18 emerging Nigerian singers, songwriters, producers, and music professionals have been awarded fully funded scholarships worth over $2 million to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, following a training programme organized by the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation.

The scholarships were announced during a grand finale concert held at the National Theatre in Lagos, where the finalists showcased their skills after a week-long intensive programme. The initiative ran from April 22 to 26, 2026, bringing together 120 participants across different areas of music creation and performance.

The programme, delivered in partnership with Berklee College of Music, combined hands-on workshops, mentorship, and collaborative sessions covering live performance, songwriting, production, and the business of music. Berklee faculty members involved included top instructors across ensembles, percussion, voice, and global music programmes.

The finale concert, hosted by Darey Art Alade and Kie Kie, featured live band performances across Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, gospel, jazz, and fusion, with standout moments including renditions of classics like Killing Me Softly, Papaoutai, and Afrobeats hits such as Ayra Starr’s Bloody Samaritan. Guest appearances included performances from Loud Choir and Teni.

Speaking at the event, Tiwa Savage described the moment as emotional and historic, saying the foundation was created to bring world-class music education to Nigeria and empower African creatives to compete globally. Berklee’s Dean of Admissions, Damien Bracken, also praised the programme for encouraging collaboration and long-term artistic development.

The event was attended by several entertainment personalities.

The post 18 Nigerian music talents win $2m Berklee scholarships through Tiwa Savage Foundation programme appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.

We are announcing the launch of the #MyNaijaPain Challenge, a national social media challenge that gives young Nigerians a creative platform to name, confront, and amplify the social and economic realities that define daily life across the country.

Running from April 28 to May 5, 2026, the campaign invites rappers, actors, and skitmakers between the ages of 16 and 25 to produce short-form vertical video content posted to their own social media pages using the hashtag #MyNaijaPain for a chance to win from a prize pool of over ₦1,250,000.

The #MyNaijaPain Challenge is a citizen-powered content movement built on a single belief: that the most important stories happening in Nigeria right now are being lived, not written. Fuel queues that stretch into the night. Rent that swallows three salaries. Loan apps that call your contacts when you miss a payment, and a generation weighing whether to stay or Japa.

We, at Nigerian Entertainment Today, are providing that stage. Through User-Generated Content (UGC) across TikTok, Instagram Reels, X, and Facebook, the campaign mobilises creative expression as a vehicle for civic conversation, turning the social media scroll into a record of what Nigerians are actually living through.

Participants choose from three modes of entry, all shot vertically in 60–90 seconds:

Rap Report — An original or remixed rap or Afrobeats performance addressing at least one social issue. Vocal perfection is not the point. Truth is.

Monologue — A solo acting piece, original or reimagined from a classic, confronting a current social reality. Shot, edited, and uploaded by the performer.

Skit: A comedic or dramatic short video. Group submissions are actively encouraged. Skitmakers shoot, package, and post to their own pages.

Topics at the Heart of the MyNaijaPain Challenge

Participants are encouraged to explore issues, including but not limited to:

• Fuel scarcity and its cascading effects on daily life
• The soaring cost of living and a citizenry in survival mode
• The ban on airtime lending and its impact on low-income Nigerians
• Japa or Japada — the deepening debate over emigration
• Insecurity and the safety of ordinary Nigerians
• Predatory loan apps and loan sharks exploiting vulnerable borrowers
• Consumer rights: the question of who actually protects Nigerian consumers

Prizes and Judging

Winners will be determined by a combination of engagement metrics, likes, shares, and comments across platforms, and the strength and cultural relevance of the content submitted.

• Winner: ₦600,000
• 1st Runner-Up: ₦400,000
•  2nd Runner-Up: ₦250,000

Eligibility

English, Nigerian Pidgin, and all Nigerian languages are welcome

Participants must be between 16 and 25 years of age

All submissions must be original works posted by the creator to their personal social media page

Clear video quality and crisp audio are mandatory

Content must be shot in vertical format

Posts must include the hashtag #MyNaijaPain

Across all three formats, content is weighted above performance. Submissions may be delivered in English, Nigerian Pidgin, or any Nigerian language.

The post Join the #MYNAIJAPAIN challenge and stand a chance to win ₦600,000 appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.

Nathan Chasing Horse, the American actor once known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Dances with Wolves, has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls over a span of nearly two decades.

The 49-year-old was handed the sentence on Monday by Nevada judge Jessica Peterson, following a jury’s decision earlier this year that found him guilty on 13 of the 21 charges he faced. The verdict came after an intense 11-day trial that laid bare years of alleged abuse and manipulation.

Chasing Horse was first arrested in 2023 during a SWAT operation and later booked into Clark County Jail. Authorities charged him with multiple serious offences, including child abuse, sexual assault, assault against a minor, and sex trafficking.

