Top Xclusiv
Deankelly Talks Ukulu, Sound Identity & His Musical Journey

Editor’s Note:
With a refreshing sound that blends Afro-highlife and smooth rhythms, Deankelly is shaping his own musical path in the Nigerian music scene. Fresh off the release of his new single “Ukulu,” we caught up with the artist to talk sound, creative process, and the journey so far. What followed was a lively conversation filled with honest look reflections, confident energy, and a glimpse of what’s coming next.
🎧 Listen while you read:
🎵The Sound of Now
Xclusivstars Nigeria: Your new song “Ukulu” just dropped—congrats! How are you feeling right now?
Deankelly: I feel ecstatic, it’s been in my drive for so long and I’m happy the world gets to listen to it now haha.
Xclusivstars Nigeria: What was the inspiration behind this particular track?
Deankelly: I wanted to do some type of Afro highlife fusion and my producer sent a beat that was barely finished and we came up with this infectious record. Like some of my records I drew inspiration from what most Nigerians would call “Lamba”. I just wanted to create an infectious summer vibe to make ladies feel beautiful and dance.
Xclusivstars Nigeria: How long did it take to put “Ukulu” together—from idea to release?
Deankelly: I can’t really recall but one thing I will say is that I started writing this record on September 2023 or even before that lol. I just checked my iPhone notes app now and saw that it said last edited September 2023, that is wildddd haha.
Xclusivstars Nigeria: What kind of message or vibe were you aiming to give your fans with this one?
Deankelly: Have fun, dance, feel beautiful, and to my guys—if you see ukulu go meet am tell am your mind no fear.
🎤 Looking Back on the Journey
Xclusivstars Nigeria: Take us back to the beginning—how did your journey into music start?
Deankelly: Started with me downloading music from the internet and wanting to make music people would download on the internet. I’ve always loved music as a kid and I wanted to create and leave my mark on this earth as a great musician.
Xclusivstars Nigeria: What were some key moments or milestones that brought you to this point?
Deankelly: There are a lot but I can remember performing at SXSW in Austin, TX and that was a surreal moment seeing foreigners get hypnotised by the sounds I created in my bedroom. It was great to see and witness.
Xclusivstars Nigeria: What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Deankelly: Finding genuine and like-minded people who see what I am trying to achieve with my music.
Xclusivstars Nigeria: How would you describe your sound to someone hearing your music for the first time?
Deankelly: African, bright, groovy, and sonically appealing.
Xclusivstars Nigeria: Which artists or genres have influenced your music the most?
Deankelly: Wande Coal, 2Baba, T-Pain, Post Malone, Rihanna, Burna Boy.
Xclusivstars Nigeria: Are there any upcoming performances, videos, or collaborations you’re excited about?
Deankelly: Oh definitely, there are a lot of stuffs coming up BUT follow me on socials to get the gist first.
@deankelly_4eva
Wrap-Up:
From writing songs in his notes app to performing on global stages, Deankelly’s story is one of sound, soul, and steady growth. With “Ukulu” already spinning on repeat, the only way for this rising star is up—and we’ll be watching.
🎶 Still vibing with this interview?
Don’t miss the song we’ve been talking about.
Top Xclusiv
Meet the Stars: Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026

Let’s have a little fan-girl moment real quick: the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce just announced the names of those getting stars on the iconic Walk of Fame in 2026 and whew, it’s a beautiful mix of legends, trendsetters, and pure talent!
This year’s list is giving everything, from movie icons and music royalty to TV personalities and sports legends. So, if you’ve ever screamed at your screen watching a Timothée Chalamet scene or turned up to a Bone Thugs track, your fave might just be on this list.
Let’s dive into and celebrate these heroes!
Motion Pictures
This category is stacked with powerhouses!
From Emily Blunt (forever our Mary Poppins), to Rachel McAdams (the queen of The Notebook and Mean Girls), and Rami Malek (Mr. Robot to Freddie Mercury real quick).

