Spotify has turned five in Nigeria and to mark the milestone, the streaming giant just dropped some numbers that are going to make every Nigerian music lover very proud.
The platform launched in Nigeria in February 2021, and the very first song a Nigerian user streamed was, interestingly, not an Afrobeats track. It was Shiga Lin‘s Cantopop ballad from Hong Kong, which Spotify described as “a fitting start for what the next five years would look like: borderless, discovery-driven listening.†Five years later, the data tells a story that is hard to argue with.
Nigerian users have created more than 25 million playlists since launch, and in 2025 alone they clocked more than 1.4 billion hours of listening time. The average Nigerian listener on the platform is just 26 years old, and listening has grown by over 163 percent year on year since 2021. The number of Nigerian artists on Spotify is also up 158 percent since launch, meaning more creators are reaching audiences at home and around the world than ever before.
Now to the part everyone wants to know. The five most streamed artists in Nigeria over the past five years are Asake, Wizkid, SeyiVibez, BurnaBoy, and Davido. Asake’s position at the top is backed by serious numbers. Spotify notes that he has four of the top ten most streamed songs in Nigeria over the five year period, with his track “Remember†sitting at number one.
Afrobeats is the genre driving most of this growth, scaling by a staggering 5,022 percent since 2021. But Nigerian listeners are not stopping there. Amapiano has grown by 10,330 percent, gospel and praise music by 5,499 percent, hip-hop and rap by 3,020 percent, and R&B by 2,602 percent. Perhaps the most telling figure of all is that streams of music in Nigerian indigenous languages grew by 554 percent in 2024 alone, which Spotify says shows “a deep connection to local-language storytelling.â€
Podcasts are also finding a serious audience. Nigerians have streamed almost 60 million hours of podcast content since Spotify launched, confirming that the appetite for audio in Nigeria goes well beyond music.
Five years in, and Nigeria is one of the most passionate listening audiences on the platform.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are officially around the corner, and for us in the motherland, Sunday, 1st February 2026, is the only date that matters. While the world watches the “Big Four,†we have our eyes firmly fixed on the Best African Music Performance category. It is more than just an award; it is a celebration of the sounds that have moved from our local streets to the global stage.
This year’s “Big 5†contenders are a perfect mix of seasoned giants and the “new school†leaders who are currently holding the world in a chokehold. Here is everything you need to know about the songs and the stars vying for that golden gramophone.
Gimme Dat – Ayra Starr Featuring Wizkid
The “Celestial Being†and the “Starboy†teamed up once again for “Gimme Dat,†and the results were pure magic. Released on 25th April 2025, the song samples the iconic “911†by WyclefJean and Mary J. Blige, blending jazzy reggae beats with sultry Afrobeats rhythms. It’s a confident, sensual track where Ayra lists exactly what she needs in a lover—peace of mind and 100% commitment—while Wizkid delivers a breezy, seasoned verse.
The “City Boy†himself is back in the Grammy conversation with “Love,†a standout track from his eighth studio album, “No Sign of Weakness,†released on 10th July 2025. Produced by DreSkull, the song is a beautiful, introspective Afro-fusion piece that explores themes of loyalty, self-protection, and genuine devotion. It’s Burna Boy at his most vulnerable, trading his usual high-energy “pon di beats†for a mid-tempo, soulful reflection on who truly stands by you when the lights go out.
Burna is no stranger to the Recording Academy; this nomination brings his career total to a staggering 13 nods over seven consecutive years. Having already won Best Global Music Album in 2021 for “Twice as Tall,†he enters this race as a heavyweight veteran.
With You – Davido Featuring Omah Lay
Released on 18th April 2025 as a highlight of Davido’s fifth studio album, “5ive,†the track is a masterclass in modern Highlife. Inspired by BrightChimezie’s 1984 hit “Because of English,†the song features a repeating guitar loop and an easy, flirtatious charm that is hard to resist. Davido actually considered scrapping the song initially, but we are so glad he didn’t.
