• Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the I Said What I Said (ISWIS) podcast, a curious newcomer or someone who’s never even heard of it (seriously, where have you been?), this list is for you.

    Hosted by best friends, Feyikemi “FK” Abudu and Jola Ayeye, ISWIS delivers raw and hilarious conversations about friendship, love, money and everything in between. With their signature brand of humour and honesty, a typical ISWIS episode finds FK and Jola breaking down life’s highs and lows — usually joined by special guests with fresh perspectives. The show also features their beloved “Agony Aunt” segment, where they tackle listener-submitted dilemmas with wisdom and chaos.

    After a long, long break, the podcast is finally back for season seven, and there’s no better time to dive in. So whether you’re a longtime listener or looking for the perfect starting point, here are the 10 best I Said What I Said episodes that capture the magic of the show. 

    10. The “I Love This Game” episode (with Patrice Evra)

    Securing the final spot on my list was not easy — there were so many standout episodes to choose from. But in the end, this one edged out the competition. And if you know Patrice Evra, you’ll understand why.

    Since his retirement from football, Patrice Evra has been about positivity, kindness, fun, and an enviable renewed passion for life. In this episode of the pod, he brought that fun energy with him, connected with the girls, talked about the game of football (of course), and answered questions sent in by fans of the show. You’ll love it.

    Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    9. The “Just Keep Calling” episode (with Falz TheBahdGuy)

    The fact that this episode lands at number 9 — even with Falz dropping gems — just shows how stacked this list is.

    The first thing I loved about this episode? Obviously, Falz! The second? The conversation covered everything — from the economy to marriage, masturbation, parental expectations, and even holding lawmakers accountable. It was engaging, insightful and just very funny.

    Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    8. The “Bad Bitch on Vibes” episode (with Ashley Okoli)

    What I expected to love about this episode was the fact that it featured badass fashion girlie, Ashley Okoli, talking about her rise as a DIY fashionista. 

    What ended up winning me over was her raw, honest conversation about being the first daughter of a mother who was married off at 18 and her mother’s journey to liberation. Honestly, ranking it at number eight almost feels like a betrayal.

    Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    7. The “All for Mama” episode (with Soji)

    This episode sits proudly at my number seven spot because it was an instant favourite, and for good reason. Soji, a name FK and Jola drop in almost every episode, finally came on, and it was lovely to put a voice to all the fun stories.

    I know my reason smells like nepotism, but Soji brought his A game — he turned out to be even more fun than the hosts had always described. During the show, he vibed and joked with the girls, talked about the uniqueness of his career as a wedding hypeman and chipped in on the dilemmas of the day. I definitely see why the hosts like him, and I’d vote for him as a returning guest.

    Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    6. The “Papa Lolo” episode (with Chigul)

    If there’s one thing this episode guarantees, it’s nonstop laughter and pure entertainment from start to finish. And honestly, that’s no surprise when the guest is none other than comedian and actress, Chigul.

    They started off by recounting the events of a mutual friend’s wedding (Youtuber Dimma Umeh), which they all attended. Then Chigul hilariously chatted about evil Lagos landlords, terrible house agents, her dating life, and her desire for an older romantic partner (Papa Lolo). The dilemmas in this episode were also spicy, and Chigul’s takes were fire.

    Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    5. The “Agony Aunt” episode (with Taymesan)

    I can’t decide if my favourite thing about my number five pick was the listener who genuinely feared she might be a witch, or Taymesan’s iconic response: “Are we not all witches?”

    This Agony Aunt episode featuring actor and fellow podcaster, Taymesan was pure gold. From the wild, hilarious dilemmas sent in by listeners to his sharp, witty responses delivered in delightful Warri-Pidgin, every moment was a treat. Honestly, ask me in a couple of weeks, and I might have moved this episode into my top 3.

    Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    4. The “Gbegborun Mid-Year review” (part 2 with Harmony Adenipekun)

    First of all, this episode only exists because the featured guest, Lawyer/luxury event planner Harmony Adenipekun and the hosts had so much fun talking that the original episode had to be split in two. And I’m so glad it was.

