Feature

Explainers, analyses, and essays on government policies, and political trends and movements around the continent

“Starrgirl”: Ayra Starr Trades Becoming for Being

In Starrgirl, Ayra Starr does not ask you to reconsider Ayra Starr. She assumes you already know who she is and expects you to keep up. The title alone sends listeners a message before they press play. Her first two records were titled around age — 19 & Dangerous introduced a fearless, fast-talking teenager; The […]

Anjola Akinmade

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2 weeks ago

“Starrgirl”: Ayra Starr Trades Becoming for Being

Is Rema Confused or Does He Want to Keep Us Guessing?

We’re officially knee-deep in summer, which is to say: tis’ the season of seismic cultural events: TV series and blockbuster movies strategically released to capitalize on the chipper atmosphere of the season, global music festivals, and, not least, ubiquitous pop bangers to commemorate our collective exultation. Since 2021, Nigerian music acts have played an outsized […]

Chibuzo Emmanuel

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1 year ago

Is Rema Confused or Does He Want to Keep Us Guessing?

“Where All My Abilities Meet”: The Majeek on Fear, Freedom, and Finding His Magic

From behind the scenes to center stage, The Majeekcian marks a powerful evolution for producer-turned artist, The Majeek. Blending Afrobeats, R&B, dancehall and reggae with emotional candour and creative flair, Majeek steps fully into his own spotlight — embracing his versatility, vulnerability, and a fearless drive to be unapologetically himself.  In this candid conversation, he […]

Naomi Ezenwa

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1 year ago

“Where All My Abilities Meet”: The Majeek on Fear, Freedom, and Finding His Magic

Ayra Starr and Tyla Are Soundtracking Our Summer 

If your summer playlist doesn’t include Hot Body or Mr Media, you may be doing the season wrong.  Over the last few years, African music has become almost synonymous with summer (Essence, Last Last, Calm Down, Love Nwantiti) as the global boom of the genre has taken the continent’s heat across borders. In line with this […]

Naomi Ezenwa

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1 year ago

Ayra Starr and Tyla Are Soundtracking Our Summer 

Hillary Emetuche: Hyperrealism with Heart and Purpose

Hillary Emetuche’s online portfolio  reveals two categories of his art: photography and drawings, each with samples. On a webpage, a close-up graphite drawing of a young woman with braided hair stands out. Emphasis falls on her intricate facial features: expressive eyes with a seemingly glossy feel; a meticulously crafted nose with contours and slight shadows; […]

Adedamola Adedayo

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1 year ago

Hillary Emetuche: Hyperrealism with Heart and Purpose

Asake Has Become an Auteur of Opulence

The video for Asake’s latest single BADMAN GANGSTER opens with a close up of his face. He dons an afro with a crisp lineup. On his face is a phalanx of tattoos which are barely visible on his dark skin. Diamond accessories adorn his neck and ears. His eyes are buried behind dark shades. The […]

Chibuzo Emmanuel

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1 year ago

Asake Has Become an Auteur of Opulence

Why is Fireboy Stuck and How Can He Regain Momentum?

Any avid football fan would easily glimpse, in Fireboy’s current situation, an ominous but eerily familiar tale: a player of tremendous skill loses form, perhaps on account of an injury or the psychological toll of a crushing defeat, or possibly personal problems. Time passes but the player’s usual fine form continues to be supplanted by […]

Chibuzo Emmanuel

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1 year ago

Why is Fireboy Stuck and How Can He Regain Momentum?
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