Nigerian Afropop star, Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, popularly known Mayorkun, has officially released his third studio album titled ‘Still The Mayor’.
The album dropped in the early hours of Friday across all major streaming platforms, following a brief delay from its initial May 2 release date.
The announcement came Thursday night via Mayorkun’s verified X account where he wrote, “’Still The Mayor’ arrives at midnight! Big ups to everyone who worked on this project with me. It’s a special one for many reasons.”
The 12-track album features high-profile collaborations with Fireboy DML, Davido, Rotimi, King Promise, Olivetheboy, and Gyakie.
READ ALSO: Headies 2016: Mayorkun Announced As Rookie Of The Year
Mayorkun had earlier revealed that Fireboy appeared twice on the project, making it a standout contribution from the YBNL artist.
Tracks like ‘Lose Control’ featuring King Promise, ‘Under The Canopy,’ and ‘Therapist’ featuring Fireboy DML are already receiving buzz online as fans and critics begin streaming the full project.
Originally set for release on May 2, the album was delayed without any official explanation from the singer or his team.
The new drop comes just over three years after his sophomore album, ‘Back In Office,’ and nearly seven years after his debut, ‘The Mayor of Lagos,’ which earned him critical acclaim and mainstream recognition.
Describing the album as a personal journey, Mayorkun said the project reflected his growth and the experiences he’s gathered over the years.
“It’s still me, still the Mayor. But this time, I had more to say, more to express. Life’s been happening, and the music reflects that,” he stated in his 3MUSIC TV interview last Saturday
With ‘Still The Mayor,’ Mayorkun aims to assert his consistency and evolution in the Afrobeats space.
The release also marks his return to the spotlight after a relatively quiet run in 2024, during which he focused on touring and production.
Fans have already taken to social media platforms to share their reactions, with many applauding the album’s sonic range, mature themes, and Mayorkun’s lyrical delivery.
Industry observers say the album is expected to chart highly in Nigeria and across global Afrobeats playlists in the coming days.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have sent fans wild after being spotted enjoying each other’s company at an ice hockey game in Florida this week
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were spotted deep in conversation at an ice hockey game
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce enjoyed a day out together at Amerant Bank Arena to watch an ice hockey game this week – and a lip-reader has pointed out that their conversation may point to something exciting in their future.
The couple were attending a game between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers and pictures from the event showed Travis in a red sweatshirt and cap, while Taylor wore a beige jacket with white heeled boots.
A lip-reading expert, NJ Hickling, has claimed Travis could be seen telling Taylor: “Yeah cos I’m big, they’re quite good jackets. It’ll be tailored, has a hat and everything.” Taylor is then seen to reply to her beau with: “That’s crazy“ before sipping her drink.
The couple watched the Florida Panthers take on the Edmonton Oilers
Travis then showed her something on his phone as Taylor said “Oh wow“ before Travis asked her “do you want that?” to which she replied: “You’d look like a movie star,” the lip reader claimed to MailOnline before the athlete said: “That looks like the perfect one.“ Fans were wondering if the comments made at the game could point to his future involvement in film projects.
The NFL star already has a foot in the film industry, and is credited as a producer on the movie My Dead Friend Zoe, and an upcoming project simply labelled as the Untitled Jean-Michel Basquiat Documentary on IMDB.
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READ MORE: Taylor Swift files restraining order against stalker: she fears ‘immediate harm’
He told People that working as a producer on My Dead Friend Zoewas an “incredible experience”. Travis said he felt “proud” to be part of the movie’s team, adding: “My hope is to continue working on meaningful projects like this — stories that entertain, inspire and make a real impact.”
He is also credited as an actor on Loose Cannons, and played himself in the series Moonbase 8. Taylor has appeared in a slew of films and TV shows, including playing Audrey in The Lorax, Elaine in New Girl, Rosemary in The Giver, and Bombalurina in Cats.
Last week, speculation over the couple’s marital status began to rise after a wedding planner shared an Instagram story showing the behind-the-scenes details from the wedding of NFL player Cole Kmet.
