celebrated music legend Samini has announced that his eighth studio album, ORIGIN8A, will be released on February 12, 2026.

The project marks a significant milestone in his music journey. Its cover art displays a striking 8 ball, symbolising fate, balance, completeness, and a reconnection to his musical foundation.

Samini explains that ORIGIN8A is a deeply reflective project inspired by personal growth, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.

“This album represents my journey coming full circle. ORIGIN8A is about remembering where I come from, reconnecting with my roots, and celebrating the people who shaped my story,” Samini said.

ORIGIN8A goes beyond being simply a set of tracks. It represents a symbolic return, reconnecting Samini with a number of musicians he guided at the start of their journeys.

Artists confirmed to appear on the album include Mugeez from R2Bees, Stonebwoy, Kofi Kinaata, and Kaakie. Their involvement reflects togetherness, deep admiration, and a longstanding bond within Ghana’s music industry.

The project further brings together a diverse lineup of collaborators, including globally recognised group Soweto Gospel Choir, M.anifest, and Kuami Eugene. Their contributions help craft a body of work that merges different eras and cultural sounds into one creative direction.

Musically, ORIGIN8A presents a rich African-inspired soundscape. The album incorporates elements of indigenous African beats, highlife, Afrobeats, Afropop, Amapiano, African dancehall, and reggae.

The final body of work highlights Samini’s evolution as an artist while maintaining the signature sounds that shaped his early career and left a mark on Ghana’s modern music landscape.

Samini explains that the 8-ball symbol carries deeper significance beyond its appearance on the album artwork.

“After all the years of experimenting, touring, and evolving, I believe this is the moment where everything aligns again. ORIGIN8A is purpose-driven music,” he said.

The album is set for worldwide distribution through Prime Music Partners and will be accessible on leading streaming platforms once it is officially released.

Prime Music Partners founder, Akeju, commended both the album and the partnership behind its production.

“Samini is one of Africa’s most authentic musical voices. ORIGIN8A is not just an album; it is a cultural statement. We are proud to be distributing this project and sharing its message with audiences across the world,” Akeju said.

In essence, ORIGIN8A will debut on digital streaming services on February 12, 2026, further strengthening Samini’s lasting impact on African music.

Samini dropped a new single titled , ‘Summer King’, in August last year. It was an upbeat Afro‑Dancehall anthem crafted by Mix Master Garzy, perfect for beach vibes, house parties and fun in the night.

Summer King,” is Samini’s anthem inviting fans to live in the moment and enjoy the thrill of freedom.

“This one’s for everyone who’s been waiting all year to let loose. Summer is the time to shine, and I’m calling all the ladies over to my yard. We’re partying like never before,” he said.

Samini's fusion of Afrobeat rythms reflects his artistic growyj and ability to channel the energy of a carefree generation.

Being a national treasure and a continental star, Samini's new release reaffirms why he remains ahead of the curve.

The song's dynamic energy and sing-along chorus have many in the industry predicting it will rule the airwaves all season long.

A stunning music video accompanies the release with scenes that mirror its joyful summer-soaked rhythm.

In the video, Samini moves through colourful tropical scenes and dance-filled moments that match the song's joyful essence.

"Summer King" is Samini's call to both loyal followers and newcomers to bask in the joy and freedom of the season.

Talking about music, Samini is just not ready to throw in the towel despite his absence when it comes to releasing songs.

Critics and fans alike are betting on the track to take over summer playlists with its energizing beat and catchy melodies.

The song is now streaming on all digital music services, and a visual is available on Samini's verified YouTube page.

He opened up about why he prefers music over acting, citing the significant pay disparity between the two industries. According to him, acting is a physically and financially draining profession, yet actors in Ghana are not compensated fairly for their efforts compared to musicians.

Speaking on a podcast, Samini explained that while he has dabbled in acting, he finds the financial returns unimpressive.

He revealed that top musicians can earn between GHS 150,000 and GHS 250,000 for a single full-band live performance, with even lesser-known artists making between GHS 15,000 and GHS 20,000 for a 30-minute set in Accra.

However, the situation is entirely different for actors, who often spend weeks on set but earn significantly less.

Samini disclosed that even A-list actors struggle to secure GHS 10,000 to GHS 25,000 for an entire movie project, which could take up to three weeks of filming.

He pointed out that some of the biggest names in the industry might push for GHS 20,000 or GHS 25,000, but that largely depends on the production house hiring them.

Meanwhile, lesser-known actors reportedly earn as little as GHS 2,000 for weeks of work—an amount far below what musicians make for just a few songs on stage.

“It’s crazy when you think about it,” Samini said. “A musician can go on stage for 30 minutes and earn GHS 15,000, while an actor spends weeks filming and barely makes that. Something has to be done about it.”

As an advocate for fair pay, Samini called for the introduction of a standardized salary structure for actors, similar to what exists in the music industry.

He proposed that A-list actors should not be paid below GHS 50,000 per movie, B-list actors should earn at least GHS 30,000, and no mainstream actor should be paid less than GHS 15,000 per role.

“If for nothing at all, there should be some form of regulation so that actors are fairly compensated,” he emphasized.

Samini believes that a structured pay system would not only improve the livelihoods of actors but also enhance the quality of Ghanaian films. He urged producers and industry stakeholders to re-evaluate their compensation structures to ensure actors receive what they truly deserve.

His comments have reignited discussions about the financial realities of acting in Ghana and whether reforms are needed to bridge the pay gap between musicians and actors.

Beyond the shores of Africa, Canadian singer Justin Bieber released his seventh album, featuring 21 tracks on July 11.

It is the first album by the songwriter in the past four years.

The pop star collaborated with rap artist Gunna, gospel singer Dijon, rapper Lil B, comedian Druski, rapper Sexyy Red, musician Cash Cobain and singer-songwriter Eddie Benjamin on the album

In a post on Instagram on Friday, July 11, Dijon wrote “Congratulations @lilbieber for making a wild and deeply inspiring record. Grateful to have been able to witness and be a tiny part of a beautiful thing. Humbled!”

The album is said to reflect Justin Bieber's vulnerability following his social media post where he opened up about feeling unworthy and broken on separate occasions.

In the "Therapy session" of the 14 track, Justin Bieber tells Druski, “I think that’s been a tough thing for me recently is feeling like, you know, I have had to go through a lot of my struggles as a human, as all of us do, really publicly. And so people are always asking if I’m okay, and that starts to really weigh on me.”

“It starts to make me feel like I’m the one with issues and everyone else is perfect,” the 31-year-old, who welcomed his first child, Jack, in August last year expressed.

On of the songs on the track by Druski titled “Standing on Business” pokes fun at a viral June video where Justin Bieber was seen ranting at paparazzi on the beach, accusing them of trying to provoke him.

Druski humorously highlights how Bieber, even in the heat of the moment, pronounced the word "business' with perfect clarity.

Away from his album, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez had a whirlwind romance that made headlines and broke hearts.

The two stars wrote many songs about each other, expressing their love, pain, and confusion.

Even after they parted ways, fans still wonder if they still have a spark. And when he writes a song for his wife, Hailey, some people think it's secretly about Gomez.

But let's forget about the drama and focus on the music. Could these Justin Bieber songs be about Selena Gomez?