Explainers, analyses, and essays on government policies, and political trends and movements around the continent
If one word could summarize Victony’s character, his default state in the face of life’s vicissitudes, it would be the word stubborn, which is interestingly the title of his debut album, released in June this year. His voice is tender and feathery. His face is constantly enveloped in a halo of placidity. His aunt Linda […]
2 days ago
In 2023, Nigeria emerged as France’s top trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with bilateral trade surpassing $5 billion (€4.73 billion), according to French customs data. This trade is primarily driven by Nigeria’s exports of crude oil and other raw materials, and despite this wealth from oil, Nigeria has faced significant economic challenges, including rising food […]
3 days ago
by Abioye Damilare Samson Perhaps one of my favourite things about Nigerian Pop music is how it ingrains certain female names in its verbiage, so much so that whenever these names are mentioned, they conjure vivid mental snapshots. These names—Caro, Funke, Angelina, and Sade—carry the weight of narratives that span love, heartbreak, admiration, and sometimes, […]
6 days ago
Episode 447 of ShxtsnGigs starts out with the jaunty atmosphere typical of the podcast. Hearty laughs and friendly banter ricochet around the sparsely furnished white room functioning as their studio. But soon after, the conversation takes on a slightly more austere tone. James raises the question of their biggest insecurities, the room quietens, Fuhad, the […]
2 weeks 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 […]
1 month ago
Did you know that there are approximately 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide? Can you imagine all the different ways in which we all use the internet? Obasanjo’s Internet is our interview series where we speak to some of our internet favourites on how they relate to the internet and what it means to them […]
4 weeks ago
James Abinibi’s Miss PJ, a murder mystery film, tells the story of a corp member’s sojourn in a town where she becomes instrumental in unraveling the mysterious deaths of young ladies. Starring Bimbo Ademoye in the lead role of Corper Patience Jideofor, PJ for short, a lady of exemplary conduct, the film explores sensitive issues […]
4 weeks 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, […]
1 month 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 […]
1 month 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 […]
1 month 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 […]
1 month 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. […]
1 month 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 […]
1 month ago
