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.
It is finally here! The collaboration we’ve been manifesting since their first joint record has officially landed. Wizkid and Asake have released their surprise new track, “Jogodo“, which serves as the lead single for their first-ever joint EP titled “Real (Vol.1).â€
The duo originally teased the project during an Apple Music Radio takeover in December 2025, describing it as a body of work rooted in a genuine friendship that transcends the music industry. The track itself captures a mood of carefree enjoyment, with the title “Jogodo†playfully referencing the lighthearted, heady feeling that comes with a good time in Lagos.
The chemistry between the two was previously on full display during Asake’s historic Red Bull Symphonic performance at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre in November 2025. In a standout moment, Asake was joined on stage by Wizkid for a performance of their track “MMS“, where the pair performed alongside a 33-piece orchestra. This live appearance served as a precursor to their current collaboration, showcasing how well their individual styles complement one another.
With “Jogodo†now out, fans can look forward to the full release of the Real (Vol. 1) EP, which is scheduled to arrive on 23 January 2026.
Afrobeats star Wizkid made a surprise appearance at Gunna’s headline show at Detty December Fest on Monday night, delivering one of the standout moments of the festival.
The unannounced appearance happened midway through Gunna’s set at Ilubirin, Ikoyi, when the beat switched to their joint track, “Forever Be Mine.†Wizkid then walked onto the stage to loud cheers from the crowd, joining Gunna for a brief live performance of the song.
The track, which appears on Gunna’s 2025 album “The Last Wun,†was performed live for only the second time, following its debut at Afro+ Fest in Washington, D.C., in September.
Both artistes, dressed in black, shared a quick embrace before launching into the song. Wizkid delivered his verse as the audience sang along, while Gunna kept the performance moving. At the end of the set, Gunna told the crowd, “Make some noise for my brother Wizkid!â€
The Lagos concert was part of Gunna’s Wun World Tour, with the American rapper closing the night as headliner. Earlier performances came from Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea, alongside singers Fave and TiwaSavage.
Wizkid’s appearance capped a busy Detty December run, which also saw him deliver a sold-out concert on December 28, drawing praise from fellow artistes including Olamide
Wizkid, the global Afrobeats star behind hits like Essence, Ojuelegba, and Joro; is set to return to Lagos for a landmark live concert, marking a major homecoming moment for fans and music lovers. The show will take place on Sunday, 28 December 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Marina.
For fans looking to experience the concert from the best possible vantage point, PartyVerse, Nigeria’s go-to planning app for premium events and parties, is offering exclusive Golden Circle tickets, which deliver premium front-row access to the performance. The Golden Circle is designed to place attendees right where the magic happens, close enough to feel every beat, catch every lyric, and experience Wizkid’s stage presence at its peak.
Speaking on the experience, Mobola Awe General Manager of PartyVerse, said, “Wizkid’s return to Lagos is a major cultural moment, and we wanted to create an experience that matches the significance of the night. The Golden Circle is about giving fans premium access and an immersive way to experience a performance of this scale.â€
Awe added, “At PartyVerse, we focus on creating access to the best live entertainment experiences. With Golden Circle, fans are right at the centre of the show.â€
In addition to front-row access at Wizkid Live in Lagos, Golden Circle ticket holders will also receive exclusive entry to a mega rave at the same venue on Monday, December 29, 2025, extending the celebration beyond the main event.
Golden Circle tickets are available now on PartyVerse via this link and are expected to sell out quickly. Fans are encouraged to secure their access early and be part of a night Lagos will be talking about long after Detty December has ended.
About PartyVerse
PartyVerse is the all-in-one event app that helps you create memories and discover moments worth celebrating. From planning and payments to gifting and promotion, it brings every part of your event experience together in one place. With its shared “Memories†feature, guests can relive every moment, making every celebration whether you are hosting or attending, easy to find, plan, and remember.
Been playing Tyla and Wizkid’s latest track “Dynamite†on repeat? Then you have to see the music video.
On “Dynamiteâ€, Tyla and Wizkid take turns expressing a magnetic pull between them, weaving a narrative around rhythm, movement and undeniable chemistry.
Tyla opens with control and confidence, singing, “Why don’t you bring it, come my way? Hold me ’round my waist.†Wizkid answers with effortless charm: “Your body bang like dynamite.†The back-and-forth feels like a conversation, giving the song a playful yet intimate energy.
