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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.

Aya Nakamura's Les Flammes look

Gothic Glamour: A Critical Look at Aya Nakamura’s Les Flammes Look

For the 2025 Les Flammes ceremony, Aya Nakamura chose a look that was dramatic, sensual, and deeply symbolic. We offer a critical review of Aya Nakamura’s Les Flammes look, exploring how her Morticia Addams-inspired ensemble perfectly captured her status as a reigning queen of French culture.

Les Flammes' cultural impact

More Than Trophies: A Critical Look at Les Flammes’ Cultural Impact

The Les Flammes ceremony has become more than an awards show; it is a cultural statement. We offer a critical review of the 2025 edition, exploring Les Flammes’ cultural impact, the triumphs of its Afro-diasporic artists, and what the night revealed about the state of French and global music.

The Headies Homecoming – A Night to Forget?

The 17th Headies Awards returned to Lagos with promises of a triumphant homecoming. Instead, it unravelled into a night of delays, boycotts, and embarrassing organisational failures. Can Nigeria’s premier music awards still command respect?

5 Afrobeats Producers Shaping the Sound of a Generation

Forget the frontmen and women for a moment. This is the inside story of the Afrobeats producers currently conjuring the sounds that have the world dancing. From Amapiano infusions to mouth-made melodies, prepare to be shocked by the secrets and surprising origins of the beats dominating your playlists.

Fela, Brenda Fassie, Franco, Miriam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo, 2Baba … African Legends that Inspired the New Generation

In today’s global wave of Afrobeats and Amapiano, it’s easy to forget the giants who paved the way. From Fela Kuti’s revolutionary Afrobeat to Miriam Makeba’s anthems of freedom, this article pays homage to the legends whose bold sounds, messages, and spirit continue to shape African music today. Dive into their stories—and discover how their rhythm still echoes in every beat.

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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