Tag Archives: Nigeria

MUSIC, NEWS

2024 BET Hip Hop Awards: A Night of Big Wins and Nostalgia in Las Vegas

Leave a comment

The 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards lit up Las Vegas with an unforgettable celebration of the best in hip-hop, airing to audiences on Tuesday, October 15. Hosted by the charismatic Fat Joe, the star-studded event delivered electrifying performances, nostalgic throwbacks, and career-defining victories.

Kendrick Lamar Dominates with Eight Awards

Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night’s biggest winner, collecting eight awards from his 11 nominations, including Hip Hop Artist of the Year. Lamar’s clean sweep underscored his ongoing influence and creative prowess in the music industry. His wins solidified his position as a leading voice in modern hip-hop, outshining fierce competition from top-tier nominees.

Nicki Minaj, Sexyy Red, and 50 Cent Take Home Top Honors

Nicki Minaj claimed the coveted Hip Hop Album of the Year for Pink Friday 2, reaffirming her status as one of the genre’s most enduring and influential artists. Meanwhile, Sexyy Red took home the Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist award, cementing her place as the year’s most exciting newcomer.

Hip-hop mogul 50 Cent added to his impressive list of accolades by winning Hustler of the Year, a nod to his success both in music and business ventures. His victory highlighted his evolution beyond rap, reinforcing his influence as a multi-faceted entrepreneur.

Future and Metro Boomin Recognized for Collaboration Excellence

The duo of Future and Metro Boomin stole the spotlight in the collaborative categories, winning both Best Duo and Best Collaboration. Their partnership has become a hallmark of the modern hip-hop landscape, demonstrating the power of chemistry between artist and producer.

Electrifying Performances Bring Back the Hits

The show delivered memorable performances, including a nostalgia-filled throwback by Soulja Boy and Roscoe Dash. The duo delighted the audience with their 2010 hit, “All The Way Turned Up,” evoking millennial-era vibes and drawing cheers from longtime fans.

Travis Scott Honored with Prestigious I Am Hip Hop Award

This year’s prestigious I Am Hip Hop Award went to Travis Scott, recognizing his profound impact on music, culture, and live performance. Scott, known for his genre-blending sound and creative stage productions, received the honor from Teyana Taylor and Tyla, who praised him as a visionary artist pushing the boundaries of modern hip-hop.

The 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards delivered a night to remember, blending triumphs, nostalgia, and cutting-edge performances. From Lamar’s winning streak to Soulja Boy’s nostalgic set and Travis Scott’s career-defining recognition, the event celebrated the spirit of hip-hop in all its dynamic glory.

See the full winners list below:

Hip-hop Artist of the Year

  • 21 Savage
  • Cardi B
  • Drake
  • Future
  • GloRilla
  • WINNER: Kendrick Lamar
  • Megan The Stallion
  • Nicki Minaj

Song of the Year

  • “Agora Hills,” Doja Cat
  • “Bent,” 41 (Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, Tata)
  • “Fe!N,” Travis Scott feat. Playboi Carti
  • “FTCU,” Nicki Minaj
  • “Get It Sexyy,” Sexyy Red
  • “Like That,” Metro Boomin, Future, Kendrick Lamar
  • “Mamushi,” Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba
  • WINNER: “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
  • “Yeah Glo!,” GloRilla

Hip-hop Album of the Year

  • American Dream, 21 Savage
  • Ehhthang Ehhthang, GloRilla
  • For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition, Drake
  • In Sexyy We Trust, Sexyy Red
  • Megan, Megan Thee Stallion
  • One of Wun, Gunna
  • WINNER: Pink Friday 2, Nicki Minaj
  • Utopia, Travis Scott
  • We Don’t Trust You, Future & Metro Boomin

Best Hip-Hop Video

  • “8 AM in Charlotte,” Drake
  • “Band4band,” Central Cee feat. Lil Baby
  • “Bent,” 41 (Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, Tata)
  • “Big Mama,” Latto
  • “Boa,” Megan Thee Stallion
  • “Enough (Miami),” Cardi B
  • WINNER: “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
  • “Type Shit,” Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti

Best Breakthrough Hip-hop Artist

  • 41
  • 310babii
  • Bossman Dlow
  • Cash Cobain
  • Lady London
  • WINNER: Sexyy Red
  • Skilla Baby
  • Tommy Richman

