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, […]
8 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
On an otherwise nondescript day in September, Alexandra Obochi, a candidate for the GTCO fashion week, posted a video that set social media ablaze. The video initially appears akin to the standard fare of entry videos—Obochi dons a white vest and blue jeans, her hair packed into a bun—but upon closer inspection, several peculiarities come […]
2 weeks ago
If rising to prominence in the Afropop tapestry is a game of accumulating momentum, in 2022 Minz understood the assignment. Lady, released in mid-2022, attained anthem status on TikTok and established the languid, melody-centric style that would become characteristic of his music. He quickly doubled down with Wo Wo, which enjoyed commercial success. With that […]
2 weeks ago
In 2020, Nigeria’s Afropop bore the trappings of a scene bristling with momentum- a scene at the cusp of permeating the global consciousness. Burna Boy released Twice as Tall to global acclaim, making history as the first winner of the newly-created Best Global Music Album category at the Grammys the next year. Wizkid’s Made in […]
2 weeks ago
Blaqbonez banks on his eccentricity. He has made it his calling card since he introduced himself as the Best Rapper In Africa in 2019, and has kept it up through a number of monikers: Mr. Bombastic, Emeka The Stallion. In his time in the industry he has polarized listeners with his artistic and personal choices. […]
2 weeks ago
Mutual support and creative collaboration within creative communities aren’t just beneficial – they are essential for survival. Artists, musicians, fashion designers, and entertainers form tight-knit networks, sharing resources and promoting each other’s work in an environment where formal infrastructure for creatives might be inaccessible, or accessible to only a certain few. This collaborative spirit, while […]
2 weeks ago
Fantasy and supernatural movies? Nollywood has them on lock. From ghosts that wear designer wristwatches to gods that are always angry, and sometimes even dragons that pick people up and fly away with them, supernatural dramas have been our bread and butter for the longest time. But there’s one niche we have barely touched; science […]
2 weeks ago
Financial literacy, as a concept, is sorely needed in many Nigerian households, particularly those in low-to-moderate-income communities. The right personal finance education can be a game-changer for young people ready to take charge of their financial journey. Imagine having a mentor who speaks your language, understands the highs and lows of the Nigerian economy, and […]
2 weeks ago
Albums have become ubiquitous, and indispensable to life in this age. They have become soundtracks to the gentle patter of everyday living, vessels for the joy of music, conjuring it on demand, sometimes with a single tap. They are, for many, bookmarks—cultural artifacts capable of shaping, capturing and summoning the zeitgeist of an era. Their […]
2 weeks ago
