Ever since the premiere of the most anticipated show, Queen Moremi the Musical on the 21st of December, every conversation in Lagos has been about the heroic queen warrior of all time. After the casts hit the stage kicking off a spectacular run that has made the musical play one of the sold out theater shows of all time Bolanle Austen-Peters was all smiles as the entire hall shouted  “Moremi Moremi Moremi!”

With the best reviews from a well tribe-diversified audience which is one of the beauties of the show. The fact that not only the Yorubas had the best of reviews to say but even the non-yorubas want to come for a re-watch of the great musical.

The star studded musical has got the  audience relieving our very beautiful heritage and culture. Queen Moremi the Musical is gradually creating awareness to our history, roots and has been a wake up call for the youths in the country, most of the female audience left the hall feeling stronger feminists.

“The strength, bravery, resilience, selflessness of Queen Moremi Ajasoro is highly contagious and we are more than excited that the musical was not just a mere form of entertainment for the audience but an educative realization that you can take an independent action towards the redemption of the societal setbacks”

Not only did the premiere offer more untold stories of the Queen Warrior, it also put a spotlight on Tosin Adeyemi, who plays the role Moremi, everyone talked about how energetically and flawlessly she delivered. She kept the audience wowed with all the live action of her performance as the queen warrior.

The adventures of the Queen Warrior demanded a fitting soundtrack, and Bolanle Austen-Peters is clearly made the music of Queen Moremi the Musical a high priority.

Months before Queen Moremi the Musical arrived on stage, Bolanle Austen-Peters sent her musical team to the House of Oduduwa in Ile-Ife, Osun State to create the musical originally from the roots where Moremi Ajasoro was born and lived.

The anticipated command performance for the Father of the Yoruba’s, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwunsi held on Sunday the 23rd, the stage was graced by Tosin Adeyemi’s Moremi, Omotola Jalade’s Esinmirin, Femi Branch’s Olu-Ugbo, Bamike Olawunmi and others, also in attendance were several dignitaries: Hon Min Lai Mohammed, Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa, Mr Jimi Agbaje, H.E Mrs Olufunso Amosun, Erelu Dosunmu, Chief Onikepo Akande who graced the Terrakulture Hall.

The most emotional moment of the night was when Esimirin told Moremi that it was Ela her only son that was to be used as a sacrificial appeasement to the gods after her successful liberation for her people against the raffia bush enemies.

Another highlight of the musical was the roaring of the bush king, Olu-Ugbo and his people, the dramatic tune could scare one from miles away. By the amazement on the faces of our dignified audience one can tell they all had a super swell time by the actors who brought their A-game.

According to House of Oduduwa, Rejuvenee & Bolanle Austen-Peters, Queen Moremi the Musical is on a pace to overtake the best of musicals as regards the show ticket sales. Global ambassador to the queen Moremi initiative, princess Ronke Ademuliyi said that its of an higher probability that the show would make a comeback on stage after this season because of the overwhelming reaction and response the audience in general gave.

Read » The mind-blowing Queen Moremi the Musical hits the stage on YNaija

Burna Boy is the gift that keeps on giving, as he teams up with Zlatan to deliver another banging single.

Just a day before the highly anticipated, already sold-out Burna Live Concert, the tireless artiste blesses us with ‘Killin Dem’. Produced by Kel P, this single is a glorious blend of Burna Boy’s afrofusion style, and Zlatan’s shaku/zanku vibes. Talk about perfect timing. We’ll be jamming this one all day and quite possibly forever

Listen to Killin Dem here: https://soundcloud.com/burnaboy/killin-dem

Read » Killin Dem with Burna Boy And Zlatan on YNaija

May their souls rest in peace.

Moses Olaiya Adejumo

His parents named him Moses but he would go to the grave, aged 82 years, known by two names only, Baba Sala, to his millions of fans. Regarded as the king of comic-acting, Baba Sala was an actor, musician, dramatist and comedian who with his oversized lenses, sucked all categories of fans into his creative orbit, thus inspiring a whole generation of performers.

Mustapha Akanbi

Early hours of Sunday, 3, June 2018, news trickled in that Mustapha Akanbi, a legal luminary, notable philanthropist, traditional leader, trade unionist and latter day anti-corruption crusader passed away peacefully in his Ilorin residence after a protracted illness. Baba Akanbi as he was fondly called was 85. A prominent lawyer and thoroughbred administrator, Akanbi was pulled out of retirement by President Olusegun Obasanjo to serve as the pioneer chairman of the newly formed Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in 2000.

Anthony Anenih

One of the most influential chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from 1999 to 2016, Anthony Anenih, also known as “Mr. Fix-It,” died sometime in October, aged 85. A veteran of various political parties throughout his lengthy political career, Anenih was appointed Minister for Works in 1999 and subsequently served as the chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees. A cold-blooded PDP-partisan, Anenih made no pretensions about being in politics for anything other than his own needs.

Tosyn Bucknor

Nigerians woke up in November to the sad news of the passing of Tosyn Bucknor, an accomplished broadcaster, musician, actress and all-round media personality. According to news reports, she was found dead by her husband, Aurelien Boyer in their Lagos home. She was 37 years old. Bucknor’s sister, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe revealed cause of death to be complications from Sickle Cell Disease, a condition Tosyn was born with.

Dozie Ikedife

Former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dozie Ikedife, passed away Tuesday, 11, December in his Nnewi country home in Anambra at the age of 86. A renowned medical specialist, Ikedife was founder of the Nnewi based Ikedife Specialist Hospital and contributed immensely to undergraduate and postgraduate medical training. In addition to his sterling medical career, Ikedife was a politician and statesman, serving as both regional commissioner and presidential liaison officer in charge of eastern states.

Akinwunmi Ishola

On the Saturday of 17, February 2018, the family of renowned playwright, culture activist, actor, author, academic, and dramatist, Akinwunmi Ishola, confirmed that he had quietly passed on at his Akobo home, Ibadan, after battling an undisclosed ailment for the last two years of his life. He was 78 years old. A retired Professor of Yoruba Language and Literature, Ishola who was awarded the National Merit Award in 2000 and was a recipient of the Nigeria Academy of Letters. A renowned filmmaker, Ishola alongside Tunde Kelani entered a remarkable creative union that birthed the release of classic films like Oleku, Saworoide and The Campus Queen.

Aloysius Katsina-Alu

Legal luminary and retired Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu passed away on July 18, 2018 at an orthopaedic hospital in Abuja at the age of 77. The Chief Justice of the federation between 2009 and 2011, Aloysius Katsina-Alu’s tenure was characterised by controversies. Among his many contributions to nation building was the resolution of the contentious constitutional issue of pre-conditions for the removal of the governor of a state under Section 188 of the 1999 constitution.

Ras Kimono

Ras Kimono passed away in the early hours of Sunday, 10th May, aged 60. Thanks to his physical appearance and chosen profession, Ras Kimono always appeared larger than life. Between the years 1988 and 1990, he was one of the biggest hitmakers in the country, churning out real time classics like Under Pressure, Natty Get Jail and Rum-Bar Stylee in quick succession. Even when he disappeared from the charts, forced by the realities of the time to a life of economic exile in the United States of America, his music remained on the minds and tongues of Nigerians of all walks of life.

Ikeogu Oke                                                                

Renowned poet, former journalist, occasional columnist and winner of the 2017 NLNG Prize for Literature for his book of operatic poetry, The Heresiad, Ikeogu Oke passed away in Abuja at the age of 51. The cause of death, or ailment was not disclosed by his family. Oke studied literature at the University of Calabar, and was also an alumnus of the Universities of Ibadan and Nigeria, Nsukka. He is survived by a wife and three children.

Deji Tinubu

At the time of his death, Deji Tinubu was the Special Adviser on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. A chronic football fan, Tinubu slumped while playing a football match at a retreat of members of the state executive council. He was 52. A sports administrator and entrepreneur, Deji Tinubu helped actualise the hosting of the 2nd CAF Beach Soccer Cup of Nations in Lagos in December 2016. Tinubu was at time of death, the owner of Lagos Athletico football club.

Read » #YNaija2018Review: Tosyn Bucknor, Ras Kimono, Baba Sala… 10 notable deaths of 2018 on YNaija

May their souls rest in peace. This is the YNaija2018Review definitive list of globally recognised persons whose deaths shook the world.

Kofi Annan

Kofi Atta Annan was a Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 1997 to December 2006. Annan’s work with the United Nations was recognised when both he and the organisation were named joint recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize despite his passive role in acting on the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Annan was the founder and chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, as well as chairman of The Elders, an international organisation founded by Nelson Mandela.

Anthony Bourdain

American TV celebrity and food writer Anthony Bourdain was found dead in his hotel room in France on June 08, 2018, while working on his CNN series on culinary traditions around the world, Parts Unknown. 61-year-old Bourdain had shot in Lagos this year. Bourdain achieved celebrity status after the publication in 2000 of his best-selling book, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. The book created a sensation by combining frank details of his life and career with behind-the-scenes observations on the culinary industry.

George Bush Sr and Barbara Bush

Former US President George HW Bush died at the age of 94 at his home in Houston, Texas. Bush Sr was the 41st president of the United States of America and his single term, lasting from 1989 to 1993 was defined by the end of the Cold War and the first Iraq war against Saddam Hussein. About seven months earlier, George Bush Sr had lost his wife and long-time companion, Barbara Pierce Bush, a former first lady and champion of literacy. She was 92 years. Both Bushes were parents of George W Bush Jr, the 43rd US President.

Aretha Franklin

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was peerless. Until her death in August from complications of Pancreatic Cancer, at the age of 76, she was blessed with one of the most distinctive and influential voices in the history of popular music. Her incredible recording career spanned 50 years and earned her twenty Top 10 albums, plus a dozen million-selling singles and 18 Grammy awards. An artiste of immense versatility, Franklin performed for presidents and was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Billy Graham

From a 16-year-old baseball-loving teen who found Christ at a tent revival, Billy Graham went on to become the world’s most famous evangelist. An international media darling, preacher to a dozen presidents and the voice of solace in times of national heartbreak, Graham wasn’t just America’s pastor, he was the world’s pastor, taking his gospel to all corners of the world and influencing at least two generations of preachers that followed in his wake. Billy Graham passed away in his home town at the ripe old age of 99.

Stephen Hawking

One of the most influential and inspirational figures of the 20th century, Stephen Hawking, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge and author of the bestselling, A Brief History of Time, powered through a debilitating motor neuron disease, contracted in 1963, to become a brilliant researcher and towering icon. After the loss of his speech, Hawking was able to communicate through a speech-generating device, initially through the use of a hand-held switch, and eventually by using a single cheek muscle. He died on 14 March 2018 at the age of 76.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, heroine of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and ex-wife of the former South African president Nelson Mandela, died aged 81 at a hospital in Johannesburg after a long illness. Regarded as the “mother of the nation” by those who admired her leadership, firebrand rhetoric and courageous activism, Madikizela-Mandela’s death forced a reckoning in the world media of her legacy and returned the power to outline her legacy to the people she fought for in her lifetime.

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Ramapolo Masekela who died on January 23, 2018, aged 78, was one of the world’s finest and most distinctive horn players, performing jazz mixed with South African styles and music from across the African continent and diaspora. Masekela was exiled from his country for 30 years and in that space of time, became a powerful singer songwriter and an important political voice. Through his music and live performances, Masekela became a thorn in the flesh of the apartheid regime that had banished him from his homeland.

John McCain

John Sidney McCain III was an American politician and military officer who served as a United States Senator from Arizona for over 30 years. McCain previously served two terms in the United States House of Representatives and was the Republican nominee for President of the United States in the 2008 election. He lost the election to Barack Obama but retained much goodwill and influence in the Senate, the Republican party and American politics. He was 82.