Omah Lay’s aching delivery pairs perfectly with Davido’s tender performance, making this a fan favourite. The nomination builds on Davido’s growing Grammy momentum after his historic three-nomination run last year, while for Omah Lay, it’s another well-earned nod that reinforces his place as one of the genre’s most distinctive voices.
PUSH 2 START – Tyla
After making history as the inaugural winner of this category 2024 with “Water,†South African sensation Tyla is looking for a back-to-back victory with “PUSH 2 START.â€
Released on 11th October 2024 as part of her TYLA + deluxe album, the song uses car metaphors to navigate the thrills of attraction and commitment. It’s a flawless blend of Amapiano, Pop, and R&B that has already dominated the Billboard and UK Afrobeats charts.
Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – Hope & Love
Adding a unique, cross-cultural flavour to the category is “Hope & Love,†a collaboration between Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo and Iranian artist Mehran Matin. Released on 13th August 2025, the song is an uplifting Afrobeat anthem designed to unite hearts across borders. Featuring the joyful energy of the Masaka Kids Africana, the track is a reminder that music is a universal language that shines brightest in the darkness.
Eddy Kenzo remains a pioneer for East African music on the global stage. This isn’t his first rodeo; he made history in 2023 as the first Ugandan artist to be nominated for a Grammy. His return to the category with Mehran Matin shows that his mission to “spread love†through music is far from over.
Did You Know?
The Best African Music Performance category is relatively new. It was created in June 2023 and first awarded in 2024 to recognise recordings that utilise unique local expressions from across the continent. The Recording Academy established this dedicated space to acknowledge the massive global impact of genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, Highlife, and Bongo Flava.
Barack Obama has shared his favourite songs of 2025, with Nigerian music once again making a strong appearance. The former US President’s annual playlists have grown into a cultural moment over the years, and this time, BurnaBoy and Olamide are holding it down for Nigeria.
Obama shared the list on social media, explaining that he was continuing a tradition he started during his time in the White House — rounding up the music, books and films he enjoyed throughout the year and sharing them publicly.
Burna Boy appears on the list with “TaTaTa,†his collaboration with Travis Scott. Released in May, the track is one of the singles from his eighth studio album, “No Sign of Weakness.â€
Olamide also earns a spot with “99,†a record featuring Asake, SeyiVibez, YoungJonn and British singer Daecolm. The song’s placement highlights Olamide’s ability to pull together multiple voices while still keeping the record grounded in the sound he’s known for.
London-based Nigerian artist Obongjayar appears on the list as well, with his song “Not In Surrenderâ€, adding another Nigerian voice to the former president’s selections this year.
Beyond the Nigerian picks, the playlist includes songs by LadyGaga, Olivia Dean, RosalÃa, KendrickLamar, SZA and Drake. Last year, Obama’s 2024 playlist also featured Nigerian artists, including Rema with “Yayo†and Asake’s collaboration with TravisScott, “Active.â€
As 2025 comes to a close, I’m continuing a tradition that I started during my time in the White House: sharing my annual lists of favorite books, movies, and music. I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out! pic.twitter.com/T9LFt5fnKG
We finally have it. After months of anticipation and a string of teaser singles, Burna Boy has officially dropped his eighth studio album, “No Sign of Weakness.â€
The new project follows “I Told Them,†his 2023 album that earned him four Grammy nominations in 2024, including Best Global Music Album. Tracks from that body of work, like “City Boys,†landed a nomination for Best African Music Performance, “Sittin’ on Top of the World†featuring 21Savage was nominated for Best Melodic Rap Performance, and the emotionally charged “Alone†was nominated for Best Global Music Performance. He also got a 2024 Grammy nomination in the “Best African Music Performance†category with his song “Higherâ€, from the album.
With “No Sign of Weakness,†Burna shows no signs of slowing down. Over 16 tracks and a runtime of 47 minutes, 23 seconds, he brings together an eclectic mix of collaborators, sounds, and emotions. The album features just four guest artists, and yet each one brings something distinct: Belgian singer-producer Stromae, American-Nigerian country-hop artist Shaboozey, American rapper TravisScott, and English rock legend MickJagger.
