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Awards

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

2025 AFRIMA nominees list

2025 AFRIMA Nominees List: A Breakdown of the Top Contenders

With a record number of entries, the 2025 AFRIMA nominees list is finally here, setting the stage for a fierce contest. We’re diving into the heavyweight clashes, the rising stars to watch, and the cultural trends shaping African music’s biggest night.

Tyla's 2025 VMA nominations

Tyla’s 2025 VMA Nominations: A Bittersweet Return

Last year, Tyla’s historic VMA win was also a moment of critique. Now, Tyla’s 2025 VMA nominations place her right back in the Best Afrobeats category she questioned. We’re diving into the significance of her return and her nod for Best Choreography.

Best Afrobeats VMA nominees 2025

Best Afrobeats VMA Nominees 2025: An In-Depth Look

The nominations for the 2025 VMAs are in, and the Best Afrobeats category is a true clash of titans. We’re diving deep into the Best Afrobeats VMA nominees 2025, analysing the frontrunners, the strategic collaborations, and what this list tells us about the state of the culture.

The Gilded Debate: Do Music Awards Still Truly Matter?

As the African music industry booms, so does the debate surrounding its accolades. From Afrobeats to Amapiano, we take a critical look at the relevance of music awards. Are they still the ultimate measure of success, or has their currency been devalued in an era of streaming dominance and artist skepticism?

TxC's historic BET win

Breaking New Ground: Inside TxC’s Historic BET Win

At the 2025 BET Awards, South African DJ duo TxC achieved more than just a victory; they made a powerful statement. We offer a critical look at TxC’s historic BET win, exploring how their success marks a new chapter for dance music and female artists on the global stage.

About the Explore desk

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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.

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