Nigerian comedian, content creator, and actor Zicsaloma has released a new video three weeks following his rhinoplasty, in which he explains the reasons for undergoing the surgery. In the video, which has gained significant attention on X, formerly known as Twitter, Aloma updates his audience on his recovery process. He mentioned that his face was considerably swollen in a previous post, but he has observed a reduction in swelling, which he anticipates will continue to improve in the upcoming weeks. Aloma revealed that the motivation for the surgery stemmed from years of mockery regarding the appearance of his nose, particularly from his siblings, which led to feelings of self-consciousness about its size. In the video, he confidently displayed his nose, expressing his contentment with the outcome and highlighting that it will further refine over time. He also addressed the financial aspect of the procedure, stating:

The controversy over Nigerian music star Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia’s divorce from his wife, Annie Macaulay, and his proposal to Natasha Osawaru have continued to dominate discussions. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that 2Baba’s mother, Rose Idibia, alleged in a video that Ms Osawaru, the deputy majority leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, had cast a spell on him. Mrs Idibia claimed the singer was not in his right senses when he proposed to the 30-year-old lawmaker and pleaded with her to release him. This newspaper also reported that the proposal sparked widespread reactions on social media, mainly due to 2Baba’s ongoing divorce and the striking similarities between this engagement and his past proposal to Annie.

Music streaming platform, Spotify, says there has been a significant surge in heartbreak song streams in Nigeria during the Valentine’s Day season, with a 626 per cent increase between 2022 and 2024. Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, revealed this trend in a statement released on Thursday in Lagos. Okumu said, “Spotify data reveals a surprising trend, a massive surge in heartbreak song streams. “Nigerians are turning to their playlists to process their emotions, with a staggering 626 per cent overall growth in heartbreak streams from 2022 to 2024. “This Valentine, the sound of love is accompanied by the sound of heartbreak, and the data shows it’s louder than ever before.” According to her, one heartbreak that Nigerians collectively mourned was the tragic passing of street pop artiste, Mohbad.

Renowned Ghanaian musician Choirmaster has officially kicked off the year with the release of his much-anticipated single, Long Distance. The song, which dropped today, February 14, in celebration of Valentine’s Day, highlights the beauty and strength of long-distance relationships. Known for his captivating melodies and lyrical depth, Choirmaster’s latest track reassures lovers that distance is no barrier to true love. Long Distance explores the emotional journey of couples separated by geography but united by love, emphasizing the sweetness and commitment that keep such relationships thriving.

EVEN though he’s had bragging rights as the Best Rapper at the 2023 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs), Lyrical Joe, is concerned about lack of recognition for English-speaking rappers in the Ghanaian music industry. Despite the growing popularity of Hip-Hop in Ghana, English rappers continue to face significant challenges in gaining widespread acceptance and recognition. In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, February 11, Lyrical Joe expressed his frustration with the industry's bias towards artistes who rap in local languages, particularly Twi. He noted that that preference has resulted in English rappers being overlooked and undervalued, despite their talent and contributions to the genre.

In September 2024, legendary Nigerian actor Pete Edochie highlighted Ghana's significant impact on the African continent and the world at large. From music and culture to governance, let's explore what Pete Edochie said about Ghana's leadership in these areas across Africa. Read the full story published by GhanaWeb on Saturday, September 7, 2024 If you ask any African historian, he or she would be quick to point out the impact that Ghana has had on the African continent and the world beyond. From being the first African nation to gain independence to the impact that the country has had on music across the continent, Ghana has a rich story to tell, but very few people to tell it. In a video that has gone viral on social media, legendary Nigerian actor Pete Edochie was seen highlighting the significant contributions of Ghana to the culture of the African continent and the world.

Tessy looked effortlessly chic in a silky halter-neck gown that perfectly hugged her figure as she posed for the camera. The design featured a bowtie detail, making it suitable for any evening event. The glam team received widespread acclaim online, with Tessy beaming beautifully, drawing attention to her flawless makeup and bold red lipstick. She completed her stunning look with a long, lustrous, straight hairstyle that elegantly covered one of her round stud earrings.

Valentine's Day 2025 was a memorable occasion, as A-list Ghanaian celebrities teamed up with their favourite fashion designers to unveil creative designs that truly stand out. There's nothing quite like a fresh look to evoke a festive mood, no matter your plans on Valentine's Day. Ghanaian actress Nana Ama McBrown looked younger than her age in a corseted halter-neck gown for her Valentine's Day photoshoot. The mother-of-one wore a Barbie-inspired hairstyle and heavy makeup while accessorising her look with red earrings.

Ghanaian musician Atongo Zimba has shared his thoughts on the importance of constructive criticism in the creative industry. According to Zimba, individuals who lack creative talent themselves should refrain from criticizing creatives. In an interview with JoyNews’ Becky, Zimba emphasized the need for respect and understanding in the industry. “I respect everyone in the industry who does things differently,” he said. “Look at Sarkodie. When he started, people criticized him for being different. But look at how things turned out for him. Look at Stonebwoy; he’s doing something different and going far with it. So, if you cannot do it, don’t criticize,” he noted.