The rollout was anything but quiet. From the rapid-fire bounce of “Bundle by Bundle†to the romantic shimmer of “Sweet Love,†Burna’s early releases gave fans a taste of the moods to come. “TaTaTa†— his collaboration with Travis Scott — landed with major fanfare, followed closely by “Update.†But it was “Change Your Mind,†featuring Shaboozey, that slowed things down and peeled back the layers, offering a more reflective and soul-baring side of the African Giant.
If you’ve been counting down to “No Sign of Weakness,†Burna Boy’s upcoming album, then you’ll love this newest release.
Just days before the full album drops on Friday, July 11, Burna Boy has shared his third single off the project, “Change Your Mind†featuring Shaboozey.
While the first two singles — “TaTaTa†with Travis Scott and “Update†— gave us fiery rhythms and flex-worthy bars, “Change Your Mind†slows things down and peels back the layers. Burna and Shaboozey come together to deliver a track that feels more like a confession than a performance.
The lyrics tell the story of someone who knows they’ve caused pain but is still standing at the door, asking for one more shot. “I know I broke your heart, left you in the dark… I’m hoping I can change your mind.†It’s a line that lingers, because we’ve all been there, trying to fix what we broke, hoping love is still somewhere in the ruins.
Shaboozey opens with vulnerability, singing about the distance caused by life on the road. Burna Boy follows with quiet honesty, admitting to walking “a thousand miles†alone in search of the right words.
And if this is a taste of what “No Sign of Weakness“ has in store, there’s every reason to stay locked in for the full release this Friday. Until then, “Change Your Mind†is on repeat.
Burna Boy is ramping things up ahead of the release of his eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness, due July 11 via Bad Habit/Atlantic Records.
The African Giant has now shared the full tracklist for the forthcoming album, which reveals an eye-catching range of guests across its 16 songs.
Perhaps the most surprising and notable of them is rock legend and Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, who will appear on the album’s eleventh track, “Empty Chairs.”
Another noteworthy guest is Belgian pop star Stromae, who shares track billing on No Sign of Weakness track “Pardon.” Stromae has strong ties to the African continent through his Rwandan family background, and notably concluded one of his world tours in Kigali.
American breakout star Shaboozey (who has Nigerian roots) will appear on a track titled “Change Your Mind,” and we’ve already heard the Travis Scott-featuring single “TaTaTa.”
So far, Burna Boy has shared album tracks “Sweet Love,”“Update,” “Bundle by Bundle,” and “TaTaTa.” He’s also announced an upcoming North American tour in support of the album.
See the full tracklist for Burna Boy’s new album below.
Burna Boy's ‘No Sign of Weakness’ Official Tracklist
Le phénomène afro-fusion Burna Boy, couronné aux Grammy Awards, s’apprête à faire vibrer le United Center de Chicago dans le cadre de sa tournée mondiale « I Told Them… ». La plus grande salle du Midwest accueillera ce show spectaculaire, promesse d’une soirée mémorable. Ne manquez pas votre chance d’y assister Les billets sont dès …
We know you’re counting down to the 11th of July — that’s when BurnaBoy will be releasing his eighth studio album, “No Sign of Weakness.â€
In the lead-up to the big day, the Grammy Award-winning artist has unveiled the album’s tracklist, giving fans a clear picture of what to expect. The project features just four guest artists, each notable in their own lane: Belgian singer and producer Stromae, American-Nigerian artist Shaboozey (real name CollinsObinnaChibueze), American rapper TravisScott, and English music legend Sir MickJagger.
Before now, Burna Boy had already released four singles from the album,â€Bundle by Bundle,†“Sweet Love†“Update†and “Tatata.†And the rollout continues. He’s announced that another track, “Change Your Mind†featuring Shaboozey, will drop on the 8th of July. A teaser shared on his Instagram timeline offers a glimpse of the upcoming music video.
Until then, you can keep streaming the singles already out there while counting down the days to the full album.
Take a look at the official tracklist for “No Sign of Weakness†below:
Get ready to feel the beat! Mastercard is adding a new one to your playlist with its Afrobeat Sonic Anthem, blending the brand’s signature sound with the electrifying energy of Nigeria’s Afrobeat culture. It’s more than just a tune—it’s a bold statement, crafted to connect with the pulse of Nigeria’s youth and bring the global sound home.