In one of the social media clips, fans spotted an envelope with calligraphy on the front addressing it to Taylor and Travis Kelce at table 13. Of course, this sent fans into meltdown, as 13 is known to be Taylor’s favourite number.
The couple have had a busy start to June, as they attended the wedding of Travis’ cousin, Tanner Corum, who married Samantha Peck. Pictures from the day showed Taylor wearing a strapless blue floral dress with heels, while Travis wore a quarter-sleeved shirt and trousers.
Earlier this year, Travis opened up about his relationship with the Shake It Off singer while appearing on The Stephen A Smith Show. He said that she was supportive of his sports career and was “fully encouraging” him to “enjoy playing this game”.
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He added: “She loves coming to Arrowhead [Stadium] and coming to the games and cheering for me so I’ve got all the support in the world to keep chasing these dreams.”
Turning 80 may slow most people down, but not Bjorn Ulvaeus – as he speaks to the Mirror about ABBA’S new project, while also toasting the continued success of the ABBA Voyage
Abba legend is back with a new venture (Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Not many people are seen as innovators when they hit 80. Fewer still can claim the title of musical genius – at any age.
But, after helping his band sell more than 400 million records, as he celebrates the third anniversary of the ground breaking ABBA Voyage avatar show, 80-year-old Bjorn Ulvaeus is still seen as both.
For this irrepressible man, becoming an octogenarian simply means gathering more wisdom and experience.
Excitedly hinting at a new, secret ABBA project, Bjorn tells The Mirror: “There will be something. It is just not crystalised yet exactly what that is. Something new. Yes, I am 80 – but I wake up curious every morning.”
Bjorn is hinting at a new exciting project
Bjorn spoke frankly about his life in music as two of his bandmates, Benny Andersson, 78, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, 79, joined him in the UK to toast the continued success of ABBA Voyage, which has contributed more than £1billion to the UK economy since opening in May, 2022.
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More than two million fans have enjoyed the 90-minute shows at the immersive ABBA Arena, which features the group – including Agnetha Faltskog, 75 – as lifelike holographic images, churning out hits including Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and Take A Chance on Me.
And, like their 1976 smash hit Money, Money, Money, it is an absolute goldmine.
More thrilled by its creative success, Bjorn says: “When I first went to Voyage I saw myself as a young man on stage. But the strangest thing is how emotional it is.
“It is amazing how people so quickly forget that they are looking at screens. I was amazed and we had no idea that it would happen. It is almost a spiritual feeling. There is something strange in the room which is amazing.”
ABBA attending the Abba Voyage digital concert(Image: PA)
The digital avatar show is produced by Pophouse Entertainment, a music investment firm and production company founded by Bjorn and Swedish billionaire businessman Conni Jonsson.
The company is currently looking to use the same cutting edge Voyage technology to bring other avatar shows to life, including the work of US singer Cyndi Lauper and the flamboyant American rockers Kiss.
And Bjorn, who is close friends with Sir Elton John, says other musical avatar extravaganzas are on the horizon.
He says: “I like to work. Working is fun. Our company Pophouse Entertainment has happened out of curiosity and wanting to try new things.
“I like to create new things like the avatars. The ABBA-tars. It was like a playground and to be able to help other people. I see Pophouse as a creative hub with fun attached to it, so you can do fun things.
While the project will take some time, it is very promising for ABBA fans(Image: PA)
“We are working with Cyndi Lauper, she has a very diverse catalogue. We are also working with Kiss. We believe it could be a very interesting avatar experience in the trans Marvel universe.
“They wanted cartoons and now they have ascended into the digital world. So that is very exciting for what they stand for. Cyndi is something completely different.
“There are lots of things we could do, too. We could work on documentaries, but there is so much else to do like the gaming world – and who knows what happens around the corner? We are at the forefront. I am so grateful.”
He admits they are working with KISS(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Rumours are already circulating that David Bowie could be brought back to life as an avatar and that The Rolling Stones could soon be launching their own avatar shows.
But Bjorn won’t name any more names.
