the film with a performance that reminds you why she’s one of the defining voices of her generation. It’s the kind of role that stays with you long after the credits roll.

3. Nollywood storytelling, leveled up

Beyond Bimbo, Sibe brings together strong writing, cinematography that captures both grit and beauty, and a supporting cast that holds their own. The film doesn’t rely on loud drama. It builds slowly, letting the tension and emotion breathe. The result is a story that feels real — messy, hopeful, and very Nigerian.

It’s also a win for original storytelling. In a time when audiences are craving fresh narratives, Sibe delivers something new without losing the heart that makes Nollywood special.

4. It will make you feel something

Come for Bimbo. Stay for the story. Leave with a conversation.

Sibe is the kind of film you’ll want to watch with your sister, your mom, your friends and then talk about for days. It celebrates resilience, calls out societal pressure, and ultimately reminds us of the power of choice.

Bimbo Ademoye says:

“Sibe is a story about women. About strength. About the things we don’t say out loud. I hope when people watch it, they see themselves in it.”

Watch it because:

You love Bimbo Ademoye and want to see her range

-You’re tired of recycled plots and want something fresh and emotional.

You want Nollywood to keep winning with stories that matter.

You like films that make you laugh, cry, and think all in 90 minutes

Sibe is now showing. Gather your people, get the popcorn, and experience it.

Entertainment

Funke Akindele Returns to Cinemas With ‘The Four: No One Fights Alone’ – Out Dec 11

by Women Times on August 10, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Funke Akindele is set for another big-screen moment. Her next feature film, The Four: No One Fights Alone, will hit cinemas worldwide on December 11, 2026.

Produced by Funke Akindele Network (FAAN TV) and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the film is the award-winning filmmaker’s first theatrical release since her record-breaking run with A Tribe Called Judah, Battle on Buka Street, and Everybody Loves Jenifa.

The Four is a powerful drama centered on friendship, motherhood, resilience, and the strength of women. Set between the serene Odu Community and the hustle of the city, the story follows Esosa and three fiercely loyal women who risk everything to fight for the future of a young man they love. Their journey tests their faith, courage, and loyalty in ways they never imagined.

The film promises rich visuals and cultural depth, weaving music, fashion, language, and tradition into a story about hope, sacrifice, and unity.

Funke Akindele leading a star-studded Nollywood cast in her new film ‘The Four: No One Fights Alone’.

The movie arrives in cinemas December 11 via FilmOne.

The cast is one of Nollywood’s most impressive ensembles to date. Leading the film are Funke Akindele, Bisola Aiyeola, Chioma Akpotha, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Timini Egbuson, Lateef Adedimeji, Ali Nuhu, Uzor Arukwe, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Antar Laniyan, and Wunmi Toriola.

The film also features award-winning singer Waje, Afrobeat star Shoday, and media personalities Samuel Banks, Kolapo Omotosho, and Ayomide Iwasokun.

Speaking on the project, Akindele said:

“Audiences have grown with us over the years, and they expect stories that entertain while reflecting who we are. With The Four, we are exploring the relationships that shape us, challenge us and stay with us. I think audiences will find a part of themselves in this story.”

Funke Akindele remains one of Africa’s most influential filmmakers. She has written, directed, and produced some of Nigerian cinema’s biggest hits including _Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street, A Tribe Called Judah, Everybody Loves Jenifa, and Behind The Scenes. Her films have repeatedly broken box-office records, making her Nigeria’s highest-grossing filmmaker.

The Four: No One Fights Alone opens exclusively in cinemas on December 11, 2026.

Entertainment

Ayra Starr Paints New York Purple in Strapless Mini Dress for ‘Starr Girl’ Listening Party

by Women Times on August 6, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The Mavin and Republic Records star hosted industry insiders and fans for an intimate first listen to her third studio album ahead of its global release on August 14, 2026.

Ayra arrived in full Y2K mode. She wore a strapless periwinkle blue mini dress with horizontal ruched mesh panels and a bold vertical strip of 3D fabric floral appliqués running down the center bodice.

To balance the bare neckline, she styled the look with a thick multi-row rhinestone choker. She added slim black rectangular sunglasses, cobalt blue open-toe mule heels, a delicate gold chain anklet, and a glittery dark blue hard-shell clutch with “Girl” spelled out in silver lettering.

The singer styled her Y2K-inspired look with a custom Starr Girl clutch and retro updo.

Her beauty was just as statement-making. Ayra wore a retro updo with side-swept fringe, bronze-toned makeup, and sharply defined lip liner.

The listening party offered the first preview of the album before its August 14 release.

The Starr Girl listening session marks a major moment in Ayra’s artistic evolution. The project will feature collaborations with Zayn Malik, Theodora, KWN, Danny Ocean, Leon Thomas, and FOLA.

It also follows the rollout of pre-release singles including *“Tornado,” “Where Do We Go,” “Who’s That Girl” featuring Rema, “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid, and “Hot Body.”

With New York painted periwinkle, all eyes are now on August 14 for the official drop.

Entertainment

‘Starr Girl Is Coming’: Ayra Starr Kicks Off Countdown to August 14 Album Release

by Women Times on August 3, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Ayra Starr has officially started the countdown to her highly anticipated third studio album, Starr Girl.