The video keeps it simple but charged. With just Tyla and Wizkid on screen, there’s no need for flashy scenes. The two artists move, vibe, and lock eyes—drawing us into the world they’re singing about. Watch the video below.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has reached a major milestone in her career, hitting 20.32 million monthly listeners on Spotify, her highest number yet on the platform.
The feat cements her place as one of Nigeria’s biggest global music stars.
From her breakout track Try Me to chart-topping hits like Wizkid’s Essence and Future’s Wait for U featuring Drake, Tems’ catalog continues to push Nigerian music further onto the global stage.
Her recent achievement reflects the rising demand for African music internationally and showcases her role as a trailblazer among the new wave of Afrobeats stars. As she prepares for more releases and performances on global stages, it is evident to say that Tems’ sound is resonating everywhere, and her influence is only just beginning to grow.
Tems reaches a new all-time high on Spotify with 20.32M monthly listeners.
— She’s currently the 2nd Nigerian artist with the most monthly listeners on the platform. pic.twitter.com/YFn7ST1GL8
Nigerian singer Akinmayokun Awodumila, popularly known as Mr May D, is trending on social media following a heated exchange that started after his recent performance at an event in Lagos.
May D, alongside street-pop act Small Doctor, performed at the Huspuppi Cup opening ceremony held in the Oworoshoki area of Lagos. However, clips of May D performing in front of a street crowd quickly made the rounds online, sparking mixed reactions.
Tufab, a close associate of Wizkid, fueled the drama with a mocking tweet that read: “For May D mind he dey perform for 02 Arena. Sold Out.†Though the post was later deleted, it had already stirred backlash.
Popular DJ Neptune came to May D’s defense, criticizing Tufab for belittling an artist earning a living through his craft. “Your fellow man is hustling legally for his daily bread with his God-given talent, and this is what you have to say? Everything shouldn’t be for cruise. E red today, no mean say e no go green tomorrow. SMH,†he tweeted.
Sigh! Your fellow man is hustling legally for his daily bread with his God-given talent, and this is what you have to say? Everything shouldn't be for cruise. E red today, no mean say e no go green tomorrow. SMH https://t.co/hBEn6yxDC1
Rapper Skales also weighed in, dragging Tufab for trolling artists online. He described him as “an old man, probably almost 40, who has no real job but spends time insulting people like he’s in his early 20s.â€
Tufab is an old man prolly almost 40 that comes online to troll nighas but has no real job with his ugly scar face … what he does online is what someone that’s in their early 20’s do .. ass kisser .. beggy beggy … insulting artiste as if you have achieved anything for yourself…
See the stupid Skales. Typical useless hypocrite, na now you wan post May D say God bless you. abi u dy use style mock am inside ur ugly mind.. So when it trended days ago why you no tweet in support. Fake asss Modaphucker. People saying I dy make enemies shay na dis kind of…
Meanwhile, Mr May D himself broke his silence through an Instagram Story, defending his Lagos street audience. “Those guys are human too, you all should shut up,†he wrote, addressing those mocking his performance.
God bless you Mayd …, na honest work you dey do you no kill person… stay deligent …GOD GATCHYOU BROTHER.. I am praying for you https://t.co/kJy1EApry6
The incident has since divided opinions online, with some fans praising May D for staying grounded and performing anywhere he’s called, while others debate whether the trolling crossed the line. Fans praised the performance of May D at the Lagos event.
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South African sensation Tyla has joined forces with Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Wizkid for a new track titled “Dynamite.†The collaboration brings together two of Africa’s most distinctive voices, blending Tyla’s smooth, playful delivery with Wizkid’s laid-back flow.
On “Dynamite,†Tyla and Wizkid trade lines that echo a shared attraction, building a narrative around rhythm, movement, and the pull of undeniable chemistry. Tyla sings about taking control of the pace—“Why don’t you bring it, come my way? Hold me ’round my waistâ€â€”while Wizkid responds with a mix of charm and certainty, declaring, “Your body bang like dynamite.†The back-and-forth creates a conversational energy, making the track feel both intimate and lively.
The production leans into Afrobeats and Amapiano with a steady, hypnotic groove, giving Tyla’s soft yet assertive vocals room to glide while Wizkid adds his touch of warmth and melody. Lyrically, the song isn’t just about dance, it’s about connection, the unspoken conversation between two people drawn to each other.
