🌍 COVER STORY
Burna Boy Raises the Bar Again with No Sign of Weakness — A Sonic Journey of Afro-Fusion and Global Ambition
On July 11, 2025, Burna Boy delivered another musical offering to the world — his eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness. With an explosive 4.7 million first-day streams on Spotify Nigeria alone and millions more globally, the album affirms Burna’s unwavering relevance in the ever-evolving Afrobeats landscape.
A blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, hip-hop, and reflective soul, No Sign of Weakness is far from your typical club-banger collection. It’s a layered, ambitious, and bold body of work that captures Burna Boy’s current state of mind — introspective, unbothered, and still miles ahead in artistry.
The man who in 2019 knew well enough to declare himself the African Giant may not have needed a Mick Jagger collaboration to certify his rock-star bona fides, but with his eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness, that is what Burna Boy saw fit to deliver. “Shout-out to Naomi Campbell,” the Nigerian-born superstar tells Apple Music’s Ebro Darden. “It was literally her idea. She was like, ‘You and Mick Jagger would be so legendary.’ And she pressed about it for so long.”
The song is called “Empty Chairs” and is a unique classic-rock/Afrobeats hybrid—just one of a wealth of disparate vibes Burna explores across No Sign of Weakness, an album whose title implies a plan for continued dominance while asserting a pronounced lack of fear in his musical practice.
“I was trying to make something that I haven’t made before,” Burna says. “In a sense that I’m trying to do the opposite of everything I’ve ever done—in a good way. I just feel like right now, I’m big enough to do it. I’m big enough to enjoy it now and just do everything that I would want to listen to, if it wasn’t me.”
But it is him who fans the world over have been adding to playlists, requesting in DJ sets, and buying tickets to see season after season since at least 2018’s “Ye” took the Afrobeats world by storm.
His practice has expanded with every release since, and on No Sign of Weakness we get dalliances with hip-hop (“No Sign of Weakness”), country (“Change Your Mind”), house (“Kabiyesi”), baile funk (“TaTaTa”), lovers rock (“Sweet Love”), and R&B (“Come Gimme”), complemented by linkups with Travis Scott, Stromae, and Shaboozey, an artist Burna actually feels a tribal connection to.
“So, here’s the thing: I didn’t know he was actually Nigerian,” Burna says, “Before he came, they would tell me, ‘Hey, you know this guy’s Nigerian, right?’ But when [people] say someone is Nigerian, it’s like they…
You’d not need to be kin to the singer and MC to understand the Burna Boy lifestyle, specifically in regard to reaping the financial benefits of his genius (“Bundle by Bundle”), his undying love for the ganja leaf (“28 grams”), or even his amusement at making local tabloids (“Dem Dey”). He’s happy to tell you all about it— including how he deals with it all—as he does on album mission statement “No Panic.” “Basically, I’m saying, every day I’ve done all this, but I don’t panic—I won’t panic,” he says. “It’s some shit that they say in the streets in Nigeria as well. It’s like, ‘Dem go whine you, but no panic.’ It means they’ll play with you, but don’t panic.”
While social media reactions were divided — as expected for an artist who never plays it safe — critics praised the album’s fearless experimentation and sonic cohesion. Some fans on X (formerly Twitter) questioned the laid-back tone, misinterpreting it as Burna “playing it safe,” but a deeper listen reveals a matured artist choosing clarity over chaos, storytelling over shallow hooks.
Burna himself addressed this energy during a surprise listening party in Lagos, saying:
“This isn’t a ‘prove-myself’ album. This is ‘I’ve seen the world and came back stronger.’ I owe no one loudness — I owe them truth.”
With No Sign of Weakness, Burna Boy doesn’t just maintain his seat at the top — he redefines what it means to evolve in Afrobeats without losing authenticity. The album is currently charting in over 25 countries, with critics from Billboard to Complex describing it as “the most thought-provoking project of his career.”
And if Burna’s trajectory is anything to go by, this is only the beginning of a new creative era — one where sonic bravery and cultural roots coexist beautifully.