He says: “It is very exciting. We are looking for a story to tell. We have not seen anything yet…but it is coming. Our show Mamma Mia at the O2 in London took four or five years and Voyage the same, to opening night. These things take time. I want to help people’s legacies.”
Abba has won countless of awards over the years
Since winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with their breakout hit Waterloo, ABBA have won countless awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 2010.
Bjorn says the secret to the Swedish sensations’ success is having great songs.
“What advice can I give younger artists other than to write better songs?” he says. “It is still true. This industry starts with a song.
“Whatever it is, it is a song that does it. I say just write a song and record it. If it is good enough then it will work. But you have to be prepared to have people say no to you 10 times, then one will say yes. You have to be prepared to wait and not lose hope. I remember rejection.”
Growing up in Gothenburg, Sweden, Bjorn says it was The Beatles who inspired him to write, but admits he was always jealous of natural storytellers like The Bee Gees.
Bjorn admits the Beatles inspired him(Image: Getty Images)
He says: “I used to listen to The Beatles and that is the reason why Benny and I started writing. Before then, the song writing had been very anonymous, like the people behind Elvis Presley.
“The Beatles were a big inspiration and The Beach Boys as well. But during the 1970s I used to envy people who could write commercial pop lyrics like The Bee Gees. I could not write commercial lyrics. Whatever you are doing you have to tell the story.”
Today, Bjorn says not enough emphasis is put on crafting a song which can go on and help sustain a career for generations.
He says: “Once we won Eurovision we could say no to things. During that process we learned. We only wrote like 14 songs a year.
“People now say they have written 200 songs a year, but I don’t think they have. I would keep 10%. We could go for weeks writing full time and had very little to show for it.
“Once we won Eurovision we could say no to things” he said (Image: Redferns)
“We would spend a long time in the studio and there is a very special satisfaction when you can listen to something and you think ‘Yeah, this is just how it should be’ It happened many times with ABBA. That is very special. A lot of people walk away thinking it is good enough but it is not. You have to add a few more inches.”
Bjorn’s current project is a secret musical he is writing with the help of AI, which he says helps him to come up with ideas when he gets stuck.
And although working with the International Confederation of Songwriters and Composers, which seeks to protect songwriters from having their works copied by AI technology, Bjorn says AI is a tool that should be embraced for the future.
He says: “Pop music has always been very tech driven. I remember when Benny and I started writing together, we always wanted the latest thing. You would hear a sound and ask how that was done.
Bjorn’s current project is a secret musical he is writing with the help of AI(Image: PA)
“Benny had the first Mini Moog, which was the first synth. When we built our own studio we had digital machines. Tech and music go hand in hand and that is how it continues.”
Laughing at how working with AI is faster than writing with human beings like his co-writer Benny, he adds: “It is quicker writing with a machine, as you get an instant reply and it does exactly what you tell it.
“AI is fantastic and such a great tool. It can give you ideas to go in various different directions.
“There are songwriters using it all around the world as we speak.
“The music industry will come to some sort of agreement with the tech industry to work together, as these AI bots would not exist without the song that we wrote.”
Bjorn believes Ai shouldn’t be feared (Image: PA)
But Bjorn believes AI should not be feared, as when it comes to writing ABBA hits, he says: “When you prompt AI with ABBA it says ‘No, it can’t do that.’ There is a misconception that AI can write a whole song. It is lousy at that. Thank God it is very bad at lyrics as well, but it can give you ideas.”
So, ABBA looks set to be made-up of human members, merely enhanced by innovative technology, for the foreseeable future.
Looking back on his extensive back catalogue, he merely smiles and says: “What is the key to longevity? You have to have that curiosity that I talked about and something that drives you.
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“Once you are a songwriter and have an experience of what it is like and see how people react to something you have written, that never goes away.
Geordie Shore star Zahida Allen has welcomed her first child. The 31-year-old reality TV star took to Instagram to share the sweet news, uploading a number of snaps of her new arrival.
