Fifteen years is a long time, and Grace Efobi has spent it using her voice as a vessel of worship. The Jigidem crooner consistently weaves melodies that uplift, inspire, and draw hearts closer to God.
A contemporary singer-songwriter and recording artist based in the United Kingdom, Grace’s music is more than just a profession—it’s a calling, a ministry deeply rooted in her faith and passion for God’s kingdom.
Born and raised in Ogbunike, Anambra State, Nigeria, Grace’s journey into music began in the most humble of places—the church choir. It was here that she discovered the depth of her gift, harmonizing with voices that would shape her own unique sound.
What started as Sunday service ministrations soon evolved into something greater. These experiences refined her gift and helped carve out a distinct sound, ultimately fueling her transition into professional music— a journey that has now spanned over a decade and a half.
Grace has steadily built a repertoire of music that speaks to the soul, with ten recorded songs to her credit. Her music carries messages of hope, devotion, and gratitude—an extension of her unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel through song.
Her recent release, Jigidem, featuring Rheta Ritche Jacobs, is a powerful song that speaks of hope and unwavering dependence on God, serving as a tool for deep spiritual connection.
Beyond the stage and recording booth, Grace Efobi embodies the beauty of a well-balanced life. She is not just an artist but also a wife, mother, and grandmother—roles she cherishes just as deeply as her music.
Stay connected with Grace Efobi across all social media platforms to experience her music and ministry:
Nigerian Singer Tems wins Best African Music Performance at 2025 Grammy Awards
Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has won the Best African Music Performance category at the 67th Grammy Awards.
She secured the award with her song Love Me JeJe, beating Tomorrow by Yemi Alade, MMS by Asake featuring Wizkid, Sensational by Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay, and Higher by Burna Boy.
This marks Tems’ second Grammy win.
South Africa’s Tyla won the award for her hit Water in 2024 in the category’s first edition.
Tems received three nominations at this year’s Grammys, bringing her career total to eight. She was also nominated for Best Global Music Album (Born in the Wild) and Best R&B Song (Burning).
Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli xcx, Kendrick Lamar and many more are also winners in this edition of Grammy.
Beyoncé won best country album for “Cowboy Carter.” She entered Sunday’s Grammys with a leading 11 nominations, bringing her career total to 99 nods. That makes her the most nominated artist in Grammy history.
Carpenter won the day’s first award, best pop solo performance for “Espresso.” Kendrick Lamar has won several awards thanks to his diss track “Not Like Us.” The Beatles won best rock performance for their artificial intelligence-assisted track, “Now and Then.”
During the main telecast, Doechii won her first Grammy, becoming the third woman to ever win Best Rap Album.
Comedian Trevor Noah is the telecast host for a fifth consecutive year. Justin Trantor hosted the afternoon Premiere Ceremony.
Here’s a partial list of winners:
Best Pop Vocal Album
“Short n’ Sweet,” Sabrina Carpenter
Best Pop Solo Performance
“Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter
Best Dance/Electronic Recording
“Neverender,” Justice and Tame Impala
Best Pop Dance Recording
“Von dutch,” Charli xcx
Best Rap Album
“Alligator Bites Never Heal,” Doechii
Best Rap Song
“Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar, songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)
Best Rap Performance
“Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
Best Melodic Rap Performance
“3,” Rapsody featuring Erykah Badu
Best R&B Performance
“Made For Me (Live on BET).” Muni Long
Best R&B Album
“11:11 (Deluxe),” Chris Brown
Best Traditional R&B Performance
“That’s You,” Lucky Daye
Best R&B Song
“Saturn,” Rob Bisel, Carter Lang, Solana Rowe, Jared Solomon and Scott Zhang, songwriters (SZA)
“Espresso (Mark Ronson x FNZ Working Late Remix),” FNZ and Mark Ronson, remixers (Sabrina Carpenter)
Best Americana Performance
“American Dreaming,” Sierra Ferrell
Best American Roots Song
“American Dreaming,’’ Sierra Ferrell and Melody Walker, songwriters
Best Americana Album
“Trail of Flowers,’’ Sierra Ferrell
Best Bluegrass Album
“Live Vol 1.,” Billy Strings
Best Folk Album
“Woodland,” Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
Best Regional Roots Music Album
“Kuini,” Kalani Pe’a
Best Gospel Performance/Song
“One Hallelujah,” Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell and Israel Houghton, featuring Jonathan McReynolds and Jekalyn Carr. G. Morris Coleman, Israel Houghton, Kenneth Leonard Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Naomi Raine, songwriters.
