Asake Crowned Nigeria’s Most-Streamed Artist of All Time on Spotify

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation **Ahmed Ololade**, popularly known as **Asake**, has been officially recognized as the **most-streamed artist of all time** on Spotify in Nigeria. This milestone was announced by Spotify as the platform celebrates five years of operations in the country, highlighting the explosive growth of homegrown music and Asake's unparalleled dominance in the streaming era.

Since his breakout debut in 2022, Asake has captivated listeners across Nigeria and beyond with his signature blend of Amapiano-infused Afrobeats, streetwise lyrics, and infectious energy. In just four short years, he has surpassed global icons to claim the top spot on Spotify Nigeria's all-time most-streamed artists list, ahead of legends including **Wizkid** (No. 2), **Seyi Vibez** (No. 3), **Burna Boy** (No. 4), and **Davido** (No. 5).

Adding to the celebration, Asake's hit single **“Remember”** has been crowned the **most-streamed song of all time** on Spotify Nigeria. The track, a fan favorite known for its emotional depth and catchy production, leads the platform's all-time songs chart, with additional Asake tracks like **“Lonely at the Top”** featuring prominently in the top rankings. Multiple reports confirm that “Remember” has surpassed **100 million streams** on Spotify, marking it as one of his six songs to reach this impressive milestone.

Spotify's data release underscores the massive impact of Nigerian music, with users in the country logging over **1.4 billion hours** of listening in 2025 alone and creating more than **25 million playlists**. The platform's young, digitally savvy audience (average listener age: 26) has propelled Afrobeats to new heights, and Asake stands at the forefront of this cultural movement.

“This achievement belongs to the fans who have streamed, shared, and vibed with the music nonstop,” said Asake in response to the news. “From day one, it’s been about connecting with the streets and giving them something real. To be No. 1 all-time in Nigeria on Spotify is a dream come true—thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey.”

The milestone reinforces Asake's status as one of the most influential voices in contemporary African music, with monthly listeners exceeding **8.6 million** on Spotify and a catalog that continues to dominate charts year after year.

Ray Emodi quits acting for music, opens up on traumatic movie sets experiences

 Nollywood actor, Ray Emodi has announced his exit from the film industry, citing traumatic experiences on movie sets and family pressures as key reasons for his decision.

In a candid Instagram video message, Emodi revealed that some of his filming experiences were life-threatening.

He recounted filming in a town plagued by violence, where gunshots could be heard while on set.

“I have stopped acting in films. I quit. There was a time I never thought I would say that sentence for a short period of time, but I won’t lie,” he said.

Reflecting on one particularly dangerous shoot, Emodi explained:

“I shot a film in a town that I won’t mention, but we were literally hearing gunshots. There was like a craziness going on in the town next to our town, and we were still shooting.”

The actor also shared that his decision was influenced by concerns for his mental well-being and the expectations of his family.

“This is a decision that has come with a lot of consequences. My family does not support this. It is a family with strict rules and a reputation to protect, which is understandable, and I respect them.

I respect their decision, and I won’t do anything that would bring any stain to the name,” he said.

Despite stepping away from acting, Emodi expressed gratitude for his experiences in Nollywood, acknowledging both the challenges and the memorable moments.

As Emodi closes this chapter of his life, many are left reflecting on the challenges behind Nollywood’s glamour and the courage it took him to prioritize his well-being.

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Nigeria Shines at 2026 BAFTA Film Awards: Wunmi Mosaku Makes History, Davies Brothers Claim Outstanding Debu

Nigerian talent illuminated the global stage at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall in London, as British-Nigerian actress **Wunmi Mosaku** and brothers **Akinola Davies Jr.** and **Wale Davies** secured historic wins, showcasing the depth and power of Nigerian-rooted storytelling in international cinema.

Wunmi Mosaku, the acclaimed British-Nigerian actress, won **Best Supporting Actress** for her powerful portrayal of Annie, a hoodoo healer, in Ryan Coogler's vampire horror film *Sinners*. In an emotional acceptance speech, the pregnant actress became the first Black British winner in the film's supporting actress category at the BAFTAs. She reflected on rediscovering her "ancestral power" through the role, stating she found "parts of myself... a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and connection, parts I thought I had lost or tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in." Mosaku, who previously won a TV BAFTA in 2017 for *Damilola, Our Loved Boy*, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her family, her daughter, and her mother, breaking down in tears during the winners' press conference when *Sinners* also claimed Best Original Screenplay.

The evening also marked a milestone for Nigerian filmmaking as British-Nigerian brothers **Akinola Davies Jr.** (director and co-writer) and **Wale Davies** (co-writer) won the **Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer** for their semi-autobiographical feature *My Father's Shadow*. Set in Lagos during the 1993 Nigerian presidential election crisis, the film follows two young brothers navigating family tensions amid political upheaval. In their acceptance speech, the siblings dedicated the win to immigrant parents who sacrificed for their children's futures, saluting economic and conflict migrants, and emphasizing the importance of archiving personal and cultural stories. Akinola Davies Jr. concluded with a call for solidarity: "For Nigeria, for London, the Congo, Sudan, free Palestine." The win underscores the growing global recognition of Nigerian narratives and co-productions.

These victories highlight a banner night for Nigerian heritage in British cinema, with *Sinners* earning three BAFTAs overall (including Original Screenplay and Original Score) and *My Father's Shadow* continuing its awards momentum after earlier acclaim, including BIFA honors.

**Wunmi Mosaku (acceptance speech excerpt):** "To my daughter, you are my greatest teacher... I am most proud that everything begins and ends with you."

**Akinola Davies Jr. (acceptance speech excerpt):** "Your dreams are an act of resistance... For Nigeria, for London, Congo, Sudan, free Palestine. Thank you."

