Skales Is Making the World Dance Again, With a Little Help From Lamine Yamal Earlier this year, the Nigerian artist’s 2014 hit “Shake Body” gained global popularity, thanks to FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. OkayAfrica catches up with the music star, fresh off a major collaboration with one of sport’s biggest brands. music September 10, 2025
TIFF 2025: 'The Eyes of Ghana' Captures Kwame Nkrumah's Belief in Cinema as a Tool for African Liberation Through films captured by celebrated cinematographer Chris Hesse, the documentary, executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, tells the story of how one of Africa’s foremost leaders envisioned a continent that reverses the images of colonialism by telling its own stories. film tv September 9, 2025
The Top Afrobeats Songs to Stream Right Now: August 2025 Edition The standout records from August include songs from Tiwa Savage, Victony, Ebne Hakim, Amaarae, and other rising stars pushing the Afrobeats sound to new heights. music August 29, 2025
To Make Her Debut Album, ‘After Midnight,’ Gyakie First Had to Find Inner Peace The Ghanaian artist's debut album is a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, guided by her openness and self-discovery. music August 29, 2025
SPINALL Wants to Take the ‘Èkó Groove’ Afrobeats Sound to the World In his new album, the revered Afrobeats tastemaker combines colorful sonics with exciting features. Marking his sixth project, OkayAfrica talks to SPINALL about the making of ‘Èkó Groove’ and his wide-ranging career. music August 29, 2025
The Top West African Songs to Stream Right Now: August 2025 Music Guide In this monthly music guide, enjoy the top West African songs of August 2025 from Josey, Bella Alubo, Serge Beynaud, Taves, and more, highlighted by OkayAfrica. music August 28, 2025
What It’s Like To … Run an African-Owned Contemporary Art Gallery in the UAE Kwame Mintah is one of the co-founders of the Efie Gallery in Dubai. The gallery and cultural hub is poised to expand the idea of modern African art while contributing to the evolving art landscape. news August 27, 2025
How Nollywood Actress Ashionye Raccah Got to Star in the Second Season of ‘Wednesday’ Alongside Jenna Ortega In ‘Wednesday’ Season 2, the Nigerian actress channels Nollywood grit on a Hollywood set, acting alongside Thandiwe Newton and Jenna Ortega. film tv August 25, 2025
Listen to Odumodublvck, Stormzy & Zlatan’s Highlife-Influenced Single, “Pay Me” Released on August 22, 2025, “Pay Me” by the Nigerian and UK trio rides melodic highlife beats and snappily rapped bars. music August 22, 2025
Mr Eazi Drops “Casanova,” the Lead Single From His Upcoming ‘Maison Rouge’ EP The Afrobeats star returns with a playful yet vulnerable confession of love, and a video directed by Ademola Falomo and filmed in Barcelona. music August 22, 2025
Shatta Wale Released on Bail in $4M Fraud Case The dancehall superstar is under investigation for failing to identify the seller of a Lamborghini Urus that was flagged as part of the proceeds of a case in the U.S. music August 21, 2025
How Cabo Verdeans Are Leaning on Each Other After Devastating Flash Floods With a state of emergency in effect, communal efforts and external donations are also playing an integral role in supporting those affected by a recent, deadly tropical storm. news August 20, 2025
With Nahous, Lagos’ New Cultural Hub Blends Old Architecture and Contemporary Vision Situated in the old Federal Palace building, Nahous — which features a gallery, concept store, furniture showroom, bar and gathering space — was conceptualized by Richard Vedegalo as a site for community, art and independent thinking. news August 18, 2025
Mádé Kuti Asks the Difficult Questions on ‘Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From?’ OkayAfricasits down with the Nigerian artist to discuss his robust interpretation of Afrobeat and his new album’s roving vision. music August 13, 2025
In ‘Necessary Fiction,’ Eloghosa Osunde Examines What It Means to Be Queer and Free in Nigeria The award-winning Nigerian writer discusses the process and themes behind their second novel, which beautifully tackles themes of friendship, community, queerness, and building a haven in a harsh place. news August 13, 2025
How Mavin Global Is Pushing Local Growth Within the Afrobeats Industry Recent initiatives are broadening the entry level for creatives and music executives in the Nigerian music industry and beyond. music August 12, 2025