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
“That’s My King,” CeCe Winans, Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Lloyd Nicks and Jess Russ, songwriters
Best Gospel Album
“More Than This,’’ CeCe Winans
Best Contemporary Christian Music Artist
“Heart of a Human,’’ DOE
Best Roots Gospel Album
“Church,’’ Cory Henry
Best Country Album
“Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé
Best Country Solo Performance
“It Takes A Woman,” Chris Stapleton
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
II MOST WANTED,’’ Beyoncé, featuring Miley Cyrus
Best Country Song
“The Architect,’’ Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves and Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves
Best Music Video
“American Symphony”
Best American Roots Performance
“Lighthouse,” Sierra Ferrell
Best Traditional Blues Album
“Swingin’ Live at The Church in Tulsa,” The Taj Mahal Sextet
Best Contemporary Blues Album
“Mileage,” Ruthie Foster
Best Música Urbana Album
“Las Letras Ya No Importan,” Residente
Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album
“¿Quien Trae las Cornetas?, ”Rawayana
Best Música Mexicana Album (including Tejano)
“Boca Chueca, Vol. 1,” Carin León
Best Tropical Latin Album
“Alma, Corazon y Salsa (Live at Gran Teatro Nacional),” Tony Succar, Mimy Succar
Best Reggae Album
“Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film (Deluxe),” Various Artists
Best Global Music Performance
“Bemba Colora,” Sheila E. featuring Gloria Estefan and Mimy Succar
Fast-growing Lagos-based Entertainment and hospitality hub, Avalanche has announced the birth of its educational arm, The Avalanche Creative Academy.
The academy is designed as a top-notch platform dedicated to nurturing creativity and innovation among aspiring creatives.
The Academy aims to provide comprehensive training through various programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, all designed to inspire and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the creative industry.
It offers the following courses: Music Production, Sound Engineering, Photography, cinematography, 3D,graphic designs, motion graphics, Business Management, Creative copywriting, and Creative Strategies.
The Academy’s first set of intakes is scheduled to resume on the 17th of February 2025, while application opens from 13th of January 2025, on a 12-week basis course.
“Together, we can create invaluable experiences for our students and contribute to the creative community.
Follow the link below to register
https://www.avalanche.ng/creativeacademy
Testimony Jaga Spreads Love with Community Support on Boxing Day
Gospel music trailblazer Testimony Jaga celebrated the festive season with a remarkable act of kindness, giving back to his fans and community during a memorable Boxing Day event. Following the successful release of his latest album earlier this December, Testimony Jaga hosted a charity outreach where he provided essential food items, including rice, Garri, and cash gifts, to hundreds of families.
The celebration followed the successful release of Testimony Jaga’s groundbreaking album, Fuji Rhapsody, earlier this December. Speaking on behalf of the artist, FireFly Innovations commended his commitment to both music and philanthropy. “Testimony Jaga’s generosity reflects his deep connection to his community and his passion for uplifting lives, both through his music and charitable acts,” the foremost PR company stated.
His new album, Fuji Rhapsody, has already garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing Testimony Jaga’s evolution as an artist and his dedication to empowering his community through music and generosity.
Fuji Rhapsody continues to make waves, further establishing Testimony Jaga as a revolutionary voice in gospel music.
Still basking in the euphoria of the success and viral impact of the ‘Oldie But Goldie Vol 1’ sensational mixtape, Aristos Band, has delivered yet another banger -Oldie But Goldie’ Vol 2.
‘Oldie But Goldie’ Vol 2 is a medley of some of your favourite highlife tunes delivered in the sweetest form. It’s a very electrifying, soul stirring rendition that captivates the mind of the listeners.
Aristos Band is one of the most versatile live bands in Nigeria today. A very professional yet very entertaining band that transcends cultural boundaries by the universal language of its music.
Aristos Band… The Life of The Party
Available on all streaming platforms. @aristosband
Aliu Gafar delivers stellar performance as Esusu in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors
Aliu Gafar Delivers a Stellar Performance as Esusu in Seven Doors
By Rtn. Victor Ojelabi
The much-anticipated movie series Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo has finally premiered, currently showing on Netflix, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters.
The movie begins with a haunting scene of seven women under a mysterious spell leaping to their deaths from a waterfall, setting the tone for a gripping tale that unravels in Ilara Kingdom.
The series explores various societal issues, including corruption, greed, gluttony, family values, malicious conspiracies, and the delicate balance of law and order.