Zahida, who starred on the third and fourth series of the hit MTV show, took to the platform to reveal her baby girl’s unique name and weight. She also labelled the tot her “everything”.
In her announcement, she wrote: “‘ZYRA 06.05.2025 7lbs.” She went on: “Welcome to the world my baby girl, you are my everything. You have gave my life a new meaning of purpose, love and strength.
Zahida Allen is now a mum
‘You have made me feel love that I’ve never experienced and now we are on a beautiful journey together. I so enjoyed the first month with you in our new born baby bubble, keeping everything private and adjusting to our new life, you are the most special thing in my life.
“We faced so many challenges and obstacles, but together we overcame everything that was thrown our way and we beat the odds, now we are life partners my mini Z.
“I promise to care for you, guide you, protect you and give you eternal love. I love you my Zyra.”
Zahida shared a number of snaps of herself cradling her newborn in the hospital. Among those sending congratulatory messages in the comments section was Chelsee Healey, who gushed: “congratulations Zyra is perfect,” alongside three emoji faces with love heart eyes.
Zahida Allen on Geordie Shore ( MTV)
The reality TV star first announced her pregnancy last month, admitting at the time her mini me was “coming very soon”. She shared her surprise pregnancy journey with her friends while saying: “The biggest thank you to my best friends @gemmarowex and @mikaylasmith_xo for being with me every step of the way throughout this incredible journey, and for being involved this shoot which makes these photos even more special. Love you both so much.”
In a touching statement she confessed she chose to keep her pregnancy under wraps as she “didn’t know how to put this into words”. However, she admitted as her pregnancy went on she felt it was the right time to tell her followers.
She admitted she didn’t have a clue she was pregnant initially. Zahida said she had been under investigation for other health issues with her stomach and kidneys. However, she revealed the news “completely changed my life, but for the better”.
“My baby is the biggest blessing of my life,” she went on. “I have felt so lucky to be carrying her all this time, feeling her grow and feeling her little kicks become big ones.”
And she proudly said her life “isn’t ending” before insisting it is “just beginning again”.
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With the social event of the summer just around the corner, it appears the King has made his Royal Ascot plans clear with multiple appearances expected at the week-long race event
King Charles and Queen Camilla at Royal Ascotl(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The social event of the season is just around the corner, with royals and horse racing fans alike all busy preparing for Royal Ascot. The days-long summer event begins on Tuesday and will run until next Saturday.
While it has been expected that King Charles and Queen Camilla will make at least one appearance at the five-day meeting, it seems that the couple are keen to offer their full support to the event. So much so that is has been reported that they will attend every single day of Royal Ascot, keeping a keen eye on the races from their royal box and taking part in the carriage procession.
King Charles and Camilla are expected to attend Royal Ascot everyday of the five-day event(Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
In years past, Charles has been a regular feature at Royal Ascot , often seen supporting his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth who had a particular love of horses and racing – a love that is also shared by Camilla.
As well as his own passion for the races, King Charles has an important role to play at Royal Ascot since becoming King, and he is excited to get stuck into it.
A source told The Sun: “Camilla has been passionate about horse racing for many years but the King has surprised himself by how much he enjoys it. It is an opportunity to catch up with guests and show support for the horse racing industry.”
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It is believed the King has two horses running at the festival this year, although the full list of runners and riders has yet to be officially confirmed.
His horse The King’s Falcon could be a smart bet after the three-year-old gelding won at Carlisle just two weeks ago. Royal Ascot week kicks off on Tuesday when the King Charles III Stakes is one of the opening day highlights.
Royal Ascot stems back to the 1700s when Queen Anne founded the event(Image: PA)
The King Charles III Stakes, formerly known as the King’s Stand Stakes, is a Group 1 flat horse race open to horses aged three years or older, marking the official beginning of Ascot week.
The tradition of Royal Ascot stems back to the early 1700s, with Queen Anne seeing the potential for a racecourse at East Cote, declaring that it looked an ideal place for “horses to gallop at full stretch” while out riding. Her Majesty’s Plate, which was a race open to any horse over the age of six, first took place on August 11th 1711, with Royal Ascot only growing from then.
