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From Ikorodu Streets to Global Screens: Kanye West and Bianca Censori Praise Ikorodu Bois' Low-Budget Remake of 'Father'

📅 April 18, 2026 | ⏱️ 6 min read

✍️ This post was authored by Dj. Soft — Tracking Nigeria's vibrant entertainment landscape.

Nigerian creative group Ikorodu Bois have once again captured global attention, this time earning a fire emoji reaction from none other than American rap mogul Kanye West and his wife, Bianca Censori, for their low-budget remake of the music video for 'Father' — a collaboration between West and Travis Scott. The recognition marks another milestone in the group's remarkable journey from the streets of Ikorodu to the international spotlight, solidifying their reputation as one of Nigeria's most inventive and beloved content creators.

The 'Father' Recreation: A Signature Low-Budget Masterpiece

On Wednesday, April 15, the Ikorodu Bois released their trademark low-budget remake of the music video for 'Father,' the lead single from Kanye West's twelfth studio album, Bully, which was released on March 28, 2026. The original video, directed by Bianca Censori, is a wildly visual affair depicting West attending a church filled with unusual characters, including a Michael Jackson impersonator, for Travis Scott's wedding to two women, with sci-fi and religious imagery running throughout.

True to their signature style, the Ikorodu Bois recreated the video's maximalist, detail-heavy production using everyday household items — local wheelbarrows standing in for luxury cars, improvised props, and sheer creativity. The group, consisting of siblings Babatunde (24), Muiz (17), and Malik (11) Sanni, alongside their cousin Fawas Aina (15), has built a global following by faithfully recreating some of the world's most expensive music videos and movie trailers using little more than imagination and resourcefulness.

Global Recognition: Fire Emojis from Kanye and Bianca Censori

The group posted their recreation on TikTok, and within hours, Kanye West and Bianca Censori responded with fire emojis, acknowledging the creative work and signaling their approval. For a group built on the dream of catching the eye of the artists they admire, it does not get much bigger than that.

This is not the first time the Ikorodu Bois have earned international acclaim. Their viral remakes of Netflix projects like Extraction and Money Heist caught the attention of Hollywood heavyweights including Will Smith, Chris Hemsworth, and directors the Russo Brothers, with Netflix even partnering with the group for its Oscar Weekend Film Brand Campaign in 2021.

The group was also nominated in 2021 for the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in the Favourite African Social Media Star category, and has earned endorsements from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The Significance of 'Father' and Kanye's Musical Journey

'Father' carries significant backstory. West and Travis Scott's friendship hit a rough patch in 2025 following a public dispute, before the two reconciled when West made a surprise appearance at Scott's concert in Japan that November. 'Father' is, in many ways, a document of that reconciliation.

The song has been a commercial success, topping Apple Music charts and earning placements on the Billboard 200, Global 200, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and multiple UK and international charts. West's twelfth studio album, Bully, features guest appearances from Travis Scott, André Troutman, CeeLo Green, Don Toliver, and Peso Pluma.

The original music video, directed by Bianca Censori, provided the Ikorodu Bois with plenty of material to work with. The video's bold, maximalist aesthetic — depicting West in a church surrounded by eccentric characters, sci-fi imagery, and religious iconography — made it a perfect fit for the group's signature low-budget, high-impact style.

A Pattern of Global Acknowledgment

The Ikorodu Bois have steadily built a reputation for turning everyday life into a launchpad for global recognition. Their signature style — low-budget, high-impact recreations of blockbuster trailers and viral music videos — is now celebrated far beyond the streets where it started.

Over the years, they have recreated everything from DJ Cuppy and Davido music videos to Hollywood blockbuster trailers and even a recreation of President Muhammadu Buhari. They have earned shout-outs from the likes of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Justin Bieber, Roddy Ricch, and Funke Akindele, and their work has been featured on global platforms including Netflix.

