ActiveBoy — resident hype man at Obi’s House and one of Lagos’s most in-demand voices — says 70% of the industry still undervalues the people who make the party work. In this exclusive feature, The Beats of Africa explores the Afrobeats hype man economy, the emerging Afro Hype movement, and why the genre’s most essential role remains its most underpaid.
The Addis Jazz Festival 2026 brought Ethio-jazz legends and new voices together for three days at the Ghion Hotel. Over 3,000 daily attendees proved the genre’s enduring power.
The Afrocroiser Mavin Records songwriting camp brought French and Nigerian composers together in Lagos. Over 60 tracks emerged in one week. The results could reshape Afrobeats.
The first Nigeria copyright levy payout totals ₦1.2 billion. MCSN receives the funds under Section 89 of the Copyright Act 2022. Registration is essential for every creator.
Kilele Summit 2026 arrives in Nairobi from 23–28 February. The third edition gathers international speakers alongside Kenyan industry leaders for a week of panels, networking and live music.
Everyone wrote Gengetone off. Kenya’s street sound just wrote itself back in. Ethic Entertainment, Wakadinali and a new generation of artists are proving the genre’s staying power.
LVRN South Africa hit 288 million+ streams in 2025. Ciza’s Isaka became the country’s most-streamed song. Summer Walker sold out twice. TXC won a BET Award. The numbers speak.
Nigerian music video directors face a hard truth: they own nothing. The Alien Visuals sparked a viral thread calling for IP reform, guilds and a seat at the copyright levy table.
DBN Gogo graces the Forbes Africa Over 30 Under 50 cover for 2026. Behind the decks lies a label, a team and a vision that built itself into a business empire.
The Toss and Nadia Nakai Valentine music video dropped just before 14 February and sent South African social media into overdrive. Real romance or pure marketing? Nobody knows.
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