Gospel musician Elizabeth Turkson has been honored with the Best Collaboration of the Year award at the third edition of the Ebenezer Gospel Music Awards 2025.

The prestigious event took place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, celebrating outstanding achievements in gospel music.

Elizabeth Turkson earned the award for her powerful collaboration with Bro Sammy on the song “Animonyam.” The recognition highlights her dedication to gospel music and the unwavering support of her fans.

In appreciation, she received a customised plaque and certificate, and during her acceptance speech, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and her fans for their continuous support.

The evening began with a glamorous red carpet at 7 PM, giving fans a chance to meet their favorite gospel stars. The main show commenced at 10 PM and carried on until daybreak, delivering an unforgettable night of music and inspiration.

Written by: Ekow Smith 

Ghanaian music star Black Sherif has been nominated for the 2025 BET Awards.

Renowned for his storytelling, the Ghanaian music star was nominated in the Best International Act category.

The nomination makes him the first Ghanaian artist to grab a nomination in the category since the “Best International Act: Africa” and “Best International Act: UK” BET Awards categories were merged in 2018.

Other nominees in the Best International Act category include Any Gabrielly (Brazil), Ayra Starr (Nigeria), Basky (UK), Ezra Collective (UK), Joé Dwèt Filé (France), MC, Luanna (Brazil), Rema (Nigeria), SDM (France), Tyla (South Africa) and Uncle Waffles (Swaziland).

Black Sherif won his first BET award at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards, where he was honoured with the Best International Flow award.

Kendrick Lamar leads all nominees for the 2025 BET Awards. The “Squabble Up” MC notched 10 nods, including album of the year for GNX, as well as video of the year for his Drake diss “Not Like Us” and three viewer’s choice award notices for “Not Like Us,” “Luther” (feat. SZA) and “Like That” (with Future & Metro Boomin).

Below is the full list of nominees.

Album of the Year
$ome $exy $ongs 4 U — Drake & Partynextdoor
11:11 Deluxe — Chris Brown
Alligator Bites Never Heal — Doechii
Cowboy Carter — Beyoncé
Glorious — GloRilla
GNX — Kendrick Lamar
Hurry Up Tomorrow — The Weeknd
We Don’t Trust You — Future & Metro Boomin

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Ari Lennox
Ayra Starr
Coco Jones
Kehlani
Muni Long
Summer Walker
SZA
Victoria Monét

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Bruno Mars
Chris Brown
Drake
Fridayy
Leon Thomas
Teddy Swims
The Weeknd
Usher

Best Group
41
Common & Pete Rock
Drake & Partynextdoor
Flo
Future & Metro Boomin
Jacquees & Dej Loaf
Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist
Maverick City Music

Best Collaboration
“30 For 30” — SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar
“Alter Ego” — Doechii feat. JT
“Are You Even Real” — Teddy Swims feat. Givēon
“Beckham” — Dee Billz feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, KJ Swervo
Bless — Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug
“Like That” — Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
“Luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
“Sticky” — Tyler, The Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
“Timeless” — The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Doechii
Doja Cat
GloRilla
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Rapsody
Sexyy Red

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
BigXthaPlug
Bossman DLow
Burna Boy
Drake
Future
Kendrick Lamar
Key Glock
Lil Wayne
Tyler, The Creator

Video of the Year
“3AM in Tokeyo” — Key Glock
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” — Shaboozey
“After Hours” — Kehlani
“Denial Is a River” — Doechii
“Family Matters” — Drake
“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar
“Timeless” — The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
“Type Shit” — Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti

Video Director of the Year
Anderson .Paak
B Pace Productions & Jacquees
Benny Boom
Cactus Jack
Cole Bennett
Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Dave Meyers
Foggieraw
Tyler, The Creator

Best New Artist
41
Ayra Starr
BigXthePlug
Bossman DLow
Dee Billz
Leon Thomas
October London
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
“A God (There Is)” — Common & Pete Rock feat. Jennifer Hudson
“Amen” — Pastor Mike Jr.
“Better Days” — Fridayy
“Church Doors” — Yolanda Adams feat. Sir The Baptist & Donald Lawrence (Terry Hunter Remix)
“Constant” — Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore & Anthony Gargiula
“Deserve to Win” — Tamela Mann
“Faith” — Rapsody
“Rain Down on Me” — GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music

Viewer’s Choice Award
“Residuals” — Chris Brown
“Denial Is a River” — Doechii
“Nokia” — Drake
“Like That” — Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
“TGIF” — GloRilla
“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar
“Luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
“Brokey” — Latto

