Tag: Artists

  • CORA at 35: Expanding the Conversation with Podcast Station Launch, June 6

    CORA at 35: Expanding the Conversation with Podcast Station Launch, June 6

    The Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA), Nigeria’s foremost consortium of writers, journalists, artists and literary enthusiasts, is officially 35 years old on Tuesday June 2, 2026, having been founded and staged its first public outing on June 2, 1991.

    Though not staging any official event on the actual date, the leading advocate for the arts and culture of the nation and the continent, on Saturday June 6, 2026, at 4pm, will commemorate the milestone with the formal launch of its podcast station tentatively named “Voices from the CORAVille.”

    The station is located in its secretariat office space at the CORA Library & Resource Centre, CORAVille, Freedom Park, Lagos Island. It is manned by its Programme Directorate peopled by its cohorts of Associates and Volunteers drawn from the CORA Youth Creative Club. The new podcast initiative, which expands the organisation’s diverse range of activities is designed to deepen conversations around the creative and cultural industries through insightful interviews, critical commentaries and engaging dialogues.

    With a donation by its long-standing patron and support, David Awam Amkpa, professor of Culture Aesthetics with the Tisch School of Art, New York University, NY, and Vice Provost, New York University, Abu Dhabi, the podcast station aims to serve as a platform for thought leadership, knowledge sharing, and advocacy, helping to catalyse transformational change within the creative ecosystem.

    Toyin Akinosho, CORA’s visionary founder and Secretary-General, will be the special guest on the podcast’s maiden edition, which will take listeners back to CORA’s formative years, when the dream was crystallising, and yet take a firm grip. Right from the first Arts Stampede on June 2, 1991, and other baby-step activities that took place in Akinosho’s residential courtyard in FESTAC Town, Lagos, the podcast launch will help relive memories and remember early contributors to the development of CORA.

    Indeed, there is no other individual more suitable than Akinosho, who is expected to pull these strings of nostalgia, telling such epochal stories of an NGO that has grown steadily over the years, becoming home for cultural landscapists who have been instrumental in determining and shaping the country’s cultural horizon in the past 35 years.

    Jahman Anikulapo, CORA’s Program Chair described the double-barrel event as yet another milestone in the organisation’s history.

    “This double-barrel event is yet another history-making moment for CORA. It offers the opportunity to reflect deeply on CORA’s evolution in the last 35 years of active engagements in literacy campaigns, cultural advocacy and the shaping and structuring of Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.

    “We invite everyone who has followed CORA’s journey from its infancy to this remarkable period. Writers, journalists, art enthusiasts, culture advocates, activists and members of the general public are welcome to join us in commemorating CORA’s 35th anniversary and celebrating its enduring contributions to the nation’s cul-tural landscape.”

    The Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) was founded in June 1991 as a not-for-profit advocacy organisation to advance the cause of artistic and cultural production and expression. It was created and, has been over the decades managed by dedicated culture enthusiasts with the intent of making Nigeria a prime destination for art and culture tourism. CORA was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria as a charity in 2007 as the CORA Art & Cultural Foundation. In 2006, the organisation was a recipient of the Prince Claus Award for Culture & Development.

    CORA has been instrumental to major policy shifts in the creative industries, the most recent of which is the ongoing revamp of the 50-year old National Theatre of Nigeria; the introduction and ongoing review of the Cultural Policy of Nigeria; the sustenance of the various culture parastatals of the Federal Government of Nigeria; and the epochal launch of the Bring Back the Book initiative by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    CORA organises regular art events, including live performance events and plenaries such as the quarterly CORA Art Stampede; the monthly CORA BookTrek, the periodic CORA Artists’ Forum, and the annual Lagos Book & Art Festival, LABAF, organised since 1999, and widely revered as the biggest of its type in the West Africa sub-region. These events constantly draw attendance from the creme of Nigeria’s art enthusiasts, practitioners and patrons and are regularly reported in the press.

    Ideas shared at CORA-organised forums have influenced major interventions in the literary, film, musical, visual and performative arts of Nigeria in the past three decades. CORA has consulted in the past for major organisations seeking to evaluate and revamp their CSR initiatives for the arts and culture sector.

  • Spotify’s Loud & Clear spotlights over ₦60 billion generated by Nigerian artists on Spotify alone in 2025

    Spotify’s Loud & Clear spotlights over ₦60 billion generated by Nigerian artists on Spotify alone in 2025

    New data highlights sharp revenue growth, stronger local consumption, rising discovery, and the growing contribution of independent artists and labels to Nigeria’s music economy

    Spotify today shared Nigeria-specific insights from Loud & Clear, its annual report designed to help artists, fans, and the wider music industry better understand the economics of music streaming.

    Each year, Loud & Clear looks across millions of data points to paint a clearer picture of how artists are building careers, growing audiences, crossing borders, and reaching new milestones. In Nigeria, the latest data points to a music ecosystem that is expanding rapidly, deepening its local impact, and continuing to travel globally.

    In 2025, Nigerian artists generated over ₦60 billion from Spotify alone, with revenue growing by more than 140% over the last two years. The figures reflect both the growing global appeal of Nigerian music and the increasing economic opportunity for artists across the market.

    The report also shows the scale of listener engagement with Nigerian music on Spotify. In 2025, Nigerian artists generated 30.3 billion streams and 1.6 billion listening hours on Spotify alone. They were also discovered by first-time listeners more than 1.3 billion times, marking a 26% increase compared to 2024.

    At home, Nigerian music continues to command a powerful share of listening. In 2025, Nigerian artists were responsible for over 80% of the tracks featured on Spotify Nigeria’s Daily Top 50, underlining the strength of local talent in shaping the country’s listening habits. Local consumption of Nigerian artists also grew by 170% year-on-year on Spotify alone.