With Afrobeat taking over the world—streaming up 550% from 2017 to 2022—Mastercard is connecting with the dynamic, music-loving youth of Nigeria and Africa. This anthem is part of a bigger strategy to show that Mastercard is more than a payments brand; it’s a cultural catalyst enhancing everyday experiences.
Created by LeriQ, the genius behind some of Burna Boy’s biggest hits, and performed by Afro-pop star Mayorkun, the anthem is a true celebration of Nigerian creativity and originality.
In today’s fast-paced world, sonic branding is key. Research shows that using sound consistently boosts brand power by 76%, ad effectiveness by 138%, and recall by 17% making Mastercard’s Afrobeat anthem a powerful tool to stand out and connect emotionally with Nigeria’s young, mobile-first audience.
This anthem isn’t just music. It is Mastercard showing up—speaking the language of its audience and celebrating the rhythm of Nigeria. Listen to Wami on streaming platforms to experience how Mastercard is bringing culture, originality, and connection to life through sound.
Nigerian music legend, D’banj, has stirred conversation online following a recent interview where he revealed his current top three Nigerian artists and surprisingly, Wizkid didn’t make the list.
Speaking during a candid session on Adesope Live, the Koko Master showered praise on Rema, Davido, and Burna Boy, commending their work ethic, charisma, and commanding stage performances. D’banj applauded Rema for his electrifying energy, described Davido as a relentless talent who stays grounded despite his success, and hailed Burna Boy for the intentionality behind his craft and remarkable live shows.
The comments of D'banj while widely celebrated by fans of his top three Nigerian artists, sparked reactions from music lovers who quickly pointed out the absence of Wizkid, one of Nigeria’s most internationally acclaimed artists. The omission has since ignited debates on social media about D’banj’s choices and the ongoing conversation around the industry's leading voices.
You’ve already been vibing to “Tatata,” the latest single from Burna Boy featuring TravisScott, which dropped just a few days ago. Now, the much-anticipated video is here and it’s just as bold and energetic as the track.
“Tatata” bursts with energy, mixing Afrobeats and hip-hop rhythms into a sound that’s cheeky, confident and unapologetically fun. Burna Boy and Travis Scott take turns on the mic, delivering verses that play with themes of flirtation, swagger and living the good life.
The video brings that energy to life. With Burna and Travis surrounded by friends, dancing, and enjoying the moment, it captures the playful tone of the song perfectly. Stylish, cheeky and full of charisma, it’s a visual that matches the mood of the music.
Three weeks after the release of “Sweet Love,” BurnaBoy is back with a brand new single, and this time, he teams up with American rapper TravisScott. The track, titled “Tatata,” arrives ahead of Burna’s anticipated album “No Sign of Weakness.”
“Tatata” is energetic and playful, weaving Afrobeats and hip-hop rhythms into a track that’s both catchy and full of character. It’s a confident, upbeat anthem with Burna and Travis trading verses that nod to flirtation, confidence, and living large.
Burna Boy kicks things off with a cheeky verse about nearly crashing his car at the sight of a woman’s figure. His tone is humorous and exaggerated, painting a vivid picture of distraction and fascination — all delivered with his usual flair and charisma.
Travis Scott jumps in with high-energy lines laced with luxury references, from private flights and Lamborghinis to designer bags, and throws in a mix of English and Spanish that keeps things dynamic. His verse continues the track’s playful bravado, adding layers of personality and swagger.
At its core, “Tatata” is a bold, carefree record made for dance floors and late-night moments.
Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has weighed in on the controversy stirred by social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM) over comments about Afrobeats superstars Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy.
The drama unfolded after the three music heavyweights recently splurged on luxury cars, including Burna Boy’s N3.2 billion McLaren, prompting VDM, real name Vincent Martins Otse, to criticize them in a viral video. In the clip, VDM accused the artists of neglecting ordinary Nigerians and not using their wealth to support the people.
