Tag: Omah Lay

2025 Year in Search: Google Reveals the Moments, Music, and Movements That Captivated Nigeria
- The nation paused to reflect on the passing of major icons, including former President Buhari and Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai.
- Local film and music dominate, while Nigerians turn to Google to decode viral slang and explore new culinary frontiers.
From major political shifts to the viral ‘Labubu’ craze, Nigerians turned to Google Search in 2025 to make sense of a year packed with big questions and even bigger cultural moments. Today, Google’s annual Year in Search lists offer a fascinating digital snapshot of the nation’s curiosity, revealing a country deeply engaged with its leaders, its artists, and the icons who shaped its history.

Politics and People Take Center Stage

This year, Nigerians used Search to stay on top of a fast-moving news cycle. High-profile figures drove significant interest, with Senator Natasha Akpoti emerging as the #1 most searched Nigerian personality, highlighting how central political discourse was throughout the year. Beyond the domestic scene, Nigerians also kept a close watch on international events, with the Israel-Iran War and the US Elections featuring heavily in search trends.

The nation also paused to honor the legacies of titans who left a lasting mark. The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari triggered a massive wave of searches, as people looked back on his tenure. In the sporting world, fans bid a solemn farewell to Peter Rufai, the iconic former Super Eagles goalkeeper, revisiting career highlights and his contributions to the national team. Search interest also grew around the passing of Pope Francis, marking a moment of reflection for many.

The Sounds and Stories of Nigeria

Entertainment in 2025 was undeniably Nigerian-led. The Trending Songs list shows a nation seeking both spiritual upliftment and high-energy Afrobeats. The gospel resonance of ‘Oluwatosin (Jesus Is Enough)’ by Tkeyz ft. Steve Hills topped the charts, balanced by the infectious energy of ‘Joy is Coming’ by Fido and major collaborations like Davido and Omah Lay’s ‘With You.’

Local pride surged in the film industry as well. Director Kemi Adetiba ranked among the most searched personalities, driven by the success of the hit show To Kill a Monkey, which stood out as the most searched local series.

Decoding Culture, from Slang to the Kitchen

The most colorful insights come from how Nigerians interacted with internet culture. In 2025, Search became the go-to tool for decoding viral trends. The questions list was dominated by people asking, “What is Labubu?”, while the meaning of “Achalugo”, popularized by the YouTube film Love in Every Word, also sent people searching.

In the kitchen, local palates grew more adventurous. Nigerians turned to Google for recipes ranging from the staple Chinchin to the trending Pornstar Martini and health-focused Ginger Shots, blending traditional tastes with global trends.

“The 2025 Year in Search is more than just data; it’s a vibrant, unfiltered mirror of our collective attention,” said Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications & Public Affairs Manager for West Africa. “Whether it’s tracking the biggest headlines, reflecting on the legacies of icons we lost, or simply figuring out the latest slang, these lists show that Nigerians are using Search to actively engage with the world around them.”

You can explore the complete 2025 Year in Search lists for Nigeria on the official Google Trends site: https://trends.withgoogle.com/year-in-search/2025/ng/
December 5, 2025
King Promise is Back with a Global Hit “Paris”

Ghanaian Afrobeat sensation, King Promise returns after his most prolific year to date – where he stormed viral charts all summer, globally with ‘Terminator’, and gaining UK heat with ‘Perfect Combi’ feat. Gabzy – with his first single of 2024, ‘Paris’.

Paris infuses elements of Amapiano into King Promise’s own brand of Afrobeats, for a fun-filled, infectious track that’s sure to get the party started. Promise delivers a hook and melodies on here that are catchy enough to play on a loop.

“My first visit to Paris was whilst I was on tour, and it was such a good time I had to put it on a record! This track embodies all the good vibes I had on the trip that made me always wanna go back. A single off my new album coming out real soon so enjoy Paris as you anticipate the album,” said King Promise.

