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Eroticism is one theme that Afrobeats effortlessly eats anytime it comes to it. Whether directly, subtly or figuratively, it’s clear through these particular songs that artists can communicate their romantic and hedonist desires well.
Bump this:
Ready — Sarz, Fxrtune & Pjstar
Straight-up uncouth, Ready fills your head with Kama Sutra. This song is for the real eaters — the ones who won’t leave the sheets before a complimentary buffet.
YAHWEH — Lojay
Hold your church mind; don’t get it twisted that this has anything to do with God. This song supports the sweet gibberish you mutter in the course of the sloppiest “slurp-slurp”.
Water from Wine — Amaarae
Amaarae sings for those who’ll text back “omw” when their sneaky link calls. They just want to have a good time that’ll keep their satisfier on speed dial.
Water — Tyla
When realisation hits that this song isn’t about hard labour nor a conversation with a workout instructor, your mind quickly unwraps the subtle request for an intense genital meet-and-greet. As a queen who values her time, Tyla asks, “Can you blow my mind?” If she has to hustle for her own nut, you’re better off seated in your house.
Attends — Brazy
This fast-tempo House song takes you straight to the dance floor. When Brazy says, “Whine your waist, oda bi rubber,” you have to obey and put your flexible low waist to serious grinding. But with, “Cheat on me, I cheat on you” Brazy preaches that you pay your liaison back in their coin.
Amma HOE — Bizzonthetrack
On this self-confessed jam about being a hoe, Bizzonthetrack makes it clear he’s unavailable for commitment. He’s only committed to whoring activities.
Boytoy — SGaWD
The sexual awareness SGaWD flaunts on Boytoy is admirable AF. This song is for the sexually liberated folks who own it with their chest.
Shibebe — Olamide feat. Fireboy DML
Indoor is where the fun is at. You have all the time, space and privacy to “shibebe” (flaunt your waistbeads), Netflix and chill, do waterworks and all other sorts of debauchery. At least, that’s what Olamide Baddo and Fireboy DML said on this track.
It pays to have global recognition because Afrobeats has stepped up in the “compelling visuals” department this year. These were the best of the best music videos of the year.
Yoga — Asake
In January 2023, Asake released Yoga with a music video ahead of his second album drop. The TG Omori-directed visual captured Asake and his cast members by the seaside and in the tropical city of Dakar, Senegal. As Asake roamed the streets, looking like he was in the middle of an epiphany, he still found the time to fish, perform ceremonial rites and practise yoga.
FEEL — Davido
Davido bragged that the music video cost him ₦100 million to shoot. When it came out in October, we all saw why. What we got was more “movie” than “music video”. Top choice director of the stars, TG Omori, was to blame for this war flick, featuring displaced citizens, flying aircraft and explosions. Meanwhile, Davido played strategist in a library with a globe and sketching paper. Plot twist: he’s plotting to rescue his love interest from the war zone. While it would’ve fit better with a politically charged song, the shot was a cinematic gem.
Korokoro — Prettyboy D-O
The first minute of this video released in May, dramatised two friends in a herbalist’s house impatient to get rich by any means necessary. Pan to Prettyboy D-O hanging with individuals brandishing shiny machetes like playthings. D-O worked alongside BadFlicks to direct this very Nigerian video that showcases a high energy characteristic of us and the rampant gangsterism that’s overtaken our society.
Obapluto — Shallipopi feat. Pa Monday-Edo
October came with a Shallipopi’s Obapluto video. In this homage to the great Benin kingdom and his Edo roots, the artist landed in a spaceship to celebrate the ascension of his Plutomania era. The cast were adorned with mud-red beads from head to chest, neck and shoulder, and strapped in white robes. It’s beautiful to see Pa Monday-Edo Igbinidu who initially sued Shallipopi for illegally sampling his song, Iyovbere. Lagos-based KEMZ (SkiiBii’s Baddest Boy, King Perry’s YKTV) directed the video.
Money & Love — Wizkid
Seated on an open rooftop with a paint palette and brush in hand, Wizkid channelled his inner Picasso in this March-released video. Next, we saw an outdoor garage of classic Ferraris and a house party. Director K made it simple but portrayed the elegance expected of a man surrounded by money and love.
All Eyes On Me — Niniola
This Pink-directed music video came out in June, and it’s a “rich aunty” masterclass. It starts with a stress-free preparation at the make-up desk and a night-out look that turns heads with envy and side gossip. In another scene, Niniola lays out her gold jewellery and shoes, native lace dress and satellite gele. It’s no shock when she owns the Owambe gathering on arrival, bringing all attention to herself as the song demands.
Charm — Rema
Self-directed alongside Perliks and Folarin Oludare, Rema went from expressing himself through dance to being mesmerised by a woman’s seductive moves in the first 30 seconds. He was so mesmerised that he flew out of an explosion like an action star just to get a closer view of her fire dance. This video premiered in May and subtly introduced us to Rema’s current era, with the colour red and “raver” aesthetic. Five months later, he launched his RAVAGE project.
Dejavu — Seyi Vibez
Before the baddies make an appearance and cash starts to flow, Seyi Vibez and the video cast glow in white robes that look like martial arts attire, for a funeral procession-like scene. Seyi is shedding his old skin and transitioning into a new being. TG Omori and Seyi Vibez delivered yet another exhilarating video at the tail-end of September.
Still Sober — Aguero Banks feat. Phyno
In November, Oluthewave dropped this Hip-Hop music video focused on cliche street activities like rolling dice, outdoor workouts and run-ins with the police. As day morphs into night, the street hustle and exchanges carry on. Its cinematography applies a creative style of side shots that make the video a unique watch.
AGBALAGBI — OluwaMillar
On December 14, 2023, OluwaMillar released his very first music video. In it, he recreates Baba Suwe’s classic “Agbalagbi” scene before hanging with cameos on yellow buses in a Dashiki and cap, borrowing from Yorùbá Nollywood to offer a relatability that hits home. This music video complements the theme of the song well, judiciously managing an apparently limited budget. Emsi Lucky is a video director to watch out for.
Artists come and go, but the exceptional ones stick around to build name and relevance. As we wave 2023 goodbye, we’ve marked out ten new cats we believe will seize 2024.
These artists made our list because of their talent, uniqueness, consistency and quality of the music they put out this year.
Pop
Kold AF
The light has been on Kold AF, born Aninooritsewarami Alero Oritsesesan, since she and French music producer, BGRZ, put out the six-track EP, KOLLIDED, in October 2023. Almost every stage that gave space to upcoming stars this year — The Future Award Africa 2023, Jameson Distillery On Tour and Indie Vibe House Party — has seen her in action. She was one of the highlights of Aristokrat Records’ Open House Volume One album, which showcased some artists on the come-up in December 2022. In the same month, Kold AF released a two-song pack called Kold Szn. Influenced by Burna Boy and Cynthia Morgan, her voice and vivid storytelling distinguish her from the crowd.
Image source: Kold AF
Morravey
Morravey is more than just Davido’s latest signee. She’s one of the brightest talents out of one of Nigeria’s biggest breeding grounds for talent, Port Harcourt (PH). With a catchy delivery and vocal range, her impressive performance on Davido’s IN THE GARDEN introduced her to a wider audience. In November 2023, Morravey released an introductory album called RAVI, and with her label’s backing, she may be everywhere in 2024. Based on the project and with her PH background, the singer-songwriter is set to tell Afropop stories in new and interesting ways.
Instagram: Davidonews
Qing Madi
Qing Madi’s See Finish (2022) enjoyed some viral moments this year and earned her a position as Spotify Africa Equal Ambassador in June 2023. Madi has since released other singles like Why, Ole with BNXN and Journey, and finally, her self-titled debut EP. At just 17 years old, Qing Madi’s music has peaked on popular charts like Apple Music chart, Turntable Official Nigeria Top 100 and Official Charts Afrobeats. With this trajectory, she’ll only get bigger in 2024.
Instagram: @aijaupdates
Rap
OluwaMillar
Favour Joshua Oparemi, AKA OluwaMillar, penetrated the underground rap scene in 2022 with a series of songs and features. He was on For Her (Voice2Rep’s compilation album), Menu with Droxx, Kokoka with VRSD, Fake Heads with Blvck Oreo and a remix of Menu with Emaxee, O’Shea and PayBac iBoro. In 2023, he came out with a two-song pack titled Agba Beef, which featured the songs AGBALAGBI and Beef Dey. The beautifully unique delivery of Yorùbá language in his music sets him apart from the many rappers springing up these days.
X.com: @llarim9
Jeriq the Hustler
On December 10, 2023, Jeriq the Hustler filled the 15,000 capacity Okpara Square in Enugu for a concert. The Igbo-speaking rapper’s catalogue goes back to 2018 with releases every year till date. With upcoming features and co-signs from top industry people, Jeriq is about to be in our faces in 2024.
X.com: @the49thstreet
Droxx
Only a few artists can boast a solid streak of up to 20 guest features in a year. Droxx, AKA African Chief, has long proved himself as one of the pioneers of Drill music in Nigeria and a top contender for most revered new rapper in the country. He opened for Davido’s “Timeless Concert” alongside Rebelwav in Abuja on December 15, 2023. With every performance, Droxx showcases true passion, consistency and his charisma places him as one of the coolest young emcees who’ll make 2024 a year to remember in Nigerian Hip-Hop.
Image source: Droxx
R&B
Brum3h
Brumeh Oghenekaro is a singer-songwriter, record and vocal producer and sound engineer who calls himself “Emo Boy”. The name accurately describes the deep feelings Brum3h expresses on his songs. As the R&B scene returns to its purest form in Nigeria, you’ll find acts like Brum3h in the frontline, uncompromising and passionate with his rhythm and blues. In September, he released Typewrit3R Volume One — a set of love letters to a difficult lover.
Image source: Spotify
Rukmani
Rukmani is managed by Cokoon Records (sister company to Aristokrat Records). Straight out of Port Harcourt, Rukmani masterfully renders intimacy, vulnerability and youth onto her soul-searching audio material. And her debut album, Angel On the Run (2023), encompasses these elements perfectly.
Image source: Spotify
RnB Princess
Staking her claim as a singer and storyteller capable of deep emotion and soulful melodies, RnB Princess’ voice carries a warm appeal. Her dear diary EP, produced by Beezyx, proves this point.
Image source: Spotify
Alternative
DoTTi the Deity
Forever Sweet (2022), a neo-folklore jam that’s been reigning at wedding parties all year, has solidified DoTTi the Deity as an amazing songwriter, singer and performer. More than that, his lyrics showcase him as a Yorùbá language custodian for the new generation. In 2023, DoTTi released another EP titled For You Knew Me, giving us a peep into the greatness the singer will unleash in the coming year.
Image source: Spotify
Bizzonthetrack
With Bizzonthetrack, you’ll get a mix of pop, R&B and lo-fi influences. You’ll also get simple lyrics that cover hustle culture, good life and sensuality. If you want to relax and have a good time or marinate in your feelings, Bizz is the guy. Start with his latest, Sir Jaiye Kuti, or attend his concert in Ibadan on December 23 to experience him live.
X.com: @bizzonthetrack
Ravington
Sitting at the intersection of rap, singing and music production, Ravington has conveniently designed his own brand of alternative music. Borrowing from Cruel Santino, Odunsi the Engine and Black Magic, Ravington adds in his abstract style of production to go with his deep vocals. After his Retrograde Blues EP dropped in 2022, he put out five songs and produced for fellow up-and-comers in 2023. We look forward to his 2024 offerings.
Image source: Ravington
Production
Afroselekta-BBK
An Abuja-based music producer and artist, Afroselekta-BBK has collaborated with EESKAY, Zilla Oaks, Reeplay, Laxy-BBK and more of the city’s finests. His expertise is an alternative blend of Afropop, Amapiano, EDM and Hip-Hop sounds like drill, grime and trap. His music projects like AED & AMAPIANO (2023), DRILLER & VANILLA (2022), Dangerous (2021) and AED (2019) helped establish him as an expert on these sounds. We can’t wait for what he’ll bring in 2024. He’s also carved a dynamic spot for himself as an animator, writing scripts and animating videos for his music releases.
Image source: The Guardian Nigeria
Kemena
Some may recognise Kemena as a recording artist, songwriter and sound engineer, but he’s also a music producer with credit on all the tracks off his projects, Bond (2020) and Guitars and Malaria (2023). He creates and arranges his music from scratch and has produced for Joeboy (The Best For You), Badboywilz (Agbalagba) and Music Business Africa 2022 finalist, Jola Bello (Rain). His style swings between Afropop, R&B and alternative rock music.
Facebook: @Kemenamusic
NYRP
NYRP is an Afrobeats music producer making his name underground after he left the Sarz Academy in 2022. His soft popping beats have earned him production credit on songs like Jimni Abdul’s Royal Rumble, Söulaar’s Balance, Muis’ Saati Ramoni and The Lemon Vinyl’s Majo and Tomorrow.
Instagram: @nyrp_szn
DJing
WEAREALLCHEMICALS
When she’s not modelling or working on Dencity, her skateboard collective focuses on empowering women, Blessing Ewona AKA WEAREALLCHEMICALS, DJs. She has Gen-Zs spellbound with her Afrobeats, electronic dance (EDM) and House music mixes. You can catch her performances at every cool youth party in Lagos, such as Activ.Yard, Science Club and MELT. She’s on to something incredible with her unique mix style, and the mainstream will soon get fixed on her chemical doses. It’s only a matter of time.
Instagram: @blessing_ewona
DJ Kiss
Anyone who’s paid attention to DJ Kiss since her Unilorin days circa 2018 knows she’s cut from a different fabric. She never misses with her selection of romantic early 2000 pop hits, both local and foreign. She also works with afropop and rap jams of the 2010s, and a slew of current Afropop, Amapiano, House and Hip-hop hits. Kiss has worked stages like the Jameson City Takeover, Afrobeats in the City and even her very own U.K. Summer Tour from August to October 2023. But no matter the size of the venue she plays, her set always brings the crowd alive.
Instagram: @celebritydjkiss
DJ 212
DJ 212 is popular in the NYSC orientation camp and corporate events in Lagos for hot playlists of Afrobeats and Amapiano mashups. He’s the guy for anyone who needs twedding turn-ups and themed parties. After his Press Play Party 2.0 featured Asake and YhemoLee in February 2023, he’s set to have a blast with parties next year.
Signal is a new producer on the Afrobeats block, who got his big break working on Khaid’s Carry Me Go in March 2023. Since then, he’s worked with Joeboy, DJ Neptune and other household names. Signal took time out from putting his personal project together to share the process behind these hits, the pressure he’s faced since and what the music production game needs.
Tell us about yourself
Signal: I’m Signal, the Plug. I’m a music producer originally from Ekiti State, but born and bred in Ibadan. IB City is a massive part of my musical influences.
How so?
Signal: I grew up listening to Yoruba music. I still listen to a lot of Tungba, Fuji and Juju music, and it’s reflected in the drums aspects of my production.
How did you get into music production?
Signal: My interest developed in National Open University (Ekiti Chapter) in 2018. My mum noticed I liked computers, so she gave me her laptop. I got a production software my brother had told me about and messed around with it, and watched YouTube tutorials, for nothing less than a year. Then I started to recreate top-charting tracks.
Our local music and electronic dance music (EDM) influenced my early production. I’d constantly listen to music and blend different sounds based on how I felt about it. That was my start. In 2020, I jumped in and out of Lagos many times, going from studio to studio, linking up with artists that people recommended and those that I met online to create. From going studio to studio; producing and recording, I have since met more artists and music business people.
Describe your signature sound
Signal: I call it a “happy sound” because 99% of the time, my sound will put you in a happy mood. My catalogue is proof of that.
What’s your creative process like now?
Signal: I produced Carry Me Go in January 2023, and it was one of the most straightforward jams I’ve ever made. I was in the studio with Khaid and Boy Spyce, and we decided to work on something. I had the drums down, we figured out the melody on it, we vibed for a bit, and when it got to the “Carry me go” part, we were sure the jam was done. We left it, returned to the studio later, trimmed it and moved to the mixing session.