The collaboration feels natural, almost inevitable, as both artists share a knack for making Afrobeats sound inviting, modern, and deeply personal.
Wizkid and Tyla, two of the biggest African music stars in the world right now, join forces for an all-out banger of a collaboration on “DYNAMITE.â€
The new single, built on a bouncy bass line and syncopated drums, sees the Nigerian and South African music superstars blending their vocals perfectly as they trade sultry verses over the beat.
The new collaboration is sure to be a late contender for song of the summer, as we can see this one playing on dance floors on both sides of the Atlantic for months to come.
“DYNAMITE†features on WWP, a four-track bundle of songs Tyla has just dropped, which also features the previously released “IS IT†and “BLISS,†as well as another new track, “MR. MEDIA.â€
“When I thought of doing a mixtape called ‘WWP,’ I went back to all my old demos and I remembered the Wiz one,†Tyla had previously mentioned at one of her London concerts. “And it was still good, like, after three years! I just told him, ‘Let’s finish it because I want to drop it.’â€
So, “DYNAMITE†has been around for a minute, but it still plays like a fresh banger.
Listen to Wizkid and Tyla’s “DYNAMITE†and check out the full WWP bundle below.
Wizkid and Tems have set new records for the music industry in Africa as Apple Music unveiled the most streamed songs of all time.
Apple music honoured and celebrated the biggest songs of all time which garnered the highest number streams on their streaming platform as they announced the most streamed songs of all time on Apple music and the talented Nigerian artists Tems and Wizkid set a new record for the music industry in Africa with their appearance on the list.
Wizkid with the Drake 'One Dance' collaboration saw the multiple award-winning singer and performer become the highest ranked African act on the list.
Tems with her Grammy award-winning collaboration with Future and Drake titled 'Wait For U' saw the innovative singer who has championed a new initiative to support women in music in Africa become the highest ranked and only female African artist on the chart.
The most streamed songs in history on Apple Music
Here are the most streamed songs in history on the streaming platform, Apple Music:
Most streamed songs in Apple Music history (Top 500):
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Apple Music has unveiled its list of the 500 most-streamed songs of the decade, with Ed Sheeran’s global hit Shape of You taking the top spot.
The British singer-songwriter’s 2017 track has outperformed every other song on the platform in the past 10 years, beating The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights and Drake’s God’s Plan, which landed in second and third place respectively.
Upon its release, Shape of You shattered Apple Music’s record for the highest number of first-day streams and went on to dominate the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks. The track later earned Ed Sheeran a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2018.
The remainder of the top 10 features a mix of pop and hip-hop heavyweights. Post Malone makes two appearances with Sunflower alongside Swae Lee at No. 4 and Rockstar featuring 21 Savage at No. 5. Other chart-toppers include Drake’s One Dance featuring Wizkid and Kyla, Travis Scott’s Sicko Mode, Sheeran’s Perfect, Chris Brown’s No Guidance, and Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy.
Drake holds the title for the most entries on the list, with 27 songs making the cut. Taylor Swift follows with 14, while Mariah Carey secures a notable spot as the only artist with a holiday track in the upper rankings, her classic All I Want for Christmas Is You lands at No. 100.
To mark the milestone, Apple Music released a special playlist featuring the full 500-song lineup and shared an exclusive interview with Ed Sheeran. Reflecting on the enduring success of Shape of You, Sheeran told Zane Lowe, “No one can take away the song. I’ll be able to play it forever… I’m just grateful to have songs like that, where anywhere in the world, you can pick up a guitar and make someone happy.”
The full list of all most-streamed songs and playlist are now available for streaming on Apple Music.
JUST IN:
Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" is officially the #1 Most Streamed Song in Apple Music History pic.twitter.com/11gMqLGVxv
Here are 23 interesting facts about Ayra Starr you probably didn’t know.
Afrobeats’ golden girl, Ayra Starr, turned 23 on June 14, 2025, and while fans worldwide celebrated her new age, many are still curious about the woman behind the voice.
Since breaking out with her self-titled EP under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records in 2021, the Rush hitmaker has become a global sensation, with chart-topping singles, viral anthems, and a distinct Gen Z appeal.
In early June 2025, Ayra Starr made history by clinching the Best International Act award at the BET Awards. This accolade which was a major highlight of the evening, recognizes outstanding non‑American artists, and her win confirmed her status among the world's top global musicians. It marked a major milestone for Nigerian and African women in music, demonstrating her ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with established global stars.