GLOBAL WAVE 🌊
Tyla & Wizkid’s “Dynamite” — A Midnight Groove That Ignited the World
When South African pop sensation Tyla and Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Wizkid dropped their collaborative single “Dynamite” in June 2025, they didn’t just release a song — they set off a sonic explosion that rippled across continents.
Described by fans and critics alike as “a late-night conversation you can dance to,” the track fuses Tyla’s sultry amapiano-inspired vocals with Wizkid’s mellow, hypnotic tone, creating a rich blend of Afro-fusion that feels both romantic and global.
From the opening beat, “Dynamite” is soft, smoky, and seductive — the kind of track that plays low in the background of an after-hours rooftop party, or during a solo midnight cruise through Lekki Produced by Nigeria’s Pprime the song captures a rich cultural mix that transcends borders.
On the track, Tyla teases:
“Talk to me slow, I’ll follow your lead / We can blow this up, baby you and me.”
Wizkid responds in his usual effortless style:
“My love no dey rush, na steady / We go light up the night already.”
The chemistry is subtle but palpable — neither artist overpowering the other. Instead, they complement each other like seasoned collaborators with mutual respect for each other’s vibe and craft.
Why it matters:
- “Dynamite” trended in over 15 countries within 24 hours of release.
- It debuted at #3 on Apple Music Nigeria and entered the Top 50 Global chart on Spotify.
- The single marked Wizkid’s return to international features in 2025 and highlighted Tyla’s ongoing evolution as a global pop icon.
The music video — shot in a dreamy rooftop setting with intimate neon lighting and slow choreography — has already racked up over 12 million views on YouTube in just two weeks. Visuals aside, the song’s minimal lyrics and intoxicating production offer proof that Afrobeats doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful.
Critics from Rolling Stone and NME have praised the track as “a global pop moment that whispers rather than shouts,” while fans on social media have dubbed it “a modern Afro love song done right.”
Whether it’s on club playlists in Lagos, romantic dinner vibes in Johannesburg, or slow wine sessions in London lounges, “Dynamite” is proving that the soft side of Afrobeats might just be its most explosive form yet.
TEMS MAKES HISTORY AT CLUB WORLD CUP FINAL
On a historic night that blended music with global football culture, Tems etched her name into the history books as the first African artist to perform at the FIFA Club World Cup Final.
The monumental moment took place in front of thousands of fans in the stadium and millions watching worldwide — and Tems didn’t disappoint. With her rich vocals, stunning presence, and effortless command of the stage, she delivered a performance that was both elegant and unforgettable.
Tems, known for hits like “Free Mind”, “Essence”, and “Me & U”, brought soulful Afrobeats energy to the international stage — a true reflection of how far African music has traveled. She stood not just for herself, but for a continent that has long influenced global music and culture.
The performance wasn’t just about music — it was a cultural reset. From Lagos to Lisbon, Nairobi to Naples, fans cheered as Tems waved the Afrobeats flag high with grace and class.
As Afrobeats continues its global rise, moments like this prove that African artists are not only part of the conversation — they are leading it.
Drake x Rema: The Moment Afrobeats Took the Global Stage
When Drake called Rema to the stage at London’s Wireless Festival, it wasn’t just another surprise guest moment — it was a cultural landmark. In front of a packed Finsbury Park, the Canadian rapper paused mid-set, looked out, and invited the Benin-born Afrobeats star to join him. The crowd erupted.
That moment was more than hype. It was a statement: Afrobeats is no longer rising — it has arrived.
Rema delivered “Baby is it a crime” with the confidence of a global hitmaker, backed by thousands of fans chanting every word. Drake didn’t just share his stage — he co-signed Rema as an equal, a peer, a force.
For Rema, this is the reward of years of evolution, from “Dumebi” to world tours and chart-topping records. For Afrobeats, it’s a milestone on a journey that began with underground buzz and now sits firmly in the global mainstream.