    Part two of the Gbegborun mid-year review was just as fun as the first.  They had a refreshingly honest conversation about their religious beliefs and their personal journeys with God.

    They also talked about other aspects of their lives, and in the usual Jola and FK fashion, the conversation was effortlessly entertaining.

    Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    3. The ‘Gbegborun mid-year review’ (part 1 with Harmony Adenipekun)

    FK and Jola are typically in sync with their guests, but their chemistry with Harmony Adenipekun was literally harmonious (pun very much intended). 

    As a mid-year review of their lives, the conversation covered everything — from the serere around Lagos’ big weddings to the craziest dilemmas sent in by the listeners. And speaking of dilemmas, the most unhinged one? A dude who went through insane hurdles to secretly join his girlfriend’s all-female WhatsApp group chat. 

    The episode was so good, it had me digging through the archives for other episodes featuring Harmony. The chemistry was that great.

    Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    2. The ‘Awaken the Tiger in You’ episode (with Tobi)

    Whoever came up with the phrase “the truth is madder than fiction” must have had this guest in mind.

    This episode marks the return of Tobi, a fan-favourite guest from a previous episode titled Fuji House of Commotion — which, trust me, is better than any Real Housewives franchise you’ve ever watched. 

    Tobi’s original story was so wild that listeners demanded FK and Jola bring him back. And in this sequel, he delivers again, narrating how his life took an even crazier turn after the death of his polygamous father. From moving in with his rich uncle to dealing with his wicked, stingy wife, Tobi’s life played out like a Nollywood drama. 

    This episode is so good that even the hosts consider it an all-time favourite.

    Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    1. The ‘Fuji House of Commotion’ episode (with Tobi)

    I honestly can’t think of a more deserving episode for my number one spot. It’s so good that I have replayed it multiple times. 

    The Fuji House of Commotion episode is about the drama surrounding the childhood and upbringing of the show’s guest, Tobi, who was born into polygamy.

    I first listened to part two (because I was binging in reverse order), and it was so insane that I wondered if part one would live up to it. From the moment Tobi revealed that his father announced he was taking a second wife on the eve of his naming ceremony, I was hooked.

    And that was just the beginning. The second wife? A salesgirl from a beer parlour his dad chills at. Oh, and she was pregnant at the same time Tobi was conceived. His dad even registered both women at the same maternity and had the owner swear never to tell them. And somehow, this isn’t even in the top seven wildest moments of the episode. 

    If you’re a newcomer to the pod, I recommend you start with this episode. Expect drama, chaos, and laughter — and then expect even more.

    Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nigerian Podcasts To Get Into

  • Ever wonder what song perfectly captures the essence of your teenage experience—those years of emotional rollercoaster, self-discovery, and unforgettable songs?

    We asked seven Nigerians about the songs that evoke memories of laughter, heartbreak, and pain and embody their adolescent years.

    Rico*, 27

    If my teenage years were a song, it’d be Jidenna’s Classic Man Remix with Kendrick Lamar. I see the song as a motivator to man-up fast after losing my dad in 2016. I listened to it a lot during that time, and it makes sense now. Music has helped me achieve most of what I do today creatively. For years, everything was dark, and I was plugged out from the world because of trauma — the song was all I had. It was originally released in 2015. I was 17.

    Lola, 26

    I was 17 when I first heard and fell in love with Hello by Adele. Its tempo, lyrical depth, and production are so deep to me. I was a teenager finding myself, having feelings, and understanding why I was having those feelings. Teenage boys were brutal, and I was a “learner” as a teenager. I was a yearner as a teen, and that’s what the song gives.

    Also, it gave me a feeling of “I’m no longer a baby, but I’m not also a grown-up.” The song helped me navigate the period. Sometimes, I wish I was still the deep yearner that I was then. But omo, okunrin ya were gan. 

    David, 24

    This takes me back to when I was 15 years old, and Yaadman FKA Yung L’s SOS was the most rinsed music on my phone. I loved everything about it from the song’s lyrics to its ambience. It sounded different from the dominant sound at that time too. I consider it the soundtrack to my teenage life because I was Yung L’s biggest fan at that point. People even called Marley till I entered 100 level. If I had money, I wouldn’t mind sending him money for the weekend, just to make him constantly drop gbedu for me.

