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14-Year-Old Champz Debuts at No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria

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At 14 years old, Champz, real name Boluwatife Balogun, has become the youngest artist to reach No. 1 on the Apple Music Nigeria Top Albums chart with his debut EP, Champion’s Arrival. The five-track project, just eleven minutes long, was released on November 11, 2025, and topped the chart within five hours.

Champz – Instagram

While his father, global Afrobeats star Wizkid, is a recognized name, Champz’s achievement is notable for being entirely solo. The EP features no guest artists, highlighting his ability to connect with listeners independently. Its concise format also reflects a clear understanding of today’s streaming-focused audience, where short, focused projects can make a strong impact quickly.

The success positions Champz among the youngest artists in Nigeria to reach a chart-topping release. It also shows that early exposure and guidance from a music family can translate into tangible results, provided the talent is real. Rather than relying on collaborations or hype, Champz’s work demonstrates self-reliance and a grasp of his musical identity at an age when most are still exploring their interests.

Champz – Instagram

Reaching No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria is significant. The platform measures real-time streams, and a top position often forecasts broader commercial and media opportunities. For Champz, the milestone confirms that he has captured attention not only because of his surname but because of the music itself.

Looking ahead, sustaining this momentum will be crucial. He has the opportunity to expand through visuals, live performances, and selective international exposure. At the same time, maintaining focus on his own sound and growth rather than comparisons to his father or peers will be essential for long-term credibility.

Champz – Instagram

This debut also reflects a broader shift in Nigerian music. Younger artists are entering the industry with digital-first strategies, short releases, and immediate engagement with audiences. Champz’s achievement illustrates that age is no longer a barrier when talent meets the right timing and approach.

By topping Apple Music at 14, Champz has made a measurable mark on the Nigerian music scene. His debut shows that careful preparation, focus, and genuine talent can translate into early success. For the industry, his rise serves as a reminder that young artists can achieve significant milestones if given the right platform and guidance.

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Music

Weekend Playlist: 4 New Songs From FOLA, Blaqbonez and More

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Photo: Instagram/@hypestribeng

A good weekend playlist needs songs for different moods, whether you’re winding down after a long week or getting ready to head out. This week’s picks include a new collaboration between FOLA and Davido, Duncan Mighty’s link-up with Halver, and fresh releases from Ayo Maff, Zinoleesky, Blaqbonez and Asake. Each track brings something different, from a familiar take on romance to songs built around everyday struggles and lively rhythms.

Malaria – Ayo Maff ft. Zinoleesky

Photo: X/@chartsafrica

Love is the subject of “Malaria,” but Ayo Maff and Zinoleesky approach it through an unusual comparison. Released on September 24, 2026, the song likens falling in love to catching an infection, presenting romance as something that can take hold of a person and become difficult to ignore.

The midtempo street-pop production leaves room for both singers to bring their individual styles to the track. Ayo Maff delivers his verses in a deeper tone, while Zinoleesky adds a more melodic touch to the chorus. Their different vocal approaches give the song its character, with the hook providing a memorable centrepiece.

Ikebe 3000 – Blaqbonez ft. Asake

Photo: Instagram/@hypestribeng

Blaqbonez reunites with Asake on “Ikebe 3000,” released on October 2, 2026. The pair previously collaborated on “Chanel,” and their latest release brings them together again ahead of Blaqbonez’s forthcoming project, NOMADINHO: 4TH PRIME.

Punchy percussion and lively melodies drive the track, while the repeated chorus gives it an easy rhythm to follow. Blaqbonez takes a melodic approach to his delivery, and Asake adds his recognisable vocals to the mix. The result is a lively record suited to parties, social gatherings and moments when a playlist needs more energy.

Hustler – Halver ft. Duncan Mighty

Photo: Instagram/@thahalver

Halver teams up with Duncan Mighty on “Hustler,” released on October 8, 2026. The song focuses on the effort it takes to earn a living, with financial pressure and the sacrifices involved in pursuing personal goals shaping its message.

Its drill-inspired hip-hop foundation sets it apart from the other releases on this list. Traditional African instrumentation adds another layer to the production, while Duncan Mighty’s presence connects the track to the sound associated with the Port Harcourt singer.