Reacting to the claims, Portable took to social media to defend the trio, questioning VDM’s credibility and motives. The controversial Zazoo crooner recalled personal experiences, revealing that Burna Boy once gave him N20 million and Davido had publicly donated large sums to charity in the past.
Portable also took shots at VDM, asking how funds reportedly donated to his NGO, including N100 million allegedly from Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy, were spent. He challenged the activist to show evidence of projects like schools or housing initiatives funded with the donations.
In a fiery video, Portable reminded VeryDarkMan of his humble beginnings, calling out what he described as hypocrisy. “People should be free to spend their money as they wish,” Portable stated, adding that no amount given out will ever satisfy everyone.
The singer ended his response by cautioning VDM against overstepping his boundaries and targeting respected figures in the entertainment industry, insisting that the critic should focus on meaningful issues.
Nigerian singer and songwriter Damini Ogulu, best known as Burna Boy, has become the only artist to top NotJustOk's Afrobeats Power Ranking twice in 2025 so far.
The African Giant—renowned for his resilience, pizza-like Afro-fusion, protest music, and commanding social presence—takes the lead in May 2025, displacing Davido, who claimed the top spot for the first time after the chart launched in January 2025.
Burna Boycollaborated with Travis Scott to release Tatata on May 21, 2025. The new single, which is part of his upcoming album No Sign of Weakness, amassed over 15 million streams on Spotify at the time of this report. Combined with his strong global catalogue performance throughout May 2025 and other factors highlighted by NotJustOk, Burna Boy surged back to the top of the chart. Produced by Chillz Chilleaux and Onome Ojoboh, Tatata is a playful tune filled with infectious bop and lamba.
Burna Boy first topped the chart in March 2025, followed closely by Davido and Rema, respectively.
Controversial Nigerian singer, Portable, has revealed the staggering amount he earned from his recent celebrity boxing match against online personality, Speed Darlington.
In a new interview, the Zazoo Zeh crooner disclosed that he made a total of N70 million within three days from the bout and its aftermath.
The highly publicized match, which took place on April 18, 2025, saw Portable defeat Speed Darlington via a technical knockout in a heated fight that had fans buzzing online. Detailing how the money came in, Portable explained that he was initially offered N30 million just to agree to participate in the fight.
Upon securing victory in the ring, he received an additional N20 million prize for defeating Speed Darlington. To top it off, Grammy-winning star Burna Boy, who has had longstanding issues with Speed Darlington, reportedly gifted Portable another N20 million after the match.
“Them first give me N30M to accept the fight. Then they said, if I win, I’ll get another N20M, that’s N50M. After I beat am and even wound am, Uncle Burna sent N20M. Altogether, I made N70M in like three days,” Portable stated.
The revelation has since stirred reactions on social media, with many fans and observers commenting on the lucrative nature of celebrity boxing matches in Nigeria’s entertainment scene.
"I made 70 million naira in 3 days from f!ght ing Speed Darlington"
Global Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy has set social media buzzing after sharing a teaser of an unreleased song.
The Grammy-winning star recently dropped a snippet of the new song, giving fans a taste of what’s to come without revealing the title.
The preview, which features Burna Boy’s signature sound packed with energy and bold lyrics, has already stirred excitement online. Although details about the track remain scarce, fans are speculating that it could be another anthem built around themes of luxury, power, and speed — judging by the vibe of the snippet.
Known for his genre-blending style that fuses Afrobeats, dancehall, and hip-hop, Burna Boy has consistently delivered hits that command replay and top charts worldwide. While there’s no official release date or title for the unreleased song yet, anticipation is growing as listeners eagerly await the next big drop of Burna Boy.
This year’s Met Gala was always going to be a one for the books. The glitzy annual event, designed to raise funds for the museum’s Costume Institute, finally – in its 77-year history – paid tribute to the indisputable influence of Black style. Through the Costume Institute’s much anticipated exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, and through the fundraiser itself, Black style took center stage. The exhibition specifically explores the ways in which Black men have used fashion as a tool for resistance and reinvention.