    Nma, 26

    The perfect song that defines my teenage years would be Fela Kuti’s Shakara. Growing up, I enjoyed feeling myself and I did things that made me feel like I’m that babe. From wearing high heels and dressing up, learning how to do makeup, and just being girly, the spirit of Shakara was my motivator.

    Chioma, 23

    It’s Meghan Trainor’s All About That Bass, and when I first heard it, I was 14. It was the first song I had heard where the plus-size babe was just feeling herself and doing her thing. I was a “fat-ish” kid, and it felt nice to hear her sing the lyrics.

    I liked the words. Honestly speaking, I liked everything about the song, and I still do.

    Back then, it just felt nice to hear her talk about loving her body, and how every inch of her was perfect. NGL, it still does. I think it lowkey taught me to love myself a little bit more. I played that song so much, I started believing what she said. My favourite part of the song: “Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top.”

    Adeyinka, 31

    It’d have to be Ebenezer Obey’s Anjade Loni Eledumare. I first heard it when I was maybe 15-ish? Can’t exactly remember now but I know it was a prominent song in our house during my secondary school days.

    I loved how melodious it sounded and even more, how it made us bond as a family. It’s that song I could put on if I’ve offended my mum and I want to see her sing. I mean, who would listen to the powerful lyrics about getting protected as you go out in search of your daily bread, and wouldn’t sing along.

    I’d say it’s pretty significant because even though I thought I knew how weighty the lyrics were back then, I have an even deeper context now as an adult. I like every part of the track, to be honest.

    Zoey*, 22

    It would be Vienna by Billy Joel. I was 17 when I first heard the song, and it really spoke to me. The opening line is, “Slow down, you crazy child! / You’re so ambitious for a juvenile.” I called it (still call it) the theme song of my life. It was a reminder to take things easy at that point.

    I’ve always been super ambitious, and because I’m used to being the youngest in any room I find myself in, I hold myself to a very high standard. At that point in my life, I was trying to be the best at everything. I was obsessed with speed, and it started feeling dangerous at some point. I liked how the song calms me down and reminds me that I’m still a juvenile. There’s a part that says, “Slow down, you’re doing fine / You can’t be everything you wanna be before your time” or something like that. It also helps that it’s such a pretty song. I only share it with people I hold dear to my heart.

  • In the last few years, a fleet of Nollywood television series have landed on several streaming platforms, such as Netflix. This development has contributed to the diverse Nigerian stories available for a global audience.

    While many hardcore fans of Nollywood have protested what they say is the globalisation of the industry, there are many Nollywood TV series worthy to binge. If you’re looking for a Nollywood TV series to binge in this month of October, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 worth our money currently streaming on Netflix.

    King of Boys: The Return of the King (2021)

    This TV show is about a local politician and businesswoman and, by extension, the underbelly of the Nigerian political system. Stars like Sola Sobowale, Toni Tones, Efa Iwara, and Nse Ikpe-Etim guarantee thrilling dialogues and actions.

    Blood Sisters (2022)

    A wedding ceremony turns into an investigation of a homicide case. A bride and her best friend are suspects of the groom’s murder. This is a Nigerian crime-thriller mini-series you should definitely watch. It’s star-studded with Gabriel Afolayan, Kehinde Bankole, Nancy Isime, Ramsey Noah, Ini Dima-Okojie and more.

    Oloture: The Journey (2024)

    A journalist works undercover as a sex worker to bring down a human trafficking syndicate. Beverly Osu, Omoni Oboli, Sharon Ooja and Daniel Etim-Effiong put their souls into this.

    Shanty Town (2023)

    This crime-thriller show explores the lives of sex workers, street gangs and corruption in Lagos’ political arena. The cast of Shanty Town includes Nancy Isime, Chidi Mokeme, Uche Jumbo and Ini Edo.

    Far from Home (2022)

    This high-school show focuses on a young boy and aspiring artist from a struggling background. The series shows him navigating his way through the world of the country’s 1%. Mike Folarin, Olumide Oworu, Bolanle Ninalowo and Genoveva Umeh star in this.

