After five years, Ghanaian music and cultural festival Afrochella will not return, its organisers have said.
The ‘shock’ announcement was made at the very end of the two-day festival, in the early hours of Friday morning.
“This is the last Afrochella,” said co-founder Abdul Abdullah to the thousands of people still in the El-Wak stadium in the capital, Accra.
He did not give any reason.
However, in October California-based music festival Coachella sued the organisers for trademark infringement.
Mr Abdullah made the announcement just after headline act Burna Boy had closed his set, wowing the crowd with hits such as Last Last, Angelina and Dangote.
Although the stadium was still packed with thousands of people, the news that it was the final Afrochella escaped the attention of some, especially given that it was almost 03:00.
One African American woman I spoke to had missed the announcement as she was trying to beat the rush to get home.
Those who did notice were very upset.
“I couldn’t believe it when they said Afrochella is over,” said one woman.
Image caption,Ghana’s Stonebwoy was one of the artists who thrilled the crowds
Afrochella is heavily promoted to African Americans and many of those in the crowd had travelled from the US or UK to celebrate the new year in the continent of their origin.
“I’m shocked – this is what a lot of us in the diaspora look forward to at the end of the year,” said one African American man.
“There was something special about Afrochella that meant so much to African Americans like me – I think it’s gonna be hard to fill the void that they’ll leave,” said another.
And this year’s festival was certainly a huge success.
Stonebwoy, Asake and Gyakie thrilled fans with amazing performances.
Although it wasn’t smooth for everyone.
Nigerian artiste Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, also known as Ayra Starr, fell on stage while performing her hit song.
She blamed the organisers for the incident. “Afrochella next time y’all should clean your stage after every artist’s performance, that fall was very unnecessary and painful,” she posted.
The event also saw performances from other talented musicians.
“It was amazing, so good to play for my people, making sure that everyone is getting a good time. Everyone has fun,” Jules, a young singer from the Netherlands, told the BBC.
Singer Aerostar was excited about her performance: “The energy was amazing, the crowd was amazing too and the band did so well,” she said.
While the end of Afrochella will certainly leave a gap in the jam-packed calendar of events in Ghana, known as “Detty December”, tourists and visitors alike will still be able to enjoy a wide range of programmes.
Image caption,Ghana still has a lot of festivals on offer even though Afrochella will be missed
For example, the Afro Nation festival wraps up on Friday night with performances by British-Nigerian artist, Skepta, Franco-Congolese singer Dadju and Ghana’s rising star Black Sherif, to name just a few.
And the BHIM concert, Tropical Fiesta, Mozama Disco, Lamajo fest will all be back next year.
But Afrochella will be sorely missed.
It was among events that authorities in Ghana hoped would continue attracting tourists, especially from the African diaspora, to the country as part of its “Beyond Return” initiative.
This is a follow-up to the “Year of Return” launched in 2019 to mark 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in America.
Burna Boy’s ex, Stefflon Don, took to social media to flaunt the romantic surprise she received from her new boyfriend on her birthday.
One can recall that Burna Boy and Stefflon recently threw jabs at each other after the latter called him a “mummy’s boy” in one of her TikTok videos.
The UK singer seems to have given love another chance, following her messy split from her ex-lover, Oluwadamini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy.
Stefflon, who turned 31 years on December 14, 2022, shared a romantic video of her birthday surprise from her new man. The video features rose petals, balloons, and designer gifts.
Dance-hall artist Shatta Wale has released a lot of hit songs.
When Shatta Waleon the occasion of his 38th birthday released a single titled ‘Cash Out’, some music lovers claimed that the song sounded like one of Burna Boy’s tracks.
Others claimed that the Ghanaian Dancehall giant sampled Burna Boy’s hit song ‘Las Las’.
Reacting to the allegations that led some critics to mock Shatta Wale, the man in question explained that there is nothing wrong with sounding like the musician he described as his brother.
It would be recalled that the two artistes had an enviable relationship back in the day. This birth a collaboration between Shatta and the Nigerian artiste.
However, things went sour as Shatta Wale and Burna Boy went after each other in a series of tweets in late December 2021.
Shatta in his recent interview with Sammy Flex on CTV addressed Burna Boy’s song sampling allegation. To the surprise of many, he passed a joke about the situation to confirm that there is no bad blood between them.
“You have seen two people that are brothers and one is singing like the other. Have you seen a family that doesn’t look alike? He is my brother so if he has sung and I have sung, he takes left and I take right…we are tired. There are a whole lot of artistes in Ghana who are singing like somebody.
“People are not blaming them, me that I have a brother that I am singing like my brother you’re saying…I will continue to sing, I will record another one,” said Shatta who was all smiles in white addressing the issue.
When Shatta Wale on the occasion of his 38th birthday released a single titled ‘Cash Out’, some music lovers claimed that the song sounded like one of Burna Boy’s tracks.
Others claimed that the Ghanaian Dancehall giant sampled Burna Boy‘s hit song ‘Las Las’.
Reacting to the allegations that led some critics to mock Shatta Wale, the man in question explained that there is nothing wrong with sounding like the musician he described as his brother.
It would be recalled that the two artistes had an enviable relationship back in the day. This birth a collaboration between Shatta and the Nigerian artiste.
However, things went sour as Shatta Wale and Burna Boywent after each other in a series of tweets in late December 2021.
Shatta in his recent interview with Sammy Flex on CTV addressed Burna Boy’s song sampling allegation. To the surprise of many, he passed a joke about the situation to confirm that there is no bad blood between them.
“You have seen two people that are brothers and one is singing like the other. Have you seen a family that doesn’t look alike? He is my brother so if he has sung and I have sung, he takes left and I take right…we are tired. There are a whole lot of artistes in Ghana who are singing like somebody. People are not blaming them, me that I have a brother that I am singing like my brother you’re saying…I will continue to sing, I will record another one,” said Shatta who was all smiles in white addressing the issue.
Shatta Walereacts to ‘Las Las’ song sampling claim
Nigerian music star Burna Boy was recently recognized while watching the Orlando Magic play basketball. The basketball team paid tribute to the Afrobeats artist on the sidelines of the weekend game.
This information was brought to our attention after a netizen uploaded the video depicting the exchange of a personalized “Burna Boy” jersey for the serial hitmaker.
They posed for pictures with the basketball gear and Stuff the Magic Dragon, the official mascot of the Orlando Magic.
Recently, internet users expressed their opinions about the new acquisition made by Burna Boyas he expands his big-boy life.
According to the report, the musician is now the proud owner of new handcrafted jewelry which costs millions of naira.
The artist who goes by the moniker African Giant was spotted showing off some new ice jewelry that said “ODOGWU” in a popular video.
In the video, his colleagues and friends can be seen praising him as the “highest in the game,” to which he replies, “The jewelry cost a million dollars.”
Kweku Frimpong, as he is affectionately called, has turned out earworms since his emergence onto the scene.
From his sermons to ‘Soja’, the 20-year-old’s projects have left many music enthusiasts impressed.
American pop star, Drake came in third, followed by Asake, Sarkodie, Kwesi Arthur, Fireboy DML, Davido, Lil Baby and Wizkid in that order.
Black Sherif (Photo Credit: Twitter/@__theSeyram/theseyram.com)
Spotify’s Most Streamed Album for The Year category was also secured by Burna’s ‘Love, Damini’ in first place followed by Blacko’s ‘The Villain I Never Was’.
Most streamed songs in Ghana in 2022
Most Streamed Songs in the country also found expression in the chart.
