Explainers, analyses, and essays on government policies, and political trends and movements around the continent
Epileptic power supply has forever been a blight on Nigeria, ferociously hobbling the already beleaguered economy and undermining the quality of life of citizens. But this year, the situation has taken a grislier turn. Grid collapses—instances where the entire nation, or a significant proportion, is plunged into darkness on account of infrastructural failure—have become frequent, incessant. […]
3 days ago
Ayo Maff’s very first trip outside the country was to go perform at London’s O2 arena. This was for Asake’s concert in September, an experience that he describes as “a dream come true.” In truth, the entire year has been nothing short of dreamlike for the 19 year old christened Ayorinde Mafoluku. His two-pack of […]
6 days ago
What would be an ordinary street on an ordinary road in Ibadan is much more than that. Behind one of the many wooden stalls lined up at the side of the road is a bare land transformed into the studio of Adewale Kolawole John, a young artist whose works have crossed the continent’s shores and […]
5 months ago
Since the dawn of time fashion and the entertainment industry have been inextricably connected. Clothing represents a tangible medium for expression and for bolstering the make-believe of show business. In the Nigerian music scene, still coming of age, fashion is being deployed anew, and to interesting effect, through method dressing. Rema, since releasing his obsidian-inflected, […]
3 hours ago
In 2014, Ifeoma Fafunwa, one of Nigerian theatre directors who can fittingly be described as a “social-impact theatre maker” wrote and directed HEAR WORD! From its seemingly inauspicious beginning, the play has been performed for local and international audiences to raving reviews. Inspired by the lived realities of Nigerian women, HEAR WORD! which tells female–driven […]
2 days ago
Since the dawn of time fashion and the entertainment industry have been inextricably connected. Clothing represents a tangible medium for expression and for bolstering the make-believe of show business. In the Nigerian music scene, still coming of age, fashion is being deployed anew, and to interesting effect, through method dressing. Rema, since releasing his obsidian-inflected, […]
3 hours ago
In 2014, Ifeoma Fafunwa, one of Nigerian theatre directors who can fittingly be described as a “social-impact theatre maker” wrote and directed HEAR WORD! From its seemingly inauspicious beginning, the play has been performed for local and international audiences to raving reviews. Inspired by the lived realities of Nigerian women, HEAR WORD! which tells female–driven […]
2 days ago
In many cultures within our country, especially among those from poor backgrounds, there is a deeply ingrained practice: when someone escapes poverty, they are often expected to provide financial assistance to siblings, parents, or relatives. While helping family members is a universal value—reflected in the African philosophy of Ubuntu—the concept of “black tax,” or generational […]
2 days ago
In 2022, Edwin Madu quit his job as the editor-in-chief of Zikoko, the youth-focused arm of Big Cabal Media. Two years after leaving the media, Madu, now known by his stage name Dwin, the Stoic has released singles I Go Nowhere, Streets, Ifunanyam, Home, and revels in the audience he has built with tours in […]
2 days ago
Epileptic power supply has forever been a blight on Nigeria, ferociously hobbling the already beleaguered economy and undermining the quality of life of citizens. But this year, the situation has taken a grislier turn. Grid collapses—instances where the entire nation, or a significant proportion, is plunged into darkness on account of infrastructural failure—have become frequent, incessant. […]
3 days ago
On the 30th of August, Rema returned home to Benin City. It was his official homecoming since his rise to fame in 2019. The city stirred with excitement right from the airport, where emissaries of the Oba, draped in traditional Benin regalia, ushered him into the city with songs of welcome. Days after, escorted by […]
3 days ago
Loose Cannon is a historical short film that is set against the backdrop of one of the most cataclysmic events in post-colonial Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970). Co-written with Kene Ibineme, co-produced and directed by Olisa Eloka, the production has a cast of six actors, which are Keezyto, Nkeoma Umudu, Dabeluchukwu Ibik, Rejoice Ozioko, […]
3 days ago
Washington DC-based Nigerian artist, Mannywellz, has been one of the most prominent voices in Nigeria’s alternative scene since 2022. Since his debut in 2017, he’s perfected a mellifluous but gorgeously poignant sound that takes equal inspiration from RnB, Hip-Hop, and Afrobeats. He recently released a snippet from his just-released Lala EP. Almost immediately after its […]
6 days ago