    Postcards (2024)

    The journey of a single mother (Sola Sobowale) to India for a medical check-up ends in a family reunion between her, her son (Tobi Bakre), and her brother (Richard Mofe-Damijo). If you’re looking for something lighthearted, Postcards works for you.

    The Origin: Madam Koi-Koi (2023)

    This show follows the story of a spirit haunting a secondary school after an incident of sexual abuse. It features veteran and new actors like Ireti Doyle, Jude Chukwuka, Martha Ehinome and Ejiro Onojaife.

    Ololade (2023)

    Two friends, a high school teacher (Frank Donga) and a car mechanic (Femi Adebayo) run into sudden wealth. This is a comedic series of fuck around and find out. 

    Castle & Castle (2018)

    If you’re looking for a Nigerian legal drama series, then Mo’ Abudu made Castle & Castle for you. It’s about a couple who run a law firm together. They also have to hold their marriage together amidst the high pressure of their profession. Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Richard Mofe-Damijo take the lead on this.

    War: Wrath and Revenge (2023)

    A politician’s wife ruins his political ambition after discovering he wants to take another wife. It stars Rahama Sadau, Ayoola Ayoola and Mofe Duncan.

    Check Out the 20 Best Nollywood Movies on Netflix Right Now (Oct. 2024)

  • Being served breakfast by a partner you love hits hard. It’s like getting stabbed in the chest with a sharp knife, except in this case, it’s your emotion that is getting stabbed. And sometimes, the only thing that can soothe the pain is a good song.

    Luckily, Nigerian Afrobeats artists have got us covered. From tearjerkers to anthems of resilience, these seven Nigerians share Afrobeats songs that have helped them navigate the treacherous waters of heartbreak.

    Cassie, 28

    It’s WYW from Show Dem Camp’s “Palmwine Music Vol. 3”. The album generally focuses on love in Lagos, and WYW is so real because she [Bellah, the featured artist on the song] didn’t have to pretend and say, “Oh, I know you hurt me but I wish you the best” or something modest. My ex hurt me, so I wished them the very worst, and the album just happened to come out then. We’re both Show Dem Camp fans, so as I sang, I somehow hoped that when he heard that track, it’d speak to him.

    August, 24

    Chike’s Out of Love and Insecure helped me through a heartbreak. I was hurt and cried to these songs, but they helped me reflect and find closure. In fact, the whole “Boo of the Booless” album did a lot for me. I jam it occasionally now for the beauty of it, not because I need healing again.

    Mohammed, 26

    It was Deja Vu by Burna Boy for me. Heartbreaks make you feel empty, so that song, just three minutes long, helped me feel secure in my feelings. I was addicted to the pain too. I played it consistently for two months to feel that pain. I listened to it about 12 times per day. But over time, the frequency reduced. I play it once every four months now. It still reminds me of an old lost love that could have been.

    Boluwatife, 27

    The song is Shame on You by Prettyboy D-O and Phyno. In my case, it wasn’t exactly a relationship — it was an emotional situationship that ended badly. We went out separate ways because the person kept fucking up repeatedly. I don’t have a suitcase at home full of grace to dash anyone. That’s why my line is “Shame on you, go ahead. Go”. It hurts a lot, but I mostly feel like it’s a good riddance.

    Sknny, 23

    The tape titled “I Think I Need Therapy” by 9T9 and Omata came at the exact time I needed it. The project dropped after I ended a relationship with someone. 9T9 sang about my life at that time in these songs. They’re good for when you’re going through relationship issues and breakups.

    It has a song called Spec which is my favourite. It’s about a lover telling their supposed partner to leave them alone if they can’t reciprocate the love and effort put into their relationship. The song expressed my feelings: Stop treating me like shit; there are other people feeling me too.

    Chiamaka, 26

    Strangely enough, Somebody’s Son by Tiwa Savage. There’s a saying that “misery loves company” and I think I found that company, that kindred spirit, from listening to it. She was saying all the words I felt at that time.

    Then, what really held me down in the song was Tiwa’s optimism in the chorus. Yes, the lyrics are all about how heartbroken she felt and the weight of the pain she carried. But despite it all, she still believes that somebody’s son will find her one day.