    “Nigeria’s music story continues to be one of creativity, innovation and global cultural influence. What we’re seeing is a market where talent is not only reaching new audiences around the world, but also building deeper connections at home. For us, Loud & Clear is an opportunity to spotlight the evolving pathways artists are taking to build sustainable careers, and to show the many ways Nigerian creators are shaping the future of music,” says Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Managing Director, Spotify in Africa.

    The data also points to important growth across key artist segments. Local streams of Nigerian female artists grew by 55% year-on-year, while local streams of Nigerian indie artists grew by 75% year-on-year. Around 58% of all royalties generated by Nigerian artists on Spotify in 2025 were generated by independent artists or labels, highlighting the important role independent creators and businesses continue to play in Nigeria’s music story.

    Spotify’s editorial ecosystem also continued to support artist discovery and amplification. In 2025, nearly 2,000 Nigerian artists were added to editorial playlists on Spotify. Beyond editorial support, Nigerian music continued to resonate strongly with listeners around the world, with Nigerian artists featured in nearly 320 million user playlists globally and over 12 million user playlists in Nigeria. In total, more than 60 million playlists featuring Nigerian artists were created on Spotify alone in 2025.

    The latest data also reflects the breadth of listening culture in Nigeria. Over the last five years, the genres that have seen the highest growth on Spotify in Nigeria are pop urbaine, alternative pop, anime, emo, and drill, signalling an increasingly diverse and fast-evolving music landscape.

    Loud & Clear continues to offer a deeper look at the data behind streaming, and in Nigeria, this year’s story is clear: local artists are building momentum at home, reaching new audiences at scale, and generating growing economic value from Spotify alone.For the full data breakdown and interactive insights, visit spotify.com/loudandclear.

  • Nigerians in the UK Lead a Collaborative Response to Knife Crime

    Nigerians in the UK Lead a Collaborative Response to Knife Crime

    In an effort to tackle the widespread knife crime in the United Kingdom, a series of interventions has been established with the launch of ‘The Jisike Collective’ which blends scholarship, film, and storytelling to empower young people across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) region. A research-powered project, this initiative is a product of a think-tank comprising some distinguished Nigerian-British scholars and other artists.

    Dr. Samantha Iwowo, Principal Academic in Film Directing at Bournemouth University, and Dr. Vanessa Iwowo, Associate Professor at Birkbeck, University of London, and Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics, began this study in 2019 in collaboration with Nigerian-British actress Pat Micheals Odiatu and Dr. Annie East, Principal Academic at Bournemouth University. The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) is also a partner.

    The research examines some of the underlying factors that may expose young people to circumstances that place them at risk of knife and county-lines crime. It does so by exploring how leaders are formed from adolescence and how human identities are shaped by society, culture, class, economics, gender, age, colonial legacies, and migration.

    Academically, the project draws together insights from Postcolonial Studies, Leadership Studies, Transnational Cinema, and Intersectional Identity Studies, creating an interdisciplinary framework for understanding the cultural and structural dynamics surrounding youth vulnerability and leadership formation.

    The study, temporarily delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, later developed into a research film directed by Dr. Samantha Iwowo, ‘Paintbrushed… This House Must Not Fall.’

    The project received seed funding from Bournemouth University, the institutional lead for the research. The film’s executive producers include pioneering Nigerian rapper and producer Weird MC, a trailblazer of the Nigerian hip hop and Afrobeats movement; internationally renowned Eurodance artist Dr. Alban, whose global hit It’s My Life helped define 1990s dance music; Nigerian highlife icon Sunny Nneji; Dr. Uvie Brigue, consultant anaesthetist and clinical lead at Princess Royal University Hospital in the UK; and community members from Peckham including Mrs. Victoria Adeleke and Ms. Mayowa Ede.

    The project has also attracted the attention of the Community Action Network (CAN) in Dorset. The organisation, through its Capacity Building Officer Tama Merdaci, is supporting The Jisike Collective in developing storytelling-based interventions for young people across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area.

    Reflecting on the initiative, Tama Merdaci highlighted the importance of combining storytelling, creative education, and lived-experience dialogue in supporting young people facing the risks of drug involvement and knife crime. She noted that the launch event brought together educators, community organisations, and Dorset Police, helping to establish new collaborative workshops for ethnically diverse young people and international students. Emphasising the importance of youth voice, she observed that when young people are given space to tell their stories, communities can begin to respond collectively to the challenges they face.

    This series of interventions, known as The Jisike Collective, was launched at Bournemouth University on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

    The launch featured a screening of an excerpt from Paintbrushed, poetry readings by Nisola Jegede, and introductions from members of The Jisike Collective team. Dr. Iwowo presented an overview of how The Jisike Collective came into being and, drawing on statistics from the UK Office for National Statistics, highlighted the sobering realities surrounding knife crime in the UK.

    Reflecting on the significance of the launch event, Project Coordinator Nisola Jegede noted that creating the space for conversation was essential. “Knife crime is often reduced to headlines,” she explained, “but behind every headline is a young life, a family, and a community. The conversations that followed the film showed how important it is for communities, families, students, and institutions to sit together, listen deeply, reflect and think seriously about the responsibilities we share.”

    Dr. Samantha Iwowo, together with the Collective’s secretary, Mira Sapudhzieva, have assembled a multicultural team drawn from the BCP community, including members of Chinese, Bulgarian, Nigerian, Pakistani, and Indian diaspora communities.

    As Secretary of The Jisike Collective, Sapudhzieva emphasised the importance of multicultural knowledge exchange in the initiative’s work. She explained that her role includes helping to curate community dialogue and overseeing the post-production team responsible for editing the community stories generated through the project.

    The event also reflected the contributions of the wider The Jisike Collective team.

    Dr. Emmanuella Ejime-Okereafor, Treasurer of The Jisike Collective and Co-Chair of Bournemouth University’s Race Equality Network, described the launch as “a powerful reminder that community storytelling can drive real change,” adding that initiatives such as The Jisike Collective help bring together lived experience, research, and community voices in confronting youth crime and building safer communities.

