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:

• Stream Ukulu on Audiomack

• Stream Ukulu on Spotify

🎵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.

 🎧 Play Ukulu on Audiomack

🎧 Stream Ukulu on Spotify 

Lady Gaga has done it again  and this time, not with a chart-topping song or a jaw-dropping red carpet look, but with a kiss that has the entire internet buzzing. A resurfaced behind-the-scenes video from the upcoming film Joker: Folie à Deux  is making waves across TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter — and it’s pure Gaga gold.

The now-viral clip shows Gaga, who was playing Harley Quinn, storming past a loud protester yelling, “You’re going to hell!” But instead of ignoring the outburst or firing back with a classic celebrity clap back, Gaga, the queen of unexpected — walks right up to the woman, plants a bold kiss on her lips, and allegedly whispers, “Now you’re coming with me.”

Outburst

Social media platforms have since exploded. The TikTok post from @naijagetgist has racked up over a million likes, with thousands of fans declaring Gaga “iconic,” “legendary,” and “the hero we didn’t know we needed.” While some were initially shocked, most were living for the drama, the sass, and the absolute Harley Quinn energy she brought to the moment.

Lady Gaga playing Harley Quinn

Was This Real?

If you thought Gaga pulled this off mid-street in real life, you’re not alone. Many fans initially believed this was a real confrontation, thanks to the raw footage and intense reactions. But it’s actually a scene filmed on March 26, 2023, for Joker: Folie à Deux, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 Joker film starring Joaquin Phoenix.

In this film, Gaga steps into the chaotic shoes of Harley Quinn, opposite Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck (aka Joker). From what we’ve seen so far, her version of Harley is every bit as bold, authentic, and unforgettable. And this viral moment proves it.

The kiss scene, however, didn’t make the final cut of the movie. Director Todd Phillips later revealed that it was scrapped to preserve the musical tone and pacing of the film. Still, the internet never forgets, and as soon as the behind-the-scenes footage resurfaced, it took on a life of its own — proving that Gaga’s outtakes are better than most people’s main scenes.

Lady Gaga

Gaga Being Gaga

What makes this moment so memorable isn’t just the shock factor. It’s the way Gaga, whether in character or out of it, turns confrontation into performance. The protester’s hate-fueled comment was met with a theatrical kiss — a move that feels both deeply Harley Quinn and deeply Gaga. For a pop icon who has long championed LGBTQ+ rights, freedom of expression, and unapologetic weirdness, the moment felt like poetic justice.

Fans Reaction

One TikTok user wrote, “Lady Gaga said ‘If I’m going to hell, I’m bringing company!’ and honestly? Mood.” Another commented, “This is how you silence hate — with lipstick and chaos.”

Whether you’re a Little Monster, a DC film fan, or just someone who loves a good viral moment, this scene is pure internet magic and would get your lips moving and your mind racing. Lady Gaga might be Harley Quinn on screen, but off-screen, she’s still the same boundary-pushing superstar we know and love — serving drama, and headlines like no one else.

also read: Cannes Festival 2025: The Stars, The Styles, The Stories.

The 78th Cannes Film Festival, running from May 13 to 24, 2025 is a sparkling convergence of boldness, cinema, fashion and cultural discourse. 

This year’s edition stood out for its bold red carpet appearances and thought-provoking films. Standing out most especially was the significant policy changes that got tongues talking. The festival had worked on its dress code, banning nudity and extra voluminous ball gowns. This has sparked so many debates online. 

While people have been criticising the policy changes, here are some stars that showed up at the Cannes Film Festival looking dashing. 

Read Also: Top 10 Best-Dressed Celebrities at AMVCA 2025 Cultural Night

Bella Hadid

Model Bella Hadid stunned in a form-fitting black Saint Laurent dress featuring a high slit and bare sides. Her look stirred conversation as it tactfully navigated the festival’s newly enforced dress code. The code which prohibits nudity and overly voluminous gowns. She paired the look with 118.68-carat emerald Chopard earrings and a 12.15-carat diamond ring. Hadid balanced elegance and defiance, making a case for fashion as protest. 

Irina Shayk

Irina dressed in alignment to the festival’s new dress code that prohibits nudity and excessively large ball dresses. She graced the Festival in a black and white polka dot Armani Privé gown. 

The look featured a strapless bodice with structured lines, balloon sleeves, a flowing pleated skirt, black gloves and two toned earrings. This look expressed Shayk’s ability to turn heads with elegance and marked sophistication. 

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum made a bold statement at the Cannes Festival, gracing the red carpet in a pink floral Elie Saab couture gown with a long train. While the look was on that turned heads, it violated the newly enforced dress code which prohibits voluminous dresses. 

The dress also featured a thigh high slit that added to the dazzle of the entire look. 

Eva Longoria

Appearing on the red carpet of the Cannes Festival showcasing her love for nude once more is Eva Longoria. The haute couture gown by Tamara Ralph was the main character as it mirrored an hour glass body with black running down the sides. She finished the look with diamond earrings and a majestic choker. 

Wan Qianhui

Chinese actress, wan Qianhui attended the Cannes Festival looking celestial in a large cloudlike white dress that looks like huge cotton balls. The dress was strapless and fitted at the bodice with a voluminous skirt. 

While some of the outfits went against the virally criticized newly enforced dress code, they were dazzling and made loud and bold statements.