    Chike, 27

    It was Chemistry by Falz and Simi when I was in uni. I liked a babe but she didn’t like me back.

    This song isn’t a heartbreak song but it has gotten me through three heartbreaks. “Maybe we can try to be together, maybe there’s something here,” was the line that resonated with me at the time. So, whenever a heartbreak happens, it’s the default song I always go back to first.

  • Lisabi: The Uprising is the latest Nollywood epic production on Netflix. It’s a historical feature that follows a farmer from Egba (a place in Ogun State) who built a local resistance movement against the old Oyo Empire’s oppression. The film’s production comes from the stable of Niyi Akinmolayan’s Anthill Studios and stars veteran and new actors such as Jide Kosoko, Odunlade Adekola, Efe Irele, Liquorous Afije, etc.

    In the movie, Ibrahim Chatta (Sangodeyin) and Lateef Adedimeji (Lisabi) had scores to settle, but we had other lessons to pick from it. 

    These are the seven lessons we’re taking from Lisabi:

    The Old Oyo Empire feels like Nigeria

    Oloyo could cut off the head of another king or burn a village to the ground over tributes (a share of what people harvest from their farms). Oloyo would take from them without giving any in return. It’s just like present day Nigeria with powerful leaders, their yes-men, and the sufferhead citizens. Just look at Oloyo and his subjects.

    Don’t play with your job

    If you have to work because you want to impress someone, there’s a high chance you won’t make it out of the trenches. It might have worked for Osokenu, but if you don’t work, nothing for you.

    Protect your own

    It’s justifiable to go to war for your loved ones like Osokenu did for his babe Abebi, and Lisabi did to fight against their village’s oppressors.

    Rise against tyranny

    Don’t wait until your tormentor pushes beyond the wall before you fight back for your right. No one will do it for you. You have to yourself, like Egba, revolted against Oyo.

    There’s strength in community

    The people of Egba needed to produce more food because the Oloyo tribute collectors were taking too much from them. Lisabi suggested that everyone in the village should work on each other’s farms to increase planting and yields. When the harvesting period came, it was bountiful.

    One good turn deserves another 

    Despite the Alake of Egba’s instruction that Lisabi and others should stop the teamwork on farmlands, some picked up their tools and called Lisabi to work on his farm. Although he rejected the offer, it was a way of supporting Lisabi after his collective farming idea proved brilliant and kept food in their barns.

    You’re bigger than your problems

    Lisabi fought the dreaded leader of the tribute collectors and he didn’t only whoop his ass, he took his head home. Other Egba people took out their weapons to fight oppression too.

    We Compiled a List of the The Latest Yoruba Movies You Should See in 2024

  • The rise of female Nigerian music stars in the last few years isn’t only applaudable, it’s also sparked a conversation about a possible female takeover: Lady Donli put out one of the best albums of 2023. In 2024, Tiwa Savage released a first-of-its-kind, well-acclaimed soundtrack album and Ayra’s latest album, “The Year I Turned 21”, received even wider critical acclaim. 

    The girlies are up and creating their lanes. They bring newness to the game, and diversity in genre, vocal dexterity, delivery and lyrical content. We know seven on the come-up that should be on your radar.

    Yimeeka

    The combination of a music producer and recording artist in one person is an advantage that usually distinguishes a super-creative individual from an average one. Her musical ingenuity and production skills set her apart among the new wave of Nigerian female pop stars. Her debut EP, “Alter Ego” (2022), expresses relationships, and her latest self-titled EP, “Yimeeka,” explores personal moments. 

    Syntiat

    Syntiat is an impressive vocalist, producer and songwriter who graduated among the best of The Sarz Academy’s class of 2023. Get on her if you’re looking for music to play during heartbreak, as candles burn and you sip wine in a bathtub.

    Mahriisah

    Mahriisah’s pop style interplays with African rhythms, R&B, Highlife and reggae. Her music is perfect for glamming up to go flex outside or in a speedy car ride with your girlies.