Best International Act
Any Gabrielly (Brazil)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Basky (UK)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
Ezra Collective (UK)
Joé Dwèt Filé (France)
MC Luanna (Brazil)
Rema (Nigeria)
SDM (France)
Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)

Best New International Act
Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
Ajulicosta (Brazil)
Amabbi (Brazil)
Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
Dr Yaro (France)
KWN (UK)
Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)
Merveille (France)
Odeal (UK)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
TxC (South Africa)

BET Her
“Beautiful People” — Mary J. Blige
“Blackbiird” — Beyonce feat. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts
“Bloom” — Doechii
“Burning” — Tems
“Defying Gravity” — Cynthia Erivo feat. Ariana Grande
“Heart of a Woman” — Summer Walker
“Hold On” — Tems
“In My Bag” — Flo & GloRilla

Best Movie
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Luther: Never Too Much
Mufasa: The Lion King
One of Them Days
Rebel Ridge
The Piano Lesson
The Six Triple Eight

Best Actor
Aaron Pierce
Aldis Hodge
Anthony Mackie
Colman Domingo
Denzel Washington
Jamie Foxx
Joey Bada$$
Kevin Hart
Sterling K. Brown
Will Smith

Best Actress
Andra Day
Angela Bassett
Coco Jones
Cynthia Erivo
Keke Palmer
Kerry Washington
Quinta Brunson
Viola Davis
Zendaya

Young Stars Award
Akira Akbar
Blue Ivy Carter
Graceyn “Gracie” Hollingsworth
Heiress Harris
Melody Hurd
Thaddeus J. Mixson
Tyrik Johnson
VanVan

Sportswoman of the Year Award
A’ja Wilson
Angel Reese
Claressa Shields
Coco Gauff
Dawn Staley
Flau’jae Johnson
Juju Watkins
Sha’Carri Richardson
Simone Biles

Sportsman of the Year
Aaron Judge
Anthony Edwards
Deion Sanders
Jalen Hurts
Jayson Tatum
LeBron James
Saquon Barkley
Stephen Curry

Kevin Hart will return as the host of the BET Awards 2025.

Airing live on BET on the East Coast (and tape-delayed on the West Coast) on Monday, June 9, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, the show will again be held at the Peacock Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

More details soon.

After revealing her second pregnancy dramatically during her 2023 halftime Super Bowl performance, Rihanna has followed up by debuting her third on the Met Gala red carpet.

The last attendee to arrive at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday evening, the star wore a pinstripe Marc Jacobs ensemble, accentuating her baby bump, with a polkadot cravat and oversized hat.

Rihanna’s pregnancy announcement came on a historic evening, co-chaired by her partner A$AP Rocky, that celebrated exuberant Black style and dandyism. The evening’s theme was inspired by the Met’s accompanying Costume Institute exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”.

A$AP Rocky arrived hours earlier wearing a self-designed outfit that he told Vogue was “a bit of Harlem Nights”, referencing Eddie Murphy’s classic 1989 crime comedy movie. He accessorized with an umbrella and red-soled Christian Louboutin shoes. The singer and rapper have two sons together.

Earlier in the day, the Barbadian singer was photographed walking around New York in the rain in a grey-blue cropped top and skirt set with a fur stole and a 1920s-style cloche hat with a visible bump, igniting conversation online.

On the Met Gala red carpet, A$AP Rocky confirmed the news to Reuters, saying, “It feels amazing” to reveal Rihanna’s pregnancy at the event.

Rihanna wasn’t the only celebrity with a pregnancy reveal on the red carpet, with model Karlie Kloss appearing in a black buttoned jacket with high lapels — her first appearance since announcing her third child in March.

The Met Gala red carpet has become a popular place for pregnancy reveals, with model Adwoa Aboah doing so last year in a ruffled red two-piece set, and tennis star Serena Williams and Kloss (again) the year prior.

The Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) has sparked debate with its latest nominations, particularly in the “Best Urban/Contemporary Gospel Song Of The Year” category which is novel. Many are questioning the omission of Joseph Matthew’s hit song “Fear No Evil,” which has ganered impressive numbers and chalked impressive feet in the year of review.

The category according to TGMA is defined, “Best Urban/Contemporary Gospel Song Of The Year” category is designed to recognize songs that blend gospel with elements of R&B, hip-hop, and other pop genres, generating significant public excitement and patronage”. By this definition, “Fear No Evil” seems like a no-brainer for nomination.

“Joseph Matthew’s “Fear No Evil” has not only resonated with audiences but has also achieved impressive numbers, outperforming some nominated songs like, “Call” and “Onwanwani”. The song’s presence on major TV stations in Ghana and Nigeria, as well as its extensive radio airplay across regions, underscores its impact and popularity.

