african music
Tems brought ankara, a vibrant African wax print popular in Nigeria, to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art at the 2025 Met Gala on Monday (May 5). British-Ghanaian fashion designer Ozwald Boateng helmed her blue and green tailored mermaid vest gown, which she wore over a blue pinstriped collared shirt with a green pussy […]
Tyla served old Hollywood glamour and paid homage to at the late André Leon Talley at the 2025 Met Gala on Monday (May 5). The South African star stunned on the blue carpet with her immaculately tailored off-the-shoulder Jacquemus gown that featured a beaded pinstripe design, and a floor-length cape that honored Talley, according to […]
Rema‘s 2022 debut album, Rave & Roses, spun out the biggest Afrobeats crossover hit in U.S. history (the Selena Gomez-assisted “Calm Down”), and just three years later, the Nigerian superstar has cemented his place in the genre’s Big Four with a fiery, high-octane Madison Square Garden debut in New York City on Friday (May 2).
Named for Heis — his 2024 sophomore LP, which earned him his first Grammy nod for best global music album — Rema’s Heis World Tour is a towering statement of what an impressive career and catalog the 25-year-old visionary has built for himself since exploding onto the scene with 2019’s “Dumebi.” While that early-career hit was saved for later in the night during Friday’s concert, Rema, dressed in a massive fur overcoat and wielding a machete atop a levitating platform, kicked off his headlining set with “March Am,” Heis’ introductory track.
“I wanna introduce to you a man, a myth, a legend,” a faceless announcer declared over brooding, cinematic drums reminiscent of the ones that define the soundscape of Heis. “He goes by many names! He is… Prince of Afrobeats, Rema!” This lead-in may have felt a bit overblown for other artists, but Rema spent the next hour-and-a-half proving why he’s worthy of such an effusive intro. Fellow Heis cuts “Azaman” and “Yayo” followed, keeping the crowd’s energy consistent for the show’s first act before the first of several interludes that chopped up the setlist’s flow.
The concert’s setlist was loosely organized by theme and tempo. What it lacked in continuity, Rema more than made up for with the sheer number of hits he played. A cheeky kiss-cam introduced a mellower, heart-eyed segment featuring cuts like “Favorite Girl” (with Darkoo) and “Soundgasm”; “Calm Down” made for a classic arena sing-along moment, and newer drops like “Bout U” and “Baby (Is It a Crime)” allowed Rema the space to show off both his sultrier R&B side and his swaggering rock edge.
Though his stage was equipped with a sizeable walkway, Rema performed the bulk of his set’s most intense moments atop what appeared to be an entrance to some sort of dungeon. That blocking worked for the show’s overall aesthetic, but it likely would have made for an even more thrilling performance if he hit the night’s most energetic moments closer to the crowd. Nonetheless, from a recreation of the “Charm” music video to the smart additional harmonies sung by his female background singers, the raucous energy of Heis found subtle complements in the pockets of feminine energy that decorated the show.
From surprise guests to eyebrow-raising statements, here are the five best moments from Rema’s Heis Tour stop at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
A Surprise Birthday Celebration
Tyla revealed on Friday (May 2) that she will release her new “Bliss” single next Friday, May 9. She posted a promo photo on Instagram that features the “Water” hitmaker crouched in the fetal position with sand crystals covering her glistening skin, which feels reminiscent of the gritty sand-sculpted Balmain gown she wore during her […]
What a month April has been, with plenty of albums dropping from the sky to help soundtrack the upcoming summer.
Davido‘s new fifth album 5ive is another testament of his unshakable Afrobeats icon status, while he blends the beloved genre with R&B, amapiano, dancehall and more for a rich, global listening experience. And Rema performed his new Afro-R&B track “Bout U” live for the first time during his Coachella debut earlier this month, and it debuted at No. 5 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart last week (chart dated April 26), sliding in right above his last single “Baby (Is it a Crime)” at No. 6.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new songs by African acts that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and enjoy some springtime tunes with our Spotify playlist below.