What they lack in budget, they more than make up for in wit and execution, and that formula has earned them a global following and co-signs from major artists across the world.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Nigerian Creativity on the World Stage

The Ikorodu Bois' latest recognition from Kanye West and Bianca Censori is more than just a viral moment — it is a testament to the power of creativity, resourcefulness, and the universal appeal of authentic storytelling. From a football-viewing centre in Ikorodu to the global stage, the group continues to prove that imagination is the only real currency needed to make a mark.

Their journey resonates far beyond entertainment; it is an inspiration to young creators everywhere that talent, not budget, is what truly matters. As they continue to capture the hearts of global icons and fans alike, one thing is certain: the Ikorodu Bois are not just recreating content — they are creating a legacy.

Stay tuned to Unuevbo TV for more in-depth reporting on Nigeria's entertainment industry and trending stories.

📢 This post was authored by Dj. Soft
© 2026 Unuevbo TV – All rights reserved. Republication only with permission.

Unuevbo TV

Afrobeats Takes Over Coachella: Davido's Debut, Wizkid & Tems' Surprise Link-Up with Justin Bieber

📅 April 18, 2026 | ⏱️ 6 min read

✍️ This post was authored by Dj. Soft — Tracking Nigeria's vibrant entertainment landscape.

The 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will be remembered as a landmark moment for African music, as Nigerian Afrobeats superstars delivered electrifying performances that captivated global audiences. From Davido's long-awaited debut to the surprise reunion of Wizkid and Tems with Justin Bieber for a live rendition of the global hit "Essence," the desert stage in Indio, California, became a vibrant showcase of Nigerian talent and cultural pride.

Davido's Historic Debut: A 45-Minute Afrobeats Extravaganza

Davido, the self-proclaimed Omo Baba Olowo (O.B.O), finally made his long-awaited Coachella debut on Saturday, April 11, performing a high-energy 45-minute set on the Gobi Stage. Opening with his breakout hit "Dami Duro," the 2026 Grammy nominee and voting member thrilled fans with a string of crowd favourites, including "If," "Skelewu," and "With You," backed by a live band and energetic dancers.

Fans were treated to an unexpected delight when Davido brought fellow Nigerian artiste Adekunle Gold to the stage for a lively medley that featured their popular collaboration "High," drawing cheers from the audience. As the performance reached its peak, Davido proudly waved the Nigerian flag, symbolizing African excellence on one of the world's biggest stages. The set also included newer cuts from his latest album "5IVE," such as "UNAVAILABLE" and "FEEL," blending timeless Afrobeats anthems with fresh material.

Davido's performance was a powerful statement of cultural pride and global appeal, standing as the sole dedicated Afrobeats act officially on the 2026 lineup. Reflecting on the moment, Davido described his set as "energetic, cultural, and impactful," emphasizing his commitment to keeping it "very African, very original". He is scheduled to return for Weekend 2 on April 18, giving more fans the chance to experience the "5IVE Alive Tour" energy live in Indio.

The 'Essence' Reunion: Wizkid, Tems & Justin Bieber Light Up the Main Stage

Later that night, the main stage delivered an additional surprise that captured global attention. Music superstars and Grammy award winners, Wizkid and Tems, joined international pop icon Justin Bieber for a live rendition of the "Essence" remix. The unexpected appearance sparked loud reactions from the crowd, despite neither artist being officially listed on the festival lineup.

The trio, who collaborated on the global hit "Essence Remix," delivered a seamless performance, showcasing their chemistry and professionalism. This 2026 reunion flipped the script from 2024, when Tems brought out Wizkid and Bieber during her own Coachella set. Five years after its release, the 2021 collaboration continues to celebrate Afrobeat's worldwide influence and remains a fan favorite. Videos showed thousands of festival-goers waving phones, dancing, and chanting the lyrics as Wizkid, Tems, and Bieber moved in sync, with many calling it a "full-circle global moment" and one of the standout highlights of Coachella 2026 so far.

Justin Bieber, headlining for the first time at Coachella, delivered an electrifying set that drew from his early hits like "Baby," "Sorry," and "Never Say Never," but it was his surprise link-ups with Wizkid and Tems that truly set the night alight. The showing proved he still knows how to keep audiences locked in while adding unexpected global flair.

A Decline in Representation: Only Davido Officially on the Lineup

Notably, Davido stood as the only Nigerian-based artiste and the sole dedicated Afrobeats act officially on the 2026 performance lineup, reflecting a decline in Nigerian representation compared with previous years. Discussions around his placement on one of the festival's smaller stages and the reduced number of Nigerian acts this year have sparked conversations about representation at major international music events.

This decline contrasts sharply with recent years, where Nigerian acts enjoyed a growing presence at Coachella. In 2024, Tems became the first Nigerian woman to perform, delivering a memorable show that featured surprise appearances by Wizkid and Justin Bieber for their first live performance of "Essence". That year also saw the largest presence of Nigerian artists on the Coachella stage, with performances from Spinall, Fireboy DML, and Teni. In 2025, Rema made his debut on the Coachella stage, while Seun Kuti and the Egypt 80 returned for their third performance.

Despite the reduced representation, Davido's debut builds on a growing legacy of Nigerian participation at the festival. Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti was the first Nigerian to perform at Coachella in 2012 alongside his father's legendary band, Egypt 80. In 2019, Burna Boy delivered a memorable debut that drew international attention, while Mr Eazi also performed that year. More recently, CKay took the stage in 2022, while DJ Spinall made history in 2024 as the first Nigerian and Afrobeats DJ to perform at the festival, bringing out Fireboy DML and Teni during his set. Tems and Rema followed with dedicated performances in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Conclusion: Afrobeats Continues Its Global Ascendancy

The 2026 Coachella edition was a testament to the unstoppable rise of Afrobeats on the global stage. Davido's historic debut and the surprise "Essence" reunion with Wizkid, Tems, and Justin Bieber captivated millions, showcasing the genre's universal appeal and cultural resonance. While the reduced representation of Nigerian acts sparked important conversations about diversity and inclusion, the performances themselves were a powerful reminder of Afrobeats' enduring influence and its ability to bring the world together through music.

As Davido returns for Weekend 2 and fans continue to relive the magic of these unforgettable moments, one thing is certain: the spirit of Afrobeats is alive and thriving, and the world is watching. Nigeria's cultural footprint on the global stage has never been stronger, and the future looks brighter than ever for the genre and its artists.

Stay tuned to Unuevbo TV for more in-depth reporting on Nigeria's entertainment industry and trending stories.

📢 This post was authored by Dj. Soft
© 2026 Unuevbo TV – All rights reserved. Republication only with permission.

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Fela Kuti Makes History: Afrobeat Pioneer Becomes First African Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

📅 April 18, 2026 | ⏱️ 6 min read

✍️ This post was authored by Dj. Soft — Tracking Nigeria's vibrant entertainment landscape.

In a landmark moment for African music, the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has officially made history as the first African artist to be inducted into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The announcement, made on Monday, April 13, 2026, during a live broadcast in the United States, has sparked celebrations across Nigeria and the global music community, finally cementing the "Abami Eda's" place among the world's greatest musical immortals.

This historic recognition comes barely a few months after Fela posthumously received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2026, making him the first African musician ever to receive that honour. Together, these two landmark achievements have solidified 2026 as the ultimate year of global validation for the legacy of the Afrobeat originator.

The 'Early Influence' Honour: A Recognition of Revolutionary Genius

Fela was inducted under the "Early Influence" category, a prestigious distinction reserved for pioneer artists whose music and style have fundamentally reshaped the landscape of global sound. The Hall of Fame paid tribute to him as "a revolutionary voice who spoke out against injustice through his innovative music — provoking political change while infusing jazz, West African and soul music to pioneer the Afrobeat genre".

Widely regarded as the father of Afrobeat, Fela fused highlife, jazz, funk, and traditional West African rhythms into a revolutionary sound that challenged political authority and transformed the global rhythm landscape. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recognised him not just for his musical innovation, but also for his uncompromising stance as a social activist who used his music as a weapon against injustice.

Nicknamed the "Black President" for his role as a political and cultural leader, Fela is one of the rare artists recognised by a single name. His revolutionary approach to music — embracing a massive sound with bands that often swelled to more than 30 members, featuring two bass guitars and two baritone saxophones — was a rebellion against the dominance of Western pop and a marked effort to forge a post-colonial African identity.

A Double Celebration for Nigerian Music

The Class of 2026 is particularly significant for Nigeria, as it also includes the legendary soul icon Sade Adu, who was inducted into the "Performer" category. Sade, whose full band identity blends jazz, soul, and R&B influences, is celebrated for a timeless catalogue that has sold millions of records worldwide, with her music widely regarded for its emotional depth and signature sound.

They are joined by other global heavyweights in the 2026 class, including Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Luther Vandross, and the hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan in the Performer category. Fela is recognised alongside other trailblazing figures in the Early Influence category, including the "Queen of Salsa" Celia Cruz, hip-hop pioneers Queen Latifah and MC Lyte, and country-rock innovator Gram Parsons.

The 2026 class has been described as one of the most diverse in the institution's history, reflecting its continued expansion beyond rock into global, cross-genre musical recognition. Voted on by more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals, eligibility required artists to have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior.

The Road to Rock Hall: A Years-Long Campaign

This achievement marks the end of a years-long campaign by fans and the Nigerian music industry to ensure that the pioneer of Afrobeat finally takes his rightful place among the world's greatest musical immortals. Fela had previously been nominated in 2021 and 2022 but missed out on induction despite coming second in the fan vote category in 2021.

Despite being jailed and widely criticised during his lifetime for his anti-government messaging, Fela Kuti remains one of the most influential African musicians in global history. He is credited with transforming music into a vehicle for resistance, with works such as "Expensive Shit" and "Water No Get Enemy" reflecting both artistic innovation and political criticism.

His legacy has long been acclaimed by fellow African artists. "Fela Kuti's music was a fearless voice of Africa — its rhythms carried truth, resistance and freedom, inspiring generations of African musicians to speak boldly through sound," says legendary Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour.

The Induction Ceremony: What to Expect

The formal induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California. The event will later be broadcast on ABC and Disney+, allowing fans around the world to witness the historic moment. The ceremony will also celebrate the architects behind the scenes through the Musical Excellence Award, with this year's recipients including prolific songwriter Linda Creed and legendary producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and the genre-defining co-founder of Def Jam, Rick Rubin.

Additionally, the late TV show host Ed Sullivan will enter the Hall of Fame with the Ahmet Ertegun non-performer award for his role in platforming musicians in the 1950s and '60s, helping break down racial barriers in American entertainment.

Conclusion: A Legacy Cemented for Eternity

Fela Kuti's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is more than a personal honour — it is a historic validation of African music's profound influence on global popular culture. Coming just months after his Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, 2026 will be remembered as the year the world finally gave Fela his flowers.

For generations of Nigerian musicians, from his sons Femi and Seun Kuti to modern Afrobeats superstars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, Fela's legacy remains the gold standard. As the Hall of Fame noted, he was a revolutionary figure who used music as a tool for political expression and social commentary, transforming the global rhythm landscape and inspiring countless artists worldwide.

As we look forward to the November 14 ceremony in Los Angeles, one thing is certain: the "Black President" has finally taken his rightful place among the immortals of popular music. Long live the spirit of Abami Eda.

Stay tuned to Unuevbo TV for more in-depth reporting on Nigeria's entertainment industry and trending stories.

📢 This post was authored by Dj. Soft
© 2026 Unuevbo TV – All rights reserved. Republication only with permission.