Central to its plot is the calamitous fate of Oba Adedunjoye, the Onilara of Ilara, whose failure to perform traditional rites—symbolised by knocking on seven doors—unleashes devastating consequences on his kingdom.
At the heart of this chaos is Esusu, a malevolent and exiled villain whose return wreaks havoc.
Esusu, a ni ohun t’Eledumare o ni.
Eledumare o ni ika, ika ni Esusu
The character of Esusu, pivotal to the story’s depth, is masterfully brought to life by Aliu Gafar.
Gafar’s first appearance, late in Episode 2, immediately shifts the narrative, introducing a chilling force that spares no one, not even the royal family. His commanding portrayal encapsulates the essence of Esusu, a man whose wickedness defies comprehension.
The backstory reveals Esusu’s sinister pact with Ọba Adejuwọn, an ancestor of Adedunjoye.
Desperation led Adejuwon to seek Esusu’s help to evade death—a move that came at an unthinkable cost, forgetting that bi alọ ba lọ, abọ nbọ (a pendulum that swings to is still coming to swing fro).
Esusu’s return demanded not only royal treatment but the freedom to live as he pleased, challenging the very fabric of the kingdom.
Gafar embodies this complex character with remarkable precision, delivering a performance that is both chilling and unforgettable.
With almost two decades in Nollywood, Aliu Gafar has solidified his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor.
His extensive filmography includes acclaimed productions such as Jagun Jagun, Anikulapo, Iyalode, Eefin, and Omo Ajele.
His role in Seven Doors further cements his legacy as a master of his craft, showcasing his ability to seamlessly portray multifaceted characters.
The Yoruba actor has also garnered accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Dallas International Yoruba Movies Awards for his role in Peregun.
His commitment to the industry and his talent for captivating performances continue to make him a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood.
In Seven Doors, Gafar’s nuanced performance as Esusu elevates the series, demonstrating his ability to command attention and bring depth to a complex narrative.
His contribution to the Nigerian film industry remains invaluable, and his portrayal of Esusu is a testament to his enduring excellence.
Aristos Band releases ‘Battalion Praise’ thanksgiving medley
Aristos Band, a multiple award-winning music group, has released its much anticipated medley titled ‘Battalion Praise’.
‘Battalion Praise’ is a gospel rendition of melodious thanksgiving medley that cuts across different Nigerian tribes. It features a large ensemble of African percussions and sound that transports the listeners and audience into an atmosphere of euphoric praise to the Almighty.
The inspirational medley is currently available on all digital streaming platforms.
Aristos band was founded in 2008 by Sammy Sodeke, popularly known as “Sammy Sho” a veteran Keyboardist, Saxophonist, music producer/instructor who has played and directed music from within and outside the shores of Nigeria with vast experience in live music entertainment and music management.
BATTALION PRAISE IS available on all streaming platforms.
Full video on YouTube @aristosband
Aristos Band…The Life of The Party
Zanzibar to host next Trace Awards in February 2025… Celebrating Africa’s and Its Diaspora’s Top Music Talents
Trace, the leading Afro-Urban music and culture platform, proudly announces the
Trace Awards and Summit, 2025 edition, set to take place in Zanzibar, at the Mora
5* Resort, from February 24-26, 2025.
Building on the tremendous success of the last Trace Awards edition, which captivated over
500 million fans worldwide, this prestigious event will not only celebrate Africa’s top artists
but also spotlight the rich cultural stories that shape their artistry.
Over the past three years, Afro-centric music has steadily dominated global charts, spanning
genres like Afrobeat, Amapiano, Dancehall, Afro-pop, Zouk, Kizomba, Genge, Coupé Décalé,
Bongo Flava, Gospel, Hip Hop, Kompa, R&B, and Rumba. The Trace Awards stand as the
premier event, created in Africa for Africa and the world, recognizing and honoring the talents
that have driven this remarkable global success such as Burna Boy, Fally Ipupa, Davido, Tyla,
Rema, Wizkid, Diamond Platnumz, Nomcebo, Didi B, Yemi Alade, Ayra Starr and so many
more.
Event Details:
• Summit: February 24-25, 2025
• Awards: February 26, 2025
• Venue: The Mora 5* Luxury Resort, Zanzibar, Tanzania
The Trace Summit will be a dynamic hub for creative discussions, empowerment, and
networking, featuring panels, keynotes, and masterclasses on African creative industries,
technology, branding, and more. The event offers a unique platform for artists, managers,
DJs, producers, promoters, investors, lawyers, governments, brands, and industry
stakeholders from Africa and its diaspora to connect and exchange knowledge.