Burna Boy had added another plaque to his cabinet as Jorja Smith’s ‘Be Honest’ has received a Diamond certification in France.
The single was released in August 2019 and it was Jorja Smith’s second collaboration with Burna Boy following ‘Gum Body’ in his ‘African Giant’ album.
‘Be Honest’ is Burna Boy’s second certification in France after his international hit single ‘On The Low’ went Diamond.
Burna Boy is one of the world’s biggest music stars with his music attracting fans across different parts of the globe where he has headlined concerts in famous arenas.
Most recently, his international smash hit ‘Last Last’ was certified Gold in the US after selling 500,000 units.
The multi-award winner was also recently nominated for two Grammy awards with ‘Last Last’ for the Global Song category and his 2022 album ‘Love, Damini’ for the World Album category.
In a post that was shared on blogger Zionfelix’s page on Instagram, the two artistes who have called themselves brothers before their ‘Second Sermon Remix’ collaboration looked dapper and sharp.
They were dressed in the British style, with the self-proclaimed “Giant of Africa” dressed in a black suit with a tie and matching shoes.
Blacko, on the other hand, wore a winter jacket, which he paired with nicely ironed celery and mint-coloured trousers, matched with a neatly polished shoe.
The two posed for two different pictures while flashing infectious smiles.
Meanwhile, Black Sherif is set to perform today, November 18, 2022, at KOKO in London, following the artiste’s breakthrough in the music industry.
His performance will feature notable DJ Semtex and Narx, who will be special guests to grace the occasion.
Ghanaian sensational artiste Black Sherif and Nigerian musician Burna Boy have connected in London ahead of his show at “KOKO,” a venue for musicians to perform today.
In a post that was shared on blogger Zionfelix’s page on Instagram, the two artistes who have called themselves brothers before their ‘Second Sermon Remix’ collaboration looked dapper and sharp.
They were dressed in the British style, with the self-proclaimed “Giant of Africa” dressed in a black suit with a tie and matching shoes.
Blacko, on the other hand, wore a winter jacket, which he paired with nicely ironed celery and mint-coloured trousers, matched with a neatly polished shoe.
The two posed for two different pictures while flashing infectious smiles.
Meanwhile, Black Sherif is set to perform today, November 18, 2022, at KOKO in London, following the artiste’s breakthrough in the music industry.
His performance will feature notable DJ Semtex and Narx, who will be special guests to grace the occasion.
The 2023 Grammy Award nominations have been announced and African stars Tems, Burna Boy, Rocky Dawuni, and Angélique Kidjo are all up for awards.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has been nominated for her writing on Beyonce’s Renaissance album and for rapper Drake’s Wait For U song which is nominated for Record of the Year.
Burna Boy has bagged his third Grammy nomination in a row for Best Global Music performance and is also nominated for his album Love, Damini.
Beninese superstar Angélique Kidjo has also been nominated for several awards including Best Global Music Album making her a now 12-time Grammy nominee.
Afropop dancehall star, Eddy Kenzo has become the first Ugandan artist to be nominated for the Grammys, and South African artists Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode have also been nominated for their performances of hit single, Bayethe.
The 65th edition of the awards will take place next February, in Los Angeles.
Ghanaian artiste, Rocky Dawuni, has received a nomination for the upcoming 65th Grammy Awards.
This will be a record-third nomination from the award scheme as far as the Ghanaian music scene is concerned.
The selection of his song ‘Never Bow Down’ for the Best Global Music Performance category comes after the musician was considered by the Grammys back in 2015 and 2021.
The development was announced on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, by the Recording Academy.
The reggae artiste says he is “honored to be nominated.”
I am truly honored to be nominated for another #Grammy award for my song “Never Bow Down” feat. @BLVKH3RO This is huge for Africa and the Carribean coming together on this global roots anthem! Thank you to everyone who was part of this and congrats to my fellow nominees. pic.twitter.com/FcsdMy6zYV
“I am truly honored to be nominated for another #Grammy award for my song “Never Bow Down” feat. @BLVKH3RO. This is huge for Africa and the Carribean coming together on this global roots anthem! Thank you to everyone who was part of this and congrats to my fellow nominees,” he posted on Twitter.
The other songs gunning for the same award are Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’, ‘Udhero Na’, by Arooj Aftab and Anoushka Shankar, and ‘Gimme Love’, by Matt B and Eddy Kenzo, and ‘Baythe’ by Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode.
The main event, however, comes off on Sunday, February 5, 2023.
Last year, Rocky Dawuni’s project ‘Voice of Bunbon Vol. 1’ secured a place in the Best Global Music Album category after his ‘Branches of The Same Tree’ was nominated for Best Reggae Album in 2015.
It has been announced that the West African music superstar Damini ‘Burna Boy’ Ebunoluwa Ogulu MFR has been nominated for a Grammy award, the third time in a row.
The American Recording Academy made the announcement today Tuesday, 15 November 2022.
A Nigerian, Burna was initially nominated for a Grammy in the year 2020. He competed with his ‘African Giant’ album in the Global Music Album category but lost the accolade to West African fellow Angelique Kidjo of Benin.
The following year, 2021, the artiste who prides himself as the African Giant was nominated for his ‘Twice As Tall’ project in the Global Music Album category and this time, bagged the trophy.
His easy-going ‘Love, Damini’ long play (LP), which is a pause from the crusading sounds and messages of his projects before it, was nominated in the Best Global Music Album category.
The singer was also nominated for Best Global Music Performance for his international smash hit “Last Last.”
The artistes with the most nominations for next year’s Grammys, in order, are Beyonce (9), Kendrick Lamar (8) and Adele (7) who ties with country star Brandi Carli.
The 2023 Grammy Awards ceremony is slated for Sunday, 5 February.
Meanwhile, Burna Boy has just won the award for the Best African Act at the 2022 MTV Europe Music Awards.
At the 2022 MTV European Music Awards that took place on 13th, November 2022, Nigerian megastar Burna Boywon the prize for the Best African Act.
Burna Boywas nominated alongside Ayra Starr, Black Sheriff, Tems, Zuchu and Musa Keyz.
Tems lost the Best New Act prize to Seventeen. And Nigerian disc Jockey DJ Spinall was one of the artists who performed at the award show that held in Dusseldorf, Germany.
See full winners list.
Best song
Bad Bunny, Chencho Corleone – “Me Porto Bonito”
Harry Styles – “As It Was”
Jack Harlow – “First Class”
Lizzo – “About Damn Time”
WINNER: Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl”
Rosalía – “Despechá”
Best video
BLACKPINK – “Pink Venom”
Doja Cat – “Woman”
Harry Styles – “As It Was”
Kendrick Lamar – “The Heart Part 5”
Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl”
WINNER: Taylor Swift – “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)”
Best artist
Adele
Beyoncé
Harry Styles
Nicki Minaj
Rosalía
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Best new
Baby Keem
Dove Cameron
Gayle
WINNER: Seventeen
Stephen Sanchez
Tems
Best collaboration
Bad Bunny, Chencho Corleone – “Me Porto Bonito”
WINNER: David Guetta & Bebe Rexha – “I’m Good (Blue)”
DJ Khaled ft. Drake & Lil Baby – “Staying Alive”
Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa – “Sweetest Pie”
Post Malone with Doja Cat – “I Like You (A Happier Song)”
Shakira, Rauw Alejandro – “Te Felicito”
Tiësto & Ava Max – “The Motto”
Best live
Coldplay
Ed Sheeran
WINNER: Harry Styles
Kendrick Lamar
Lady Gaga
The Weeknd
Best pop
Billie Eilish
Doja Cat
Ed Sheeran
Harry Styles
Lizzo
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Best K-pop
BLACKPINK
BTS
Itzy
WINNER: Lisa
Seventeen
Twice
Best Latin
WINNER: Anitta
Bad Bunny
Becky G
J Balvin
Rosalía
Shakira
Best electronic
Calvin Harris
WINNER: David Guetta
DJ Snake
Marshmello
Swedish House Mafia
Tiësto
Best hip hop
Drake
Future
Jack Harlow
Kendrick Lamar
Lil Baby
Megan Thee Stallion
WINNER: Nicki Minaj
Best rock
Foo Fighters
Liam Gallagher
Måneskin
WINNER: Muse
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Killers
Best alternative
WINNER: Gorillaz
Imagine Dragons
Panic! At The Disco
Tame Impala
Twenty One Pilots
Yungblud
Best R&B
WINNER: Chlöe
Givēon
H.E.R.