Tems Is Building a Legacy Beyond Music with Her Leading Vibe Initiative The Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer hosted a 2-day event for her new initiative, which aims to support African women artists through mentorship, workshops, and strategic opportunities. music August 12, 2025
Odeal Will Save Your Summer — and Every Other Season The British Nigerian singer-songwriter’s new project, 'The Summer That Saved Me,'is a sensuous depiction of summer, but his music has always been so much more. Fusing R&B with Afrobeats and alte sensibilities, he’s cornered a unique space in the international music scene. music August 12, 2025
A Timeline of Davido and Chioma Rowland’s Love Story as They Tie the Knot – Again – in Miami Almost five years after their engagement, the couple is flaunting their faith in their bond with another lavish wedding ceremony event. news August 12, 2025
Tommy Wá’s Soulful New Folk EP, ‘Somewhere Only We Go,’ Offers a Soft Place to Land On his new release, the Nigerian guitarist blends celestial folk music with quiet emotional depth and invites listeners into a world of tenderness and surrender. music August 8, 2025
Amaarae’s New Album ‘Black Star’ Explores Love, Desire, and Euphoria For her third album,Black Star, the Ghanaian artist known for her experimental and defiant sound, toys with matters of euphoria, desire, and emotional contradictions. news August 8, 2025
As Big Brother Nigeria Turns 10, Here Are Some of the Loyal Fans Who Made It an Iconic Show Beloved contestants on BBNaija have been gifted over $72,000, triggered legendary online wars, and created fandoms that treat them with cult-like reverence. film tv August 6, 2025
What It’s Like To … Be an Afrobeats Songwriter Mbryo, born Maxwell Omoferi, is one of the foremost songwriters in Afrobeats. He has co-written Grammy-nominated hits for stars like Ayra Starr, Davido, and Magixx. His rise from the streets of Lagos to the global music stage is both inspirational and instructive. news August 6, 2025
With 'Eleven Sixteen,' Ugo Mozie Enters a New Era in His Illustrious Fashion Career The Nigerian American celebrity fashion stylist is the founder and designer of a new fashion brand, 'Eleven Sixteen,' which has already been worn by Diana Ross, Blue Ivy, Lena Waithe, and others. news August 4, 2025
In Photos: Davido Electrifies NYC With a High-Energy Live Concert The Afrobeats superstar touched down in Brooklyn, NYC, for a stellar live performanceand showcase of his global reach. music August 1, 2025
Rema Infuses Fresh Energy into Afrobeats on Sizzling New Single, “Kelebu” On his latest single, the Nigerian superstar lives up to his reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most inventive artists, launching a $10K dance challenge to match. music August 1, 2025
The Best West African Songs Right Now: July 2025 Edition The month of July ushered in a range of incredible West African music from across Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. music August 1, 2025
Controversy Trails Nigerian Government Rewards for Super Falcons’ WAFCON Win The announcement of a $100,000 prize to each player has been deemed exorbitant by many, as the country deals with a severe cost-of-living crisis. news July 31, 2025
In Dakar, a New Creative Space Is Blending Community and Contemporary Art Galerie36, founded by cultural practitioner Ayofemi Kirby, has positioned itself as a creative avenue for discovery and community engagement, with a focus on redefining how traditional art spaces exist. news July 30, 2025
Being Single Nearly Cost This Nigerian Woman Her First Apartment In Lagos, misogyny and tribal bias make house-hunting harder for women like Chika Nwafor. news July 30, 2025
The Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now: July 2025 Edition This playlist of the latest Afrobeats hits features Ayra Starr, Asake, Chella, Sarkodie, Tyla, and more. music July 30, 2025
Six Months After Kantamanto Market Fire, Traders Still Feel the Burn Amid Ghana’s Economic Challenges Traders affected by the Kantamanto fire say they are struggling to restart their businesses. Meanwhile, the economy is affecting foot traffic in the once buzzing Ghana market. news July 29, 2025
