Showbiz
Exploring Diverse and Evolving Sounds of Africa
Africa’s music scene is a sonic melting pot, where rhythms collide and cultures connect. It’s a universal language, a force that breaks boundaries and fuels the soul. This sonic tapestry isn’t just diverse – it’s explosive.
Afrobeats and Amapiano own the spotlight right now. Those irresistible Afrobeats hooks? They’ve got the whole world dancing. And Amapiano’s hypnotic blend of South African house and street sounds? It’s straight-up addictive.
Mainstream African artists are pushing the boundaries like no one else, taking Amapiano and running with it. They’re injecting their fire, creating a whole new flavour. This is proof that African music is a living, breathing thing – always evolving, always surprising, and always rooted in the soul.
But here’s the thing: Afrobeats and Amapiano are just the tip of the iceberg. Africa’s bursting with underground talent, artists blending tradition with raw energy. We’re talking R&B, EDM, Lekompo, Asakaa, Dancehall, Fuji, and Gqom, among others.
Music fans, it’s time to delve deeper! Beyond the mainstream spotlight, a treasure trove of music awaits. Platforms like Spotify’s Fresh Finds curate playlists specifically highlighting these emerging artists, eager to share their unique sounds with the world. So, don’t limit yourself – explore, discover, and immerse yourself in the incredible diversity that African music has to offer.
Here are some of the emerging artists creating diverse and evolving sounds across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to discover and explore:
Kaestyle, a Nigerian recording artist and music producer hailing from Port Harcourt city, reflects his relaxed personality through his music. His smooth vocals, leaning towards R&B and soul, greatly influence his musical style. With exceptional penmanship and prowess, Kaestyle is carving a niche for himself in Nigeria’s growing music industry. His latest release, Egberi is a fusion of highlife and drill, showcasing his versatility and innovation.
Kold AF is an emerging artist renowned for her unique blend of soul, dancehall, and R&B. She stands out as one of the burgeoning stars in Nigeria’s vibrant music landscape. To date, she has delivered two captivating projects: her two-song EP Kold Szn in 2022 and her collaborative EP with French producer BGRZ, titled Kollide, released in 2023.
Sigag Lauren is a Nigerian EDM producer, DJ, singer, and songwriter. He is renowned for his innovative production style and versatility in blending various genres. His talent for crafting infectious beats and captivating soundscapes has earned him widespread admiration among his audience. Sigag has released numerous new singles in addition to his album. The upbeat song Minds Already Made Up has an addictive groove that will have listeners dancing.
Kah-lo is a dance music artist whose music stands out with its unique style. Despite not being widely popular in Nigeria, her exceptional talent earned her a Grammy Nomination for her work with British DJ Riton Rinse and Repeat. She released her debut album Pain and Pleasure in 2023.
Yaadman popularly known as Yung L is a dancehall and reggae artist born in Jos, Plateau State. Despite his longevity in the industry, he consistently exudes the vibrant energy of a new artist with each release.
With his recent release, “Yes Indeed Deluxe”, he reminds his listeners why he is loved by many.
Lemon Adisa is a captivating performer known for skillfully blending traditional African rhythms with modern influences using his dynamic voice. He effortlessly merges fuji with genres like Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop, creating a unique and engaging musical fusion. He recently released a body of work called “Yeebo”.
Kharishma is certainly Lekompo’s leading lady and to that effect, has been dominating the music charts and is currently one of the genre’s artists to watch. While Lekompo is not yet widely recognised, there is no denying it is gaining popularity. Kharishma’s career as an artist is growing alongside it. Her notable songs include ‘’Matome” and ‘’Sekoloto’’, and the latter is credited with introducing her unique vocal style to a wider audience.
Mr Thela, a Gqom DJ and producer from the mother city’s independently released album Tronics Land Series 2 placed him in the success circle of Gqom music. He first hit the music scene a few years ago in 2020 with the South African Music Awards nominated album, Make Cape Town Great Again. One of his popular songs ‘’Kwandonga Ziyaduma’’ extends, musically speaking, the popular Nguni phrase usually used to refer to Johannesburg’s way of life, its synonymity with the fast life.
Known for her soothing sounds, BET Africa Soul Cypher alum Filah Lah Lah is a vastly talented Rhythm and Blues artist who recently inked a music deal with Sony Africa, her talent extends beyond just singing. She writes with such compassion, parallel to writing synonymous with the 40s and 60s.
Her recent release “Call Me” is a perfect example.
Lwah Ndlunkulu is known for infusing traditional elements in her music. A perfect example of an artist intersecting traditional music and modern sounds, in her case Maskandi and Afropop. She had a fantastic year as a featured artist on the South African Maskandi hit song Paris with Mthandeni SK. Lwah Ndlunkulu’s “Ithuba” permeates the music atmosphere, from Kwazulu Natal to Gauteng while “Ngiyeza” just draws you in from the first note.
Lasmid emerges as one of Ghana’s hiplife sensations, climbing charts with his breakout song Friday Night. His victory in MTN Hitmaker catapulted him into the spotlight, solidifying his status as a rising star. Since then, he has gone on to deliver several chart-topping songs.