This omission adds to the longstanding concerns about the TGMA’s nomination process, with many accusing the organization of favoritism and neglecting deserving artists. The introduction of new categories like “Best Urban/Contemporary Gospel Song Of The Year” presents an opportunity for the TGMA to showcase a broader range of talent, but it seems like a missed opportunity in this case.

In the meantime, fans can check out Joseph Matthew’s new song, “Love In You” from below.

Popular UK-based Ghanaian songwriter, preacher, and performing artiste Louisa Annan is set to captivate music enthusiasts with her latest creation, titled “He’s With Me”. The much-anticipated release is scheduled for May 18, 2025.

The upcoming single has already generated excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. Many are calling it a potential milestone in Louisa Annan’s musical journey, as she continues to push the boundaries of gospel music with her unique blend of cultural and spiritual expression.

“He’s With Me” promises to resonate deeply with audiences across the globe, marking a bold new chapter in Louisa Annan’s evolving artistry. With its heartfelt message and rich musicality, the song is poised to make a lasting impact.

Stay tuned for the release on May 18 and prepare to be inspired by the multifaceted talent of Louisa Annan.

Outspoken Ghanaian dancehall artist Charles Nii Arman Mensah, also known as Shatta Wale, has issued an apology to his former manager, Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, popularly known as Bulldog.

In a letter shared across social media on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Shatta Wale apologized to Bulldog for accusing him of murder and other improper social behaviour.

Shatta Wale also wished to retract the said comments and statements.

Portions of the letter read,

“On November 2, 2022, I published a series of posts on my social media pages and handles about Mr Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, alias Bulldog.

The publications included a statement that I have now come to know was generally misunderstood or misconstrued as MR HANSON’s confessions to me that he had a hand in the murder of FENNEC OKYERE (alias FENICKS).

The publications also included statements that imputed immorality or improper social behaviour to Mr Hanson and other highly placed public figures.

I wish to retract each of the statements in the said series of publications, as I did not mean to say that MR HANSON had a hand in the murder of FENNEC OKYERE.

I also wish to apologise to Mr Hanson and all the persons whom my publications of November 2, 2022, have caused pain, agony, anguish, shame, ridicule, or hatred.”

The apology is in fulfilment of relief sought by Bulldog in a defamatory lawsuit filed against the defendant in November 2022.

Multi-award-winning South African hip-hop star and cultural icon Cassper Nyovest has announced the highly anticipated return of his iconic “Fill Up” concert series—and this time, he’s headed to the heart of the Free State.

Taking to his social media platforms, Cassper revealed that the next instalment, Fill Up Free State Stadium, will take place in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 06 December 2025.

Known for his unmatched energy, world-class production, and a history of filling stadiums across the country, Cassper is bringing the fire back to the people, and Free State is next in line for a historic night.

“This is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of dreams and resilience and a reminder to continue ‘betting on self.’ Bloemfontein, let’s make history together!” Cassper said.

 

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A post shared by Refiloe Phoolo (@casspernyovest)

The Fill Up series, which began in 2015 with the historic Fill Up The Dome, has since broken records and raised the bar for live performances in Africa. Cassper has successfully packed out massive venues, including Orlando Stadium, FNB Stadium, and Moses Mabhida SStadium,and now sets his sights on the Free State Stadium for what promises to be an unforgettable show.

The concert will feature a powerful lineup of top local acts, surprise guest performers, and the signature larger-than-life experience that fans have come to expect from the Fill Up brand.

Tickets are out at Webtickets and all Pick n Pay outlets; sponsors and official partners will be announced in the coming months.

Event Details:
Event: Fill Up Free State Stadium
Artist: Cassper Nyovest
Date: Saturday, 06 December 2025
Location: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Time: Gates open at 2 pm

Gabriel Appiah, popularly known as PK Gabby, the renowned Italy-based performing artiste, has just dropped the official audio for his latest single, “Suffer For Love.” The soul-stirring track, released on Monday, April 28, 2025, is already resonating deeply with listeners across the globe.

Available now on his official YouTube channel and all major streaming platforms, “Suffer For Love” delivers an uplifting and motivational message wrapped in a captivating sound.

Fans can also look forward to a visually immersive music video that promises to enhance the emotional power of the song.

As PK Gabby prepares to unveil the visuals, this release stands as more than just music—it’s a heartfelt gift that uplifts the spirit and inspires the soul. Don’t miss out on this remarkable piece of art.