    Qian “Jenny” Zhou, Media Communications Coordinator of The Jisike Collective, reflected on the atmosphere during the launch, noting that genuine dialogue emerged between practitioners and community members. She emphasised the importance of asking deeper questions about youth crime: “We do not simply ask how to punish. We ask why it happened and what circumstances led young people there. Through The Jisike Collective we are turning those reflections into action by building bridges across communities.”

    Jeffery Ononiwu, Community Engagement Coordinator of The Jisike Collective and Vice President for Student Opportunities, highlighted the importance of ensuring that international student perspectives were represented in discussions about community safety and youth wellbeing.

    The filmmaking dimension of the project was also highlighted by Dr. Yuchen Zhou, Project Filmmaker for The Jisike Collective, who noted that the film created an important platform for reflection and discussion. He described the use of film as a particularly powerful way to open conversations about knife crime and community responsibility.

    Taiwo Olajide, Cybersecurity and Compliance Coordinator for The Jisike Collective, emphasised the importance of prevention and awareness in addressing youth violence. He noted that alongside storytelling initiatives, the Collective is committed to educating young people and parents through workshops that highlight prevention strategies, including digital safety and basic cybersecurity awareness, with future plans to develop digital platforms that can extend the project’s educational impact.

    In its Facebook publication reflecting on the launch, Dorset Police wrote: “Last weekend, PCSOs Matt, Jason and Lydia from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) were invited to represent Dorset Police at ‘The Jisike Collective’ launch event, hosted by Bournemouth University (BU).”

    They concurred with The Jisike Collective when they stated: “Addressing Child Criminal Exploitation and knife related crime requires a collaborative, harmonious approach, working together both proactively and reactively — a collective. ‘The Jisike Collective’ utilises these approaches to pull together communities, educational sectors, charities, businesses, local authorities, government and police — to protect our young people.”

    A particularly striking reflection on the project came from Qian “Jenny” Zhou, who in her introduction translated the Igbo meaning of Jisike as “keep going in strength.” This name connects deeply to a core mission of the Collective which Dr. Samantha Iwowo describes as “creating youth hubs that provide skills training and support for young people to help them understand situations that can expose them to county-lines and knife crime, and to develop the confidence to make decisions that steer them away from such paths.”

    At its heart, The Jisike Collective represents a collaboration between research, creative practice, and community leadership. By bringing together scholars, artists, and local communities, the initiative seeks not only to understand the structural conditions that shape youth vulnerability but also to create spaces where young people can develop the confidence, skills, and support networks needed to choose safer and more empowered futures—true to the spirit of its name: Jisike, keep going in strength.

  • 2025 Year in Search: Google Reveals the Moments, Music, and Movements That Captivated Nigeria

    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/

  • The TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa Returns: Here Are The 2025 Nominees

    The TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa Returns: Here Are The 2025 Nominees

    The 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa are back to honour the creators, artists, and trendsetters who’ve defined our feeds in 2025. Taking place on 6 December 2025, in Johannesburg, the unforgettable night will be filled with entertainment, creativity and inspiration with creators from across Sub-Saharan Africa.

    This year will be remembered as one where African creators refused to be predictable. From the sound of BhadBoi OML’s ‘Wasiu Ayinde’ on repeat, the energy of the ‘Ngishutheni’ dance craze to the grit of #CorporateTok, and Shallipopi’s unforgettable hits, TikTok is celebrating the genius of creators who’ve turned 60 seconds into a movement. This will be remembered as a year where niche went mainstream, community became currency, and creators thrived as tastemakers.

    The awards are yet another way TikTok continues to support and inspire Africa’s creator community, empowering them to thrive, grow, and transform their passions into sustainable careers. The 2025 edition will celebrate creators across a variety of content categories, including food, entertainment, sports, education, music, and storytelling.

    “Our annual awards are a moment for reflection and celebration where we build deeper relationships with the people who power the continent. At its core the TikTok awards celebrate the vibrant community who continue to inspire creativity, build community and spread joy on the platform while turning their passions into prosperous careers,” says Boniswa Sidwaba, Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Now is your chance to tell us which creators should take top honours at this year’s awards:
    Voting is open until 14 November 2025, at midnight (CAT).

    You can click here to cast your vote, which is limited to one vote per category everyday
    Following our official TikTok pages, share the voting page and post using the official hashtag #TikTokAwardsSSA

    2025’s nominated creators and their categories include:
    Creator of the year
    @diaryofanortherncook (Sokoto, Nigeria)
    @chefabbys (Accra, Ghana)
    @fanstribehq (Lagos, Nigeria)
    @shandorlarenty (Broederstroom, South Africa)
    @englishwithclem (Nairobi, Kenya)

    Storyteller of the year
    @beloveolocha (Lagos, Nigeria)
    @briannwana (Abuja, Nigeria)
    @mikemortontalksfootball (Cape Town, South Africa)
    @joygiverkitchen (Lagos, Nigeria)

    Video of the year
    @iamdavidmubiru (Kampala, Uganda)
    @zerobrainer0 (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
    @isaac.samz (Lagos, Nigeria)

    Rising star of the year
    @estherfrancisbackup (Lagos, Nigeria)
    @_bafanamthembu (Johannesburg, South Africa)
    @tunero_animations (Nairobi, Kenya)

    Entertainment creator of the year
    @beloveolocha (Lagos, Nigeria)
    @ednafrancis_ (Lagos, Nigeria)
    @finding.chance (Johannesburg, South Africa)
    @ikegod.chielo (Abuja, Nigeria)
    @jabu_macdonald (Johannesburg, South Africa)

    Food creator of the year
    @mpruedie1 (Midrand, South Africa)
    @malumfoodie (Pretoria, South Africa)
    @chefabbys (Accra, Ghana)
    @georges_kitchen (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
    @boyz_makekii (Nairobi, Kenya)

    Education creator of the year
    @michelle_expert (Randburg, South Africa)
    @izziboye (Lagos, Nigeria)
    @roy.kanyi (Nairobi, Kenya)
    @englishwithclem (Nairobi, Kenya)