Philip Roth

A legendary figure in literary circles and pre-eminent don of 20th-century literature, Philip Roth, author of tomes like American Pastoral and The Human Stain died in May at a hospital in Manhattan. He was 85. Roth’s writing explored what it means to be American, Jewish and male and for his efforts, he received among other honors, two National Book Awards, two National Book Critics Circle awards, three PEN/Faulkner Awards, a Pulitzer Prize and the Man Booker International Prize.

Read » #YNaija2018Review: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Billy Graham, Kofi Annan… These 10 deaths shook the world on YNaija

As we celebrate the coming to earth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we acknowledge the contributions of Nigerian believers using their voices, lives, platforms, and wherewithal to pursue kingdom agenda, push kingdom culture, and wield kingdom influence. Nigeria has been positioned to drive the end-time revival and these ones are doing their little bit to ensure that the whole earth is filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea.

Our inaugural edition featured notable men of God like Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, Revd. Sam Adeyemi and Yemi Osinbanjo, while this edition spotlights vanguards of the faith such as Bro Gbile Akanni, Apostle Emmanuel Kure, Rev. Joe Olaiya, Dr Paul Enenche and Bishop Kukah. We’ve also turned our eyes/search lamps in the direction of men who like John the Baptist have been labouring in the backside of the desert but are relatively unknown as well as social media influencers who’ve literally devoted their channels to God or who seek to change doctrine through constant criticism of what obtains.

See below the #Church100, presented in alphabetical order.

ABIMBOLA CRAIG

Abimbola Craig is a 32-year-old Nigerian producer and actor who makes no bones about the priority of her Christian faith in everything. The SGIT fave routinely uses her YouTube channel to share life issues and discuss her faith choices in an honest, down to earth manner.

AFY DOUGLAS

Afy Douglas has been in the music scene 20 years. Dubbed the King of RnB, the songwriter and coach has mentored popular musicians like Timi Dakolo and Mercy Chinwo. Afy released his fifth studio album Saviour in a worship and Christmas charity festival on the 23rd of December, 2018.

AGU IRUKWU

Agu Irukwu is the Senior Pastor of the popular UK parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus House. He is an accomplished investment banker and Lawyer. Voted UK’s Most Inspirational Black Person in 2012, Pastor Agu currently holds the position of Pentecostal President of Churches Together in England (CTE) for the period of October 2017-September 2021. He is the founder of the Mandate Men’s Ministries, a ministry established specifically to address the needs of men.

AKOMAYE UGAR

Akomaye Ugar is the Senior Pastor of HoneyStreams Christian Centre, Calabar. A preacher and an author, Pastor Akomaye’s ministry is heavily invested in the youth. He runs the School of Purpose and School of Mentorship across Calabar and Uyo and travels around the world preaching Jesus.

ANDY OSAKWE

Andy Osakwe is the Senior Pastor and General Overseer of the global ministry Summit Bible Churches Worldwide. Since its creation in 1998, the Church has grown to sprout outreaches in Nigeria, the UK and US.

ASU EKIYE

Asu Ekiye is an award-winning gospel music artiste in Port Harcourt. The Ijaw native style of music is largely African-traditional, a favourite choice in most Nigerian churches praise-worship session. A unifying force in the gospel music scene, Asu Ekiye has served as the National and International President of the Fellowship of Gospel Music Ministers of Nigeria since its inception in 2014. Under his leadership, the fellowship has spread from Nigeria to South Africa and 4 states in the United States of America. Asu Ekiye is also the Special Adviser to the Bayelsa state Goverment on Entertainment and Culture.

AUSTIN MBOSO

Austin Mboso is the founder of Spring House church, Calabar. The church has raised and shaped the destinies of many young people in the University town such as HOTR worship leader Eno Michael.

AYODEJI JEJE

Ayodeji Jeje wears several hats: pastor, prophet, music minister and politician. Like the bible character, Daniel, Pastor Ayo Jeje does priesthood in political service as The Secretary of Local Government to Ifako- Ijaiye. He is also the organizer of the Interdenominational fellowship Prophetic Streams, which holds every month in Eko.

BANKOLE OLUSINA

Bankole Olusina is a profound teacher of the word. For at least 10 years, Pastor Bankole under the auspices of Kingdom Word Ministries has hosted a weekly gathering to discuss the word and his messages are available for free download on his website. The Enugu based pastor holds to the strict interpretation of scripture and doesn’t hesitate to call out erring pastors, even if popular. His mission is simply to “expose scriptural truth”.

BEEJAY SAX

BeeJay Sax is a popular gospel jazz saxophonist who took a detour from his own burgeoning Engineering career and his dad’s professorial dreams to give breath/vent to his music calling. Beejay Sax has been playing the instrument for 10 years. He is a regular at gospel music concerts in Nigeria, including the phenomenal The Experience Lagos. This May, the talented instrumentalist held the second edition of his concert, Beejay Sax Live.

BOLANLE OLUKANNI

Bolanle Olukanni is the media girl with a big smile. This year, the EbonyLfife TV host produced the documentary title God’s Wives which focused on the plight of widows in Nigeria, a passion of hers. She also established a social entrepreneurship foundation for single mothers and widows in the same. Bolanle uses her social media platforms to address sundry issues about her faith such as celibacy, God’s will, how to be a Christian etc.

BOUQUI

Bouqui is one of a handful of female rappers in the gospel music industry. Born Bukola Afolayan, Bouqui emerged as a rapper before the Nigerian music industry took off. The award-winning musician has 4 albums and is currently working on the 5th one. She’s released two singles namely King David and Demo featuring Angeloh from the upcoming album that have made it to the top of charts.

BUNMI ODUAH

Bunmi Oduah is a Christian blogger and social media evangelist who enjoys disrupting the status quo and ripping the blinds off the secrecy that surrounds Christian relationships. Through her blog and Instagram account, Bunmi tackles various myths around relationships, bringing the God/scriptural perspective on each matter. She also uses her journey and travails (she was single for 5 years before she got hitched and barren for 4) to share life lessons about finding fulfilment in singlehood, and the necessity of nourishing a personal, intimate relationship with the Holy Ghost during every stage of life.

CHIOMA ‘CCIOMA’ ODIMBA

CCioma christened Chioma Sylvia Odimba at birth is a vocal powerhouse whose voice literally brings on shivers. A bundle of talents, when CCioma is not singing, writing a song or playing around with harmonies, she’s dropping inspirational gems on IG or cracking jokes. This October, the songstress held a live album recording Concert named Calvary.

CHEE OKEBALAMA

Chee Okebalama is a lead vocalist with House on the Rock’s Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir. With pipes that can blast a hole through a tunnel, Super Chee is using her gift for the kingdom. She has ministered with Frank Edwards, Nathaniel Bassey, Onos, Eno Michael and has sung before 8 Presidents.

CHINGTOK ISHAKU

Chingtok Ishaku is the Pastor of the God Life Assembly, Jos. Born in the ancient city of Kano, Pastor Ishaku received the call to ministry in 1995. He founded the God Life Assembly, Zaria in 2009, birthing several spiritual events such as the Feast of Eagles (Zaria), the Zaria Praise Festival (an annual worship event that sees the gathering of musical ministers from all over Nigeria) and annual Camp meeting. A psalmist after the order of David, Pastor Chingtok has released many popular songs, such as Draw, Lion and the Lamb which can be found in his Worship Expression 4-album collection.

CHRIS DELVAN GWAMNA

Chris Delvan Gwamna is a native of Kagoro, Kaduna, the state where his church The New Life Assembly is situated. Pastor Chris is a teacher of the word, a psalmist and carries the prophetic unction. In 2003, he completed the translation of Revised Standard Version Bible into Hausa for the Bible League of the United States of America. Pastor Chris opened the wave of “Spirit songs” in the body of Christ and has fathered many popular psalmists such as Daps and Chingtok.

CHRIS OARHE

Chris Oarhe oversees Hilltop International Christian Centre, Port Harcourt as its Senior Pastor. Started on the 6th of June 1993 at the Oroworukwo Town Hall, with 7 members, Hilltop has grown to a megachurch with over 9,000 members. Pastor Chris is a preacher, an international speaker and the author of several books including, More than Conquerors, How to Build Strong Faith, Breaking Beyond the Growth Barrier and Praying with Your Pastor.

CHRIS UGOH

Chris Ugoh is the Senior Pastor of The Kings Assembly, Port Harcourt who is committed to the principles of Christian living. Chris Ugoh has been pastoring for 26 years, carrying the message of hope, encouragement, and restoration to different cities in Nigeria, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, South Africa, USA and The United Kingdom.

DADDY FREEZE

Daddy Freeze does controversy well. He is not an ordained minister of the gospel. However, the OAP has parlayed his popularity on radio into social media influence. The General Overseer and Convener of #FreetheSheeple leads his 191k IG followers to….well, we’re not sure where. Daddy Freeze specializes in criticising men of God and church doctrines. He was responsible for triggering the tithe controversy which remained one of the top trending topics on Nigerian social media for months this year, causing popular men of God in Nigeria and abroad to spasm.

DAMI EKA

Dami Eka is a gregarious young lady who simply cannot get enough of God and is continually bursting at the seams to share the love of God with everyone she meets. She also utilizes social media to preach, teach and pray. She runs a WhatsApp group #PrayforNigeria and Springs of Living Waters, which is a ministry aimed at discussing everyday things through the prism of the Bible. Her YouTube channel launch is set for the 25th of November. A member of Solid Foundation Ministry, a youth outreach, Dami regularly takes bible study with students. She has ministered at UNILAG, Christ Redeemers College, Dansol High School, Rose of Sharon Teens Church and Greensprings Secondary School.

DAMILOLA AND BUKOLA BEKES

Damilola and Bukola Bekes are the anointed musical couple from the Redeemed Christian Church of God. While Damilola is a maestro on the saxophone and aerophone (the 1st in Nigeria to play one), his wife Bukola is a dynamic, energetic praise worship leader and songwriter. She is the composer behind most of the RCCG theme songs. Fluent in both Yoruba and English, Bukola’s songs are a spicy blend of both languages. Memorable ones include Gbangba Gbanga and Iranlowo Mi.

DAMILOLA MIKE-BAMILOYE

Damilola Mike-Bamiloye is a Christian movie maker, scriptwriter, producer, director of photography and actor. He is the son of famous Mount Zion Film actors Mike and Gloria Bamiloye. The young Bamiloye has brought Mount Zion Film Productions into the 21st century. From analogue to digital, Damilola hosts a YouTube channel with 37,000 subscribers where he uploads full-length movies from the production outfit. Not one to ride on his parents’ coattails, the newlywed produced his first movie at the age of 15 titled Youthful Lust. He also shot his first movie Harvest of Crisis in Australia as a cameraman with no formal training. He has since shot at least 10 films and 6 series since then. They include The Return, Caught in the Wind, Abejoye-Intruder, Last Man Standing, Rupantar, House On Fire (Parts 1-7), and Hunted.

DAVID NKENNOR

David Nkennor is a worship leader, songwriter, musician in the city of Lagos. In 2008, he started Worship is W.I.D.E Concerts, a gospel music programme in response to an instruction from God. He travels around Nigeria making melody to the Lord.

DAYLOM GODWIN GWOM

Daylom Godwin Gwom is a prophetic psalmist and multi-instrumentalist based in Northern Nigeria. Prophet Daps has an incredible knack for bringing God into an atmosphere and has shared the stage with gospel greats like Bob Fitts, Lenny Le Blank and Donnie McClurkin. A prolific songwriter, Daps has released four albums- Favour of God, Murna, Rhythm of fear, Celestial worship, Shofar Africa– most of which songs have become worship staples in churches. Daps songwriting transcends the confines of a church. He has also produced soundtracks for AMAA nominated movies such as Sitanda, White Water and Syndy’s Note as well as TV and radio commercials for a host of international artistes.