For Mumu, I recorded it with Joeboy on my birthday — February 23. I went to his side, and he asked if I had beats to play for him. At first, I said no because I didn’t have any beat I’d made for him in particular, but I eventually played him a random beat. He was like, “But you said you didn’t have any”. He got to writing, and we finalised on the song that night. Months later, he connected me with DJ Neptune to release it.
Has anything changed for you since you made these hits?
Signal: Yes. How people view me. More people are willing to work with me. They feel like since I have hit songs under my belt, I can replicate it for them. If people insist they want me to recreate something I’ve done before, I will. But I don’t miss the chance to convince them that we should work on something new. If I’d stayed recreating stuff I’d made before, I probably wouldn’t have any of the popular jams I’ve made now.
I’m a beat selector now; people seek for my special sound. I have to stay innovative. Music production began as fun for me. It’s more work now, but I can’t afford to lose the fun part.
How hard has it been to keep the fun part?
Signal: Quite hard.
My experience so far has changed my idea of what it’s like to be a musician. Beyond making beats, I’ve had to learn to be strategic.
My experience with creators outside Nigeria has changed how I create too. Now, I know music is more than just recording a song. I also have to constantly adapt to new technology.
What are your thoughts on the current Nigerian music industry?
Signal: We need more transparency. The industry can be more open about information musicians need to navigate the business. People who contribute to songs should be credited appropriately. There should be an official platform where listeners can read the lists of people who worked on their favourite songs. We need more recognition for the people on the backend.
The situation is getting better though. And that’s exciting.
What’s next for Signal?
Signal: I’m working on my own project. Most of the tracks are ready, but getting clearances from different artists and their managements takes a while. I might make an instrumental project too, but we’ll see. Signal isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Many will return home to spend time with their loved ones because it’s the end of the year and holiday season. Those who haven’t seen each other in a while will link and catch up. People will bond over food and create new memories.
But in all these doings, there are some types of people who must be avoided if cheer and relaxation is what you want.
Reckless spenders
It’s important to spend and ball wisely this December because January will be here in mere seconds. Don’t let your peer’s spending spree lead you astray. Go out with the elderly ones and leave the burden of payment to them.
People who bill
But in choosing the elderly loved one to move with, don’t choose a black taxer by mistake. Anybody who bills you this holiday is inconsiderate — except you’re Tinubu’s minister or an assistant to his assistant. You might want to bill them, but that’s different.
Entitled people
You haven’t seen or heard from them in a long time, but they get upset because you’ve forgotten them? Except they’re those area brothers you have to settle to avoid trouble, please avoid them..
People who don’t send invites
They’re your “friends”, but they haven’t invited you to their house to eat Christmas food? Please, tell them to fix up before it’s too late and they lose you forever.
Team promise-and-fail
If your friend pledges to waybill you your Christmas food, but no delivery guy shows up to your door, he or she is a scammer. Immediately, start avoiding such friends.
Unappreciative people
Detach yourself from people who don’t appreciate and respect your time or feelings. Don’t let them take you on an unnecessary cruise this Christmas.
Party poopers
Anybody who dulls your vibe in or outside your house should be thrown away.
FitFam people
These ones are the worst of them all! Anyone who won’t let you breathe eat this festive time without bringing up your weight or the gym, cut them off till after New Year’s. There’s a time and place for everything, please.
Every year, the naira fights valiantly for its life with little success, and 2023 has been no different. The year started on a hopeful note. With the 2023 general elections scheduled for the first quarter, many young Nigerians were optimistic about a government change that would mean a long-overdue improvement in the economy and other sectors.
The elections ended with one of the most keenly contested results in Nigeria’s history and the results have contributed in no small way to the many ups and downs (mostly downs) Nigerians have experienced money-wise since.
This is a timeline of 2023’s most important money events and conversations.
New fuel prices(Part 1)
Image: Punch Newspapers
Nigerians aren’t strangers to fuel scarcity, but the 2022 floods and reports of adulterated fuel brought us the worst version we’d seen at that point. Unstable fuel prices followed us into January 2023, with fuel stations selling at between ₦200 – 250 per litre against the standard ₦167. The Federal Government officially standardised fuel prices at ₦185 per litre on January 19, 2023, and sent a memo to petroleum marketers informing them of the same. Lagos State even created a timetable for filling stations to further beat the scarcity. By April, fuel sold at ₦254 per litre.
Godwin Emefiele first announced the redesign of the ₦200, ₦500 and ₦1000 notes on October 26, 2022, with a January 31, 2023, deadline to phase out the old notes. What followed was a series of events fit for a telenovela. The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, claimed she wasn’t informed. The naira soon fell sharply in the foreign exchange market — selling at ₦1,000 to £1 and ₦800 to $1. By January 2023, the new notes still weren’t in circulation.
The CBN moved the deadline to February 10, but two days before the new deadline, the Supreme Court gave a temporary order to halt the expiration of the old notes. In response, President Muhammadu announced that only the old ₦200 notes could remain in circulation beyond February 10. While experts debated on whether the president could overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling, Nigerians suffered the brunt of widespread cash scarcity and bank transaction failure.
The ATMs were either empty or limited to ₦5k daily withdrawals. Bank queues were longer than a Fela album. This led to protests across the country — several banks and ATM points were set ablaze. Most institutions were ill-equipped to accept cashless payments. Patients were left untreated as family members went on the hunt for cash. People were left stranded in supermarkets after botched POS or bank transfer transactions. A pregnant woman in Kaduna reportedly died because her husband couldn’t get cash in time for her to be admitted to a health centre. Pure chaos.
POS agents quickly became major players in the scarcity as Nigerians turned to them for urgent cash needs. But the agents had to brave the long ATM queues or buy the scarce new notes at high rates, which reflected in their transaction charges. In Ekiti, POS charges increased from ₦20 per ₦1k withdrawal to ₦300 per ₦1k. In Lagos, POS agents charged as much as ₦2k – ₦3k to give ₦10k cash.
While all this was happening, the Nigerian government was focused on the February 2023 elections. It wasn’t until March that the Supreme Court and CBN confirmed all old notes would remain legal tender till December 31, 2023. In November 2023, the Federal Government asked the Supreme Court to extend this deadline yet again for an indefinite period. And one is forced to ask: Why all the wahala in the first place?
Those were President Bola Tinubu’s famous words in his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023. Right away, fuel stations started hoarding fuel, leading to another scarcity within months of the last one, panic buying and transportation hikes across the nation. The few open fuel stations sold at ₦500 – ₦700 per litre even before the new prices were announced.
The official prices ended up going as high as ₦557 per litre. By July 2023, it had climbed to ₦617 per litre. Fuel rationing led to a decline in fuel consumption nationwide, fewer cars on the streets as people took to trekking, increased cost of goods and services hinged on transportation and general hardship. E-hailing cab drivers even went on a nationwide strike, requesting an increase in fares as they could no longer work with the new fuel prices.
President Tinubu claims that fuel subsidy removal saved Nigeria over ₦1 trillion in two months, which “will now be used more directly and more beneficially for you and your families.” What this means exactly and how it will be done isn’t clear right now.
President Tinubu signed the Student Loan Bill into law on June 12, 2023. The bill, which should provide interest-free loans to indigent Nigerian students, was received with mixed reactions. Nigerians expressed concern over the loan requirements and two-year imprisonment punishment for defaulting on repayment. The Student Loan Scheme is expected to kick off in January 2024.
On June 14, 2023, the CBN released a press release announcing its decision to allow the naira to “float” in the foreign exchange market, with hopes that it’d bring our currency to a unified exchange rate. This came after Tinubu suspended former CBN Governor Emefiele on “financing terrorism” charges. The policy change meant the CBN would no longer determine the exchange rate, and the rate at which the naira gets exchanged for any foreign currency is dependent on the agreed price reached by the buyer and the seller.
In July 2023, the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) announced a school fees hike from ₦45,000 to ₦100,000 for new students of Federal Government Colleges. This came despite appeals by the Nigerian Parents Forum in June 2023. Federal universities like the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the University of Nigeria (UNN) and the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) also announced hikes by as much as 200%, to the dismay of students and parents alike. While the presidency argued that tuition is still free, the schools increased their miscellaneous levies, citing prevailing economic realities and the high cost of living.
Mass business closure and layoffs
Image: Zikoko Memes
In August 2023, Pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced its decision to exit the Nigerian market after 51 years of operation, due to foreign exchange scarcity and volatility, rising business costs and a shrinking consumer base. Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Sanofi, Jumia Food and Bolt Food, joined the exodus, contributing to mass unemployment in a country with 71 million citizens already living in extreme poverty. Nigerian-based companies and small businesses weren’t spared either. 20 out of the 175 textile companies in Nigeria were forced to shut down. Due to the rising cost of maize, poultry farms followed. Tech companies like Bolt, Alerzo and Jumia, conducted mass lay-offs to stay afloat.
Nigeria’s new $1.95 billion loan
Maybe this is why they keep giving us loans
Between June and September 2023, President Tinubu took out three loans from the World Bank to fund the power sector, women’s economic empowerment and the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project. These loans are in addition to the country’s outstanding external debt of $14.51 billion to the World Bank.
The CBN revealed that the total amount of money available in Nigeria’s economy rose to ₦66.4 trillion in September 2023. But before you think, “Finally, a highlight!” This doesn’t mean we’re swimming in money. A larger money supply indicates declining interest rates, inflation and decreased purchasing power. Essentially, not good.
Highest inflation in two decades
Image: Zikoko Memes
The naira entered a free fall between September and October 2023, reaching a historic low of ₦1k/dollar and earning the tag of “one of the worst-performing African currencies” from the World Bank. In the parallel market, it sank as low as ₦1,170/dollar. Inflation rose to 26.72% in September — the ninth straight increase in 2023 and the highest in 20 years. Food inflation rose to 30.64%, adding to the food and living crisis across the nation.
Remember GSK Nigeria’s departure? As of November 2023, it meant drug prices had increased by up to 1000%, especially affecting inhalers and antibiotics. There has also been a reported drug scarcity due to the massive devaluation of the naira and a less-than-optimal business environment, leading to panic among consumers.
2023 came with a truckload of drama for Nigerians. Our dear fatherland witnessed things that had citizens in a perpetual state of “Wetin be this?” stirring heated discussions and emotions. As we finally countdown to the end, we take a trip down memory lane to capture the essence of events that drove the hottest conversations in 2023, reflecting the pulse of our nation through the course of the year.
The botched naira re-design
Image source: The Guardian Nigeria
Yes, there was a naira redesign exercise that ended up being pointless. Ex-CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, with President Buhari’s backing, announced plans to revamp the naira notes to curb the circulation of counterfeits. He gave a deadline for citizens to return their old notes to their banks in exchange for new ones, which he extended to February 10, 2023. However, a shortage in the circulation of the new notes caused a cash scarcity that showed Nigerians shege in 3D for the next several months.
One woman even went viral for cursing out the CBN governor.
On behalf of Baba Alamu of LUTH road, Mushin side, & Adija Alaso in Isale Eko & so many Nigerians.
In came President Tinubu’s administration in May, and the old notes were legal tender once again. Two weeks later, Emefiele was suspended from his post as CBN governor and arrested by the DSS over allegations of fraud. The arrest sparked joy amongst Nigerians who went through hell during the cash scarcity period.
On February 25, Nigerians stepped out en masse to vote for their next president. Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were the strongest candidates out of 18 who vied for the position. On May 29, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in as the 16th president of the country. This happened despite agitation from citizens, and reports from international observers like the European Union Election Observation Mission in Nigeria (EU EOM), that the elections were anything but free and fair.
Tinubu’s campaign and win further deepened tribal divides in the country. His controversial “Emi Lokan” (it is my turn) slogan touted a Yoruba-led presidency above other tribes. On election day, several cases of voter suppression against people who wanted to vote for Labour Party’s Peter Obi were reported across the country. Notable celebs like Chioma Akpotha and Falz reported cases of violence in their polling units.
On May 11, Hilda Baci set out to break the Guinness World Record for longest cooking marathon. In June, she was awarded the record for 93 hours — even though she cooked for 100. In that waiting period, Nigerians showed the GWR shege with an estimated 1500 people applying within two months. But none quite caught a buzz like Ekiti state’s Chef Dami, who got the heat for challenging Hilda’s record right after she’d completed her attempt. Chef Dami embarked on an ambitious 120-hour cook-a-thon. However, it turned out she never made an official application to the GWR team.
To make matters worse, the GWR team saw a Hilda Baci x social engagement recipe, and did they cook? She visited their London headquarters barely a week after an Irish chef, Alan Fisher, broke her record and set a new one with 119 hours of cooking and baking on November 7.
Tinubu promised to “hit the ground running”, and he didn’t disappoint. The president’s gift to Nigerians upon assuming office was the immediate removal of the controversial fuel subsidy. During his inauguration speech on May 29, he said: “Subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources.”
The aftermath of the subsidy removal? Fuel scarcity, a litre jumping to ₦617 from ₦198 and inflation.
When you buy a $44 billion plaything, you don’t just abandon it to gather dust. Tesla billionaire, Elon Musk, knows this, and that’s why he started by rebranding “Twitter” to “X” in July 2023. And we simply can’t get used to the name change. The iconic bird logo was also replaced. However, all was forgiven when the new landlord rolled out his payout feature in August, and Nigerian users smiled to the bank.
Since Elon’s takeover, he’s introduced a range of features that have both excited users and pissed them off too. Verification is now available to anyone who subscribes to Blue, Circle is gone, no tweet character limit as a Blue subscriber and more chaos.
What’s better than one billionaire’s hostile takeover of an iconic social media app? Two billionaires competing against each other with similar social apps. While Musk navigated the murky waters of X, Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerburg, launched his rival app, Threads, in July. And he did this with an iconically humorous tweet, his first post on the platform in 11 years. The app debuted with a staggering 10 million users, and trust Nigerians to join in the great migration.
But four months later, it’s safe to say Threads isn’t exactly Threading anymore.
July got Nigerians acting a fool on TikTok when US TikToker, PinkyDoll, went viral for live streaming herself acting like a video game non-playable character (NPC). Her popular catchphrases: “Ice cream, so good”, “Geng geng” and “ You got me feeling like a cowgirl” filtered into Nigerian TikTok, and we made a mess of it.
The rise of VeryDarkBlackman
Image source: IntelRegion
The Abuja-based influencer, Martins Vincent Otse AKA VeryDarkBlackman, caught the public’s attention in July, during his epic battle with Igbinoba Jennifer, owner of the popular skincare brand, Jenny’s Glow Nigeria. He reported the brand to NAFDAC for not duly registering her range of skincare products, and the agency sealed her Abuja office. The battle, however, would extend to other skincare brands in the country who were forced to act right, thanks to him.
These days, he’s in the news for stirring controversy with his takes on trending topics.
The exit of age-long multinationals
Pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), announced its exit from Nigeria in August, 51 years after it set up shop in Lagos. The company cited different reasons for the decision, and the usual culprits made the list: harsh business environment, fluctuating foreign exchange. The exit led to a rocket-high increase in drug prices. Panadol moved from ₦100 to ₦400, Augmentin from ₦4k to ₦20k, and Ventolin inhaler, ₦1500 to ₦16k.
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About four months after GSK’s exit, Procter & Gamble (P&G) announced that it would stop producing in Nigeria and return to an import-only model. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Andre Schulten, also cited the foreign exchange situation as a major driving factor for the decision. Meanwhile, in March, Fast Moving Consumer Goods company, Unilever, exited the home care and skin cleansing market in Nigeria. The company’s departure was poised to help it find a more sustainable and profitable business model. They took with them, popular brands like OMO, Sunlight and Lux.