    Social impact creator of the year
    @olawalesmd (Lagos, Nigeria)
    @valerie_keter (Nairobi, Kenya)
    @anitasoina (Nairobi, Kenya)
    @noositiwantiwa_ (Ibadan, Nigeria)
    @ufarm_julia (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

    Artist of the year
    @theycallmeshallipopipp (Nigeria)
    @itsjoshuabaraka (Uganda)
    @moliymusic (Ghana)
    @realjazzwrld (South Africa)

    Sports Creator of the year
    @boxtoboxregista (Nairobi, Kenya)
    @zozasportscast (Nairobi, Kenya)
    @mikemortontalksfootball (Cape Town South Africa)
    @steph_talks_football (Cape Town South Africa)
    @ademolavictortv (Lagos, Nigeria)

    As we celebrate a new era that has brought us new icons, TikTok’s mission to support African creators remains clear. The TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa are a testament to the platform’s evolution, honouring the creators and innovators who have redefined influence. These voices drive powerful community-driven solutions, tackle education challenges, and spark vital conversations that lead to social change exporting Africa’s cultural expression to the globe. Join us as we celebrate creativity and community at the TikTok Awards and don’t forget to cast your vote for your favourites!

  • Spotify Launches ‘Listening Stats’: Track Your Real-Time Music Score, Share Your Flex

    Spotify Launches ‘Listening Stats’: Track Your Real-Time Music Score, Share Your Flex

    In a move set to electrify music lovers across the globe, Spotify today announced the launch of Listening Stats, a fun and shareable snapshot of their weekly music journey. This isn’t just another passive update; the feature is designed to bring listeners closer to the sounds they love and serves as a fresh new way to engage with their music habit.

    This feature is designed for real-time engagement. Listener’s personal stats will update every 24 hours, meaning they get a continuous, current look at their favourite tracks and artists, alongside fresh recommendations tailored to their most recent obsessions. Every week, users will receive a proper review of their top artists and songs from the past month, complete with new, personalised playlists ready to be queued up next, a sweet upgrade to their music rotation.

    The feature ensures users get a special highlight each week. Whether it is a brand-new discovery they have been jamming to, a major listening milestone they just hit, or a fascinating piece of data that proves just how unique their music taste is, Spotify makes sure they get their bragging rights. And because music is always better when shared with their crew, the platform makes it seamless to share their snapshot, allowing them to compare musical tastes with friends, family, and even those of their favourite colleagues.

    Listening Stats is the latest offering in Spotify’s personalised lineup, joining successful features like daylist,Release Radar and Discover Weekly, all aimed at helping users explore their unique sonic identity and possibly unearthing a new vibe along the way. It’s also the perfect warm-up to Wrapped, Spotify’s big year-end celebration of music and fandom.

  • Greasy Tunes Café closes, leaving Lagos with a new vibe-check for music & culture

    Greasy Tunes Café closes, leaving Lagos with a new vibe-check for music & culture

    For three unforgettable weeks, the Greasy Tunes Café in Lagos became the essential meeting spot, weaving music and culture into one seamless experience. It created a strong link between artists, music and culture lovers and fans, celebrating the simple, powerful things that make Nigerians proud: local food and local music. 

    The curtain closed with a massive celebration: the “Dirty, Sexy Rave” hosted by the Vogue Boys. This wasn’t just a goodbye; it was a high-energy explosion that amplified the sheer style and unbridled joy of Lagos’s young people and its music. The electric lineup of DJs spun tracks that instantly turned the café into a dance floor, pulling every single person into the raw, driving heart of the city’s sound. It was the perfect snapshot of the energy and freedom the Greasy Tunes Café had built up.

    The energy was deeply rooted in the cultural groundwork laid throughout the final week, which was all about the revolutionary spirit of Afrobeats. It was anchored on the documentary screening, “Afrobeat Rebellion”, a session that served not just as a history lesson on Fela Anikulapo Kuti, but as a genuine rallying cry for the next generation. This crucial conversation was deepened during the Afropolitan Podcast live session, where hosts Chika Uwazie and Eche Emole sat down with the legendary musician and activist, Ade Bantu, to unpack how this generation can carry that vital cultural torch forward.

    The true spirit of the movement exploded on stage: Seun Kuti delivered an exciting performance that connected every single person to the original, unstoppable pulse of Afrobeat..

    But the café also looked straight to the future. The initiative deliberately created a stage for the next wave of talent, featuring Spotify Fresh Finds artists who are fearlessly pushing the boundaries of the local music scene. The crowds discovered stars who are experimenting with different sounds, styles and bringing their own uniqueness to the music scene, including Famous PlutoMavoBrayeAmaeyaFirstKlazFimiTolibianYOSA, and Kunmie. This commitment showcased the immense breadth and creative evolution currently shaping the sound of Nigerian music.

    The final acts delivered a powerful statement on the scene’s future. Wizard Chan, who was featured in the Afrobeats Culture in Motion documentary, took the stage just before the close, showing off his distinct and fearless new sound.

    Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa said, “The energy in Lagos was incredible. You could feel the connection between the music and the culture. That authentic, deeply rooted spirit is why the Nigerian sound is now transcending borders and becoming a true global power. We’re proud to be the platform driving that journey.”

    For so long, the Greasy Tunes Café will be remembered by Lagos as a successful, genuine blueprint for cultural engagement. The initiative proved how platforms can effectively champion the Nigerian sound through direct partnership, solidifying Spotify’s role as a true lover of the culture and ensuring the authentic Nigerian beat continues to move the music forward globally.

  • AFRIMA 2025: International Jury impressed with quality of entries

    AFRIMA 2025: International Jury impressed with quality of entries

    …portal closes August 8

    The international 13-man jury of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is excited over the high number of entries submitted so far in the 4th week of submission of works for the 2025 edition of AFRIMA.