Khalid
Summer Walker
SZA
Best longform video
Foo Fighters – “Studio 666”
Rosalía – “Motomami” (Rosalía TikTok live performance)
Stormzy – “Mel Made Me Do It”
Taylor Hawkins tribute concert, Wembley Stadium, London
WINNER: Taylor Swift – “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)”
Video for good
Ed Sheeran – “2step” (feat. Lil Baby)
Kendrick Lamar – “The Heart Part 5”
Latto – “P*ssy”
Lizzo – “About Damn Time”
WINNER: Sam Smith – “Unholy” (feat. Kim Petras)
Stromae – “Fils de joie”
Biggest fans
BLACKPINK
WINNER: BTS
Harry Styles
Lady Gaga
Nicki Minaj
Taylor Swift
Best push
Nessa Barrett
WINNER: Seventeen
Mae Muller
Gayle
Shenseea
Omar Apollo
Wet Leg
Muni Long
Doechii
Saucy Santana
Stephen Sanchez
JVKE
Best Metaverse performance
WINNER: BLACKPINK The Virtual | PUBG
BTS | Minecraft
Charli XCX | Roblox
Justin Bieber – An Interactive Virtual Experience | Wave
The 19-track album is expected to be released on November 14, 2022, and the Black Panther sequel will hit theatres on November 11.
The official soundtrack album has a number of artistes including six Nigerian artistes. Singer and songwriter Rihanna’s new song ‘Lift Me Up’ features on the album.
Burna Boyis featured on track three titled ‘Alone’ while Tems’ version of the Bob Marley classic ‘No Woman No Cry’ is on track four.
Fireboy DML is also on track nine ‘Coming Back For You’. Ckay is featured on track 13 ‘Anya Mmiri’ with British singer-songwriter PinkPantheress.
Nigerian artiste, Bloody Civilian and her colleague Rema, are on track 14 ‘Wake Up’. Rema appears again on track 15 ‘Pantera’ with Mexican artiste Alemán.
Meanwhile, British-Ghanaian rapper Stormzy is also featured on the track.
On October 3, the official trailer for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ was released.
The plot details of the film have largely been kept under wraps but Marvel introduces a new character Namor (who is referred to as “the Feathered Serpent God” by M’Baku) and is seemingly the antagonist in this sequel.
Director Ryan Coogler introduced series newcomers; Tenoch Huerta, who plays the main antagonist Namor, Mabel Cadena, Alex Livinalli, Dominique Thorne, who will debut as the young power-suited hero Ironheart, and Michaela Coel during Marvel’s Hall H panel at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con in July.
The sequel will be without the star of the first film, Chadwick Boseman, who died in 2020 from colon cancer. Coogler returns to direct, additionally co-writing the screenplay with Joe Robert Cole.
The self-acclaimed ‘Sugar Daddy’ shared a love emoji after he chanced on the music chart with his songs labelled as most played.
In a post he shared on Instagram, he tagged Billboard and shared a blue love emoji to express his appreciation.
His song, ‘Touch It’, made a re-entry after it became a worldwide hit song last year and earlier this year.
Scanning through the list of artistes on Billboard’s chart, KiDiwas noticeably the only African artiste in the midst of Sam Smith, Cardi B, and Sona Mohapatra among others in the Top 6.
Surprisingly Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Kizz Daniel, among other notable Nigerian artistes known worldwide, were not in there with him.
In some social media reactions shared by some netizens, they have noted that KiDi’s songs finding their way to Billboard was a massive win for him.
In a post on his Snapchat, Burna Boyshared the covert art of the ‘Kwaku The Traveller’s album The Villain I Never Was.
He advised his followers to give the album a listen writing “Get that @blacksherif album now.”
Underneath the picture, he added “proud of lil bro.(sic)”
This is Burna Boy’s first reaction to The Villain I Never Was since it was released early in October.
The album has only one feature – the ‘Second Sermon Remix’ which features Burna Boy.
The two artiste began working together and developing a relationship when the Nigerian Afrobeat star was seen jamming to the original song in a viral video sometime in October 2021.
The two recorded the song which has grown to be one of Black Sheif’s biggest hits.
Burna Boy during one of his concerts in the UK brought Black Sherif on stage with him to perform.
Well-known music beat producer Justice Oteng also known as Wei Ye Oteng has averred that anyone who associates with Grammy award-winning artist Burna Boy gets public attention.
Recall that Black Sherif caught the attention of Burna Boyafter releasing his popular track ‘Second Sermon’. Burna Boy was seen in a viral video dancing to the track of Black Sherif a few weeks after it was released.
The two later collaborated and released the remix of Second Sermond and also shot a music video for the music. Burna Boy also was seen touring the US with Black Sherif. This bond between the two artists has brought up the opinion of Wei Ye Oteng that Black Sherif got more famous after partnering with Burna Boy.
“Black Sherifis good. I mean, the likes of Kwadee were unique just like Black Sherifis, but whichever sound they had, or playing around with, was already in there. So we appreciate that. Now, if you have an affiliation with Burna Boy just upon releasing two songs into the mainstream, the whole world would want to listen to you”, he said in an interview on Showbiz 927.
“The whole world would want to know what is under your sleeve, not because they believe that you are extremely the “ish” (good), but they know that you are positive and you are on the path to greatness and that you need support.
“So, everything that you do, based on the type of affiliation you have, they troop in to come and listen and then to make their own judgment”.
It is the first award in a major US award show dedicated to recognising African artistes that have transcended the African borders with the now globally recognised genre.
Fans of Afrobeats artistes can vote for their favourite stars who have been nominated. Unfortunately, for the category’s debut, no Ghanaian act was nominated.
The K-Pop genre also landed a category. The category is named ‘Favourite K-Pop Artist’. Fans of K-Pop also now have the chance to vote for their favourite artiste or group.
The K-Pop artists nominated are Blackpink, BTS, Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together and Twice.
BTS is also nominated in the ‘Favourite Pop Duo or Group category.’
This comes weeks after calls for The Recording Academy, organisers of Grammy, to add Afribeats as a category to the awards scheme.
In September, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Recording Academy said there is a possibility the event will in the near future have a category for Afrobeats.
Speaking to the media on his arrival in Ghana, Harvey Mason Jr, noted that The Recording Academy recently had a meeting with leaders of the Afrobeats community including producers, songwriters, executives and others to learn more about the genre – and will continue to do so.
“We just talked about what are the different sub-genres (of Afrobeats), the needs, the desires, and my goal is to represent all genres of music including Afrobeats at the Grammys, but it has to be done properly,” Mr Mason said.