Ghanaians Celebrate the Incomparable Legacy of Daddy Lumba Dozens of songs by the iconic musician have seen significant streaming spikes, as heartfelt memorial messages flood social media following the passing of one of Ghana’s greatest music legends. news July 28, 2025
Ayra Starr Turns Up the Heat With 'Hot Body' The Afrobeats star follows up her Wizkid-featuring “Gimme Dat” with another sizzling song for the Summer — fresh off her BET win, a Roc Nation deal, and an ongoing global tour with Coldplay. music July 25, 2025
Wizkid and Tyla Unite for Superstar Collaboration, 'DYNAMITE' The single blends trademark Nigerian and South African sounds from the musicians, making for a dynamic new track. music July 25, 2025
Young Innovators Are Driving Monrovia's Creative Scene and Forging a New Cultural Identity Despite a history of turmoil and a lack of traditional support, a new generation of artists, designers, and musicians in Liberia's capital is building a vibrant, authentic scene and challenging global perceptions. music July 24, 2025
Pheelz Shares a Beautiful Afrobeats Collaboration With "Stay Together" In this exclusive premiere, Nigerian artist and producer Pheelz talks toOkayAfricaabout the creative process behind “Stay Together,” his latest single in collaboration withBeyond Music, Marshall Muze, Naimah, and Ella Rose. news July 24, 2025
The Relatable Expressions of Nigerian Musician Tim Lyre Tim Lyre is standing out in the Nigerian music scene by making introspective songs that pull from everyday experiences, and delivering them over a diverse bed of styles. music July 22, 2025
In Her Debut Novel, Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo Expands the Nigerian Immigrant Experience ‘The Tiny Things Are Heavier’ is a stirring and masterfully delivered bildungsroman that follows a young Nigerian woman as she tries to make sense of her new life and what exactly she wants from it. news July 22, 2025
Canadian Music Label Hi-Way 89 Connects African Diaspora Artists with Global Success The new label, founded by Nigerian-born executives Ikenna Nwagboso and Camillo Doregos, is positioning Canada as a hub for talents in the Afrobeats and Black diaspora music space. music July 17, 2025
Ayra Starr Signs with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Elevating Her Afrobeats Career Internationally The Nigerian singer’s strong ambition of global superstardom is expected to be boosted by this strategic partnership with Roc Nation, along with the continued support of Mavin and Universal Music Group. music July 16, 2025
15 Years of OkayAfrica, 15 Defining Moments in Pop Culture, Innovation and Activism From Afrobeats going global to groundbreaking films, creative innovation, and youth-led protest movements, this video dives into the African moments that have defined the continent’s identity and transformation since OkayAfrica launched in 2010. video July 16, 2025
How Kokoroko’s ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ Turned a Meme into a Musical Healing Mantra The band's new album pulls humor, heartbreak, and harmony into one of their most confident and emotionally expansive works yet. music July 15, 2025
How NBA Star Precious Achiuwa Brought Nigerian Fashion to the Court In a campaign highlighting homegrown styles and cultural roots, the basketball player rocked a range of streetwear fits from The Kowa Studio, WafflesnCream, Lost Archives, ZTTW, and Ashluxe. news July 15, 2025
Op-Ed: The Unflattering Legacy of Nigeria’s Former President Muhammadu Buhari Buhari, the second-longest holder of the country’s highest leadership position, is considered by many as Nigeria’s worst president, a dishonor that isn’t farfetched. news July 14, 2025
Five Takeaways From Burna Boy’s Latest Album, ‘No Sign of Weakness’ There are moments of brilliance on the Nigerian superstar’s latest album, but questions of overfamiliarity in his Afro-fusion sound linger. music July 11, 2025
Two Musical Worlds Collide In Burna Boy And Shaboozey's New Single “Change Your Mind” Watch the song's new music video, which follows Burna Boy and Shaboozey to an L.A. ranch and features theCompton Cowboys. music July 11, 2025
Stream Burna Boy’s New Album, ‘No Sign of Weakness’ Burna Boy’s highly anticipated eighth studio album has arrived, and it features appearances fromMick Jagger, Stromae, Shaboozey,andTravis Scott. music July 11, 2025
Young Nigerians Turn to Shared Living as Lagos Faces a Housing Crisis With rent prices soaring, many Lagosians are cutting costs by choosing co-living spaces and sharing the financial burden. news July 10, 2025