    Since the entry submission portal opened on Monday, May 27, music professionals and recording organisations from all over Africa and the diaspora have been sending in their works. The entries are coming from artists, songwriters, music producers, video directors, DJs, dancers, recording companies and labels, choreographers, and even unrecorded talents.

    A member of AFRIMA’s international jury, Delani Makhalima, a renowned songwriter and music producer from Zimbabwe, representing the Southern Africa region, expressed deep satisfaction with the response received since the AFRIMA 2025 entry portal opened. He described the turnout as not only impressive but also a clear reflection of the growing influence of the awards across the continent and around the world.

    “We are truly excited and encouraged by the massive turnout since we opened the portal,” he said. “It tells us that African artists, producers, songwriters, and other creatives believe in what AFRIMA stands for. They see this as more than just an award; it’s a movement and platform that gives their work international exposure, connects them to the industry globally, and validates the quality of their craft. The fact that so many people rushed to submit entries in just the first few days shows that African creatives are ready and eager to shine on the world stage. AFRIMA continues to be that trusted home where Africa’s talent is not just celebrated but also projected to a global audience.”

    The portal opened for entries to a broad spectrum of creatives, including artists, songwriters, video directors, DJs, dancers, choreographers, and producers of African origin, both on the continent and in the diaspora.

    Final nominees will be announced on August 24. Public voting begins on September 5 and closes on November 28, before the grand awards ceremony on November 30 in Lagos, Nigeria.

    AFRIMA 2025 will climax during the Awards Week from November 25 to 30 in Lagos, Nigeria, following the confirmation of the Nigerian commercial capital as the Host City of this year’s event by the African Union. It will feature a week-long lineup of events like the Diamond Showcase, Africa Music Business Summit, Nominees & Industry Night, AFRIMA Music Village, and the Main Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 30.  The Awards will be broadcast live to millions of people in 84 countries worldwide.

    According to Makhalima, only works released between August 8, 2024, and August 8, 2025, will be eligible. All entries must be submitted exclusively through the official AFRIMA website at www.afrima.org, strictly adhering to the submission rules and procedures. Email entries will not be accepted.

    Speaking in a similar vein, another Jury member, Omar Essaidi from Morocco, who is representing Northern Africa, stressed the importance of submitting entries early, saying the timeline is tight and won’t be extended.

    “Since 2013, AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union (AU), has focused on promoting, developing, celebrating and rewarding African music and talents globally. We follow a clear and transparent process that includes screening, adjudication, voting, and auditing. AFRIMA’s schedule is very structured, and every stage must happen as scheduled. To ensure fairness and credibility, our process is audited by a globally renowned assurance firm,” he said.

    Entries will go through a pre-screening and adjudication by AFRIMA’s 13-member jury made up of experts in music production, journalism and music critique from across Africa and the diaspora. The main adjudication will take place from August 12 to 19.

  • CNN’s Inside Africa explores Africa’s next-generation cities.

    CNN’s Inside Africa explores Africa’s next-generation cities.

    In a new episode of Inside Africa, CNN explores how Lagos is evolving with social inclusivity and climate resilience in mind. CNN hears from Jumoke Sanwo and Papa Omotayo on how Lagos is dealing with rapid urbanisation.

    Storyteller & Cultural producer, Jumoke Sanwo says, “Lagos is regarded as the epicenter of creativity, whether in the West of Africa, to the rest of Africa, and to the rest of the world as well.” Sanwo founded one of the country’s first art incubators and in 2019, she created a VR film called ‘Lagos at Large,’ showcasing the city’s multifaceted nature. Lagos at Large “kind of delved into more complex issues that is very particular to postcolonial societies such as Lagos, so the issues of urbanization, gentrification, stratification. In a way that also is something that people can experience, because you know that’s what VR does, you’re right within the city, you’re having all these experiences, you’re seeing people, you engage in it.”

    For both Sanwo, and architect Papa Omotayo, artists and creatives are vital in shaping Africa’s modern cities, ensuring cultural identity remains at their heart. Omotayo focuses his work on “how design and culture can make for a better built environment. It’s a space for architects, artists, urbanists, ecologists, material researchers and cultural programmers. Or people that are really interested in different ways of thinking about urban and rural spaces.”

    He continues on Lagos’ rapid growth, “Lagos has grown at an unprecedented rate and Lagos will be the biggest city population wise in the next 10 to 20 years. Lagos is a hugely complex ecosystem that requires like deep thinking and planning to create. I think for us what’s important is equitable spaces that are sustainable.”

    Despite these challenges, Omotayo and his team are dedicated to architecture that’s collaborative, socially impactful and community-orientated. Some of his projects include “trying to reimagine new civic and cultural and creative spaces for a new generation of makers right. We think about the youth population of Nigeria, it’s going to hit 75% in the next few years. And we’re looking at how we can reengage our historic centers.” He is currently achieving this by building the new Q Dance Centre, the first contemporary, purpose-built dance studio in Lagos.

    Omotayo explains this project is “more than a dance center, it’s sort of a community that looks at how dance can empower us, give us new voices.” He continues that the location is a “very busy, quite an intense space, and I think putting a dance center in the middle of this, what is quite a busy bustling and transactional space in terms of there’s a lot of commerce and activity around it, it sort of offers an opportunity for rest.”

    Lagos is the living embodiment of Africa’s dynamic spirit, resilience, and commitment to a uniquely African future.

  • AFRIMA partners Creative Economy stakeholders to actualise AU’s vision at PACC6, Comoros

    AFRIMA partners Creative Economy stakeholders to actualise AU’s vision at PACC6, Comoros

    As one of the institutions championing positive change in the global entertainment industry, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of Africa’s creative economy by partnering with critical stakeholders to align with the African Union’s vision for cultural and creative development, as outlined during the recently concluded 6th Pan-African Cultural Congress (AU/PACC6) in Moroni, Union of Comoros.