DUNSIN OYEKAN

Dunsin Oyekan is a songwriter, director and overall, a worshipper. He is the organizer of Code Red concerts and has released an album by the same name. If All I Say Is Jesus, Hallelujah, Na Wa, Amazing, Song of Angels (Keiyahdosh) are a handful of his songs which are not just a blessing to the body but have inspired multiple testimonies. Dunsin has collaborated with international music giants such as Kim Burrell and Tasha Page-Lockhart.

EHIS OGIATA

Ehis Ogiata is a pastor and gospel music minister in Abuja. He combines full time law practice with his pastoral ministry. He founded the Hopeville Chorale Ensemble, an interdenominational choir which holds bi-annual worship and healing concerts in the capital city.

ELE ADEJOH

Ele Adejoh is a teaching Apostle who encountered the Lord in prison. Because of a divine predisposition for order in ministry and the body, Apostle Adejoh’s ministry is predominantly inclined towards leaders in the body. He is the founder of End Time Universal Mission.

ELIJAH OYELADE

Elijah Oyelade is an understated gift to the Church. His songs ring with power and reveal the depth of his walk with God. Glorious God is an exceptional, unforgettable classic.

EMMA OHMAGOD

Born Emmanuel Edunjobi, Emma OhMaGod is an entertainer and a comedian who makes hilarious skits. A lover of gospel music, Emma has a slew of covers from Rihanna to Ciara remade as gospel music. He’s also made parodies out of gospel artists like Ron Kenoly, Tope Alabi and even Nigerian politicians. A product of C.A.C, it’s no wonder gospel hymns, especially Yoruba hymns have received a ‘wicked’ dash of Emma OhMaGod’s creativity.

EMMANUEL KURE

Emmanuel Kure is the founder of The Throneroom (Trust) Ministry, a prayer and missions ministry (para-church) with branches and Churches within and outside Nigeria, including the United States of America, Cameroun, Niger, Indonesia and United Kingdom (UK). Apostle Kure is passionate about social work. His ministry has established a craft centre, a rehabilitation centre for the persecuted, an orphanage and regularly undertakes community health projects, youth training, scholarship and empowerment and widows’ cooperatives. Apostle Kure currently serves as the National Secretary of PFN.

ENKAY OGBURUCHE

Enkay Ogburuche is a music minister doing much more with her gifts and exalted platform than singing. She hosts the Lunchtime Worship with Enkay on InstaLive, a daily prayer and worship programme and Callversations with Enkay, a helpline service of sorts where followers who are in need of a listening ear can reach out to her. Enkay recently dropped visuals for Salute, the popping new single featuring Kierra Sheard off the new album, Bridge.

ESTHER BENYEOGO

Esther Benyeogo may just be 21 years old but the anointing her singing carries oozes with the power of the Ancient of Days. Her Spontaneous Worship session with T.Y Bello is not just memorable, it is raw and intimate and beautiful all at the same time. The 2017 God’s Children Great Talent winner’s goal was to use her talent to win souls- and judging from her IG feed, she’s still about that life.

EZEKIEL JESUFUNMI

Ezekiel Jesufunmi is the lead pastor of The Potter’s Apostolic Ministries, Kaduna. Besides preaching the gospel, Jesufunmi’s ministry majors on intercession and the prophetic.

FELIX ILAWEAGBON OMUBUDE

Felix Ilaweagbon Omobude is the General Superintendent of Gospel Light International Ministry (New Covenant Gospel Church), Benin which he founded in 1988 and the current President of the umbrella body for Pentecostals in Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. The good Reverend champions formal and spiritual education through Covenant Christian Academy and the Light House Polytechnic, Bible college.

FOLABI NUEL

Folabi Nuel leads the worship team at The Lifepointe Church, an expression of Godman Akinlabi’s Elevation Church, Lagos. Folabi runs with the divine mandate to bring people into the consciousness of who God is and his love. Folabi has released two albums titled Good God and Good God (Deluxe edition).

FUNTO IBUOYE

Funto Ibuoye is a ball of fire and the brains behind The Beautified Network, encouraging women between the ages of 35 to live their best lives. Every year since 2015, Funto has convened the Becoming Conference, drawing speakers from various walks of life to challenge women to fulfil their God-given purpose. In the 3 years of its existence, the Beautified Network has reached over 12,000 women online and offline, while Funto reaches out to over 50,000 followers on Instagram which she’s turned into a message board for Jesus.

GAISE BABA

GAISE Baba is a contemporary gospel musician with a passion for teenagers. Christened Akinade Ibuoye at birth, Gaise makes groovy, upbeat music that appeals to the younger generation. An advocate of sexual purity, his songs push the message of consecration. Some of his popular singles are Awa O Tush O and Womino.  His most recent single Holy Sauce is a combination of trap music and rap. Gaise Baba has an outreach for teenagers known as LightOut. Through the instrument of music, Gaise aims to keep these young people on the straight and narrow. LightOut concerts have held in King’s College, Greensprings School, Queen’s College and Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba.

GBEMINIYI EBODA

Gbeminiyi Eboda is the charismatic Senior Pastor of HarvestHouse Christian Centre, Ibadan with branches in Ghana, the UK and South Africa. The 40 going on 25 cleric is also a life coach, trainer and the convener of the life changing conference Move Your World where he teaches upward mobility strategies and principles required to move from a life of survival to that of success and significance. Pastor Eboda is the author of the book, Understanding Faith.

GBENGA ADENUGA

Gbenga Adenuga is a music minister who has been in the ‘business’ of worship for about two decades. He has gifted the body of Christ with spectacular praise and worship goodies such as Awimayehun, You are the Reason I’m Living, and albums Ariya, Olekoko remain evergreen. For 3 days in October, Gbenga held an online worship event called Worship with Gbenga Adenuga.

GBILE AKANNI

Gbile Akanni is a cornerstone of the Christian faith in Nigeria.  He runs a quiet but massive interdenominational ministry called Living Seed from Gboko, Benue State. Brother Gbile as he prefers to be called has no airs even though he packs an incredible punch as a powerful teacher of the word, evangelist and intercessor. The thrust of brother Gbile’s ministry is discipleship and his fellowship Living Seed has expanded to South Africa and the UK while his annual end of year conference Ministers’ Leadership Retreat receives at least15,000 leaders from various denominations.

GEORGE IZUNWA

George Izunwa is the lead pastor of Gateway International Church, Port Harcourt which was founded on the 7th of January, 1996. He runs a TV and radio ministry and regularly organizes crusades and special empowerment seminars.

GIDEON ODOMA

Gideon Odoma is the President of Fortress Ministries, an interdenominational ministry based in the wintry city of Jos. A full-time itinerant preacher, Rev Gideon traverses the length and breadth of the country and beyond the borders of Nigeria taking the good news to universities and remote villages. Gideon Odoma belongs to the crop of believers who identify as Apologists –  Christians who present a rigorous defence for the gospel through systematic argumentation and discourse. Under the auspices of Ravi Zacharias ministry RZIM, Rev Gideon started the first-ever Apologetics Institute in Nigeria. He also runs a mentoring group on Telegram for young people.

IBITAYO JEJE

Ibitayo Jeje is about the only female Highlife Gospel musician in Nigeria. As a woman who was in the waiting room 10 years, Ibitayo uses her music to tell of God’s faithfulness. With a world tour, concert and at least 3 album releases done and dusted, Ibitayo is just getting started

IGHIWISIYI

Ighiwiyisi is a worshipper who really loves Jesus and simply enjoys the presence of God. No matter the stage Ighiwiyisi finds herself, she zones everyone out and sings to Jesus. Still, her peculiar husky alto voice will draw you in and catapult you into the throne room. Ighiwiyisi has released two albums –For Jesus and Father Vol 1-3.

IMISIOLUWA OWOLABI

Imisioluwa Owolabi carries a prophetic oil. She is a speaker, presenter and the convener of #WhenFriendsPray, an Interdenominational worship, prayer and prophetic gathering that she started as a teenager in her mother’s shop 12 years ago and continued afterwards in FourSquare Gospel Church. The fellowship has since exploded beyond its humble beginnings and now holds regularly in other Nigerian cities besides Lagos. Imisi is also the host of Table Talk with Imisi, where she candidly discusses scripture and Christian living garnished with a heavy dose of prayer.

ISA EL-BUBA

Isa El Buba is the General Overseer and President of Ebomi Ministry. The Borno state cleric has been quite vocal about the Benue genocides and President Buhari’s tepid leadership

ISI IGENEGBA

Isi Igenegba has a heart for young people. She served as the pastor in the youth expression of TPH before moving on to People of Influence Ministry where she serves as the lead Pastor. Funny and yet no-nonsense, tough and still vulnerable, PI pours out herself into each project, be it an outreach for teens or prisoners, in intercession, a sermon or a book.  The first time author launched her book Live, a memoir of her life in November

JEFFREY IYONAWAN

Jeffrey Iyonawan is the Senior Pastor of Miracle Assembly Benin, one of the popular youth churches in the ancient city, with branches in Abuja and Italy. Pastor Jeff’s ministry is big on personal development and quality living and to this end he runs a leadership school where he trains participants to influence world systems

JOHN ESUGA AKPAMI

John Esuga Akpami quit a thriving medical practice of 10 years in response to the undeniable tug of the missions field. He is the President and General Overseer of Global Revival Gospel Ministries aka Christian Teaching Centre, Kano. Dr Akpami has been in the trenches a long, long time and is considered a father to many pastors and leaders in ministry today.

JOHNNY AKPANKE

Johnny Akpanke aka the Bishop of gospel music is a Calabar based singer and songwriter who has produced several praise and worship classics such as the viral You Are the Reason I Live. He has organized several music concerts and released 4 albums

REV. JOE OLAIYA

Joseph Olaiya is a Civil Engineer turned clergy. After serving in 81/82 as the Nigeria Christian Corpers Fellowship president, Rev Olaiya stayed back in Sokoto to preach the gospel and organise crusades and weekly fellowships which morphed into his church, Living Faith Foundation. Rev Olaiya has over 30 years of experience in the deliverance ministry. He runs a quarterly program in Lagos and Kaduna called Sorting Out, for the breaking of yokes and bondages

JOSHUA SELMAN

Joshua Selman is a powerfully anointed music minister and pastor of Koinonia Network International ministry, Kaduna. The singing preacher is passionate about believers nurturing a personal relationship with God and big on honour. His ministry is replete with the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit

JULIANA OLAYODE

Juliana Olayode is a 23-year-old Nigerian actress who played the popular character Toyo Baby in the viral Jenifa Diary series. She is also a singer and author who uses her celebrity status to preach Jesus and sexual purity to her 1.7M Instagram followers and beyond. Her book, Rebirth trails her rise to fame, pitfalls and her journey to acceptance in Jesus Christ.

KEHINDE AKINOLA

Kehinde Akinola spearheads the TOUCHPOINT Group, which came into being to empower people, change lives and build complete Christians. Pastor Kenny started TOUCHPOINT in 2002 as an undergraduate in Federal University of Technolgy, Akure, gripped by the vision to “turn young people into influencers”. Using the 3D initiative model -discover, develop and deploy latent potential- and various programmes such as X-men, Ready Conference and Legit hub, TOUCHPOINT is educating, coaching and sponsoring young people to greatness. From its humble beginnings in FUTA, TOUCHPOINT now boasts a global presence in Canada, Australia, America, Ghana, UK

KENNETH IFEANYI

Kenneth Ifeanyi runs an underground daily bible study group –The New Testament Group– with over 2,000 members on Telegram. The impact of the online group has so grown beyond online borders, they held a camp meeting in September. On the 15th of December, @NTGDaily held a Christmas charity event known as The Isaiah 1:17 Initiative, taking the love of God to prisons, correctional centres and orphanages in 6 cities in the world: Lagos, London, Abuja, UAE, Uganda and Canada. Rabbi as Kenneth is popularly called, is a proud member of Christ Embassy Church

KIKELOMO MUDIAGA

Kikelomo Mudiaga is a House on the Rock’s choir devotee. She’s ministered as a lead vocalist and worship leader for 14 of the 24 years of the church’s existence. Stirred by the desire to see believers enjoy intimacy with their father, Kike released an album titled Deep Calls to Deep and published a book, And the Storm Came. She reaches out to the hurting through her initiative called, The Anchor, a forum for people who have been through tragic traumas and are in need of prayer and grief counselling and runs midnight prayers on Instagram.