Meanwhile, in March 2022, Billboard created the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart – a standard record chart ranking the 50 most popular Afrobeats songs in the United States weekly.
Nigerian singer, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy, has launched a cannabis brand in Miami, in the United States of America.
According to reports, the Grammy award-winning musician unveiled the brand, named ‘BrkFst’, in partnership with ‘Jokes Up Ice Kream’, a weed dispensary and shipping company in the states.
Fans in attendance at the launch got a first look at the merchandise and were also treated to Burna Boy’s music.
This event comes at a time Burna Boy’s country, Nigeria,is still debating the legalization of cannabis for business and medicinal purposes.
It can be recalled that sometime in 2021, Burna Boy spoke against the unwillingness of the Nigerian government to legalize the drug, adding that “everyone smokes.”
“It’s just kind of hypocritical out there. They try to make it seem like if you smoke weed you’ll just go mad in Nigeria. Everybody smokes it. It’s just a topic no one wants to talk about. No one wants to talk about it; everybody is cool. Nobody wants to make it a thing to advocate for legalization of weed,” he earlier stated in an interview with Home Grown Radio in Los Angeles.
US president’s take on Cannabis
Joe Biden, the US president, on October 6, pardoned all federal offenders convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana.
“As President, I will decriminalize cannabis use and automatically expunge prior convictions,” he promised.
Ghanaian rapper, singer, and songwriter Black Sherif is one of the fastest-rising stars in African music.
At the age of just 20, he already has several awards under his belt. He’s just released his debut album The Villain I Never Was.
Born Mohammed Ismail Sharrif in Konongo in the Ashanti region, he started making music in high school putting out freestyles recorded on his friend’s smartphone.
Quote Message: When I realised I wanted to go with music, I needed a stage name, and something heavy. But I didn’t want to switch my whole name, so I needed the Sherif, because Sharrif is my name.”
When I realised I wanted to go with music, I needed a stage name, and something heavy. But I didn’t want to switch my whole name, so I needed the Sherif, because Sharrif is my name.”
He explains that the name means noble and that black is his identity – so together Black Sherif means a noble African.
He got people’s attention with the first of his “Sermon” freestyles.
When he followed First Sermon up with the street anthem Second Sermon, he went mainstream and then remixed it featuring Nigerian star Burna Boy.
Earlier this year, his single Kwaku the Traveller reached number one on the Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music charts. By August it was the most Shazamed song in the world across genres.
His latest single is Soja.
“I am soldier, you are soldier,” he explains. “Everyone is a soldier in this world because we all have different battles we are fighting. I sacrifice, you sacrifice, everyone sacrifices.”
In the song he talks about his fears and insecurities in a very open way.
Quote Message: If we hop on the streets you will see the kids that are running to me right now. There are kids listening to me, and I don’t want them to know I’m perfect. I’m not perfect. I have fears. I have anxiety. I want them to know that I’m a person.”
If we hop on the streets you will see the kids that are running to me right now. There are kids listening to me, and I don’t want them to know I’m perfect. I’m not perfect. I have fears. I have anxiety. I want them to know that I’m a person.”
When asked about his main source of inspiration his answer is surprising:
Quote Message: It’s my pain. I have lots of pains in my heart, mostly from things I’ve seen. There’s pain on the streets. There’s pain in the air. I do have doubts in so many things about what I do. Life has happened to me. People have disappointed me. Music is my safe haven.”
It’s my pain. I have lots of pains in my heart, mostly from things I’ve seen. There’s pain on the streets. There’s pain in the air. I do have doubts in so many things about what I do. Life has happened to me. People have disappointed me. Music is my safe haven.”
Black Sherif says his main musical influences come from the Highlife music his mother used to play. Then at the age of eight, his father turned him on to reggae.
“That was the first time living with my Dad. When I was growing up my Dad was living in Greece. I love reggae so much because you know what elements come with reggae; consciousness, it’s raw, it’s real. And Highlife is melodious and soulful. That’s my main sound inspiration.”
He says he loves all his songs on the album, but he singles out O Paradise, a moving track inspired by his first girlfriend who sadly passed away. He’s certainly not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.
He says the main message on the album is one of perseverance.
“It’s inspirational, motivational. It’s about self-realisation. Listen. It will speak to you.”
Ghanaian rapper, singer and songwriter Black Sherif is one of the fastest-rising stars in African music.
At the age of just 20, he already has several awards under his belt. He’s just released his debut album The Villain I Never Was.
Born Mohammed Ismail Sharrif in Konongo in the Ashanti region, he started making music in high school putting out freestyles recorded on his friend’s smartphone.
Quote Message: When I realised I wanted to go with music, I needed a stage name, and something heavy. But I didn’t want to switch my whole name, so I needed the Sherif, because Sharrif is my name.”
When I realised I wanted to go with music, I needed a stage name, and something heavy. But I didn’t want to switch my whole name, so I needed the Sherif, because Sharrif is my name.”
He explains that the name means noble and that black is his identity – so together Black Sherif means a noble African.
He got people’s attention with the first of his “Sermon” freestyles.
When he followed First Sermon up with the street anthem Second Sermon, he went mainstream and then remixed it featuring Nigerian star Burna Boy.
Earlier this year, his single Kwaku the Traveller reached number one on the Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music charts. By August it was the most Shazamed song in the world across genres.
His latest single is Soja.
“I am soldier, you are soldier,” he explains. “Everyone is a soldier in this world because we all have different battles we are fighting. I sacrifice, you sacrifice, everyone sacrifices.”
In the song, he talks about his fears and insecurities in a very open way.
Quote Message: If we hop on the streets you will see the kids that are running to me right now. There are kids listening to me, and I don’t want them to know I’m perfect. I’m not perfect. I have fears. I have anxiety. I want them to know that I’m a person.”
If we hop on the streets you will see the kids that are running to me right now. There are kids listening to me, and I don’t want them to know I’m perfect. I’m not perfect. I have fears. I have anxiety. I want them to know that I’m a person.”
When asked about his main source of inspiration his answer is surprising:
Quote Message: It’s my pain. I have lots of pains in my heart, mostly from things I’ve seen. There’s pain on the streets. There’s a pain in the air. I do have doubts about so many things about what I do. Life has happened to me. People have disappointed me. Music is my safe haven.”
It’s my pain. I have lots of pains in my heart, mostly from things I’ve seen. There’s pain on the streets. There’s a pain in the air. I do have doubts about so many things about what I do. Life has happened to me. People have disappointed me. Music is my safe haven.”
Black Sherif says his main musical influences come from the Highlife music his mother used to play. Then at the age of eight, his father turned him on to reggae.
“That was the first time living with my Dad. When I was growing up my Dad was living in Greece. I love reggae so much because you know what elements come with reggae; consciousness, it’s raw, it’s real. And Highlife is melodious and soulful. That’s my main sound inspiration.”
He says he loves all his songs on the album, but he singles out O Paradise, a moving track inspired by his first girlfriend who sadly passed away. He’s certainly not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.
He says the main message on the album is one of perseverance.
“It’s inspirational, motivational. It’s about self-realisation. Listen. It will speak to you.”
Earlier, when videos of DJ Khaled’s hangout with Burna Boy went viral, Bulldog took to social media with statements that suggested that the Nigerian singer is living Shatta Wale’s dream.
“Shatta Wale, all your money cannot buy this right here… I know your time will come, but until then, honour those who honour you. It brings more blessings and supernatural growth. Stop being bitter… be happy for everyone,” Bulldog’s post read
Bulldog’s comments have sparked divided opinions among netizens, with some criticizing him for chastising his artiste in that manner.