    It was a gathering of key stakeholders, including Pan-African cultural institutions, artists, cultural workers, and policymakers in the East African country, at an epoch-making event held between September 25 and 27, 2024. At this event, a framework for action aligning national and continental policies was developed, emphasizing the development of arts and heritage as crucial to achieving the AU’s Agenda 2063 vision.

    In a presentation at the event, Sola Dada, AFRIMA’s Director of Stakeholders Engagement, Media, and Communications (Global), took the audience through the organisation’s activities since its inception in 2014, tailored towards promoting music, arts, and culture on the continent and the sustained effort to collaborate with other industry institutions to deepen the entertainment ecosystem in Africa.

    “AFRIMA has successfully collaborated with policymakers, governments, African artistes, producers, record labels, promoters, publishing companies, media and the African Union Commission (AUC) to celebrate and promote African music globally,” Dada told the conference. “Through our seven core pillars, namely Music Awards, Music Festivals, Music Business Hub, Talent Discovery and Promotion, AFRIMA Creative Academy, Advisory and Policy Debates, Corporate Social Responsibility and Advocacy, we have positioned African music as a tool for integration, inclusivity, economic prosperity, and world peace.”

    He said as the longest-running African music award platform with a global reach, AFRIMA plays a critical role in enhancing the visibility of African music.

    Dada added that. ” AFRIMA’s events bring together thousands of music artistes, actors, celebrities, governments, and professionals from around the world to continent’s cultural significance on the global stage.

    “Through our partnership with the AU and other stakeholders, AFRIMA is well-positioned to support the implementation of policies that will drive the growth of Africa’s creative economy. With a focus on integration, innovation, and cultural preservation, AFRIMA and the AU are set to make significant strides toward the Africa We Want as envisioned in Agenda 2063.”

    The AU/PACC6, held under the theme “Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Education: Levers for Buildings Africa We Want,” served as a platform for Pan-African cultural institutions, cultural workers, and experts to engage in discussions on how to leverage these sectors to build a stronger African identity.

    The congress concluded with a framework for action designed to guide cultural and educational development across the continent.

    The congress resulted in several key resolutions aimed at strengthening Africa’s cultural sectors, including support for national cultural policies, engagement of youth and women, heritage preservation, promotion of African languages, and cultural exchange programmes that allow African youth to collaborate, showcase their work, and learn from one another.

    In her opening remarks, Mrs. Angela Martins, Acting Director for Social Development, Culture, and Sport at the African Union Commission (AUC),  highlighted the rapid growth of Africa’s cultural and creative industries, referring to them as the continent’s “new crude oil” due to their increasing global economic influence. Martins called for greater investment in the sector, citing AU Assembly Decision 772, which advocates for allocating at least 1% of national budgets to arts, culture, and heritage.

    As part of the AU’s efforts, she announced the development of an arts education policy aimed at integrating arts education into school curriculums across Member States.

    “This policy aligns with the AU’s theme of the year for 2024 and aims to nurture young talent from an early age,” she said.

    Martins praised the efforts of key institutions in the entertainment, art and cultural space including AFRIMA which she described as “Africa’s global music awards and longest-running music award platform, with a huge global appeal, diaspora audience, and youthful fans.”

    The main events of AFRIMA are usually broadcast live to over 84 countries around the world after a continental and global roadshow, with thousands of music artists, actors, celebrities, members of the diplomatic corps, professionals in the creative space, tourists, media and fans from all over the world converging on the host country.

  • AMVCAs Impact on Revenue Streams, Market Expansion for African Content

    AMVCAs Impact on Revenue Streams, Market Expansion for African Content

    The thrill of the recently concluded 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) might be winding down after a 2-day celebration aimed at recognizing outstanding talents in Africa’s film and movie industry. However, the positive impact of this prestigious event will resonate for years to come. The reason is clear: the AMVCA has and will persist in fostering a positive influence on the African film industry and the Nigerian economy as a whole.

    AMVCA has made substantial economic contributions that continue nourishing and nurturing the African film ecosystem. According to the first impact report of the annual awards published in 2023, over 27,000 jobs have been created by the AMVCA since its inception in 2013. The report also states that over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs are created each year during the award ceremony. These include jobs in event management, set design, art direction, technical crew, fashion design, makeup, hair, photography, public relations, and more.

    The 10th AMVCA saw a lineup of A-list sponsors such as Amstel Malta, Pepsi, and Onga Seasoning, including first-time sponsors such as Martell and Nivea. Their contributions to the event, including their showcase on the Cultural Day, contributed not just to the ambiance and reputation of the event but also resulted in job creation creating a multiplier effect. The 10th AMVCA had 18 sponsors who in one way or another employed no fewer than 10 people to make their presence at the Cultural Day and Award Night a success.

    Apart from the obvious employment contributions, AMVCA has also acted as a significant catalyst for economic growth in Africa’s film industry. The direct sector beneficiaries include actors/actresses, filmmakers, screenwriters, cinematographers, editors, production designers, sound designers/engineers, composers, marketers, and so on.

    Another remarkable impact of the AMVCA is the increased recognition and exposure of African films on the global stage. This has created new opportunities for co-production, collaboration, and distribution deals with major players in the film industry. This has also resulted in a surge of production activities, leading to income generation from actors, filmmakers, crew members, and supporting industries such as catering, logistics, equipment rentals, stage building and management, etc.

    African designers, musicians, and artists have also found new avenues to showcase their talents thanks to the positive ripple effect caused by the ever-growing influence of African films on the international community.

    The AMVCA has over the years played a significant role in the promotion of tourism and destination marketing across the African continent. Apart from the stories the nominated films portray, the viewers are also exposed to Africa’s cultural richness and historical landmarks, sparking the curiosity and interest of potential tourists.

    The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards continues to move on an upward trajectory in its mission to showcase the richness of our cultures and talents to the world through African films. Looking ahead, there is an anticipation for increased commitment towards accelerating the socio-economic impact of the sector. This entails fostering talent, broadening industry exposure, and attracting investment.  With Africa currently contributing only 1% to the global creative industry valued at $2.2 trillion, there is a pressing need for stakeholders to support the AMVCA to bridge the financial disparity between Africa and other continents.

