Next time when you hear the word AFROBEAT, you should bow in respect, and no it’s not just about talent, call it grace or whatever you will but Nigeria has something unique – something so alluring that the entire world wants to enjoy!

Afrobeat has hit another milestone as Nigerian superstars, Ayra Starr and Asake will be lighting up the stage, and this isn’t just any other stage, this is one of the biggest hip-hop stages in the globe – The Hot 97 Summer Jam 2025!

This should be such a proud moment for Nigeria and Nigerians, imagine our own celebrities from the bowels of Nigeria sharing the stage with hip-hop legends like Gunna, GloRilla, A Boogie, and Muni Long – this is groundbreaking, this is awe-inspiring, this is the Nigerian effect!

FROM LAGOS TO NEWYORK – AFROBEAT IS GOING GLOBAL!

From Lagos to global stages, Afrobeat is a movement

Usually when you think of Hot 97 Summer Jam and events of its caliber, what comes to mind is hip-hop musicians, and not just musicians but legends in the global music industry, think the likes of Jay-Z, lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B and many others who have graced the stage in past years.

But this year, we have our very own Nigerian stars carrying boldly the beauty of Afrobeat across the distant seas, proudly representing us. What a wonderful time to be Nigerian! And that is why come June 20th on the stage at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, history would be created – an unforgettable fusion of Afrobeat and Hip-hop.

AYRA STARR: THE CELESTIAL BEING CRUSHING EXPECTATIONS

Ayra Starr – The celestial being

Slowly but surely, Ayra Starr is proving that her head is the best place for the title, ‘’Queen of Afrobeat.’’ Should we talk about her amazing hits like ‘’Bloody Samaritan’’, ‘’Rush’’ or ‘’Sability’’? Do we talk about her global tour or the success of her latest album, ‘’The Year I turned 21’’? The girl wasn’t mincing words when she said ‘’I carry God so I fear nothing, steady increasing the commas…’’

Ayra has the soulful songs, the magnetic stage presence and vibes that has captured the hearts of Nigerians and will do same for the audience of the Hot 97’s hip-hop audience. This isn’t just another performance, like artists like Burna Boy, Tems and Wizkid opening global doors, Ayra Starr is set to bring Afrobeat into an unfamiliar territory and even she is excited for ‘’history in the making.’’

ASAKE: FROM HUSTLING TO GLOBAL RECOGNITION

Asake – From hustler to global impact

Again, there is something special about Nigerians! From hustling back in the 2020’s to getting signed in 2022 by Olamide to dropping hit songs like Sungba, Terminator and Lonely at the Top, to dominating global charts and selling out 20,000 capacity London’s O2 Arena in minutes, Asake is the personification of ‘’From grass to grace.’’

Now he’s doing something even more spectacular, he is breaking into the American mainstream and will be sharing the stage with Gunna, GloRilla and the others. And trust that the E in Asake stands for energy and his performance will be electrifying!

WHY THIS SUMMER JAM IS DIFFERENT AND ITS EFFECT ON AFROBEATS

Afrobeat – The Nigerian effect

Hot 97’s Summer Jam has always been a platform to showcase and promote the hip-hop culture, but in recent years, the fusion of hip hop and Afrobeat have proven to be a banger! The likes of Drake collaborating with Wizkid, Beyoncé featuring Burna Boy and Tiwa Savage have smashed expectations, showing that the future of Afrobeat and in fact, urban music is global. With Ayra and Asake’s debut performances, the African domination is official!

This means that Afrobeat is no longer a trend, niche or just a compilation of songs – this is a movement. An evolution. This is a force that has come to not just stay but eventually take over!

This performance might just be the beginning of bigger collaboration between African and American singers, the world is watching and history will evolve from these little beginnings!

ALSO SEE: 5 NIGERIAN CELEBRITIES YOU WON’T BELIEVE ARE SIBLINGS – AND THEY SLAY EFFORTLESSLY 

April Fool’s Day is always a rollercoaster of laughs, shock, and occasional eye-rolls, especially when Nigerian celebrities join the fun. This year, stars like Bobrisky, Funke Akindele, DJ Cuppy, and others pulled pranks that had fans buzzing (and sometimes fuming). Here’s a roundup of the most epic stunts:  

1. Bobrisky’s Fake Immigration Arrest

The controversial crossdresser sent panic across social media with a post claiming he’d been arrested by Nigerian immigration officials.  

– The Prank: The crossdresser posted, “Guys, I have just been arrested by immigration in Nigeria. I don’t know what I did do o” 

Bobrisky’s Prank

Fans were divided, some rushed to express concern, while others called it a clout-chasing stunt.

Bobrisky later revealed it was an April Fool’s joke, but not everyone laughed, given his history with law enforcement, and most people already didn’t believe since the cross dresser had sworn he wouldn’t be back to Nigeria anytime soon. 