Best Collaboration

  • “At the Party,” Kid Cudi feat. Pharrell Williams & Travis Scott
  • “Band4band,” Central Cee feat. Lil Baby
  • “Bongos,” Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion
  • “Everybody,” Nicki Minaj feat. Lil Uzi Vert
  • “First Person Shooter,” Drake feat. J.Cole
  • WINNER: “Like That,” Metro Boomin, Future, Kendrick Lamar
  • “Mamushi,” Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba
  • “Wanna Be,” GloRilla feat. Megan Thee Stallion
  • Best Duo or Group
  • ¥$, Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign
  • 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
  • 41 (Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, Tata)
  • Common & Pete Rock
  • Earthgang
  • Flyana Boss
  • WINNER: Future & Metro Boomin
  • Rick Ross & Meek Mill

Best Live Performer

  • Burna Boy
  • Busta Rhymes
  • Cardi B
  • Drake
  • GloRilla
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Megan Thee Stallion
  • WINNER: Missy Elliott
  • Nicki Minaj
  • Travis Scott

Lyricist of the Year

  • 21 Savage
  • Cardi B
  • Common
  • Drake

WINNER: Kendrick Lamar

  • Lil Wayne
  • Megan Thee Stallion
  • Nicki Minaj
  • Video Director of the Year
  • 20k Visuals
  • A$AP Rocky
  • Cactus Jack
  • Cole Bennett
  • WINNER: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
  • Dave Meyers & Travis Scott
  • Doja Cat & Nina McNeely
  • Offset

Producer of the Year

  • Atl Jacob
  • Cash Cobain
  • Hit-Boy
  • Hitmaka
  • Metro Boomin
  • Pete Rock
  • Q-Tip
  • WINNER: The Alchemist
  • DJ of the Year
  • Big Von
  • DJ D-Nice
  • DJ Drama
  • DJ Khaled
  • Kaytranada
  • Metro Boomin
  • Mustard
  • WINNER: The Alchemist

Best Hip Hop Platform

  • Bootleg Kev
  • WINNER: Club Shay Shay
  • Complex
  • Drink Champs
  • Million Dollaz Worth of Game
  • On the Radar
  • The Breakfast Club
  • The Joe Budden Podcast
  • The Shade Room
  • XXL

Hustler of the Year

  • WINNER: 50 Cent
  • A$AP Rocky
  • Cam’ron & Ma$e
  • Cardi B
  • Drake
  • Fat Joe
  • GloRilla
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Megan Thee Stallion

Sweet 16: Best Featured verse 

  • 21 Savage, “Good Good” (Usher, 21 Savage & Summer Walker)
  • A$AP Rocky, “Gangsta” (Free Nationals, A$AP Rocky & Anderson .Paak)
  • Cardi B, “Wanna Be” remix (Glorilla, Megan Thee Stallion & Cardi B)
  • Drake, “Meltdown” (Travis Scott feat. Drake)
  • J.Cole, “First Person Shooter” (Drake feat. J. Cole)
  • WINNER: Kendrick Lamar, “Like That” (Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar)
  • Lil Wayne, “Brand New” (Tyga, YG & Lil Wayne)
  • Megan Thee Stallion, “Wanna Be” (Glorilla, Megan Thee Stallion)

Impact Track 

  • “Blessings,” Nicki Minaj feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard
  • “Fortunate,” Common & Pete Rock
  • “Get in With Me,” Bossman Dlow
  • “Hiss,” Megan Thee Stallion
  • “Humble Me,” Killer Mike
  • WINNER: “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
  • “Precision,” Big Sean
  • “Yeah Glo!,” GloRilla

Best International Flow

  • SDM, France
  • Leys Mc, France
  • Racionais Mcs, Brazil
  • Budah, Brazil
  • WINNER: Ghetts, UK
  • Bashy, UK
  • Stefflon Don, UK
  • Maglera Doe Boy, South Africa
  • Blxckie, South Africa
  • Odumodublvck, Nigeria

Watch moments from the award night below:

Bellanaija

OTHER NEWS

USAID Donates Enrollment Devices to Boost Health Coverage in Plateau State

Leave a comment

PLASCHEMA receives ICT equipment to expand enrollment efforts across 17 local governments

Jos, Nigeria – In a significant step towards advancing healthcare access, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated 13 sets of enrollment devices to the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA). The donation, delivered on Tuesday through USAID’s Local Health Systems Sustainability (LHSS) Project, aims to accelerate healthcare registration efforts across the state.