MATTHEW HASSAN KUKA

Matthew Hassan Kukah is one of the few church leaders at the forefront of governance, religious and ethnic issues in Nigeria. A vocal clergy, Kukah has been known to speak up on national issues, no matter how controversial without pandering to persons or parties. This ability to speak the truth without fear or favour has won him the respect of various Nigerian governments that he’s been invited to sit on various panels such as the Ogoni-Shell Mediation initiative, the Human Rights Investigation Commission (Oputa panel), the National Peace Committee etc. Bishop Kukah is a prolific author and speaker. He’s graced Poju Oyemade’s The Platform Nigeria and written different aspects of the Nigerian Project including Religious Militancy and Self-assertion Islam and Politics in Nigeria, Religion, Politics and Power in Northern Nigeria, Democracy and Civil Society in Nigeria and Witness to Justice: An Insider’s Account of Nigeria’s Truth Commission.

MERCY CHINWO

Although raised in the church, Mercy Chinwo’s breakout moment came during her participation in Nigerian Idol Season 2. She captured the hearts of judges and fans alike and walked away with the crown and 7.5 million Naira. She’s back in Church now serenading the body of Christ with songs such as Excess Love, Igwe, Omekannaya

MIDNIGHT CREW

Midnight Crew is the gospel quartet of Igwe fame. Made up of Patricia Uwaje King, Odunayo Ojo, Olugbenga Oyebola and Mike Abdul, this crew have been doing ministry together for 17 years, an impressive feat in this industry. Bound by God, friendship and a love for music, Midnight Crew is a fave at gospel music concerts in Nigeria and most of their jams have made it into church praise repertoire.

MOSY MADUGBA

Mosy Madugba is a heavyweight in gospel ministry. Over the course of 30 years, Rev Mosy has served in various capacities. First as Scripture Union’s Travelling Secretary for approximately 10 years and currently as the International Coordinator of Ministers Prayer Network, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Saferworld Global Foundation, an International Non-Governmental Organization established to support widows and orphans all over Africa and the International Director of Spiritual Life Outreach Inc., a missionary agency and evangelistic ministry in Port Harcourt. Prof. Madugba is the author of several works including Four Levels of Spiritual Warfare, Elders at the Gate, Dealing with Evil Foundations, The Power of Prayer and Apostolic Women.

NKECHI ENE

Nkechi Ene is the Senior Pastor and President of the popular Port Harcourt church, The Carpenter’s Ministry; a position she’s held since the founder of the church went to meet the Lord in 2013. A first class graduate of Electronics Engineering, Pastor Nkechi abandoned a successful career in the oil industry for the pulpit. She has had a long-running show on TV dubbed Fresh Dew, where she breaks down the word of God.

NKECHI HARRY NGONADI

Nkechi Harry Ngonadi is a fashion entrepreneur who owns the eponymous fashion house NHN Couture. NHN’s pulpit is Instagram and her dresses are the message: “decent, classy and yet sexy”. Five years down the line, NHN’s mission to bring back decency to the church and the society at large is paying off in spades. At the 2018 Runway Dubai Fashion Show, NHN was honoured with The Most Inspiring Designer award. A firebrand Kingdom influencer, NHN leads her 285k ‘Warrior’ followers in daily declarations and midnight prayers. Her war room vigils have produced countless testimonies.  NHN is all about empowering women and winning souls (200k is the 2018 goal) to Christ. With her contagious smile, infectious personality and glamorous photo shoots, NHN is steadily winning over the world for Christ.

OBII PAX-HARRY

Obii Pax-Harry is an Apostle and Prophet to the nations, who has pioneered several visions and outreaches in the UK and Nigeria including the Nehemiah Company, an intercessory outfit with a burden for Nigeria and a vision to raise and equip “emerging leaders and reformers for nation building and social transformation” and Breakfast with the King, a bimonthly prophetic ministry. Prophet Obii has written a couple of books including the popular Prophetic Engagement: The Issachar Mandate.

OJE OHIWEREI

Oje Ohiwerei is the founder of Heritage Assembly, Benin with branches in Lagos and Warri. A contemporary of Chris Oyakhilome and Pastor Charles Omofomah, Rev Ohiwerei has been doing ministry since his undergrad days at Ekpoma. The thrust of Rev Ohiwerei’s ministry is holiness and truth; he also runs with a vision to raise a people for God. His TV Ministry, The Priceless Truth enables him to achieve this objective.

OLUMIDE IYUN

Olumide Iyun is a graced worshipper, songwriter and producer. The author of 4 albums including the popular Unlimited God sings hair-raising spiritual songs and uses his IG as a signpost to point believers and non-believers to Jesus.

OSIRI WISDOM

Osiri Wisdom is the lead pastor of The Wisdom Place, a young yet fast-growing church in Port Harcourt. His forte is relationship, entrepreneurship, and business leadership. He is the visioneer of Wisdom-Driven Marriage Academy and the founder and Lead Consultant of LeadWise Consulting Inc.

PANAM PERCY PAUL

Panam Percy Paul is a legendary Nigerian gospel singer and an excellent teacher of the word. Who can forget Come Let’s Praise the Lord or Master of the Universe? Having made his mark on the Nigerian gospel music scene, Panam Percy spends his days writing songs and ministering at various churches within and outside the shores of Nigeria. Dr Paul is also fully involved in grooming the next generation of music ministers through his music school, Panam Music World whilst mentoring many popular gospel artistes.

PAUL ENECHE

Paul Enenche is a popular Nigerian pastor who’s been in ministry 22 years. He is the founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre Worldwide with its headquarters in Abuja and branches in the UK and Liberia and at least twenty states in Nigeria. Pastor Enenche is a firebrand preacher, known to be vocal about the Benue killings and general political situation in Nigeria. He runs a satellite television and radio ministry and has authored several books. In November, Dr Enenche dedicated a 100,000 seater capacity auditorium in Nigeria, which takes its place of pride as the largest closed space auditorium in Nigeria today.

PREYE ODEDE

Preye Odede is a gifted Port Harcourt based gospel music minister. With a vocal texture that reminds one of Timi Dakolo, Preye writes songs that speak of hope and God’s ability to turn a desperate situation around, a testimony of sorts to Preye’s own life. Some of Preye’s outstanding songs from his 3 albums- My Script, Ready and Still Standing–  include Bulie, Ebezina, Oshimiri Atata and Idinma.

PREYE OMAYUKU

Preye Omayuku rose through the ranks from a regular backup singer making the rounds in the PH gospel music circuit to music director in one of the city’s popular churches choir, The Carpenter’s Church New Wine Choir. With three editions of her concert Colour Blind and a debut album Promise Keeper, Preye stays winning men for the kingdom.

PROPHET ISRAEL OLADELE

Prophet Israel Oladele mans the Celestial Church of Christ, Lagos. His popularity spread on social media when a video of him giving back the Church’s Sunday offering to a member circulated.

PROSPA OCHIMANA

Prospa Ochimana came out of nowhere and blew up before our very eyes. His viral song Ekwueme is a staple on out of town transport buses, at parks, markets and churches. And his colleague Mrs Nwachukwu is an incredible worshipper. Minister Ochinmana’s latest single You are Jehovah also packs major oomph.

SAM AMAGA

Sam Amaga is the founder of Foundation Faith Church, Port Harcourt which he planted in June 1988 with branches in Lagos, Abuja, London and Ghana. The Archbishop serves on the National Executive Council of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. He runs the Salem Foundation University in Lokoja, Kogi state, Salem Family Radio, an online radio with gospel content and Salem Foundation, the humanitarian arm of the church that cares for orphans and widows, among other endeavours.

SAM OYE

Sam Oye is the Senior Pastor of The Transforming Church, Abuja. Pastor Sam is also an author, leadership development coach, certified marriage Instructor and a Geologist. He is an alumnus of the Institute for National Transformation, Abuja and a graduate of the Redeemed Christian Bible College, Lagos. Pastor Sam runs Harvesthouse Mercy Foundation, an outreach ministry to communities. His leadership development seminars operate under his foundation, Springtime Leadership Foundation. He is the host of the TV programme, Fresh Start Today.

SAMUEL NDUBUISI

Samuel Ndubuisi is the pastor of Citadel of Power Global Revival Ministry, Ibadan. His ministry majors on the prophetic.

SAMUEL NWACHUKWU

Samuel Nwachukwu better known as Called Out Music is a young gospel music minister with an amazing sound and vocals somewhat reminiscent of Mali Music, spreading the message of Jesus in creative ways that draw in young people from Paris to the UK and Nigeria. A song writer and multi-instrumentalist, Called Out Music had his debut headline concert early November featuring American minstrel Phil Thompson. With Called Out Music, the Jesus celebration never stops.

SENSATIONAL BAMIDELE

Sensational Bamidele is a Port Harcourt based gospel artiste who bubbles with energy during his music ministrations. A versatile musician and instrumentalist, Bamidele takes African music up a notch.

SOLA ALLYSON

Sola Allyson is a trained musicologist who turned a profession into a calling. Since releasing her breakthrough album Eji Owuro in 2003, the Nigerian folk and soul singer has not slowed her roll, periodically blessing the body of Christ with new bodies of work (Imuse is her latest album, available for free download). Although Sola sings almost exclusively in Yoruba, the anointing of God comes through every syllable.

SOLOMON LANGE

Solomon Lange is a respected gospel music minister with a long career out of the North. The preacher and song writer has a pile of timeless songs and is always on the move, ministering in song at home and abroad.

SPIRIT OF DAVID

Spirit of David is a dance group patterned after David’s dance in scripture. They have been in existence for 20 years, preaching the gospel of the kingdom through dance. Started by Pastor Segun Lawal in 1996, Spirit of David has populated University campuses, capturing the hearts and minds of young people for Christ by speaking the language of the times. Spirit of David currently boasts 12 branches around the world, including the United States and United Kingdom. SOD has staged over 350 professional appearances and forty theatrical productions.

STEVE CROWN

Steve Crown is a Nigerian gospel music minister popular for songs like You Are Great, You Deserve All the Glory, We Wait on You etc.

STEVE OGAN

Steve Ogan is a Pastor with The Ark of God Church International based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He is the founder of High Calling Outreach Publications from where he has written several  Christian books.

SUNDAY ADELAJA

Sunday Adelaja is a controversial Nigerian pastor. The Senior Pastor of Embassy of God church is popular for the barbs he throws at other men of God, condemning their lifestyle and doctrines.