April Fool Reveal

2. Funke Akindele’s Fake Wedding Announcement

The award-winning actress broke the internet (briefly) with a marriage tease.  

– The Prank: She shared a cryptic post: “I’m getting married”, followed by the caption “April WHat?………Happy new month, guys”.  

Funke Akindele’s prank

Fans and celebs flooded her comments with congratulatory messages before realizing they’d been pranked. Some admitted they’d already started planning their “aso ebi” outfits, while others were quick to notice the caption (smart guys) 

3. DJ Cuppy’s AI-Generated Husband

The billionaire heiress took satire to tech levels by introducing her digital soulmate.  

– The Prank: She announced on X (Twitter): “I’ve decided to create my own Christian husband via AI. His name is ElijahGPT… He tithes digitally”.  

Dj Cuppy’s joke

The post went viral, with fans jokingly asking for ElijahGPT’s brother or a tutorial. Cuppy later confirmed it was a joke, with the April fool’s day hashtag but the idea of AI husbands had people talking.  

4. Wunmi Toriola’s Fake Ministry Calling

The Yoruba movie star had fans doing a double take with a spiritual prank. 

– The Prank: She posted, “Good morning, lovers. I have finally heeded the voice of the Lord. I have picked up His call…”, and even signing off as “Evangelist WT”.  

Wunmi Toriola’s prank

While some praised her new journey, others caught on quickly, especially with her playful tone and her April Fool’s Hashtag. 

5. Regina Chukwu’s Snake Bite Scare

The actress sparked a mini-crisis with a fake emergency.  

– The Prank: She wrote, “Pls help, snake just bite a small boy here…”, leaving fans confused before the April Fool’s reveal.  

Regina Chukwu’s prank

Fans love seeing celebs act normal with playful jokes, like Funke’s wedding tease or Cuppy’s AI humor. Bobrisky’s arrest prank rubbed some the wrong way, proving that timing and sensitivity matter. From digital husbands to divine callings, these pranks showed how social media amplifies April Fool’s chaos.  

While some pranks were pure fun (looking at you, ElijahGPT), others walked a fine line between humor and headache. One thing’s clear: Nigerian celebs know how to keep social media on its toes!  

Which prank got you the most? Let us know in the comments!  

Read Also: 5 Old School Trends Celebrities Are Embracing in 2025

There’s something electrifying about Janemena and her dance, something that makes you stop scrolling when her videos pop up on your timeline. Maybe it’s the way she moves like her body was built solely for rhythm. Maybe it’s the unshakable confidence that radiates from her, daring anyone to question her. Or maybe it’s the fact that in a world that tries to box women in, Janemena dances like freedom itself. 

She isn’t just a dancer; she’s a cultural phenomenon. A middle finger to respectability politics, a celebration of body autonomy, and proof that Nigerian dance culture is alive, thriving, and uncontainable.  

Janemena’s Rise: How She Became Nigeria’s Dance Queen 

Born Jane Mena, she didn’t just stumble into fame, she danced her way there. Before the viral videos, celebrity features, and controversies, she was a woman who loved to move. But in Nigeria, where society polices women’s expression, loving dance the way Janemena does is rebellion.  

Her breakthrough in 2024 came with the Twe Twe dance challenge; Janemena showed forth her power by storming the media space with the dance routine while she was heavily pregnant. A dance trend that exploded across Nigerian social media. While others followed the steps, Janemena owned them, hips swaying, energy unmatched, face telling a story. That’s her magic: she doesn’t just dance; she communicates.

Why Janemena’s Dance Style Stands Out  

Fearless energy: No apologies, just raw expression.  

Cultural impact: Redefining Nigerian dance norms.  

Viral dominance: Trends like “Twe Twe”solidify her influence.  

Controversy? Janemena Thrives in It 

With fame comes backlash. Janemena has been called “too provocative” and “indecent” by critics. But she doesn’t care, and that’s why she wins.  

Why Her Fans Love Her

She represents freedom: Especially for women told to “tone it down.”  

Unapologetic confidence: She is a role model for bold self-expression.  

Dance as resistance: She Challenges Nigeria’s conservative norms with her bold dance steps. 

While critics clutch their pearls, her fanbase grows. Why? Because Janemena isn’t just dancing for herself, she’s dancing for everyone who’s been told to shrink.  

More Than Dance: Janemena’s Cultural Impact 

Janemena stands out not just for talent but for fearlessness. Nigerian entertainment has legendary dancers, but few match her cultural ripple effect. When she dances, it’s reclamation, owning her body, her joy, her right to exist loudly.  

Janemena’s Legacy: The Rhythm of a Generation

Years from now, Nigerian dance history will include Janemena, not just for viral moments, but for what she represents: freedom.   

Next time you see Janemena in a video, don’t just watch. Feel it. She’s not just dancing, she’s setting the rhythm for a generation that refuses to be held back.