Prosecutors argued that Chasing Horse used his reputation as a spiritual leader—often referred to as a “medicine man” within Indigenous communities across the United States and Canada—to exploit vulnerable individuals. Victims and their families testified that he manipulated spiritual beliefs to gain trust and control.

One of the survivors, Corena Leone-LaCroix, told the court she was just 14 when the abuse began. In a powerful statement, she described the lasting impact on her life: “There is no way to get back the youth, the childhood loss… The life that little girl could have lived has been taken from me forever.”

Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci described the case as a calculated pattern of abuse, telling jurors that Chasing Horse had “spun a web of abuse” over nearly 20 years. She detailed how he allegedly convinced victims that harmful acts were spiritually necessary—at one point telling Leone-LaCroix that surrendering her virginity would save her ailing mother.

During sentencing, the court heard additional testimonies from three women who recounted similar experiences. Judge Peterson condemned Chasing Horse’s actions, stating that he had preyed on victims’ spirituality and manipulated their beliefs for personal gratification.

Despite the life sentence, Chasing Horse will be eligible for parole after serving 37 years.

The post ‘Dances With Wolves’ actor Nathan Chasing Horse sentenced to life in prison for sexual assault convictions appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.

Following the discontinuation of the Showmax service on 30 April 2026, MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company, has announced that eligible Showmax subscribers in Nigeria will receive trial access to DStv Stream Compact for a limited period, as part of the move to a single streaming home on DStv Stream.

After the trial period, qualifying customers can continue on DStv Stream Compact at a special price of N6,500 per month for 12 months, provided the subscription remains active throughout and payments are up to date.

The offer gives Showmax customers access to a significantly expanded content experience, including live TV, international series and movies, kids’ content and live sports via SuperSport, available on mobile devices and smart TVs.

How the trial access works

Eligible Showmax customers will receive trial access to DStv Stream Compact until the end of May. The offer and details on how to take up the offer will be communicated directly via the email address linked to their Showmax account.

After the trial period, customers can continue on DStv Stream Compact at N6,500 per month for 12 months, provided payments remain up to date.

The offer applies to Showmax customers who do not have an active DStv subscription and who subscribed directly to Showmax. It excludes existing DStv customers who already receive Showmax content as part of their package that is, who add Showmax to their DStv bill.

• Eligibility is confirmed via email sent to the Showmax account address
• Includes all Showmax plans, including Showmax Premier League
• Eligible customers receive free access until end May, then pay N6,500 per month for 12 months – a saving of over 65% compared to standard DStv Compact Stream pricing – as long as payments remain up to date.
• Standard pricing for DStv Stream Compact is from N19,000 per month

Showmax subscriptions will not migrate automatically. Customers who wish to continue watching will need to follow the simple sign-up process for DStv Stream shared via email, and create a new profile, all of which takes less than five minutes.

Customers who choose not to move to DStv Stream may request a refund for any unused portion of their Showmax subscription by sending an email to help@showmax.com, subject to standard terms and conditions. Auto payments to Showmax will stop automatically once the service is discontinued.

The Showmax platform will be discontinued on 30 April 2026, with Showmax Originals continuing on DStv Stream.

Terms and conditions apply. Full eligibility details will be available on dstv.com, and any updates will be communicated directly to customers via email.

The post Showmax customers to get a one-month trial offer on DStv Stream Compact appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.

Wizkid is currently on an incredible run of collaborations as he flexes his muscles and shows why he’s regarded as one of the greatest African artists of his generation. He has been on a feature run that feels both surprising and exciting, once again proving the strong impact and influence his name still holds on any collaboration he joins. Wizkid had not done a joint music project with anyone before, so it clearly shows he is currently in his collaboration bag. He started this year in good fashion as he dropped a joint music project with Asake, which is titled ‘Real’. It had 4 songs, which were Jogodo, Turbulence, Alaye, and Iskolodo. The project dropped in January.

He also followed up the momentum in March as he joined forces with Rvssian and Latin hitmaker Rauw Alejandro on their brand new single, PONGO. Blending Afrobeats, dancehall, and Latin influences, PONGO delivers a vibrant, high-energy sound built for global playlists and party rotations. Wizkid’s smooth delivery rides effortlessly over Rvssian’s infectious production, while Rauw Alejandro brings a melodic Latin touch that completes the international vibe. This cross-continental link-up highlights the growing fusion between the African and Latin music scenes.

In April, he and Fally Ipupa released a new 2026 collaboration titled “Jam,” a high-energy track that has quickly garnered millions of views and international streaming success. The song, which blends Congolese rumba vibes with Afrobeats. He also delivered on his part.

But it was in the year 2025 that his run of incredible collaborations began, as he featured on numerous songs throughout the year.