TEMIDAYO ADEBOWALE

Temitayo Adebowale is a Nigerian entrepreneur obsessed with the business of making quality clothing that “speak life”. Her company R1sixteen launched in 2015, makes fashionable tees, dress shirts, accessories and quite recently throw pillows and other home accessories emblazoned with Bible verses, Christian quotes and slangs. Temitayo has inspired a counter-culture among young believers to be unashamed to wear the word. What’s even more fabulous is that R1sixteen donates a percentage of their profits to charity

TIMI ADIGUN

Timi Adigun aka Dr Love is a reluctant church founder who in October 2011 started a bible study for teenagers which held everyday in a secondary school at Ojodu, Every Friday, the bible study participants were fed before leaving for home, a practice that continues to this day not just at MINE Friday bible studies but after Sunday worship service at The Ark. MINE Teenage Ministry has since exploded to other cities in and outside Nigeria including Abeokuta, Ado-Ekiti, Akungba, Lagos, Ogbomoso, Jos, Benin, US, Ghana. Spin-off programs like Worship Fiesta tailor-made for teens have emerged from MINE. Intent on sparking a revolutionary movement to restore sexual purity to a generation, World Virginity Day was born. 8 editions have been held since its inception. Juliana Olayode (Toyo Baby) is one of its ardent disciples. Following a specific instruction from God to open a church specifically for teenagers, Pastor Adigun started The Ark in 2012. The Adigun’s home has been a haven for many an indigent teenager, who have received not only fatherly love, counsel and support but in many instances have also been sent to school on the Pastor’s dime. Pastor Adigun is also a blogger and author of three books.

TIOLUWALADE AKOMOLEDE

Tioluwalade Akomolede is the visioneer behind God’s Own Diva Club, a not-for-profit, faith-based organization on a mission to raise and mentor the next generation of God’s leading ladies. Started in 2014, God’s Own Diva Club through Tioluwalade’s guidance has been beaming light into the lives of women, adolescents and 40-year-olds alike, while also ministering to the needy every chance they get.

TOKUNBO ADEJUWON

Tokunbo Adejuwon aka the Mobile Bible is the National Director of Rhema Bible Training Centre, a division of Kenneth Hagin’s Rhema Bible College. Since its inception in 2009, the Institute has graduated 1000 students. Apart from its three centres in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kaduna, the Bible school also runs a Hausa campus.

TOLA OMONIYI

Tola Omoniyi aka Spice on the mic is the founder of PraiseWorld radio, an online streaming (exclusively) gospel music platform. The story of gospel music in Nigeria cannot be told without PraiseWorld Radio. The 6-year-old radio station has played a major part in the explosive growth of Nigerian gospel music content and the promotion of gospel music artistes in the past couple of years, and it’s thanks to Toliano heeding God’s call to “take God’s praise and glory to the world via entertainment.”

TOLU ODUKOYA-IJOGUN

Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun is the first daughter of Bimbo Odukoya (the dearly departed pastor popular for casting a beam of light on Christian relationships and dating) who has grown to be a pastor in her own right. She is a pastor and music director in her father’s church Fountain of Life. Pastor Tolu doesn’t need the 4 walls of a church to propagate the gospel. Through her social media platforms on Instagram and Youtube, Pastor Tolu spreads the good news in prayer, scripture and song. Her passion for women led to the birth of Real Talk Women Initiative, a women’s online fellowship and non-governmental organization Pastor Tolu’s recent singles include God Alone.

TOLULOPE ADELEKE

Tolulope Adeleke is a young medical student preaching the gospel of sexual purity. From WhatsApp broadcasts to a book, Tolu is committed to showing the broken and despairing that they can live the unalloyed life. A public speaker as well as a writer, Tolu launched 10 by 10, a weekly programme on InstaLive where she takes on game changing life issues.

TOMI ARAYOMI

Tomi Arayomi is a prophet to the nations. His prophetic anointing is recognised by various governments around the world including the United Nations. Tomi gave his life to Christ at the age of 15. Alongside his twin brother Tobi, they planted their first church in Essex, Southend UK. At the age of 21, they had planted 16 churches. Prophet Tomi is also an author. He has 8 books to his name. He wrote his first book at the age of 18 and currently travels all over the world preaching the Gospel. Tomi has a Jesus tic going on. To that end, he leverages on social media, running channels on Youtube and Facebook training people to hear the voice of God every day. It runs daily on Facebook at www.facebook.com/propheticvoicetv.

VICTOR ADEYEMI

Victor Adeyemi is the pastor of Global Harvest Church, Ibadan and Lagos. An evangelist by calling, Pastor Victor regularly organizes crusades within and outside Nigeria.

VICTOR ATENAGA

Victor Atenaga is a worship leader and pastor of The Glorious House, Benin. He is the convener of the annual programme called Simply Worship.

VICTORIA ORENZE

Victoria Orenze is a household name in gospel music in Nigeria today. Her emotive, spirit-driven songs answer to the cry of the human soul. With her piercing vocals, fierce pleas and emphasis on the Holy Spirit, she reminds one of a young Kathryn Kuhlman. Victoria Orenze can be found every last Friday of the month at Symphony of Love, a worship event she organizes with her team and is a regular at gospel concerts such as Night of Worship.

VINCENT ANIGBOGU

Vincent Anigbogu is a preacher of the gospel passionate about leadership development and national transformation. He is the Director General, Institute for National Transformation, which has centres in Atlanta, Nairobi (Kenya), Kampala (Uganda), and Lagos (Nigeria) and doubles as the President and CEO of the consulting firm, JC (Jesus Christ) Quality Management Group in US, Nigeria, and Uganda. Dr Vincent left a thriving research and teaching practice in the field of Analytical Chemistry in the US just to fulfil his ministry call.

WOLA OJO

Wola Ojo is the founder of Solid Foundation, a faith-based ministry that basically pioneered the teen church revolution in Nigeria. Started in 1991, Solid Foundation Ministry is an outreach focused on the nurture, redemption and mentorship of adolescents. The 27-year-old ministry organizes yearly camp meetings, engages in school and community evangelism and also runs counselling programmes for teens. Now run under the leadership of Mrs Gbemi Agbato, its current General Co-ordinator, Solid Foundation has touched the lives of over 20,000 teenagers. Wola Ojo is the author of The Donkey Was a Teenager.

WUNMI TONI FALADE

Wunmi Toni Falade frequently leads God’s people in intercession on a plethora of issues using her social media platforms. The lawyer and blogger burns with a passion for God. From New Month spirit-activated proclamations to full-on sermons, Wunmi brims with unrestrained zeal, evidence of you can tell she has a lot to give the body.

YOMI AJAYI

Yomi Ajayi has been ministering at Bishop Wale Oke’s side well over 20 years. He founded WordPraise International to teach and lead the nations in worship. Pastor Yomi Ajayi is out with another project Grace and Gratitude which will be unveiled at a celebration concert in Ibadan.

ZILLY AGGREY

Zilly Aggrey is the founder of popular Port Harcourt church, Royal House of Grace. An Archbishop Benson Idahosa disciple, Zilly Aggrey started the church with 15 members in his house in Woji Town. It has grown from its humble beginnings to occupy sixteen plots in New GRA, Port Harcourt.

Read » Daddy Freeze, Brother Gbile Akanni, Dr Paul Enenche | See the 100 Most Influential People in Christian Ministry in Nigeria on YNaija

Follow the links to read up the stories and analyses on YNaija:

Daddy Freeze, Brother Gbile Akanni, Dr Paul Enenche | See the 100 Most Influential People in Christian Ministry in Nigeria

The Late 5: Edo Governor labels BEDC enemy of progress, wants license revoked; Buhari slams wife again over allegations of cabal frustrating his government | Other top stories

Read » The YNaija Cover – the 26th of December on YNaija

These are the stories that drove the conversation today:

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has debunked reports that about 167 policemen out of the 2000 additional Police Officers recently deployed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to the Boko Haram frontline in the North east have absconded from duties, describing it as absolute falsehood and a deliberate attempt to cast aspersions on the efforts of the force in the ongoing fight against the insurgents.

According to a statement issued by the police, all the 2000 Policemen deployed to the region have all reported and are on ground, in high morale and high spirit for the combat operation in the region, fighting alongside the Military.

“This story was investigated and it was found out not to be correct, there is no reason whatsoever that Police personnel deployed for the operations in the North East would abscond. The Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel have been engaged actively in the front line along with the Military in the fight against Boko Haram terrorist group since the inception of the insurgency,” the statement read in part.

Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday berated President Muhammadu Buhari over a recent comment he made, blaming his inability to fight corruption on the Nigerian system.

Atiku who said that the President Buhari’s admittance that his administration is slow shows failure of his administration in tackling corruption, adding that he will not allow the President make Nigeria the scapegoat for his failure, as his failure was personal, and not national.

“The system has challenges, yes, but where there is political will, the system can make progress. “Unfortunate as your admitted failure in the war on corruption is, it is your economic policy that is the greater failure. Your lack of ideas and your politicisation of the corruption war has made your administration fight legitimate businesses and the opposition,” the former Vice President said.

Former Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose has accused President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to hide under the killings by bandits  in Zamfara to impose emergency rule on the state, as he advised the federal government to admit its failure and apologise to the people of the State, who were left at the mercy of bandits.

In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Fayose said: “With the emergency rule, there will only be Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state in February next year while governorship and state House of Assembly elections will be postponed till May,”  stressing that the alleged plot by the federal government was aimed at paving the way for a fresh electoral process in the state so that APC can field candidates.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government cannot hide under its own failure to secure the lives of Nigerians to achieve its selfish partisan agenda,” he noted.

Simiarly, the Federal Government has said that the persistent attacks on residents of  Zamfara especially the agrarian rural dwellers, will have a serious impact on agriculture and food security in the country.

Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, whio disclosed this on Wednesday in Gusau during an on-the-spot assessment of the activities of the bandits in the state, said stakeholders in the state’s security sector would meet to fine tune the new measures that would be used in tackling the threat posed by the bandits.

While expressing President Muhammadu Buhari’s condolences to the people of the state over the attacks, the minister advised the hoodlums to immediately surrender and embrace peace, assuring them that “they cannot withstand the consequences.’’

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) says that President Muhammadu Buhari’s assurances and directive to the security heads on the kilings by bandits in Zamfara are not enough, urging him to terminate the appointment of his service chiefs over the recent killings in the North East state. 

According to the spokesman of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, who condoled with the family of the victims, the  “PDP holds that, more than ever before, the time has come for Mr President to review his parade.”

“The PDP has consistently told Mr President to review his parade. As the Commander-in-Chief, if his men in the front are being killed, he has the responsibility to review his parade, except if there is something underneath that he has not been able to explain to Nigerians,” Ologbondiyan said.

And stories from around the world:

President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia would deploy its first regiment of hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles next year, saying the move meant his country now had a new type of strategic weapon. (Reuters)

Meanwhile,  Russia has branded as “provocative” an alleged Israeli air strike on Syria late on Tuesday. (BBC)

America’s border security head warned Wednesday officials were overwhelmed by the “enormous flow” of families crossing from Mexico, appealing to Congress for health care funding after a second child died in custody.

US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said the agency was unable to cope with the thousands of arrivals, as most facilities were built decades ago for men arriving alone. (AFP)

The two Koreas on Wednesday launched a project to reconnect rail and road links severed since the 1950-53 Korean War, but actual construction cannot start while sanctions remain in place against North Korea, officials said. (Reuters)

Two former Egyptian presidents have appeared in the same Cairo courtroom with Hosni Mubarak testifying in the retrial of his successor Mohamed Morsi on mass jailbreak charges. (Al Jazeera)

Read » The Late 5: You are the problem, not the Nigerian system – Atiku replies Buhari; Fayose alleges plot by FG to impose emergency rule in Zamfara for electoral advantage | Other top stories on YNaija

Every day on the Nigerian Internet, there are people who keep our eyes glued to our phone screens as we read their rants, opinions, perspectives on political and social issues, etc. Sometimes, they are just downright ridiculous. We make it our job to take down the names of these noisemakers.

Here’s our list from today:

1. Ric Hassani

Scented Candles are amongst my favourite things. I'm just putting this out there coz my birthday is in a couple days so incase anyone wanted to buy me something these are ideas o, don't go and buy like ps4 or sometin for me o, i don give you hints lol, so please.