2. Double victory at the 2025 MOBO Awards
Celebrating African music at its finest! Big congrats to @ayrastarr , winner of Best African Music Act. A well-deserved recognition for an artist making waves across the continent and beyond! #MOBOAwardspic.twitter.com/dynMpf8syI
In February 2025, she had two major MOBO wins in Newcastle, Best African Music Act and Best International Act, the former being particularly notable because no female had won it in 16 years.
This sweep defied expectations and cemented her reputation as a trailblazer, earned through both technical skill and cultural appeal. It also reflected growing recognition of female artists in Afrobeats on the world stage.
3. Gimme Dat collab with Wizkid
Her 2025 single Gimme Dat, featuring Wizkid, cleverly samples the classic Mary J. Blige & Wyclef Jean track 911. In Nigeria, the song peaked at No. 3, and it also climbed into the top 10 of the Billboard US Afrobeats chart. The collaboration showcased her ability to blend nostalgia with modern flair while solidifying her position as a key player in the genre’s new guard.
4. Spotify’s Nigerian impact campaign
Ayra Starr has made history as the first female to win Best African Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards, a feat unmatched by any woman in 16 years. Globally, she led Spotify’s Nigeria Global Impact List 2025 with six top 30 songs, including "Santa" at , showcasing her unique dominance as… pic.twitter.com/7ov6PuKYLK
In early 2025, Ayra dropped tracks from her album The Year I Turned 21, landing six of them in Spotify’s “Nigeria Global Impact” Top 30. This Spotify metric measures music that’s resonating worldwide through Nigerian listeners. It proves she can pack a punch with more than one hit, inspiring an entire playlist of hits that audiences around the world are streaming hard.
5. Rush conquers the UK
Ayra Starr's "Rush" has now been certified platinum in the UK
Rush, her seminal hit, peaked at No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart and gained significant traction across multiple European territories. In May, 2025, Rush became certified platinum in the UK. It became her first song to achieve this milestone in the region. The success reflects how her music and Afrobeats more broadly, is crossing into Western mainstream airwaves. It also confirms that her sound resonates with diverse audiences, not just Afrobeats fans.
In 2023, Rush earned a Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category. Although she didn’t win, the nomination alone boosted her international visibility and flagged her as one of Afrobeats’ most formidable young voices.
7. 100 Million YouTube views by age 18
Happy 23rd birthday, Ayra Starr
⁃First Nigerian female artiste to surpass 400 million views on YouTube.
⁃First Nigerian female artiste to debut an album on the Billboard Albums 200 chart.
⁃First project by a Nigerian female artiste to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify.… pic.twitter.com/KOWPHIoyxi
By early 2021, at just 18 years old, Ayra became the youngest Nigerian female artist to reach 100 million views on YouTube, powered mainly by the viral success of Rush. Also, she became the first Nigerian female artiste to surpass 400 million views on YouTube. Her meteoric rise not only showcased her generation's power to go global via digital platforms but also marked her as a phenomenon in a single click.
Her debut album, 19 & Dangerous (2021), was a masterclass in genre fluidity, melding Afropop, R&B, alté, trap, neo-soul, jazz, and EDM. The creative melding helped carve out her distinctive sound: a refreshing fusion that resists easy categorization but appeals to music lovers across styles.
At the Balmain FW24 show in Paris, Ayra stunned in a latex cut-out look, an appearance that instantly went viral in fashion circles. Her ability to seamlessly step into couture-runway spaces reinforced her dual status as both a music star and a fearless fashion icon.
10. Educated & multilingual
Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, she holds a degree in International Relations from Les Cours Sonou University. Growing up between Nigeria and Benin educated her in English, Yoruba, and French, further connecting her with diverse West African audiences.
Before her rise in music, Ayra was signed to Quove Models in Lagos, featuring in brand campaigns and magazine spreads. Her early modeling built her comfort in the spotlight, and that experience carries through her confident stage presence and visuals.
12. Her name means 'woke'
She defines Ayra rooted in Arabic as meaning "woke" or "eye‑opening," reflecting her mission to uplift and empower listeners. It’s a name that perfectly aligns with her music's themes of growth, self-discovery, and authenticity.
13. Faith underpins her art
Despite her bold style, Ayra describes herself as deeply spiritual and references her Christian faith in interviews. This balance between personal belief and artistic expression deepens her appeal, conveying sincerity beyond the glamor.