Rema, “Bout U”
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On the heels of Rema’s Sade-sampling “Baby (Is It a Crime)” hit, he cranks out another smooth banger with “Bout U.” Rema acts as a hopeless romantic who doesn’t want to come down from the high of his dreamy love affair. And just like his fascination with his favorite girl, Rema and the track’s co-producer Thisizlondon keep us hooked with the hypnotic electric guitar that’s occasionally shredding throughout the song.
Tay Iwar, “Non-stop”
Tay Iwar works his charm on the ultra-smooth “Non-stop” cut from his latest EP Reflection Station. His expertly layered harmonies and the track’s sweet-sounding groove, which Iwar produced himself, will make you want to listen to this nonstop.
Lojay feat. Odeal, “Mwah!”
Lojay and Odeal deliver sweet nothings from their lips to our ears in their latest collaboration “Mwah!” Lyrics like “Swing my way with your cinnamon fragrance” heighten the sexual attraction conveyed in the Afro-R&B heater. But the artists’ instant chemistry, as Lojay put it in a press release, is also palpable. “I had listened to Odeal’s music before meeting him, but I really didn’t know what to expect from the session. I think that was part of what made it so magical,” he explained further.
Davido, “Don’t Know”
Davido finds himself at the mercy of his lover on the tantalizing “Don’t Know” cut from his latest studio album 5ive. The springiness of the log drums underneath the hook, “You don’t, you don’t, you don’t even know what you do to me,” scratches an itch in your brain, leaving listeners just as satisfied as he is with her.
Black Sherif, “Body”
Despite the tough title of Black Sherif’s sophomore album IRON BOY, the highlight track “Body” shows off his soft, yet sexy edge. Lyrics like “My soul is drifting away” and “You know my body wants you” present the song’s central tension of nourishing yourself on a deeper level or caving into your corporeal desires over Dystinkt Beats’ introspective drill production.
Lil Kesh feat. Reekado Banks, “Dan Dan”
Lil Kesh’s Forever Getting It (FGI) EP is full of intricate drum work, complex rhythms and creative melodies, and “Dan Dan” is a perfect representation of the project — endlessly compelling, constantly innovative and yet still an insistent earworm that is bound to get stuck in fans’ heads. As with any Kesh project, the only issue is that it’s too short.
Davido feat. Victoria Monét, “Offa Me”
Off Davido’s first full-length since the iconic 2023 album Timeless, “Offa Me” is a standout, with Victoria Monét’s vocals kicking things off and carrying the hook, before David comes through and delivers his distinctive melodic voice, with a steamy KLVDR-directed video to go with it.
ODUMODUBLVCK, “Legolas”
Kicking off the month with the surprise mixtape THE MACHINE IS COMING, ODUMODUBLVCK delivered his first extended release in 18 months, and after a series of turned up, high-energy bangers, “Legolas” shows off another side to him — more introspective, a bit calmer, with a song comparing himself to the Lord of the Rings elf who came through tribulations to make himself (and his mama) proud. It’s another sign that ODUMODUBLVCK has many sides to his artistry, in addition to his trademark hyped-up verses.
Zinoleesky feat. Toosii, “Suit & Tie”
Zino is another artist who dropped off a full-length album this month — what a blessed month April has been, after a relatively low-key year so far — and his signature vocal styling is on full display on “Suit & Tie,” one of Gen Z’s standout cuts. But it’s Toosii who steals the show, sliding through with an extended verse that manages to be both emotional and bombastic at once. The entire project is great, but this is the one.
Tiwa Savage, “You4Me”
The Afrobeats titan is readying her next album, and with latest single “You4Me” she starts off with an interpolation of Tamia’s “So Into You,” before dropping a tough drum pattern and her crooning vocals over top. The lift returns as the basis for the hook, which gives the song a nostalgic edge, one of the signifiers of her R&B stylings of late, while she trades lines with Tamia in the chorus.
