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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.

Jomapel Yankee's New Single 'Hotter Than'

Jomapel Yankee’s new single Hotter Than

In a scene dominated by Nigerian and Ghanaian giants, Sierra Leonean artist Jomapel Yankee is carving his own path. We’re diving into his journey and his latest single, ‘Hotter Than,’ a track that’s quietly becoming a summer anthem.

Tyla's archival Cavalli dress

A Lesson in Legacy: A Critical Look at Tyla’s Archival Cavalli Dress

For the 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards, host Tyla and stylist Law Roach delivered a masterclass in fashion history. We offer a critical review of Tyla’s archival Cavalli dress—a piece once worn by Beyoncé—and analyse the bold styling choices that made it the night’s biggest fashion story.

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?

The Afrobeats Style Icons Defining Fashion for 2025

In 2025, fashion isn’t just what you wear—it’s what you hear. As Afrobeats continues to dominate the global soundscape, a new generation of stars is using music as a runway to spotlight designers, challenge norms, and shape culture. These Afrobeats style icons are not only chart-toppers—they’re defining global fashion.

From Local Beats to Global Anthems: The Rise of African Languages in Mainstream Pop

Once sidelined in favour of Western accents and English lyrics, African languages like Yoruba, Pidgin, Zulu, and Lingala are now front and centre — and the world is listening. From the hypnotic beats of Afrobeats to the smoky pulse of Amapiano, African artists are no longer adapting to fit the global stage — they’re owning it in their mother tongues. This isn’t just a musical movement; it’s a cultural revolution, rewriting the rules of pop one lyric at a time.

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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