14. Writes her own music
Hits like Away, Rush, and Bloody Samaritan are penned by Ayra herself, evidence of her creative control and authenticity as an artist. Her writing reinforces that she’s not just a performer but a storyteller.
15. TikTok-fueled viral sensation
Thanks to TikTok, Rush exploded into global consciousness. TikTok users turned her song’s catchy hook into a viral dance moment. The buzz propelled her music past 100 million YouTube views and earned her pop undeniable recognition.
16. Mostly vegetarian lifestyle
Ayra has shared her preference for a plant-based diet, reflecting her commitment to health, eco-conscious living, and self-care. It’s a reminder of her off-stage poise behind the energy of her performances.
17. Proud anime fan
She’s an anime nerd at heart, frequently praising Naruto and Attack on Titan in interviews. The unexpected detail illustrates her pop culture depth and reveals interests beyond typical celebrity talk.
18. Billboard 200 alumna
JUST IN
Ayra Starr makes HISTORY as she becomes the first Nigerian female artist to debut an album on the Billboard Albums 200 chart.
Her sophomore album The Year I Turned 21 not only debuted at No. 1 in Nigeria but also earned a spot on the Billboard 200, making her the first Nigerian woman to land in that ranking. It’s another testament to her rising global influence.
Of all the facts about Ayra Starr, this is the most obvious. From couture to streetwear, Ayra consistently delivers bold, boundary-pushing looks. Whether styled in vintage glam or edgy streetwear, she’s fast becoming one of Africa’s most influential style leaders.
20. Champion for LGBTQ+ rights
Grammy nominated icon Ayra Starr has donated $1.5 million to the LGBTQ+ community.
Ayra’s expressed visible support for LGBTQ+ communities, advocating love, inclusion, and self-expression through her public platforms. In culturally conservative spaces, her stance fuels positive social change.
21. Manifestation advocate
She often credits “manifesting greatness” for guiding her trajectory, believing in affirmations and positive thinking. Her mindset reflects Gen Z’s alignment with spiritual wellness and personal growth as pathways to success.
22. Featured on ‘Creed III’ soundtrack
A reminder that Ayra Starr featured in these two big movie soundtracks in 2023
In 2023, she appeared on the Creed III soundtrack, placing her voice alongside major international artists. Her inclusion speaks to her crossover appeal and growing rapport within film and music industries.
23. Headlined a world tour in 2024
It’s my first headline tourrrrr !!! I’ve been touring around the world , opening for other artists , opening stages at festivals , Now it’s an Ayra Starr show ! ! Pre sale tickets are live tomorrow , CODE : (MOBSTARRS)! Tickets go live on fridayyy! Link in my sexy… pic.twitter.com/D02lLn4aw3
Her 21: The World Tour spanned North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia, taking her message to fans across continents. The tour showcased her stage energy, global reach, and status as a next-gen Afrobeats heavyweight.
Lastly, of all the facts about Ayra Starr, it is evident that at just 23, she isn’t just observing music culture, she’s shaping it. From awards and viral hits to fashion and activism, her story embodies what it means to build a modern musical empire rooted in purpose and global outlook.
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Nigerian rap icon and YBNL Nation boss, Olamide, has officially unveiled the tracklist for his highly anticipated album titled Olamide, scheduled for release on June 19, 2025.
The announcement, accompanied by a striking album artwork, reveals an impressive lineup of collaborations that promise to make this project one of the most exciting releases of the year.
The 17-track album features a diverse mix of local and international heavyweights, with multiple appearances from Afrobeats superstar Wizkid, who is featured on tracks Kai and Billionaires Club. Street-hop sensation Seyi Vibez also makes a double appearance alongside Muyeez on Free and on the all-star anthem 99, which also includes contributions from Young Jonn, Asake, and Daecolm.
In a surprising crossover move, legendary American producer Dr. Dre joins forces with Nigerian DJ and producer Spinall on Indika, marking one of the most unexpected collaborations on the project. Other notable guest appearances include British rapper Darkoo, reggae-dancehall star Popcaan on Rain, BOJ on Stronger, and rising star Fadi on Paris.
The tracklist suggests a rich blend of sounds ranging from rap, street-hop, Afrobeats, and dancehall to international hip-hop influences. Titles like Prelude, Hasibunallah, Luvaluvah, Hybrid, and Lalakipo hint at a fusion of introspection, street credibility, and melodic experimentation that fans have come to expect from Olamide.