One of the standout records was Gimme Dat ft Ayra Starr, a song that was nominated for the 2026 Grammys. It marked the second collaboration between Ayra and Wizkid. The song stood out even more because of Wizkid’s memorable line, “Goddamn Arabirin Goddamn,” which still stays in the minds of many listeners.

He also featured on Kai and Billionaires Club, both off Olamide’s self-titled album. On both tracks, Wizkid and Olamide displayed strong chemistry and delivered effortlessly together, further proving their consistency as collaborators.

One Condition with DJ Tunez & Fola became a summer anthem, dominating airwaves and social spaces. Meanwhile, Forever Be Mine ft Gunna, one of the biggest songs off Gunna’s 2025 album, showcases Wizkid’s versatility. Known for his laid-back, mid-tempo delivery, he adapts seamlessly on this record, stepping into Gunna’s sonic space with a trap-influenced flow that glides effortlessly over the moody instrumental.

Wizkid also teamed up with Tyla on Dynamite, where both Grammy-winning artists floated over the track and showed clear synergy. Wizkid fits right into the track with his smooth touch, complementing Tyla’s sultry energy. His laid-back delivery adds extra feel, making “Dynamite” a hit. On Big Time ft Odumodublvck, Wizkid’s smooth delivery added a standout touch that almost stole the spotlight from the rap-heavy record.

Another major highlight was Money Constant with DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez & Mavo, a song that took over clubs, parties, and weddings after its release. It quickly became an anthem everywhere it played, getting people on their feet singing along to the song and turning every space into a dance floor.

Other 2025 collaborations from Wizkid include Cash Flow ft Young Jonn, Getting Paid ft Sarz Asake Skillibeng Like That ft Shallipopi, Situation ft Maleek Berry, Easy with Me ft DJ Tunez & Odumodublvck, Lighter ft A7S & David Guetta, Nights in the Sun ft Odeal. Wizkid is currently in his “Collaborations” bag, and we’re all here for it.

The post Wizkid’s incredible run of collaborations shows no signs of slowing down appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.

Sarz and BNXN officially announce their collaborative project, The Game Needs Us, slated for release on May 11, 2026.

The upcoming EP, expected to feature five tracks, arrives on the heels of their already buzzing lead single, Back Outside, which dropped in April and quickly stirred excitement among fans. With Sarz’s signature production finesse and BNXN’s smooth, emotive delivery, anticipation is high for what the duo promises will be a defining sonic statement.

This collaboration continues Sarz’s impressive run of joint projects that have consistently pushed creative boundaries. Over the years, he has teamed up with a diverse range of artists, delivering standout bodies of work such as I Love Girls With Trobul with Wurld (2019), LV N ATTN with Lojay (2021), and Sweetness with Obongjayar (2021).

For BNXN, The Game Needs Us marks yet another strategic joint project in a career defined by versatility and reinvention. Notably, in 2024, he joined forces with Ruger for a 7-track R&B EP that included fan favorites like Bae Bae, Ilashe, POE, and Romeo Must Die (RMD).

The post BNXN & Sarz announce joint project “The Game Needs Us,” set to drop May 11 appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.

Picture this. A live goat — one single, magnificent, entirely unbothered goat — walking with the unhurried confidence of a headline act through the entrance of the National Stadium in Surulere, while a talking drum announces its arrival at every turn and a crowd of thousands parts before it like the happiest Red Sea in history. That was Friday evening at The Gathering On 100. 

The goat did not have a name, at least not one that was shared with the public. What it did have was an escort, a mission and an instinctive feel for the room. As the procession swept through each zone of the 100-hour non-stop youth festival, the talking drum sent a call rolling through the air, rich, resonant and utterly impossible to ignore. The crowd, needing no rehearsal, answered back with the kind of spontaneous collective joy that event organisers spend entire careers trying to manufacture and almost never quite achieve.

“The Gathering!” the drum called.

“Is goated!” the crowd roared back.

And then again. And again. Until the chant had filled every corner of the massive tent and the goat, to its eternal credit, kept walking.

The joke, if you want to call it that, is exquisitely layered. “Goated” from G.O.A.T., Greatest of All Time,  is the highest accolade in the vocabulary of the generation that has packed this venue for five consecutive days. To be goated is to be beyond comparison, beyond category, beyond the reach of ordinary superlatives. The Gathering On 100’s organisers did not merely claim the title. They gave it four legs, a heartbeat and a tour of their own event; a living, breathing, magnificently literal declaration that what they have built here is, in their own proud and unabashed estimation, the greatest of all time.