DKB, who also waded into the conversation, believes that favour is the driving force for uplifting human beings and not money.
“Ah its favour, it finds you with time. Wale’s money couldn’t buy a collabo with Beyoncé but he got it,” he wrote beneath popular blogger Nkonkonsa’s post.
Read the post below:
E-Forum: Unpacking Black Sherif’s ‘The Villain I Never Was’ album
Black Sherif has taken over Audiomack’s top 5 most streamed new songs with his ‘Villain I Never Was’ album.
Konongo Zongo, The Homeless Song, Oil in my Head, Oh Paradise and 45 rounded up the top 5 and probably made him the first artist from Ghana to do so.
Black Sherif recently dropped his much anticipated maiden album to the delight of his fans.
Announcing the album to his teeming fans on Twitter, Sherif wrote, “It took me everything to give life to this body. The one thing in my life that I gave everything up for.
There is life in this body, I hope it treats you good and speaks to you like I want it to. My debut album is “The Villain I Never Was”. Available on all stores on 06-10-2022.”
‘The Villian I Never Was’ is a 14-track album that has only one feature; Burna Boy.
The album has tracks including, ‘The Homeless Song’, ‘Oil In My Head’, ’45’, ‘Prey Da Youngsta’, ‘Sad Boys Don’t Fold’, ‘Konongo Zongo’, ‘Waste Man’, ‘We Up’, ‘Toxic Love City’, ‘Don’t Forget Me’, and ‘Oh Paradise
Audiomack is a youth-driven, artist-first music streaming platform that allows creators to share unlimited music and podcast content for free.
Rapper Black Sherif on October 6, 2022, released his much-anticipated maiden album titled ‘The Villian I Never Was‘ and subsequently topped trends across Ghanaian social media platforms.
The 14-track album features his monster hits ‘Second Sermon’ remix which features Burna Boy, Kwaku The Traveller, and Soja released a few weeks ago ahead of the album.
The new entries include ‘The Homeless Song’, ‘Oil In My Head’, ’45’, ‘Prey Da Youngsta’, ‘Sad Boys Don’t Fold’, ‘Konongo Zongo’, ‘Wasremwn’, ‘We Up’, ‘Toxic Love’, ‘Don’t Forget Me’, and ‘Oh Paradise’.
Music lovers have already given high ratings to Blacko’s project which they believe sums up his life story and struggle in his hometown Konongo, and how he rose from a small community to become a Ghanaian music star.
Already ‘Konongo Zongo’, the 7th song on the album has earned the love of Twitter users. It is a favourite of many, who have credited the rapper for singing with passion.
We up, can’t pin we down. Them try but still we up. On God I trust no man 🔥.
“The villain I never was” is a masterpiece. A collection of thoughts from a worried soul who has the highest faith in God. The album is a conscious one and I love it. Victory is near, great job👏🏾
45, Sad Boys don’t fold, we up, from Konongo Zongo, that’s some Toxic Love City, I’m a Soja with Oil on my head, Wasteman don’t prey Da Youngsta with the Homeless song.
Blacko🔥
“You know sad boys don’t fold⁰So jigga man never fold⁰I kept my heart cold⁰And I fought like a man bro” herr Blacko, just at the right time😑 #TheVillainINeverWas
In celebration of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence, 437 nominees have been shortlisted to receive national honors including the 5 Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), 54 Commander of the order of the Federal Republic (CFR), 67 Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), 64 Officer of the Order of Federal Republic (OFR), 101 Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), 75 Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), 56 Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), and 8 Federal Republic Medal (FRM).
Amongst the 75 shortlisted for the MFR includes Burna Boy who became the first Afrobeats act to win a Grammy in 2021 when his album ‘Twice As Tall’ won the World Album category. Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu AKA Burna Boy appears at number 53 on the list.
Amongst the 56 shortlisted for the MON are 2Baba and Teni who appear on numbers 22 and 23 on the list.
The award is in recognition of their accomplishments in music and their service to the country in various capacities. The award is set to take place on October 11th in Aso Rock where President Buhari will present the recipients with their medals.
Nigerian music star Burna Boy has been spotted in Ghana hanging out with business mogul, Ibrahim Mahama.
In a video posted by blogger Ghhyper, Burna is seen partying with Ibrahim Mahama who was crowned the ultimate Man of the Year at the 2022 EMY Africa Awards which took place on October 1, 2022, at the Grand Arena in Ghana.
According to the post, Mr Mahama and his team took to the Twist Nightclub in Accra to celebrate his wins at the EMY awards after the event.
Ghanaian playwright and actor, Kweku Sintim Misa (KSM), has shared a post on social media expressing that Ghana is self-programmed to land in disarray.
According to the actor in a tweet dated October 3, 2022, a new age is rising and will fight for the confusion in the country to end.
“GHANA is SELF-PROGRAMMED to land in CHAOS. Out of these CHAOS, a NEW GENERATION WILL RISE.
“This Generation will insist that THIS NONSENSE MUST STOP. The REAL MENTAL REVOLUTION will then BEGIN. GHANA WILL THEN REGAIN HER LOST GLORY,” he posted.
One can’t tell what triggered KSM to make this post, however, one can line it up with the current government under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo rules.
It appears some Ghanaians have lost trust in the president because of the many economic hardships.
On September 24, 2022, some people booed the president at the Global Citizen Festival which took place at Independence Square in Accra.
The show had several international acts like Usher, SZA, Burna Boy, Pheelz, Oxlade, Sarkodie, and Stonebwoy among many others billed to perform.
Aired live on Youtube, feeds were taken from Accra and New York before the president of Ghana mounted the stage to an angry youth unwilling to hear what he had come to say at the event.
“GHANA is SELF-PROGRAMMED to land in CHAOS. Out this CHAOS, a NEW GENERATION WILL RISE. This Generation will insist that THIS NONSENSE MUST STOP. The REAL MENTAL REVOLUTION will then BEGIN. GHANA WILL THEN REGAIN HER LOST GLORY”
Young Ghanaian drill musician, Mohammed Ismail Sherif, also known as Black Sherifhas chalked another success with his latest song ‘Soja’ on the digital streaming platform, Audiomack.
As you may remember, Black Sherif just released “Soja,” another banger on September 22, 2022, and the single has already made great waves across the country.
The song recently peaked at number one on Ghana’s Apple music defeating Asake’s ‘Terminator’ after leading the charts for a couple of weeks.
Black Sherif also celebrated after his ‘Soja’ surpassed 1 million views in 3 days on YouTube.
Well, Blacko has reached another milestone with the song as it becomes the most streamed song on Audiomack this week.
The list was posted on the digital streaming platform, Audiomack’s social media pages on September 27, 2022.
The award-winning singer, who has dominated the field in his brief time in the music business, earlier revealed his upcoming album ‘THE VILLAIN I NEVER WAS’ will be available for purchase and streaming on all digital music platforms on Thursday, October 6, 2022, according to the details he shared via his official Apple Music account.
The album, ‘The Villain I Never Was’, contains 14 tracks which include the ‘Second Sermon’ remix featuring Burna boy, ‘Kweku The Traveller’, and ‘Soja’.
Black Sherif, has been on fire with his unmatched talent since breaking into the Ghana music industry in 2021 and is arguably the hottest artist in Ghana right now.
The Empire Records signee has solidified his name by dropping some bangers that are leaving rent-free in our heads, with the likes of First Sermon, Second Sermon, Second Sermon remix, and Kwaku The Traveller, among others.