This marks another milestone in Olamide’s illustrious career, reinforcing his reputation for pushing sonic boundaries and bridging genres while nurturing young talents within and outside Nigeria.
With the album due out in just a few days, the excitement within the Afrobeats community is palpable. Fans eagerly anticipate what promises to be a landmark project from one of the genre's most consistent hitmakers.
Lastly, with the tracklist out, the album Olamide officially drops on June 19, 2025.
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.
Maleek Berry was starting to sense that something was missing. The British Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer was aware that the emotional and technical elements that once enlivened Afropop music were being overlooked by those who grew up with it.
"Good songs, great songwriting, great storytelling… Afrobeats fans are yearning for that right now. That's why I had to go away and put together a collection of amazing songs that people can relate to for years to come. Not only party to, but cry to, get married to, have babies to," Berry, born Maleek Shoyebi, tells OkayAfrica in an exclusive interview.
The result of that time off is Berry's debut album, If Only Love Was Enough. It's Berry's most anticipated work, which arrives just about a decade into his time in the industry as one of the most important pioneers of contemporary Afropop music.
A predominantly R&B and Afropop blend, 'If Only Love Was Enough' pays homage to the early 2010s Afrobeats sound with a strong awareness of the times. The album features new-age artists likeRuger, as well as longtime collaborators of Berry likeTiwa Savage andWizkid. In a music landscape that has been hurtling towards global expansion and evolving its sonic identity at a dizzying pace, Berry wants to slow things down a bit. If the project sounds like a time capsule, it is likely because it has been in development for several years and incorporates a range of sonic influences from various eras.
"I've gone through so many different versions," Berry says. "I've gone through many phases of not liking a particular song or not liking a certain group of songs, and changing them over and bringing them back. The album was supposed to have dropped a long, long time ago, but I'm glad I waited this long, and I've finally arrived at this version now. I'm very proud of it."
If Only Love Was Enough is not, thematically or structurally, a cultural statement after all. The songs here explore unrequited love, romance, and existential reflections, all classic Maleek Berry themes, but the project is highly symbolic. It's a well-articulated response to the creative slump that Nigerian music has found itself in recently. Berry is aware that, on a sonic level, this project has the potential to kickstart a return to basics, reminding music makers and Afrobeats listeners of the magic and thrill of a musical era that should never have been forgotten. "In my opinion, it's going to bring a breath of fresh air and carve out a whole new direction musically and sonically for the space as well," he adds.
Berry from the past
Much of what has made Maleek Berry's sound distinct is his devotion to drawing from the past while keeping his ears open to what the present has to say. His journey into the Nigerian music scene began in 2011. While on vacation in Nigeria at the time, he would connect with some of the voices who were already molding the scene —Davido,Naeto C,Wande Coal, and Wizkid — and eventually got his first major hit with "Carolina," featuring Sauce Kid and Davido. Then there was 2013's "The Matter" featuring Wizkid. A recurrent feature of that sound was an intelligent blend of percussion and hip-hop flows. It was modern, quintessentially Nigerian, and helped blaze a trail for what the genre would go on to become.
On If Only Love Was Enough, Berry seeks the expertise of former collaborators who also ruled the scene in that era while also drawing from the R&B music he grew up listening to. "I wanted to bring those worlds together. I had to do a little bit of looking into myself as well and getting out of my way, listening to my previous projects, figuring out the greatest songs that I've written that people liked, and not overthinking it, and making sure I have something on the album for everybody."
For Berry, the sounds of the early 2000s are timeless because it was also a time with minimal distractions.
"People were writing some of the best music ever to come out. The world was a lot less distracted during that period. That was one of the main reasons for my prolonged absence. I had to go and live life to experience what it felt like to truly live the meaning of these songs. This is what real artists used to do back in the day."
Berry worked with longtime collaborators like Legendury Beatz to keep himself rooted in the sound he wanted to create. "All of us started together back in the day, working with Wiz during the Star Boy era. There were points where I was stuck, and I had certain creative blocks, and I'd go down and ask their opinion."
Berry was also tempted to jump on the amapiano wave, but his close collaborators were opposed to the idea. "We've had many moments like this during this album creation process. Legendury Beatz would sit me down and be like, 'You know you have a sound, right? You created something back then that is tangible.' Getting reminded about that and what that sound meant to people, and what it still means to people today, gave me the confidence to stick with this sound and stick with the theme."
