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
Inside Schiaparelli’s Abyss-Inspired Haute Couture Collection
Schiaparelli opened Paris Haute Couture Week with The Abyss, creative director Daniel Roseberry’s Fall 2026 Haute Couture collection. Presented in Paris, the collection drew inspiration from beneath the ocean’s surface, tapping into the mystery and quiet power of the deep sea.

Photo: Schiaparelli’s
Rather than recreating underwater life, Roseberry translated its atmosphere into couture through sculptural silhouettes, fluid textures, and meticulous craftsmanship. Elements of surrealist art also informed the collection, weaving fantasy into its tailoring. The designs balanced bold, architectural construction with softer, more fluid details.

Photo: Schiaparelli’s
Among the standout looks was an ivory sculpted corset paired with a voluminous skirt of layered ruffles that moved like waves. A pale blue structured bodice flowed into a delicate lace skirt, while a blush pink ensemble combined a cropped embellished jacket with a sculptural high-shine skirt.

Photo: Schiaparelli’s
Elsewhere, glossy black latex introduced a darker, more dramatic mood, with exaggerated silhouettes and curved forms reminiscent of deep-sea creatures. Shades of ivory, blush pink, powder blue, lobster pink, saffron, and glossy black ran throughout the collection, complemented by statement gold earrings, sculptural jewellery, and coordinating handbags.

Photo: Schiaparelli’s
Every look reflected the precision that has become one of Roseberry’s trademarks since taking over the house. Sculpted corsets established strong silhouettes, while layered ruffles, floral appliqués, and sheer lace softened the overall effect with movement and texture.

Photo: Schiaparelli’s
Hand-applied embroidery, intricate beadwork, and richly textured finishes added depth to each design. Roseberry also played with contrasting materials, pairing glossy surfaces with delicate fabrics so every garment held its shape without ever looking laboured.

Photo: Schiaparelli’s
With The Abyss, Roseberry gave the ocean’s hidden world new form through silhouette sculpted corsetry suggesting shell and layered ruffles moving like current. It’s proof that Schiaparelli’s couture doesn’t need reference to feel like the deep sea; it just needs Roseberry’s eye.
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“Clarissa” Brings a Nigerian Adaptation of Mrs Dalloway to Cannes Film Festival
Nigerian twin directors Arie and Chuko Esiri‘s new film, “Clarissa”, a Lagos-set adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s 1925 novel “Mrs Dalloway”, made its world premiere on May 16 in the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight section, and the film has received strong reviews from critics Cannes. Shot entirely on 35mm film, was led by Oscar nominee Sophie Okonedo, the film marks one of the most prominent Nigerian entries at this year’s festival.
The story follows “Clarissa”, a wealthy Lagos high-society matriarch, as she spends a single day preparing to host a party at her waterfront home. As guests from her past begin to reappear, old memories, buried feelings, and unfinished stories come rushing back. The Esiri’s have taken Woolf’s themes of class, regret, and social performance and replanted them squarely in modern Nigeria.
The adaption places greater emphasis on class divisions and Nigerian’s political tensions. A crooked mosaic of Nigeria hangs on a wall throughout the film, with characters constantly trying to straighten it but never quite managing. The Big Ben clock chimes that run through Woolf’s original are replaced here by Islamic prayers over loudspeakers.

Photo: Instagram
Sophie Okonedo plays the present-day “Clarissa”, with David Oyelowo as her old friend and former admirer Peter. India Amarteifio of “Bridgerton” plays young “Clarissa”, Ayo Edebiri of “The Bear” takes on young Sally, Toheeb Jimoh of “Ted Lasso” plays young Peter, and Nikki Amuka-Bird appears as the present-day Sally. Fortune Nwafor plays Septimus, a soldier returning from fighting Boko Haram in the north. The screenplay was written by Chuko Esiri. US studio Neon, known for backing major Cannes titles, acquired the film back in November 2025 before it even reached Cannes.
The reviews coming out of the festival have been strongly positive across the board. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw gave it four stars, calling it a seductively mysterious, mesmeric drama with commanding performances. Variety’s Jessica Kiang headlined her review “Sophie Okonedo Illuminates a Quietly Dazzling Nigerian Reinterpretation of Mrs Dalloway.” The Hollywood Reporter’s Lovia Gyarkye called it a quiet revelation, and RogerEbert.com critic Brian Tallerico declared it one of the better films he expects to see this year. The film also received a standing ovation at its Directors’ Fortnight screening.

Photo: Instagram
For Nigerian cinema, the film represents a significant Cannes breakthrough. The Esiri brothers have taken Nigerian stories, Nigerian faces, and a very Nigerian reality to one of the most watched film festivals in the world. With Neon already behind it and the international press firmly on board, “Clarissa” is not just a festival win. It is proof that when Nigerian filmmakers are given the space and resources to tell their stories fully, the world will show up to watch.
Top Xclusiv
Temi Otedola and Mr Eazi Expecting Their First Child
Nigerian actress and fashion influencer Temi Otedola (now Temi Ajibade) and her Afrobeats superstar husband, Mr Eazi, officially announced they are expecting their first child in a collaborative Instagram post on May 21, 2026.

Photo: Instagram/@temiotedola
The couple, who completed their three-country wedding celebration in Monaco, Dubai, and Iceland last year, first met at a music gig in 2018 before four years of dating led to Mr Eazi’s proposal in April 2022. The pregnancy marks a new milestone in their relationship.
The news followed a series of black-and-white photos posted by Temi with a caption: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart.”
The couple wore a matching white two-piece set for the shoot, and in the first photo, Mr Eazi stood behind her, gently lifting her chin while she leaned against him, revealing her baby bump.

Photo: Instagram/@temiotedola
Subsequent images are in full colour, clearly showing Temi’s outfit. Her two-piece set featured a sleeveless white tie-front vest top designed with an open center to reveal her growing bump, paired with a matching flowing maxi-length skirt. She layered the outfit with a grey knit cardigan draped off her shoulders. She wore thigh-high knit socks underneath her cowboy-inspired leather boots. Her hair was styled in an auburn low bun with face-framing waves.
This announcement brings a satisfying conclusion to months of online rumors of her pregnancy. Back in January 2026, an unverified post by an influencer on X ( formerly Twitter) shared an AI-generated image of Temi with a baby girl, claiming the couple had quietly welcomed their child. Mr Eazi dismissed the rumor with a sarcastic response: “Is Temi aware of this?”

Photo: Instagram/@temiotedola
The announcement has been met with warm reactions from family, friends and industry colleagues. DJ Cuppy took to X to share the news, writing in her caption: “My sister is pregnant. I am going to be an auntyyyy.”
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