Showbiz
Spotify Spotlights Seven Africans Nominated for Grammy Glory
2023 was quite the year for African music, with it reaching unprecedented heights and stages. There were the sold-out stages, the viral tracks, the inauguration performances and of course, the Grammy category. The 2023 addition of the “Best African Music Performance” category highlights the rich diversity of sounds emerging from the continent, showcasing its well-deserved place on the global stage.
This year’s Grammy nominations include seven incredible African artists; Asake’s electrifying energy, Tyla’s smooth R&B vibes, and Burna Boy’s genre-bending genius are just a taste of the talent on display. It’s a celebration of music that crosses borders and gets your heart racing.
Ahead of the live Grammy award show on 4 February, Spotify is turning the spotlight on these remarkable individuals who consistently enrich our musical experience with their outstanding artistry.
First up, reigning supreme as one of the most popular African artists is Burna Boy, the Nigerian superstar whose name transcends introduction. His record-shattering four Grammy nominations, including a history-making nod for Best Melodic Rap Performance, the first for an African lead artist, are a testament to his global influence. His 2023 album I Told Them.. and the electrifying anthem City Boys have become ubiquitous, blasting on repeat worldwide. The announcement only served as fuel to the fire, as both have remained as his top streamed album and track, respectively. But Burna Boy’s domination doesn’t stop at the charts – he conquers hearts too. He leads all African nominees in playlists created on Spotify with the word “Grammy”, proving that his music resonates deeply with fans who crave more. And while he may be a global superstar, his talent is still appreciated at home, with Lagos taking the first spot as the city streaming him most since the Grammy nomination.
Tyla, the chart-topping South African songstress isn’t just singing, she’s making history. Her song Water made a splash at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 and rightfully earned her a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance. But it’s her soulful melodies that weave the real magic, leaving listeners, especially her female audience who make up 59% of her streams, wanting more. Spotify data shows the US is leading the Tyla fan club, while Melbourne is the top city streaming her tunes. Her breakout hit Water has not stopped topping the charts, and is still her most streamed song post the announcement, proving its enduring appeal. Buckle up, because this rising star is ready to sweep you off your feet.
Musa Keys is the collaboration maestro. Teaming up with Davido on the hit track “Unavailable,” this South African producer and artist adds his distinct flavour to the musical melting pot. The collaboration earned him his first Grammy nomination for “Best African Music Performance” reflecting the power of collaboration and the beauty of cross-cultural harmony. And the magic doesn’t stop there! The announcement sent his streams skyrocketing by 83% on Spotify, with searches for his name jumping a staggering 315% in a single day, the highest among all the nominated artists. Talk about immediate impact! Spotify data also reveals that Musa Keys’ music resonates most with younger listeners compared to the other nominees. This is a prophet accepted in his hometown, with South Africa making up his biggest listenership. Looking for fresh sounds and collaborative magic that his audience has been turning to since the Grammy announcement? Look no further than Musa Keys’ album TAYO and his captivating song Selema (Po Po). This Amapiano producer is just getting started, so keep an eye (and ear) out for his future sonic adventures!
Davido, popularly called “OBO” by his fans has three Grammy nominations and is a force to be reckoned with. His Timeless album has been dominating the charts since the Grammy announcement, while his tracks UNAVAILABLE and Feel snagged nominations in both the Best African Performance and Best Global Music Performance categories, proving his impact knows no borders. Speaking of borders, his music resonates most in Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment capital.
Ayra Starr, the “Sabi Girl” taking the world by storm: This Nigerian singer-songwriter isn’t just talented, she’s a trailblazer. As the first female Nigerian artist nominated for Best African Music Performance, she’s showing the world that women can rule the stage (and the world!), one song at a time. Her fans experienced her infectious energy during her live tour, “21: The World Tour”. And if you need a taste before you join the global dance party, check out Rush and her album 19 & Dangerous, they’re her top streamed track and album since the Grammy nominations, and for good reason! Naturally, the girls love her, making up 52% of her audience since the nominations.
Asake & Olamide, this dream team and first-time nominees are no strangers to collaboration. Their song Amapiano not only scored a Grammy nod in the category of Best African Music Performance but also landed on Obama’s favourite music list! The dynamic duo is proof that teamwork makes the dream work, and gets you Grammy-recognized! Since the Grammy announcement, Asake’s album Work of Art and song Lonely At The Top as well as Olamide’s album Unruly and Amapiano song have been leading the charts. But here’s the kicker: their magic resonates most with their home crowd. Lagos, the beating heart of Nigeria, claims the top spot for streaming both artists’ music. It seems their local love fuels their global rise!
Interestingly, Gen Z aged between 18 and 24 years are vibing the most to the sounds of these seven Grammy-nominated Africans; and they do so at peak listening time daily which falls around 5 pm. This reaffirms the deep connection for the music stars by a younger demographic and suggests that the growth of African music will constantly be influenced by not just diverse audiences but by a young and digitally savvy tribe of music enthusiasts.
With these nominees leading the charge, the future of music promises to be a vibrant tapestry of sounds, cultures, and unexpected collaborations.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Popular Nigerian singer, Niniola Apata, professionally known as Niniola, has revealed that becoming a young widow has been one of the most difficult experiences of her life, reflecting on the demise of her heartthrob, Mr Michael Ndika.
In an emotional message on X on Sunday, marking two months since his sudden and unexpected death, the music star disclosed that she initially intended to record a video message but found herself unable to get through it because of the overwhelming emotions.