2am in Toronto – FOLA ft. Davido

Photo: Instagram/@hypestribeng

“2am in Toronto” appears as the third track on FOLA’s sophomore album, 9, released on October 9, 2026. The 14-track project gives the song a place within a larger body of work, but the collaboration with Davido is one of its main attractions.

Romance takes centre stage as FOLA delivers the song with his melodic vocals, while Davido adds his own style to the record. The pairing suits the song’s love-focused theme, making it a natural fit for late-night listening or a playlist built around romantic Afrobeats.

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Ayra Starr and ZAYN Finally Share the Screen in “Heaven Baby” Video

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Photo: Instagram/@zsquad

Ayra Starr and Zayn have appeared together in the official music video for “Heaven Baby,” giving their collaboration its first music video featuring both artists. Released on October 5, the video comes weeks after the Nigerian singer and British pop star teamed up on the track.

The video unfolds in a dark, futuristic setting with metallic surfaces, tinted glass and illuminated floor panels. Ayra Starr wears a royal blue satin dress, while ZAYN appears in a dark outfit as close-up shots capture his performance.

Photo: Instagram/@zsquad

Ayra and ZAYN appear separately in some scenes before coming together in the same setting. The visual also offers a different take on their August performance of “Heaven Baby” at All Points East in London, where ZAYN appeared on a large screen behind Ayra during their live duet. In the new video, they appear to share the same physical space.

“Heaven Baby” is featured on Ayra Starr’s third studio album, Starrgirl, released on August 14, 2026. ZAYN features on the track, pairing Ayra’s Afropop delivery with his pop and R&B-influenced vocals. Apple Music describes it as a piano-led duet about attraction, affection and a celestial idea of love.

Photo: Instagram/@zsquad

The collaboration had already drawn attention before the video was released. Ayra Starr has spoken about being a fan of ZAYN since his One Direction days, making their meeting on the song a notable moment for the singer. Behind-the-scenes footage from the video shoot also gave fans an early glimpse of the pair before the full visual arrived.

“Heaven Baby” has also performed well on the UK charts. The song peaked at No. 2 on the UK Official Afrobeats Chart after entering the chart in August, giving the collaboration another milestone before the video’s release.

Directed by Earthboi, the “Heaven Baby” video gives the collaboration its first full visual featuring both artists.

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Kizz Daniel’s ‘Owo Oluwa’ Finds Grace in Faith, Family and Loss

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Photo: Instagram/@kizzdaniel

Kizz Daniel has given “Owo Oluwa” a deeper visual treatment with a music video that draws on faith, family and personal loss. Released on 30 September, the video explores themes of kindness, gratitude and divine favour.

“Owo Oluwa,” which translates to “The Hand of God,” focuses on divine favour, protection and gratitude. The song opens with a house-influenced sound before settling into an Afrobeats groove produced by Krizbeatz. Young Jonn contributes vocals, while Wave Choir provide the choral parts that give the record its praise-inspired feel. Rather than romance or nightlife, Kizz Daniel turns his attention to blessings and holding on to faith during uncertain times.

The song followed a difficult period for the singer. In September, Kizz Daniel revealed that he had taken a break from music after his mother died earlier in the year. Responding to a fan who linked the break to his album plans, he explained that he had stepped away because of his mother and needed to return to work to support the rest of his family. “Owo Oluwa” was later released as his first official single of 2026.

Photo: Instagram/@kizzdaniel

That experience gives the song a personal context, although Kizz Daniel has not said that every part of the record is about his mother. The song also takes on a personal dimension in the music video, which is dedicated to Kizz Daniel’s late parents and carries its theme of faith, grace and giving into a series of acts of kindness.

Directed by Perliks Definition and Asherkine, the video moves away from a typical performance setting. It follows people on Nigerian streets and uses acts of kindness to bring the song’s message to life. An aspiring fashion designer receives a sewing machine, while a commercial driver gets a motorised tricycle. The scenes show how a simple act of help can change someone’s circumstances.

“Owo Oluwa” also serves as the first major introduction to Kizz Daniel’s forthcoming album, Radio Gidi. Its spiritual direction offers an early glimpse into the project while retaining the Afrobeats sound that has shaped much of the singer’s career. The song reached No. 12 on the Official Afrobeats Chart in its first chart week, dated October 3.

For Kizz Daniel, “Owo Oluwa” marks a return to music shaped by faith, family and personal loss, while giving listeners an early look at the direction of Radio Gidi.

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