    Amaeya

    Since Amaeya moved from Delta state to Lagos to push her music dreams in 2020, she has done backup work for A-listers like Tems, Ric Hassani, Tiwa Savage, Asake and Lojay. But she’s fully focused on her thing now. Amaeya’s stories of love, relationships and identity are bold pictures of the spoken and unspoken emotions of a careful romantic turned into music. Since her debut on “The Voice Nigeria” in 2021, she’s stayed true to her soul-drenched Afropop and r&b sound. Singles like On My Own, Delusion and Too Much will get any new listener started.

    Aema

    From Aema’s solo releases to her notable collaborative work with fellow singer, Kold AF, it’s easy to tell that her alternative soul music won’t be underground for long. When she’s not conquering her ego on No Place to Hide, Aema’s protecting her mental well-being, addressing relationship issues and women’s places in society on “ALT SOUL, Vol. 1” and “No Pity.”

    Clayrocksu

    In recent times, Nigerian Afrorock music has been referenced to the likes of Neo, Modim, The Isomers and Clayrocksu, among the very few women making music in that scene. Clayrocksu’s style blends rock, metal and alternative with Afropop, with relatable tales of Nigerian dreams and hustle, love and romance, optimism and higher calling. Her new EP “Hate It Here” is a mirror of all these and fun experimentation. One of the tracks, Nu Religion, mixes atilogwu with rock. What’s more daring than that?

    Reespect

    Reespect is a rapper who brings all her emotions to her songs. It doesn’t matter what kind of production she hops on; she’s going to spazz and bring out the soul in her bars. Her latest performance on Showoff Rap show (one of Africa’s biggest hip-hop platforms) is proof she’ll rap circles around the competition and still spit vulnerable lines if she feels like doing so. Put respect on her name.

    Nigerian Women Throw the Most Lit Parties, and the Proof Is Here

  • Since childhood, Tobi Amusan has dreamed of running the world. Born in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, she took an early interest in football, but it didn’t matter if she tactically passed the ball or dribbled like Jay Jay Okocha; she did another thing better—tirelessly running around. Her football coach recognised her talent and advised her to switch to tracks. Thankfully, Tobi found a track coach who took her under his wing after. That marked the start of her career in Ijebu-Ode.

    Since coming into national consciousness in 2013, Tobi Amusan has gone from a local champion to a national sensation. She is now a top world runner. Her trajectory has taken an upward flight and this is a look into her career and growth.

    March 2013: Tobi Amusan’s win at the African Youth Championships

    In 2013, the first edition of African Youth Championships, a bi-annual competition for African athletes aged 15 to 17, kicked off in Warri, Delta State. Tobi Amusan participated and won the 200-metre silver medal. In the same year, Tobi competed at the World Athletics U18 Championship in Donetsk, Ukraine, but she was disqualified for lane infringement. This setback didn’t hold her back, though; she bounced back the following year.

    2014 – 2015: Back to winning medals

    By 2014, Tobi Amusan had switched to hurdles and debuted at the African Youth Games in Botswana, where she won a silver medal in the 100 metres hurdles. A year later, Tobi claimed her first African U20 gold medal at the African Junior Athletics Championship in Addis Ababa and her second gold at her debut at the All-Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo.

    2016: Scholarship and the World Junior Championship

    Tobi received a scholarship to study at the University of Texas at El Paso in 2016. There, she earned the 2016 Female Track Athlete of the Year award, won two golds in 100m and 200m hurdles,a silver medal in long jump, and broke a 33-year-old hurdles university record. 

    Subsequently, she participated in the 2016 World Junior Championships and came fifth in the final. Then, she participated in and reached the semi-final of the 100m at the Rio Olympic Games.

    Tobi Amusan spent 2017 setting more hurdles records at the University of Texas, El Paso, where she met her new coach, Lacena Golding-Clarke, a three-time decorated Olympian from Jamaica. Later, in August 2017, she represented Nigeria at the IAAF World Championships in London. 

    2018: More championships and medals 

    In 2018, Tobi reached the final at the Birmingham World Indoor Championships in London, where she represented Nigeria. She also won the final race at the Commonwealth Games hosted at Gold Coast, Australia.

