The Tribeca Film Festival witnessed a historic moment in African music and cinema as Nigerian global superstar Wizkid premiered his highly anticipated documentary, Long Live Lagos, on June 6, 2025. Screened in the Spotlight+ section under the “Expressions of Black Freedom” theme, the film brought Afrobeats and African storytelling to the heart of New York…
In a landmark moment for global music and sport, FIFA has announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Global Citizen for the inaugural halftime show at a FIFA competition. The historic performance will take place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during the FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, New York–New Jersey, with Tems, J Balvin,…
The 25th Annual BET Awards, held on June 9, 2025, at the iconic Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, delivered one of the most memorable nights in entertainment history. Titled “Culture’s Biggest Night,” the ceremony marked a quarter-century of Black excellence, legacy, and unstoppable talent. Hosted by the irrepressible Kevin Hart, the show was an electrifying…
The African music industry has long been a powerful force for social change, with artists using their platforms to address pressing issues. In recent years, climate action has emerged as a central theme in the creative expressions of many musicians. From the revolutionary sounds of Fela Kuti to the contemporary advocacy of artists like Cill…
The 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs), held on May 26 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas and hosted by Jennifer Lopez, celebrated a diverse array of musical talents. Billie Eilish emerged as the night’s biggest winner, securing seven awards, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Hit Me Hard and Soft, and Song…
Few voices in African music today cut through with the clarity, soul, and emotional depth of Gyakie. The Ghanaian singer-songwriter returns with her new single, Sankofa, a stirring ballad and the first taste of her long-awaited debut album, After Midnight. Rooted in the meaning of the Ghanaian adinkra symbol — to retrieve what was lost…
Stevie Wonder turns 75 — and with it, the world pauses to celebrate not just a birthday, but a blueprint. A life that has shaped music, mirrored movements, and harmonized the sound of a people across continents. For African music lovers and Black communities across the diaspora, Stevie is more than a legend; he is…
On May 9, 2025, Congolese music icon Koffi Olomidé released GOAT Intemporel, Vol. 1, a masterful 18-track album that reimagines his most iconic hits through a modern lens. This project, unveiled under his label Koffi Central, serves as both a tribute to his illustrious career and a bridge connecting his rich musical legacy to contemporary…
Apple Music has unveiled its 2025 Africa Month campaign, “The Sounds of Africa” , a vibrant initiative spotlighting five of the continent’s most influential music capitals: Accra, Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. This campaign features exclusive playlists curated by top artists, industry executives, tastemakers, and media personalities, each capturing the unique sonic essence…
As the first quarter of 2025 wraps up, new data from Billboard reveals a compelling snapshot of the global music industry ’s top-performing labels — and the numbers tell a deeper story. In the first quarter of 2025, Interscope Records led the U.S. recorded music market with a 9.23% share, propelled by the success of…
