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Music Industry Stakeholders Welcome Spotify Talks Africa

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Spotify Talks Africa

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Stakeholders in the African music industry have applauded the introduction of Spotify Talks Africa, saying the platform would provide an opportunity to shed light on issues facing the sector on the continent.

Spotify Talks Africa is a forum for featured panellists to discuss the issues that the African music industry faces and the solutions needed to drive success among creatives. Central to this is how music streaming platforms like Spotify can contribute to this growth.

The panellists are drawn from across the industry and include artists, producers, artist management, and Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa team members who provide insight into the role of streaming in the industry.

Slated to be released quarterly, each video episode is themed around specific issues in the industry, ranging from how music streaming is keeping legacy acts alive to the lived experiences of women in music.

The first episode is hosted by Kenyan media personality Mariam Bishar in conversation with John Katana Harrison, the band leader of the legendary group Them Mushrooms; Wangechi, a Kenyan rapper who just returned from a three-year hiatus; and Monica Kemoli-Savanne, Spotify’s Artist & Label Partnerships Manager for East Africa. Their robust discussion touches on the exportation of music to new audiences, music royalties, tools needed to grow as an artist, and the role technology plays in all of this.

The African music industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years due to a variety of factors, including collaborations with local and international artists, music streaming, and social media.

However, only a select number of artists are enjoying this success, and many talented creators are still struggling to break through. This is why Spotify launched Spotify Talks Africa, a video series that brings the continent’s music industry stakeholders together in conversation.

Speaking on how streaming has changed the music industry, John Katana Harrison says “I think it’s a great thing, we are surprised now where people are listening to our music. It’s brought in a new avenue where music can be taken anywhere within the country and beyond.”

“That’s why you do collaborations, because then you hit the artist’s fanbase,” says Wangechi on the importance of collaborations.

“I encourage artists to tap into their backend through Spotify for Artists, and build their strategies around that data. You can see the demographic of who is listening to your music from age to gender and location,” adds Monica.

The industry is poised for even more growth and if Them Mushrooms are anything to go by, relevance and longevity can go hand in hand. Them Mushrooms’ participation in Spotify Talks is a part of a series of activities by Spotify to celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Relive the Shows You Grew Up With on GOtv

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back-in-the-days shows GOtv

There was a time in our lives when life was simple. Not perfect, not fancy, but simple in a way that just felt complete.

We weren’t thinking about bills, deadlines, or what the future would look like. Our biggest concern? Whether NEPA would take light before our favourite show came on or if someone would change the channel at the wrong time.

Back then, happiness didn’t need planning. You’d rush through homework, eat quickly, and settle in front of the TV like it was the most important part of your day. And honestly, it was.

Those shows weren’t just shows, they were moments.

Then we grew up. Life got busier, louder, and a lot more demanding. But somehow, those memories stayed.

Sometimes it hits you out of nowhere, like a theme song or seeing your niece or nephew watching something familiar. And just like that, you’re taken back.

Back to when watching SpongeBob SquarePants felt like the highlight of your day. Back to singing along to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse like you were part of the cast. Even those “I’m too grown for cartoons” days still had room for The Thundermans and Henry Danger.

It’s funny how those shows did more than just entertain us. They gave us something to look forward to. Something that made the day feel lighter, no matter what.

But every now and then, there’s something comforting about knowing that those moments still exist somewhere. The things that once made us laugh, relax, and forget everything for a while are still there, unchanged.

Channels like Disney Junior and Nickelodeon are still running those same shows, holding onto that same kind of joy we didn’t even realise we’d miss. And platforms like GOtv quietly keep that connection alive. Because after a long day of trying to figure life out, sometimes what you need isn’t something new.

Sometimes, you just want something that reminds you of who you used to be, something that lets you sit back, laugh a little, and for a moment forget all the noise. And maybe, without even realising it, you smile, because for a few minutes, life feels simple again.

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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Stripped: What Happens When Men Can’t Keep It All Together

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Stripped on Africa Magic Showcase

In a world where men are expected to have it all figured out, be strong, provide, and never fall apart, Stripped shows the reality that many don’t talk about.

A new drama series premiered on Africa Magic Showcase on Sunday. The limited series brings together a strong lineup of Nollywood stars, including Daniel Etim Effiong, Efa Iwara, Kunle Remi, Ian Wordi, and Mofe Duncan, in a story that dives deep into the pressures men face behind closed doors.

Stripped follows five friends whose lives are slowly unravelling. From career setbacks to relationship struggles and financial pressure, each man is pushed to the edge in different ways. In a desperate attempt to regain control, they take an unexpected path, stepping into the world of stripping at an upscale club.

Daniel Etim Effiong plays Kel, a former marketing executive now juggling survival and responsibility, while Mofe Duncan (Bolaji) battles to keep his business afloat. Efa Iwara stars as a music video director forced to confront a complicated personal life, Ian Wordi plays a conflicted architect, and a youth pastor caught between duty and desire, while Kunle Remi brings to life a determined hustler trying to rewrite his family’s story.

Their lives intersect when they are recruited by Yvonne, a sharp and calculated lounge owner, who introduces them to a world that challenges everything they thought they knew about themselves.

This series explores identity, pride, friendship, and the silent expectations placed on men. It also shines a light on the emotional weight many carry without saying a word, both vulnerability and moments of humour along the way.

With a strong supporting cast of equally complex female characters, the story unfolds across six episodes, building tension as secrets deepen and relationships are tested.

Watch Stripped on Africa Magic Showcase, available on GOtv Channel 8, with new episodes every Sunday at 8 PM.

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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Don’t Just Watch, Decide: Final Days to Vote for AMVCA 12

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Vote for AMVCA 12

As the countdown to the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) draws closer, fans across Africa still have a chance to do more than just watch, they can decide.

Voting is officially in its final days, and this is the moment for audiences to show up for their favourite actors, filmmakers, and stories that have made an impact over the past year.

The AMVCA has always stood out as an award platform that gives viewers a choice, allowing fans directly influence who takes home some of the biggest honours on the night. From standout performances to fan-favourite productions, every vote contributes to shaping the final outcome.

Voting is quick, simple, and free. You can cast your vote via the official AMVCA website or through the myDStv and myGOtv apps. Simply log in or create an account, select your favourites across the categories, and submit. You can also vote multiple times across these platforms to increase your support.

Voting for AMVCA 12 closes on April 26, 2026, at 9:00 PM WAT, and once that window closes, that’s it, no extra time and no second chances.

A lot of people wait until the last minute and either forget or run into issues trying to vote at the same time as everyone else. It’s always better to get it done early.

The awards night will come, the winners will be announced, and conversations will happen again, but between now and then is the only time you actually get to influence the outcome.

So if there’s someone you’re rooting for, or a project you genuinely believe deserves it, this is the time to show up.

Don’t just watch how it plays out. Be part of the reason it plays out that way.

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