Ghanaian artist and music producer EmPeraw is back with a refreshing new sound, marking a significant evolution in his musical journey. His latest single, Beautiful, is a heartfelt tribute to femininity, love, and admiration, blending Afrobeat with soulful country-inspired melodies. Born Augustine Adjei, EmPeraw has steadily built a name for himself in Ghana’s music scene. From emerging as the 2nd runner-up on MTN Hitmaker Season 3 to showcasing his versatility in multiple genres, his journey has been a testament to perseverance and artistic growth. Speaking about his creative inspiration, EmPeraw shared, “I draw inspiration from emotions, life experiences, and storytelling. Music is my way of connecting deeply with people, and with ‘Beautiful,’ I wanted to celebrate beauty in its purest form.”

Spotify has recognized Ghanaian artists as key contributors to African love music, with multiple names featured in its “100 Best African Love Songs“. Several Ghanaian artists, including King Promise, Kojo Antwi, Sarkodie, Efya, Bisa Kdei, Stonebwoy and KiDi made the list. A nod that proves Ghanaian artists are some of the best producers of timeless love songs. Notable Ghanaian entries include King Promise’s “Selfish”, KiDi’s “4Life”, Kwesi Arthur’s “Nobody” featuring Mr Eazi, Stonebwoy’s “More of You”, and Gyakie’s “Forever”, among others. The selection reflects the deep connection between Ghanaian music and themes of love, passion, and heartbreak. Spotify’s data also revealed an interesting trend. Over the past three years, Ghanaian men have been the biggest consumers of heartbreak music, making up 68% of listeners in this category. In contrast, women account for only 31%.

Ghanaian artiste, Kwabena Kwabena, has made an appeal to individuals and corporate bodies. In a recent interview, the ‘Tokro’ singer pleaded with them to invest in the industry. During an interview with Giovanni Caleb on TV3, Kwabena Kwabena, born George Kwabena Adu, stated that lack of investment is one of the challenges that the creative arts sector is facing. “Another challenge is investment into our business. The investment is not there. We are appealing to individuals and corporate bodies. If an artiste reaches out to you, it’s because this is all we have. God gave us this talent to thrive with it and to come into your homes,” he said.

Nigerian songstress Yemi Alade has sparked controversy after claiming that both Nigeria and Ghana originated highlife music. Her resurfaced comments from an interview with Larry Madowo have reignited the long-standing debate between the two countries. In the interview, Madowo referenced Wikipedia’s data stating that highlife originated in Ghana. However, Yemi Alade disagreed, arguing that Nigeria also deserves credit for the genre’s creation. Reacting to her claims, Ghanaian dancehall star Stonebwoy firmly stated that Ghana is the “physical and spiritual source” of highlife.

One of the most iconic groups of modern R&B, Jagged Edge — Richard Wingo, Kyle Norman, lead singers (and identical twins) Brian and Brandon Casey — is back Friday with their 11th studio album, “All Original Parts: Vol. 1.” The title of the 15-track project points to the group’s solidarity: They’ve never broken up or switched original members. “The love is actually genuinely real. We really care about each other’s well-being,” Wingo said. “I guess a lot of groups, they really didn’t have that. Love will keep you together.” The “Where the Party At” artists say “Vol. 1” is the first of three they plan to release this year. But the men behind classic songs like “Promise” and “He Can’t Love You” say while the sonics and even subject matter of R&B have changed since their first hit single in 1997, they’re still committed to telling stories about romance and relationships.

In the video shared on his Instagram profile, the artist “composed” a series of records of the different moments lived with his other half. In the images, the companionship, complicity and love that unites the couple is remarkable. “Happy Valentine’s Day, my wife and eternal girlfriend, I love you, a bouquet of roses for you, God in control,” wrote the artist in the caption. It is important to note that Matias Damásio has been married to Márcia Carolina for 18 years, together they have built a beautiful family, the couple is the parents of three children.

Angolan presenter and actress Sandra Gomes surprised the public this Friday, February 14, by announcing the pregnancy of her first child with cardiologist Valdano Manuel. The news was announced through a post made on his Instagram profile, where he expressed the love that “reigns within the relationship”. “If our story isn’t like the one in the fairy tales, and if, for some reason, we don’t get there together, I want you to know: you have marked my life forever,” he declared.

Angolan singer Eva RapRiva has joined more than thirty-three Portuguese personalities from various sectors in an open letter to ask the Prime Minister of Portugal to recognize the State of Palestine. The petitioners include Valete, MEP Bruno Gonçalves, Capicua and Cláudia Semedo. In the letter published by the weekly newspaper Expresso, the signatories, including former socialist leaders, actors, musicians and television commentators, recall that more than 140 countries already recognise the sovereignty of Palestine and consider that Portugal has not responded well at a diplomatic level. “The international recognition of Palestine is now on the international agenda, but this war has not started now… we understand that our country must respond to this situation with all the legal and institutional tools available to the Government of the Republic, of which the Prime Minister is the highest representative,” the signatories write.

Beatriz Franck let herself be captivated by the “magic” of love, on a day reserved for hearts in love. To the sound of the song “Astro da Minha Vida”, by Angolan musician Kristo, the businesswoman revealed her good mood and dedicated the moment to her partner. Through a video published on her Instagram profile, Beatriz left some records of her beloved and emphasized how much she misses him. “Happy Valentine’s Day to the most special man I know in my life, I miss you counting down to see you,” she wrote.

The United Media Services has released the promo and official posters for the series “El Nos” in preparation for its premiere during Ramadan 2025. The promotional materials for “El Nos” have been well received by the audience, with particular praise for the poster. The series stars Ahmed Amin, Asmaa Abulyazid, Sedky Sakhr, Hamza El Eilly, Samia Trabelsi, Donia Sami, Samar Allam, Doaa Hakam, Abdulrahman Mohamed, Esraa Ahmed Atiya, and Wael Eini. The series is inspired by the book “Mozakarat Nashal” (Memoirs of a Pickpocket) by researcher Ayman Othman. The screenplay is written by Sherif Abdel Fattah, Abdelrahman Gawish, and Wagih Sabri, directed by Hossam Ali, and produced by Aroma Studios. Set in the 1930s during the British occupation, “El Nos” unfolds in a comedic framework. Ahmed Amin plays a skilled pickpocket who decides to repent and renounce theft.

Acclaimed Egyptian artist Ahmed Bahaa, the singer of the band "Sharmoofers," won the Best Rising Actor award for his role in the film “Seeking Haven For Mr.Rambo” from the Egyptian Writers and Critics Association. The film also won the award for Best Screenplay (by Khaled Mansour and Mohamed El-Husseiny), a Special Acting Award for Essam Omar, Best Supporting Actress for Samaa Ibrahim, and Best Cinematography for Ahmed Tarek. On another note, Bahaa has finished filming his role in the third season of the series Kamel El Adad, in which he appears as a guest star. The production team is keeping details about his appearance under wraps.

"The Light", not screening as part of the Berlinale's main competition, tells the story of a middle-class Berlin family whose lives are upended when they hire a new domestic worker. The movie marks a return to feature filmmaking after a long hiatus for Tykwer, 59, who has been focusing on the acclaimed Netflix series "Babylon Berlin". The Berlinale, as the festival is known, winds up on February 23 -- the same day as Germany's snap election, called after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's ruling coalition late last year. With the far-right, anti-immigration AfD party surging in the polls, migration has been high on the campaign agenda in the run-up to the hotly contested vote. The Berlinale, which ranks with Cannes and Venice among Europe's top festivals, serves as a key launchpad for films from around the world.

The 15-episode comedy series, which will air from 28 February to 29 March, tells the story of Hossam, a pilot who causes a plane crash and is then haunted by the passengers' spirits. It stars Akram Hosny, Aya Samaha, Sawsan Badr, Ahmed Abdelwahab, Rahma Ahmed, Moamen Nour, Ahmed Al Rafeay, Mimi Gamal, Samy Maghawery, Mohamed Radwan, and Weam Magdy. The Captain is written by Amr El Daly and directed by Moataz El Tony. The Captain is filled with humorous situations, particularly between two leads, Akram Hosny and Aya Samaha. The series' main song features a unique duet between Hosny and the well-known Egyptian band Sharmoofers.

The production company released the series's official poster. The TV series also features Ali Sobhi, Hatem Salah, Tharaa Jbeil, Nabil Issa, and Afaf Rashad. Additionally, actors Mohamed Mamdouh and Ahmed Hatem make guest appearances. The plot of My Sisters, directed by Mohamed Shaker and written by Mohab Tarek, revolves around four sisters: Ahlam (Ruby), Nahed (Kinda Alloush), Soha (Nelly Karim), and Naglaa (Gihan El Shamashergy). The events begin when Naglaa, who is married to Rabi, an abusive man, calls a TV show to share a dream she had. She dreams that she is being killed, which shortly after comes true. Naglaa turns to her sisters for help, fearing that she might be accused of the crime. The 30-episode series will be aired during Ramadan from 28 February to 29 March.

An Egyptian appeals court has decided to reserve its verdict in the case of singer Amr Diab being accused of slapping a young man at a concert. The court has set February 26 as the date for announcing its decision. A misdemeanor court previously fined Diab LE200 (approximately four US dollars) and ordered him to pay LE10,000 in compensation for assaulting the victim, Saad Osama, at a wedding Diab was performing at. During Wednesday’s hearing, Diab’s lawyer argued for his acquittal, claiming that his actions were in self-defense and did not exceed the necessary boundaries. The defense cited articles in the penal code that permit the use of force to repel a physical assault.