The Nigerian tech ecosystem scored a major win in August when President Tinubu appointed CCHub’s co-founder and CEO, Bosun Tijani, as minister of communications, innovation and digital economy. Things almost went south during the screening, when senators dug up a 2021 tweet in which he called them “morons”. His response:
“The tweets online don’t represent me at all. As a young man born and bred by Yoruba parents, I tender my sincere apology. I am profusely sorry,” Tijani said.
In October, Tijani unveiled his implementation plans for the Technical Talent Training program, which will train and develop three million young Nigerians.
The naira’s downward slope
Image source: Premium Times
2023 was a bad one for the Nigerian naira (NGN) as it hit a record low that sent a wave of worry across the nation. September saw the national currency trade between ₦950 and ₦1200 to a dollar from around ₦700 at the beginning of the year. Things haven’t gotten better yet.
The 2023 presidential election packed up in February, but many electorates, including the presidential candidates of PDP and LP were dissatisfied with INEC’s result. Obi and Atiku headed to the tribunal in March to seek the nullification of the election. The drama played out for months, and an unfavourable judgement was finally delivered in September.
However, Atiku continued his fight post-tribunal, leading to an inquiry into Tinubu’s university certificate. In October, a US court ordered the Chicago State University to release the president’s academic records. Discrepancies in some of the records suggested that Tinubu’s certificate was disputable at best. The Supreme Court eventually dismissed Atiku’s suit on grounds that it couldn’t entertain evidence that wasn’t tendered before the lower court.
No one saw the iron hand 2023 dealt Nigerians coming. From neck-breaking inflation to crazy fuel price and transport fare hikes, the poor barely gets a chance to breathe. As the year draws to a close, we deserve premium enjoyment to help us recover. We don’t want the Santa who comes with nothing but legwork and photo sessions. It’s these types or nothing.
The charity givers
Anyone who takes it upon themselves to give to the needy this holiday is the type of Santa Claus we need in this economy.
Santa Wizzy
Wizkid is in Lagos and high in Christmas spirit. On December 11, 2023, he posted on his IG story that he has ₦100m to give away this Christmas in the name of his late mum. This is how a proper Santa moves; in millions and merry.
Mint note relatives
This is a callout to all our uncles and aunties who are known to dole out crispy naira notes. Don’t let us miss you this December.
A boss who approves “13th month”
A 13th month salary or Christmas bonus would bang right now. With that, we can ball in December and still manage through the 80 days of January. Any boss that disburses the funds should be awarded Santa Claus of the Year.
Anyone in Tinubu’s government
Appointments have been flying up and down. The federal government just sponsored over 500 non-professional people to the COP28 summit in Dubai. It’s clear to see that the biggest ballers of this period are the direct beneficiaries of Tinubu’s government. Find one today and tell him how good you’ve been all year.
IJGB people
They shouldn’t even bother to change their cash to naira. Let them just come with their hard currencies and squeeze them into our hands.
Friendly police
We need policemen who won’t harass us for not giving them “something” for December.
Seyi Vibez has put out three projects in 2023 alone: Vibe Till Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Kingdom Come and his latest, NAHAMciaga EP — which drops on the first anniversary of his Billion Dollar Baby 2.0 album.
On December 1, he released his new EP on Deezer and Tidal alone. Seven days later, he finally put the project on other streaming platforms, and I got to listen. I’ve now rinsed it over ten times even though it’s eleven minutes long.
Image source: BellaNaija
The culmination of his back-to-back releases has solidified that Seyi Vibez holds the secrets to street hits. In this write-up, we’ve taken notes to give you the clear-cut recipe.
Image source: BellaNaija
Before you pick up your pen and paper (or whatever you take notes with), you should know you need significant competence in your mother tongue. To be a voice of the streets, you must be in sync with the local audience.
Most of Seyi Vibez’s music is in Yorùbá. But don’t forget you need to spit in a few more languages. He spoke Xhulu on Hushpuppi. In Highlife Interlude featuring Phyno, he sang in Pidgin English, Yorùbá and Igbo!
Image source: Nairaland
Next, when you get in the booth, work with a music producer you’ve grown up as Siamese twins with. Seyi and Dibs Tunez created hits like Man of The Year, Hat-trick, Chance (Na Ham), Professor and more together. If you have their kind of synergy with your producer, nothing can box you. From Highlife to Apala, Fuji, Afropop, and Amapiano, Seyi has built a solid CV on the back of this relationship. Even Indian sounds aren’t left out; he executed them well on Psalm 23.
If people made you lead praise and worship whether you liked it or not as a kid, send them money today. According to his lyrics on Kingdom, Seyi was once in a Quranic school for nine years and he’s better for it. His Psalm 23 covers everything from BBLs and pleasing women to his singing skills, and at the core, his quest for divine protection. Apply your Bible or Quran knowledge to your music. Asides from hacking the substantial religious demography, this is a smooth way to convince your parents about your music dreams. They love God, and you love music; everyone is happy.
Image source: Bella Naija
Don’t forget choral effects and sonorous background vocalists like Nelly Baradi, who harmonises on Seyi’s songs.
Once you’ve added these ingredients, your music is set to blow and the street is yours. But if it still doesn’t work out, don’t panic. Check your swag. Fix a gold grill and add more XXL clothes to your wardrobe.
On the night of December 3, 2023, Nigerian military drones “mistakenly” attacked a village called Tundun Biri in Kaduna State. This horrible incident in which the Nigerian Army bombed civilians isn’t the biggest news in the country right now. But it should be, so we took it upon ourselves to compile everything to know about it.
An Eid-el-Maulud celebration
It all started when locals of Tundun Biri village came together to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) North-West Zonal Office, the bombing started around 9 p.m. Observers recounted that the first bomb ended over 30 lives on the spot. As people raced to help the injured and dead, a jet dropped another bomb.
Image source: X.com
The death count
As of December 5, NEMA has the official death count at 85, with 66 injured and receiving treatment at the Barau Dikko Hospital. However, an anonymous officer revealed that the army received at least 126 dead civilian bodies.
Tinubu speaks
President Bola Tinubu is currently at the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, but he conveyed his condolences through his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, condemning the drone attack. He also called for a thorough investigation into the “bombing mishap”.
The Nigerian Army’s response
The General Officer, Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Valentine Okoro, admitted that the attack came from the Nigerian Army. As the commander of the division that caused the mishap, Okoro gave a statement to Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna’s Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs. Apparently, it was an error made while the drone operators were on a routine mission against terrorists. The Army spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the aerial patrol troops mistook the celebration for terrorist activities.
Image source: X.com
On December 5, the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, visited the village to commiserate with the families of the deceased and apologise to the village. He also promised to cover the hospital bills. But who will answer for the bombing of these innocent people?
CAN, Amnesty International and other NGOs
The Kaduna chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Amnesty International, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), among other non-govermental organisations, have condemned the military’s mishit. The chairman of the CAN Kaduna chapter, Reverend John Hayab, said they’ll continue to pray for the government, while the AYCF National President, Shettima Yerima, charged the government to launch an investigation.
Not the first bombing mishaps
In 2023, there have been three bombing mishap cases. The first happened in Niger State on January 24. The second killed over 40 herders in Nasarawa State two days later. According to research, at least 425 Nigerians have perished due to military “error” bombing between 2017 and 2023.
The Nigerian Air Force denies involvement
Although the Nigerian Air Force is behind the first two cases of bombing civilians by mistake this year, it quickly disassociated itself from the Tundun Biri incident. On Monday, December 4, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) released a statement through its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet. According to him, NAF had nothing to do with the attack and hadn’t operated in the state or its surroundings in a while. “The NAF is not the only organisation operating combat-armed drones in the Northwestern region of Nigeria.”
Citizens protest
On December 7, protesters marched to the National Assembly and demanded the immediate resignation of Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of Defence. In Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, a group of youths took to the streets to protest the brutal bombing.
Whether 2023 has been your year or it’s nothing like you wished for, you’ve tried what you can and you’re still standing as a new year approaches.
As we prepare to round up the year and welcome the holidays, take time to reflect and big-up yourself with these celebratory Nigerian songs that popped up on the radar in 2023.
Man of the Year — Seyi Vibez
Seyi Vibez is one of the most talked about artists in Nigeria this year due to his incredible three-project run this year. Thy Kingdom Come, the last of the projects, opened with Man of the Year. As Seyi throws his usual worship style on the song and lays claims at having the best year, he states the sky is enough for everyone to fly. This jam is for you to boastfully say you’re the man of the year while you motivate others they can be the men of the year too.
OVER DEM — Davido
“If dem wan turn Goliath, I be David for life,” Davido sings as he declares his dominion over haters. Not to sound like an opp, but this can also be a prayer point against Nigeria. The country can be the weapon fashioned against its people.
Eyes — Reminisce feat. Mayorkun
Reminisce grabbed Mayorkun for the opening chorus on his new album, Alaye Toh Se Gogo. Mayorkun starts by singing about the pressure he’s passed through to become somebody. Reminisce complimented this effort with two solid verses about determination and persistence. If 2023 has shown you a lot of shege, the song Eyes is the best recap of an interesting 2023.
Sunshine — Asake
“Sun gon’ shine on everything you do,” Asake sings on Sunshine, the fourth track on his sophomore Work of Art. As the choral vocals press against the log drums, the song hits on resilience and the promise of rest after work. So sit back and enjoy your 2023 wins. You’ve tried.
Sability — Arya Starr
Self-confidence is one of the best and most admirable qualities everyone should aspire to. Arya Starr knows this and turned it into an anthem.
City Boys — Burna Boy
When you finally realise your beauty, strengths and steeze, you see yourself bigger and better. From the J Hus’ intro speech to Burna Boy’s message about enjoying soft life, City Boys admonishes you to flex around your city this end of the year and live your life to the max.
Oloun — PayBac Boro feat. Payper Corleone
Even if you don’t get all you wished for, never stop fighting for them. In a painstaking but fired-up, passionate delivery, rappers PayBac and Payper Corleone swear that they must blow up and have the flyest things.
Keep optimism with you, fam.
BEZOS — BlaqBonez
With faith, Blaqbonez walks and believes that today may be challenging, but tomorrow, he may also be as rich as Jeff Bezos. This is the reality of life, and it can happen to anyone (who isn’t sitting down, lazy and entitled sha). Moreover, this is Nigeria, and the idea of waking up and blowing tomorrow morning is the delulu we need.
Holy Ghost — Omay Lay
First, let me say that I hope Omah Lay is doing alright wherever he is. Secondly, thanks to him for this emotional piece that kicks against inferiority complex. 2023 might shake your morale, but you can dance in 2024 with the assurance that the supernatural will boost your confidence. This song is consuming and uplifting.
Party No Dey Stop — Adekunle Gold feat. Zinoleesky
It’s the end of the year, and the title of this jam should be taken literally. Drink up and dance away. But don’t spend all you have on party o. 2024 is just a few weeks away, and saving will help you avoid the shege in the beginning of the year.
We’re in the last month of 2023, and we can barely feel the celebration in the air. Economy still is hard AF, purses are almost empty, friends and loved ones are on the japa wave. Nothing feels as they used to. Detty December doesn’t bang like it used to.
But we have one life and can’t come and kill ourselves. If you’re like us, come here and we’ll let you in on a secret; we’ve figured out some simple hacks to enjoying Detty December.
Work with the president
It’s been raining special assistants at Aso Rock. Do you see the opportunity we see? If you can convince Tinubu to make you a special assistant’s assistant, you’re all set for December. Start revamping your CV.
Work in a night club
It’s not a secret that nightclubs will be full of activities this December. Get a job there,work the bottle service and get the chance to enjoy free music and party with celebrities.
Play Santa and other mascots
If you can take up gigs where you’ll cosplay as Santa Claus or the Teletubbies, This is your time to shine. You won’t get only money payment out of it; you’ll also enjoy music and kids.. Detty December is all about music and dance, isn’t it?
Home is where the fun is is
If all else fails, sit down in your house o. Because if you step outside for one minute, 100k has gone.
If you don’t do Detty December outside this year, you’ll do it next year. Trust the vibe.
Buy unlimited data
As you already know, outside is fucking expensive. You might as well stay indoors and spend your Detty December budget on data and Netflix streaming subscriptions. You will enjoy movies and views from those outside.
Not discouraging you from going outside to flex, but also see this as your chance to be the film guru in your circle.
Go to your village
If you really need to change your location this December, pity your account and go to your village. We hope you have the courage to walk away from the noise, chaos,and the bills in the city.
Organise with friends
If going to your village is not an option because you want to be with your friends, there’s one more option to explore.You guys can have fun by putting your little Detty December budgets together and having a cheerful and warm house party. Remember a wise man said, “in the sweetness of friendship, let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things, does the heart find its morning and is refreshed.”
It’s that time of the year when the “I Just Got Backs” (AKA IJGBs or Nigerians abroad) return to the motherland to check on their family and loved ones.
They’ll bring out foreign currencies, accents will flow left and right, and these allegations will remain around their necks.
Wannabe ballers
All IJGBs do is show off the superiority of their foreign cash. And now, naira can’t even fight back.
All IJGBs are liars. If you snooze, they’ll give you cold zobo.
Na why I no dey take all these abroad or IJGB men seriously, my mum keeps asking me why I turn all of them down, it’s cos they’re liars, they always have someone over there, because why will you leave all the women there and come and be asking me that is in Nigeria out
If you live in Nigeria and you are doing well for yourself despite the critical state of the country’s economy, don’t let any IJGB intimidate you, I can bet you most likely have a better life.
On May 11, 2023, Nigerian chef Hilda Baci started her 100 hours cook-a-thon, and broke the Guinness World Record for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual” on May 15th. The feat was more than just a proud Nigerian moment, it also inspired more people to attempt to break and set Guinness World Record across different categories.
So we compiled a list of all Nigerians who have attempted to break the GWR since Hilda Baci.
Philip Solomon
On January 24th, 2023, Philip Solomon from Akure, Ondo State, was declared a world record holder for the most skips (153) on one foot in 30 seconds. Philip broke Bangladesh’s Rasel Islam 145 steps record set in 2021.
Chef Dami
A month after Hilda Baci became the longest cooking chef on GWR, Damilola Adeparusi, a 22-year-old chef from Ekiti attempted to break the record, aiming to cook for 120 hours.
Although the Board of Guinness World Records didn’t affirm her as the new record holder, some Nigerians cheered her, while some criticised her.
Chef Adeola
In an attempt to surpass Hilda Baci’s world-recorded cooking hours, a chef from Ondo State, Adeola Adeyeye, embarked on a 150-hour cooking marathon. She began on June 30, 2023 and completed it on July 7th. However, GWR didn’t recognise her attempt.
Blaqk Stereo Music Group (BSMG)
Nigerian actor and comedian Hawwal Emmanuel Olarenwaju Ogungbadero led 15 artists under his company, BSMG, to set the record for the longest recording marathon on June 25th, 2023. The recording session lasted for 40 hours, nineteen seconds.
Tonye Solomon
On August 10, 2023, Tonye Solomon from Bayelsa State set the record for taking the most steps (150) climbed on a ladder while balancing a football on his head.
Hitsound
Joshua Abba Jeremiah, AKA Hitsound, is a music producer, singer and YouTuber from Kogi State. On September 28, 2023, he attempted to record several artists for 72 hours to break the longest recording session record BSMG had set earlier in June.
Lola Mewu
Nigerian painter and 2D artist Oyinlola Mewu attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest painting marathon, clocking in at 72 hours. She started her painting marathon on October 28, 2023 and finished October 31, 2023 — a decade after Belgium’s Roland Palmaerts’ feat in 2013.
Chef Tope
Another Nigerian chef rose up to reclaim the title back to Nigeria on November 9th. Chef Tope’s attempt was a 200-hour cook-a-thon in Ogbomoso, Oyo State on November 18th.
Remember Irish chef Alan Fisher took the record from Hida Baci, after completing a 119 hours and 57 minutes cooking session.
Subair Enitan
Although Subair, a 200-level student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has landed in the hospital with hand injuries, she completed a 58 hours task of washing clothes. Subair applied for the GWR task last June.