“Today makes it two months since my husband, business manager and best friend, Michael, was very suddenly and unexpectedly taken from me and truly, from us,” she wrote.
Niniola admitted that although she lost her father at a young age, nothing had prepared her for the reality of widowhood. She described the grieving process as “hard” and “exceedingly difficult,” saying some days are manageable while others are “painfully indescribable.”
The singer spoke candidly about the unanswered questions and unfinished conversations left behind, adding that she has struggled to find the words to express the depth of her emotions.
Despite her grief, Niniola said her faith has remained her anchor, noting that God continues to reassure her of His presence even during moments of doubt.
She also expressed profound appreciation to family, friends, fans, colleagues, media organisations and well-wishers for their prayers, messages and unwavering support since Michael’s passing.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all for your outpouring of love, your kind words, prayers, thoughtful messages and posts. I do not know how I will ever repay each and every one of you, but please know that I am truly and sincerely grateful,” she wrote.
Before his death, Mr Ndika was the chief executive of a multimedia platform focused on Afro-house and contemporary African music known as NaijaReview.
Niniola is the older sibling of another famous entertainer, Teni.
Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija, returns for its highly anticipated Season 11 on Sunday, 26 July 2026 on DStv and GOtv.
The launch show will air from 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family channels, with the 24-hour show on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49. BBNaija fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
This season’s winner will walk away with a record ₦160 million grand prize, which includes a cash sum of N100 million and a brand-new SUV. The prize is the highest in the show’s history, raising the stakes for what is expected to be another landmark season.
Speaking on the new season, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said:
“Big Brother Naija has consistently redefined entertainment in Africa by bringing together authentic storytelling, compelling personalities and moments that resonate with millions of viewers. Season 11 builds on that legacy with even bigger stakes, fresh twists and an exciting mix of housemates that will keep audiences engaged from premiere night through to the finale”.
The new season also ushers in an exciting lineup of brand partners, with betPawa, the home of Africa’s biggest winners, joining the Big Brother Naija family as the Headline Sponsor.
Commenting on the partnership, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR, betPawa, said: “At betPawa, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together through the things they are passionate about. Big Brother Naija is one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainment properties, and we are proud to come on board as Headline Sponsor for Season 11. We look forward to rewarding fans, deepening engagement throughout the season and delivering exciting experiences that complement the energy and excitement of the show.”
Guinness returns as the Gold Sponsor, while Minimie comes on board as an Associate Sponsor, reinforcing continued confidence from leading brands in one of Africa’s most influential entertainment platforms.
On the season’s partnerships, Babatunde commented: “We are delighted to welcome betPawa as our Headline Sponsor alongside Guinness and Minimie, whose partnership reflects the enduring value and impact of the Big Brother Naija platform.”
Since its return in 2017, Big Brother Naija has evolved beyond a reality TV show into a cultural phenomenon, creating household names, creating jobs across the creative economy, and shaping popular culture.
With Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returning as the show’s host, viewers can expect a season filled with unexpected twists, dynamic tasks, strategic gameplay, entertaining challenges and the authentic interactions that have made Big Brother Naija one of Africa’s most-watched reality TV show franchises.
Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with viewers able to follow every moment of the action throughout the season on DStv, GOtv, DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Eligible subscribers can vote through the MyDStv and MyGOtv self-service apps, upgrade their packages for additional voting benefits, and enjoy uninterrupted access throughout the season by subscribing or renewing for multiple months.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The first dedicated talent management training institution in Nigeria, TGM Academy, is set to commence operations in September 2026.
This institution is the brainchild of one of Nigeria’s leading public relations and strategic communications agencies, That Good Media (TGM).
The firm has expertise in talent management, influencer sourcing, personal branding, media relations and reputation management.
According to a statement from the company, TGM Academy will equip aspiring and practising talent managers with the knowledge, skills and industry exposure required to support the growth of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding creative economy.
The academy was established to professionalise talent management as a viable career path while developing a new generation of globally competitive managers capable of strengthening Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
While talent management has become increasingly important in helping creatives access international opportunities, build sustainable careers and create long-term
commercial value, the profession has lacked structured education, recognised standards and dedicated capacity-building platforms.
Ahead of the launch in about two months, TGM is organising a Talent Management Leadership Roundtable on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Abora Suites of Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the French Consulate, and Megowa, a digital platform connecting Nollywood talent with industry opportunities, training and resources across the African creative landscape.
Expected at the event are senior talent managers, entertainment executives, brand leaders, diplomats, cultural institutions, media executives, creatives and key decision makers whose work is shaping the future of Nigeria’s creative economy.
The roundtable themed Talent Management as Critical Infrastructure for Cultural Exchange and the Creative Economy will examine the evolving role of
talent management as a strategic enabler of commercial growth, international collaboration and cultural exchange.
It will create a platform for honest conversations around the future of talent management and its role in driving the creative economy, as participants will explore how professional management contributes to the long-term success of creatives, what brands expect before entering partnerships, how managers can build trusted relationships with corporate organisations, and how diplomatic missions and international cultural institutions engage with the creative sector through cultural exchange programmes, festivals and international collaborations.
The discussions will also examine the structures, competencies and ethical standards required for Nigerian talent managers to compete successfully within global markets, with insights generated during the roundtable to directly inform the curriculum, partnerships and learning framework of TGM Academy ahead of its official launch.