It’s that time of the year again! FORBES AFRICA is calling on Africa’s brightest visionaries, risk-takers, change-makers and pioneers to take their place on the continent’s sought-after 30 Under 30 list.
For 2023, we are now on the quest for 30 of Africa’s most ingenious innovators under the age of 30 for the categories of Business, Technology, Creatives, Sport and Science/Health.
The Class of 2022 proved to the world that Africa’s Under 30s care about making money as well as meaning. For these young trailblazers, it was not just about commerce and clout but about ensuring they represent well their countries and the diverse, heterogeneous Africa they want to serve.
“Every year, the list keeps getting better and 2022 was also historic in that the cover shoot for this issue was in Botswana, for the first time outside of Johannesburg; and the finalists shone in every sense,” says Renuka Methil, Editor of FORBES AFRICA.
As we prepare for the ninth installment of the 30 Under 30 list, we also announce a few changes. Our process is extremely rigorous, and as the nominees progress through the stages, it gets more intense. As in the past, we will require a police clearance certificate (PCC) or report from your country verifying that you have no criminal record, no ongoing or upcoming court cases and that you are a citizen of that country.
As an extra layer of verification, the FORBES AFRICA Under 30 team of curators now also need a recommendation/reference letter from your financial institution (like your bank), ensuring that you are a legitimate business/brand employing your funds responsibly. We recommend that you contact your financial institution or advisor to prepare for this part of the process.
In the end, it will all be worth it as you join these past honorees who are now illustrious Under 30 alumni; like Elsa Majimbo, Mr. Eazi, Lasizwe, Musa Keys, Lloyd Harris, Sho Madjozi, Bruce Diale, Antonio Burna Depina, Karabo Poppy, Thuso Mbedu, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, Nomzamo Mbatha, Kabza De Small, Burna Boy, Nthabiseng Mosia, Davido, Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa, Sikander Kalla, Nasty C, Chad le Clos, and WizKid.
“These are the shining stars who will be leading our future and deciding what’s best. What we are looking for in 2023? Even more committed young people pivoting the continent to progress, profits, and prosperity,” adds Methil.
NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS CRITERIA:
Please read and take careful note of the following before applying. APPLICATIONS CLOSE 20 January 2023 17:00 (SAST)
Business and Technology categories
Must be an entrepreneur/founder aged 29 or younger on31March 2023
Should have a legitimate REGISTERED business on the continent
Business/businesses should be two years or older (please ensure you have your audited financial documents for at least two years as well as your company’s registration documents; should you make the second stage, this will be required)
The more innovative the business the better (as it contributes to Africa’s growth story!)
Have you/your company created social impact on the African continent?
The company must be profit-generating
Must employ people in Africa
All applications must be in English
Sports category
Must be a sports person aged 29 or younger on 31 March 2023
Must be representing an African team
Should have a proven track-record of no less than two years
Should be making significant earnings
Endorsement deals and/or awards of any kind would be a bonus
Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must oblige by the same rules as under Business/Technology.
All applications must be in English
Creatives category
Must be a creative aged 29 or younger on 31 March 2023
Must be from or based in Africa
Should be making significant earnings
Should have a proven creative record of no less than two years
Awards of any kind would be a bonus
Social media presence will be taken into consideration.
Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must be legitimate, registered and also two years or older.
All applications must be in English
Health/Science category
Must be a creative aged 29 or younger on 31 March 2023
Must be from or based in Africa
Should have a proven track record in the field of health and/or science for no less than two years.
Must have social influence and impact.
If the nominee is a doctor/professor, please provide us with documentation and a reference letter from the institution where the applicant received a doctorate or Ph.D.
Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must be legitimate, registered, and also two years or older.
The talented Ghanaian rapper and performer has been the centre of attention ever since he first gained infamy on the music scene.
He consistently releases chart-topping songs and gives excellent verses on songs on which he is featured.
The multi-award-winning rapper who released “Soja” on Thursday, September 22, 2022, also revealed the completion and release date for his debut album, which is titled “The Villian I Never Was”.
Controversies have sparked up regarding the release of his new song dubbed ‘SOJA’. Anxiety amongst the fans has made them not to wait any longer for the album since his lyrics are straight forward from his heart in addition to his fans relating to his lyrics.
From the details he shared via his official Apple Music account, the album will be avail able for purchase and streamed on all digital music platforms on Thursday October 6, 2022.
The album ‘The Villain I Never Was’ which contained 14 tracks which includes ‘Second Sermon’ remix featuring Burna boy, ‘Kweku The Traveller’, and ‘SOJA’.
British-Jamaican rap star Stefflon Don has claimed that since her relationship with Nigerian musician Burna Boy ended, she hasn’t moved on to another partner.
She admitted, “We dated for around two and a half years.”
She continued, “Everyone thinks [they enjoyed us together], but we had to go on,” without elaborating on the reasons for the split.
She also addressed claims that she is the subject of Burna Boy’s recent international hit, “Last Last,” which features a sample of Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough.”
“How did it make me feel when I heard it?
The singer of “Hurting Me” reflected and continued, “He mentioned something in there that I was like, boy that’s a lie but whatever,” without quoting the precise line.
According to the 30-year-old, “people don’t know that we’ve actually broken up for a year now. People don’t know that because they still thought we were together when we weren’t.”
“I haven’t dated since, like, no one. I haven’t even been out on a date. I’ve never been,” she stressed.
Earlier when the host of the New York-based Hot 97 radio show had narrated going to a restaurant nestled atop the Eiffel Tower in France with her husband, Stefflon Don reacted with “hopefully one day I can do that with somebody.”
Burna Boyin the past week was hosted on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
The Nigerian Afrobeats star spoke openly about his musical path and his collaborations with artists for his new album, “Love Damini,” including Ed Sheeran.
He also discussed how he came up with the stage moniker Burna Boy.
The musician mentioned that he formerly drew comic book figures like Spiderman and others.
But unlike other young people, he wanted to be his own superhero, so he created a superhero that represented him. Burna Boy was the only name he could come up with for the superhero.
Burna Boy Later performed his hit song off ‘Love, Damini’ album ‘Last Last’.
Nigerian superstar and Afrobeat singer, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy has finally disclosed how he got his stage name, Burna Boy.
Speaking with Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show in the United States of America, Burna Boy revealed that, as a child, he was a fan of comic books and comic characters, he used to draw superheroes from comic movies.
However, he always fantasized about owning a superhero character of his own.
According to him, after finally drawing a superhero character, he could not think of any other name for the character but Burna Boy.
“This is weird but I used to draw comic books, I know I don’t look like it but I used to draw comic books and copy like different [characters] like Spiderman, Superman, and I would just draw it,” he went on adding, “And then at a point, I wanted my own,” he narrated.
Burna boy continued to say, “I wanted to be my own superhero where I could draw me as a superhero, with a cape and all that, so I was trying to come up with a name and all I could think of was Burna Boy.”
Talking about his journey as a musician, Burna Boy indicated that he began singing and composing songs when he was just two years old.
According to him, the first song he wrote was called ‘jump’.
“It’s like I could always make music and I could always find my way around music; I remember it was called Jump and I said jump a bunch of times,” he explained.
After being the first artist from Ghana to exceed 100 million streams on the streaming service, he did this.
Boomplay Ghana’s public relations manager, Paul Azumah-Ayitey, presented Black Sherif with the plaque and remarked, “For a platform that initially recognized Black Sherif as a potential emerging star, Boomplay is happy to see his tremendous success in such a short time.”