It’s been three years since the veteran Nigerian Highlife musician Flavour put out a full-length project. But the album break is coming to an end with his forthcoming album, African Royalty.
Although Flavour announced the album on Friday, November 17th, he only just shared the album artwork and tracklist on his social media on November 23, 2023; his birthday.
This is everything we know about the upcoming album.
The early hints
In October, Flavour posted a clip of himself and The Cavemen in the studio, which he signaled “Album mode”. On November 2nd, he finally asked us with his chest if we were ready for his new album.
The ginger in my body this month eh! 😆 Are you people ready for album or I should wait small?
This upcoming album is Flavour’s eighth studio album, coming three years after Flavour of Africa. Aside from the gospel-like titles he has released including Uplifted (2010), Blessed (2012), Thankful (2014) and Divine (2018) — Flavour has always tilted towards indigenous themes. See N’abania (his debut in 2005) and Ijele the Traveller (2017). After several years of moderating traditional-inspired Igbo sound and Highlife music, there’s almost no doubt that African Royalty is a level-up on his previous works.
Artwork and tracklist
The African Royalty announcement was accompanied bythe official album artwork and tracklist. This new project has 12 tracks, his shortest album since N’abania (2005) and Divine (2018).
Features
African Royalty features just three acts including Ejyk Nwamba, a popular Ogene musician in South-East Nigeria. The Cavemen is on it too — we can call this the meet of Highlife maestros. The third guest artist on the album is Efya from Ghana . These features seem very intentional. Bring it on, Mr. Flavour.
Release date
African Royalty will be released on December 2, 2023. Just in time for the holidays.
Singles
I’m a bit surprised his latest hit, Ndi Ike didn’t make it to the album, but I think it has built enough anticipation. Flavour noted that the lead single of the album, Big Baller, willdrop on Friday, November 24, 2023. But I’m a little lost because Game Changer, a single he released on December 2, 2022 is also on the album. Anyway, the lead single is what the artist says it is.
2023 has been a busy year for the Nigerian music industry, particularly Afrobeats. As artists like Burna Boy and Rema aggressively sell out shows and arenas, get nominations and win awards, they’re also in the studio to cook jams and feed their fans new music.
Over the past few years, the new generation artists have held our attention and climbed up to new, noticeable heights. After a series of releases and commercial success, one would expect these artists to present to us their full-length musical projects this year, but we’re still biting nails with no hope they’ll serve us.
These are the new school Nigerian artists we expected to drop an album in 2023.
Tems
In the last two years, Tems has trailblazed her path and registered herself as a global brand. She has worked withartists like Brent Faiyaz (Found), Drake (Fountains), Rihanna (Life Me Up), and Beyoncé (MOVE), showing her musical range. After the releases of two EPs (For the Broken Ears in 2020 and If Orange Was A Place in 2021), we’re due for an album.
Although the release of Me & U may be a step closer to Tems’ debut album, we don’t know how many steps are left to get us there. On November 20, 2023, Tems tweeted on X that she’d leave the internet and lean more into the background after her debut album drops. There’s no pointer it’s coming out in 2023. Temilade, see you in 2024.
Oxlade
We anticipate an Oxlade album, but he’ll also take the time to get back in the right headspace. The falsetto-singer mentioned in an interview this year that he went through a lot mentally and Ku Lo Sa was one of the expressive pieces that came out of this situationl.
Ku Lo Sa is now one of Oxlade’s biggest songs ever. Also, he just released a two-song pack which has a very emotional single, KATIGORI, which addresses backbiters andfolks sabotaging his brand and business. In all that, he still found a pocket to remind his peers and detractors he’s far above them. Honestly, this type of confidence sounds fresh from him and gives the let-me-talk-my-shit vibes. With his current energy, he needs to give us the album ASAP!
Victony
Victony has had an incredible run in 2023, defining the year with hits like Soweto (original and remix), Jolene, My Darling, Angelus, Jaga Jaga, No Joke, and the latest, Ohema, which has over 14 other artists on it. Though it’s an incredible idea and execution, I’m wondering why he can’t just make an album and feature each one of them.
Magixx
We heard the ATOM EP in 2022, and we were sure it was the next direction after Magixx’s self-titled debut EP. Fast forward to 2023, only three songs (Colors, Loyal and Maria) have come out from the artist. Yes, they’re great titles but we exist in a period where almost all his new-cats colleagues likeCrayon, Rema, Ruger, Teni, Blaqbonez etc., have dropped their albums.But we’re patient and looking forward to his 2024 plans. Hopefully there’s an album in it.
Fave
Honestly, we are tired of getting only singles from Fave. It’s like giving a kid a piece of biscuit but never the whole pack. Don’t you want us to get filled? If that’s Fave’s intention, releasing a few songs and doing some features here and there, then she wins. Maybe in 2024, we’ll get a full experience of her talent and artistry in an album.
Nollywood has been exceptionally consistent with Netflix releases in 2023, with productions like Black Book and Jagun-Jagun making real impact. And another TV series, Olóládé (meaning “the wealthy has come”), is set to join the lineup.
We bring you exclusive info from TNC Africa on everything to know about Olóládé.
Six-part series
Olóládé, a six-part series, follows two friends — Shina, a secondary school teacher, and Lateef, an auto-mechanic — who run into sudden wealth, which they use to build a betting business. Then the consequences find them.
PulseNg
Inspired by an old Yorùbá classic?
Olóládé the series brings to mind an old Yorùbá Nollywood film by Ebun Oloyede’s Olaiya Films, titled Olóládé Mr Money, a dramatic horror about a man who did rituals to become wealthy. Whether the series borrows from the old Yorùbá film or not, its production team has collectively described it as a “homage to Nollywood TV classics”.
Language
While Yorùbá is the primary language, the writing team — headed by Lani Aisida (Skinny Girl in Transit, Rumour Has It) — brings us a relatable script that permeates ethnicity and tongues. According to the director, Adeniyi Joseph Omobulejo (TAJ), “When you watch Olóládé, you will feel a lot of nostalgia. It’s good storytelling at its core. You can expect to see relatable, well-developed characters and drama unfolding, which for me, is what good storytelling should be”.
We’re backkkkk!! Naked Tribe, you know we would never just leave you hanging like that 🌚
See you on Netflix! 😉
Synopsis: The road to quick wealth is paved with deadly consequences. Ololade, a 6-episode series, our homage to Nollywood TV classics is coming to Netflix on… pic.twitter.com/rvnZbVCOQO
The production company behind Olóládé was co-founded by Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Daniel Aideyan and Olawale Adetula — the series’ executive producers — in 2021 to focus on making original African TV series. So far, they’ve produced A Little Black Book and My Name Is A-zed.
Production team
Olawale Adetula, Adaugo “Falcon” Uzoma and Dele Ishola are the producers of Olóládé. The consultant producer is Leye Fabusoro, with Adeniyi Joseph-Omobulejo (TAJ) as the director.
With Olóládé, we wanted to pay homage to Nollywood TV classics – pure drama, no distractions. The show launches in 10days. Set your reminder. #OloladeNetflixpic.twitter.com/jrTC58l3Ru
The cast list boasts veteran actors like Femi Adebayo, Kunle Idowu (Frank Donga), Mercy Aigbe, Jaiye Kuti, Mide-Funmi Martins and Liz Da-Silva. It also features emerging Nollywood stars like Adebowale Adebayo (Mr. Macaroni), Oluwatobi Olubiyi (Agba) and Debby Felix.
Image Source: BellaNaija
Principal photography
Principal photography commenced in the first week of January 2021 in Lagos, Nigeria, and was completed in March 2021.
Image Source: TNC Africa
Debut release
Olóládé the series will make its debut on Netflix on November 24, 2023.
Upcoming Nollywood film Bank Alert has been trending since its trailer was released on November 13, 2023. The funny dialogue and the sight of the OG actors in the trailer has also helped build anticipation.
But while we wait for the official release, we’ve looked around and found a few interesting details about the film.
Bank Alert
From the title we can tell one of its central themes will be about money. Its plot centres on a struggling family man, Sammy, who suddenly receives a whopping sum of ₦500m in his bank account. This man has no idea who the sender is but goes ahead to spend the money lavishly and puts his loved ones in harm’s way.
Comedy-drama
According to the producer, this is a comic film. Imagine the hilariousness when Okey Bakassi makes a statement about money ritual and Kanayo in a scene that has actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, the man he referenced in it.
But Bank Alert is also a crime film, and it follows how the people of the underworld try to recover their ₦500 million.
Trailer Alert 🚨🚨 🚨 So proud of the work the cast and crew of Bank Alert put in to make this project what it is. Producer – @WingoniaIkpi . November is ending on a solid note. Witness this comedy-drama in cinemas Nationwide November 24th RT for friends and families#BankAlertpic.twitter.com/NAHqWQDZ1n
The director of Bank Alert is Akay Mason. His previous directorial projects include Elevator Baby and Love In Pandemic. Wingonia Ikpi serves as the producer, collaborating with Sterling Bank and production companies, FilmOne Studio, Trino Motion Pictures and Tribal Marks Media.
Okey Bakassi
Aside from playing the lead actor, Okey Bakassi is also the co-producer of Bank Alert. Although not his first acting gig, this film is his first big-screen project.
Veteran cast
This film will give us a line-up of OGs actors like Taiwo Hassan (AKA Ogogo), Tina Mba, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Kate Henshaw. We’re in for a stellar performance.
Cinema date
The cinema release date is set for November 24th, 2023. In my opinion, this is a smart move from the team — it’s a day before salaries begin hitting bank accounts.
It was a sunny Saturday on November 11, 2023. The premises of La Madison Place, Lagos, was buzzing with meat and party lovers who came together to experience the first ever Burning Ram by Zikoko.
In case you missed it, or you knew about it and thought it was all hype — people hyped it because they trust Zikoko to deliver — everyone had fun. We didn’t want to go home. Just ask DJ Kiss, who played for us.
These are the things you missed and how to fix up in 2024.
Games
People got into ludo, chess, jenga, table football, mini basketball and more.
The vendor stands had people enjoy suya and barbeque of all kinds, asun meat pie (and burger), nkwobi, small chops and a whole range of cocktails. The atmosphere was all delicious meat aroma and smoke.
While people took pictures and made videos, patronised vendors and ate good food, others sat in a chilled tent and watched Avatar: The Way of Water, courtesy of FilmHouse Cinema and FilmOne Nigeria.
We made friends, exchanged compliments, contacts and IG handles, and could finally put faces to some of our online friends and internet neighbours. We met popular jingos like Joey Akan, Fu’ad Lawal, Emeneks, Dammy B, Hauwa L, Dwin the Stoic, Renike, Chigozie and many more.
It was a golden moment when Adeyinka paraded Ramsey, Burning Ram’s prized ram, as Blossom and Dammy (AKA the Dorime Sisters) followed, raising Jack Daniel’s bottles in the air.
It wasn’t a play-play thing when we announced that one lucky guest will win a live ram. The big grill drum of raffle tickets was spun, and Chioma Katherine won our Ramsey. Imagine the joy of coming to Burning Ram and returning home with a ram. It’s equivalent to J Hus’ “came in a black Benz, left in a white one” lyrics.
Fire breathers
You might’ve seen fire dancers many times or even been one yourself, but have you seen fire dancers perform while tossing and spinning actual fire? These guys at Burning Ram danced all the legwork known and unknown while spitting flames out of their mouths. It was like Daenerys was in one corner whispering, “dracarys”.
When it was time to see who really brought an appetite to Burning Ram, fine guys and babes nominated themselves. With bowls of jollof rice and plenty meat before them, and a large, vocal audience around, they sat and devoured their plates. Others ate hot chicken wings while singing the Nigerian national anthem. Winners emerged and received stuffed bags of Burning Ram souvenirs.
DJ Kiss’ set buzzed loudly and N.A.T.E (Nathan Good luck) hyped us into party mode with a mix of afrobeats hits, classics like Konko Below and American pop that took us back to our younger years. We moved our bodies, jumped, screamed out lyrics and had maximum fun.
Zikoko is alive on all social media platforms. Follow us and click the notification buttons to get all the updates. Subscribe to our newsletter, join our WhatsApp community, just be our best friends, and you’ll be first to know about our events as they roll out.
Get your tickets ASAP
Secure your ticket before people rush it. You know how the saying goes; you snooze, you lose.
Image Source: Prince Mazani
Leave home on time
You’ve followed us, gotten the gist about our next event and your tickets as soon as they drop, don’t wait till it’s ten minutes to party time before you leave the house on the day of the event. Well, except you like attending parties when they’re over or you’ve missed the major activities.
Burning Ram is over, but this meaty playlist can still keep you going this week:
Many end-of-year music festivals and concerts will likely not happen this year because the promoters can no longer afford to book our afrobeats artists.
But that isn’t reason enough to give up on your December enjoyment. If you really want to be in party mode throughout your holidays, you can still have maximum fun these ways.
DJ and hypemen parties
Since artists are now too expensive to book, it’s the turn of the DJs and hype-men to take centre stage. No lip-syncing or waiting for an artist to come three hours after the show starts.
Indie shows
If an artist you like, whether they’re C or Z-list, has a show, go and enjoy watching them live. There are many independent musicians and upcoming acts throwing shows this December. You get to support them, and they get to make enough money to put back into their music to make more music you lowkey love.
Spend time in clubs
You already know you’ll enjoy loud music, alcohol and dance. You already know your favourite club gives you joy every other weekend. But it’ll be pro-max in December. You’ll get to party with invited celebrities and all the big ballers in your city for longer than the usual party hours because it’s the holidays.
Or go to the beach
Lagos beaches move like clubs, with their own celebrity DJs.
Throw your own parties
Gather your family, friends and loved ones and load up your favourite jams. Make it old-school, and everyone will be high on nostalgia, singing along till fuel finishes inside the generator (if you like, trust NEPA).
Street carnivals
If your street or estate has no plan to organise one, call a general meeting and give them the plan. Everyone will come together, have a good time and get to know that neighbour no one sees. You guys can even make estate merch to strengthen communal relationships.
Do “Home Alone”
If you want to be by yourself, that’s cool too. Eat some home-cooked food, drink up and turn up the music. Somebody say, “Macaulay Caulkin, we wanna party.”
There’ll be music at our meat and grill festival in Lagos this Saturday. Get your ticket and enjoy the biggest meat cookout in Nigeria.
People bant that funny Nigerian women can be counted on one hand, but these women don’t make some of the funniest content right now to not be credited for it.
Nigerian women are not funny, to make it worse they lack good sense of humor!
It doesn’t matter what the content of her discussion is, the hilariousness in it will choke you more than Abuja yam. Even if you’re not a listener of the I Said What I Said podcast she co-hosts with Feyikemi Abudu, one or two rib-cracking tweets from her X handle, @Jollz, must have crossed your timeline. She’s been funny AF before Twitter turned X — see evidence.
The live band gave us a version of “Wild Thoughts” that I think should be named “He do usually get wild thoughts” because the accent ehn
Born Maryam Apaokagi, Taaooma is currently one of the most popular faces in the Nigerian funny content creation sector — shoutout to her purple lace gown and peach “gele”. Her comedy explores family, parenting and adulthood. Her character is a Gen Z babe from a typical, strict Nigerian house, relating with her fictional family members, Tayo, Mama Tao and Daddy Tao, all played by Maryam. She’s built a large fanbase of almost one million YouTube subscribers off her funny content and collaborations.
Hauwa L
Hauwa Lawal, a.k.a. Hauwa L, is a digital content creator, but most prefer to call her a “goat”. She does funny storytelling that leaves you wondering what her thought process is like. Hauwa pieces the most absurd stories together and delivers them innocently.
Aderonke Adepoju has funny videos that date back to 2021. Her “Mummy Wale” and “Wale” characters are some of the funniest funny characters online right now. It centres on Wale, who introduces different potential wives to his mother, Mummy Wale. None of the relationships have worked out so far. I wonder what type of babe we’ll see next week. She also does some pretty hilarious Mummy G.O impressions.
