Showbiz
Spotify, United Masters Empower Emerging Nigerian Artists
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
For three days, some emerging independent Nigerian artists were tutored in Lagos on how to navigate the challenging showbiz terrain and remain afloat.
This was through a collaborative initiative between Spotify and United Masters known as Fresh Finds Sessions.
The three-day camp focused on comprehensive artist development, offering invaluable industry insights and music recording sessions.
This programme provided invaluable networking opportunities and comprehensive industry insights for participating talents as one of them, Rigo Kamp, confirmed.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but after having my session, I’m just in awe and happy about my involvement. For Spotify and United Masters to find me worthy to participate in this programme is an honour,” Kamp said.
It was learned that at a Q&A session the hosted by United Masters’ Head of Africa, Mr Niyi Osadipe, a renowned producer, Sarz, advised young music acts to be real.
“I think one of the most important things I have learnt over the years is being authentic to yourself, and that authenticity is a byproduct of everything else that you may desire, including success and accolades,” he advised.
Another producer, Loudaa, urged producers to always connect with artists during sessions because it helps with the inspiration process.
“Creativity as a whole comes from a deep place and different things can inspire what you create,” Loudaa noted.
The event had recording sessions, which featured emerging producers, Twitchpapi and LeMav, who collaborated with promising artists Kyla Blac, DEELA, Tolani and the current face of Fresh Finds Africa’s playlist, Rigo Kamp, with songwriter Vito Rali also joining them during these sessions.
On the final day, those present were treated to a showcase featuring Amaeya, Fitzy West, FirstKlaz, and Romi; songwriter Shorae Moore, producers Ramoni and Dunnie.
“Spotify has always been intentional about creatives and their growth. Being able to serve the creative community in this way has been an honour and we’re grateful to our partners, United Masters, for collaborating with us,” Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa, Mr Victor Okpala, said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Popular streaming platform, Spotify, has updated its application with a new Create Cover Art playlist, giving users a fun way to personalise their playlists and show off their imagination.
The feature is embedded with fonts, stickers and graphic elements that allow users to take their playlists to a whole new level.
The company said this innovation signifies a continuation of its vision of encouraging people’s individuality and helping them make their playlists even better.
To access it, all users have to do is open the Create Cover Art tool from the Spotify mobile app; to select an existing playlist or to create a new one, tap the context menu.
From there, they can start to play around with features that allow them to add text, choose images and create some design elements.
Once they’re done, save it and share your playlist with your friends or on your social network.
Over 8 billion playlists have been created by Spotify users on the platform and they have been showing their creativity through their music choices.
Now with things like font options, stickers and graphic tools, they can take their playlists to the next level and make them look as good as they sound.
Thus, Spotify continues to lead the way in making playlist creation both a visual and auditory experience, allowing people to fully embody their playlists and take pride in them as pieces of work.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
All seems to be set for the unveiling of the inaugural Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 organised by Design Week Lagos in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.
The event will feature the Manufacturer and Designer’s Pavilion, spotlighting collaborations between manufacturers and designers, as well as the Designer’s Pavilion, where 50 individual designers will present new concepts across a variety of design disciplines, including furniture, toys, automotive, and industrial design, reflecting the diversity of Nigeria’s creative landscape.
A standout feature of the event will be the Titi Lai Lai Showcase, a curated concept store that will present exclusive pieces from renowned Nigerian designers and artists such as Victor Ekpuk, Banke Kuku, Mama Nike, and the Nike Art Gallery.
This collaboration will highlight the fusion of art and design, celebrating the use of local materials and the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
“This exhibition offers a distinctive avenue for our nation’s economic advancement. By harnessing the synergy between Nigerian creativity and the manufacturing sector, we can modernize and innovate our products, promote the production of Nigerian creativity and furniture, and strengthen our economic connections,” the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Ms Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated.
The Head of SME, Partnerships, and Collaboration at Ecobank, Ms Omoboye Odu, said, “Ecobank is the solution for African banking, and we are committed to giving our customers the platform to network, collaborate, and partner to promote innovation and creativity. We are proud to be part of the process to spotlight homegrown innovations and sustainable practices across various sectors.”
Also speaking, the founder of Design Week Lagos and the Design, Innovation, and Inventors Hub of Nigeria, Ms Titi Ogufere, said, “The Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 is more than a celebration of design; it represents a bold step toward positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“By fostering collaborations between designers and manufacturers, we aim to develop innovative products that not only serve local markets but also establish Nigeria as a global leader in design and manufacturing exports. This initiative underscores our commitment to building a sustainable industrial ecosystem that celebrates local talent and drives economic growth across Africa.
“At a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s creative economy, the Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 will showcase the finest in furniture, product, and industrial design. This year’s exhibition will focus on the theme Building a Made-in-Nigeria Brand, celebrating the creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship of Nigerian designers and manufacturers while emphasizing industrialization and export potential.”
January always feels like a fresh start, so why not add some new movies to kick things off? This January, Showmax has lined up a mix of dramas, thrillers, and emotional movies that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Here are five unmissable picks to kick off the new year:
The Last Rifleman| Stream Now
The Last Rifleman, inspired by true events, stars Pierce Brosnan as a WWII veteran who escapes his care home to journey to France for the 75th D-Day anniversary, confronting his past with courage.
Featuring Clémence Poésy, Jürgen Prochnow, and the late John Amos, the film earned Brosnan and Prochnow Irish Film and Television Award nominations for their powerful performances.
Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/6ohyETpGYFE
Dune Part Two | Stream Now
The epic saga continues with Dune: Part Two, the fourth biggest box office hit of 2024. Paul Atreides embarks on a mythic journey of revenge, uniting with Chani and the Fremen to fight those who destroyed his family. Torn between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, Paul must make a choice that could change the course of history.
With a 92% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The New York Times commends the palpable chemistry between Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet and Emmy winner Zendaya, stating, “They humanise the story, giving it the necessary personal stakes and a warmth that helps balance the chilling violence.”
Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/Way9Dexny3w
One Life | Stream Now
One Life is a powerful historical drama based on the true story of Nicholas Winton, a London broker who rescued hundreds of Jewish children from the Nazis during WWII. Decades later, he faces the emotional weight of those he couldn’t save when a TV show reunites him with survivors.
Starring Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jonathan Pryce, the film holds a 90% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The Guardian calls it “an extraordinary true story” and a deeply moving watch.
Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/6ethollg-PI
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