The Trace Awards will transform Zanzibar into a vibrant epicenter of music, culture, and
innovation. Hosted at the luxurious Mora Zanzibar resort, the Awards will showcase 28
categories of the most popular African music genres and artists, with live broadcasts in over
200 countries in English, French, and Portuguese. The event will air across 25 Trace African
and international channels, as well as more than 50 terrestrial, satellite, and streaming
partners, reaching an estimated audience of at least 500 million fans. The list of nominees will
be revealed on December 4th 2024. The public vote for the winners will start on the 18th
December 2024.
Nigerian government needs to invest more on filmmaking – Doyin Aggrey
Resourceful Nollywood actress and producer, Doyin Aggrey has called on the Nigeria government to invest more in filmmaking, as the sector is obviously capable of turning the country’s economy around.
Nigeria is one of the countries in the world currently going through economic recession, and this has resulted in a series of heated debates and protests from members of the public. But Doyin Aggrey believes that if the government at all levels can intensify their support to the entertainment industry, more fortune would smile on Nigeria.
She noted that though the entertainment sector has always exhibited the capacity of being Nigeria’s biggest export, recent feats recorded by Nollywood movies on international platforms like Netflix is enough evidence.
“The international community has identified Nollywood as a viable source of revenue, and they’re investing in it massively now. With the investment of platforms like Netflix and Prime Video, the standard of our filmmaking has tremendously improved, and it is a win-win situation for all parties. If the government can also take advantage of this, I’m sure Nigeria’s economy will bounce back because entertainment is our best export at the moment,” Aggrey stated.
She however advised aspiring actors to embrace a career in acting, only if they genuinely have the passion to do so. “Like I always tell people, acting is not a career you will choose simply because you see how rich and famous the practitioners are and you want to emulate their lifestyles. It doesn’t work like that, and trust me; it’s those who come into the industry with such motives that usually lament.
“If you don’t have passion for acting, surviving or enduring the challenges of the industry before becoming a celebrity would be impossible,” Aggrey warned.
Meanwhile, the Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State born filmmaker and producer of ‘Italian Gold’ is currently warming up to hit location for the shoot of another movie from her stables.
REDTV Premieres Season 2 of ‘When Are We Getting Married?’, Underscoring Support for African Creative Industry
REDTV, United Bank for Africa‘s Lifestyle and Entertainment channel, proudly announces the highly-anticipated launch of the second season of its hit show – ‘When are we getting married’.
The captivating series, renowned for its unique blend of romance, humour, and real-life relationship dynamics, promises its teeming viewers an even more engaging and thrilling experience in its latest series.
With top hits such as Unintentional, Mighty, The Men’s Club Season 1-3, and other popular shows like Our Best Friend’s Wedding, Inspector K, Assistant Madams, RedHot Topics, Hotel Boutique and a host of other entertaining content, award-winning lifestyle channel REDTV, is keen on developing and nurturing talent across the continent.
Executive Producer, REDTV, Bola Atta, who emphasised the channel’s passion to groom creativity and youth empowerment, expressed her excitement about the new season, adding, “We are thrilled to bring back ‘When are we getting married?’ for its second season. The show has resonated with audiences, and we are committed to delivering even more compelling content that explores the intricacies of love and relationships. This season is packed with surprises, laughter, and heartfelt moments that viewers won’t want to miss.”
Speaking on the bank’s continuous support to entertainment and the lifestyle channel, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, maintained that the bank is committed to nurturing creative endeavours that resonate with its diverse audience while entertaining its viewers and customers.
She said, “REDTV has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver compelling lifestyle content, and our ongoing collaboration reflects UBA’s dedication to fostering innovation and entertainment. We are indeed excited about the positive impact our support has on the channel’s growth, and we look forward to more exciting projects that captivate audiences across the globe.”
As REDTV continues to push the boundaries of entertainment, ‘When are we getting married?’ stands out as a must-watch series for anyone seeking quality content that reflects the vibrancy of modern relationships.
Viewers can Tune in to REDTV on YouTube for a delightful journey into the world of love, laughter, and endless entertainment.
REDTV is a fast-paced lifestyle channel that puts Africa on the global stage. Proudly powered by UBA, the network aims to entertain and inform through rich and engaging content that feature the very best of Africa focused on fashion, news, music, sports, drama, travel and much more. The channel collaborates with the most talented visionaries and creative minds who dare to believe in a New Africa, putting together content that reflects its vision