This was also the first time an African sponsor, African Fashion International (AFI), alongside the likes of Instagram and the Tyler Perry Foundation, helped support the event financially and had top billing as such. AFI founder Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe tells OkayAfrica that “Black dandyism is a cultural phenomenon that is alive on the African continent – in Congo, on the streets of Nairobi, in Lagos, in Johannesburg, in Cape Town. It’s a moment of reckoning and acknowledging the creative genius that comes from Africa as well as the African Americans in the diaspora.”
Moloi-Motsepe continues: “The Met Gala is more than an event - it is a cultural institution that influences how we view fashion. For AFI, it is an opportunity to highlight the depth, creativity, and global significance of African fashion and to challenge outdated perceptions of what African identity in fashion means. We are not just participants in this narrative - we are leaders in redefining it."
Moloi-Motsepe’s statement couldn’t be truer, as this year’s event features more than half a dozen African designers making outfits not just for African stars, but a diverse slate of celebrities. Designers of African descent often reference their diverse heritages and personal journeys in their work, frequently taking inspiration from and amplifying forgotten or overlooked histories of Black people in the process. African designers taking the spotlight on one of fashion’s biggest nights signals that the continent’s diverse stories and talents are no longer on the margins, but are contributing to the conversation.
Scroll through to see the looks, who wore them, and who made them:
The British Ghanaian designer’s 2025 Met Gala catalogue features Tems in a blue Ankara suit dress with a puff skirt accented with a green cravat and a matching umbrella; Burna Boy in a red wool tuxedo on a yellow shirt and red tie, all paired with an oxblood cape; Ayra Starr in a black high slit gown with a lapel collar, and Issa Rae in an all black three piece ensemble which she calls “dandy West African style.”
Ozwald Boateng was also worn by Jaden Smith, who walked the carpet in an all-black look with a cape in black and white stripe and checkered pattern; Colin Kaepernick, who wore a three piece burgundy suit made with Kente prints, and Henry Golding, who wore a gold-patterned three piece suit.
Ugo Mozie made an unforgettable mark at this year’s Met Gala designing for and styling several guests, the most commanding being Diana Ross. After a two-decade break, Ross returned to the Met Gala Monday night wearing custom Eleven Sixteen by Ugo Mozie. The look is a crystal embellished white gown and a feathered cape that covers the entire breadth of the stairs and features the names of Ross’ children and grandchildren.
Mozie’s Eleven Sixteen also made the look won by Nigerian chef Kwame Onwuachi who stars in Netflix’s Chefs Table. The look is an all-black ensemble made with a striped pattern, and features a crown adorned by Nigeria-sourced gemstones, as well as custom carved bronzes from Benin, Nigeria.
Mozie also collaborated with BOSS, styling the looks of Senegalese Italian social media star Khaby Lame and American model and actor Alton Mason. Lame wore a grey striped three-piece suit with a waist coat adorned with about two dozen pocket watches. Mason arrived in a black floor-length cape over a sparkling two-piece crystal-embellished ensemble.
For his Met Gala carpet debut, South African designer Thebe Magugu made his eponymous brand's first ever couture look worn by Aurora James, drawing inspiration from the female muses of Central and West African sartorial photographers of the '50s and '60s, the brand says on Instagram. The look features a flowing brown grown made from Chiffon, paired with a dramatic headpiece inspired by the geles worn by Yoruba women in Nigeria and West Africa.
Ivy Getty's look is a layered cream ensemble with metallic detailing, paired with a brown fur-accented clutch.
South African designer David Tlale dressed his longtime friend Moloi-Motsepe in a cream and gold patterned suit with bell-bottom pants, an off-shoulder neckline, and a dramatic cape.
Nigerian designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal’s brand Orange Culture made an appearance at this year’s event making a custom piece worn by American actor Brian Tyree Henry. The look features a red two-piece suit, a white shirt and long black tie, with black knee-length boots, all covered by a red and gold texture coat that can be said to be a tribute to the late American fashion powerhouse André Leon Talley.