Berry hopes that If Only Love Was Enough will be inspirational. "I always want people to be inspired by my music," he says. "I want my music to stand the test of time. So, the same way my fans are still listening to music we released in 2013 or 2016, I want to have the same impact with this music, if not more." Even more important to Berry is how this work might inspire his peers. "All of us are sharpening each other, and I want my peers to hear this album and be blown away just like everybody else."
Ayra Starrhas won her first BET award after clinching the highly coveted Best International Act Award. The Afrobeats star beat out strong competition, which included Mavin Records labelmate Rema, last year's winnerTyla, Ghanaian maverick Black Sherif, andUncle Waffles, among others.
The win was well celebrated by multiple sections of the homebound and international audience, as Ayra Starr has often been nominated for top international awards, including the BET and Grammys, but had previously come second to other artists. This feels like a deserved win, especially considering the quietly purposeful year Starr has been having. A few weeks ago, she performed at a New Balance event, and her two singles, the Valentine anthem "All The Love" and theWizkid-featured "Gimme Dat," have been doing very well on the charts.
As expected, Ayra's BET nod has opened up a flurry of conversations. One of those is Jay-Z's Roc Nation congratulating Ayra Starr via their X account. This move has sparked speculation about whether the label has signed the Nigerian star or has some ongoing business in the background.
It is known that since the 2010s, Mavin CEODon Jazzy has maintained a connection with his Roc Nation counterpart, with Jay-Z reportedly sending members of his team, including the rapper Jay Electronica, to scout for Nigerian talent. This visit also resulted in a song.
A more pressing commentary on Ayra's BET win is that her award was presented to her backstage despite her presence at the event, which was held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. People have noted how Wizkid once criticized international award shows for their reluctance to appreciate African acts on the same stages as their international colleagues, an act the Afrobeats veteran labeled as "rubbish."
Ayra Starr has also insisted on being properly recognized for her work, criticizing Nigeria's premier music awards, the Headies, in 2023 for awarding her Best Female Act after the event had concluded. "We didn't deserve such nonchalance!" she wrote in a post on X afterward. It remains to be seen how she will respond to BET's action, but such actions should have no place in the music industry, especially in a globalized scene that owes its success to the efforts of players from around the world.
Beyond Ayra's win, Africa had further reason to celebrate as the Amapiano women DJ duo TxC snagged the coveted Best New International Act, joining their respected South African forebears likeBlack Coffee andSho Madjozi who have won the BET in previous years.
Cynthia Erivo, the British actor of Nigerian descent, was also awarded Best Actress, cementing her place as one of the faces of contemporary Black cinema. Erivo has had a phenomenal year, earning critical acclaim and multiple prestigious nominations for her powerhouse performance as Elphaba in the blockbuster musical "Wicked," including Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG, and Critics' Choice nominations for Best Actress.
OkayAfrica was on the ground, capturing the energy and excitement of African talent on the red carpet. We spoke with several of the continent's brightest stars.
The duo TxC was excited to be there and wished that everyone could experience the energizing atmosphere. “It is crazy! Being here, seeing everybody, the atmosphere … everything that is happening right now. I feel like everybody should experience this,” one of them tells OkayAfrica.
As he closed his set at Tottenham Stadium in July 2023,Wizkid stood for a moment, shirtless, amidst a sea of over 62,000 people, as the projection of an eagle with wings of fire stood majestically over him on a large screen.
The moment was symbolic, dense with meaning. Wizkid had just made history as the first African artist ever to sell out Tottenham Stadium. Here stood one of Afrobeats' biggest cultural exports, breaking another record and paving the way for those coming behind him. It was a moment to relish.
But what did it take to pull off such a feat? How did the expansive and structurally ambitious stage set-up come to life? What burdens or anxieties plagued him on the day of the event or during rehearsals? And, most importantly, what did that moment mean for his fans and the people who look up to him?
Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, a new documentary on Wizkid and his journey to performing at Tottenham Stadium, answers those questions. The documentary is set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival this Friday, June 6. It is directed by American filmmaker Karam Gill, who is also known for directing Lil Baby's documentary Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby. Wizkid: Long Live Lagos is a deeply vulnerable look at a cultural figure navigating global stardom while staying true to his roots and trying to fulfill the promises he made to himself.