Seems like Tyla is gearing up for her sophomore album by teasing a new single titled “Bliss” on Tuesday (April 29). “Take me out of my mind/ Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh/ Take me out of my mind/ Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh/ You take me to bliss,” she’s heard crooning in a video shared to her social media […]
Davido won artist of the year and digital artist of the year at The Headies, which recognizes African contemporary music and Afrobeats. The show was held on April 27 at The Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, marking the show’s return to Africa after holding its last two ceremonies in Atlanta. The show was livestreamed on YouTube (U.S.) and Hip TV (Nigeria).
Davido also took the stage to present the Next Rated award — an honor he described as “the most important” of the evening — to Odumodublvck. “I won this award 12 years ago, and I know firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes to get to this point,” Davido said. Odumodublvck also won best rap single.
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Rema as well as Chike and MohBad were also double winners on the night. Rema won album of the year and Afrobeats album of the year, both for Heis. Chike and MohBad won best collaboration and the viewers choice award, both for “Egwu.”
Tems won best recording of the year for “Burning.”
For the first time, the show was hosted by a woman — Nigerian actress and model Nancy Isime. Isime also performed, accompanied by Fire and Desire. Other performers included Blaqbonez, L.A.X., Qing Madi, Ayo Maff, Magnito, Juma Jux, L.A.X., INNOSS’B (DRC), Kcee, Odumodublvck and Shallipopi.
Temitola Adekunle Johnson, senior special assistant to the president (OVP) on job creation, and influencer and philanthropist Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy) received the humanitarian award for their commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities across Nigeria.
“I want to thank the entire entertainment and creative industry, you have come a long way,” Johnson said in accepting the award. “Back in the days, we used to just be happy to watch the Grammys, but now, during Grammy nominations, people are saying how many Nigerians were nominated — that’s how far we have come.”
The 17th Headies Awards show also paid homage to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, executive governor of Lagos, for his dedication to the creative sector.
For his contributions to the creative industry and innovative leadership in advancing the digital ecosystem across Africa, Alex Okosi (managing director, Google Africa) received the special recognition award. Amaju Pinnick (chairman/GCEO Brownhill Group) also received the special recognition award for his contributions to Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries.
The Headies Awards, originally called the Hip Hop World Awards, was established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World magazine of Nigeria to recognize outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry.
Only music materials released and distributed on digital streaming platforms, and physical music media within the eligibility period (April 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024) were considered for nominations.
Here’s the complete list of nominations for the 2025 Headies Awards, with winners marked.
Artist of the year
WINNER: Davido
Ayra Starr
Asake
Rema
Tems
Burna Boy
Song of the year
“Showa” – Kizz Daniel
“Commas” – Ayra Starr
“Egwu” – Chike and Mohbad