Boomplay’s PR Manager, Paul Azumah-Ayitey presents plaque to Black Sherif
Boomplay’s Golden Club houses artists who have clocked and surpassed 100 million streams. We are excited about the journey thus far and believe this will inspire other new and emerging Ghanaian acts to greater heights with Boomplay at their side as an enabler.
On attaining the the milestone, Blacko revealed to his fans that, “reaching 100 million streams on Boomplay and being the first Ghanaian artist to achieve this on the streaming platform is a big deal to me.”
“As a young kid from Konongo, who only had a dream and a voice, this brings me to the realisation that I can achieve any and everything so long as I believe and dare myself to take action. Thank you for this one, Blacko Tribe. Big love to the Boomplay team for putting me on from day one till now.”
By joining Boomplay’s Golden Club of top African music stars, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Diamond Platinumz, Simi, Rayvanny, Fireboy, Omah Lay, Joe Boy and more, Blacko becomes another shining light of Ghana’s music industry.
The “Kwaku The Traveller” hitmaker will enjoy online and offline promotional support across Boomplay’s operational markets as well as prioritisation for his upcoming releases, including his highly anticipated album, as part of Boomplay’s Golden Club member benefits.
Born Mohammed Ismail Sherif, the 20-year-old talented artist released “Money”, “Cry For Me”, and “Destiny” in 2020. Later, he dropped “Money (remix)”, “Adea Kye”, and “Ankonam” which garnered huge buzz on Boomplay across several countries. The release of “First Sermon” and “Second Sermon” in 2021, would see Blacko go viral, ushering him into mainstream limelight. Consequently, Blacko earned a feature from fellow Golden Club member, Burna Boy, for the remix of Second Sermon” to give him further reach across Africa and opened the floodgates for plaudits from prestigious awards and platforms.
Boomplay’s end-of-year recap, which highlights stats and insights of music consumption and engagement on the Boomplay platform, in 2021, had Blacko emerging as Ghana’s 2nd Most Streamed Artist of the year. His “First Sermon” and “Second Sermon” were the 1st and 2nd Most Streamed Songs of 2021 in Ghana.
Blacko’s story written in bright stars, the sensational talent went on to win four awards at the 2022 3Music Awards, held in March 2022, including the Boomplay Breakthrough Act of the Year category.
At the same event, he debuted a spectacular performance of “Kwaku the Traveller”. The song skyrocketed him to African stardom and peaked at No.1 on both Boomplay Ghana and Nigeria charts. It currently has over 57 million streams on Boomplay.
The African Union Commission and the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) organizers have jointly unveiled the official list of nominees for the 2022 ceremony (AUC).
On September 14, a list was made public. Over the 39 categories, Ghana received nine nominations.
His hit song ‘Kwaku The Traveller‘ secured him a spot in the Song of The Year category. Also in the fight for the award is Burna Boy (Last Last), Kizz Daniel (Buga), Fireboy DML (Peru Remix) and Rema (Calm Down).
Black Sherif is also nominated for the Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Hip-Hop award. In the same category, he was nominated for featuring on UK-based Nigerian artiste Darkoo’s ‘Always’.
Musician Gyakie was nominated for the Best Female Artiste in Western Africa award. Others in the category include Nigeria’s Asa, Simi, Tiwa Savage, Tems, Vivian Chidid (Senegal), Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde) and Oumou Sangare (Mali).
Singer/Songwriter Amaarae secured two nominations.
Amaarae’s ‘A Body, A Coffin’ featured on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Prologue placed her in the battle for the Best Soundtrack Movies, Series or Documentary award.
Also in the category is Nigeria’s Tems. She was also nominated for her ‘No Woman No Cry‘ cover on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Prologue.
For featuring on Tiwa Savage’s ‘Tales by Moonlight’, Amaarae secured a second nomination in the Best Artist, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul category.
Meanwhile, KiDi’s Touch It Remix ft Tyga earned him a nomination for Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Reggae, Ragga, and Dancehall award.
Nektunez and Goya Menor, known for the hit single Ameno Amapiano, are in the run for the African Fans Favourite award.
The duo are facing stiff competition from Oxlade, Lojay, Joeboy and Bello Falcao.
Also, Camidoh with the aid of his hit song ‘Sugarcane Remix’, earned a nomination in the Breakout Artiste of the Year category.
Also in the category are Nigeria’s Asake, Pheelz, Daliwongo (South Africa), El Grande Toto (Morroco) and Costa Titch (South Africa).
Lastly, Gospel musician Diana Asamoah was nominated in the Best Female Artist in Africa Inspirational Music category. She secured the animation with her song ‘Awurade Ye’.
Meanwhile, Ghana missed out on other big categories including Artiste of the Year, Best African Rapper/Lyricist, Producer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.
Dominating the list with the most nominations, this year, are South African maverick, Costa Titch and Congolese maestro, Dadju with six nominations each.
Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel and Tiwa Savage secured four nominations each.
The public voting portal for the 2022 AFRIMA edition would be live on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at 12:00pm CAT.
African music lovers within the continent, and around the world, can visit the official website to vote. Voting closes at 12.00 (CAT), December 10, 2022, before the AFRIMA main awards ceremony.
Meanwhile, the 2022 All Africa Music Awards will be held from the 8th to the 11th of December 2022. A special announcement will be made on the host country and location for the awards, on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
The AFRIMA awards ceremony will feature a four-day fiesta of music, glitz, and glamour aimed at celebrating Africa, recognising talents and expanding the economic frontiers of the culture and creative industry on the continent.
The announcement came today Wednesday, 7 September, 2022, made by the organiser of the music festival, Culture Management Group (CMG).
At the two-day event, accompanying the Nigerian (Burna Boy) and Ghanaian (Stonebwoy) headliners are Fireboy DML, Kidi, Ayra Starr, Medikal, DJ Juls, DJ Loft and others.
Afrochella 2022 is under the theme “AfroFuturism.â€
According to Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO & Co-Founder of Afrochella, “Afrochella will bring “Afrofuturism†to life through our core elements of music, art, fashion and food. We will explore the endless possibilities of what “Afrofuturism†could look like in 2022 and beyond.â€
The top song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart by Burna Boy, “Last Last,” is still doing well, rising 12 spots.
‘Last Last‘ moved up 12 spots, from 75th to 63rd, on the Billboard Chart for the week of September 3, 2022, in an amazing jump.
After Burna Boy’s most recent sold-out performance in Lowlands, the Netherlands, this leap has occurred.
The massive throng that attended the London Notting Hill Carnival also responded electrifyingly to “Last Last.”
The increase in popularity of the song is being signaled by the leap, which also shows that a top 50 position could not be out of the question.
Burna Boy and Stefflon Donhad a beautiful relationship back in 2019 that witnessed the Nigerian artist getting all the love and support from his sweetheart British rapper.
Before everything went sour back in 2021, Stefflonmade a public appearance with Burnaat the 2019 BET Awards held in Los Angeles, California.
On the night, the singer Afrobeats and reggae-dancehall musician won big when he emerged winner of the “Best International Act†category. Burna Boy’s plaque was picked up her his mother Bose Ogulu on his behalf.
The lovebirds made headlines for their lovi-dovi moments on the red carpet and also for Stefflon’s choice of wardrobe at the international awards ceremony.
The rapper graced the event in a long slit gown that gave away skin. The couple were wrapped in each other’s arms in photos from the awards.
During their days of being together, the female rapper gained several fans from Nigeria with many taking to her Instagram page to shower her with praise in every single post made.