— Ric Hassani (@RicHassani) December 26, 2018

Uncle Ric, plix delete this tweet before ladies start using you as the standard. Okay?

2. Ben Murray-Bruce

Why won’t the policemen run? If they die what will happen to their wives and children? Look at how we buried the hero soldiers who died at Metele? The President did not attend. He was not represented. Those policemen were watching. Are they fools? Do they want the same treatment?

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) December 26, 2018

Abi….? I see common sense in the actions of the policemen.

3. Onye Nkuzi

Africa's major problem is that it is not a competitive continent.

If you fool around for decades, your neighbours will neither invade you nor take advantage of you – because they are doing the same thing.

All it takes is for one nation to develop & threaten its neighbours.

— Onye Nkuzi (@cchukudebelu) December 26, 2018

Underrated tweet.

4. Wunmi Bayo

Prof Hafiz Abubakar
Kano Dep Gov (APC)
May 2015 – August 2018

Resigns August 5

Decamps to PDP August 8.
Picks Gubernatorial form
September 2018
Oct 2018 – Loses primaries
Dumps PDP for SDP November 1

Set to return to APC, December 2018. #2019Debate

I love Political Tourism

— wùnmí 'bayò (@WunmiBayo) December 26, 2018

It’s actually Nigerian Political Tourists League. Abegii.

5. Naija Class Captain

Stop asking married couples why they haven't given birth yet. If they could, they'd have.

Quit asking single people why they aren't married yet. Ask instead how their career or business is doing.

Many times, the answer to that question is in the state of their finance.

— #EndAsuuStrike (@NaijaClassCapt) December 26, 2018

Yes o….Money answereth all things.

6. Ayisha Osori

We must change the incentives for being in government. One of the things restructuring should take care of. When government remains the fastest, surest way to amass wealth, it will remain our wild Wild West where the quickest, meanest draws win. https://t.co/vAVvNvjNfe

— Ayisha Osori (@Naijavote) December 26, 2018

And the second is like unto the first. If you want to blow in Naija….join politics.

They may soon add it to the curriculum

7. Omo Kiikan

If you cut tissue without following the dotted line, your @Twitter account needs to be suspended

— Omo Kiikan #MadeInLagos (@thearryshekola) December 26, 2018

Fair point.

Read » Today’s Noisemakers: Ric Hassani, Ben Murray-Bruce, Naija Class Captain and others on YNaija

These are the stories you should be monitoring today.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

The suspects are the man who reportedly hired the assailants and the one who is said to have pulled the trigger.

The Nation reports that Badeh was killed on Keffi-Abuja road following the information that he had some cash on him to pay for additional farmland. He was on his way from his farm.

Nigeria’s military, in a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, yesterday confirmed that about 13 personnel and a police officer were killed in an ambush laid by Boko Haram insurgents on Damaturu-Maiduguri road on Monday.

The statement noted that the military personnel and the police officer were killed while extricating themselves from the ambush.

Nwachukwu said a soldier was killed in another encounter with terrorists at Kureta in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said President Muhammadu Buhari would not have won the 2015 presidential election without his support.

He said, “Buhari will continue to  address me as ‘sir.’ In 2015, if I didn’t support Buhari, he wouldn’t have won the election.

“I have what it takes to correct him.  Nigeria should not be in the position we are today. Nigeria can be better. God has given us all that we need.

“I am qualified to speak against Buhari.  One, I have done it before. Two, I have shed my blood for this country. Why can’t I speak about what is best for this country. I am doubly qualified to do that.”

Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, have urged the Federal Government and the management of the institution to provide more accommodation for them on the campus.

The call for more hostel accommodation follows reports of incessant robbery attacks on students residing off the campus.

The State Security Service Wednesday, announced the transfer to the police of the orderly attached to Aisha Buhari to the police.

Sani Baba-Inna, a chief superintendent of police, served as aide de camp to the First Lady until he was arrested in September for allegedly using his office and Mrs Buhari’s name for influence peddling to the tune of N2.5 billion.

“He has been handed over to the police for further administrative action,” Peter Afunanya, a spokesperson for the SSS, said in a statement.

Read » The Big 5: Obasanjo says he is “doubly qualified” to correct Buhari; OAU students cry out over incessant attacks | Other top stories on YNaija

Here’s everything you missed in entertainment yesterday and others that unravelled while you slept – and are still buzzing today.

Ramsey Nouah makes directorial debut

The 48-year-old actor has made his directorial debut with the sequel to 1992 hit classic movie, ‘Living in bondage’.

https://www.instagram.com/official_edk/p/Bra3g-7B1o-/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=ka6x63wgva0o

“Aquaman” dominates

The DC superhero movie, directed by James Wan, starring Jason Mamoa dominated worldwide, grossing $550 million.

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth planned a wedding in their Malibu home but…

According to PEOPLE, the lovebirds planned to wed in their home but the couple’s compound was burned down by the California wildfires last month.

The stars moved the wedding to Cyrus’ home in Franklin, Tennessee, and Cyrus confirmed the marriage to the Australian actor, sharing images from the ceremony, reported to have been held on Sunday, on social media.

10 years later ….. pic.twitter.com/Lm8VD5AVxa

— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) December 26, 2018

Read » Entertainment Roundup: Miley Cyrus confirms marriage to Liam Hemsworth | Other stories on YNaija

Here’s to seeing more of them in the new year. Arranged in alphabetical order.

Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin

Through various projects like Girls Coding, Empowered Hands, GirlsInSTEM and GC mentors, Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin’s Pearls Africa empowers girls by tutoring them on functional skills to achieve economic independence at the earliest age. She has been listed as one of the top 10 CNN heroes of the year, becoming the first Nigerian to be so honored.

Zlatan Ibile

In 2018 the streets were watching. Shaku shaku is over and the Zanku is in. Credited as the pioneer of new street dance Zanku, Zlatan – real name Omonyi Temidayo not only taught the country how to boogie, he doubled down with the release of the Chinko Ekun hit single, Able God and joined forces with DMW boss Davido for a single, Osanle.

Bolatito Aderemi-Ibitola

For her Scraps from Mama’s Floor project, Bolatito Aderemi-Ibitola walked away with the highly coveted ART X Prize and a sum of N1,000,000. A trans-disciplinary artist working primarily in time-based art, interactivity and performance, Aderemi-Ibitola, a Masters degree graduate in Performances Studies from Tisch School of the Performing Arts, New York University had a divisive solo presentation at Art X in November as part of her requirements for winning the prestigious Art X Prize.

Killertunes

If you consumed Nigerian music this year, chances are you came across the work of Killertunes – real name Pedro Otans – one of the most sought-after producers this year. Killertunes was the producer behind Wizkid and Duncan Mighty’s Fake Love, DJ Spinall and Kizz Daniel’s Baba, DJ Spinall and Wizkid’s Nowo and Olamide’s ‘Motigbana. No other producer – or artiste – had a more winning streak this year than Killertunes.

Jemima Osunde

Inkblot production’s New Money isn’t a good film but Jemima Osunde managed to come out of it looking like a leading lady. Where New Money proved she could carry a major film, appearances in diverse projects like The Delivery Boy, Esohe and Lionheart proved she could play within a team while trying out different genres. Before this year, Osunde’s main claim to fame was her recurring role in the MTV Shuga series.

Peruzzi

2018 was the year in which whatever Peruzzi touched turned to gold. Well, almost anything. Signed to Davido Music Worldwide, Peruzzi, born Tobechukwu Victor Okoh was associated with some of the biggest hits of the year. From DMW’s Mind and Aje to 2Baba’s Amaka and Duncan Mighty’s Aza, Peruzzi wasn’t just tangential to these hits, he was front and centre delivering verses that marked him instantly for superstardom.

Ayodeji Rotinwa

This year alone, Ayodeji Rotinwa a freelance journalist, has written about alternative fashion for the New York Times, creative art hubs for Financial Times  and product designers for Vogue. He covers visual art, sustainable development and culture across the continent and has captured numerous breakthrough successes, bringing their stories to a wider audience. In 2017, Rotinwa was a BudgIT media fellow, and his work has also appeared on CNN, Mail & Guardian and The Africa Report.

Teni The Entertainer

Teni showed promise when she captured the 2017 Headies Rookie of the year. In 2018, she grew into her own, turning heads and capturing hearts with songs like Askamaya and Wait. Folks (Read: Men) who didn’t know what boxes to place her unconventional appearance were quick to dismiss her but Teni wore them all down. She performed at The Future Awards Africa ceremony and was featured in the New York Times for her tomboyish fashion. Not bad for someone who was asked to stick to songwriting.

Toni Tones

It is true Toni Tones has been around for a while, trying her hands in film and music – this year she appeared in Lara and the Beat and The Eve. But it was with Kemi Adetiba’s box office conquering King of Boys that Ms Tones finally got everyone’s attention. Playing the younger version of Sola Sobowale’s Eniola Salami character, Toni Tones was able to hold her own in the presence of industry greats. After King of Boys, it isn’t likely that anyone would dismiss Toni Tones anymore.

Victor AD

A graduate of Engineering of the Auchi Polytechnic, Victor AD had been recording music professionally for four years but it wasn’t until this year that Wetin We Gain, his aspirational and utterly relatable anthem took him out of obscurity and made him a household name. The music business is tough to break into but Victor AD, riding on the back of one of the year’s biggest hits, managed to get a foot in. His success was one of the most heartwarming stories of the year.

Read » #YNaija2018Review: Teni, Jemima Osunde, Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin… See the top 10 Revelations of the year on YNaija

Sifting through the loads and loads of music put out during the calendar year, we made use of parameters such as audience acceptance, pop culture effect, quality of recording and lyrical content to assemble our 10 best albums of 2018 for the YNaija2018Review.

The records are arranged in ascending order.

10. The Mayor of Lagos – Mayorkun

Everyone and their mother knows Mayorkun is a reliable hit maker (Posh, Bobo, Mama) but with The Mayor of Lagos, his debut album, he earns for himself, the right to be taken seriously. Confident and calculated, The Mayor of Lagos knows what it is about and doles out the feel good tunes almost nonstop. Don’t expect any depth when the dancefloor is the destination. But it is hard to quarrel with that when the packaging is as sleek as The Mayor of Lagos.

9. About 30 – Adekunle Gold

Thanks to an effective publicity campaign that dates back to last year at the least, and the usefulness of a larger than life lead single, Ire, About 30, the second album by Adekunle Gold is definitely one of the year’s hottest musical tickets. Mr Gold shows some musical progression and willingness to take more risks than he did on his debut but if these efforts go by almost unnoticed, it is because Mr Gold by nature, is his own rate limiting step. About 30 will appeal to Gold’s considerable fan base, but it is just as fluffy and gimmicky as his debut. The best thing to be said about the record is that the songs are easily adaptable for live performances, which is where Mr Gold is at his strongest anyway.

8. Rare – Odunsi

Rare, the debut album by producer and alte star boy, Odunsi (The Engine) does not quite live up to the makings of its title, but that is not to say that the sound which Odunsi creates and immerses himself in on the project is common place. Rare has a sense of mystery that is betrayed by Odunsi’s weak songwriting but the soul, trap and disco adventures are interesting enough to forgive his weaknesses. Surprisingly Rare also benefits from assists by Davido, Runtown and Tay Iwar.

7. One People One Nation – Femi Kuti

Touching on familiar ripped-off-the headlines topics, Ffemi Kuti’s latest, One People One Nation has a central unifying theme, calling for collective action on climate change as well as preaching political and civil responsibility. If this comes across as a sign that perhaps Kuti, 56, has been softened by old age, better think again. Kuti has some strong words for the bad guys and the good for nothing politicians on Evil People and Corruption na stealing. But ultimately the disc is hopeful that Africa will be great again, a far cry from the doomsday tone of Kuti’s contentious Sorry Sorry.