  • AFRIMA Advocates Concerted Measures to Combat Drug Abuse in Africa’s Creative Industry

    AFRIMA Advocates Concerted Measures to Combat Drug Abuse in Africa’s Creative Industry

    The burgeoning creative industry on the continent, encompassing music, film, fashion, and other artistic realms, has witnessed remarkable growth and international recognition. But beneath the surface of this success, there exists a darker narrative, which is the prevalence of drug abuse within the creative circles, one that the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has now sought collaboration to address head-on.

    The President and the Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, made the call during the High-Level Session on Addressing Substance Use and Related Mental Health Disorders organized by the African Union in Lusaka, Zambia, held between November 8 and 10.

     The event, themed “Securing a Better Future for Youth, Women, and Children: Building Momentum Towards Africa We Want,” gathered Presidents from various African countries, ministers, diplomats, and technocrats.

    While speaking at the prestigious event, Dada expressed deep concern over how drug abuse has negatively impacted many stars, resulting in lives lost and debilitating illnesses. Citing a report, he revealed that drug abuse and related disorders claimed the lives of 379 celebrities across Africa from 1995 to 2013, with around 5,304 incidents of life-threatening illnesses recorded within the same period.

    Dada also underscored the importance of a stronger legal framework to ensure artists use their platforms responsibly. AFRIMA supports measures enforcing penalties for artists producing content glorifying drug use, promoting personal responsibility within the creative community.

    “Artists are role models, but unfortunately audiences of some of them are aware of their involvement with drugs and that is why we believe that holding individuals accountable for drug-related offences within the creative industry is essential to creating a deterrent effect and fostering a culture of responsibility.

    “We also believe that we can have an industry that can self-regulate on the issue of drug and drug abuse; the sector can adopt some measures, including compelling artists to sign contracts with clauses that explicitly prohibit drug use. This can act as a deterrent. Artists and industry professionals should be made aware of the consequences of drug abuse, including contract termination, legal actions, and damage to reputation,” he added.

    Dada stressed that drug abuse within the creative community poses a threat to the health and well-being of artists and the sustainability of the industry. He called for a comprehensive, collaborative solution involving artists, industry stakeholders, governments, and the public.

    “The menace of drug abuse and disorder in the creative sector reflects how deeply the malaise has eaten into African society, and we at AFRIMA recognize that a comprehensive solution requires a collaborative effort from artists, industry stakeholders, governments, and the public,” he said.

    Highlighting the need to target the supply channels, Dada insisted on strengthening measures against drug trafficking and distribution. He advocated for robust actions to identify and eliminate sources of illegal substances, preventing their infiltration into the creative industry.

    Dada said authorities must strengthen measures against drug trafficking and distribution, insisting that by targeting the supply channels, the flow of drugs into the hands of artists and consumers would be disrupted.

    “The influx of illicit drugs poses a significant threat to public health, security, and the overall well-being of the African society. It is evident we don’t have sufficient rehabilitation centres and policies to help addicts hence the need for implementing robust measures to identify and eliminate sources of illegal substances, preventing their infiltration into the creative industry; through the adoption of measures including effective border control,  increased maritime security, utilization of advanced technology, increased penalties for traffickers, integration of intelligence gathering and integration of intelligence gathering among others. This is crucial for safeguarding communities and ensuring a healthier creative industry,” he added.

  • Mark Zuckerberg announces the global launch of WhatsApp Channels

    …we are rolling this out globally over the next few weeks

    Today we’re excited to launch WhatsApp Channels to over 150 countries and deliver a private way to receive updates that matter to you. We’re welcoming thousands of organizations, sports teams, artists, and thought leaders that people can follow, right within WhatsApp. 

    If you’re new to Channels, our goal is to build the most private broadcast service available. Channels are separate from your chats, and who you choose to follow is not visible to other followers. We also protect the personal information of both admins and followers.

    We’ve appreciated all the positive feedback from our initial start in ten countries. As we expand Channels globally, we’re introducing the following updates:

    ·  Enhanced Directory – you can now find channels to follow that are automatically filtered based on your country. You can also view channels that are new, most active, and popular based on number of followers.

    ·  Reactions – you can react using emojis to give feedback and see a count of total reactions. How you react will not be shown to followers. 

    ·  Editing – soon, admins will be able to make changes to their Updates for up to 30 days, when we automatically delete them from our servers. 

    ·  Forwarding – whenever you forward an Update to chats or groups it will include a link back to the channel so people can find out more.

    English_WhatsApp_Channels Global Launch.png

    This is just the beginning, and we’ll continue to add more features and expand Channels based on feedback we get from users. Over the coming months, we’ll also make it possible for anyone to create a channel. 

    If you’re looking to hear about more product updates directly from us, we’ve now also launched the official WhatsApp Channel to keep you up to date on what we’re building. 

  • Global Africa Business Initiative announces world-class lineup for ‘Unstoppable Africa’ 2023 event

    Global Africa Business Initiative announces world-class lineup for ‘Unstoppable Africa’ 2023 event

    CEOs, Heads of State, Ministers, investors and UN leaders will be joined by stars of music, sport and film for an exclusive two-day forum on Africa’s future

    The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), the leading platform for promoting business, trade, and investment across the continent, is pleased to announce the lineup for its flagship event ‘Unstoppable Africa’ on 21-22 September 2023.

    The two-day event, to be co-convened by the African Union on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, serves as a pivotal forum for Heads of State and Government, CEOs, investors, policymakers, industry experts, artists, athletes, and U.N. leaders to discuss and strategize the way forward for Africa’s dynamic business landscape.

    This landmark event takes place as Africa’s leaders work collectively to leverage the continent’s assets, including a young population and abundant natural resources while turning challenges like climate change, energy constraints, water scarcity, and food supply into opportunities. The initiative mirrors Africa’s aspiration to rise above challenges and embrace opportunities for positive transformation.