Emily Blunt
Also joining the star-studded crew?
- Timothée Chalamet: literally Gen Z’s heartthrob.
- Keith David : legend with the voice that makes anything sound 10x cooler.
- Demi Moore

Demi Moore
- Stanley Tucci
- Deepika Padukone (a huge win for India!)
- Tony Scott
- Chris Columbus, and many more.
Talk about a talent haul!
Television
From cooking to crime shows to morning news, this list of all the personalities that kept us glued to our screens!

Chef Gordon Ramsay
- Chef Gordon Ramsay (finally! because we’ve all shouted “It’s raw!” at some point)
- Sarah Michelle Gellar (finally, Buffy is getting her flowers!)
- Robin Roberts, Lucero, Greg Daniels (behind The Office and Parks & Rec), and more TV staples are being celebrated for keeping us glued to our screens for decades.
Live Theatre / Performance
This category is giving stage royalty.
- Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias (if you know, you know. His comedy shows are gold.)
- And Lea Salonga (the OG voice of Disney princesses like Mulan and Jasmine. This one is a win for the Broadway and Disney girlies)

Lea Salonga
Recording
Get ready to vibe. Here’s to all the musicians that gave us sounds that kept our souls alive.
- Miley Cyrus (it’s officially Miley’s era and she’s being honored for it.)

Miley Cyrus
- Bone Thugs ‘N Harmony
- Air Supply
- Angélique Kidjo
- The Clark Sisters
- Josh Groban
- and even Grupo Intocable made the list
Whether you love gospel, Afrobeat, country, or old-school rap, this category came through.
Sports Entertainment
Just one name but he’s massive (literally and figuratively and deserves the win!)

Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is getting a star! From NBA courts to late-night commercials to DJing in Las Vegas; Shaq does it all and we love to see him shine.
Spotlight on Angélique Kidjo: A Groundbreaking Icon

Angélique Kidjo
The legendary singer from Benin is one of the most respected figures in world music, known for her incredible vocal ability, fusion of African rhythms, and tireless advocacy for social justice.
With over 20 albums to her name and numerous Grammy Awards, this recognition adds another layer to her extraordinary career. What makes her achievement even more significant is that she is the first African entertainers to receive a star, cementing her legacy not just as an artist but as a cultural ambassador.
Conclusion
This Walk of Fame Class of 2026 is giving legacy, talent and representation. From Hollywood legends to culture shapers and icons who made history in their fields, this list is chef’s kiss.
And the best part? Some of your favorite childhood stars, music faves, and cultural giants are finally getting that sidewalk star love. So, if you’re planning a trip to Hollywood, you might want to time it around their ceremonies!
Which name got you the most excited? We’d love to hear from you!
ALSO SEE: Review: A7S, David Guetta & WizKid Light Things Up with Lighter
Top Xclusiv
Diddy Not Found Guilty on RICO, Guilty on Prostitution Charges

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been found NOT GUILTY by a federal court of the RICO charge in the USA v. Sean Combs Federal Trial. This ruling announced today, rocks the music world and beyond marking a key point in the ongoing story of the music tycoon. For a long time, accusations against Diddy have grabbed headlines leading to a federal probe that exposed a series of serious claims. The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) threatened harsh penalties if he was found guilty. Now, with the federal court throwing out the RICO count, Combs’ legal situation has changed.
Examining the Federal Charges, the focus of the federal trial centered on five specific charges:
1: Racketeering Conspiracy
2: Sex Trafficking Cassie Ventura
3: Transportation of Cassie Ventura and Sex Workers to Engage in Prostitution
4: Sex Trafficking of Jane
5: Transportation of Jane and Sex Workers to Engage in Prostitution
The “NOT GUILTY” verdict relates to the main RICO charge (Count 1). It’s important to remember that a not guilty verdict on the RICO count shows the prosecution didn’t prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Diddy took part in series of criminal allegations. But he was found guilty on prostitution counts for Cassie and Jane. He is yet to be sentenced but the charge carries a 10-year maximum prison sentence.
The path to this ruling has been rocky starting with a flood of civil suits outlining shocking claims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and other wrongdoing. The biggest of these brought by his ex girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and caught the eyes of the public and federal officials. The drama grew when federal agents searched Diddy’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami earlier this year, making headlines. And these showed everyone how serious the federal probe was, leading to wild guesses about the music tycoon’s legal fate. Throughout this period, Diddy maintained his innocence, vehemently denying all accusations leveled against him.
The RICO acquittal is a huge legal win for Sean Combs. It takes away the immediate threat of a long federal prison sentence on this charge and gives him some breathing room that few thought he’d get given the gravity of the initial allegations.
Top Xclusiv
The Boy Is Mine Tour: Brandy & Monica—One Stage, 25 Years Later

