La superstar malienne Aya Nakamura s’apprête à enflammer la scène bordelaise ce vendredi 4 juillet 2025 à l’occasion d’un showcase très attendu à la discothèque The Base, située aux Bassins à flot. Ce lieu emblématique de la nuit bordelaise, fort de ses 1 000 m², a déjà accueilli de grands noms du hip-hop, à l’image de …
L’article Aya Nakamura de retour à Bordeaux pour un showcase exclusif est apparu en premier sur Africa Top Success.
La superstar malienne Aya Nakamura s’apprête à enflammer la scène bordelaise ce vendredi 4 juillet 2025 à l’occasion d’un showcase très attendu à la discothèque The Base, située aux Bassins à flot. Ce lieu emblématique de la nuit bordelaise, fort de ses 1 000 m², a déjà accueilli de grands noms du hip-hop, à l’image de …
Every week, OkayAfrica highlights the top Afrobeats and African music releases through our best music column, Songs You Need to Hear This Week.Read ahead for our round-up of the best new African music tracks and music videos that came across our desks this week.BNXN – “Cutesy”Cool flame best describes "Cutesy," the new record from BNXN. Known for flexing his lyrical abilities, on this one, the artist goes for the atmospheric, utilizing the half-realized pomp of drill-esque drums to croon about h
Every week, OkayAfrica highlights the top Afrobeats and African music releases through our best music column, Songs You Need to Hear This Week.
Read ahead for our round-up of the best new African music tracks and music videos that came across our desks this week.
BNXN – “Cutesy”
Cool flame best describes "Cutesy," the new record fromBNXN. Known for flexing his lyrical abilities, on this one, the artist goes for the atmospheric, utilizing the half-realized pomp of drill-esque drums to croon about his intentions for his lover. It's an affectionate performance made even more tender by BNXN's unfazed delivery, taking the theme in good stride even as the production infuses a strong dramatic quality. Sounding like a new era, we're all ears for what the artist has lined up. - Emmanuel Esomnofu
saveHXPE - "80s Baby" (feat. Baby Diaz)
Lesotho's saveHXPE wears his influences on his sleeve. On the follow-up to "Real", released earlier this year, he utilizes a Kendrick Lamar-esque cadence to magnetic effect. Baby Daiz is the extra seasoning, and levels up an otherwise intimate affair into a rap banger with multiple replay value. - Tšeliso Monaheng
Anendlessocean – "ZA"
Known for blurring the lines between contemporary gospel and the mainstream,Anendlessocean has delivered another record of stunning quality. "ZA" is an affirmative number elevated by its stirring, stripped soundscape and the artist's lucid lyrics, wherein he boasts of the assurance of living in the spirit. As always, it's a fine feat of musicality that is made even more beautiful through its resounding message. - EE
Veteran producer ID Cabasa has been orchestrating a series of reimagined songs, giving fresh life to some of the most transcendental records of the 2000s. On his latest, he flips the aspirational hues of 9ice's "Anytime," collaborating with a trio of artists who made their name from similar stories. A fine mix of lyrical sensibilities, the voices are in sync as well, making this undoubtedly one of the best songs from the project yet. - EE
Ishuu Industry & Ntate Stunna - "Ndeya Ndeya" (feat. 2wofresh)
On "Ndeya Ndeya", Ishuu Industry and Ntate Stunna create a party anthem for the ages. With 2wofresh in the mix, the song becomes more than just a jam; it's a statement of intent, never to stop loving the good times. - TM
Rowlene & Christer – "Don't Give Up On Me"
One of the most impressive voices in the scene, there's a vulnerability that is uniquely expressed in everyRowlene song. Her adeptness in the R&B style heightens her feeling for the mundane; even the most ordinary experiences are magnified when she sings about them. "Don't Give Up On Me" thrives on these influences. It emphasizes that while human flaws are inevitable, it's important for lovers to remain in awe of one another. With an exhilarating delivery that soars until the last second, it's one of the most emotive songs you've heard recently. – EE
B4bonah & Samsney – "Active"
Produced by Samsney, this record showcases a vulnerability in its arrangement. It explores the familiar Afropop theme of striving to build a better life, but its unique appeal comes from the infectious beat and B4bonah's spirited performance. Ultimately, it's a song reiterating the energy Ghanaian artists bring to the scene, and as always, it's active. – EE
The Cavemen - "Dancing Shoes"