Drake has long dabbled in Afrobeats — remember Wizkid’s “Come Closer”? But this felt different. This was a torch-passing moment. Rema wasn’t the opening act; he was the moment.
Wireless 2025 was full of stars — 21 Savage, Lauryn Hill, Vanessa Carlton — but the most important moment came when Drake handed Rema the mic. That brief spotlight told the world that African artists aren’t just influencing global music. They are global music.
DAGRIN HONOURED:
GRAMMY RECOGNIZES “PONAFROBEATS PILLAR
Over a decade after his tragic passing, the legacy of late Nigerian rap legend Dagrin continues to echo across generations. In a major nod to his cultural impact, the Recording Academy (Grammys) has officially recognized his hit single “Pon Pon” as one of the songs that helped shape and contribute to the global evolution of Afrobeats.
The song, pulled from Dagrin’s iconic “C.E.O” album, was more than a street anthem — it was a pioneering blend of Yoruba language, gritty storytelling, and urban hip-hop that pushed boundaries and resonated deeply with Nigeria’s youth in the late 2000s.
“Pon Pon” wasn’t just a jam — it was a moment in music history. Dagrin’s fearless style helped lay the groundwork for what Afrobeats would eventually become: bold, unfiltered, and unapologetically African.
While today’s global stars ride the Afrobeats wave into stadiums and charts, it’s tributes like this that remind us of the genre’s underground roots — and of the fearless voices like Dagrin who made it possible.
📍 Insert image showing Grammy Hall of Fame or Afrobeats timeline graphic here
As fans celebrate this recognition, it’s a powerful reminder that legends never truly die — they inspired.
REMEMBERING SOUND SULTAN:
🕯4 YEARS GONE, FOREVER LEGENDARY
July 11th marked four years since Nigeria lost one of its most cherished voices — the beloved musician, songwriter, and humanitarian Sound Sultan.
Born Olanrewaju Fasasi, Sound Sultan wasn’t just an artist; he was a storyteller, a peace advocate, and one of the rare few who used music as a mirror to reflect society’s deepest truths — with kindness, clarity, and intention.
Whether it was “Motherland,” “Mathematics,” or “Natural Something,” his songs didn’t just entertain — they educated. His messages about poverty, corruption, love, and social change were delivered in melodies so catchy, they never felt like lectures. Instead, they became timeless.
He wasn’t loud, but his impact was — across music, basketball, comedy, and youth development. His legacy still lives through those he mentored, the lives he touched, and the truths he dared to sing about in a world that often prefers silence.
In a time where the entertainment industry is louder than ever, Sound Sultan’s calm presence and wisdom are deeply missed. But just like the gentle giant he was, his legacy walks on quietly, gracefully, and powerfully.
📍 “No matter where you go, no forget area o Area o How I wish baby, that I could be there wherever you are You are So far away eh, that don’t take a shine from your star‘Cause what you are is my shining star
Gone but not forgotten. Rest easy, Sound Sultan. 💔🇳🇬
DJ EAZZYTUNE 99 SUMMER MIXTAPE ON SPOTLIGHT: ⛱️
99 Summer Mixtape — DJ EazzyTune and Hypeman H.O Deliver a High-Energy Cruise Through Afrobeats
The summer gets its official soundtrack with the arrival of the 99 Summer Mixtape, a collaborative project between DJ EazzyTune and Hypeman H.O. Spanning a vibrant 99 minutes, the mixtape is a finely blended sonic journey through contemporary Afrobeats, street anthems, love songs, and global club bangers.
What makes this tape stand out is not just the impressive tracklist of over 70 songs, but the seamless fusion of hyped transitions, rhythmic pacing, and smart selections — showcasing the DJs’ understanding of what moves dancefloors across Africa and beyond.
A Seamless Flow of Sound & Energy
From the first callout by Hypeman H.O, listeners are immersed in a wave of back-to-back hits — no skips, no pauses, just pure cruise. Whether it’s “Pressure” by Seyi Vibez, “LAH01” by Shallipopi & Burna Boy, or “Kai” by Olamide & Wizkid, each record builds into the next, like the perfect DJ set at a rooftop party in Lagos.
