Author: Admin
Music producers are the backbone of the global music industry, and it is no different in the Afrobeats scene. They craft the sound that defines a genre and also serve as vital links between artists and the broader music ecosystem. From sound creation to quality control, cultural representation, and genre fusion, the role of producers is multifaceted and critical for the success of any track. Afrobeats has seen important figures like Don Jazzy, Sarz, Masterkraft, Killbeatz, and Pheelz, who have contributed to shaping the genre and also built a foundation that newer producers are now building upon. These OGs have…
In an NPR interview, Yemi Alade described herself as a vessel for culture, effortlessly connecting with languages—even those she doesn’t fully understand. Throughout her career, she has proudly represented Africa through both her music and fashion, and the 2025 Grammy Awards were no exception. Nominated for Best African Music Performance for her single Tomorrow, Alade arrived in a striking red ensemble and a headpiece inspired by Edo bridal attire. While many praised her bold cultural statement, others ignited debate. Some felt the outfit was too culturally specific for the Grammys, while others questioned whether it was appropriate given a recent…
What haven’t you heard of Diamond Platnumz? Since the third installment of Young, Famous & African premiered, his name has lingered ceaselessly on the lips of fans of the show. He’s been doted on and disparaged in equal measure. To his detractors, he’s a duplicitous, morally abhorrent, philandering character. His fans see him differently. To them, he embodies the best qualities of the archetypal dandy; a modern-day reincarnation of Zeus; flawed and rough around the edges, yes, but also as sleek as a panther at night, wreathed in a halo of smoldering machismo, and authentic despite his many shortcomings. Despite…
In 2020, in an attempt to broaden the awards’ scope, The Recording Academy elected to overhaul the Best World Music Album category. The overhaul involved, amongst other things, changing the category’s name to Best Global Album. The motivations were to some degree cosmetic; the World Music tag had become mired in connotations of colonialism and Americentrism; baggage The Academy was more than eager to move on from. But the change also hoped to correct for the category’s historically insular perspective on global music, making it more representative of the diverse range of music being created around the world. Five years…
Music is more than just sound—it’s the heartbeat of the soul, and for Morich, it’s the ultimate form of expression. With each note and lyric, he invites listeners into his world, sharing raw emotion, personal stories, and universal truths. Morich is an artist who doesn’t just create music; he crafts experiences, pouring his heart into every song. His latest project, Delayed, Not Denied, is a perfect example of this—an EP that blends soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful messages of love, hope, and perseverance. Released in December, Delayed, Not Denied marks a new chapter in Morich’s journey as an artist.…
To be an artist like Wase Taiwo, a multi-hyphenate who has become a formidable presence within Lagos’ rapidly expanding art scene, is to simultaneously straddle multiple realities. As an artist he leads an understated existence, ever lingering in the shadows, to allow his work to bask in the spotlight. His Instagram page, an eclectic collage, illustrates this in earnest. Among the sprawl of photographs that line his page are vivid shards of his interests. Sheet music. Random objects from his daily life. Vintage movies. A beat-down, rusting car. Potted plants. His essence is immensely palpable. He’s however conspicuously absent, save…
In today’s music industry, success hinges on sound and branding—visual identity, fashion, and storytelling. Victony, the Nigerian Afrobeats star, exemplifies this synergy, blending music and branding to carve out a unique global presence. His journey offers a masterclass on how artists can leverage fashion and visual storytelling to amplify their artistry and connect with the audience. Victony’s evolution is as much about his sound as his visual identity. In 2022, he adopted the 90s-inspired suits and a signature cap to define his Outlaw EP era. By 2023, he had refined his style, introducing the “Boy Alinco” look in Angelus, My…
Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has once again solidified her place in global music history with a Grammy win for Best African Music Performance for her hit single, Love Me Jeje. This victory makes her the first Nigerian artist to win the newly introduced category, further establishing her dominance on the international stage. Tems’ win at the Grammys is just another milestone in her remarkable career. Over the past few years, she has racked up numerous accolades, including NAACP Image Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards and Billboard Women in Music Awards. Her unique sound and storytelling…
At the heart of human existence is the desire and tendency to form relationships, to establish human connection, to bask in the splendor of another human soul, with all its convolutions and complexities. This tendency is so primal, so foundational to the very notion of humanity, that it forms the basis upon which families are upholstered, upon which friends are tethered, it’s the glue that holds lovers together, shielding them from the headwinds of life and shrouding them in palpable appreciation for the evanescent spark that is life. This tendency for connection brings together religious brethren, individuals who’d otherwise be…
WurlD, the genre-defying artist renowned for his distinct blend of Afropop, R&B, and electronic sounds, has released his latest single, Outside. With Outside, he delivers yet another masterpiece that showcases his brilliance and how soothing his voice is. Outside is a celebration of carefree living, connection, and the joy of being present in the moment. The song wants the listener to let go of their worries and embrace carefree vibes. Adding a sensual and playful touch, lines like, “Put my tongue on your hmmm, make it dance for ya,” give the song an intimate allure. The balance of flirtatious lyrics with…