WINNER: “Lonely at the Top” – Asake
“Ozeba” – Rema
“Big Baller” – Flavour
Album of the year
Born in the Wild – Tems
WINNER: Heis – Rema
The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr
Stubborn – Victony
Work of Art – Asake
Rookie of the year
WINNER: Zerry DL
Taves
Kaestyle
Llona
Best recording of the year
WINNER: Tems – “Burning”
Seyi Vibez – “Different Pattern”
Burna Boy – “Higher”
Ayra Starr & Giveon – “Last Heartbreak Song”
Sarz featuring Lojay – “Billions”
Best vocal performance (female)
Ayra Starr – “Last Heartbreak Song”
Niniola – “Level”
Simi – “Stranger”
WINNER: Liya – “I’m Done”
Tomorrow – “Yemi Alade”
Best vocal performance (male)
WINNER: Lojay – “Billions”
Omah Lay – “Moving”
Anendlessocean – “Gratitude”
Johnny Drille – “For You”
Timi Dakolo – “Ke Na Ke So”
Best collaboration
“Emotions” – Tiwa Savage Feat. Asa
“Blood on the Dance Floor” Odumodublvck, Bloody Civilian and Wale
“Cast” – Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck
WINNER: “Egwu” – Chike and Mohbad
“Ole” – Qing Madi and Bnxn
“Twe Twe” Remix – Kizz Daniel and Davido
“IDK” – Wizkid feat. Zlatan
International artist of the year
Wale – “Blood on the Dance Floor” (Odumodublvck)
Skepta – “Tony Montana” (feat. Portable)
Chris Brown – “Hmmm” (feat. Davido)
WINNER: Travis Scott – “Active” (Asake)
Chloe Bailey – “Vision” remix (Qing Madi)
Music video of the year
“Charm” – Rema (Rema X Perliks X Folarin Oludare)
“Metaverse” – Olamide (Jyde Ajala)
“Like Ice Spice” – Blaqbonez (Perliks & Emeka Shine Shine)
“Ojapiano” – Kcee (Mattmax)
WINNER: “Egwu” – Chike & MohBad (Director Pink)
“Showa” – Kizz Daniel (Tg Omori)
“Na Money” – Davido feat. Cavemen, Angelique Kidjo (Dammy Twitch)
Songwriter of the year
Simisola Kosoko – “Stranger” (Simi)
WINNER: Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma – “Vision” (Qing Madi)
Michael Ajuma Attah – “Can’t Breathe” (Llona)
Emoseh Khamofu – “Family Meeting (Bloody Civilian)
Fuayefika Maxwell – Stages of Life” (Wizard Chan)
Producer of the year
Sarz – “Happiness”
WINNER: London – “Ozeba”
Magicstick – “Basquiat”
Rema/Producer X/Cubeatz/Deatz/Kilmberboy – “Hehehe”
Dibs – “Different Pattern”
Best R&B single
Qing Madi – “Vision”
Johnny Drille – “For You”
Simi – “Stranger”
Tems – “Burning”
WINNER: Ayra Starr – “Last Heartbreak Song” feat. Giveon
Best rap single
WINNER: “Cast” feat. Odumodublvck – Shallipoppi
“Blood on the Dance Floor” feat. Bloody Civilian & Wale – Odumodublvck
“Hallelujah” – Ladipoe, Rozzz & Morrelo
“Canada” – Magnito
“Ije Nwoke” – Jeriq
Best street-hop artist
Seyi Vibez – “Different Patterns”
Ayo Maff – “Dealer” (feat. Fireboy Dl)
Shallipopi – “Cast” (feat. Odumodublvck)
Zhus Jdo – “Johnbull”
WINNER: Mohbad – “Ask About Me”
Afrobeats single of the year
“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn feat. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez
“Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel
“Egwu” feat. Mohbad – Chike
“Remember” – Asake
“Ogechi” remix – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel feat. Davido
WINNER: “Big Baller” – Flavour
Lyricist on the roll
Mogadishu – A-Q
Chocolate City Cypher – M.I Abaga
Chocolate City Cypher – Blaqbonez
WINNER: Hallelujah – Ladipoe
Efeleme – Alpha Ojini
Best inspirational single
“Gratitude” – Anendlessocean
“Worthy of My Praise” – Dunsin Oyekan feat. Lawrence Oyor
“Good God 2” – Limoblaze feat. Naomi Raine
“Particularly” – Gaise Baba feat. Tope Alabi
WINNER: “You Do This One” – Mercy Chinwo
Headies’ viewers’ choice
“Big Big Things” feat. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez – Young Jonn