You may know Chinasa for her popular YouTube show, Is This Seat Taken, which shows a bit of her funny side. But she actually does stand-up comedy as well. One of her classics is, “Adulthood is like auditioning for The Wedding Party, then finding yourself on the set of King of Boys.”
Lara Billionaire
A part of @larabillionaire’s X bio reads that she’s an upcoming mysterious babe — may be why her media is stacked with some of the most hilarious videos you’ll find on the internet. But also if you’ve seen her “terrible joke came to my head” tweets like her “parmesan cheese” one, you know her account is a straight follow. Even Layi Wasabi made a blockbuster internet comedy from one of Lara’s evergreen, funny threads.[ad][/ad]
Nobody:
Yoruba actors linking a babe: *pours her juice* so shey ibi bayi o divvicot lati get?
The first Swit Ope (born Ope Keshinro) video I saw was her recreation of Nigerian prophet FKA Indaboski’s sermon scene, in which she masterfully displayed his mannerisms. Her niche is religion and spirituality.
HAPPY SUNDAY. A woman with big waist wants to snatch Mummy Tony’s husband 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/BGlSbDZSoF
In a riot of colourful wigs, lipsticks, eyeliner and makeup, Gabrielle “Aunty Flora” Omozele satirises the day-to-day Nigerian experiences. Watch her back and forth with AI and decide yourself if she’s funny or not.
Chidera Onoh
Chidera is a medical student who’s into comedy, and she kills it. Her content revolves around school life and other life experiences. If you haven’t seen Africa’s Best Mosquito Killer, run to YouTube now.
Dammy Bubbles
You may know Damilola Bello, a.k.a Dammy Bubbles, by her X handle “@_dammyB_” — she’s a growth partner for Flutterwave popularly known amplify small businesses and her community that helps them achieve growth. But her second job is being a funny woman.
How can you leave me standing for almost 5 HOURSSSSSS and think you will win grammy.
15 Nigerian films were selected to be screened at the 2023 edition of Kurzfilmtage Winterthur, Switzerland’s biggest short film festival running from November 7th to 12th.
Photo source: Michael Omonua
Besida
This Chuko Esiri-directed film first came out in 2018. It’s a short noir drama about the fragile relationship between two siblings. It was shot in Abraka (a town in Delta State) and produced by Arie Esiri.
Ixora
This is a 2022 queer love story about two female journalists, directed by Nigerian filmmakers, Nengi Nelson and Nosazemen Agbontaen, and produced by A ZENN Collective Production.
Egúngún (Masquerade)
This is a bilingual (English and Yoruba) film made by Olive Nwosu in 2021. It focuses on a young queer lady who returns to Nigeria for her mother’s funeral, where she discovers herself and purpose. Egúngún features Teniola Aladese, Elizabeth Momoh and Angel Peters.
Hello, Rain
The celebrity filmmaker of Nollywood’s Mami Wata, C.J. “Fiery” Obasi is back in the news for the International Kurzfilmtage selection of his 2018 short horror film, Hello, Rain. It’s about a scientist-witch who distributes power to herself and friends through tech and magic.
Harmattan
Muyiwa Awosika’s new psychological horror is about two army recruits who turn against each other in their bootcamp.
A Quiet Monday
Dika Ofoma’s new short film is a social drama that centres around two siblings who defied mandatory Monday sit-at-home during a social unrest in the eastern part of Nigeria. It stars Emmanuel Igwe and Uzoamaka Aniuonoh.
Do You See Me
Off the 2023 release of Bravo, Burkina!, Wale Oyejide wraps up production of his latest, Do You See Me, in time to screen at Kurzfilmtage Winterthur 2023.
You Matter to Me
This film captures how the parents of Immaculata Abba, the film director, experience joy even in the midst of grief or tension.
Memory XX
A romance that was once hot goes sour and memory is all that’s left as these two lovers rediscover themselves. It’s a 15-minute film by Ewoma Great Oro and Olamide Akinjare.
A Study On Love
Olayinka Eno Babalola explores love in this 2020 experimental documentary. You can watch it on her IG page.
Àlááfíà Ni
“Àlááfíà” means “peace” in Yorùbá, and this film about the life of Lagosians, explores the internal serenity that prevails regardless of trials and tribulations. Tobi Onabolu wrote this film and co-directed it with Sonia Irabor.
Aje and Bruja
Two powerful African mothers join forces to fight and torture a female serial killer. Aje and Bruja came from the stables of Nosa Igbinedion in 2022.
I Am An Easy One to Forget
This 10-minute Sonia Irabor film came out in 2021. It’s a tale of a guy who shut himself away from contact with people, staying awake to overthink the parallel between reality and illusion.
The Nightmare on Broadstreet
Ayo Lawson and Femi Johnson made this film that follows five friends who met to hang out at a Freedom Park museum then ended up running from a masquerade.
Lizard
Akinola Davies Jr. released Lizard in 2020. In it, an eight year old kid with the supernatural ability to sense danger discovers the underworld of a Lagos megachurch.
Rehearsal
This film follows the art of staging miracle healings. The protagonists carry out, improve and scrap different formats. Rehearsal is about church, theatre, faith and credibility.
ICYMI, Burning Ram is happening live in Lagos this Saturday. Are you coming? Yes or yes? Get your ticket here.
2023 was a good year for Nigerian music. The “old cats” continued on their streak of global ascension; the new cats made their marks in uncharted territories. And there’s been a surplus amount of bragging rights for fans all round.
As the year winds down, we highlight the important milestones that pushed the “afrobeats to the world” agenda in 2023.
Tems’ Oscar nomination
On January 25, Tems became the first Nigerian artist to be nominated for an Academy Award AKA the Oscars. She was nominated alongside Rihanna for her work on “Lift Me Up”, an original soundtrack for Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Tems’ Grammy win
On February 5, 2023, the hitmaker made history again as the first female afrobeats artist to win a Grammy award. Tems bagged the iconic award for her performance in Future’s “Wait For U”. She won Best Melodic Rap Performance alongside Future and Drake.
Burna Boy, Tems and Rema’s NBA Halftime Show
On February 19, 2023, the trio performed at the American National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star halftime show in Salt Lake City, Utah, making them the first Nigerians to grace the stage. Burna took the stage first, performing “It’s Plenty”, “Alone” and “Last Last”. Rema came next performing “Calm Down” and “Holiday”, and Tems rounded up the show with a medley of “Crazy Tings”, “Free Mind”, “Essence” and “Higher”.
Davido releases “Timeless”
After taking a hiatus in 2022, OBO released his fourth studio album, “Timeless”, on March 31, 2023. The album broke multiple first-day and week records across major streaming platforms.
Tiwa Savage performs at King Charles III Coronation
On May 6, 2023, African Bad Gyal Tiwa made Nigerians proud as she became our country’s first artist to perform at the coronation of a British monarch. Tiwa performed “Keys to the Kingdom” at King Charles’ coronation.
Burna Boy sells out London Stadium
On June 3, 2023, Burna Boy made history as the first African artist to headline a stadium concert in the UK. 60,000 fans turned up to watch the African Giant perform at the popular London Stadium.
Grammy introduces Best African Music Performance category
On June 13, 2023, the American Recording Academy officially announced the inclusion of a Best African Music Performance category to recognise and celebrate the best talents on the continent. The category will cover but is not limited to “Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, Afro Pop, Afrobeats, Alté, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, Genge, Kizomba, Chimurenga, High Life, Fuji, Kwassa, Ndombolo, Mapouka, Ghanaian Drill, Afro-House, South African Hip-Hop and Ethio Jazz genres.”
Burna Boy sells out Citi Field Stadium
On July 8, 2023, Odogwu gave his fans even more bragging rights after he sold out the 41,000-capacity Citi Field Stadium in NYC, USA.
Wizkid receives BRIT Billion Award
On July 31, 2023, Wizkid became the first African artist to receive the esteemed BRIT Billion Award. The award is a special recognition from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) to artists who achieve over one billion digital streams in the UK.
MTV VMAs adds Best Afrobeats category
On August 8, 2023, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) announced a new category for afrobeats songs. The category, Best Afrobeats, had Rema, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido and Libianca as first-time nominees.
On September 10, 2023, the rave lord made history after his “Calm Down” remix with Selena Gomez reached a billion streams on digital streaming platform, Spotify. Rema became the first African artist to hit the milestone.
Rema wins first Afrobeats MTV VMA
On September 13, 2023, Rema and Selena Gomez became the first winners of the MTV VMAs newly introduced category, Best Afrobeats. The duo won for their hit collaboration, “Calm Down” remix.
Davido breaks record with ₦100 million “Feel” video
After months of anticipation, Davido released the official music video for “Feel”, a hit song off his “Timeless” album, on October 3, 2023. The music video was directed by TG Omori and is the first Afrobeats music video to be shot with a ₦100 million budget.
Rema performs at Ballon D’or
On Monday, October 30, 2023, Rema, became the first African artist to perform at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony. He performed his hit song, “Calm Down”, at the ceremony in Paris, France.
Speaking of records and milestones, you’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered, fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Get your Burning Ram ticket here.
Fashion, drips, glitz and glamour go in sync with music awards and red carpets.
On October 21, 2023, Trace Music hosted its awards ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda for the first time to celebrate Afro music. We look at some of the fashion moments that did it for us yesterday.
Davido
If the classic American Jazz music fashion had a 2023 design, it’d be this OBO’s outfit — an oversized sequined dress adorned with “shine-shine.” The overall has his self-titled “OO1” nickname etched on its back. Baddest, for real 🙌🏿.
Yemi Alade
One would have expected Mother Africa covered from head to toe in Ankara, but she picked a simple, glossy emerald dress. Also, we couldn’t miss the emerald touches in her jewellery. Simplicity and intentionality >>>>
BK Arena
Then she turned up on the stage like this. Loveee it.
Soraia Ramos
We absolutely love this effortless look from Portuguese-Cape Verdean singer, Soraia. We haven’t seen anyone else that can turn Kiwi into a fashion drip.
Soraia Ramos
Mucyo Sandrine
Mucyo Sandrine came draped in a bead-embroidered sequin, covered with an orange and pink fluffy design. The dress is well put together, and we think Mucyo had to remind us why she’s one of the hottest fashion models on the continent.
BK Arena
2Baba
We know why 2Baba came in agbada and Hausa cap — he’s now an elder-statesman in African music. Plus, cultural representation is never out of style.
BK Arena
Nomcebo Zikode
The twisted shoulder design, framed corset and open-finger gloves are beautiful. Also, the short afro haircut and royal-blue tail blend the gorgeous look together. Nothing screamed “royalty is here” like the colour choice and quality tailoring.
Azarias Muecalla
Who knew cowries would bang this hard on a suit? Look at the petal design stapled at the hand which low key doubles as a hand-fan, and tell us the coolest looks don’t come from the most daring people. Nice one, Azarias.
Rutshelle Guillaume
All-black looks always eat. But Haitian singer Rutshelle munched everything with her thigh-slit dress, complimented by flying wings and arm gloves — giving an I’m-here-for-what-is-mine look. Behold, she bagged Best Artist in The Carribean category at the ceremony.
Maureen
We don’t know if she picked this dress a day before this event or if she just likes simple outfits, but the knee-length golden heels spiced up her look. Somehow, it ate.
BK Arena
Viviane Chidid
She stepped on stage for her performance in this beautiful patterned gown. She first appeared with a long fur coat hanging over her shoulder, then took it off with poise; Viviane served a proper don-chic look.
Another day to remind you that we’re getting closer to the Burning Ram. Have you bought your ticket to the biggest meat festival or you’re still sleeping?
2023 is stacked with so many music releases that it’s easy to lose sight of some tracks we’ve found remarkable in the year.
In this list, we carefully curated twelve great songs that went under the radar when they were released.
Show Me Something — WeTalkSound ft. PDSTRN, Kaey & Vader the Wildcard
Aside from being Nigeria’s largest creative community and incubating talents, WeTalkSound, a.k.a. WTS, curates musical experiences and releases with its assembly of musicians. PDSTRN, a singer-rapper, takes the chorus of Show Me Something, and Kaey handles the first verse and hook. Vader, also a rapper, sings the second verse. If you’re looking for a groove your babe can whine to, or something you can ride to, press play on this.
Tales By Moonlight — Oyedele
If you weren’t a get-inside kid while growing up in the Southern West of Nigeria, you’ve likely heard the Yorùbá nursery rhymes that opened this record. Oyedele switched between singing and rapping and a sprinkle of call-and-response with ‘Tilewa, the featured artist, to examine relationship nuances.
Tánwá — The Musical Being
Only a few artists are still very active in the Nigerian folk music scene. The Musical Being strides in rich Yorùbá lyricism that shines together with his commanding vocals. Tánwá opens the titular EP and offers a message of hope that hangs between prayers and positive manifestations. The Musical Being joins the list of young musicians like Dotti the Deity and Mo’Believe, keeping the neo-folklore music alive.
Alive — Jola Bello
Though this song, Alive, can wash all over any listener who’s not reciprocated with the love they give out — Jola’s only trying to fire up the burning desire for intimacy. In what sounds like an assurance she can’t give, Jola sings, “Hop on me like a German / hop on me, hop on into freeway.” Alive is her second song produced by Kemena.
Devotion — IDVH
IDVH is a singer-songwriter, music producer and sound engineer who released a new EP, Xpress Music Vol. 1, in September. In Devotion, he’s having an honest conversation about his expectations from relationships. You have to wonder why he’s not staying single until he meets someone who genuinely likes him — instead of taking and giving half-baked romance. But his choice of song is so catchy that one runs back the tune and delves into his whole catalogue.
Run Me Love — Shalom Dubas
Guitar riffs are always consistent on Shalom’s songs. Run Me Love isn’t exempt. It’s a dreamy song about a love interest who is unsure of what they want.
“Do you want to whine me or whine on me?” The rapper wants to be certain.
Flashing Lights – Tekno
For the first time in my life, I’m rinsing and repeating Tekno’s music, and it’s beyond my usual allure of party, clubbing and jams filled with lamba. Flashing Lights is the third song on his latest album, The More The Better. This song is simple yet gets listeners emotionally invested in it. Flashing Light was my go-to during my just-concluded talking stage that led nowhere. Though that has ended, Tekno’s song will be on a playlist I’ll share with a new person. It’s that sweet.
Amma Hoe — Bizzonthetrack
When we count Nigerian artists who feed their listeners every three market days, mainstream or underground, Bizzonthetrack stays in the top ten list.It’s hard to miss his sexually-liberating amapiano jam, Amma Hoe. True to his nature, Bizz refuses to confuse any lady about what he wants from them. Currently, he’s into the business of making legs vibrate, nothing deep and serious.
Another Day, Another Naira — Kaey
As a Nigerian living in Nigeria, money preoccupies the mind before bed. When you wake up another morning, you’re screaming about money again. It’s even harder for a young creative person trying to make something because Nigeria is no country for dreamers. Another Day, Another Naira explores the hustle culture in Nigeria that prioritises money over everything else.
For everyone caught up in the hustle and bustle and stuck in the rat race, Kaey fixed an anthem for us.
Flying Corks — Brotha Pollock & Mxps Rellington ft. Ghaffar
Taking a trip into Brotha Pollock’s grimy lo-fi production and Mxps Rellington’s novelist mind, you’ll find psychological depth and dramatic structure, strings and references of pop culture moments — weaved together to present vivid imagery of respects they deserve and keeping their Hip-Hop music undiluted.
Mxps Rellington compares his grand moves to that of Dostoevsky. Name a more clever rapper.
To You — Dwin, the Stoic ft. Ogranya
When two brilliant singer-songwriters come together, a heart-bending magic is expected. Dwin, the Stoic and Ogranya wag their voices like a wand and deliver a heartbreak ballad about a love that shouldn’t crumble, hoping to spellbind their lovers to stay around with them. One can listen to To You and feel the waves of melancholy crashing down or the breeze of the beach blowing one’s colourful shirt. No matter what, the song will make you feel something.