The Gathering On 100 has already delivered startup pitches that left judges speechless, a sip-and-paint session that turned first-timers into artists, fashion showcases, football tournaments, a cinema, and free beauty treatments for anyone who asked. It has exceeded every expectation of every person who walked through its gates. Yet, one of the biggest moments of a packed event will be the goat parade that shocked the crowd.

The post One Goat, One Drum, and Ten Thousand People Losing Their Minds in Surulere appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.

Davido has added another accolade to his already decorated career, clinching the Best International Act award at the 2026 Liberian Entertainment Awards. The Afrobeats superstar edged out a competitive lineup that included Gunna, Rema, Fridayy, and Tyla, further cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most influential global exports.

The win underscores Davido’s enduring relevance in an industry constantly shaped by new sounds and rising stars. While artists like Rema and Tyla have dominated recent global charts, Davido’s consistency, cross-continental appeal, and ability to deliver hit records year after year continue to set him apart. His music, known for blending Afrobeats with international pop and hip-hop elements, has helped push the genre to wider audiences across the world.

Beyond the numbers, the award reflects Davido’s strong fanbase and cultural impact, particularly across Africa and the diaspora. From sold-out tours to high-profile collaborations, he remains a central figure in the ongoing global rise of Afrobeats.

The post Davido beats Gunna, Rema, and Tyla to win ‘Best International Act’ at the 2026 Liberian Entertainment Awards appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.

The National Stadium, Surulere, has transformed into a sprawling epicentre of neon lights and high-decibel sound as ‘The Gathering on 100’ hits its peak, drawing thousands of youths to its 100-hour non-stop experiential event.

The five-day event, which kicked off at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, is redefining the city’s nightlife, merging high-energy partying with a massive youth hangout that shows no signs of slowing down before its Sunday conclusion.

At the heart of the frenzy is ‘Club 100,’ the dedicated rave and Experience Zone that has become the event’s main attraction. Unlike the usual Lagos ‘table culture’ that restricts fun to the wealthy, Club 100 offers a massive, inclusive dance floor where adrenaline-fueled youths vibe to a rotating lineup of top-tier DJs and live jam sessions. The energy remains explosive as the music keeps the crowd locked in a relentless cycle of dance and excitement.

Beyond the pulsating speakers, The Gathering on 100 serves as a hub for alternative youth culture, featuring live graffiti art, style stations, and interactive content pods for influencers. The ‘Gatherers’ say the ongoing marathon event celebrates the resilience and creativity of Nigerian youth, providing a space where party-goers can rave hard while others network within the same sprawling complex.

Socialites and industry observers at the venue describe the massive turnout as a testament to Nigeria’s booming ‘rave economy.’ The stadium grounds have been expertly partitioned to handle everything from a NGN 45 million ‘Pitchathon’ for tech founders to the high-octane dance battles at Club 100, proving that the modern Lagosian wants a mix of ‘groove’ and real-world opportunities.

As of Wednesday night, the heat at the Surulere venue reached a fever pitch, with thousands more expected to storm the event for the rest of the week. Security teams are on constant patrol to manage the surging crowds as The Gathering on 100 continues its record-breaking run as the biggest youth-driven event in the country this year. Registration is open at gatheringng.com for those still looking to be part of the experience before it ends on Sunday

The post Rave. Pitch. Repeat. The Gathering on 100 Is Rewriting Lagos Nightlife appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.

U.S. musician David Anthony Burke, widely known as D4vd, is facing a series of serious criminal charges, including first-degree murder and alleged possession of child sexual abuse material, according to prosecutors.

During a court hearing on Thursday, authorities revealed that a “significant amount” of illicit images involving minors was discovered on Burke’s phone and iCloud account. The evidence was obtained through search warrants executed as part of an ongoing investigation.

The 21-year-old artist was arrested on April 16 at a residence in Hollywood and is currently being held without bail. Alongside the murder charge, Burke also faces additional counts, including lewd acts with a minor and mutilation of a body.

Burke pleaded not guilty to the murder charge during his initial court appearance earlier this week.

The case centers on the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her remains were discovered in September 2025 inside a Tesla vehicle registered to Burke. Detectives were alerted after reports of a strong odor coming from the car, which had been towed to a Hollywood impound yard after being found abandoned in the Hollywood Hills.

Hernandez had been reported missing in 2024 and was last seen in Lake Elsinore, located roughly 60 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later concluded that she had been deceased inside the vehicle for an extended period before the discovery.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman formally announced the murder charge earlier this week, noting that a decision on whether to pursue the death penalty will be made at a later stage.

Despite the allegations and evidence presented so far, Burke’s legal team maintains his innocence, stating that the case will ultimately show he was not responsible for Hernandez’s death.

Burke is scheduled to return to court for further hearings on April 29 and 30.

The post US Singer D4vd faces murder charge, accused of possessing a ‘significant amount’ of child pornography on Phone appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.