By Anifowoshe Oladipupo

Popular Nigerian musician and Benue State government adviser, Innocent Idibia, known as 2Baba, has condemned the recent massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, calling it a national emergency that demands urgent action.

In a video shared online, 2Baba, who serves as Technical Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Entertainment and Community Outreach, expressed deep sorrow over the killings.

“My heart is heavy. I am terribly sad and angry,” he said. “This keeps happening over and over again. This has to stop.”

He urged political, traditional, and community leaders in the state to set aside differences and unite for peace.

“What is happening in Benue is no longer something we can just condemn in words. Serious action needs to be taken,” he added.

The attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area left at least 59 dead, according to official figures, though some reports suggest the toll may be higher.

Victims were reportedly burned alive in their homes.

Governor Alia condemned the killings and blamed herders from Nasarawa State.

Amnesty International also called the attack part of a pattern of unchecked violence in Benue, urging the federal government to act.

2Baba, a native of Benue, has consistently used his platform to promote peace and community development.

By Onyeanya Ebere

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has won the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act, solidifying her rising global influence in music.

The 22-year-old superstar beat a competitive field that included South Africa’s Tyla, Nigeria’s Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif to clinch the prestigious award during the ceremony held Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The BET Awards, which celebrate Black excellence across music, film, sports, and culture, returned this year with comedian Kevin Hart as host.

Hart, known for his fearless comedy, opened the night with pointed jabs at pop culture icons, including Kanye West.

Ayra Starr’s win marks a significant milestone in her career, which has seen a steady rise since her debut nomination in 2022.

She was previously nominated for Best New International Act (2022), Best International Act (2023), the BET Her Award in 2024 for her hit song Commas, and three categories in 2025.

Meanwhile, rapper Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night’s biggest winner, bagging four major awards including Album of the Year (GNX), Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year (Not Like Us), and Best Collaboration with SZA on Luther.

Other major winners includes the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: SZA, Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Chris Brown, Best Group: Future & Metro Boomin, Best New Artist: Leon Thomas, Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo, Best Actor: Denzel Washington, Best Movie: Luther: Never Too Much and Sportswoman of the Year: Angel Reese.

By Njoku Chijioke

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has been announced as one of the headline performers for the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show.

The event will take place on July 13, 2025, at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

Tems will share the global stage with Colombian reggaeton sensation J Balvin and American rapper Doja Cat during the final match of the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which will run from June 14 to July 13 across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities.

The halftime show, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, will be broadcast live and is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide.

More than just entertainment, the performance will spotlight the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a partnership between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans.

The initiative aims to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children globally.

For every ticket sold to Club World Cup matches in the U.S., $1 will be donated to the fund.

“We’re going to bring the world together for a beautiful moment – to celebrate football, feel the unity that music brings, and improve the lives of millions of children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. I can’t wait – see you at the Club World Cup final!” Tems said in a statement.

J Balvin described the opportunity as “historic” – both for himself, for Latin culture, and for “every kid who dreams big.”

Tems’ inclusion in the landmark event marks another major milestone for African music on the global stage, reinforcing her status as a leading voice in the international music scene.