    Later in the year, Nigeria hosted the 21st Africa Championship in Athletics for the second time in Asaba and Tobi won a gold medal and her first African Championship title, becoming the first Nigerian to win gold for the country in the 100m hurdles since Judy Bell-Gam at the first edition in 1979.

    2019: She won one, lost one

    Tobi defended her title at the 22nd edition of the Africa Championship in Athletics in Rabat, Morocco. Despite the winning streak, she came fourth place at the World Championship in Doha, Qatar in October 2019.

    2021: First Nigerian Diamond League Champion

    Tobi Amusan competed at the Zürich Diamond League, got to the final, and set a new African record of 12.42 seconds, becoming the first Nigerian to win a Diamond League trophy. It was an incredible feat.

    2022: More wins

    In June, Tobi successfully defended her 100m hurdles title at the African Championship.

    Tobi was at her new best at the 2022 World Championship. She ran 12.06 seconds at the final and emerged as the first Nigerian world champion at the World Athletics Championships.

    Not resting on her oasis, Tobi retained her title at the Commonwealth Games and a second gold medal in August. She ended 2022 by winning the 100m hurdles to defend her Zürich Diamond League championship title successfully.

    Tobi Amusan spent 2023 fighting anti-doping charges and suspension. Eventually, she was declared not guilty. Though she returned to the track in the same year, her performance wasn’t impressive.

    2024: The fastest woman in the world

    In January, Tobi set an African record of 7.77 seconds at the Astana Indoor Meet in Kazakhstan. One month later, she set a new African record of 7.75 seconds at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston. Three months later, she won the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational where she defeated World champion Danielle Williams and set a world lead time of 12.40 seconds, becoming the world’s fastest woman in 100m hurdles.

  • Muri & Ko, the highly anticipated drama starring Kunle Remi and Bisola Aiyeola, is coming to a cinema near you soon. According to sources, the film, another Inkblot Productions collaboration with ace director Biodun Stephen, will arrive in box offices nationwide this June.

    The excitement around Muri & Ko has been steadily building since Inkblot, the creative powerhouse behind hits like Far from Home and A Weekend To Forget, announced its second collaboration with Biodun Stephen in February. Their first joint venture, Big Love, was a resounding success, ranking among the top 30 most-watched titles on Prime Video in 2023. With Biodun Stephen’s impressive track record, including Nollywood hits like Breaded Life and Picture Perfect, Muri & Ko is poised to be another blockbuster.

    With the imminent release of the teaser, Nigerian moviedom is buzzing with excitement and fever-pitch anticipation. Insider scoops also revealed that the ramp-up to the movie’s release in cinemas nationwide in June would come with different activities, with all the updates curated on Inkblot Productions’ social pages.

    Joining Kunle and Bisola on Muri & Ko is a brilliant ensemble cast that includes Bucci Franklin, Bukunmi Adeaga- Ilori (Kiekie, Charles Okocha, Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga, Femi Jacobs, and Gloria Anozie.

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  • We know Zikoko throws the hottest parties in Lagos, right?

    Zikoko has another party for boys and girls on May 11, 2024 at Muri Okunola Park. We’re calling it “Strings Attached”, a social event for lovers, families, friends, frenemy, singles, situationships, etc., to reconnect, make friends and build community.

    But first thing first

    Secure your entry to the event, AKA your ticket. String Attached tickets cost ₦0.00. All you have to do is follow these steps.

    NOTE: If you already have an account with OneBank, find the next steps on their IG’s first pinned post.

    Now, you’re ready to party. If you need someone to guide you on what to do, I’m your guy and I know everything you need to do..

    Dress to kill

    Get your best attire and throw your swag on. You’re coming to have a fabulous time, so you should look the part.

    Become a lyrics genius

    Chewing your mouth as artists like Johnny Drille, Fave, Qing Madi, Dwin, The Stoic and Aramide perform their songs won’t cut it. Doesn’t it just feel so good to sing along to the music?

    Between now and May 11, listen to these artists’ catalogues and know their lyrics by heart. It’ll be worth it, you’ll see.