    GABI aims to catalyze Africa’s key role in the global marketplace. ‘Unstoppable Africa’ is a powerful affirmation of GABI’s unwavering commitment to redefining Africa’s economic narrative for Africa and the world. The convening will facilitate solution-driven dialogues, inclusive participation, and enriching conversations and debates, all geared towards accelerating and amplifying Africa to new heights of business growth and economic transformation.

    Confirmed participants

    The event boasts a diverse and influential lineup of speakers, each representing a distinct facet of Africa’s dynamic business ecosystem. To date, some of the confirmed speakers and participants include:

    • H.E. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal
    • H.E. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of Botswana
    • H.E. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations
    • Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations
    • Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
    • Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank
    • Professor Benedict Oramah, President, AfrExImBank
    • Samalia Zubairu, President & CEO at the African Finance Corporation
    • Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, The Rockefeller Foundation
    • Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City
    • Senait Fisseha, Vice President of Global Programs, The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation
    • Spike Lee, filmmaker and actor, United States
    • Acha Leke, Chairman and Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company
    • Ruth Porat, President & CIO, Google and Alphabet
    • James Manyika, Senior Vice-President, Google
    • Dr James Mwangi, CEO & Managing Director, Equity Group Holdings
    • Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman at the BUA Group
    • Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation
    • Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC
    • Corinne Momal-Vanian, Executive Director, Kofi Annan Foundation
    • Moky Makura, Executive Director at Africa No Filter
    • Caroline Wanga, President & CEO, Essence Ventures; Co-Founder of Wanga Woman LLC
    • Baaba Maal, recording artist, Senegal
    • Asisat Oshoala, Professional Footballer, Nigeria

    Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO at the UN Global Compact, says: “GABI’s ‘Unstoppable Africa’ event is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in amplifying Africa’s opportunities.”

    The event will be hosted by Folly Bah Thibault from Aljazeera English and is supported by Google, Mastercard Foundation, Summa Group, AfrExImBank, Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative (ASRi), Rockefeller Foundation, The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) among others.

    Tamika Tremaglio, Executive Director of the NBPA said: “We are thrilled to be part of GABI’s ‘Unstoppable Africa’ event. Our partnership is rooted in the belief that economic growth and sustainable development in Africa are vital not only for the continent but also for the world at large.” The NBPA’s commitment to social impact, equality, and empowerment aligns with GABI’s mission to redefine Africa’s business landscape.

    The focus of this year’s agenda will revolve around three pivotal themes: Energy Access & Energy Transition, Inclusive Growth & Trade, and Digital Transformation. These themes will be explored through a series of impactful high-level keynotes, engaging fireside chats, and thought-provoking panel discussions, all of which will provide in-depth insights into the future of the continent.

    For more information on the Global Africa Business Initiative and the program for September’s “Unstoppable Africa” event, please visit GABI’s Official Website.  This year, livestream and virtual participation will be available for this highly anticipated event.

  • Boomplay and France’s Generations Radio in Partnership to Promote African Music

    Boomplay and France’s Generations Radio in Partnership to Promote African Music

    …The partnership establishes the Top Africa Charts show as the first ever African music charts show on mainstream radio in France

    Boomplay (www.Boomplay.com),  Africa’s largest music streaming platform, has partnered with Generations Radio, France’s premier syndicated Hip Hop and Soul radio station, to launch the Top Africa Charts show to promote African music and spotlight African artists.

    The partnership establishes the Top Africa Charts show as the first ever African music charts show on mainstream radio in France, sourced from Boomplay’s African charts and produced by Generations Radio. The show features top songs from Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and many other African countries every week while spotlighting new artists, songs and key music developments across Africa. 

    The Top Africa Charts show broadcasts live on Generations Radio from its Paris studios every Sunday from 20h00 – 21h00 GMT+1  and assumes two broadcast formats; in French and English. The French format is a live radio show and podcast hosted by sensational OAP, Ornella and the English version is in podcast format, presented by Cleopatra, with both shows hosting special guests.

    Regarding the partnership, the Director for Artist and Media Relations at Boomplay, Tosin Sorinola, disclosed, “As an Africa-focused streaming service, Boomplay is constantly seeking opportunities to promote African artists and their content. Thus a collaboration to provide more reach for African music and introduce many African artists to the french market fits our vision of empowering the African music ecosystem to unlock its potential and taking African music to the world. We couldn’t be more excited to have an influential partner as Generations Radio to realise this.”

    Commenting on the partnership, Director at Generations Radio, Laurent Beauvain, also noted, “African music is today the most represented international music on our music programming at Generations. This is a big step for our radio station, which has a music editorial strategy that is mostly Hip Hop and Soul. Boomplay has the best music insights and indicators of trends and future revelations in key countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. We are excited to partner with Africa’s leading streaming platform. Generations Radio continues in its mission to spotlight and empower new talents every year and is excited to be able to expand its audiences and impact in Africa as well.”

    The Co-Founder and Executive Producer of Top Africa Charts Show, Cleopatra Mukula, also shared, “It was important to us to curate a partnership blueprint that puts all listeners and the artists first while simultaneously bridging the gap between young people in the francophone diaspora and Africa. Every artist playlisted on Top Africa monetises via radio play and also from all streams generated via our playlist on the Boomplay app. This is a milestone shift for African music and culture in France, and I am so proud to be part of this African story we are telling through music.”

    Generations Radio is a leading radio station in France with a massive youthful listenership owing to HipHop and Soul. The station views music partnerships as an avenue to further amplify the voice of young talents. Boomplay, as a key player in Africa’s digital music scene, has, through strategic partnerships, continued to invest in the African music industry.

    The Top Africa Charts show podcast is available exclusively on Boomplay in English and French after the live broadcast. Eight pilot episodes of the show have already been introduced to listeners of Generations Radio and are currently streaming on Boomplay.