Leading producer, DESIREE which is pronounced: Dez Ir Ray, is prominent in the EDM space. Known for her enthralling sets, DESIREE’s Psilocybin got Mzansi dancing. DESIREE’s career has seen her consistently performing dance music at sought-after music-leaning venues around the world.
Jay Bhad is a Ghanaian artist known for his work in the Asakaa genre, Ghanaian drill music which fuses elements of drill instrumentation with hiplife melodies. He was raised in the ghetto of Kumasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana and has seen his life transformed when he started music. His music reflects his view of the environment he grew up in, it being his biggest influence. Jay Bhad has hit songs like Condemn and Y3 Y3 Dom to his credit.
With Afrobeats and Amapiano taking the world by storm, it’s time for music enthusiasts to discover the boundary-breaking emerging artists and genres shaping the future of music.
Showbiz
Dividends: A Must-Watch Series on Africa Magic
A new kind of story is unfolding on Africa Magic Showcase, and it’s one that feels all too familiar.
Dividends, a gripping Nigerian dramedy, dives into the emotional and financial fallout of a failed Ponzi scheme, placing everyday realities at the centre of its storytelling.
Premiered on March 30, 2026, Dividends airs Mondays to Wednesdays at 8:30 PM WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (GOtv Channel 8), and is also available for streaming on DStv and GOtv Stream, making it easily accessible for viewers to follow every twist as it unfolds.
At the heart of the series is “The Golden Bars,” a too-good-to-be-true investment scheme that ultimately collapses, leaving devastation in its wake. What follows is a layered narrative that tracks the lives of three strangers brought together by shared loss of money, stability, and, in many ways, identity.
Through its characters, Dividends explores themes that resonate deeply within the Nigerian context: the lure of quick wealth, the pressure to succeed, and the quiet resilience required to rebuild when everything falls apart. It’s a story that doesn’t just entertain, it reflects.
Leading the story is Riyo David as Isa, alongside a dynamic cast including Ronnie Dikko, Omattuteejames, Cassiee_jae, Floydigbo, and Koko_ashley, each bringing depth to a narrative shaped by ambition, desperation, and consequence.
Blending drama, suspense, and social commentary, Dividends sparks conversation. As the series unfolds, viewers can expect to be drawn into a world where choices carry weight, and every decision has a ripple effect.
For audiences looking for something both engaging and thought-provoking, Dividends fast becoming one to watch.
To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
Showbiz
5 Best AI UGC Video Generators Tested
User-generated content (UGC) continues to shape how brands connect with audiences across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. However, producing consistent and authentic content at scale often requires significant time, budget, and coordination with creators. This is where an AI UGC video generator becomes a practical solution.
These tools allow marketers and creators to generate UGC-style videos using AI avatars, prompts, or templates—reducing reliance on traditional production workflows. Below are five of the best AI UGC video generator platforms in 2026, with Pollo AI leading the list for its ad-focused capabilities.
1. Pollo AI
Pollo AI is a specialized AI UGC video generator built for creating high-volume, user-generated style ads with minimal effort. It allows users to generate videos by adding a product link, uploading images, or simply describing the ad. There is also an option to upload a reference ad, making it easier to recreate successful formats or adapt viral video styles for new campaigns.
The platform supports a wide range of formats, including UGC ads, explainer videos, story videos, news-style clips, and music videos. It also enables users to clone video ads or replicate viral content patterns, which is useful for rapid creative testing. This flexibility helps teams produce multiple variations quickly without rebuilding content from scratch.
A key strength of Pollo AI is its lifelike AI avatars with accurate lip-syncing. These avatars simulate real creators, offering diverse demographics and natural delivery styles that make videos feel more authentic. Combined with built-in voiceovers and background music, users can easily produce polished UGC-style ads without hiring actors or influencers.
The workflow is straightforward: upload a presenter image, input a script, adjust video settings, and generate the final output in minutes. Many teams adopt solutions like AI UGC video generator with Pollo AI tools to scale campaigns efficiently while maintaining control over messaging and creative direction.
Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator
- Generate ads from product links, images, or prompts
- Clone viral videos and replicate ad formats
- Lifelike avatars with realistic lip-sync
- Multiple formats including UGC ads and story videos
- Built-in voiceovers and music customization
Best Use Cases
Pollo AI is well-suited for performance marketing, especially for brands running paid campaigns on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. It works well for rapid A/B testing, influencer-style ads, personalized campaign creatives, and even as a YouTube outro maker to create engaging endings for video content.
2. Pika AI
Pika AI is a creative-focused AI UGC video generator that emphasizes visual storytelling and stylization. It allows users to turn simple prompts into short, engaging video clips, often with dynamic motion and artistic effects that resemble user-generated edits seen on social platforms.
The platform is designed for speed and experimentation. Users can quickly generate multiple variations of a concept, making it easier to test different creative directions. While the output may lean more toward stylized visuals than hyper-realistic UGC, it can still capture attention effectively in crowded feeds.