Siblings Kingsley Okorie and Benjamin James are The Cavemen, a duo whose potent highlife songs have gained a sizeable following over the years. They have spent time with Lady Donli,KDDO, Busketmouth, and other shining lights in the Nigerian music scene. "Dancing Shoes" is a party manual, guiding you gently towards requisites on the dance floor. The aim, however, isn't to sweat, but to live in the music and never leave its magnetic field. - TM
Kwesta - “Joy” (feat. Nkosazana Daughter)
One of the most decorated rappers in South African hip-hop,Kwesta's range extends beyond the template he operates within. He has had bangers across genres and remains as sharp and relevant to the scene as ever, a testament to his staying power. On "Joy", he calls upon Nkosazana Daughter, whose silky voice is the sonic embodiment of easy living. In his usual, raspy voice, Kwesta spit lyrics steeped in slang so complex, it sounds like he invented the words for this song specifically. - TM
The nominees for the 25th annual BET Awards have officially landed, and African artists are making their presence felt. From Lagos to Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam to Accra, a diverse slate of continental talent has secured nominations across major categories, underlining the global rise and influence of African music.This year, Nigerian pop powerhouse Ayra Starr leads the African contingent with three nods – Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. It's a signi
The nominees for the 25th annual BET Awards have officially landed, and African artists are making their presence felt. From Lagos to Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam to Accra, a diverse slate of continental talent has secured nominations across major categories, underlining the global rise and influence of African music.
This year, Nigerian pop powerhouse Ayra Starr leads the African contingent with three nods – Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. It's a significant moment for the 21-year-old, whose debut album, The Year I Turned 21, has positioned her as a standout voice in the Afro-pop landscape. Ayra's nomination haul cements her arrival as a local chart-topper and a fully-fledged global star.
Another Nigerian trailblazer, Tems, earned double nominations in the BET Her category for “Burning” and “Hold On,” both from her critically acclaimed debut Born In The Wild. Known for her introspective writing and haunting vocals, Tems continues to expand the boundaries of soul and R&B, infusing them with the spirit of Lagos while resonating with audiences worldwide.
Across the Best New International Act category, the spotlight turns to a new class of African talent defining the moment: Nigeria’s Shallipopi, UK-based Nigerian artist Odeal, South Africa’s Maglera Doe Boy, Tanzania’s Abigail Chams, and Durban’s genre-bending producer Dlala Thukzin all made the cut. It’s a testament to the explosive creativity bubbling from African scenes that increasingly set the pace for pop music at large.
Speaking on this year’s nominations, Senior Vice President & Co-General Manager at Paramount Africa and Lead at BET International, Monde Twala, reflected on the significance of this moment: “The 2025 nominations reflect the incredible creativity, influence, and impact of African artists who are shaping culture and pushing boundaries. These talents represent the diversity and heartbeat of a new generation, and the global resonance of our sounds.”
The awards continue to spotlight excellence across Black entertainment. US rapper Kendrick Lamar leads all nominees with ten nods, including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for “Not Like Us.” Rising star Doechii, with her genre-bending debut Alligator Bites Never Heal, earned six nominations, tying with Drake, Future, and GloRilla. Meanwhile, SZA and The Weeknd both earned four nominations each.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the BET Awards, dubbed “Culture’s Biggest Night”, returns to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday, 10 June, broadcasting live on BET (DStv Channel 129 and GOtv Channel 21) at 01:00 WAT. The milestone event will also include the free 2-day BETX Fan Fest, co-produced by Live Nation Urban, with concerts, panel discussions, and community activations.
As African artists continue to break borders and redefine genre, their growing visibility at institutions like the BET Awards marks more than just individual wins; it’s a reflection of how the global cultural map is being redrawn.
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