“Ogechi” remix feat. Davido – Hyce, Boypee, And Brown Joel
WINNER: “Egwu” – Chike & MohBad
“Showa” – Kizz Daniel
“Different Pattern” – Seyi Vibez
“Ozeba” – Rema
“Love Me Jeje” – Tems
“Cast” feat. Odumodublvck – Shallipopi
“Dealer” feat. Fireboy Dml – Ayo Maff
“Big Baller” – Flavour
Best West African artist of the year
Black Sherif (Ghana) – “January 9th”
King Promise (Ghana) – “Terminator”
WINNER: Himra (Ivory Coast) – “Coulibaly & Diabaté”
Josey (Ivory Coast) – “Venez Bouger”
Toofan (Togo) – “Tone”
Best East African artist of the year
Bien (Kenya) – “Wahala”
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) – “Mapoz”
WINNER: Juma Jux (Tanzania) – “Enjoy”
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda) – “When She’s Around”
Azawi (Uganda) – “Masavu”
Best North African artist of the year
Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt) – “Arabi”
Elgrande Toto (Morocco) – “Maghribi”
WINNER: Soolking (Algeria) – “Tiki Taka”
Balti (Tunisia) – “Dima Mechi”
Abu (Eygpt) – “Hollela”
Best Southern African artist of the year
WINNER: Titom (South Africa) –“Tshwala Bam”
Yuppe (South Africa) – “Tshwala Bam”
Tyla (South Africa) – “Water”
Kelly Kay (Malawi) – “Bana Pwanya”
Plutonio (Mozambique) – “Acordar”
Zee Nxumalo (South Africa) – “Thula Mabota”
Best Central African artist of the year
WINNER: Innos’B (DRC) – “Sete”
Gaz Mawete (DRC) – “Dendisa”
Emma’a (Gabon) – “Biso Mibale”
Eboloko (Gabon) – “Satanana”
Singuila. (Central African Republic) – “Sin Saison”
Kocee (Cameroun) – “Credit Alert”
Best rap album
Sideh Kai – Illbliss
Eziokwu – Odumodublvck
Alaye Toh Se Gogo Vol. 1 – Reminisce
WINNER: Family Time – Erigga
Shiny Object Syndrome – Modenine
Soundtrack of the year
Eledumare – Teledalese (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)
Lose to Gain – Kaline (Breath of Life)
Kill Boro – Native Filmworks & Wizard Chan (Kill Boro)
Orisa – Beriola (Orisa)
Emotions – Tiwa Savage & Asa (Water and Garri)
WINNER: Tribe Called Judah soundtrack – TCJ & Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah)
Next rated
Qing Madi
Shallipopi
WINNER: Odumodublvck
Ayo Maff
Nasboi
Afrobeats album of the year
Stubborn – Victony
Work of Art – Asake
The Year I Turn 21 – Ayra Starr
WINNER: Heis – Rema
Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn
Best performer (live)
Rema – Ravage Uprising: Rema Live From The O2, London
Omah Lay – Live at L’olympia Paris
Flavour – Celebrating You 2023
Wizard Chan – Live in Concert Port Harcourt
WINNER: Burna Boy – African Giant Live From London
Femi Kuti & The Positive Force – Nuits De Fourvière (Arte Concert)
Digital artist of the year
Ayra Starr
Rema
Shallipopi
Tems
WINNER: Davido
Kizz Daniel
Asake
Humanitarian award
King Mitchy
Special recognition
Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo A.K.A Kcee
Ayra Starr and Wizkid linked up again on “Gimme Dat,” which she released on Thursday (April 24). The Sabi Girl teased the collaboration a week earlier in an Instagram video of her vibing out to the tropical-tinged dancefloor filler while watching the sunset before the song cuts to Wizkid singing, “God da–,” which Starr used […]
04/23/2025
From Ultra South Africa to Afro Nation Portugal, here are the best lineups this year.
04/23/2025
Is it hot in here, or it just Davido and Victoria Monét‘s new “Offa Me” music video that dropped on Tuesday (April 22)? Davido infuses the KLVDR-directed visual with his breezy, charismatic vibe, while Monét entrances viewers with her slick vocal delivery and Sean Bankhead-choreographed moves, including a new dance to her catchy “Davido, V-Mo” […]