Unconditional — Mojeed x Czure
Spellbound by his themes of immigration, Lagos nightlife, and chasing the bag, amongst other mundane things, Mojeed has put himself among the elite Nigerian rappers who can ghost us, and when he comes back, we’re there — listening. On his first 2023 drop, Unconditional, he opens up about his availability to a romantic relationship that’s not one-sided. The beauty of this record is the culmination of growth and maturity Mojeed has laid on Czure’s production.
He smoothly delivers in Yorubanglish, a mixture of Yorùbá and American-accented English, that has become the signature style of Mojeed.
He gave us Unconditional to hold body while he preps a mixtape, Monkeys, Men & Martians, and an untitled EP marked for this November.
ICYMI, our Burning Ram Meat Festival is happening in Lagos on 11th November.
The late Nigerian artist, Mohbad made music that resonated deeply with the Nigerian streets.
While some of us knew him when he was with us, some found out about him after his death and still don’t know much about his bodies of work. If you are one of the latter and aren’t sure where to start, these are the perfect ten tracks to introduce you to his sound.
Balan Zia Gar
In November 2019, a month before Mohbad joined Marlian Music, he released Balan Zia Gar (a blasé and broken pronunciation of Balenciaga), drawing inspiration from a viral Balenciaga trend in 2019.
This song focuses on how the street will adore you, broke-shame you, then motivate you to get the money to purchase an original Balenciaga.
Adura
Two weeks after releasing Balan Zia Gar, Mohbad put out Adura with one of his closest friends, Bella Shmurda. With the song’s instrumental blending computerised drums, maracas, light guitar riffs, and solemn piano chords, Adura sounds like a South West Nigerian gospel song that people sing when the year starts to end — it shares a similar nuance with the popular Odun Nlo Sopin by Mrs. D.A. Fasoyin.
On the song, the two singers plead and appease the heavens for their own blow-up time. Mohbad recognised music as a tool for celestial communication, and he used it well for his heartaches, desires and the convenient space he allowed his spirituality.
Komajensun
The Rexxie-produced Komajensun is an uptempo anthem of sexcapades and debauchery.
Overhype
Though subdued and slow-paced, Overhype has the Zanku sound that dominated the Afrobeats scene music from 2018 into 2020. Overhype compares an inflated self-worth to the overrated year 2020, which didn’t give us flying cars but a deadly virus that claimed millions worldwide.
KPK (Ko Por Ke)
After Overhype, Mohbad ended 2020 on a very high note. Collaborating again with super music producer Rexxie, they released KPK (Ko Por Ke) to wild, wide acclaim. Fast-tempo, bursting with log-drums and ear-tearing bass, KPK is a street slang turned into lung-raising slappers. KPK is yet to elapse its longevity and has influenced how Yoruba words are abbreviated on Obasanjo’s internet.
Feel Good
If the streets aren’t addressing enmity and reminding them that their origin stems from the ghetto, it’s not a complete song. If you’re looking for music about hardships, God, trenches, haters, success and enjoyment on the same track, here you have it.
Backside
Backside (2021) is also one of Mohbad’s jams that shouldn’t be missed in his essential songs. Its message is direct, like the song title — his ode to big bunda. The beat’s accelerating bpm is carefully patterned to entice the rotation of hips in waist beads. It’s simple, fun and gets the party started.
Peace
Mohbad left Marlian Music in 2022 amidst alleged multiple assaults, but he still chose Peace. Mohbad wiped off the unfortunate experience, forged ahead to boost his confidence and sang about his survivor’s spirit.
Ask About Me
This song expands on what Peace said, but his self-confidence was on 100. “Ask about me, ask about me / Omo olórun, won le múmi”. He was sure he belonged to God, and detractors couldn’t catch up to him. He still represented his faith. He showed us that no matter what lifestyle or art you create, faith is a sturdy thing.
Account Balance
On Account Balance featuring Zlatan, money is the topic. With a sprinkle of broke-shaming, it’s heavily worded in street lingo that references making and spending cash. One wouldn’t call it a hustler’s anthem, it’s just two artists with similar vocals bragging about their bank accounts and having fun at it.
Music represents his truth, his ways and his life. No one sees Imole without it.
Mami Wata hit the cinemas on September 8, 2023, and has become the most discussed Nigerian film this week. While the internationally-acclaimed fantasy production was breathtaking to see, we couldn’t help but note some observations as we watched.
Note: this story has spoilers.
Black and white in 2023?
The whole movie is not a flashback, just in case you were wondering. Mami Wata just goes to show that pictures can be enjoyed in unconventional ways. The black-and-white emphasised the breathtaking cinematography in a way that coloured probably wouldn’t have. Which means those old monochrome televisions weren’t so bad. In fact, we want to see more of it.
Permanent face painting?
How many buckets of white paint did the movie producers have to buy? Come to think of it, how many buckets do the fictional characters have to buy per month to keep up the face-painting lifestyle? Important to ask because those intricate patterns couldn’t have been easy to draw, and they’re an everyday thing.
The hairdressers know work
These types of hairstyles are for the fashion magazines. Zinwe’s windmill and Mama Efe’s satellite will have you turning your neck anyhow in real life. Any serious fashion house should be looking for Iyi’s best hairdresser right now.
Why does Mami Wata give and take?
If Mami Wata is generous because she’s a bountiful motherly goddess, why does she take back her gifts? What sort of helper is that?
Is Iyi just Nigeria
No social infrastructure, only spirituality and vibes.
Who is Jasper really?
I knew that Lucky Dube look-alike was up to no good when he couldn’t say “Thank you” to Prisca immediately after Mama Efe told him she saved his life and made the delicious food he was eating. Same guy pretended just to get inside Prisca’s blouse. But why did he cry to his cross pendant because he laid with a pagan when he didn’t even have penis? Then he turned on his helpers and stole their land? A snake.
Zinwe, the Gen Z babe
A whole wannabe Mami Wata intermediary is scared of being thrown inside the river? After she came out alive, I expected some dramatic fanfare from the villagers. Instead, she just went on playing with her friends unnoticed for another week? What was all that bragado in the beginning?
Anyway, our Burning Ram Festival is almost here. Are you coming?
Biopics aren’t common in Nollywood, but one focusing on the legendary Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti just came fresh out of the oven. Read all we know about it.
The lioness
Funmilayo: The Lioness of Lisabi spotlights revered women’s rights activist, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s life, from her high school years as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School, to her marriage and career as an educator. The title, lioness of Lisabi, is a cultural reference of her heroics. Lisabi was a powerful warrior from Egba, where Funmilayo was from. Even though Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti is what appears on posters now, the tentative title was announced in 2021 and we hope it hasn’t changed.
Who was Funmilayo?
A Nigerian educator, socialist, political organiser, women’s rights activist and an overall “idan” of her time. Chief Funmi, as she was fondly called, formed the Abeokuta Ladies’ Club (later known as Abeokuta Women’s Union) to fight against exploitative colonial government and traditional rulers. As at 1956, Funmilayo had flown across the salts to give a public lecture in China. She was the first woman to drive a car and ride a bike in Nigeria. And let’s not forget she gave birth to Fela Kuti and former minister of health, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti.
An iconic biopic demands a solid cast
With Kehinde Bankole as the leading act, this biopic employs the professionalism of seasoned actors, Adebayo Salami, Dele Odule, Adunni Ade, Keppy Ekpenyong, Jide Kosoko, Omowunmi Dada and Joke Silva (as the older Funmilayo).
It’s a real-life Kutis affair
Chief Funmi’s grandkids will make appearances in the film. Dotun Ransome-Kuti plays his dad, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti. Kunle Ransome-Kuti plays his own dad, Fela Kuti. And Yeni Kuti acts as her aunt, Dolupo Ransome-Kuti. Femi Kuti and his son, Made, will also feature.
Brought to life by Bolanle Austen-Peters
The “queen of Nigerian theatre” — known for directing Queen Moremi and Oluronbi, and producing Man of God (2022), Collision Course (2021) and The Bling Lagosians (2019) — secured the Kuti family’s support and production rights from the Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (FRK) estate. She’s both director and producer on this biopic.
Only in Silverbird Galleria
Lagosians would remember the Silverbird Galleria, VI, from those secondary school dates of the 2000s. Well, the venue’s cinema must be on a mission to return to their glory days as they’ve somehow secured sore authorisation to screen this biopic in Nigeria. They have it for a limited time — September 8 – 15 — so swallow your pride and go back to the favourite hangout spot of your youth.
Oscars material
Iconic in life; iconic in biopic. This movie about the life and times of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti stands a chance of making history in Nollywood as it has been submitted to the Oscars Academy for consideration. Its limited release follows the prestigious award’s requirement that reviewed films can only show in their original country for seven days.
Before you leave, don’t forget our Burning Ram meat festival is still cooking. Stay close.
Dear lover of Brotherhood and Sista by Cinemax, and Sons of the Caliphate and Halita by Innovative Television Kontents, these two film production companies are cooking something together with Money In The Game.
What’s the story?
Money In The Game dives into the world of sport talent management as two agencies fight over a gifted 17-year kid. It exposes the dark side of the industry through the rivalry, but it’s understandable why they want the talented kid so badly. He could be the next Mikel Obi.
Two years in the making
In August 2021, the pre-production team made up of veteran rapper, Six Foot Plus, Audi Maikori (Co-founder, Chocolate City Group), Emem Ema (Founder/CEO, One Management) and Eddy Madaki (Founder, EddiemPR), announced that they’d selected the songs for the soundtrack.
A limited TV series
The production team also announced that it’ll be a five-episode drama. As sports lovers, we hope the episodes are an hour long each, so we can savour this mini-series.
Fresh writer
Although the production companies are seasoned in the game, they brought in a talented writer named Kaahasa Zabedi, to handle the narrative of the series. We’re all for giving young people opportunities.
Filming begins
Principal photography starts this month, directed by Dimbo Atiya, the co-founder of Innovative Television Kontent. It’s his directorial debut.
Three locations
The production team will be set up in Lagos, Jos and an unnamed city in the U.K. Since the show centres around football, travelling back and forth can hardly be ruled out.
The cast
Money in the Game will feature Mawuli Gavor, Efe Iwara, Enado Odigie and OGs like Ifeanyi Kalu and Gentle Jack.
It’s been almost three years since Nigerian singer and record producer, Augustine Miles Kelechukwu, FKA Tekno, tried to recapture the essence of “old romance” on his 2020 debut full-length release, Old Romance. The album came with a cover art that creatively alluded to Adam and Eve, but the music failed to express the classic love experience it was packaged to.
The audience he was romancing gave his first album a cold reception, so it seems Tekno went back to the drawing board, took some time to rediscover his essence, before forging ahead again to produce another body of work.
Tekno has kept a mostly low profile, releasing a slew of singles, features and his JINJA EP, but on September 1, 2023, he returned with his sophomore album, The More The Better. With production services from June Nawakii (Twice Shy and Flashing Lights), Taylor Ross and Tuzi (The More The Better, Regina and Can’t Chase. Fiokee produced King of Pop with DJ Coublon; the co-producer with Selebobo and Tekno on Lokation. Egar Boi made Peppermint, Permit and Borrow. Insane Chips is the guy who patterns Peace of Mind and Pocket beats. Ace producer Kriz Beats made Play.
Album art (Spotify)
Once we clicked the play button, the unexpected sample of a classic song instantly grabbed our attention. On the opening track, Twice Shy, British singer-songwriter Dido’s vocals on Thank You spins on a piano chord, meshing into soft jagala drums and 808 bass with lyrics about triumphing over trials and tribulations. Famous for his love songs, has Tekno found a new direction to relaunch himself? After an unsuccessful debut that almost turned him into a has-been, Tekno preaches about staying positive and focused on all the hard work he puts into creating his art.
Tekno borrows a line from African China’s Mr. President, with “Food no dey, water no dey”, but unlike the socio-politically conscious song, Twice Shy is the song of reassurance Nigerians need today. Inspired by the saying, “Once bitten, twice shy”, Tekno subtly suggests that his listeners mindfully focus on self instead of calling on and waiting for the Mr. Presidents who’ve neglected the masses since African China spoke up in 2000.
Listen keenly and you’ll appreciate the effort that must’ve been put into scribing well-thought lines. Tekno has greatly improved himself. He gets into a feel-good groove on the titular track, The More The Better. Enjoyment is part and parcel of Nigerian culture. This is what Tekno melodiously articulates in simple rhymes on Tuzi’s mid-tempo afrobeats production with guitar chords that speak in highlife. Despite life’s challenges, man will still seek pleasure.
Tekno’s voice has changed a bit since he suffered acid reflux and had surgery in 2019, but he pushed through that to produce soothing vocals with a laid-back delivery that runs throughout the album.
Cutting through, Flashing Lights, a slowed-down dancehall with resounding synths and harmonic background vocals, Tekno delivers one of the real jams on the album. It’s like an afrobeats version of singing-in-the-rain r&b — the type of song that makes you close your eyes to listen and then passionately praise your love interest while longing for physical intimacy.
On Peppermint, we jump into the unique, party starter sound and style of Alhaji Tekno — pop-esque, fast-paced, slapping drums and repetitive lyrics. It’ll bang extra hard if he gets in African Chris Brown mode and performs a choreography whenever he decides to shoot the music video.
The Tekno party carries on into King of Pop, a musical breed of makossa and afrobeats. Hyped AF, Tekno gets the dance floor busy with his bright energy, owambe piano keys, body-jerking percussion, Fiokee’s guitar, a sample of Fela’s Shakara and adlibs reminiscent of Awilo Logomba. King of Pop is Tekno’s subtle reminder that he’s the best at making party jams when he wants to. This one is for a local setting like a bar with dull, multicoloured lights.
Tekno tunes down the party to reflect on his Peace of Mind on the sixth track. Through emotive songwriting, he vaguely recounts his humble beginning and sings about patience, blessings and contentment. Generic as the lyrics may be, Tekno shows faith in this new body of work, he’s ready to seize the moment it’ll create for him and you can’t tell him shit. His delivery blends with the to-match afrobeats production from Insane Chips.
Lokation has quelled log-drums and sparse guitar strings all over it, providing a lush medium for Tekno to ask about the whereabouts of a romance partner, as he shalayes about the love that’s got him hooked. He boasts that only kayamata can make him love like that. That can’t be healthy.
In Pocket, Tekno slips back into party mode to spread his motivational message of enjoyment, positive vibes and financial freedom with fast tempo, infectious drum patterns and his usual playful interjections. Permit employs thumping log-drums, fiddling guitar strings and simple drumlines. He swings between flattery and committing to spending all his money on his love interest — all the afrobeats lamba.
On Borrow, Tekno switches up his vibe and delivery and enters a fresh zone within the confines of african percussion instruments. Tekno spices things up with a backup choir in the chorus, chanting “Borrow borrow”. With the basicest of lyrics, the song further preaches that personal contentment is key for happiness.
On Regina, Tekno brings down the tempo again with konto drums and lush guitar touches to lay bare his romantic feelings, singing lines like “You be original, no substandard”. Biting off his early reggae-dancehall influence, Tekno spits it into the second verse, complemented by our emo boy, CKay — the only feature on the album — who says, “I like you way too much / E be like my brain dey touch.” Please, is this what love makes people feel?
“Na play-play, na play-play, na play-play, we take reach where we dey,” is the leading statement on Play, before Tekno sings about all the nights he tearfully sought the face of God in prayers to make an evident success out of a bleak beginning. Throwing all his gratitude to sky daddy, a children’s choir aids his thanksgiving, but the best thing about this song is its introspection and subtle political statement.
Tekno observes that everyone’s nonchalance has pushed Nigeria to its current sorry state. He takes from 2Face’s For Instance and African China’s Mr. President once more, while maintaining a mix that’ll slap as a political rally jam and a special number at church events.