6. Crown – A-Q and Loose Kaynon

Crown, the statement album from A-Q and Loose Kaynon, two of hip hop’s finest and longest serving combatants is exactly what one would expect, and then more. Opulent, poetic, adversarial and strangely complementary, Crown is the product of two rappers working at the height of their talent. A-Q and Loose Kaynon inspire each other to bring out the best, assisted by a production finish that is almost second to none.

5. Red Velvet – Waje

A long time coming, the sophomore record by Waje- and first in half a decade- delivers everything that is expected of the supreme vocalist. Waje is emotional, sultry, fierce and adventurous as she focuses on diva R&B but adjusts the sound to accommodate contemporary audiences. Red Velvet isn’t pandering to the charts or clubs and Waje is exactly the artiste to present basic material in a bold, compelling narrative. Love never sounded this good.

4. Palmwine Music Volume 2 – Show Dem Camp

Show Dem Camp’s instantly lovable if not quite original Palmwine Music Volume 2 is a heady brew of hip hop, soul, highlife and Afrobeat. The duo of Ghost and Tec, industry veterans both, can still rap rings around any of their peers, but rhyming and punchlines take a back seat here as the duo take more than a passing interest in creating moods and feelings with incredible instrumentation and crafty melodies. Falana, Poe and Funbi come along for the ride.

3. Oṣó – Brymo

Oṣó is excellent for the most part. Impeccably arranged and exquisitely produced, it carries all of BrymO’s strengths and little of his weaknesses. Which is to say that the record isn’t totally self-absorbed and does not take itself too seriously. Oṣó goes straight to business with No Be Me, a melodious but affecting snapshot of the way we are. In a single verse, BrymO jumps from broken love to thieving politicians and then ties it all together with a collective indictment that is scathing as it is subtle. He gets bolder as he goes on.

2. Black Times – Seun Kuti & Egypt 80

Nobody does protest quite like Seun Kuti and on the Grammy nominated Black Times, his fourth album with the Egypt 80 ensemble, Kuti is in top form, excellent form actually. The protest nature of Afrobeat pulsates through the record, from the Carlos Santana assisted Last Revolutionary, to the Goodluck Jonathan inspired, Theory of Goat and Yam. With Black Times, Kuti embraces his roots fully and pours out a record that is both singularly his and indebted to his legendary father.

1. Outside – Burna Boy

The sound on Outside is a rich and viable mix of genres that have inspired Burna Boy as well as those he has picked up along his musical journey. While the record sounds familiar at times with elements of afrobeats, dancehall and reggae, it deviates from these lived in realism and strays into grime and hip-hop territory, by way of R&B. The eclectic mix that Burna Boy cobbles together on Outside could easily have gone south but his investment in and control of the material makes it one of the finest records put out this year. It is hard to point to a phase where Burna Boy has been better than he is on Outside.

Also on our radar…

Greatness – DJ Neptunes

Yung Denzl – M.I

Life is Eazi Volume 2: Lagos to London

The Collectiv3: Live. Create. Repeat.

Do you agree?

Read » #YNaija2018Review: Black Times, Oṣó, About 30… See our picks for the 10 best albums of the year on YNaija

These 10 events sent shock waves around the world, leaving excitement, confusion, disarray and relief in their wake. Could the world be changing for good or bad? Presented in no particular order.

Jamal Khashoggi’s murder

On 2 October, Jamal Khashoggi, a well-known journalist and critic of the Saudi government, walked into the country’s consulate in Istanbul, where he was murdered. Saudi Arabia’s public prosecutor has said Khashoggi was killed inside the building on the orders of a rogue intelligence officer. Turkish officials however say they have evidence, including gruesome audio recordings, that the journalist was killed by a team of Saudi agents on orders that came from the highest levels. Khashoggi was the first dead person to be named Time Person of the Year.

Singapore summit

During a June 2018 summit in Singapore, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un announced that he wanted to end the nuclear tension between his country and the United States by signing an agreement with President Trump including the denuclearization of his country. The two drew worldwide criticism, however, for not offering any specific plan, outline, or proof of said denuclearization. The Supreme Leader later told South Korean officials that he’d like to denuclearize before President Trump’s first term ends in 2021.

FIFA World Cup

Half of the world tuned in to the FIFA World Cup in Russia so it was only right that outtakes from football’s biggest spectacle would dominate the internet. From the exciting matches, Russian hosts, behind the scenes drama, emotional footballers’ testimonials from Players Tribune, the delightful Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Kylian Mbappe’s retirement of Lionel Messi and a finale that delivered all the goods, the World Cup was indeed a spectacular affair.

Thailand cave rescue

In the summer, a 12-boy soccer team (the Wild Boars) and their coach were celebrating a teammate’s birthday when they made a routine trip into the Tham Luang cave in the Chiang Rai province of Thailand. Heavy rains that showered the region for the past few days flooded the cave and trapped them all inside. After a week without contact, British divers found the group in early July. An international crew of rescuers resolved to rescue the boys before the next monsoon just days away. During those few days, the world watched as all 13 were pulled to safety from the cave and immediately rushed to the hospital. The collective rescue effort included more than 100 divers from all over the world. Saman Kunan, a former Thai Navy SEAL, died while supplying oxygen to the boys in the cave.

Black Panther becomes a cultural phenomenon

Marvel’s Black Panther didn’t just happen on the world. It took strategic marketing including grassroots organizing, GoFundMe campaigns and a release date during Black History Month. For Nigerians, Black Panther landed on a thirsty audience and was characterized by fans going to the cinemas repping Wakanda in their best traditional outfits. The discussions around the film ranged from the deep- relationship between Africans and African Americans- to the utterly superficial- Chadwick Boseman’s cool hotness- and sent ticket sales to record numbers.Windrush

Gaza Border protests

On 30 March 2018, a six-week campaign composed of a series of protests was launched at the Gaza Strip, near the Gaza-Israel border. Described by Palestinian organizers as the Great March of Return, the protests demanded that Palestinian refugees and their descendants be allowed to return to the land they were displaced from in what is now Israel. They also protested against the blockade of the Gaza Strip and the moving of the United States Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Violence during the protests has resulted in the deadliest days of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the 2014 Gaza War.

The American Royal Wedding

This year’s royal wedding was a brief respite for a world in turmoil and an escape into a real-life fairytale. England’s Prince Harry wed American actress Meghan Markle (now known as the Duchess of Sussex) on May 19. Television viewership of the wedding was higher than that of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s, with more than 29 million people in the United States alone tuning in to watch Harry and Meghan get hitched. The wedding was also a first for the royal family in terms of the diversity on display.

The year in immigration

Immigration is reshaping societies around the globe, for better or worse. This year was no different. In America, Donald J. Trump’s promise to build a wall to keep Mexicans and Central Americans from crossing the United States’ southern border is central to the government shutdown. Trump also tried a border separation stunt that backfired and has threatened to revoke the citizenship by birth policy. Antipathy toward immigrants is spreading through Europe. Theresa May is hanging on by a thread as she races to deliver a Brexit everyone is happy with. Angela Merkel is on her way out and the populist Hungarian government of Viktor Orban is riding strong.

Indonesia earthquakes

Earlier this year, a series of powerful quakes hit Lombok, Indonesia, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighboring Sumbawa. The death toll in Indonesia’s quake-Tsunami disaster nearly doubled to the initial hit, leaving more than 800 dead. Rescuers struggled to reach scores of trapped victims, as health officials resorted to mass burials and desperate residents looted shops for food and water. Indonesia is one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations. It lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where tectonic plates collide and many of the world’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

Ethiopia and Eritrea end a twenty year feud and reopen their borders

Ethiopians and Eritreans celebrated the reopening of two key crossing points more than 20 years after a border war shut them. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki signed a peace deal in July, restoring diplomatic and trade relations between the nations. Hundreds of people from the two countries hugged each other and some wept as their leaders led celebrations to mark the reopening. Ethiopia also announced that its troops would start withdrawing from the border area. The reopening at Burre gives landlocked Ethiopia access to the sea

Read » #YNaija2018Review: Black Panther, Jamal Khashoggi murder, The Royal Wedding… 10 Moments that shook the world on YNaija

These are the stories that drove the conversation today:

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to threats by Governor Nasir El Rufai to arrest and arraign Abuja-based cleric and Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Eneche over allegations of hate speech.

Speaking on the development, CAN President Rev. Dr Samson Ayokunle said while it would continue to condemn hate speeches by religious leaders and other Nigerians, it would not stand and watch its respected leaders being set up for molestation, humiliation and prosecution over an unfounded allegation of hate speech, as it urged the government to define clearly the difference between what is considered hate speech and advocacy for dying victims of continuous killings in Nigeria.

“While we appreciate the fact that no government will want her citizens to be killed, we will admonish Governor El-Rufai to channel his strength towards getting the sponsors and perpetrators of the heinous crimes going on in Kaduna State arrested and prosecuted rather than chasing good Nigerians who are contributing immensely to the peace, growth and development of the nation,” he noted.

The People’s Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PPCO) has declared that President Muhammadu Buhari no longer has the moral standing to seek re-election until he directly answers to the allegation that he has soiled his hands in the alleged corrupt acquisition of Etisalat Nigeria and Keystone Bank PLC, as revealed by its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The PPCO who said it is privy to the facts of how these relations of the President have been hounding government agencies, major business concerns and intending foreign investors over kickbacks as well as strangulating companies that refuse to accede to their demands, challenged President Buhari to explain how his family members came about the sum of N1.032 trillion for what it described as scandalous acquisition.

“President Buhari should perish the thought of going ahead with his re-election campaign without clearing this pertinent issue, because it directly bothers on his integrity both as a person and the exulted office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “He should therefore not continue to dress himself in borrowed garb of integrity until he cleans himself of the stinking corruption of his acolytes, family and friends under his cover,” the statement by the PPCO read.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has warned the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to address the consequences of their 16-year of rule in Nigeria rather than make President Muhammadu Buhari’s family a campaign subject in the 2019 elections

Presidential Media aide, Garba Shehu, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday said the PDP neither have the strength and support to fight President Buhari nor records of accomplishments in infrastructure, hence the reason they are dragging the President’s wife into their politics.

“The PDP leadership cannot afford to make family an issue in this campaign. Need I say more? The only thing I want to add is that PDP is engaging in mud-slinging because it finds it easier than speaking on their despicable 16-year record in the course of which they abused the trust of Nigerians,” the statement read.

The Government of Akwa Ibom State has disclosed the reason it gave permission for the use of the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo for the flag off of the South -South camapign of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement by the Director General of the campaign organisation for the re-election of Governor Udom Emmanuel, on Thursday, in Uyo, the decision of the state government  to allow the stadium to be used for the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign after initial concerns over the potential damage to the facility and the humongous repair cost the state government will incur after the event is a clear indication that the Governor respects constitutional offices especially the office of the President

The statement further stressed that it was not a sign of weakness but a display of the leadership maturity of the governor.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for the 2019 presidential election.

National president of MACBAN, Muhammadu Kirowa, who made the announcement at the 2018 annual general meeting of the association, explained that the group decided to unanimously endorse Buhari because of the “numerous achievements recorded by his administration in the areas of Infrastructural development, youth employment and security.”

While adding that “MACBAN pledges its loyalty and support to President Buhari for his laudable efforts of uniting the country, infrastructural growth of the nation and transforming the economic life of citizens for posterity,” he urged leaders and members of the association at all levels to mobilise support and ensure that Buhari is re-elected, The Cable reports.

And stories from around the world:

A lingering scandal involving Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro’s son has soured his inauguration next week and tarnished the reputation of a far-right maverick who surged to victory on a vow to end years of political horsetrading. (Reuters)

Seven years after Germany scrapped conscription, its defence chief has said employing EU citizens is “an option” to fill expert posts.