Falz Cooks Up a Platter of Stories and Sounds on ‘The Feast’ The Nigerian rapper has been one of the most consistent artists and creatives around. His latest album, ‘The Feast,’ showcases his ability to incorporate new voices without losing the essence of his trusted methods over the years. news July 9, 2025
How Nigerian Fashion Brand Dye Lab Hacked International Pop-Ups Rukky Ladoja and Ozzy Etomi create cultural experiences with their cross-continent pop-up events as a way to better connect with their customers. news July 9, 2025
How Afrobeats Star Bnxn Made His Most Vulnerable Album Yet In his sophomore record, ‘Captain,’ the Nigerian singer displays emotional depth that cements him as a sensitive and powerfully relatable artist. news July 8, 2025
The Best Burna Boy Songs Ahead of his eighth studio album 'No Sign of Weakness,'OkayAfricadives into the Afrobeats star's impressive discography to list his best songs, ranging from popular hits to cult classics. music July 8, 2025
How a Young Ghanaian Found His First Rental Apartment in Accra Adinan Yussif’s approach to finding his starter place was unconventional. It also helped him beat out the expensive rental market in Accra, Ghana. news July 8, 2025
Fuse ODG Wants You to Reclaim Your African Names With his latest album and incisive social media posts, the British Ghanaian singer explores African heritage and delivers a powerful message about embracing African names. music July 7, 2025
ArchiveAfrica Is Building Africa's First Crowdfunded Cultural Archive Kofi Iddrisu's ArchiveAfrica grew from a personal Instagram project to a 200,000-follower platform. Now he's raising funds to build a physical African museum in Accra to safeguard Africa’s cultural heritage. news July 7, 2025
ODUMODUBLVCK Will Headline Mainland Block Party Summer Event in New York Fresh off his successful university tour across Nigeria, the rap artist behind the hit song "Declan Rice" brings his energy to New York on July 26. news July 4, 2025
Angélique Kidjo Set to Become First African Musician to Receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame The Grammy-winning Beninese singer joins the 2026 honorees, making history as the first African artist to be recognized on the iconic Hollywood landmark. music July 3, 2025
For Many Ghanaians, President John Mahama Is off to a Great Start Now in his second nonconsecutive term, the West African leader is heading a proactive and highly responsive administration that’s winning over many citizens. news July 2, 2025
Burna Boy’s New Album ‘No Sign of Weakness’ to Feature Mick Jagger, Stromae, Shaboozey, and Travis Scott The Nigerian superstar has revealed the tracklist for his upcoming album, due July 11. music July 2, 2025
Meet the Nigerian Artist Osoranna Mojekwu Commissioned by Adidas for Its New Lagos Flagship Store His two large-scale works for the global sportswear giant explore resilience and community, marking a personal and professional milestone for the U.S.-born creative. news July 2, 2025
Tems Announces Groundbreaking Mentorship Program for Women in Music: The Leading Vibe Starting this August, the Nigerian Artist's new program seeks to make the music industry more inclusive for women. music July 2, 2025
#FreeTogo Protests: Young People Want to End a Dictatorship Protesters have taken to the streets and online, calling for the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005. news July 1, 2025
How Remi Idowu’s Cookbook ‘Sugar & Spice’ Blends Cultures, Recipes, and Storytelling Through Food Remi Edowu’s new cookbook 'Sugar and Spice' shares recipes that blend Ghanaian and Nigerian cultures, celebrating the culinary spirit of second-gen African immigrants. news June 30, 2025
Best West African Songs of 2025 So Far — Mid-Year Roundup As more West African artists create sounds that inspire internet trends and extend their longevity, others are experimenting with new forms and doubling down on storytelling. Read ahead for the best West African music of the year so far. music June 26, 2025
TikToker's National Service Extended by Two Months Following Her Criticism of the Nigerian Government Back in March, Nigerian authorities tried to silenceRita Ushie'scritique of the country’s failing government, but thousands of citizens responded by amplifying her message. news June 24, 2025
