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Beats News

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

Fola dominates Spotify Nigeria

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 diving into the songs, the strategy, and why Fola dominates Spotify Nigeria in a way we haven’t seen in years.

Hennessy Cypher 2025

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 and finally including female artists. We’re diving into the supergroup collaboration and what it signifies for the culture.

Zuchu to headline CHAN finals

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 headlining the CHAN finals, a move that cements her status as a continental superstar.

SPINALL's Èkó Groove album

Inside SPINALL’s Ambitious ‘Èkó Groove’ Album

After more than two years in the making, revered tastemaker SPINALL has delivered his love letter to Lagos. We’re diving deep into SPINALL’s Èkó Groove album, a sprawling, star-studded project that is both a triumph of curation and a fascinating paradox.

Kidd Carder Young Jonn Calculate II

Kidd Carder Young Jonn Calculate II: A Remix Masterstroke

In the world of Afrobeats, a strategic feature can change everything. With the release of the Kidd Carder Young Jonn Calculate II remix, we’re witnessing a masterclass in collaboration, as a rising hit gets a supercharged boost from one of Nigeria’s most reliable hitmakers.

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.

Amaarae's new album Black Star

Amaarae’s New Album Black Star Review: A Bold New Era

Following her critically acclaimed Fountain Baby, the world was watching Amaarae’s next move. Her answer is Black Star—a bold, hedonistic, and sonically ambitious exploration of Black dance music, identity, and power. We’re diving in.

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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