"It's the most intimate view of Wizkid I've ever seen," Seni Saraki, who co-produced the project, tells OkayAfrica. In 1 hour and 23 minutes, viewers will follow Wizkid from London to Surulere, the Lagos neighborhood that shaped him and remains his most crucial creative springboard. The documentary also takes the opportunity to examine the rise of Nigerian music, what it means to be a global star from the African continent, and the many burdens that come with that.
Cross-cultural movement
For Saraki, this documentary is a full-circle moment.
Towards the end of 2020, the same year Wizkid released his fourth album, one of the most culturally significant albums in global music history,Made In Lagos, Native Magazine, under Saraki's editorial guidance, did something simultaneously honorific and consequential.
Dedicating four different covers and an entire magazine to Wizkid, Native chronicled the rise and reach of Wizkid's impressive global stardom through an extensive profile of the man himself and also through the eyes of his managers, producers, visual artists, and the people his music has touched at one point or another. Called the Wizmag, it was a befitting celebration of a generational artist whose project was already piloting the rise of Afrobeats music in the late 2010s.
More than five years later, that editorial project helped provide a thorough, on-ground perspective of Wizkid for the documentary. It is through the cultural insight provided by that editorial project that the documentary was able to accurately contextualize and frame Wizkid through the eyes of the people who know him best. Having a Nigeria-based media outfit involved in the production of an important film about one of its brightest stars was also a necessary step in telling a culturally resonant story.
"I see how it would look like a full circle moment," Saraki tells OkayAfrica. "I think for us, it's a testament to what we tried to do when we started Native. When [Karam] was working on the film, he saw that Native kept coming up in the research, and then he stumbled on Wizmag."
Saraki says that the documentary is a candid look at the grueling work that goes into maintaining the level of excellence for which Wizkid's artistry is known. "You can't do that stuff by mistake," Saraki says. "There's a certain level of process and preparation and dedication to a craft to get to that level. I think this film shows, probably, the most intimate view we've seen from Nigeria to date in terms of this new generation of artists."
The way Saraki sees it, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos will come to be an important cultural artifact for emerging voices in the Nigerian music industry.
Examining the culture
As a storyteller himself, Seni Saraki has worked across print, music, and now film in a bid to understand and thoroughly examine the flow and bends of culture. With his magazine, for instance, Saraki sought to engage with Nigerian music on a cerebral level at a time when many were simply consuming it without contextualizing it. The central theme in his work and one of the key forces that drew him to the project Wizkid: Long Live Lagos is an appetite for stories or artists who can get people to care about something.
"Getting people to care, to have an opinion about something in this day and age, when there's such an impression on people's time, that means a lot, and that's how I pick a lot of my projects," he says.
With Long Live Lagos, Saraki says he is most excited about the scope of the project. The documentary also looks at the rise of stan culture in Nigeria, focusing on how Wizkid's massive fan base helped pioneer a movement of rallying around Nigerian artists and building entire ecosystems around fandom. This documentary takes the opportunity to delve into the psyche of that movement.
"What this film encapsulates is that the love of these figures [like Wizkid] has shifted to being about talent and what you're good at, and these guys are offering their music to the world. That's why stanship now feels bigger. It's not about how rich they are. There's still a section of society that loves them because they're rich, but it's now about 'I love Wizkid because this song did this for me at this time in my life,' Saraki explains.
As viewers get a peek into Wizkid's life and the technicalities that make him Wizkid, Saraki hopes that this project allows people to slow down and appreciate how far Afrobeats music and the Nigerian music industry have come.
"I hope people first see it as a celebration of Wizkid and the celebration of the genre and the movement as a whole. There's a lot of conversation around how Afrobeats is doing, whether we're making progress, and if the story has ended. But there's still a long way to go, and there's still stuff to do," Saraki says. "Sometimes we get so insular, but are there a lot of countries apart from America that have six potential stadium artists in another country? I don't know if five artists from Spain could sell out the Tottenham Stadium. That's not to say rest on your laurels and think you've made it, but some people have done some incredible things. I think that's one thing I want people to take away from the film."
La superstar de l’Afrobeats, Ayodeji Balogun, alias Wizkid, a récemment annoncé le prénom de sa fille : Morayo Balogun. Ce prénom rend hommage à sa défunte mère. Cette révélation intervient quelques jours après la première apparition publique du chanteur avec sa fille de six mois au Festival du film de Tribeca à New York. Vendredi …
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