The album closes out with Can’t Chase in which he confesses that he’s too lazy to go through a talking stage or apply pressure to win the love of his life — an emotional song about having no emotions. It’s sweet and toxic, clearly his perspective on relationships. It’s whispering red flags as Tekno Miles melodiously rocks Tuzi’s afrobashment (AKA afroswing) instrumental.
The More The Better is a thoroughly enjoyable album overall, an applaudable improvement from his last work. The brilliant sequence makes it a no-skip project for us. Doubling down on a refined version of his signature style, Tekno spices up the current afrobeats soundscape with a sprinkle of classic songs from Dido and Africa’s Fela, Awilo Logomba and African China. We only hope Tekno gives the album the proper marketing and promotion it deserves.
According to popular belief, sophomore albums are cursed, but The More The Better breaks the jinx to become Tekno’s best body of work so far. Even the album art, which features a three-headed Tekno, symbolises the transcendental spirit of expanding beyond one’s personal limits, an idea that shines through this album and cements Tekno as a returning Afrobeats champion.
Zikoko’s Burning Ram meat festival is coming soon. We can’t promise to bring Tekno, but you’ll stand a chance to win a live ram if you attend. Stay tuned.
On July 21, 2023, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) put out an important notice to all its students that their school fees would be increased by 400% from September 1st. Neither the new undergraduates nor returning students were exempt.
On September 6, students gathered to march and raise their voices in solidarity against the inconsiderate school fees hike. The UNILAG management responded by calling the police on its students. Let’s get into everything there is to know about these events.
New school fees
New students whose course of study requires laboratory or studio use now pay ₦140,250. Others pay ₦100,750, while college of medicine undergraduates had their fees increased to ₦190,250 from an average of ₦20k per year. Why the sudden increase despite the current economic hardship?
Mr. Adejo also revealed that the Ministry of Education gave UNILAG the go-ahead but has stopped giving other universities. But why can’t there be a uniform decision for everyone?
The VC said it’s the national price
Although the government at the top has said they’ve stopped other universities from increasing their school fees, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, said the fees have been set all around Nigeria and can’t be adjusted for anyone.
UNILAG staff privilege
Staff members’ children can still pay their fees in installments at least a month before final exams. They also get accommodation spaces in the hostels reserved for them. The staff members themselves may begin remote work soon to cut down on their transportation expenses. These compromises make it easier for some people, while the majority bear the brunt of hardship.
The protest
After the university’s management failed on their promise to the student leaders on August 2 that they’ll reduce the school fees , the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) announced their plans to protest against the hike. NANS also sent a warning to the Department of State Services (DSS) not to stop them from protesting as it’s their universal human right.
But on the morning of September 6, 2023, policemen shot rubber bullets and teargas to scatter the agitated students’ peaceful protest.
Please what the hell is going on in Unilag ? How can university students be shot at for protesting ? At a university again ?
Some of the protesting students have been arrested. While most are yet to be identified by names, the NANS PRO, Giwa Temitope, alongside another student named Femi Adeyeye are among them. The students’ representative council of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) wrote a solidarity letter, calling for the release of their arrested comrades and other students.
Unilag @UnilagNigeria management must understand that this struggle will only going to end in one way. That is, #FeesMustFall All this that you people called the @PoliceNG to arrest, better go and release all of them. Cos it is just starting pic.twitter.com/qoSW56kJke
— Osetohamhen“ Revolutionary Jesusbaby” (@j_samdavid) September 6, 2023
Afrobeats isn’t monotonous. You can be laid back, vibrantly energetic, raving… or embody these three elements. There isn’t a perfect recipe for cooking a certified afrobeats song, but with these helpful ingredients, you can’t miss.
Know your sound
From afrotrenches to afroadura to afrowahala, there’s a niché you can comfortably fit if you know your strong suit and what you want to sound like. Dedicate your 10,000 hours to doing what you love, recognise what you want to sound like, soak in gems from your faves, and keep working and reworking. It’ll eventually come together, and you’ll know when it happens.
Get your beat right
Number one pro-tip: do away with free beats. Holla at dope producers like Sarz or Andre Vibez to pattern something sweet for you. Can’t afford them? Take what you have to that dope producer in your neighborhood. Combine your hunger, make jams and you guys might make it out the hood together. See Asake and Magicsticks, Seyi Vibez and Dibs.
Sample Fela’s music
There’s hardly any Nigerian musician in the last decade that isn’t influenced by Baba Fela. And tbh, it’s better than calling yourself the young or new Fela, because from where to where?
Don’t think about numbers
You’re not Tems, so why are you thinking Tems’ numbers? It’s good to dream about celebrating a billion streams on your jam, but don’t forget it’s a journey. Focus on making the perfect song first.
Lyrics
Don’t join the lie that Afrobeats songs have no substance. From 2Baba’s reflective lyrics to Bloody Civilian’s storytelling, there’s always something to say. Or just be like Wizkid, swing between smug brags and what your babe tells you.
Lamba should choke
A lamba is the ultimate, flattery — it’s a bunch of words you tell to make people feel good. Lamba will add spice to your song. We don’t even have to fully understand whatever you say. E.g “Hossana sussana sutana / Sister life is deeper / Deeper life is sister” (Davido, Like Dat).
Lay emphasis
This is a great hack. As an artist, you want people to sing your words back to you, so make sure certain lyrics are repetitive and easy to stick to memory. Why do you think Wizkid is doing multiple “kolobi, ko, ko” and “mo fo oo-ooo” on Ghetto Love?
Adlibs
These are short phrases you throw across a song, especially after a hot line. You can moan it or yell it with reckless abandon. E.g. Davido’s “shekpe” and Zlatan Ibile’s “ayiiii” and “kapaichumarimarimachupako.”
Throw your signature on it
Your signature is like the watermark photographers put on their photos. It can be in your intro or in one of your verses or end of the song. For example, “OluwaBurna”, “O.B.O — baddest” and Rema’s “another banger”.
Send your jam to distro
The distro = distributor that puts your music online. Not the free download site. If your jam isn’t on music streaming platforms, there’s no evidence you dropped a jam. Because what’s a jam if people can’t find it?
Don’t forget to position your work for playlisting (editorial or regular) too. You may just be a playlist away from being discovered or signed.
Burning Ram is coming. Don’t say I didn’t tell you.
On September 3rd, 2023, in Atlanta, U.S., the Headies Awards had its 16th edition. From the amateur stage production to the funny voice-over to Sukihana presenting an award, we’re convinced it was all just a simulation. If not, can someone then explain some of these questionable things?
Another U.S. edition?
The Headies went to Atlanta for a second time. But this writer thinks Nigerian music shouldn’t be celebrated on the coloniser’s foreign soil, leaving the homebase to battle with network providers in an attempt to watch the event. Some of the nominated artists couldn’t even be there because getting a travelling visa as a Nigerian isn’t anybody’s mate. Anyway, afrobeats to the world.
Osas hosted again?
Osas Ighodaro of Nollywood climbed the stage to host The Headies Awards a second time. She switched clothes a couple times, going from stunning class to choking baddie, in true movie star fashion. A familiar face who does the job well isn’t so bad, so it’s a yes for us.
And another Hollywood co-host?
The Headies seem to forget Nigerian MCs can also wear nice suits, speak foreign English and look the cameras in the eye. For the second time, they picked from a draft of African-American actors to co-host. In 2022, it was Anthony Anderson; this year, Terrence J had the mic. I guess since we were on their soil, we had to use their people.
What production?
Despite Ayo Animashaun’s statement that the cost of production is cheaper in America — interesting, by the way — the 16th Headies offered cheap lighting, sound and overall quality. It was hard to even see people’s faces clearly.
At first listen, “I asked where did this “egbon adugbo” come from?” Why was there even a voiceover artist when the event had a hostess and her host? Was that Don Jazzy backstage, calling categories and nominees, or was it “ChatJibiti”?
No female representation?
What’s the point of female categories if they wouldn’t award the winners on the main stage, in front of everyone? Arya Starr, Waje and Tems didn’t get their plaques. Instead, Headies decided to announce them on Twitter. What are they really doing?
I will never be grateful for winning a category that wasn’t even deemed fit to be announced on stage ! Best female artist na beans ? We work hard, every single one of us ! I’ve seen Tiwa record 4 hit songs in the same night , Tems breaths and lives for music , we didn’t deserve…
When Rema went to collect the Best Male Artist of the Year award, his first of three awards that night, he made some important statements about the Nigerian music industry. Divine preached about showing up on time to shows and supporting the industry. Was he throwing some kind of shade?
It was an emotional moment when the room went quiet to honour the Nigerian entertainment industry professionals we’ve lost over the last few years — Sound Sultan, Ada Ameh, Dablixx Orisha, Murphy Afolabi.
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How is M.I connected to Sound Sultan?
Kunle Afolayan presented the Special Recognition award to Sound Sultan, and M.I Abaga received it on behalf of the Sultan’s family. According to Kunle, the rapper is a friend of the late star’s family; M.I also promised to make sure the figurine gets to them.
Kunle Afolayan hustles for free publicity too?
Like every sharp Nigerian, Kunle Afolayan used the opportunity to hawk his market to the audience. His new film Ijogbon will come out in October, and the Anikulapo series will start streaming on Netflix in December 2023.
Kunle Afolayan
Will Director K get his plaque?
Director K won the Best Music Video award for Rema’s Calm Down, and the big question is will he get his plaque this time? The one he won for Davido’s 1 Milli at the 2020 Headies still hasn’t reached him. Who’s holding these plaques, or has the gold finished?
Asake
No question here. If Ololade Mr. Money didn’t get the Next Rated award, we’d have contacted Olamide to do a runback of the 2015 Headies saga. Obi Cubana and Omawumi — the 2009 recipient — presented the award to him. Mr. Money With the Vibe also got the Album of the Year, as Asake closed out the event with a performance of his hits, Lonely At the Top, Organize and Amapiano.
But they snubbed Magicsticks?
Magicsticks is the brother behind the production boards on Asake’s two albums, MMWTV and Work of Art. The guy who produced, mixed and mastered the “album of the year” wasn’t the producer of the year?
i guess 50 weeks as the number 1 record producer in Nigeria doesn’t matter to the Headies.
After being nominated for the category three times, Payper Corleone finally won the prestigious Lyricist on the Roll award dedicated to rappers who spat the hardest during the year. A big win for the young generation rappers.
The winners of 12 categories — Best Recording of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Best R&B Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Headies Viewers’ Choice, Best East African Artiste of the Year, Best North African Artiste of the Year, Best Southern African Artiste of the Year, Best Central African Artiste of the Year, International Artiste of the Year, Best Alternative Album and Best R&B Album — weren’t announced. What could’ve caused such an omission? Did the event centre tell them to pack up and go home?
Zambia made their official debut on the global streaming platform with Can You See Us? in August 2023, and this is everything we know about it.
It’s about albinism
In it, Joseph goes through a hard childhood — living with an unloving father and getting bullied because of his albinism — and finds comfort in music. This movie tells a common African story that’s rarely told on the big screens. Representation matters; stigmatisation must die.
Originally released in 2022
It was shot in 2021 and released in 2022, but most people didn’t know about Can You See Us? until Netflix picked it up. Truly, all good things get their time in the sun.
The move to Netflix
On August 27, Can You See Us? became available for viewing on Netflix. It offers a genuine storyline, clean photography and showcases young talents. Go watch, and let’s celebrate Zambia like a good neighbour.
Inspired by a true story
“Inspired by the true life of Mr John Chiti” appears at the opening of the film. John Chiti is a popular Zambia musician known for hits like Ifindingile and Ngoleya. He’s also an albino who was bullied as a kid because of his skin condition. Chiti is still alive, pushing awareness and support for albinism through his foundation. He’s credited at a co-writer on this project.
A child actor with a similar real-life story
Thambo Kaamba, who plays the younger version of Joseph in Can You See Us? is actually female. She was also born with albinism and rejected by her dad when she was small. You might’ve seen Thambo in the second season of South Africa’s Ubuntu.
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Many newcomers
The cast list is full of actors who’ve just arrived in the Zambian film industry. There are some OG names like Ruth Jule and Kondwani Elliot too, but we’re rooting for these new guys.
A self-taught director
Kenny Roc Mumba is a Zambian filmmaker who majorly directs brand commercials and documentaries. Now, his film debut is Zambia’s Netflix debut.
Hold several handkerchieves
Since it started streaming, word on the street is Can You See Us? is capable of making grown people cry.
Well, Nollywood has done it again, and it’s called Orah.
The plot
At just 15, Orah Dokubo killed someone but escaped justice by hightailing it out of Africa, her newborn baby in tow. Fast forward 17 years, and she finally lands in Canada, the land of moose and maple syrup. However, she does this illegally.
Yet another crime thriller
Orah becomes a cabbie, shuttling a fancy attorney and his big-shot Nigerian pal, Bami Hazar — who are both into international money laundering — around Sudbury. Drama and murder comes in when Hazar puts out a hit on Orah’s son, forcing her on a one-woman mission to serve up a side of justice, extra spicy.
One-man writer and director
Orah is written and directed by Nigerian-Canadian filmmaker, Lonzo Nzekwe, the brain behind the indie gem, Anchor Baby (2010).
11 years in the making
Lonzo Nzekwe revealed in a chat with Hollywood Reporter in November 2022, that he’d been brewing this movie since 2011. The producers, Floyd Kane (Diggstown) and Amos Adetuyi (The Boathouse), joined the team in 2017. Apparently, if you’re not the patient type, filmmaking isn’t for you.
Shot in Canada and Lagos
Sudbury, Ontario, took the spotlight in 2022. Then Lagos joined the party for additional touches. Real recognises real.
Badass cast
It’s not every day you see Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama (93 Days, Gidi Up), Tina Mba (The Set Up, Battle on Buka Street), O.C. Ukeje (The Arbitration, Brotherhood), Femi Lawson (Because We Are), Lucky Ejim (Render to Casear, The Tenant), Oyin Oladejo (Star Trek: Discovery, Endlings) and Emeka Nwagbaraocha (Far From Home) in a single picture. This movie is giving the best of both worlds — diaspora and motherland.
Screening at TIFF
Orah has snagged an invitation to the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it will mingle with other Nollywood gems like Black Harvest and I Do Not Come To You By Chance, as well as Death of a Whistleblower (South Africa), Banel & Adama (Senegal) and Sira (Burkina Faso).
Looks like the spotlight will twirl around various corners of the continent this season.
Ruger has been talented from the jump. The self-titled afro-dancehall artist didn’t break into the mainstream until his 2021 single, Bounce, took off few months after his debut. But he only had to put out song covers on IG for nine months before he was discovered in 2019. Since then, he’s gone on to make hits, creating a unique spot for himself among peers.
As we prepare for his forthcoming debut album, RU THE WORLD, let’s dive into his musical journey.
When Michael Adebayo Olayinka began his journey to becoming a recording and performing artist, he was sure he’d make hits. But he didn’t know he’d have to be Ruger — a highly fatal firearm used at close range — first. The Nigerian artist FKA Mikky Drey got his current name because of his habit of making gun fingers in the studio. By 2019, afrobeats had another bad boy on its hands, with a name-change, pink-dyed hair and an eyepatch reminiscent of Baba Fryo.
After waiting three years for a university admission, Ruger got serious with his music while learning to repair phones at the popular Computer Village in Lagos. In November 2019, former Mavin artist, D’Prince, saw his content on IG and has since put him under his wings, talent management and music label.
Throughout the 2020 lockdown, Ruger recorded across music studios and hotel rooms and underwent some artist development. And in January 2021, Jonzing World released One Shirt on which Ruger led the first verse and chorus. This afropop song about humble beginnings and disappointments was his official musical introduction, a showcase of the youngster’s head for captivating lyricism and vocals. D’Prince put down gems and Rema delivered a beautiful verse, but Ruger carried the song on his back. He didn’t even need anybody else on the song.
