There’s no stopping Davido’s “Unavailable”! The song continues to dominate the music scene, racking up impressive accolades and eye-catching streaming numbers. This solidifies its status as a global smash hit. This isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a cultural phenomenon.
Streaming Domination
The song has surpassed a staggering 100 million streams on both YouTube and Spotify. This is a particularly impressive feat for Davido on Spotify, as “Unavailable” becomes his first single to achieve this milestone on the platform.
Music Video Success
The song’s vibrant music video, featuring South African artist Musa Keys, has also reached the coveted 100 million view mark on YouTube. This adds “Unavailable” to Davido’s exclusive club of songs with over 100 million streams, joining his 2017 hits “If,” “Fall,” and “FIA.”
Critical Acclaim and Industry Impact
The song’s impact extends far beyond streaming numbers. “Unavailable” was even crowned Rihanna’s favourite song of 2023, a huge co-sign from a musical powerhouse. Furthermore, the song dominated the Afrobeats scene, becoming the most streamed Afrobeats release of the year.
Continued Growth
Capitalizing on the song’s success, Davido released a remix EP featuring collaborations with established artists like Jamaican dancehall star Sean Paul and American rapper Latto.
Pascal Okechukwu, also known by his alias Cubana Chief Priest, is slated to make a courtroom appearance today, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. This comes as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) gears up to formally charge him.
Reportedly, the EFCC has held the socialite in custody ahead of his scheduled arraignment before Justice Kehinde Ogundare at the Federal High Court located in Lagos.
Cubana Chief Priest is facing three charges related to the improper handling of Nigerian currency during social gatherings.
The allegations stem from an incident on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel. Here, the EFCC claims Cubana Chief Priest engaged in activities that involved spraying and manipulating ₦500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. This was for two hours while participating in festivities.
The EFCC’s prosecution team, led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) along with seven other legal representatives, formally complained on April 4, 2024.
The commission contends that Cubana Chief Priest’s actions violated Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007 and are subject to legal consequences.
In light of the recent conviction of Bobrisky, a prominent figure known for controversial acts, he received a six-month prison sentence for a similar offence. The EFCC released a statement indicating that several celebrities are currently under investigation for alleged misconduct involving the national currency.
In the statement, the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said,
“Many of them have made useful statements to the commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter.
“The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.”
The agency that fights corruption (the anti-graft agency) has been flooded with videos showing people mistreating the Nigerian currency (naira abuse). They made it clear that they would only be looking into and punishing new cases of this kind of behaviour.
Popular Nigerian influencer Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, was recently sentenced to six months in jail without the option of a fine. The judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, delivered the sentence on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Bobrisky’s arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week stemmed from accusations of mutilating Nigerian Naira currency.
The EFCC at the time of the arrest said they had “commenced investigation into her for allegedly spraying naira notes.”
The EFCC investigation revealed that Bobrisky allegedly defaced Nigerian currency at other events in the past. Bobrisky cooperated with the EFCC by showing up for questioning on April 4th and providing statements. The EFCC also initially accused Bobrisky of money laundering, but these charges were dismissed by the court.
Bobrisky’s sentence has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some believe the punishment is too severe for defacing money, which is sometimes done during celebrations in Nigeria.
“She was used as a scapegoat. Why no option of fine, please???? What point are they trying so hard to prove? I hope she learns to not always brag on social media that she is above the law when she gets out too,” someone said.
“They just used her as a scapegoat and if we’re being fair, she doesn’t deserve it. 99% percent of people at events spray money exactly the way she sprayed money in that video. This isn’t fair,” another person said.