As another week unfolds in the dynamic world of African entertainment, the continent continues to astound with its relentless creativity, cultural exports, and innovative art forms. This week, we celebrate some remarkable milestones and exciting new releases that highlight the flourishing African music scene.
Celebrating One Dance
We begin by recognising a significant anniversary: the ninth birthday of One Dance. This groundbreaking track—a collaboration between Canadian rapper Drake, Nigerian artist Wizkid, and British singer Kyla—marked a pivotal moment in the global rise of Afrobeats.
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The stars aligned when Drake linked up with Skepta, who introduced him to the Afrobeats sound, leading to the Ojuelegba remix and ultimately the seminal hit One Dance. The track became a cultural phenomenon, the first song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, and earned Wizkid his first Guinness World Record. With multi-platinum certifications across countries including the US, UK and Canada, One Dance not only topped global charts but also spotlighted African music and culture on an unprecedented scale.
Asake’s Dominance in Nigerian Music
Turning to contemporary success, Asake—singer, rapper and songwriter—has once again been named Nigeria’s top artist for 2024 by Turntable charts, marking his third consecutive year receiving this honour. His album Lungu Boy has also been recognised as the year’s best-performing album, further solidifying his status as the leading male artist in Nigeria since 2022. His consistent acclaim is a testament to both his talent and enduring appeal in an ever-evolving industry.
Tems Shines at Dreamville Festival
Adding to the week’s highlights, Nigerian superstar Tems delivered a standout performance as a headliner at the Dreamville Festival in North Carolina. Building on her growing international recognition, her electrifying set captivated thousands, showcasing her vocal range and magnetic stage presence. Sharing the stage with global icons, Tems continues to elevate African music and serve as an inspiration to emerging artists across the continent.
Davido Gears Up for 5IVE
Anticipation is building as Afrobeats luminary Davido prepares for the release of his fifth studio album, 5IVE. With a flurry of press engagements and a pre-release concert in New York, he has been offering intimate insights into his life, legacy and vision for the music industry during appearances on platforms like The Breakfast Club. His strategic rollout signals a significant chapter in his career, reinforcing his prominence and connection with fans worldwide.
The Launch of Harmonies of Expression
Meanwhile, the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) Zimbabwe is set to host Harmonies of Expression: Connecting Art, Heart and Science on 10 May in Harare. This interdisciplinary cultural event seeks to address climate change through creative engagement, bringing together Zimbabwean artists and peers from six European countries. Spanning culinary arts to fashion design, the initiative emphasises sustainability and inclusivity, with programming accessible in local languages and broadcast to wider audiences.
Rema’s Global Takeover
Among this week’s new releases is a standout track from Rema, the self-styled Crown Prince of Afrobeats. His latest single, Bout U, draws inspiration from early 2000s Nigerian R&B, a sound shaped by acts like Styl-Plus, Dr Sid and Wande Coal.
Branding expert Oreoluwa Peters commended Rema’s artistry, noting his deliberate fusion of Afrobeats’ legacy into a modern sound. “The boy knows what he’s doing. He’s chopping down the history of Afrobeats over the past 20 years and applying it piece by piece to what he’s cooking. He’s defining what will be remembered about Rema’s sonic palette in the years to come. As I’ve said, it’s now about chasing legacy and making a lasting contribution to the evolution of Afrobeats.”
Rema’s ability to encapsulate the essence of Nigerian music while pioneering new directions continues to set a benchmark for his generation.
Noteworthy Releases of the Week
This week has seen a flurry of new music releases that further enrich Africa’s diverse soundscape. Notable drops include:
Lojay & Odeal – Mwah!
Bella Shmurda & Fola – Dangbana Riddim
Johnny Drille & Fireboy DML – Angelina
Kizz Daniel, Angélique Kidjo & Johnny Drille – Police
Laime & Ajebo Hustlers – Clingy
Reekado Banks – Mukutu
L.A.X – Nobody Like Zaza (Album)
Lil Kesh – Forever Getting It (EP)
Barry Jhay – Barrystar Vol.1 (Album)
Bad Boy Timz – Say Wetin
Fiokee – I Go Lie For You
This week has undoubtedly been vibrant for African entertainment, showcasing a compelling blend of achievements, fresh sounds and cultural initiatives that continue to elevate the continent’s artistic legacy. As we look ahead to more musical endeavours and cross-cultural collaborations, one thing remains clear: Africa’s entertainment sector isn’t just thriving—it’s shaping the future of global culture.
