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
Cardi B Gives Birth to Baby No. 4, Her First With Boyfriend Stefon Diggs
Cardi B is officially a mom of four! The “Bodak Yellow” rapper and boyfriend Stefon Diggs welcomed their first child on Thursday, according to an Instagram post. The 33-year-old star shared a video of herself modeling her post-baby physique in a black miniskirt and coat, writing that her life has always been “a combination of different chapters and different seasons.”
Starting over, she said, “is never easy but it’s been so worth it.” Cardi celebrated bringing “new music and a new album to the world,” along with “a new baby into my world, and one more reason to be the best version of me She added that this new chapter is “Me vs. Me,” noting she’s already prepping for her tour and ready to give fans “the performance of a lifetime.”

Photo credit: Instagram
TMZ confirmed she gave birth to a son “last week” after rumors circulated when footage surfaced of her sitting in a New Jersey gym. Cardi previously revealed in September on CBS Mornings that she and the NFL star were expecting, telling Gayle King she felt “excited,” “happy,” and in a “good space.”
Her rep later confirmed the birth to TODAY.com, sharing no further details. The news followed an Instagram post where Cardi reflected on entering a “new season” and the strength she’s found through motherhood.
This baby marks her first with Diggs and joins her three children with estranged husband Offset, daughter Kulture, 7, son Wave, 3, and daughter Blossom, born in 2024. Cardi filed for divorce from Offset for the second time in 2024. She previously shared that her newest addition would arrive before her 2026 “Little Miss Drama Tour” kicks off.
Top Xclusiv
Anok Yai Named Model of the Year 2025 at the Fashion Awards
When the British Fashion Council announced Anok Yai as Model of the Year 2025 at the Fashion Awards, it wasn’t the usual kind of recognition, it reaffirmed that African representation continues to redefine global fashion.
For a South Sudanese woman who began her life journey as a biochemistry student to become the face of global fashion, this honor carries weight beyond the industry.

Anok Yai: Instagram
Her journey began when a street style photo of her went viral on Instagram at Howard University’s Homecoming. That moment shifted the course of her career.
By 2019, she made history as the second Black woman to open for Prada, after Naomi Campbell. Yai has walked for Ferragamo, Hugo Boss, and Fendi, appeared on the cover of Vogue France, and fronted campaigns for Versace and Saint Laurent, among other fashion houses.

Anok Yai: Instagram
The Model of the Year award recognizes more than visibility, it reflects influence and cultural resonance. She stated, “Being named Model of the Year is such an honour. My journey from Egypt to South Sudan to the U.S. is one of resilience and community. This recognition is for everyone who’s ever seen their story in mine.”
Early in her career, she said, “I want to show the world that Black girls can be beautiful,” and that drive continues to fuel her work. In an industry that often sidelines dark-skinned women, her visibility has changed the narrative.

Anok Yai: Instagram
Her story has inspired Africans to see that background doesn’t limit potential. She’s more than a model, she’s become a symbol of representation. This award shows us that the fashion industry is starting to value models who carry cultural meaning.
Anok Yai will receive her award on December 1st, a moment that cements her place as one of fashions most defining figures today.
Read also: Diadem okojie perfects polka dots
Celebrity News
Tyla Makes VMA History in Vintage Chanel and Pandora Jewels
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards belonged to Tyla. With “Push 2 Start,” she became the first artist to win Best Afrobeats two years in a row, a moment that showed her rise from breakout star to one of Afrobeats’ leading names worldwide. Her win placed Afrobeats firmly on the global stage, with African stars now shaping the direction of pop culture.

Getty images
Tyla’s win carried the pride of the continent, but her presence on the red carpet made just as much noise. Styled by Ron Hartleben, she arrived in a 1993 vintage Chanel corset top, worn as a cream-and-black micro-mini dress. The look was balanced with fitted black shorts, a modern twist that allowed the outfit to move between daring and clean. Around her waist, gold chain echoing the layered necklaces and heavy medallions at her neckline.

Getty images
Her partnership with Pandora was on full display as she stacked bracelets, rings, and anklets, turning jewelry into a language of detail and weight. On her feet, she chose black Louboutin pumps, a classic contrast to the rest of the look.
The beauty direction was just as deliberate: a side-parted bob, natural-toned glam and a bold green manicure gave the look a sharp twist, showing that Tyla knows how to finish off her fashion moments.

Getty images
It was a red-carpet appearance that felt from the past yet modern, drawing from fashion history while signaling the assurance of an artist who knows she’s making history herself. The award was one part of the night. The other was seeing Tyla step onto the carpet and stage with the same assurance— an artist shaping Afrobeats.
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