Showbiz
Babalwa M Named Spotify EQUAL Africa’s Artiste for August
Spotify has announced sensational Amapiano vocalist Babalwa M as the EQUAL Artist for August this year.
Babalwa M’s musical prowess, her contributions to the South African music industry, and her advocacy for women’s voices in the region make her a well-deserved recipient of this recognition from Spotify.
Babalwa M, known for her vibrant performances, compelling lyrics, and soulful voice, has rapidly risen to prominence.
Her music blends Afro-pop and Amapiano, exploring themes of empowerment, love, and resilience. Her inspirational sounds resonate deeply with listeners.
Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said: “We are elated to spotlight Babalwa M as our EQUAL Artist for August. Babalwa’s incredible talent and her dedication to empowering women through her music and advocacy make her an inspiring role model and an ideal selection for the EQUAL program this month. Her music not only entertains but also uplifts and unites, reflecting the very essence of what our EQUAL program stands for.”
A multi-award-winning musician and songwriter, Babalwa M draws inspiration from personal experiences and societal issues. Her versatile style has led to collaborations with international artists, allowing her to blend her sound with a global audience. This has significantly amplified her influence and expanded her reach.
“For centuries, women have been fighting for their rights and creating spaces to thrive, often surpassing the standards set by men. I am the Babalwa M my supporters know and love today because of those trailblazers who fought for our place in this world, allowing me to be a successful, career-driven woman. I embrace the idea of owning my space without concern for who might be ahead of me”, Babalwa M proudly said.
Spotify’s EQUAL program is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women artists globally, ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve.
By spotlighting female artists like Babalwa M, Spotify aims to foster gender equity in the music industry and celebrate the diverse talents of women around Africa.
“My mission is to hold the door open for other women, allowing for an environment where we no longer view it as men versus. women but as an open industry that lets everyone live and work together in fairness and collaboration”, Babalwa M concluded.
We sat down with Babalwa M to learn more about her and her music:
1. What is the one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
What my supporters don’t know about me is that I’m a huge Kwaito fanatic, however, I often feel that being an Amapiano artist—or an artist within any specific genre—comes with the challenge of being boxed in. People tend to assume we only focus on that one genre. However, the music I listen to constantly inspires me to explore and create new sounds. I love diving into what other artists have to offer. I’m inspired by industry greats like Mdu and Lebo Mathosa, who have made massive contributions to the South African music scene. But my influences don’t stop there—I also draw inspiration from artists like Doja Cat and Billie Eilish. Their melodic styles deeply resonate with me and play a significant role in shaping my musical style.
2. When did you realise that making music was in your destiny and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft?
My entry into the music scene was very unorthodox because I was just trying my luck and having fun with another interest of mine – singing. My partner wasn’t even aware that I could sing and we had been together for quite some time. However I am grateful for COVID-19 with all its complications and how it forced us to find other ways of staying entertained during trying times, I was extremely lucky because my partner was a producer that I could just have fun and experiment with my music interests with. Music became more evident that it was my calling and the best choice I had made when I took a chance in actually sharing my music with the public and it was received so well. It caught me by great surprise but certainly affirmed that I was headed in the right direction, especially for someone who approached this whole music thing as a mere experiment at the time. Since then, music has been my get up and go, & I’ve found great fulfilment in sharing my stories and my voice through my art and it’s additionally become a way of life. Looking back now, my only regret is not having started sooner. I couldn’t fathom a life without Umculo.
3. Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
Lebo Mathosa, M’du and the like.
4. To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style?
My sound is melodic. I take pride in crafting music that’s both emotive and relatable. Knowing that I’ve created something that resonates with my supporters and new listeners alike fuels my passion. If it’s smooth-sounding and gives off feel-good vibes from the start of the song, it’s a Babalwa M ensemble.
5. Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?
Don’t hesitate! I dreaded my start, and now my only regret is not having begun sooner. There’s no right or wrong way to pursue your dreams and aspirations—what matters is taking that plunge, as it could be the best thing you ever do. There’s nothing more fulfilling than turning your passion into your career.
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The latest episode of Africa Magic Heartbeat saw the house adjusting to recent exits and shifting relationships. Sharon’s earlier departure and Henri’s elimination in episode eight left the remaining singles settling into their pairings while trying to understand where everyone truly stands. Hilda Reflects on Henri’s ExitHenri’s departure is still fresh in the house, and Hilda admitted she felt bad that her decision ultimately led to him leaving the Love Pad. However, she maintained that she did not regret choosing Bosah. In her view, even if she had chosen Henri, he likely would have remained in the house pursuing other connections. Queen Latifah Calls Out IgweThe episode’s biggest moment began when Queen Latifah expressed concerns about Igwe’s intentions toward Shekinah. While speaking with Hilda, she suggested that Shekinah might be allowing herself to be manipulated by Igwe and questioned whether he was truly serious about her. Queen Latifah later took the conversation directly to Shekinah, recounting how Igwe had previously shown interest in pursuing her and even suggested he was ready to compete with Ken for her attention. According to Queen Latifah, Igwe later dismissed his connection with Shekinah by saying she was “too serious” for him. The conversation quickly escalated when Igwe walked in mid-discussion. Words were exchanged as tensions rose, and what began as a private conversation eventually turned into one of the episode’s most heated moments. Igwe Seeks Clarity From AlvinFollowing the confrontation, Igwe later pulled Alvin aside to discuss Shekinah. With the house already questioning his intentions, he wanted to know if there was still anything between Alvin and Shekinah. Alvin made it clear that things had changed since Ceeoni arrived and that he had no intention of pursuing Shekinah if Igwe was serious about her. The conversation appeared to reassure Igwe that there was no competition from Alvin, and he seemed increasingly focused on resolving things with Shekinah. In a surprising turn, Igwe also acknowledged that the situation had gotten out of hand and attempted to make peace with Shekinah, even reaching out to Hilda, who is close to her, in hopes of smoothing things over. A Brief Moment of Jealousy Between Kena and ChideraEven the strongest couples can experience moments of friction. A brief moment of jealousy surfaced when Kena noticed Chidera wearing Alvin’s jacket, something that made him visibly uncomfortable, given that the two are now committed to each other. The tension was short-lived when Chidera quickly apologised and reassured him, bringing the moment to a calm resolution. The episode closed on a lighter note with a couples’ game that lifted everyone’s mood and brought energy back into the Love Pad after a day full of tension. One question lingered across the Love Pad as the episode wrapped up: has Heartbeat’s resident playboy finally fallen in love? Catch new episodes of Heartbeat every Sunday at 9 pm on Africa Magic Showcase, DStv Channel 151, and GOtv Channel 8. You can also catch up via the DStv Stream app or through Catch Up on your decoder. |
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The new fashion interview show, The Fashion Roundtable, hosted by media personality, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, will premiere exclusively on YouTube on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
The programme will unearth the real, unfiltered conversations with the key players shaping Nigeria’s fashion industry.
