Entertainment
Test confirms I have Nigerian ancestry in my blood,’ says Grenada singer, Dionne Blaize
‘Test confirms I have Nigerian ancestry in my blood,’ says Grenada singer, Dionne Blaize
Popular Caribbean Island, Grenada entertainer, Dionne Blaize has said that Nigerian ancestry runs in her blood, little wonder singing Afrobeats, a music genre of Nigeria origin comes naturally to her.
Dionne Blaize is a multi-talented entertainer. Aside from singing, she’s equally a songwriter, model, actress and screen play writer. She’s currently making waves with the audio and video of her latest single, ‘Can’t Forget’.
Her family is from the Caribbean Island, Grenada, but she grew up in Brooklyn New York, and is very passionate about music and the arts. “I love creating/writing life experiences and feelings through song. I love creating music that makes people think and also feel good.
“According to my mother, I started singing as early as six months old. My father was a self-taught musician because he grew up poor in Carricou, Grenada. I sang in church, and in the performing arts in school. I also have siblings and uncles who are musicians. I’ve always been surrounded by music. I understand its power. It has the ability to make people feel certain emotions, and I love being a part of that.
“My father used to dance big drum in Carricou, Grenada. It was passed down to him from his mother and his grandmother, which I know was passed down the generational bloodline. They kept some of the African culture. I admired my father. He had a strong influence in my life, especially when it comes to music and the arts. I’ve always been interested in African culture. It’s not something that’s a part of the school curriculum in America, but I’ve always
been interested in learning and knowing more about it. From the moment I heard Afrobeats, I fell in love with it. It’s amazing music. I’m so very proud of where it’s come,” Blaize gushes.
Speaking further, she said: “I did an ancestry test and I happen to have Nigerian ancestry so it’s in my blood (laughs). It feels and comes so naturally to me doing Afrobeats. I feel like it’s a part of my calling. I feel our lives are already mapped out for us and I know this is where I’m supposed to be and what I’m supposed to be doing.
“I admire and I am a fan of many Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Tems, Rema, Nomcebo, just to name a few. I love their style. I think they got the ‘it’ factor! There’s so many great Nigerian artists. I think they’re all amazing and I would love to be a part of it. I would love to do collaborations with them all.
“Nigerians are very strong people. I admire their determination/courage/drive. They are warriors! I think they have a very strong influence in African culture. I think they dominate/succeed in every field that they set their mind to. I think that they set the pace for Afrobeats. If someone would’ve said that Afrobeats would be where it is today, a lot of people wouldn’t have believed it, but look at the where it is now? I was so proud when I saw Burna Boy, Rema and Tems performing at the NBA halftime show. Amazing. That’s a great accomplishment!”
On her penchant to constantly dish out good music, Dionne Blaize reiterates that “I am in touch with my emotions and when I listen to a song it has to make me feel something. If the song is supposed to make me feel good and want to dance, then I should be on my feet dancing and smiling/feeling good! If that song is supposed to make me feel that person’s pain then I wanna feel that pain. When I hear a song for the first time, I’m listening with my emotions and if it can invoke the emotion it’s supposed to, then it’s good music to me.
“I hope that when people listen to my new single and watch my video that they feel the message that I’m trying to convey. I hope they get goosebumps!
“My future plan is to put out some great afrobeats music. I love creating, and I want to make music that makes people feel good. My focus is to drop some really happy good feeling music. I want to come to Nigeria and work with the great talented producers and artists there. I hope to come there and perform one day soon.”
Dionne Blaize considers herself to be an artist like Rihanna, in the sense that she does different genres of music. With her previous songs, she had delivered genres like R&B, reggae, dance, Soca, Pop and Afrobeats.
“I love music and I don’t like to lock myself into a box, but I feel that I have found my niche with Afrobeats,” she concluded.
Entertainment
Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
The Nigerian music scene is mourning the loss of Afeez Adeshina Ayinde, popularly known as Destiny Boy, whose passing has left a deep sense of grief among family, friends, and fans. Though his life was brief, his story is one marked by determination, creativity, and a steady rise driven by passion rather than noise. Destiny Boy passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 22, cutting short a journey that many believed was only just beginning.
Early Life And Background :
Afeez Adeshina was born on june 24, 2003, into the Adeshina family of Odo Rori Compound, Ayetoro Yewa, Ogun State, Nigeria. He was the son of Mr. Adeshina Kamorudeen and Mrs. Saidat Adeshina, raised within a close-knit family environment that shaped his values and character.
From an early age, Afeez was known for his calm demeanor and respectful nature. Those who grew up around him often describe him as gentle, focused, and quietly ambitious. Music became an outlet through which he expressed himself, long before public recognition followed. What began as interest and experimentation gradually turned into purpose.
Music Career And Creative Journey :
Known professionally as Destiny Boy, Afeez carved out his place in music through persistence rather than spectacle. He was deeply passionate about his craft and committed to growth, often collaborating and featuring in songs and music videos across Nigeria and beyond.
While he may not have been the loudest voice in the room, Destiny Boy earned respect for his work ethic and humility. He approached music with seriousness, seeing it not just as entertainment but as a path to building something meaningful. Colleagues and collaborators consistently describe him as hardworking, disciplined, and eager to learn — traits that set him apart in an industry often defined by fast success and fleeting attention.
His presence in multiple projects across different platforms reflected a steady upward movement. For many young creatives, Destiny Boy represented the quiet grind: showing up, improving, and letting the work speak.
Family Life And Personal Milestones :
Beyond music, Afeez embraced responsibility early in life. He got married to Oluwatoyin Adeshina, and their union was blessed with a son, Adeshina Usman Obatide, born on November 12, 2024. Becoming a husband and father added new depth to his life, grounding him further and reshaping his priorities.
Those close to him speak of his devotion to family and his desire to build a stable future. Balancing personal life with creative ambition was not always easy, but Afeez carried these responsibilities with maturity well beyond his years.
His Passing :
The news of Destiny Boy’s death on January 17, 2026, came as a shock to many. At just 22 years old, his passing raised a collective sense of loss — not only for what he had achieved, but for the potential that remained unrealized.
While details surrounding his death have been kept private, the impact has been deeply felt across his immediate community and within creative circles. Tributes have highlighted not only his music but his character: kind-hearted, respectful, and sincere.
Burial Arrangements :
The Adeshina family has announced that Afeez Adeshina Ayinde (Destiny Boy) will be laid to rest on:
Friday, January 23, 2026 :
Time : 2:00 PM
Venue : His father’s residence, Odo Rori Compound, Ayetoro Yewa, Ogun State
Family members, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers are expected to gather to pay their final respects and celebrate a life that, though short, left a meaningful imprint.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers :
Destiny Boy’s story is not one measured by chart positions or awards, but by consistency, humility, and quiet influence. He represented a generation of young Nigerian creatives navigating ambition, responsibility, and identity in real time.
In remembering Afeez Adeshina, many will recall a young man who showed up for his craft, valued his family, and treated people with respect. His journey serves as a reminder that impact is not always loud — sometimes, it is built patiently, one step at a time.
As he is laid to rest, his music, memories, and the lives he touched remain.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Entertainment
Benin Summit Group Congratulates Rema, Shallipopi for Flying the Benin Flag at AFRIMMA Awards
Benin Summit Group Congratulates Rema, Shallipopi for Flying the Benin Flag at AFRIMMA Awards
The Chairman-in-Council of the Benin Summit Group, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has congratulated celebrated music stars Rema and Shallipopi for their outstanding achievements at the recently concluded AFRIMMA Awards, where they emerged as shining ambassadors of the Benin Kingdom on the global entertainment stage.
Rema, ( Divine Justice Ikubor) the internationally acclaimed Afrobeats sensation of Benin extraction, carted home three prestigious awards, while fast-rising artiste Shallipopi ( Crown Uzama) also clinched one award, marking a moment of pride not just for Edo State but for the entire Benin Kingdom.
In a statement issued by the Benin Summit Group, Osaro Onaiwu described their victories as a powerful demonstration of Benin excellence, creativity, and global relevance.
“I commend and congratulate Rema and Shallipopi for putting the Benin Kingdom firmly in the global space through their talent, hard work, and discipline. Their achievements are a source of pride to our people and an inspiration to our youths,” Onaiwu said.
He noted that the success of Benin sons in the global entertainment industry reinforces the importance of nurturing creativity and supporting young talents across music, film, fashion, and other creative arts.
“These accomplishments show what is possible when talent meets opportunity and determination. Benin land is rich in creativity, and the world is beginning to take notice,” he added.
Osaro Onaiwu further urged other Benin sons and daughters, particularly those in the creative and entertainment sectors, to remain focused and strive for excellence, emphasizing that global recognition comes through consistency, hard work, and commitment to craft.
“I urge others to strive harder to excel. Let the achievements of Rema and Shallipopi motivate the next generation to dream bigger, work harder, and represent Benin with dignity and pride wherever they find themselves,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Benin Summit Group to promoting unity, culture, and development, including the creative arts, which he described as a powerful tool for projecting the Benin heritage and identity to the world.
According to Onaiwu, celebrating the successes of Benin sons and daughters across various fields remains central to the group’s mission of fostering unity, pride, and collective progress within the Benin Kingdom and the diaspora.
Why Everyone Is Talking About GICANA: The New Nigerian Drama Shaking YouTube
A powerful new Nigerian drama, GICANA, has made its debut during the Yuletide season, sending a strong social message while keeping audiences glued to their screens. The film, now streaming on Mustapha Sholagbade Television (MSTV) on YouTube, explores the dangerous consequences of transacting one’s body for money, portraying it as a risky game with far-reaching emotional and moral implications.
Produced by Almatin Limited, GICANA is directed by the creative duo of Olayemi Adeodu and Ayanbode Simon. The directors bring depth and realism to the story, carefully unpacking themes of desperation, survival, greed, and the silent battles faced by individuals pushed to the edge by circumstance.
The movie, which was shot in Canada and Nigeria, boasts a rich ensemble of industry talents who delivered compelling performances, including Remi Surutu, Dotun Adebanjo, Mustapha Sholagbade, Bukola Kiitan, Temidayo (Starboy), Dare Melody, Jumoke Fadipe, Queen Blessing Ebigieson, Adejoke Adesokan, and several others. Their performances added emotional weight and authenticity to the storyline, making GICANA both engaging and thought-provoking.
Behind the scenes, the production quality of GICANA stands out. Cinematography was handled by Director Keny and Abiodun Bukola, while Mr Perfect served as script supervisor. Sound was recorded by Idrissound, with lighting by Tomcity. Makeup was expertly done by Ifeoluwa Adejumo, and Muhammed Hussein brought the film’s environments to life as set designer.
Released at a time traditionally associated with celebration and reflection, GICANA uses the Yuletide season to challenge viewers to think deeply about societal pressures and the hidden dangers of quick money. The film is already generating conversations online, with viewers praising its message, performances, and strong moral undertone.
With its timely release and compelling narrative, GICANA is more than just a movie, it is a cautionary tale and a must-watch drama for audiences seeking meaningful African storytelling this new year.
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