Army general inspector Eberhard Zorn said the forces had to “look in all directions in times of a lack of qualified personnel”, such as doctors and IT specialists. (BBC)

Congress members trickled back into Washington Thursday but there was little hope of ending the government shutdown sparked by a row with President Donald Trump over his demand for US-Mexico border wall construction. (AFP)

A Pakistani separatist leader wanted over an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi has been killed along with five others in a suicide blast in Afghanistan, his group has confirmed. (Al Jazeera)

Security forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo fired live rounds and tear gas on Thursday to scatter demonstrators who burned tyres and ransacked an Ebola center in protest at their exclusion from the presidential election. (Reuters)

Read » The Late 5: CAN cautions El-Rufai over threat to arrest Pastor Paul Enenche; Buhari must answer to corruption allegation against his family – PDP | Other top stories on YNaija

Follow the links to read the stories and analyses on YNaija:

Read » The YNaija Cover – the 27th of December on YNaija

Every day on the Nigerian Internet, there are people who keep our eyes glued to our phone screens as we read their rants, opinions, perspectives on political and social issues, etc. Sometimes, they are just downright ridiculous. We make it our job to take down the names of these noisemakers.

Here’s our list from today:

1. Ayodele Fayose

Nigerians are being killed in Zamfara, President Buhari could only make "phone calls". But he is going to Akwa Ibom, a state made peaceful by the PDP Govt of @MrUdomEmmanuel to flag off his campaign. Why can't he do the flag off in Zamfara, Yobe or Borno?

— Peter Ayodele Fayose (@GovAyoFayose) December 27, 2018

Flag off campaign in Borno? LOOOL!!

2. Subomi Plumptre

My sister said something important about #Dubai. With a general crime rate of 0.2%, it's the kind of place you can go to as a single woman or even allow your teenage children visit unaccompanied. It's that safe.

— Subomi (@subomiplumptre) December 27, 2018

May God help Nigeria.

3. Phyno Fino

Imagine this tribal fool!!! Mind ur biz b4 i change am for u. EWU https://t.co/owuhtyyNdc

— EZEGE 1 (@phynofino) December 27, 2018

Baba, take am easy….small play!

4. De Doyin

I'm not Ibo and I don't understand the language but I prefer Phyno to any other artiste in Nigeria. His calm voice coupled with his beautiful mix of Ibo with English is everything. What conversation is he not in? Because he didn't ask people to steal panties abi? Mtcheeeew…

— The Dean of Science (@de_doyin) December 27, 2018

AhnAhn! Uncle, you are rude o. Panties ke?

5. Ugbede Ojo

It's becoming rampant in our society today for the privileged to go to poor homes and promise parents of innocent children that they will cater for the child's needs while the child helps with house chores and other activities but in the end those promises are never kept

— Ugbedeojo #MUFC (@Certifiedopeboi) December 27, 2018

Like political leaders, Like citizenry

6. Fairly Used Virgin

How do know they are married?
They could be dating and in dating, double dating is allowed.
What if the other guy is just a male friend she ran into at the concert and they decided to sit together?
Also going to a concert with a male doesn't mean she's cheating.

— Fairly Used Virgin (@Badass_Merit) December 27, 2018

I would have reacted to your point, but this your name ehn……

7. Nathaniel Bassey

If you are in power, please be humble . Don’t oppress. Understand that you will not be there forever. I have seen people act as though it is forever. There is time for everything. Remember, It is God Who removes kings, and sets up kings. Selah.

— Nathaniel Bassey (@nathanielblow) December 27, 2018

Tell them!

8. Guardian Angel

You can't pretend forever. In one way or the other, your true self will embarrass you

— Your Guardian Angel (@AskMeWhatIWant) December 27, 2018

True story.

Read » Today’s Noisemakers: Ayodele Fayose, Subomi Plumptre, Phyno’s clap back on music critic and others on YNaija

These are the stories you should be monitoring today.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said Thursday, it has secured 312 convictions between January and December 24, 2018.

It said the rate of convictions was “undoubtedly a significant improvement from the 189 convictions in 2017”.

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity, Tony Orilade reads, “The record of convictions cuts across the various offices of the EFCC with Lagos securing 85 convictions, Abuja (53), followed by Kano with 36. Port Harcourt secured 33 convictions, Gombe recorded 28; Benin had 27; Enugu (15); Maiduguri (11); Ibadan (10); Uyo (eight), and Kaduna (six).”

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and Voice of Nigeria (VON) Director-General, Osita Okechukwu said that only the Southeast people can deny the region of the presidency in 2023 if they vote against Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 presidential election.

He warned that the fruit of whatever they sow with their votes would be there for them to harvest in 2023, should they cast their ballot against Buhari.

Okechukwu was reacting to the statement credited to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to the effect that 2023 Igbo presidency quest is a plot to hoodwink the region.

After vehemently denying the report, Nigerian Police have dismissed 121 of at least 167 police officers who left their duty from a counterterrorism training facility to avoid deployment against Boko Haram insurgents last week.

According to Premium Times, the 121 officers of the police rank-and-file were accused of committing mutiny and desertion, prompting Inspector-General Ibrahim Idris to order their dismissal with immediate effect.

Osun Governor, Gboyega Oyetola Thursday, presented a N152 billion budget before the Osun House of Assembly as the fiscal proposal for 2019 – promising that workers’ salary would now be paid promptly and in full.

The governor, during the budget presentation, said the era of modulated salaries had ended and workers and pensioners would now be paid full salaries and pensions as and when due.

Oyetola tagged the fiscal proposal ‘Budget of Hope’.

The former military governor of Lagos and chairman, presidential advisory committee on drugs, Buba Marwa has asked Thursday, in Yola, that all those seeking to occupy the Aso presidential villa should wait till 2023 as President Muhammadu Buhari would be returned to power in 2019.

Marwa said he was confident that Buhari would win in the 2019 election.

“Buba Marwa Organisation is the first to organise rally in support of President Buhari in 2016, because Buhari has done very well in three areas of economy, security and fight against corruption.

“He will return for the second time by the grace of God, and for that, I have no doubt all those vying for Aso Villa should wait till 2023,” Marwa said.

Read » The Big 5: 121 policemen dismissed for shunning deployment against Boko Haram; APC chieftain explains why Igbos must vote Buhari in 2019 | Other top stories on YNaija

Here’s everything you missed in entertainment yesterday and others that unravelled while you slept – and are still buzzing today.

Toke Makinwa reveals she had plastic surgery as she “hated my body”

The media personality wrote on Twitter, “This year I stopped complaining and changed things. I hated my body, I fixed it, (best decision ever). I hated hanging around certain people who made me feel small; I dropped them, I learnt to forgive (I still struggle but it’s a journey), I learnt to be at peace. #2018Lessons.”

This year I stopped complaining and changed things. I hated my body, I fixed it, (best decision ever). I hated hanging around certain people who made me feel small; I dropped them, I learnt to forgive (I still struggle but it’s a journey), I learnt to be at peace. #2018Lessons

— Toke Makinwa (@tokstarr) December 27, 2018

There’s video evidence to back up sexual allegations against Kevin Spacey

The man who accused Kevin Spacey of sexually assaulting him at a restaurant in 2016 captured part of the alleged incident on video, according to Variety.

The then 18-year-old, a busboy at the restaurant, sent a Snapchat video to his girlfriend to prove the encounter occurred. The video allegedly shows Spacey, now 59, touching the front of his pants, according to a filed complaint.

Meghan Markle says “she is almost there” 

Meghan Marble, 37, and Prince Harry, 34, greeted fans after attending the Christmas Day church service at the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk. In a video shared on Twitter by Emily Spencer, Meghan shakes hands with the well-wishers lining the route as they congratulate her on the family’s new addition.

At one point, Meghan placed a hand on her baby bump and told the crowd, “We’re nearly there!”

Read » Entertainment Roundup: Meghan Markle drops hint about baby’s due date | Other stories on YNaija

Abba Makama’s feature film Green White Green has now been successfully catalogued into the Harvard University Student Library, under the cinema of sub Saharan Africa.

Nollywood to the world!

That said, the 2016 comedy is heavy for its symbolism of national unity of the major ethnic groups. Its patently patriotic title aside, the movie is a coming-of-age story that follows three young artists who hang out and search for direction in their lives, all in the stagnant months leading up to the beginning of their university studies.

At the Harvard University Student Library, the movie will be used for student research on Nigerian culture and Hollywood. Starring Ifeanyi Dike Jr  (who is currently pursuing a masters degree in acting at UCLA), Samuel Robinson and Omoye Uzamere, Green White Green is still available for streaming on Netflix. Makama has been an industrious filmmaker since graduating from film school in New York, and was listed as one of the 15 African creatives to watch for in 2016 by Ventures Africa. Direc-toh (2010), Amebo at Four (2010), Party Minister (2012) are just a few works to his credits.

Read » Abba Makama’s ‘Green White Green’ has now been added to the Harvard University Student Library on YNaija

On Christmas day, Jordan Peele released the trailer for Us, a post-Get Out horror film that drove the internet into creating memes, gifs, and opinion pieces crushed into Twitter’s 280-word limit. More than that, the trailer release is brilliant marketing in a time where families and friends are together and sequestered away from the maddening horrors that has largely shaped 2018, only to be plunged back into a nightmarish world where Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke are fighting off their evil doppelgangers in a home invasion.

Most strikingly, Peele centers a black family – their fear, anger, shock, dismay and every miniscule of expression distilled through a lucid black lens. It’s unnerving, and also feverishly exciting. To further demonstrate Peele’s commitment towards combining black bodies and horror, he will helm the remake of the 1992 slasher film Candyman, originally directed by Bernard Rose and featured a black horror villain. Candyman remains significant and canonical till date because villains in horror movies are usually white and male. And, if successful when released in 2020, will cement Peele as a vanguard in subverting horror. Us hits cinemas March next year, and it’s quite difficult not to think of the movie as aping the heavy, racial subtext of Get Out. Peele has said it isn’t. As such, I’m more excited for the movie because I can’t deal with theorising that the doppelgangers are a product of a white conspiracy.

That said, I saw a few tweets from Nollywood filmmakers in response to the trailer, acknowledging the brilliance of Peele’s latest work. But that’s the surface. Peele’s Hollywood footprint began from comedy and his transition into horror writing and directing is no accident. Horror and comedy are two sides of the same coin, plumbing the depths of extreme and opposing human emotions that filmmakers have successfully cross-pollinated both genres into an harmonious blend. Currently, comedies are Nollywood’s cash cow, facilitated by cinema gatekeepers and their monopoly on local movie consumption. The Lionheart movie fiasco is still fresh, so there. While Hollywood’s production of horror movies have gone mainstream – Hereditary, A Quiet Place, The Nun were released this year, including Netflix’s Bird Box which has feverishly gripped social media – Nollywood has since suffocated its horror genre into obsolescence.

I have written about how horror movies heaved Nollywood into existence, an era of femme fatale cinema, witchcraft cinema, superstitions, ghosts, and blood rituals. Safe for the upcoming sequel of Living In Bondage helmed by first time director Ramsey Nouah, horror movies in Nollywood have never had a present nor a future, only a misty-eyed, nostalgic past. From the great morass of comedies released this year, Kemi Adetiba’s King of Boys was a palate cleanser, a surprising smash with a sprinkling of horror and violence that I tweeted after seeing the movie that I would like for Adetiba to direct a horror movie. I can only hope. People are still tweeting about Bird Box, processing the trauma of the characters through memes and gifs and proving yet again that horror isn’t meant for a particular audience. You just have to see to believe.

Read » The trailer for Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’ is scary and terrifying, and this is a reminder that the horror genre in Nollywood is still dead on YNaija