The show will feature a powerful lineup of guests, including celebrity stylists Swazzi & Zack Aminu, model Ruth Vader, men’s footwear designer Kiing Davids, creative designers, Nkiru Achukwu of Zephans & Co, Morenike Olusanya of Bawsty, Aanuoluwa Ajide-Daniels of Aso and a host of other notable fashion entrepreneurs and industry players.
Viewers can anticipate standout revelations, such as designer Kiing Davids’ attempt at making women’s shoes that he ultimately abandoned, the story of Zephans & Co selling a staggering 35,000 outfits in one year, and the moment Bawsty’s first pop-up saw 600 registrations and sold out in less than two hours.
The host intends to look beyond the glitz and glamour, providing an intimate space for designers, models, and stylists to share their true behind-the-scenes stories.
The Fashion Roundtable is a direct response to the global attention Nigerian fashion is currently receiving, providing an essential platform to document the industry’s complexities.
Each episode features guests who discuss how they started, the significant challenges they face, how they recovered from failures, and how they financed their businesses. The series is committed to giving a voice to all parts of the fashion ecosystem, not just the designers.
“I created The Fashion Roundtable because I wanted a space to have real, honest conversations with the people who are shaping Nigeria’s fashion industry.
“We often only see the finished product, the beautiful outfits, but we rarely hear from the people behind the scenes about the work that goes into the process. Nigerian fashion is getting so much attention globally, and now feels like the perfect time to share these voices and their stories,” Olateru-Olagbegi said.
Power has shifted, loyalties have been tested, and secrets are no longer buried. As Wura returns for Season 4, before the next chapter unfolds, it’s the perfect moment to revisit the characters whose ambition, secrets, and rivalries have driven the series’ gripping tale of power and consequence. Here are the characters who have shaped the story so far from Season 1 -3.
Mrs Adeleke (Wura)
The boss lady, ruthless CEO of Frontline Gold Mine and the woman at the centre of it all.
Wura built her empire on carefully buried secrets and ruthless decisions. Anyone who threatened her power in the last seasons was silenced, and every move she made was calculated to keep her throne intact.
But power built without mercy eventually demands payment. In the end, Wura’s world collapsed when she discovered the most devastating truth of all: the daughter she had killed in her quest to protect her secrets was actually her own. Faced with the weight of her actions, she pulled the trigger on herself, leaving behind a legacy of power, destruction, and unanswered questions.
Tumininu (Tumi)
Tumi’s journey began with a simple mission: find the truth about her father. What followed was a dangerous path filled with lies, betrayals, and powerful enemies.
Determined and fearless, Tumi chased every clue and confronted the darkest secrets surrounding her family. But the biggest revelation came too late, the woman she had grown to hate the most was the one who gave birth to her.
In her pursuit of justice, Tumi paid the ultimate price. Sometimes the truth costs everything.
Jeje
Jeje was the man caught between two worlds.
Husband to Tumi, yet deeply connected to Wura’s shadowy reality.
For a long time, he carried dangerous truths that could destroy everything. When Jeje finally revealed that Wura was responsible for Tumi’s father’s death, it set off a chain reaction that neither love nor loyalty could stop. His confession changed the course of every life connected to the Frontline empire.
Mr Adeleke
A respected man sworn to fight crime and uphold justice. Yet the greatest criminal in his life was the woman he loved, Wura.
Mr Adeleke shared a home with Wura, blind to the darkness hiding in plain sight. Even as the signs became impossible to ignore, his love for her clouded his judgment.
It raises a haunting question: how do you police an entire city, yet fail to see the truth inside your own home?
Iyabo
Iyabo was the quiet force that kept the family together until one truth shattered everything.
Without warning, she revealed the secret that changed the entire story: Tumi was not her biological daughter. No preparation. No gentle explanation. Just a truth that landed like a storm in a fragile family. Family secrets destroy everyone.
As Wura launches its Season 4 this March, the story moves beyond the secrets. With the truth now exposed and the consequences still unfolding, the next chapter promises new power struggles, shifting loyalties, and choices that change everything.
In Wura’s world, the past never stays buried, and the next season may prove that the real battle is only just beginning.
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.
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