DJ EazzyTune’s transitions glide effortlessly, while Hypeman H.O brings the heat with timely chants that elevate the vibe without overpowering the music. It’s that blend of live-show charisma with studio polish that gives the mixtape its replay value.
A Star-Studded, Cross-Genre Lineup
The selection cuts across eras and genres — from the streets to the charts, local flavor to global sounds. Artists featured include:
- Afrobeats heavyweights: Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Olamide, Kizz Daniel
- Streetwave leaders: Odumodublvck, Shallipopi, Young Jonn, Jay Jay
- Pop & Dancehall fusionists: Rema, Ayra Starr, Ruger, Niniola, Barry Jhay
- International spices: Magic System, Rahman Jago, Stormzy, The Weeknd
Special attention is given to collaborations, like “Secure” by Kizz Daniel & Zlatan, and the infectious “With You” by Davido & Omah Lay — offering moments of synergy that keep the tape diverse and unpredictable.
Mixtape Highlights:
- “99” – A special medley featuring Olamide, Seyi Vibez, Asake, Young Jonn & Daecolm
- “Agba Singing” – Rybeena — a sleeper hit moment that blends old-school and fresh cadence
- “Gimme Dat” – Ayra Starr & Wizkid — the Afro-RnB groove moment of the tape
- “Black Girl Magic” – Kizz Daniel — bold and melodic, a celebration of feminine strength
- “The Weekend” – Raye & Stormzy — adding a UK vibe for cross-market appeal
Final Thoughts
The 99 Summer Mixtape is more than a DJ blend — it’s a cultural showcase. DJ EazzyTune and Hypeman H.O clearly understand the pulse of Afrobeats and have crafted a project that reflects not just where the sound is, but where it’s going.
In a season flooded with singles and EPs, this mixtape cuts through with intention, energy, and relevance. It reminds us why DJs remain at the core of Afrobeats culture — connecting hits with people, moments with memories.
INDUSTRY HAPPENINGS:
Ayo Maff’s Grit-Filled Debut LP Stands Tall Amidst Label Dispute
In a year where breakout stars have been fighting for relevance in a saturated Afrobeats space, Ayo Maff emerges with a debut LP that’s as raw as it is honest. Despite being entangled in a public dispute with his label, Tunesbid Limited, the rising artist has managed to keep the focus on the music — and what a statement it is.
This LP isn’t just an introduction; it’s a declaration. Ayo Maff delivers a project grounded in street stories, grit, and a coming-of-age urgency that reflects his Lagos roots. Each track feels like a journal entry — real, unfiltered, and delivered with the confidence of someone who has seen both the hustle and the heartbreak.
Ayo Maff’s tone carries the weight of experience. He raps and sings like someone carrying his entire community on his back. Whether it’s the pain of betrayal, the joy of survival, or the hunger for more, there’s no gimmick here — just raw expression. Songs like “Street Lesson,” “No Love in the Game,” and “Karma” (a likely reference to his current industry struggles) stand out for their lyrical depth and emotionally charged delivery.
His clash with Tunesbid Limited threatened to overshadow the album’s release, but instead, it sparked conversations about artist-label dynamics in the Nigerian music industry. And in an era where control and ownership matter more than ever, Ayo Maff is staking his claim — not just artistically but professionally.
Ayo Maff’s debut may not have dropped under ideal conditions, but perhaps that’s what makes it feel so real. It’s a reflection of his journey so far — unpredictable, turbulent, but ultimately triumphant. In a space where hype often outweighs heart, this project is a reminder that the streets still have something to say, and Ayo Maff just might be the next big voice carrying that message forward.
🎉 2Baba’s New Chapter: Afrobeat Icon Marries Natasha Osawaru in Private Traditional Ceremony
Afrobeats legend 2Baba has quietly entered a new chapter in his personal life. The music icon, known for his timeless hits and deep-rooted influence on Nigerian pop culture, traditionally tied the knot with Natasha Osawaru in a private ceremony that took place in late July.