The revelation of King Charles’ Ascot appearances comes after it has been reported that Charles will not ride a horse in Trooping the Colour on Saturday. Instead of mounting a horse, like he has done in previous years, it is expected that the monarch will join Camilla in the royal carriage for the procession to and from Buckingham Palace.
The decision was made for the King to ride in the carriage for the second year in a row due to the fact that it would be more comfortable and safe for the King following his treatment for cancer.
The last time King Charles rode in Trooping the Colour was in 2023, which was the first time a monarch had ridden in the parade since Queen Elizabeth did in 1986.
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Although Charles will not be on horseback for the procession, Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward will be taking part in the parade on their trusty horses .
Sam Thompson has pulled out of Soccer Aid just days before the match. Sam was due to play in the event this weekend but after training yesterday, he has decided to pull out of the show.
He is set to make the announcement today, where he will confirm he would no longer play in the match. Other stars set to play this weekend including football legends Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes as well as Lioness stars Toni Duggan, Steph Houghton and Jill Scott. Steve Bartlett will also appear in the match.
Euro 2020 winner Leonardo Bonucci, Nadia Nadim, Diamond and dancer Gorka Marquez will play this weekend too, alongside Paddy McGuiness, Sam Quek, Dermot Kennedy, Tom Grennan and Martin Compston.
Sam Thompson recently finished his ‘Match Ball Mission’ challenge for Soccer Aid for UNICEF ( Getty Images)
Sam will not play this weekend after sustaining an injury during his five-day challenge, during which he raised money for Unicef and smashed the £1 million mark. He tore his calf in dramatic scenes during the challenge.
He now has more of a coaching role and will still play a big part in the event in Manchester. He said on This Morning today: “I’m still very sore, still got the torn calf, however I am here at Soccer Aid HQ and it does not get better than this. We’ve still got the management team of England, we’ve got Vicky McClure, Tyson Fury, who’s stepping into some new shoes and Harry Redknapp…
“But also because I’m not going to be able to run around, you’ve also got me, part of the management team. Come on baby! … I came here with high hopes and went to see Gary the physio and I can kick a ball from a standing start, but when it comes to like general chaos of playing competitive sport there’s just no way. I cant really run properly so yeah. They were very kind and said we still want you to be a part, so I get to go on the dark side with Tyson Fury.”
Louis and Sam were back in training today – with Sam’s new role as a coach ( PA)
Sam has documented his injury and his recovery so far. “On the first day I did the first marathon and on the last 2k I felt like I’d been shot in the back of the leg and I’ve completely torn the calf muscle but it’s fine I’m strapped up!” he revealed of his injury at the time.
“We were absolutely drenched, and my back was aching, but having Chris there kept me going. I can cope with the bad conditions and the aches and pains, but my leg keeps letting me down. I was told at the last pitstop I could try and run the last few kilometres to test my leg and my recovery, so I cycled out the pitstop determined to make it as far as I could towards the stadium and tried to run into Villa Park. If I have to get up at 4am every morning for the rest of the week to complete this, I will. I’m going to make it to Manchester by Friday. I am so grateful to everyone that has supported me already and donated – that’s the one thing keeping going.”
Sam suffered a calf injury ( samthompsonuk/Instagram)
He had been updating fans on his progress, sharing a snap from his ice plunge. Alongside the photo, he was adamant he wanted to help. He said: “Trying to get those legs right for soccer aid!! I WILL play a part.”
Sam had told The Mirror there was talk of him being medically discharged from his challenge because he was in so much pain.
Speaking to us about his terrifying injury, he said: “I was crying into my physio’s arms on day one, because I was just so terrified that I was going to be that guy who took this on and got medically discharged. They were talking about doing that but I was like ‘no’. I just got into a fast hobble and that just about worked.”
Sam’s challenge involved hi, delivering the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match ball from last year’s stadium, Stamford Bridge, London, to the home of this year’s match, Old Trafford, Manchester. The total distance was 261miles.
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