    Bring your dancing shoes

    It doesn’t matter if you’re a bad dancer or can give PocoLee a run for his money, boogie down and dance away.

    Mingle with others

    You’re at this party to relate and meet new folks. You see a fine boy or girl you want to say hi to, don’t be shy. 

    Capture every moment

    Take photos and record videos. The memories will make you happy a month or year from now. Keeping memories >>>>

    Discover music gems

    Strings Attached is your best opportunity to discover new artists and create a new party playlist — especially if the DJ is real lit.

    P.S: The DJ set will indeed be lit.

    QUIZ: Which Nigerian Celebrity Bestie Are You and Your Best Friend Most Like?

  • It’s been 14 years since prolific Nigerian rapper Dagrin passed away, and we remember him through the music he left behind. If you’re getting into his music for the first time or you haven’t listened to his work in a while, here are fourteen popular songs he made and featured on.

    Pon Pon Pon

    Pon Pon Pon is Dagrin fully in his element as a rapper, bragging about his skills and coolness and trolling his competition at the same time. This is arguably Dagrin’s and Nigerian biggest rap song. It’s also a rite of passage for budding rappers— if they don’t use the instrumental for a freestyle, it’ll come up in a rap battle.

    Democracy

    If Dagrin released Democracy this year, it would bang so hard and people would crown him the “mouthpiece of the masses.” From education to insecurity, undeveloped economy and neglected creative industry, Dagrin spoke to the powers that be. And indeed, it’s still important as ever to ask ourselves if what we have in Nigeria is democracy or demonstration of craziness.

    If I Die

    To many listeners, If I Die is a premonition of Dagrin’s death due to its timing. Whether he saw it coming or not, he faced his mortality and communicated his grime thoughts clearly.

    Kondo (Magic Stick)

    Kondo is Dagrin’s coded way of talking about his phallus and sexual engagements. During the peak of this song, its hypersexuality made it one of the jams that Nigerian parents said their kids weren’t allowed to sing.

    Thank God featuring Omawumi

    If Dagrin made a gospel record, it’d be Thank God. While reflecting on his humble beginning and the harsh experiences he saw on his journey, Dagrin bursts into gratitude mode. Singer Omawumi assisted with the chorus. 

    Ghetto Dreams featuring Sossick

    As an inner-city child, aiming high can be a long shot due to environmental factors like unfinished education, poverty, lack of direction. Dagrin rapped about his aspirations before music took him out of the slums. Ghetto Dreams speaks for those held back by systematic problems and motivates people stuck in or trying to find their way out.

    Owo Ati Swagga featuring Dagrin

    The time of Owo Ati Swagga in Nigerian rap was the fly and bougie guys era. This song revolved around money and swag. Alongside Eva Alordiah, Terry tha Rapman, Gino, Dagrin designed a verse about sporting G-Wagons and rocking luxury brands like Gucci and Prada. 

    123 Remix featuring Dagrin

    DJ Neptune assembled the best rappers of that time — M.I, Naeto C and Dagrin — for this remix in 2010. This isn’t a battle of the best verse, but a showcase of emceeing and craftsmanship.

    Mercies of the Lord featuring Dagrin

    Dagrin opened up the remix of Ortisefemi’s Mercies of the Lord and in his usual fashion, he stuck to the song’s motivational theme.

    Gboro

    This song is about Dagrin’s popularity and credibility in the streets. One of the interesting things about it is the singer on the hook. Listeners mistook him for 9ice due to their vocal similarity, but his name is Isolate.

    Jimmy Jump Off featuring Dagrin

    Dagrin’s session at DJ Jimmy Matt’s Jimmy Jump Off remains one of the most memorable. It’s a launchpad that allowed Dagrin spazz heavily with bars and also gave him more of the mainstream attention.

    Everyday

    Dagrin’s past, upbringing and life was a big part of his music. Everyday details the daily life of people hustling nonstop to get out of the rat race. 

    Loni featuring 9ice

    On 9ice’s “Versus” album, he had Dagrin on Loni (meaning “today”). Although it’s about attending every party in town, Loni emphasises the essence of time and kicking against procrastination.

    Also Read: 5 Nigerian Songs that Birthed Myths