Nigerian designer Chuks Collins made the gown worn by American radio and TV personality Nessa Niab. The gown, named “An ode to Mama,” is from Collins’ upcoming Nné Collection, which he says is “a celebration of maternal legacy, identity, and ancestral elegance.” It is made in black silk with corset detailing, and the complete look features a puffer jacket-like cropped cape from Moncler x EE72 by Edward Enninful.
Hanifa, the brand founded by Congolese American designer Anifa Mvuemba, made the outfit worn by Savannah James, the entrepreneur and wife of this year’s Met Gala honorary co-chair Lebron James, who couldn’t attend due to an injury. The look features a striped burgundy pattern throughout and is made up of a jacket with corset detailing in the midriff area and a mermaid style skirt with a wide train.
Deji and Kola, the brand founded by Nigerian designers Ayodeji Adebayo and Kolapo Olabintan appeared on the stairs of the Met Museum this year by way of NFL player Jonathan Owens and media entrepreneur Claire Sulmers. Owens wore an all-white ensemble made up of a knitted handwoven Aso Oke tuxedo jacket and flared pants with a fur shawl on his shoulder. Sulmers’ red monochrome ensemble made up of a three piece suit and large cape. The look was styled by Nigerian stylist Swanky Jerry who also stars in Netflix's Young, Famous and African.
Grammy award-winning Afro-fusion icon Burna Boy continues to stretch the boundaries of sound and sentiment with “Sweet Love,” a reggae-tinged ballad that deepens the emotional spectrum of his forthcoming eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness.
Arriving on the heels of the energetic Soul II Soul-sampling single “Update,” the new track signals a shift in mood. Introspective, sultry, and emotionally open, “Sweet Love” is a moment of tenderness from an artist known for his bold declarations of strength and swagger.
Produced by Major Seven, whose previous credits include work with Rihanna and Future, the song unfolds with the effortless sensuality of 1980s lovers rock, echoing the warmth and vulnerability of reggae greats like Gregory Isaacs and Dennis Brown. Over a plush, slow-burning groove, Burna Boy sings with a voice that’s as textured as it is heartfelt: “I want to give you love, sweet, sweet love,” he croons, letting the rasp of his tone carry the weight of desire, devotion, and longing.
“Sweet Love” helps position the forthcoming album as one of Burna Boy’s most emotionally layered projects yet. While his last release, 2023’s I Told Them…, leaned heavily into themes of legacy, cultural affirmation, and artistic authority, the new material feels looser, more personal, and in many ways more daring.
Like his genre-defying career, the artist’s latest single resists easy classification. There are flourishes of Afropop in the rhythmic structure, unmistakable reggae influences in the instrumentation, and echoes of the American soul, particularly the tortured passion of Otis Redding and James Brown, in his vocal delivery. But the fusion of these elements, bound together by Burna’s commanding presence, makes “Sweet Love” feel less like a throwback and more like a reimagining.
Burna Boy is set to take No Sign of Weakness on the road. His upcoming European tour starts in July, with confirmed dates in Berlin, London, and Helsinki. Additional shows are expected to be announced soon, continuing his trend of packing stadiums from Lagos to London, Johannesburg to Paris.
The 2025 BET Awards nominations are in, and African artists feature prominently across major categories, marking another strong moment for the continent’s music on the global stage.
Ayra Starr leads the African contingent with three nominations: ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’, ‘Best New Artist’, and ‘Best International Act’. These nominations reflect her expanding presence in both African and international music circles.
Tems earns two nominations in the ‘BET Her’ category for “Burning” and “Hold On,” both from her debut album “Born In The Wild.”
Tems, already a global sensation, continues to break barriers, earning two nominations in the ‘BET Her’ category for her moving tracks, “Burning” and “Hold On”. These powerful songs from her debut album, “Born In The Wild,” not only showcase her signature emotional depth but also highlight her role as one of the most resonant voices in contemporary music.
Other African acts nominated this year include Rema, Burna Boy, Tyla, BlackSherif, and UncleWaffles. The ‘Best New International Act’ category also sees strong African representation, with Shallipopi, Odeal, MagleraDoeBoy, AbigailChams, and DlalaThukzin recognised for their work over the past year.