The 2026 BAFTAs celebrated outstanding achievements in film, with *One Battle After Another* taking Best Film and other major categories. Nigeria's strong showing has sparked widespread pride across social media, with fans and industry figures hailing the wins as a testament to the richness of African diaspora creativity and the universal appeal of authentic storytelling.

As Nigerian talent continues to break barriers on the world stage, these historic BAFTA triumphs signal an exciting era for representation and excellence in global cinema.

Trump Vows to Escalate Global Tariffs to 15% After Supreme Court Strikes Down Emergency Powers: "I'm Allowed to Destroy Any Country in the World"

President Donald Trump sharply criticized a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated his use of emergency powers to impose tariffs on global imports, declaring the decision "ridiculous" and announcing an immediate escalation of a new across-the-board tariff from 10% to 15% as a workaround.

The Supreme Court's decision, issued on February 20, 2026, found that Trump overstepped his authority under an economic emergency law when levying higher rates on goods from various countries. The ruling marked a rare rebuke of the administration's trade policies, which Trump has championed as essential for protecting American industries and jobs.

In a White House briefing on February 21, Trump expressed frustration, arguing that the court allows him broad powers to disrupt international trade but prohibits even minimal financial charges. "I'm allowed to destroy any country in the world," Trump stated, emphasizing his ability to impose embargoes, cut off business dealings, or enact measures that could cripple foreign economies. "I can embargo. I can do anything I want, but I can't charge $1. It's ridiculous."

Trump elaborated that while he is permitted to "destroy trade and even the country" through severe sanctions or blockades, the ruling bars him from implementing what he described as a "foreign country destroying embargo" via tariffs. He called the justices' decision "incorrect" and "a disgrace," baselessly suggesting possible influence from "foreign interests."

The announcement of the tariff hike came less than 24 hours after Trump initially unveiled a 10% global tariff following the court's verdict. The new 15% rate, enacted via executive order, aims to circumvent the ruling by utilizing alternative legal avenues, though experts warn it may face congressional hurdles and further legal challenges.

Economists and trade analysts have raised concerns about the potential for increased economic uncertainty, higher costs for American consumers, and retaliatory measures from trading partners. The move has already sparked reactions from global markets, with some sectors anticipating disruptions in supply chains.

**President Donald Trump (excerpt from White House briefing):** "The Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing. I’m allowed to cut off trade, impose embargoes, block countries from doing business with the U.S.—basically destroy any country in the world—but I can’t charge them even a small tariff? We’ll pursue very powerful alternatives allowed under the ruling."

The administration has indicated it will explore additional options to advance its "America First" trade agenda, including potential negotiations with Congress for broader authority. Critics, including Democratic leaders, have accused Trump of "tilting" and gambling with taxpayer dollars, while supporters praise the president's determination to protect domestic interests.

This development underscores ongoing tensions in U.S. trade policy and the limits of executive power, as the nation navigates a complex global economic landscape.

Hello Eco” Viral Claim Sparks Panic: No Plans to Scrap Naira in 2027, Fact-Checks Confirm

 A viral social media video claiming that Nigeria will abandon the **Naira** in 2027 and replace it with a single regional currency called the **Eco** has triggered widespread concern and misinformation online, but official sources and fact-checks have debunked the assertion that the national currency will cease to exist.

The video, featuring influencer **Flora the Digital Banker**, has circulated rapidly on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, with the phrase “Hello Eco” becoming a trending hook. In the clip, the creator states: “Are you aware that from 2027, there is not going to be a currency called Naira? It is going to be replaced by a currency called the Eco,” suggesting a full transition across 12 ECOWAS member states including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Cabo Verde.

The claim draws parallels to the Euro in the European Union and warns of potential economic shifts tied to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

However, multiple credible fact-checks and official statements clarify that no decision has been made to abolish or scrap the **Naira**. The **Eco** is a proposed single currency for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under discussion for years, with a targeted launch date of July 1, 2027, following meetings including one in Banjul, Gambia, in August 2025, and recent sessions in Monrovia, Liberia.

Key points from verified reports:

- The **Eco** project aims to promote regional trade, reduce transaction costs, and lessen dependence on foreign currencies like the US dollar.

- Implementation remains conditional on countries meeting strict macroeconomic convergence criteria, including inflation targets, fiscal discipline, and institutional frameworks.

- Nigeria’s Presidency, in a February 14, 2026, statement, confirmed ongoing technical preparations but emphasized a phased approach. The initial phase may involve select countries (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and The Gambia), potentially excluding the eight UEMOA nations still using the CFA franc.

- No official announcement from the Presidency, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), or ECOWAS indicates the **Naira** will be eliminated in 2027 or any specific date. The **Eco** is envisioned as a complement or long-term regional integration tool, not an immediate replacement.

Fact-checking outlets including TheCable Fact Check and Legit.ng have rated the viral claim as misleading or false in its absolute form, noting that while the **Eco** launch target persists, the complete scrapping of national currencies like the **Naira** is not confirmed and faces significant economic and political hurdles—particularly given Nigeria’s ongoing inflation challenges and naira volatility.

The viral spread has prompted calls for caution against unverified financial advice circulating online, with some users expressing fears of cash shortages or economic disruption reminiscent of past currency redesign exercises.

**Official Position (Nigeria Presidency, February 14, 2026):** “The first phase of implementation should concern Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea and The Gambia, subject to compliance with agreed macroeconomic convergence criteria and the finalization of institutional governance structures.”

As discussions continue among ECOWAS central bank governors, experts stress that any major currency transition would require extensive public sensitization, legislative approval, and phased rollout to avoid economic instability.

The **Naira** remains Nigeria’s official legal tender, and citizens are advised to rely on statements from the CBN, Presidency, or ECOWAS for accurate updates on the **Eco** initiative.