Twenty-five years after topping charts with their iconic duet, Brandy and Monica are back with fire—owning the spotlight and taking over like they never left before. Today kickstarts the official ticket sales for The Boy Is Mine Tour, a 24-city celebration spanning North America this fall. If you grew up on those endless R&B hooks and harmonies, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.

Brandy x Monica
From Chart-Topping Duo to Feuding Foes… and Back Again
In May 1998, “The Boy Is Mine” exploded onto the scene, and took the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 whole weeks, selling over 2.6 million copies, and earning Brandy and Monica a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance . However, tension arose behind the success; rumours were circulated by public opinion and industry pressure, leading to a backstage clash prior to their MTV VMA performance.
During the Verzuz showdown in 2020, the long-dormant relationship was rekindled. In 2024, a remix featuring Ariana Grande provided audiences a sense of nostalgia while demonstrating to both artists that their magic endures.
A Whole-Circle Celebration
Now, Monica and Brandy are back together and unrepentant. As Brandy put it, “This really is a full‑circle moment… honoring where we came from and how far we’ve both come.” Monica echoes this sentiment, calling the tour “a celebration of our history, our impact, and the fans who have grown with us” .
It’s more than just a concert; it’s a tribute to sisterhood, growth, and legacy.

Jamal Roberts X The Boy Is Mine Tour
What You Would See
The 2025 autumn tour opens October 16 in Cincinnati and wraps December 7 in Houston’s Toyota Center—24 arena dates total, with stops from Chicago to Brooklyn. Expect a dynamic set featuring evocative duets, solo hits like Brandy’s “I Wanna Be Down” and Monica’s “So Gone,” and collaborative moments lit by live band energy .
Adding spice to the line-up are three special guests: Grammy winner Kelly Rowland, breakout star Muni Long, and freshly crowned American Idol winner Jamal Roberts.

Brandy and Monica Reunites “The Boy Is Mine Tour”
Tickets Are Live — Get Yours Now
Here’s what you need to know:
- Presales launched yesterday (June 26) via artist code BPC, available through Ticketmaster and arena sites.
- General on-sale starts today, June 27 at 10 AM local time. Don’t wait—the nostalgia engine is revving up fast.
If you’re based in a city on the tour, you’ll want to pull that ticket string early—arenas are sure to fill fast. Whether you were there in ’98 or you fell in love with the remix, this is your chance to sing every note alive.
Why You Can’t Miss This
The Boy Is Mine Tour isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a milestone. Two of R&B’s greats reconciled, reconnected, and are now ready to grace one stage. With a stellar set list, powerhouse guests, and decades of raw emotion behind them, Brandy and Monica are remastering a moment that defined a generation.
read this: Queen Bey and Her Little Star: Rumi Steals the Spotlight on the Cowboy Carter Tour
-
Fragrance2 months ago
Master the Art of Perfume Layering for a Signature Scent
-
Movies2 months ago
The 5 Best New Nollywood Movies to See on Netflix
-
Beauty2 months ago
Unapologetically Red: Nancy Isime’s Unwavering Commitment to her Favorite Lipsticks Shades
-
Music2 months ago
Ayra Starr & Wizkid’s “Gimme Dat” Honest Review
-
Celebrity News1 month ago
From Nollywood to the Navy: Grace Bassey, Former Nollywood Actress,Joins the U.S Navy.
-
Skin Care2 months ago
Not Just Fine Lines: 5 Shocking Signs You’re Losing Collagen
-
Sex & Relashionships1 month ago
10 Signs You Are The Less Affectionate Partner
-
Deco1 month ago
Wall Deco Inspiration – How to Create a Gallery Wall
-
Skin Care2 months ago
DIY Face Mask Using Local Ingredients
-
Food1 month ago
Food for Thought: The Psychology of Eating