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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

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Mavo rise to the global charts
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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
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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
Mavin's new artist CupidSZN
  • Explore, New Releases

Mavin’s new artist CupidSZN: The Story Behind MYTH ERA

Don Jazzy has unveiled Mavin's new artist CupidSZN, but this isn't a typical industry story. It involves a missed DM, a four-year wait, and
Asake's Red Bull Symphonic show
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Black Tie & Amapiano: The Real Story of Asake’s Red Bull Symphonic Show

When Asake announced a black-tie orchestral show, we were all perched. Asake's Red Bull Symphonic show was the first U.S. edition headlined by an
TikTok's Songs of the Summer 2025
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BhadBoi OML Conquers TikTok: The New Guard Wins on TikTok’s Songs of the Summer 2025

The official TikTok's Songs of the Summer 2025 list for Nigeria has landed, and it’s a fascinating snapshot of what's actually moving the culture.
  • Explore, New Releases

Aya Nakamura’s New Album Destinée & Stade de France Shows

Aya Nakamura is back, and she’s not playing. She’s just announced Aya Nakamura's new album Destinéeand Stade de France shows for 2026. The demand
L2B's Accor Arena concert
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The Paris Power Play: L2B’s Accor Arena Concert Sells Out Instantly

L2B's Accor Arena concert for March 2026 is the hottest ticket in Paris. The first 20,000-capacity show sold out almost immediately, forcing the trio
Vybz Kartel brings out Wizkid
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The Moment Vybz Kartel Brought Out Wizkid at London’s O2 Arena

During the first night of his monumental sold-out O2 Arena show, Dancehall king Vybz Kartel delivered the ultimate surprise. We're diving into the moment
Fola dominates Spotify Nigeria
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The Fola Phenomenon: How One Artist Took Over the Entire Top 5

In an unprecedented show of force, rising Nigerian artist Fola has captured four of the top five spots on the Spotify Nigeria chart. We're
Hennessy Cypher 2025
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How the Hennessy Cypher 2025 Rewrote Its Own Rules

The annual Hennessy Cypher has long been a benchmark for African hip-hop. But the 2025 edition has arrived with a new formula, blending genres
Zuchu to headline CHAN finals
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Why Zuchu Headlining the CHAN Finals is a Game-Changer

As the African Nations Championship final gets underway, the pre-match buzz is all about one artist. We're diving into the significance of Tanzania's Zuchu
A wide view of the main stage and massive crowd at Afronation Portugal 2025 in Praia da Rocha
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The Fifth Act: Did Afronation Portugal 2025 Live Up to Its Golden Anniversary Hype?

The hype for Afronation Portugal 2025's fifth anniversary was electric. But did the reality match the golden expectations? With major cancellations, legendary performances, and

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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