This year’s nominations point to the expanding global footprint of African music and the continued recognition of its artists on major international stages.
See the full list of nominees:
Album of the Year
$OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U – Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
11:11 Deluxe – Chris Brown
Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii
Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
Glorious – GloRilla
GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Ayra Starr
Ari Lennox
Coco Jones
Kehlani
Muni Long
Summer Walker
SZA
Victoria Monét
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Bruno Mars
Chris Brown
Drake
Fridayy
Leon Thomas
Teddy Swims
The Weeknd
Usher
Best Group
41
Common & Pete Rock
Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
FLO
Future & Metro Boomin
Jacquees & Dej Loaf
Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist
Maverick City Music
Best Collaboration
30 for 30 – SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar
Alter Ego – Doechii feat. JT
Are You Even Real – Teddy Swims feat. GIVĒON
Beckham – Dee Billz feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, KJ Swervo
Bless – Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug
Like That – Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Sticky – Tyler, the Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
Timeless – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Doechii
Doja Cat
GloRilla
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Rapsody
Sexyy Red
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Burna Boy
BigXthaPlug
Bossman Dlow
Drake
Future
Kendrick Lamar
Key Glock
Lil Wayne
Tyler, the Creator
Video of the Year
3AM in Tokeyo – Key Glock
A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
After Hours – Kehlani
Denial is a River – Doechii
Family Matters – Drake
Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
Timeless – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
Type Shit – Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti
Video Director of the Year
Anderson .Paak
B Pace Productions & Jacquees
Benny Boom
Cactus Jack
Cole Bennett
Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Dave Meyers
Foggieraw
Tyler, the Creator
Best New Artist
41
Ayra Starr
BigXthaPlug
Bossman Dlow
Dee Billz
Leon Thomas
October London
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
A God (There Is) – Common & Pete Rock feat. Jennifer Hudson
Amen – Pastor Mike Jr.
Better Days – Fridayy
Church Doors – Yolanda Adams feat. Sir The Baptist & Donald Lawrence (Terry Hunter Remix)
Constant – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore & Anthony Gargiula
Deserve to Win – Tamela Mann
Faith – Rapsody
Rain Down on Me – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
Viewer’s Choice Award
Residuals – Chris Brown
Denial is a River – Doechii
Nokia – Drake
Like That – Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
TGIF – GloRilla
Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Brokey – Latto
Best International Act
Any Gabrielly (Brazil)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Bashy (United Kingdom)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
Ezra Collective (United Kingdom)
Joé Dwèt Filé (France)
MC Luanna (Brazil)
Rema (Nigeria)
SDM (France)
Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)
Best New International Act
Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
Amabbi (Brazil)
Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
Dr Yaro (France)
KWN (United Kingdom)
Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)
Merveille (France)
Odeal (United Kingdom)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
TxC (South Africa)
BET Her
Beautiful People – Mary J. Blige
Blackbiird – Beyoncé feat. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts
Bloom – Doechii
Burning – Tems
Defying Gravity – Cynthia Erivo feat. Ariana Grande
Fresh from the Met Gala red carpet, Burna Boy carried the night forward in true style, with his first-ever Met Gala after-party.
The Grammy-winning artist teamed up with South African music icon BlackCoffee to host an intimate gathering that felt more like a reunion than a high-profile affair. Describing it as a “big family setting,” Burna brought together friends, collaborators, and cultural heavyweights from around the world.
One striking detail is the microphone he performed with, engraved with the words “No sign of weakness.” It’s not just a favourite phrase of his; it’s also the title of his forthcoming eighth album.
Afrobeats filled the room, and so did the presence of stars like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, LupitaNyong’o, Nick Jonas and PriyankaChopra, Shaboozey, CentralCee, Chance the Rapper, and more.
Connexion
Get ready to feel the beat! Mastercard is adding a new one to your playlist with its Afrobeat Sonic Anthem, blending the brand’s signature sound with the electrifying energy of Nigeria’s Afrobeat culture. It’s more than just a tune—it’s a bold statement, crafted to connect with the pulse of Nigeria’s youth and bring the global sound home.