Photos from the serene and intimate ceremony surfaced online on Thursday, July 31, 2025. The images, shared by Port Harcourt Socials on X (formerly Twitter), show 2Baba and Natasha adorned in elegant traditional attire, surrounded by close family and friends in a celebration that was kept away from the media spotlight.
This union comes on the heels of a major life shift for the artist. On January 26, 2025, 2Baba confirmed his separation from longtime partner and wife of nearly 12 years, Annie Idibia. In a brief but heartfelt post on Instagram, he acknowledged the end of their marital journey, urging fans and the media to respect their privacy during the transition.
Sources close to the singer revealed that 2Baba proposed to Natasha Osawaru on the eve of Valentine’s Day, February 13, 2025. The proposal, described as romantic and intentional, hinted at how deeply personal and sincere this new relationship has become for the music star.
Though fans are still adjusting to the news of his separation from Annie — a couple once considered one of entertainment’s most enduring — many have congratulated 2Baba for finding peace and love again. Natasha, described as media-shy and grounded, has reportedly been part of his inner circle for months before their engagement.
While 2Baba remains relatively quiet about the new relationship on social media, those close to the singer say he’s focused on family, legacy, and self-growth — themes that also reflect in some of his recent music and public appearances.
As 2Baba embraces this fresh start in both his personal and creative life, fans continue to celebrate his resilience and authenticity — qualities that have long defined his career. With new music in the works and a new chapter unfolding, it’s clear the legendary artist is writing another soulful verse in the story of his life.
CROSSOVER SPOTLIGHT: 🎥🎬
VICTOR OSIMHEN STARS IN NASBOI’S “FRIDAY NIGHT” MUSIC VIDEO — A POWERFUL BLEND OF SPORT AND SOUND
In an exciting and unexpected crossover between football and Afrobeats, Super Eagles forward and Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen made a special appearance in the music video for Nasboi’s latest single, Friday Night. The video, directed by the highly sought-after Director Pink, dropped jaws not just for its visual flair, but for the surprise cameo by one of Nigeria’s most beloved athletes.
Osimhen, who is widely celebrated for his fierce talent on the pitch, took time from his packed training and travel schedule to show support for Nasboi — a rising force in Nigeria’s music and entertainment scene. His appearance isn’t just a casual cameo; it signals a moment where sports and music continue to feed off each other’s energy, blending the worlds of celebrity culture, youth expression, and national pride.
Released just four days ago, Friday Night has already racked up over 300,000 YouTube views, making it one of Nasboi’s fastest-growing releases to date. The video captures the fun and fast-paced vibe of a Lagos night out, with Osimhen’s appearance adding an unexpected spark that fans can’t stop talking about.
Nasboi, who first broke out as a content creator and impressionist, has successfully transitioned into a serious musical act. His music now reflects a unique fusion of humor, rhythm, and relatable storytelling — and Friday Night is another major step forward in that journey.
Victor Osimhen’s involvement is more than just celebrity support. It speaks to a deeper trend in Afrobeats: artists and public figures increasingly bridging gaps across industries to tell richer, more collaborative Nigerian stories. The video’s momentum shows no signs of slowing, and with Osimhen’s star power behind it, Friday Night might just become a new favorite on party playlists and sports highlight reels alike.
TOP TEN SONG OF THE MONTH 🎶
1. Dynamite – Tyla ft. Wizkid
2. Baby (Is It A Crime) – Rema
3. With You – Davido ft. Omah Lay
4. Dem Dey – Burna Boy
5. TaTaTa – Burna Boy ft. Travis Scott
6. Laho III – Shallipopi ft. Rauw Alejandro 7. Hot Body – Ayra Starr
8. Loyal – Chella
9. One Condition – DJ Tunez, Wizkid & Fola
10. 99 – Olamide ft. Seyi Vibez, Asake, Young Jonn & Declan
HERE WE WRAP IT UP WITH THIS MONTH EDITION OF OUR E-MAGAZINE! STAY TUNED WITH US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES!