📑 COVER STORIES
Asake Steps into His Next Era: New Sounds, Global Stages & Creative Freedom
Asake, the vibrant force of modern Afrobeats, continues to chart his own unique path in the global music scene. With a signature sound that fuses street-inspired energy with polished global production, he has become one of the most talked-about artists of the last two years. From breakout singles to sold-out tours, Asake’s rise has been anything but ordinary—and now, in 2025, he enters an exciting new chapter in his career.
After a hugely successful run under the YBNL imprint, the singer-songwriter is taking a step into full creative independence. His time with the label, led by industry icon Olamide, brought him massive recognition, multiple award-winning albums, and a fan base that spans continents. But like many great artists, growth sometimes means evolving beyond familiar territory. Asake’s move is less about leaving and more about expanding—elevating his artistry while staying true to the sound that made him a sensation.
Recently, fans got a glimpse of this new direction during his Dubai vacation, where he performed his latest release single track titled “Why Love.” The song, which blends mellow instrumentals with emotional lyrics, reveals a more introspective side of Asake—offering a refreshing contrast to his high-energy hits. The intimate performance sparked a wave of anticipation online, with fans and music lovers eager to experience this deeper layer of his music.
In industry circles, whispers of a new album expected to drop in June have only added fuel to the buzz. Although the details are still under wraps, those close to the artist describe the upcoming project as both sonically adventurous and deeply personal. If “Why Love” is any indication, Asake may be preparing one of the most compelling releases of the year—one that explores both new themes and new sounds.
Despite the changes, what hasn’t shifted is his impact. From Lagos to London, Asake’s influence on music, fashion, and pop culture remains strong. His visuals continue to break boundaries, his stage presence is unmatched, and his ability to connect with fans through relatable storytelling sets him apart.
Asake’s evolution is a testament to artistic courage. It reflects his desire not just to entertain, but to express—and to grow with his audience. This is more than a new season in his career; it’s a reintroduction. With fresh music on the horizon and a global spotlight shining brighter than ever, Asake is ready to define the next phase of Afrobeats—on his own terms.
This moment isn’t about a departure. It’s about becoming. Asake’s journey continues—and the world is listening.
Rema Shuts Down Madison Square Garden and Declares His Place in Afrobeats Royalty
New York City, May 2025 — The energy inside Madison Square Garden was electric from the very first note. Red lights bathed the arena, the drums kicked in, and Rema stepped onto the stage like a young king fully aware of the moment he was about to own. What followed wasn’t just a concert—it was a cultural statement, a cinematic experience that cemented his place in Afrobeats history.
Midway through the night, in a moment that sent shockwaves across the internet, Rema took a pause and declared with confidence:
“Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy… and now, Rema. That’s the Big 4. And I’m not asking for permission.”
The crowd erupted. Online, debates lit up instantly. While some questioned the boldness, many more celebrated the fearless ambition. One thing was undeniable: the performance had the weight to back it up.
From his breakout hit “Dumebi” to his chart-dominating “Charm,” Rema owned every corner of the stage. The surprise arrival of Selena Gomez for their global hit “Calm Down” turned the already-massive setlist into a historic moment. The visuals were a feast—futuristic, colorful, yet rooted in culture. Dancers adorned in regal Benin-inspired attire moved in sync with a live choir, creating a rare fusion of tradition and tech.
There was a touching tribute to Mavin Records and Don Jazzy, the powerhouse that nurtured his rise. The performance was as much about looking back as it was about stepping forward.
Whether or not the “Big 4” label sticks, there’s no denying Rema’s numbers and impact. Over 44 million monthly Spotify listeners, over 4.1 million global livestream views for the show, and a sold-out crowd of 20,000+ screaming fans at MSG. These aren’t just stats—they’re signs of an artist at the peak of his powers.
Call it a coronation, call it a declaration, or call it what it is: a young star from Benin City, standing on one of the world’s biggest stages, rewriting what it means to be a global Afrobeats icon. Whether fans agree or not, Rema made one thing very clear—he’s not waiting for the future anymore. He is the now.
Davido & Chioma: The “Assurance” Love Story Heads to Miami for a Dream Wedding
Miami is about to witness a wedding that will go down as one of the most iconic celebrations in African pop culture history. Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido and his longtime love, Chioma Avril Rowland, are gearing up for their highly anticipated white wedding this coming August, and fans across the globe are already calling it the grand finale of a modern-day fairytale.
Their love story has been anything but ordinary. From the moment Davido dropped “Assurance” in 2018 and publicly declared Chioma as his queen, the world has followed their journey—through highs, heartbreaks, and healing. What began as a viral hit turned into a real-life romance that’s weathered the spotlight, personal trials, and an ever-curious media.
Now, with wedding invitations already being hand-delivered to family, friends, and VIP guests, it’s clear that this celebration is more than a wedding—it’s a cultural event. Elegant and gold-trimmed, the invites quickly made their rounds across social media, igniting excitement and drawing reactions from fans, celebrities, and industry peers alike. The hashtag #ChividoFinale is already trending, capturing the emotion and anticipation that’s built up over the years.
Though the couple is keeping most of the details under wraps, whispers from insiders suggest the ceremony will take place at an exclusive beachfront estate in Miami, Florida. The guest list is expected to be a glittering mix of music royalty, political dignitaries, and international fashion icons. Chioma is rumored to be working with Zuhair Murad, while Davido might make his grand entrance in a custom Dior Men ensemble. As for the entertainment, names like Asake, Adekunle Gold, and a full orchestral ensemble have been tossed around as possible performers.
This celebration marks more than just a union—it symbolizes a journey. Through loss and joy, silence and spotlight, Davido and Chioma have stood the test of time. Their wedding isn’t just a ceremony; it’s a moment that brings closure to a love story that began with a song and has grown into a legacy that continues to inspire millions.
As August draws closer, all eyes are on Miami. And if history is any guide, Davido is sure to turn this into a celebration the world won’t forget.
⭐ EMERGING ARTIST.
A fresh wave is rolling through Afrobeats this summer, and riding at the crest is none other than Chella. His breakout hit, “My Darling,” has just been named one of Spotify’s official Songs of Summer 2025—and for many listeners, it’s their first time hearing the name. But for those who’ve been paying attention to Nigeria’s underground music scene, Chella’s rise has been brewing for a while.
Born Chinedu Obasi and raised in Surulere, Lagos, Chella grew up with music in his blood. From childhood jams of 2Baba and Styl-Plus to international favorites like Usher and the political rhythms of Fela, his influences run deep. He started freestyling in secondary school, eventually building a name for himself through TikTok performances and intimate lounge gigs in Lekki. By 2023, his late-night freestyles were drawing in thousands of viewers online every week.
Chella isn’t just chasing hits—he’s creating moments. “I’m not just here to make music you dance to,” he told EntDaily. “I’m here to tell stories you feel in your chest.” That energy shines through on “My Darling”, a heartfelt, low-tempo track he recorded in Ajah and mixed in Cape Town before releasing it independently. In just a few weeks, the song exploded—millions of streams, thousands of TikToks, and prime radio spots followed.
The track is soft yet loaded with emotion, laced with gentle percussion, amapiano touches, and Chella’s raspy voice that seems to tug directly at the heart. One standout line, “Even when data finish, I still dey find your call,” captures the kind of raw, everyday love that feels instantly familiar. It’s no wonder the song has become a go-to soundtrack for late-night playlists and love confessions alike.
What makes “My Darling” so addictive is its balance: a soulful chorus, rich production, and lyrics that manage to be both poetic and deeply relatable. It blends Afrobeats with R&B and subtle amapiano grooves, creating something that feels current yet timeless.
Chella’s momentum has been undeniable. In just six weeks, the track has racked up over 12.7 million streams on Spotify. On TikTok, more than 1.8 million videos have featured it. Radio stations across West Africa—Cool FM, Beat FM, and Ghana’s YFM—have it on regular rotation. Meanwhile, his fanbase, affectionately known as “The Chellavites,” continues to grow with passionate energy, mostly driven by Gen Z.
There’s more on the horizon. Insiders reveal Chella is in early discussions with a UK-based indie label and may be working on collaborations with Ayra Starr, Joeboy, and even a “My Darling” remix featuring Victony. With all signs pointing up, the next few months could mark the start of something even bigger.
Chella represents everything exciting about the next wave of Afrobeats—genre-blending, emotionally rich, and fully rooted in authenticity. “My Darling” isn’t just a summer anthem. It’s the arrival of a new kind of voice. And if this is only the beginning, the journey ahead is bound to be unforgettable.
FEATURE NEW ARTIST
Ediale Osas – “Good Vibe” EPBursting with Afrobeat rhythms and streetwise charm, Ediale Osas delivers a six-track dose of pure good vibes. From “Inside Life” to “Tingalinga,” his EP is packed with feel-good energy and catchy hooks, cementing him as one to watch in Nigeria’s rising scene.
Smooth vocals, Afro-fusion grooves, and a hook you can’t forget—Namdee Official’s “My Bebe” is a certified vibe. Blending romance with rhythm, this rising star is turning heads with a sound that’s already lighting up playlists across Lagos and Abuja.
🔥🎵Hot Song of the Month
“Tatata” – Burna Boy & Travis Scott
When giants collide, the world listens—and “Tatata” is proof. Burna Boy teams up with American rap superstar Travis Scott to deliver a genre-bending banger that’s setting playlists and charts on fire.
The track blends Burna’s Afro-fusion swag with Travis’s signature psychedelic trap, creating a hypnotic rhythm that’s both fierce and infectious. From Lagos to Houston, the energy is universal.
“Tatata” isn’t just a song—it’s a cultural moment. A masterclass in global collaboration that shows Afrobeats is no longer rising—it’s reigning.
Streaming numbers are climbing fast, TikTok is flooded with dance challenges, and fans can’t get enough of the magnetic synergy between these two titans.
🔥 Certified banger. On repeat.
🎧 Add to your playlist now
🔥 Hot Album of the Month
Kizz Daniel is back, and he’s moving differently. With the release of his latest project Uncle K: Lemon Chase, the Afrobeat heavyweight reminds fans why he continues to be a dominant force in the game. The EP blends mature storytelling, sleek melodies, and genre-fluid production—all while showing growth without losing the signature Kizz Daniel touch.
From the very first stream, fans locked in. In just 24 hours, the EP earned over 1 million Spotify streams in Nigeria alone, cementing its status as a strong contender for 2025’s top releases.
Standout track “Al-Jannah” racked up 207.4K streams, followed closely by “Titi” with 206.4K—both landing in the Top 5 on Spotify Nigeria’s Top Songs chart. The emotionally rich “Black Girl Magic” pulled in 160.6K, a tribute that hits all the right notes in both sound and message.
Kizz didn’t come to play—tracks like “Secure” (152.8K) and “Peace I Chose” (119.4K) explore themes of love, reflection, and inner peace. The storytelling is intentional, and the production leans into high-quality arrangement, blending soulful Afropop with experimental touches.
Even the mid-tempo “Police” (102.3K) and the mellow “Eyo” (88.4K) find their place on the EP, rounding out a project that’s cohesive yet varied enough to appeal to fans old and new.
Uncle K: Lemon Chase isn’t just another release—it’s a statement. One that shows Kizz Daniel isn’t just chasing hits anymore. He’s curating a legacy.
🎧 Industry Insight
Wizkid & Tyla: Global Moves and Milestones
London is buzzing again—and not just with tourists. Afrobeats giant Wizkid was recently spotted in a recording studio alongside South Africa’s breakout star Tyla, sparking excitement across fanbases. With Tyla’s global momentum and Wizkid’s timeless magic, something special may be in the works. No official word yet, but the collaboration looks promising.
The sighting comes hot on the heels of Tyla’s surprise win at the 2025 American Music Awards, where she beat out heavyweights like Rema, Tems, Wizkid, and Asake to snag the Favorite Afrobeats Artist award. The win sent shockwaves through the industry—and signaled the rise of a new generation with global reach.
While Tyla ascends, Wizkid continues to rack up milestones of his own.
His smash hit “Essence” ft. Tems has now sold 5 million units in the United States, making it eligible for 5× Platinum certification. The track, often dubbed “the song of the decade,” continues to push boundaries years after its release.
🌍 Global Certifications for “Essence”
- 🇺🇸 5x Platinum (USA – Eligible)
- 🇬🇧 Platinum (UK)
- 🇫🇷 Gold (France)
- 🇧🇪 Gold (Belgium)
- 🇨🇭 Platinum (Switzerland)
- 🇳🇿 2x Platinum (New Zealand)
- 🇨🇦 2x Platinum (Canada)
- 🇿🇦 7x Platinum (South Africa)
Wizkid also scored two new certifications in Canada:
- “Come Closer” ft. Drake – 2× Platinum 🇨🇦
- “Essence” ft. Tems – 2× Platinum 🇨🇦
🏆 Wizkid’s Award Shelf Keeps Filling Up:
- 2021 Soul Train Award
- 2021 (3×) AEAUSA Awards
- 2022 BET Award
- 2022 3Music Award
- 2022 American Music Award
- 2022 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Award
- 2022 NAACP Image Award (2×)
- 2022 BMI Pop Award
- 2023 ASCAP Pop Music Award
- 2023 iHeartRadio Titanium Award
With a decade in and still breaking records, Wizkid proves why he remains one of the most influential names in global music. And with talents like Tyla entering the arena, the future of Afrobeats looks unstoppable.
🎬 Spotlight: Wizkid’s “Long Live Lagos” Set for World Premiere at Tribeca
A Cultural Moment for Afrobeats, Lagos, and the Starboy Legacy
Mark your calendars. On June 6th, 2025 at 8PM, Afrobeats icon Wizkid will take center stage—not on a concert platform, but on the cinematic screen—as his highly anticipated documentary Long Live Lagos makes its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.
Set in the city that shaped him, Long Live Lagos is more than a music documentary. It’s a personal journey, a celebration of heritage, and a love letter to the bustling, beat-driven streets of Lagos that birthed the Starboy.
“Lagos gave me everything,” Wizkid shared in a teaser clip. “This film is for the place and the people that made me.”
From his early days in Surulere to headlining global arenas, the film follows his rise with raw behind-the-scenes footage, heartfelt interviews, and emotional homecoming moments. The premiere event will also feature an exclusive live Q&A session with Wizkid himself, offering fans and viewers a rare chance to hear directly from the man behind the music.
🎥 What to Expect at the Premiere:
- Never-before-seen archive footage from Wizkid’s childhood, tours & studio life
- Cameos from industry peers including Tems, Sarz, Burna Boy, and Drake
- A powerful soundtrack curated by Wizkid
- A heartfelt tribute to Lagos culture, street life, and sound
- A post-screening Q&A with Wizkid live from Tribeca
🌍 Fans & Industry Are Already Buzzing:
“He took Lagos to the world—and now he’s taking the world back to Lagos,” said one fan on Twitter.
“This is the moment where music meets legacy. Wiz isn’t just telling his story—he’s telling our story,” shared a Lagos-based filmmaker.
“Wizkid at Tribeca? That’s history in motion,” added an Apple Music curator.
Whether you’re watching in New York or streaming later, Long Live Lagos is poised to become a defining cultural artifact—one that doesn’t just celebrate an artist, but honors an entire city.
💫 Anniversary Spotlight
🗓️ A Year Ago Today — May 30, 2024
Ayra Starr Dropped “The Year I Turned 21”
It’s been exactly one year since Ayra Starr released her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21—a bold, emotional, and genre-blending project that marked a major leap in her artistry.
Packed with hits like “Commas,” “Last Heartbreak Song,” and the all-female anthem “Woman Commando,” the album became an instant favorite across playlists, airwaves, and dance floors worldwide.
Since its release, the project has racked up over 1 billion streams on Spotify, solidifying Ayra as a true global force in Afropop.
More than just numbers, the album told a story—of love, heartbreak, growth, and the power of womanhood—all wrapped in Ayra’s signature voice and unapologetic flair.
One year later, The Year I Turned 21 still feels fresh. And for many fans, it’s not just an album—it’s a soundtrack to life.
🎉 CELEBRATION & VISION
2Baba Lights Up Benue: A Star’s Homecoming with Purpose
Benue came alive in spectacular fashion as music legend Innocent “2Baba” Idibia was honored with a new role that could reshape the entertainment landscape of his home state. Appointed as Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach, 2Baba’s homecoming was not just emotional—it was monumental.
In a powerful show of unity and celebration, Benue youths gathered to welcome this iconic appointment with heartfelt pride and enthusiasm. The energy was electric, the atmosphere vibrant, and the message was clear: a new cultural renaissance is on the horizon for Benue State.
Held at the stunning New Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi, the night marked the unveiling of 2Baba’s flagship community development project—an initiative that blends entertainment, youth engagement, and social impact. The event brought together a mix of stakeholders, dignitaries, creatives, and community leaders, each echoing the same belief: this is a turning point.
Cultural showcases, live performances, and thought-provoking speeches dominated the evening. From dance to drama, spoken word to traditional rhythms, the diversity of talent on display was a reminder of just how rich Benue’s creative pulse is. For the youths in attendance, it wasn’t just entertainment—it was inspiration.
Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, known for his forward-thinking leadership and strong connection to the youth, was widely praised for this strategic appointment. His administration’s investment in the arts and youth empowerment continues to resonate deeply across the state. The partnership with 2Baba signals a practical commitment to transforming vision into action—by leveraging celebrity influence to uplift communities.
The evening was more than just a celebration—it was a call to action. With 2Baba’s passion and credibility, and the state government’s backing, there is a real sense that Benue is poised to become a central hub for entertainment-driven development.
As 2Baba continues to use his voice and platform to uplift others, this moment stands as a testament to the power of coming home—not just as a hero, but as a builder of the future.
📅 LOOKING AHEAD
- Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness
album scheduled for June 10th - Olamide Baddo self titled Olamidé album Set for release this June 11th
- Wizkid – “Long live Lagos” Documentary June 5th.
- All eyes on the 2025 BET Awards’ Afrobeats category
New Music Friday 🔊
- Kizz Daniel — Uncle K: Lemon Chase (EP)
- Falz – The Feast album
- Namdee Official — My Bebe
- Christ Dready — K!ll & Go
- Bloody Civilian – Ladida
- TML Vibez & SPINALL – Bon Appetite
- Sirgoddy — Olamide
- P Skyy — GDF
- Sarz, Lojay & Major League DJZ – Billions Remix
- CDQ – Sadiku EP
- Jesty B — E Get Why
- Kay Steppa — See It Coming (Album)
- Yaadman & Chopstix – Onsite
- Portable & Junior Boy – Money Buy Happiness
- Made Kuti – Life As We Know It
- Ric Hassani – Moving Train (Isokuso)