The 17th edition of The Headies Awards dazzled Lagos on April 27, 2025, as Nigeria’s brightest musical stars converged at the Landmark Events Centre for a night of celebration and recognition.

Hosted by Nollywood actor Nancy Isime, the event saw Chike’s ‘Egwu’ win two awards, most of the night for the Viewers Choice Awards of the Year and Best Music Video. The late Mohbad, who featured in Chike’s song, also picked up an award for Best Street-Hop Artiste for his 2023 single ‘Ask About Me’, while Rema’s ‘Heis’ clinched Album of the Year.

The show pulsed with energy, blending electrifying performances with heartfelt tributes, all while honouring the artists who shaped the soundscape of the past year.

Here is the list of Winners at Headies 2025

Best Recording of the Year

Tems – Burning — Winner
Burna Boy – Higher
Ayra Starr & Giveon – Last Heartbreak Song
Sarz feat. Lojay – Billions

Producer of the Year

Sarz – Happiness
London – Ozeba — Winner
Magicsticks – Basquiat
Rema/Producer X/Cubeatz/Deatz/Klimperboy – Hehehe
Dibs – Different Pattern

Headies Next Rated

Qing Madi
Shallipopi
Odumodublvck — Winner
Ayo Maff
Nasboi

Afrobeats Album of the Year

Stubborn – Victony
Work of Art – Asake
The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr
Heis – Rema — Winner
Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn

Songwriter of the Year

Simi – Stranger
Qing Madi – Vision -Winner
Llona – Can’t Breathe
Bloody Civilian – Family Meeting
Wizard Chan – Stages of Life

Rookie of the Year

Llona
Kaestyle
Taves
Zerrydl— Winner

Best Rap Single

Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast — winner
Odumodublvck feat. Bloody Civilian & Wale – Blood on the Dance Floor
Ladipoe, Rozzz & Morrelo – Hallelujah
Magnito – Canada
Jeriq – Ije Nwoke

Best Vocal Performance (Female)

Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song
Niniola – Level
Simi – Stranger
Liya – I’m Done —Winner
Yemi Alade – Tomorrow

Music Video of the Year

Rema – Charm (Dir. Perliks & Folarin Oludare)
Jyde Ajala – Metaverse
Perliks & Emeka Shine Shine – Like Ice Spice
Mattmax – Ojapiano
Director Pink – Egwu — Winner
TG Omori – Showa
Dammy Twitch – Na Money

Best Street-Hop Artiste

Seyi Vibez – Different Pattern
Ayo Maff feat. Fireboy DML – Dealer
Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast
Zhus Jdo – Johnbull
Mohbad – Ask About Me — Winner

Afrobeats Single of the Year

Young Jonn feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez – Big Big Things
Kizz Daniel – Twe Twe Remix
Chike feat. Mohbad – Egwu
Asake – Remember
Hyce, Boypee & Brown Joel feat. Davido – Ogechi Remix
Flavour – Big Baller — Winner

Viewers’ Choice Award

Young Jonn feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez – Big Big Things
Hyce, Boypee & Brown Joel feat. Davido – Ogechi Remix
Chike & Mohbad – Egwu — Winner
Rema – Ozeba
Seyi Vibez – Different Pattern
Kizz Daniel – Showa
Tems – Love Me Jeje
Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast
Flavour feat. Fireboy – Dealer
Flavour – Big Baller

Digital Artiste of the Year

Ayra Starr
Rema
Shallipopi
Tems
Davido — Winner
Kizz Daniel
Asake

Song of the Year

Showa – Kizz Daniel
Commas – Ayra Starr
Egwu – Chike and Mohbad
Lonely at the Top – Asake — Winner
Ozeba – Rema
Big Baller – Flavour

Best Vocal Performance Male

Lojay — Billions — Winner

Best Movie Soundtrack

A Tribe Called Judah — Winner

Special Recognition Awards

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor
Alex Okosi
Amaju Pinnick
KCee

Humanitarian awards

Temitola Adekunle Johnson
Mitchell Mukoro

Best East African Artiste

Bien (Kenya)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Juma Jux (Tanzania) -Winner
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Azawi (Uganda)

Best Central African Artiste

Innoss’B (DRC) — Winner
Gaz Mawete (DRC)
Emma’A (Gabon)
Eboloko (Gabon)
Singuila (Central African Republic)
Kocee (Cameroon)

The award body left out 10 categories, such as Best Collaboration, Best Inspirational Single, Lyricist on the Roll, Best R&B Single, Best Southern African Artiste, Best North African Artiste, Best West African Artiste, International Artiste of the Year, Best Performer (Live), Best Rap Album.