A proper introduction came with a self-titled single, Ruger. Ru Boy, as he’s fondly called by fans, glided over the African percussion fused with 808 drum kicks, likening his arrival in the industry to the deadly coronavirus. The track opened his EP, titled PANDEMIC, a month later. On this EP, Ruger swam in and out of different sounds from the second track to the sixth, including uptempo afropop (Monalisa, Yekpa) and dancehall (Bow and Bounce). He sang exclusively to women, showing off his patois, pun strength, good-boy-gone-bad charisma and hypersexuality.
PANDEMIC came out to mild reception and didn’t cut deep into the mainstream until Bounce took on a life of its own and turned into one of the biggest songs of 2021. It went on to debut no. 39 on TurnTable’s Top 50 Chart and number two on the Apple Music Top Afrobeats Songs, giving Ruger his first global recognition, after which he linked with Jamaican artist, Projexx, on the mid-tempo dancehall Sidepiece remix.
Ruger closed 2021 out with the release of The Second Wave (four-track EP) in November, around the time COVID-19 made a comeback. On Champion, Ruger accepts his newfound stardom, expressing this through an afropop flavour similar to his early One Shirt jam. Useless has a dancehall-galala vibe that’ll get even Daddy Showkey up from his seat, throwing the popular “konto” dance.
He put the TikTok-friendly closing tracks, Snapchat and Dior, with the smash hit Girlfriend, WeWe and Warning — on which he mentioned his influences, like Lucky Dube, 2Baba and the late Sound Sultan — on a deluxe album in June 2022. This move gave Dior its time in the sun as it became a hit. At this point, Ruger had morphed into a full-blown bad boy, accepting his wayward playboy role. Girlfriend had everyone tilting their waists anytime it came on, and with it, he owned the IG, Snapchat and TikTok streets for a while.
Then came the back-and-forths with BNXN which birthed Asiwaju, a track on which he claimed superiority over his peers. However, the public accused him of making a campaign song for the agbado government. The hit song was rich in replay value with dramatic lyricism and all the nuance that make certified Naija jams.
Red Flag was his last drop of 2022 — a problematic song that saw him relishing in toxic masculinity, with lines like “you saw the red flags, baby, but you ignored the red flags / baby, you con dey vex, see, I can’t change / baby, you better rest or end this now” — maintaining the honesty of a villain who’s come to terms with himself. But on his first offering of 2023, Ruger took a U-turn from his Red Flag confessions to become a preacher of sweet love on DJ Neptune’s Bienvenue, without losing his sensual one-liners. You know you’re a hitmaker in the Naija music scene when popular DJs feature you on their songs. That’s how far Ruger has come since 2019.
On May 12, 2023, he began the journey to his debut album by releasing two singles: the amapiano-inspired, booty appreciation song, Bun Bun with Jugglerz; and Jonzing Boy, an allegiance record to the label that pays him. Jonzing Boy later appeared on a two-song pack, Kristy, that came out in July.
It’s clear that fun, hedonism and dancehall-galala aren’t leaving Ruger anywhere anytime soon, not even with his successful tours across Africa, Europe, and currently, the U.S. Since his nationwide six-concert deal with Eko Hotel & Suites and opening performance at Burna Boy’s 02 Arena concert, both in 2021, Ruger has been booked and busy on the road.
And he has managed to turn every performance to a debauchery show, grinding and dry humping willing fans, dressed in his iconic singlet, belt and ripped jeans. Just two days after his U.S tour, he announced his debut album, titled RU THE WORLD, drops on September 1st.
Ruger shared that his most stressful session on the album was with Legendury Beatz, as he was under pressure to deliver a great record like the other heavy hittas — Wizkid, Wale, Bad Bunny and Seyi Shay — who have worked with the production team.
We’ll also get some relationship confessions, like Dear Ex, an unreleased song he described as an apology to three babes he’d led on. In the announcement video he posted on his socials on August 28, he shared a preview of a drill jam we first heard on his Boston show.
Ruger plays an unreleased drill song at his show in Boston
We believe Ru To World will be multi-genre as he continues his penmanship flex as a wild, sweet-tongued singer exploring his youth. While he builds a solid CV as a stage performer, Ruger would finally have a full-length project to present on tour. The 23-year-old looks to be slowly bringing dancehall music back to the mainstream, following in the footsteps of Yung L, Patoranking, Timaya and General Pype.
After dropping Hello Lady and My Ability earlier in the year, Abuja-born singer-songwriter, Lady Donli, has taken to her socials to announce a studio album release date. As always, we’ve broken down the gist of it.
Her first album in four years
Lady Donli made the very first announcement on June 14, 2023, after a four-year break since releasing her debut album, Enjoy Your Life (2019).
The album title, Pan-African Rockstar, seems worlds apart from Enjoy Your Life, but they’re actually quite similar. She’s been pushing the narrative since 2019 when she dropped EYL.
In 2014, she debuted with a 12-track EP Love or War on SoundCloud. We witnessed her bedroom pop, neo-soul and R&B era as she strummed her guitar with a mixture of singing, rap and spoken word. She continued with What Is Perfect? EP (2015) and Wallflower EP (2016).
Letters to Her EP (2018) was her departure from the sound, and in 2019, Enjoy Your Life ushered us into an experimental and African side of Donli. EYL was such an era, from the retro aesthetics to her outfits to the album marketing. And two years after the iconic EYL, she put out a six-track response to those asking Where Is Lady Donli? (WILD), on which she took us back to her smooth vulnerable music days mixed with more afropop and dancehall than before.
She’s back now with her Pan-African Rockstar and we look forward to what the era will bring.
September release date
Just like her first album came out in the second-half of 2019, Pan-African Rockstar will be out on September 22, 2023.
“Pan African Rockstar” my sophomore album out on the 22nd of September ! See you soon ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VS1HOTc4Nj
Donli put out a link for those willing to become members of her Pan-African Rockstar club. Reminds us of the Enjoy Your Life era when we all became ministers of enjoyment.
The rollout is rolling
She started with short teasers before putting out a video with her Pan-African Rockstar album release date announcement. Using comments about her fall-off since her debut work, the promo has been gripping enough to guilt-trip even an uninterested listener to look out for her new project.
Merch!
You’ll have to join the fanclub for access to tote bags, cassettes, CDs and one of 100 limited vinyls with special edition tracks.
Burna Boy’s seventh album, I Told Them, is the shiny new object everyone is all over since its release on August 25, 2023. We sat down, pressed play, and this is what we thought on first listen.
I Told Them starts with its titular track. After 24 seconds of instrumental and chants that give Caribbean bonfire vibes, Burna Boy, in his natural cocky state, begins to reiterate that he announced his own greatness even when people didn’t believe in him.
Towards the end of the 3:09 track, a kung-fu movie skit comes in, to indicate GZA’s presence on the song — his group, the Wu-Tang, is heavily associated with Chinese martial art culture. In a deep 16-bar delivery, GZA spits “I’m in a place where perception is developed / If you can’t walk in these shoes, then your feet would swell up / A medium by which thoughts are made clear / Beneath the surface, but only hurting the inner ear” to summarise why Odogwu grunts at the “little thanks” he gets from his fans.
Normal opens with a hyped Burna tearing through the beat, talking about counting money, being rich even before he signed to music labels, keeping few friends and how the perks of being a star are now normal to him. On Form plays next, and it’s groovy AF. Odogwu is obviously having fun, but his lyrics aren’t lighthearted; his current phase is just a start and anyone who dares to fuck with him should expect a dangerous reaction.
On track four, Burna hangs with 21 Savage who opens his verse with “I can help you shit on anyone you ever hated.” Who asked him? I guess it’s easy to do when you’re Sittin’ On Top Of The World.
Tested, Approved & Trusted is Burna giving a review of his game to a babe in three words. On the Dave-assisted Cheat On Me, Burna realises how he’s been cheating himself out of opportunities by putting others before himself. The seventh track is an interlude called Virgil — in honour of the late Virgil Abloh who Burna name-dropped on his 2021 single, Want It All. The song features a voice note from the iconic designer, analysing the art of traditional album promotion.
Big 7 comes after, banging with heavy hip-hop influence in sound and delivery. Burna Boy is intoxicated, living every day like a holiday and celebrating himself. Dey Play is a sarcastic statement to whoever isn’t on the same wavelength as him and his wealthy guys. Next is City Boys, an anthem he previewed on August 19, 2023, for young, rich boys living wildly in the city.
If this Burna album gets a Grammy nod, Seyi Vibez will join the list of new cats Odogwu has taken to the prestigious global awards, after Zlatan (African Giant) and Victony (Love, Damini). On Giza, he and the self-acclaimed Vibe Boy sing about smoking sativa and other hedonist pursuits.
Next, RZA, another founding member of the Wu-tang Clan, gives Burna the 12 Jewels — a list of important acquisitions every man should strive for — knowledge, wisdom, understanding, freedom, justice, equality, shelter, food, clothing, love, peace and happiness.
The album gets closer to its end on If I’m Lying, which goes acoustic as Burna Boy gives gratitude to his creator. He offers his shoulders to those crying and begs birds to stop flying, seas to stop flowing and trees to start dying if he’s not sincere about the things he says. Well… these things are scientifically impossible.
On the 14th track, Thanks featuring J. Cole, Burna Boy brings up his club incident of 2022 and the never-ending rumour about his mum dancing for Fela Kuti. He’s allowed to address these issues, but he insults us when he goes on reduce the huge love and pride the motherland shows him to rumours about him. We first heard Taliban II in July when Jamaican artist, Bryon Messia, brought Burna on it. Now, it’s the bonus and final track on I Told Them, as the well-rounded album completes its spin.
Burna Boy’s early hip-hop, reggae and dancehall influences are present in the sound and vocal delivery on this latest body of work. However, it becomes clearer that the afro-fusion narrative is more a means of standing out under the saturated umbrella of “afrobeats”, as Burna expands and penetrates different cultures. His “afro-fusion” comes from smoothly fusing elements of foreign genres with African classics, the same components that make up afrobeats. But, I Told Them is still a tale of fun, celebration, brilliance and I-told-you-I’m-the-fucking-best-ism at its best.
African animation is enjoying a breakthrough this 2023, showcasing some of our finest talents to the world on platforms like Disney and ShowMax. Netflix’s first original African-animated series launched in July too. We celebrate these power moves and the opportunity portal they’ve opened for many African creators.
While we anticipate more progress, we look at some of the best animated pictures African cinema has produced in 2023 so far.
Kiya & The Kimoja Heroes
This pre-school series is about a trio of best friends: Kiya, Jay and Motsie. They wield their music, dancing, martial arts and high-tech tools into formidable superpowers whenever they need to defend their community, Kimoja. Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes will have little kids thinking they’re tougher than Rambo with the flexible movement of the animation, sharp picture and bright colours.
Supa Team 4
This is Netflix’s first original animated series from Africa, which debuted in July 2023 to wide acclaim. Supa Team 4 is a Zambian neo-futuristic children’s series focused on the adventures of four schoolgirls trying to save the world from doom. It gives Nickelodeon Junior vibes, but its vibrant animation, storytelling and setting make it a fresh watch.
Garbage Boy and Trash Can
This Ridwan Moshood-animated superhero epic, Garbage Boy and Trash Can, brings the watchers into a world where everything is valuable, including garbage. In July 2023, it became the first Nigerian-made animation on Cartoon Network. The show is creative with its characters, pushing the watchers’ imagination to see inanimate things as extraordinary with live-action and hybrid programming.
Kizazi Moto: Génération Feu
Kehinde Bankole, Lillian Dube, Nasty C and Florence Kasumba voice characters in this animated short film series. You’re in for a futuristic Africa in Kizazi Moto, so if you like 3D animated actions, advanced tech, aliens and monsters, you’d love this.
Ajaka: Lost In Rome
This 2D animated series comes from the stable of Spoof Animation. It follows an exiled Alaafin of Oyo as he fights to escape slavery under a gladiator in Rome and return to the motherland.
Aau’s Song
Aau’s Song is the ninth episode of the Star Wars: Visions Volume 2. It brought the galaxy to Korba, a planet that mirrors South Africa. A little girl called Aau has singing abilities that can purify lightsaber crystals. With its sharp drawing, highlight effects, you’ll love this.
Mikolo
Mikolo is a children’s animation and live-action film by Niyi Akinmolayan. It’s about two kids who became friends with a magical bird after their curiosity led them into a mystical forest. Though it focuses on the kids, parents can learn from it about mending broken relationships and working hand-in-hand with other parents to raise their kids.
With a shiny gold incisor that signifies his journey to the Holy Land of Mecca, Reminisce became an El-Hadj and made his new title the title of his fourth studio album of 2016.
Now, the OG rapper is ready to feed his fans with his fifth offering, his first full-length album in seven years.
On August 7, 2023, Reminisce made the announcement and dropped a single and music video, E.N.K.R.
The album title, Alaye Toh Se Gogo(ATSG), is a reference from the 1996 Nigerian film, Owo Blow, and a testament to Reminisce’s suave street credibility. Disputably an artist with some of the most encapsulating albums and titles in Nigeria, his debut, Book of Rap Stories (2012), saw a young Remilekun Khalid Safaru navigate the industry, seeking acceptance and a breakthrough. BORS gave us hits like Kako Bi Chicken (produced by Sarz) and 2Mussh (produced by Legendury Beatz).
2013’s ALAGA IBILE (chairman of the local rap movement) was a huge success with singles like Daddy, Eleniyan and Fantasi. His third album, Baba Hafusa which announced his first daughter’s name, became the first African Hip-hop album to debut on Billboard Charts in this streaming era, at number 12 on the World Music category — just a year after Olamide’s number four debut on the chart with Street OT (2014), though that was CD era. Crazy.
During the lockdown of 2020, Reminisce put out a six-track EP, Vibes & Insha Allah, that revealed his other kids, Mo and Fatimah. Since then, it’s been two to three singles a year (Omo X 100 and Hello E in 2021; Alaye Toh Se Gogo, Hustle and Overdose in 2022).
After taking a break from releasing music to focus on acting (King of Boys, Rising: City of Dreams) and a radio football show (The Agenda With Reminisce), Reminisce is back and set to drop a new album on October 27, 2023 — the new date he announced after he cancelled the album release in September.
Alaye Toh Se Gogo will be a series, and ATSG Vol. 1 will have 13 tracks. It will feature big hitters like Mayorkun, Asake and Olamide, a frequent collaborator (Government, Respect, Loyalty & Honour, Omo X 100). It will include released singles like Hustle (featuring BNXN and D Smoke), Shina Peters (with Mohbad), an extended version of E.N.K.R (featuring Ycee and Rhookcastle) and Oxlade-assisted single, Why? (produced by Rhookcastle).
These five bops indicate that Alaga Ibile will give us an all-round rap album — exciting news for hip-hop heads and enthusiasts of the ibile rap movement. Reminisce also stated that seven songs will get music videos.
He did it for ALAGA IBILE (2013), so he can do it again.
He also hinted at a joint music project with Olamide Baddo after they put out their respective albums. Baddo’s UNRULY is out already, and ATSG Vol. 1 will drop in two months, so we guess we’re about to be fed good.
We agreed to put it out after our respective projects I think 🤔. Mon pada si Ajilete after #ATSG 1/2. I wan go HOR. https://t.co/BA7YyZfRF8
Transcending from the youngster rapper of Books of Rap Stories to an elder statesman role in the local rap scene with ALAGA IBILE, Reminisce has opened up about fatherhood on Baba Hafusa, dropped lessons that come with maturity and success on El-Hadj, and in the last few years since his last album, transformed into an action figure, like Ogogo (Taiwo Hassan) from Owo Blow. Consistency, cutting edge lyricism and credible street storytelling tied with bilingual delivery and amazing beat selection — this is how Reminisce has impacted the culture and stayed relevant for so long. We look forward to Alaye Toh Se Gogo Vol. 1, the next chapter in the story of his reign as Alaga Ibile.