Dr. Bolanle Olusola-Faleye, Chief of Party for the USAID LHSS Project, highlighted the importance of the gesture, emphasizing that the new equipment would boost the agency’s enrollment capacity for both onsite and remote registrations.

“This donation will enable PLASCHEMA to scale up its ICT capabilities, particularly in underserved areas. It ensures that every resident—especially the poor and vulnerable—has the opportunity to enroll in the health schemes,” Olusola-Faleye said.

She stressed that expanding the agency’s technological resources is critical to achieving Plateau State’s healthcare goals and contributing to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative. “Without this support, the agency’s ability to meet its health coverage targets would remain constrained,” she added.

The new equipment includes 13 Samsung Galaxy tablets for capturing beneficiary data, 13 signature pads, and 13 fingerprint scanners. In addition, the package contains 17 portable solar charger power banks, 3 dual-side identity card printers, and 20,000 waterproof ID cards for beneficiaries.

Expanding Access to Healthcare

Dr. Agabus Manasseh, Director-General of PLASCHEMA, received the donation and expressed gratitude to USAID for its timely intervention. He noted that the 13 new devices would complement the 4 sets already in use, bringing the total to 17 and enabling one set per local government across Plateau State.

“With this donation, we are better equipped to decentralize enrollment into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the Plateau State Social Health Insurance Scheme,” Manasseh said. “The time is now to ensure that no one is left behind in our drive towards achieving universal health coverage.”

A Brighter Future for Plateau State Healthcare

The deployment of these devices across all 17 local government areas is expected to streamline the registration process and ensure greater inclusion in state-run healthcare programs. The solar-powered equipment guarantees that even remote areas with limited access to electricity can benefit from the initiative.

This donation underscores USAID’s commitment to strengthening local healthcare systems and empowering agencies like PLASCHEMA to reach more citizens efficiently. Through partnerships like these, Plateau State edges closer to realizing its vision of accessible healthcare for all.

SPORT

Moses Simon to Attend Nigeria-France Sports Awards and Gala 2024

Leave a comment

Nigerian international and Nantes winger Moses Simon is scheduled to attend the upcoming Nigeria-France Sports Awards and Gala, set to take place in Paris on October 21, 2024. This prestigious event aims to celebrate exceptional achievements in sports and strengthen the ties between Nigeria and France.

Notable Dignitaries Expected

The gala will feature prominent figures from the sports world, including Aisha Falode, the president of the Nigeria Women Football League, and humanitarian icon Noah Dallaji, founder of the African Children Talent Discovery Foundation. Their participation underscores the event’s commitment to recognizing excellence in sports.

Football Legends in Attendance

Senegalese football legend Khalilou Fadiga, a two-time FIFA World Cup participant, has also confirmed his attendance. His presence will further enhance the star-studded lineup of athletes and dignitaries at the ceremony.

Celebrating Sporting Achievements

Babatunde Ojora, the convener of the Nigeria-France Sports Awards and Gala and founder of OJB Sport, expressed excitement about the upcoming event. “Nigeria and France have witnessed significant sporting achievements in the past year, and these feats must be celebrated,” he stated. Ojora highlighted the importance of acknowledging those who excel in sports, aiming to inspire future generations.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzWCLnJM-b-/?igsh=b2dzaHZ1dHVseGk5

Venue and Significance

The gala will be hosted aboard the Louisiana Belle Boat on the Seine River, a location that holds special significance as it will also be the venue for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony parade. The inaugural edition of the awards took place last year in Paris and was attended by numerous Super Eagles stars, emphasizing the event’s growing importance in the international sports community.

A Vision for the Future

The Nigeria-France Sports Awards and Gala is not just a celebration but a platform for reinforcing the sporting relationship between Nigeria and France. As the event approaches, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable evening honouring sporting excellence.

NEWS, SPORT

Libya Announces 28-Man Squad for Crucial AFCON Qualifiers Against Nigeria

Leave a comment

Al-Hadiri’s selection blends experience and emerging talents in bid to revive Libya’s AFCON hopes.

Libya’s national football team head coach, Nasser Al-Hadiri, has unveiled a 28-man squad for the pivotal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying double-header against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. With Libya currently at the bottom of Group D, these two matches are essential for the Mediterranean Knights to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Strategic Selection

Al-Hadiri’s squad is a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming players, underlining his tactical approach to these crucial fixtures. Among the notable inclusions are Al-Ittihad’s dynamic midfielder Abdul-Miser Abu Shaiba, Al-Nasr’s playmaker Mohammed Al-Tabbal, and Barcelona B team prospect Ahmed Al-Masmari, whose international experience could prove vital against the formidable Nigerian team.

The squad reflects Al-Hadiri’s intent to inject fresh energy into the team while leaning on the experience of stalwarts like Faisal Al-Badri and Nour Al-Din Al-Qalib. These matches could be a turning point for Libya as they look to make a strong comeback after a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.

The Double-Header Fixtures

The first leg of the qualifier will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, on Friday, October 11, with the return fixture scheduled four days later in Benina, Libya. Sitting at the bottom of Group D with just one point from two matches, Libya must secure positive results in both games to revive their chances of making it to the 2025 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

Full Libya Squad for Nigeria Double-Header:

– Goalkeepers:

Murad Al-Wahishi (Al-Ahly Benghazi)

Abdul Jawad Rizq (Al-Nasr)

Mohammed Ayyad (Abu Salim)

– Defenders:

Ahmed Ayyad (Al-Tahadi)

Ali Youssef (Al-Afriqi Al-Tunisi)

Ahmed Saleh (Al-Akhdar)

Ahmed Al-Tarbi (Al-Ahly Tripoli)

Magdy Mustafa Artiba (Al-Akhdar)

Sobhi Al-Mabrouk Al-Dawi (Al-Ittihad)

Mahdi Al-Kut (Al-Akhdar)

Mohammed Al-Shtiwi (Al-Hilal)

– Midfielders:

Sand Bin Ali (Al-Nasr)

Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain (Al-Ahly Benghazi)

Badr Hassan (Al-Nasr)

Suhaib Bin Suleiman (Al-Ahly Benghazi)

Faisal Al-Badri (Al-Hilal)

Muhannad Mustafa Al-Mabrouk (Al-Madina)

Osama Al-Sharimi (Al-Suwaihli)

Omar Al-Khoja (Al-Suwaihli)

Nour Al-Din Al-Qalib (Al-Ahly Tripoli)

– Forwards:

Ahmed Saad (Al-Hilal)

Mohammed Al-Tabbal (Al-Nasr)

Fadel Salama (Al-Ahly Benghazi)

Ahmed Al-Masmari (Barcelona B, Spain)

Ezz El-Din Al-Mariami (Al Hilal)

Moaz Issa (Al-Ittihad)

Abdul-Miser Abu Shaiba (Al-Ittihad)

Libya’s AFCON Challenge

With a single point from their first two games, Libya’s road to the AFCON tournament looks steep, but not impossible. Victory over Nigeria, who are one of the group favorites, could dramatically alter the group’s dynamics and put Libya back in contention for a spot in the tournament. Coach Al-Hadiri and his squad are expected to approach the matches with intensity and determination, knowing that these games may define their path toward qualification.

The Super Eagles, with their own talented squad, present a tough challenge, but Libya will be banking on their tactical preparation and team spirit to secure the necessary results.

NEWS, SPORT

Cricket U-19 World Cup Qualifier- Nigeria Sets to Face Rwanda

Leave a comment

Rising stars of Nigerian cricket aim for World Cup berth as they prepare to take on East African rivals

Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, the Junior Female Yellow Greens, is set for a high-stakes encounter against Rwanda in the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 U-19 World Cup Africa Qualifier (Division 1) on Saturday. This much-anticipated match is a key step in determining which African teams will qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Malaysia.

The Nigerian team secured their place in the semi-finals after a dominant performance in Group B, sealing their qualification with a game to spare on Monday. Their impressive form continued as they claimed the top spot in the group following a commanding 86-run victory over Malawi on Wednesday. This win set up the crucial semi-final clash against Rwanda, who finished second in Group A.

Zimbabwe, which finished second behind Nigeria in Group B, will take on Uganda in the other semi-final. Both teams are battling for the final spot in the tournament’s final, which offers a ticket to the global stage.

The winner of the Africa Qualifier will earn Africa’s second and final spot in the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 U-19 World Cup, joining South Africa, who have already secured their place as one of the top finishers from the previous World Cup. The competition has been intense, with each team vying for a coveted position in the global event to be held in Malaysia.

For Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens, this semi-final match represents a crucial opportunity to showcase their growth and potential in international cricket, as they aim to carry the hopes of the nation onto the world stage.