The Mavin and Republic Records star announced on August 3, 2026, that the project will arrive in 11 days, with a release date set for August 14, 2026. She shared the news with a sleek video teaser on social media, captioning it: “starrgirl is comingggg. 11 days! are you ready?”

The announcement comes as Ayra continues to recover from a recent surgery. In an Instagram Story update days earlier, the singer revealed she had undergone a complicated procedure and would be taking time away from public events to rest. Despite stepping back, she urged her fans — the Mobstarrs — to keep the momentum going ahead of the album drop.

The teaser clip gives the first glimpse of the Starr Girl era. Dressed in a vibrant blue mini dress, Ayra is seen walking through a city street, climbing a fire escape, and sitting atop a building as the skyline lights up behind her. Glowing stars appear in the night sky to spell out the album title. While the background track remains unreleased, the snippet offers fans a taste of her evolving sound.

Starr Girl follows the release of lead single “Tornado” featuring Fola, which dropped in June. With the release date now locked in, anticipation is building globally as Ayra Starr prepares for her official return to music.

Entertainment

Tems heads star-studded soundtrack for “Children of Blood and Bone” alongside Burna Boy and Ayra Star

by Women Times on July 29, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Grammy-winning Nigerian star Tems has been named Executive Music Producer and Curator for the official soundtrack of Paramount Pictures’ highly anticipated fantasy film, Children of Blood and Bone.

The announcement was made by director Gina Prince-Bythewood at an exclusive trailer screening hosted by Lena Waithe at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York. With the appointment, Tems becomes the first woman to executive produce a soundtrack for a film of this magnitude.

According to Prince-Bythewood, Tems and Burna Boy were key inspirations during the screenwriting process. “I listened to Tems and Burna Boy on repeat while writing,” she said, noting that their sound was essential to shaping the film’s musical identity.

Tems’ 2023 hit “Me & U” is already featured in the movie’s official teaser. Her manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, confirmed that the singer also recorded three brand-new original tracks specifically for the project. Burna Boy will serve as Executive Music Consultant, while other Nigerian heavyweights on the album include Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML, and BNXN

Described by Prince-Bythewood as an “epic, no-skips” body of work, the soundtrack mirrors the core themes of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel — magic, destiny, resistance, and hope. It blends African rhythms with orchestral elements to reflect the world of Orïsha.

In another milestone, Ayra Starr will also make her Hollywood acting debut in the film.

Set for release in cinemas on January 15, 2027, Children of Blood and Bone is being hailed as a major cultural link between modern African music and global blockbuster cinema. With Tems leading the sound, the project is already being called one of the most important African-led movie soundtracks to date.

Entertainment

CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE’ PUTS WOMEN AT THE CENTER, ON SCREEN AND OFF

by Women Times on July 28, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The highly anticipated film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel Children of Blood and Bone is being praised not just for its epic fantasy, but for how it celebrates women both in its storytelling and in its casting.

The movie, set in the fictional land of Orïsha, follows young diviner Zélie as she fights to restore magic and overthrow a tyrannical monarchy. At its core, the story is driven by powerful women who lead the resistance, make the hard choices, and carry the emotional weight of a nation.

Industry observers note that the film flips the typical fantasy script by placing women at the center of power. From warriors and queens to mothers and rebels, female characters are not side plots. They are the ones driving the revolution.

That commitment extends behind the camera too. The casting has been hailed for putting African and Black women in leading roles rarely seen in big-budget fantasy films. The ensemble features a new generation of actresses alongside established stars, giving global visibility to talent from across the continent and diaspora.

“It’s not just about having women in the story,” a film critic noted. “It’s about women leading the story, and women leading the production that brings it to life.”

Children of Blood and Bone is already being described as a landmark for representation in Hollywood fantasy. With its mix of African mythology, culture, and female-led heroism, the film is positioning itself as both entertainment and a statement.

Fans and cultural commentators say the movie’s message is clear: when women are given the magic, the sword, and the crown, the whole world changes.

Entertainment

FAVE TURNS UP THE HEAT IN NEW “DANCE” VIDEO – HER PLATINUM LOOK ALONE WILL GET YOU MOVING

by Women Times on July 17, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Lagos, Nigeria – April 2026

Nigerian songbird Fave is back on our screens, and she came with vibes.

The singer has released the official music video for her hit single *”Dance”*, and it’s already getting fans on their feet before the first chorus even drops.

The video leans into bold, clean aesthetics that match the song’s smooth Afropop rhythm. Fave debuts a striking platinum blonde hairstyle, paired with soft pink eyeshadow, sharp winged liner, and rhinestones arched above her brows.

She keeps it glam with silver nose rings, gem-studded nails, and a textured blue top accessorized with a chunky metallic silver bracelet. Subtle details like leaf-patterned designs on her hands and wrists add extra flair to every scene.

From the very first shot, Fave is in motion — swaying, grooving, and owning the beat in a way that makes you want to jump up and copy her dance steps.

“Dance” is one of the standout tracks from Fave’s third EP, “RnBling”. The 6-track project marks a new chapter for the singer as it features her first-ever guest appearances on an EP, with vocals from Chike and Yemi Alade.

Production duties on the entire project were handled by Dunnie, Deeyasso, and Damie, giving “RnBling” a cohesive blend of Afropop and R&B that has become Fave’s signature sound.

If you’ve already had “Dance” on repeat, the visuals will give you even more reasons to add it to your playlist.