Nigerian artists release over a hundred songs per month. While the majority of them do not make it to the top of the digital charts, others receive a reasonable amount of airplay and/or User Generated Contents on video-sharing platforms such as TikTok, Reels, Shorts, and Triller. To the best of this writer’s knowledge, this list attempts to highlight the songs released in July that were able to gain some traction across the board.
The List:
In July, Omah Lay and Burna Boy dropped new album titled ‘Boy Alone’ and ‘Love,Damini’ while Fireboy DML, Crayon and others dropped new singles. Popular music duo, P Square reunites to drop two new singles.
1. Burna Boy – Its Plenty
Damini Ogulu, a Nigerian singer, released his sixth studio album titled ‘Love, Damini’ on July 7, 2022. Off the album, ‘It’s Plenty,’ produced by Jae5 and The Elements, dominated the Nigerian Apple music chart, peaking at No. 3 on the Turntable Top 100. On YouTube, it currently has over 2 million audio views.
2. Fireboy DML & Asake – Bandana
Fireboy DML collaborates with label mate Asake on ‘Bandana,’ another single from his third studio album ‘Playboy.’ The song debuted at No. 66 on the Turntable Top 100 and quickly rose to No. 1. Its lyrics video has received over 2.4 million views on YouTube.
3. Omah Lay – I’m a mess
In July, Omah Lay released his highly anticipated debut album. The album produced potential hit songs such as ‘I’m a mess,’ which was produced by Niphkeys. The official video has received over 2 million views on YouTube.
4. P Square – Jaiye (Ihe Geme)
Paul Okoye and his twin brother, Peter Okoye, have finally reconciled. The Okoye’s, best known as the pop duo P Square, return to the music scene with ‘Jaiye(Ihe Geme).’ On YouTube, the video has 3.2 million views.
5. Crayon – Ijo (Laba Laba)
Crayon, a Mavin Records artist, makes a breakthrough with ‘Ijo (Laba Laba),’ an amapiano-laced pop song produced by Sarz. With 1.8 million views on YouTube, it peaked at No. 10 on the Turntable Top 100.
6. Burna Boy – Common Person
Burna Boy returns to the list with ‘Common Person,’ a highlife inspired song produced by Telz, from his ‘Love, Damini’ album. It has 1.3 million audio views on YouTube and peaked 7 on the Turntable Top 100.
7. Iyanya – Like You ft Kizz Daniel & Davido
Iyanya returns with ‘Like You’ a beautifully made pop single featuring Davido and Kizz Daniel. Peaking at No. 16 on Turntable Top 100, it has 3.4million views on Youtube.
8. BNXN – Kenkele ft Wande Coal
BNXN’s second single since changing his name from Buju, ‘Kenkele.’ On this one, he enlists the help of Wande Coal. The video, which has received over 2 million views on YouTube, is one of the top ten Nigerian songs released in July 2022.
9. Adekunle Gold – 5 Star
To wrap up his recent Australian tour following the release of the ‘Catch Me If You Can’ project, Adekunle Gold drops new single titled ‘5 Star‘. The revelatory song has 179,000 audio views on Youtube peaking at No. 20 on Turntable Top 100.
10. Carterefe & Berri-Tiga – Machala
Carterefe, a Nigerian comic actor and content creator, has released a Wizkid FC anthem titled ‘Machala‘ with help from Berri-Tiga. The song is currently number one on Apple Music’s Top 100 and number two on YouTube, with over 124,000 audio views.
In the latest stop of his ‘Love, Damini’ US tour,BurnaBoy became the first African to sell out the 20,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Details: Burna Boyhas been recording historic turnout at all the venues of his ongoing ‘Love, Damini’ tour and at his latest stop In Atlanta, the Grammy winner sold out the prestigious 20,000-capacity State Farm Arena.
The concert was held on Sunday 31st July 2022 and over 20,000 thousand fans filled out the arena to watch Burna Boy thrill them with his electrifying and unforgettable performance.
So far, Burna Boy’s concerts have attracted Africans in diaspora and people of all races who are increasingly becoming captivated by Afrobeats.
Another feather to Burna Boy’s well-decorated hat:
He has accumulated over 2 billion streams across all credits on Spotify. He has the globally coveted Grammy Awards. He has won three consecutive BET Awards. And most remarkably, he has sold out prestigious venues around the world that no other African act has previously attempted.
In 2022, Burna Boy has sold out the world-renowned 20,000 Madison Square Garden to the 20,300 Accor Arena in France, to the 16,500 Ahoy Arena, and the 17k Ziggodome in Holland, the 19,000 Toyota Centre in Houston, and now the 21, 000 State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Burna Boyhas recorded sold-out shows across the world and established himself as one of the greatest artists Africa has ever seen and perhaps the greatest performer of his generation.
Nigerian music superstar, Burna Boy is of the view that currently his countryman, Wizkid a better artiste than Jamaican superstar, Vybz Kartel.
This comes after some music lovers chose Wizkid over Vybz Kartel in the Wizkid versus Vybz Kartel battle of hits that was held today.
In his view, Burna Boy believes that Wizkid is the new deal stating that power has changed hands meaning the leaders of yesterday are no longer the leaders of today.
According to a wild rumour fast spreading on the internet, Nigerian singer Rema has been found dead in his Lagos apartment today.
His biography has been changed on Wikipedia that he died around 12:00am today.
This is the new update of his bio on Wikepdia. Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia, created and edited by volunteers around the world and hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation.
Rema (musician) Divine Ikubor (born May 1, 2000), and died on February 1, 2020 at 12:29 a.m known best known as Rema, is a Nigerian singer and rapper. In 2019, he signed a record deal with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records.
Former president of the United States of America, Barack Obama, recently took to his Twitter page to share his list of favourite songs in 2019. Interestingly, Obama’s list included 35 songs and two of them were from Nigeria. The 44th president of the United States of America named Nigeria’s Burna Boy’s Anybody and Rema’s Iron Man as two of his favourite songs from 2019.
Sharing the list, Obama accompanied it with a caption that reads: “From hip-hop to country to The Boss, here are my songs of the year. If you’re looking for something to keep you company on a long drive or help you turn up a workout, I hope there’s a track or two in here that does the trick.” Obama also recommended the songs on the list for those in need of some musical jams.
Among the songs featured on the list is ‘Mood 4 Eva’ by Beyonce, ‘The Fact of Love’ by Joe Henry, ‘Not’ by Big Thief and ‘Go DJ’ by Kaytranada. ‘Middle Child’ by J. Cole also made the cut alongside ‘Redesigning Women,’ a song by the Highwomen.
Although “Dumebi” and “Corny” are the more popular singles by the newcomer, with “Dumebi” being one of the year’s biggest afropop tracks — it is Rema’s debut single that captured the hearts of The Obama’s, who included “Iron Man” in their summer rotation.
Recall in August 2019, the former President shared his summer playlist and fast rising Nigerian Afropop singer, Divine Ikubor aka Rema was sitting at number 42 with Iron Man.
According to Obama, it was a sampling of “what Michelle and I have been listening to — some new, some old, some fast, some slow. Hope you enjoy.
We hope to record more wins as such in the coming year.”
Rema has made a monumental imprint on Nigerian music this year, and as our artistes continue to gain traction overseas, it is no surprise that the wunderkind has caught the attention of many foreign consumers of afropop, including Obama.
For the self-acclaimed African giant – Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy – making Obama’s list, it is no surprising following his roaring success in the year past having being nominated for the world Grammys Best World Music Album category.