King Promise has developed a unique sound with an international appeal. Drawing inspiration from Ghanaian Highlife, Afrobeats and R&B he has created a sound of his own. In 2016 his talent was first recognized with his breakout single ‘Thank God’ followed by a string of successful singles that put him in position to be one of Ghana’s most promising musical talents. His debut album ‘As Promised’ was released in 2019 to critical acclaim and featured international stars such as Raye and Wizkid. His following album ‘5 Star’ was set on an even bigger scale and featured Omah Lay, Headie One, Chance the Rapper, WSTRN to name a few. Outside music, King Promise has also used his platform for social change and to support charitable causes all across Ghana.

March 11, 2024
Nigeria’s Top Ten Streamed Songs on Spotify
It has been a great summer for Nigerian artists on Spotify, as the last three months shows that music lovers from all over the country chose to listen to songs by local artists during the season.

With global acceptance of Nigerian music and artists growing by the day, it is not surprising that more and more Nigerians are turning to hits from their home-grown artists on Spotify for their listening pleasure.

According to data from Spotify, in the last 90 days, nine local songs made the Top 10 most-streamed songs in Nigeria. Topping the list is “Feeling” by Ladipo Eso popularly known as LADIPOE, followed by “Bounce” by Ruger and Olamide’s “Rock”. Fourth on the Top 10 list is WizKid’s “Essence” (feat. Justin Bieber & Tems), followed by “Soundgasm” by Rema, and “Understand” by Omah Lay.

“Nigerians’ support of homegrown talent has always been a joy to behold. It’s great to see that theme persevere and show up strong this summer!” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa.

The only non-Nigerian song in the Top 10 list is “Dimension” by JAE5, the British-born Ghanaian Grammy Award-winning producer. The track which features Skepta & Rema came in at seven. Next on the list is “Outside” by Buju, followed by Wizkid and Burna Boy’s “Ginger”, and “Monalisa” by Lojay.

Top 10 Most-streamed Songs in Nigeria:
August 30, 2021
Nigerian Stars Bella Shmurda, Omah Lay, Teni set to excite audience at Africa Day Concert 2021

The highly anticipated Africa Day Concert 2021 have announced the next global wave of talent set to take the stage by storm at the upcoming concert. This year’s concert will shine a light on Africa’s next wave of talent who are making their mark on the global stage with artists from South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana and Kenya who are set to perform. The global event is a partnership between MTV Base, YouTube and Idris Elba, the Golden Globe and SAG winner, will also be the host. Be sure to catch the concert on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) at 21:00CAT/20:00WAT.

The virtual concert will be a Pan African event, featuring trailblazing stars from across the continent. Artists will perform on multiple stages from Lagos to Johannesburg in an event that will be streamed to a global audience on YouTube and broadcast across MTV channels. The show will feature appearances from the biggest names in music from across Africa who will introduce each act and shine a light on why exactly they are taking the world by storm

South Africa’s Elaine, one of the continent’s most-streamed artists, is set to perform new music at the concert. She will be joined by rapper and MTV Base Hottest MC 2020 winner, Focalistic as well as rap duo, Blaq Diamond who is currently MTV Base’ Hottest MC New Wave title holders. Nigeria’s most popular emerging artists will also take to the Africa Day Concert 2021 stage. Singer, songwriter and “Case” hitmaker Teni will perform at the event as well as Afrobeat star, Bella Shmurda, who rose to prominence with the song “Vision 2020”. Nigerian singer and songwriter Omah Lay will also perform his much-loved hits.

Also set to join the Africa Day line-up are artists who are making waves all over the continent. This includes Ghanaian artist & afrobeat/afro-fusion singer, Gyakie as well as Suspect 95 who hails from the Cote D’Ivoire. Also set to deliver show-stopping performances are Kenyan singer Bahatiand Tanzanian songstress Zuchu.

Viewers from around the globe can expect to see a spectacular display of African excellence as the sounds, sights and rhythm of the continent unite Africans once more this Africa Day. Be sure to catch the Africa Day Concert 2021, this Africa Day, 25th of May.

A rundown of all the artists confirmed to perform at the Africa Day Concert 2021 include Bahati, Kenya; Bella Shmurda, Nigeria; Blaq Diamond, South Africa; Elaine, South Africa; Focalistic, South Africa; Gyakie, Ghana; Omah Lay, Nigeria; Suspect 95, Cote D’Ivoire; Teni, Nigeria and Zuchu, Tanzania.

May 13, 2021