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Explore

Longer reads on the scenes, deals and shifts shaping African music — the context behind the charts, across the continent and the diaspora.

  • Explore

THE HYPE MAN ECONOMY: WHY AFROBEATS’ MOST ESSENTIAL ROLE IS STILL ITS MOST UNDERVALUED

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

Must Read

Gracey Mae on Why African Voters Need a Seat at the Grammys Table
  • Awards, Explore

Gracey Mae on Why African Voters Need a Seat at the Grammys Table

Gracey Mae’s call for more African Grammy voting members has ignited a fierce industry debate about Western validation, representation and whether Africans should build
DJ Maphorisa R8 million royalties NMG Music
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DJ Maphorisa Confirms Over R8 Million in Royalties to NMG Music Artists and Producers

In an industry plagued by unpaid artist stories, DJ Maphorisa’s confirmation of R8 million in royalties through NMG Music carries real weight.
What is Nepopiano
  • Explore

What Is Nepopiano? The Nigerian Music Subgenre Sparking Debate Across Social Media

The term 'Nepopiano' has divided Nigerian music observers—is it a genuine subgenre, a cultural observation, or simply the internet doing what it does best?
Rea Gopane AI song Suka DJ Maphorisa reaction
  • Explore, New Releases

DJ Maphorisa, Zee Nxumalo, Scotts Maphuma and Others React to Rea Gopane’s Viral AI Song ‘Suka’

South African musicians react to Rea Gopane's viral AI-generated song 'Suka'. DJ Maphorisa, Zee Nxumalo, Prince Kaybee, and others question the future of human
Rema larger YouTube monthly audience than Drake
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Rema Outpaces Global Icons: Nigerian Star Boasts Larger YouTube Audience Than Drake and Kendrick Lamar

In a statistic that perfectly encapsulates Afrobeats' global dominance, Nigerian sensation Rema now boasts a larger YouTube Music monthly audience than Drake and Kendrick
first African artist to surpass 10 billion Spotify streams
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Wizkid Makes History: First African Artist to Cross 10 Billion Spotify Streams

In a groundbreaking achievement that underscores Afrobeats' global rise, Nigerian megastar Wizkid has become the first African artist to exceed 10 billion streams on
Sam Deep Amapiano success Shela Thandaza
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Sam Deep’s Amapiano Success: ‘Shela’ and ‘Thandaza’ Dominate the Charts

South African producer Sam Deep continues his dominance of the Amapiano scene with 'Shela' and 'Thandaza' maintaining strongholds on local and international charts.
Shimza and Black Coffee deliver unforgettable performance
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Shimza and Black Coffee Deliver Unforgettable Performance at Best of Both Worlds

South African house music titans Shimza and Black Coffee delivered an unforgettable performance at the Best of Both Worlds festival, showcasing why the country
Akosua Agyapong Ogyebea Afahye
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Akosua Agyapong Honoured at Ogyebea Afahye Festival Before 35,000 Diasporans

Highlife icon Akosua Agyapong celebrated at Ogyebea Afahye festival, where 35,000 diasporans gathered to honour her legacy as a trailblazer for women in Ghanaian
Tayc Oxlade Red Bull Symphonic France
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Tayc and Oxlade Unite at France’s First Red Bull Symphonic for Historic Performance

France's first Red Bull Symphonic sees Tayc bring orchestral grandeur to Afrobeats, with Oxlade appearing for a stunning 'Ku Lo Sa' collaboration.
Mavo rise to the global charts
  • Explore

Mavo Swago: From Dorm Room to Chart Domination

From making dorm room songs to becoming Afropop royalty, Mavo is proof that the vision never lies. The fast-rising star's journey to chart dominance
Highlife inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • Explore

Ghanaian Highlife Achieves UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status

In a landmark decision that celebrates over a century of musical innovation, Ghana's Highlife music and dance have been officially added to UNESCO's Representative

About the Explore desk

Four questions, answered in plain text, marked up as FAQPage.

What is the Explore desk?

Longer analysis and reporting: scene reports, deal breakdowns and interviews that do not fit the release cycle.

Do you cover the business side?

Yes. Signings, streaming economics, touring and festival programming across Europe and Africa.

How long are these pieces?

Typically eight to fifteen minutes. Reading time shows on every card.

Who writes them?

Staff writers and contributors based in Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Paris and London.

Explore By Sound and country

Afrobeats
Amapiano
Gqom
Coupé-Decalé
Makossa
Fuji
Nigeria
South Africa
Ghana
Kenya
Namibia
Morocco

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