Pika AI also offers intuitive controls for adjusting motion, transitions, and overall tone. This makes it accessible for beginners while still providing enough flexibility for creators who want to explore unique visual styles.
Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator
- Prompt-based video creation
- Strong visual stylization and effects
- Fast rendering for short clips
- Simple and accessible interface
Best Use Cases
Pika AI is suitable for meme videos, creative experiments, and short-form content designed to stand out visually on TikTok and Instagram.
3. Runway
Runway is a more advanced AI UGC video generator that combines AI-powered generation with professional editing tools. It supports text-to-video and image-to-video workflows, along with features like background removal and motion tracking.
The platform is particularly useful for users who want greater control over the final output. Instead of relying solely on automation, creators can refine details and adjust elements throughout the editing process. This balance between AI assistance and manual control makes Runway versatile across different skill levels.
While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to simpler tools, Runway delivers high-quality results suitable for more polished UGC-style content.
Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator
- Text-to-video and image-to-video generation
- Advanced editing tools and controls
- High-quality output
- Flexible workflow for creators
Best Use Cases
Runway is ideal for branded campaigns, product videos, and UGC-style content that requires additional editing and refinement.
4. HeyGen
HeyGen is an avatar-driven AI UGC video generator focused on creating talking-head style videos. It allows users to input scripts and generate videos featuring realistic AI presenters with natural lip-sync and expressions.
The platform supports multiple languages and voice options, making it suitable for global marketing campaigns. Its structured workflow ensures consistent results, which is useful for businesses that need uniform messaging across multiple videos.
Although it is less flexible in terms of creative formats compared to other tools, HeyGen excels in producing clear, human-like communication in video form.

Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator
- Realistic AI avatars with lip-sync
- Script-based video generation
- Multi-language support
- Consistent output quality
Best Use Cases
HeyGen works well for explainer videos, product introductions, and localized marketing content that requires a human presence.
5. CapCut AI
CapCut AI is a widely used AI UGC video generator that combines AI features with traditional video editing tools. It offers capabilities such as auto-captioning, background removal, and template-based editing tailored for social media content.
The platform is especially accessible, making it a popular choice for beginners and casual creators. Its templates are often aligned with trending formats, helping users quickly produce videos that match current content styles.
CapCut AI also integrates smoothly with social media workflows, allowing users to edit and publish content efficiently without switching tools.
Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator
- Easy-to-use interface
- AI-powered editing tools
- Pre-built templates for trends
- Social media integration
Best Use Cases
CapCut AI is best for quick content creation, including TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, and short-form clips that follow trending formats.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right AI UGC video generator depends on the user’s goals. Pollo AI is particularly strong for scalable ad production and campaign testing, while Pika AI focuses on creativity and visual experimentation. Runway offers advanced control, HeyGen specializes in avatar-based communication, and CapCut AI provides accessibility for everyday content creation.
As demand for UGC-style videos continues to grow, these tools offer practical ways to produce engaging content efficiently while adapting to different creative and marketing needs.
Showbiz
How to Vote in AMVCA 12: Step-by-Step Guide for Fans Across Africa
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 12 is here, and beyond the glitz and glamour, fans across Africa have a powerful role to play, deciding who takes home some of the biggest awards of the night.
With 11 out of 32 categories open to public voting, this is your chance to support your favourite actors, filmmakers, and content creators.
Voting officially opened on March 29, 2026, and runs until April 26, 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony on May 9, 2026.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you cast your votes.
Step 1: Visit the Official Voting Platforms
Go to the official Africa Magic voting platform via: The Africa Magic website: www.africamagic.tv/amvca and the MyDStv or MyGOtv mobile app.
Once there, click on the “Vote” section to begin.
Step 2: Register an Account
If you’re a first-time user, create an account by providing:
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Full name
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Year of birth
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Gender
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Country/location
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Mobile number (in international format)
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Password
You’ll receive a verification code (OTP) via SMS or WhatsApp. Enter it to activate your account.
And if you’re already registered? Simply log in.
Step 3: Log In
Use your:
Registered mobile number
Password
Step 4: Choose Your Favourite Nominees
Browse through the voting categories and select your preferred nominees.
Public voting categories include:
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Best Digital Content Creator
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Best Short Film
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Best Scripted M-Net Original
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Best Unscripted M-Net Original
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Best Indigenous M-Net Original
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Best Indigenous Language Film (West, East, South, North & Central Africa)
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Best Movie
Step 5: Allocate Your Votes
You can cast up to 100 votes per platform.
Distribute your votes across multiple nominees or go all-in on your top favourites, it’s your call.
Step 6: Submit Your Vote
Click “Vote” to submit, and your votes will be counted immediately.
Important Things to Remember
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Voting is free (data charges may apply)
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Only selected categories are open to public voting
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Voting closes on April 26, 2026
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Late votes will not be counted
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is more than just an awards show; it’s a celebration of African storytelling shaped by both industry experts and fans like you.
So don’t just watch, vote, support your favourites, and be part of the moment.
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