Entertainment
Dele Blacko Set to Uplift Souls with Upcoming EP Ojumo Ire
Veteran gospel juju maestro Dele Ajayi, popularly known as Dele Blacko, is gearing up to release his much-anticipated EP Ojumo Ire — a project that promises to be a soulful blend of rhythm, faith, and celebration. The new body of work will feature collaborations with renowned Nigerian gospel powerhouses Dare Melody and Segun Ajidara, marking yet another milestone in Blacko’s illustrious 35-year career.
Born in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State and raised in Lagos, Blacko’s journey into music was shaped early in life. Coming from a family of six, he discovered his calling in the church, leading choirs and producing music from as young as 14. His influences read like a hall of fame of African music legends — from King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey to Fela Kuti and Haruna Ishola.
“Music is a natural gift from God to me,” Blacko says. “Growing up in church taught me discipline and the power of music to touch hearts. That’s why I’ve stayed true to my calling.”
After years of living and working in Canada, where he further expanded his craft, Blacko made the decision to return to Nigeria, a move he describes as divinely inspired. “There’s no place like home. My genre has a wider audience here, and I believe God’s purpose for me abroad was fulfilled. Since returning, I’ve been more active musically and spiritually.”
As choirmaster of the popular Celestial Church (KOK Parish) and an active performer, Blacko has mastered the art of balancing ministry and a demanding music career. His discography includes the 7-track album Blackomania and the 10-track project Hymnal According to Dele Blacko, both of which have been praised for their depth and spiritual resonance.
Now, with Ojumo Ire, Blacko aims to deliver an uplifting experience that blends the rich textures of juju with gospel’s soul-stirring power. The EP’s visuals are already in motion, with location shoots recently wrapped for one of the standout tracks.
“I want to put out music that will still reign long after I’m gone,” Blacko reflects. “My greatest joy is seeing people smile, dance, and feel blessed through my songs.”
From sharing the stage with King Sunny Ade to leading worship that unites congregations, Dele Blacko continues to bridge the sacred and the celebratory. With Ojumo Ire on the horizon, gospel juju lovers can expect nothing short of a masterpiece that uplifts, inspires, and gets the feet moving.
Daily Voice reports that the Convener of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA), Pelumi Olajengbesi, announced the singer’s death in a post via his Instagram page on Wednesday.
While praying for God’s mercy upon Toluwanisings, Olajengbesi expressed concern over the death of young Nigerians.
The family of the deceased also confirmed the demise in a statement via the singer’s Instagram page after confusion trailed the death.
In a post shared on his Instagram handle, Oloketuyi said Toluwanisings slumped on the stairs and was rushed from one hospital to another.
According to him, Toluwanisings was rejected in two hospitals before the third medical facility, which accepted him, confirmed the singer dead.
While describing the death as too painful, Oloketuyi wrote, “How Toluwasings died. DEATH SHAME ON YOU: You slumped on the stairs, and they began rushing you from one hospital to another. The first hospital rejected you, the second hospital rejected you, and by the time you got to the third hospital, they said you were gone.
“This is too painful to believe. A gospel musician whose voice once blessed souls, gone just like that?
“Death, why are you so cruel?
“Rest in peace, Toluwanisings. Your voice may be silent here on earth, but the songs you left behind will continue to speak.”
Afrobeats star Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, better known as Ayra Starr, has announced a 20-city world tour to support her third studio album, Starrgirl.
The Starrgirl World Tour is scheduled to begin in Europe in January 2027, with stops across Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America.
Ayra announced that the tour will open on January 20 at Live Music Hall in Cologne, Germany. It will then move through Amsterdam, Paris, Milan, Zurich and Brussels before closing the European leg in London on February 2 at Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
The North American leg will commence on March 18 at House of Blues in Houston, Texas, with additional performances in Dallas, Atlanta, Silver Spring, Boston, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Minneapolis and Denver.
The tour will round off on April 14 at The Fillmore in San Francisco, California.
Before the international dates, she is expected to perform in Africa in December 2026, though dates and venues for that leg are yet to be disclosed.
The announcement comes a day after her appearance at the National Football League International Game in London on Sunday, October 11, where she headlined the halftime show during the Philadelphia Eagles versus Jacksonville Jaguars match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The performance added to her growing list of international milestones, following the global success of her music and outings at major global events.
Starrgirl, released on August 14, 2026, through Mavin Records and Republic Records, features collaborations with British singer ZAYN, American singer Leon Thomas and Nigerian singer Wizkid. NigerianCulture Magazine
The album includes Heaven Baby with ZAYN, which reached number two on the Official Afrobeats Chart, according to the Official Charts Company.
Starr, known for breakout hits like Rush, Bloody Samaritan and Commas, has continued to expand her reach beyond Africa through streaming, international shows and cross-border collaborations.
According to her Instagram Story post, tickets for the European and UK dates will be available through artist and Mastercard presales starting October 14, with general sales opening October 16 at 10 am local time via Live Nation.
Sharon Ademefun (née Adeleke), the sister of popular Nigerian singer Davido, has said she no longer spends excessively on expensive clothes.
She said some things are worth the cost, but others are hard to justify.
Daily Voice reports that Ademefun shared her reservations during an interview on The Fashion Round Table podcast.
“I don’t really believe in buying expensive clothes, me personally. I believe that there are some things that are worth it. When I’m hearing that a wedding guest dress is $10,000, a wedding guest dress, they’re all the same price now,” she said.
Sharon also opened up about her wedding expenses, revealing that her husband paid $2,000 for her wedding dress, while she covered the cost of dresses for her 13 bridesmaids and an additional four or five hostesses.
“I remember for my wedding, my husband paid $2,000 for my dress, and I paid for all my bridesmaids’ dresses. I had 13 bridesmaids, and I paid for the hostesses’ dresses too. That was an additional four or five people. Altogether, I spent less than $10,000 on everything. But that comes back to where I went. I just feel like there are certain things that I’m not willing to pay for anymore. So I don’t believe in overly expensive clothes. I’m turning 40 next year, and I’ve made an executive decision- unfortunately, I’m sorry to say this- that I will not be participating with any Nigerian designer directly,” she said.
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