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Spotify’s RADAR: Showcasing Diverse Sounds Redefining Africa’s Music Scene

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Manana 1

Spotify’s RADAR program is dedicated to bringing rising talent to the forefront globally, showcasing what is next in sound, and lifting artists by helping them expand their global reach on their path to superstardom.

The past few years have been a clear testament to the growth of African music globally, and this year, Spotify’s RADAR Africa program is shining a spotlight on the continent’s rising stars. Joining the ranks of previous RADAR Alumni such as Ayra Starr, Victony, BNXN, and Bloody Civilian from Nigeria, Shallipopi is the latest addition to the RADAR Africa list. Hailing from Eswatini,  Manana who is South African-based follows in the footsteps of luminaries like Tyla and DBN Gogo, representing his nation’s thriving music scene.

Ugandan artist Joshua Baraka’s inclusion underscores the program’s commitment to showcasing the diverse talents that make the African continent proud through their art, following in the footsteps of fellow East African RADAR Alumni Xenia Manasseh from Kenya, with both representing the region.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa says “This cohort represents some of the continent’s most promising artists. As African artists continue to rise globally, Spotify is excited to continue playing its part in the rise and discovery of local artists, showcasing their diverse talents to the world.”

Shallipopi, popularly called “Presido De La Pluto” by his fans, gained popularity through viral freestyles, offering a fresh perspective on street culture and influencing street lingo through his music. Hailing from the culturally rich Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria, Shallipopi proudly showcases his roots on tracks like “Obapluto,” one of his top five most-listened-to songs on Spotify, following “Ex Convict”. His track “Cast” holds the top spot as his most-streamed song, while his album “Shakespopi,” which has amassed over 13 million streams since its release, further highlights how he adeptly fuses tradition with modernity, and seamlessly blends his cultural heritage with contemporary elements.

Shallipopi’s reach continues to grow, with over 1.9 million additions to playlists in the last 12 months and a global audience led by Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ghana, and South Africa over the last 28 days. The street-loved artist is embraced by Gen Z’s with 52% of his listeners aged 18-27 and millennials with 19% at 28-34. He also commands a larger male following at 66% compared to female following at 31% over the last 28 days.

Ugandan artist Joshua Baraka burst onto the scene with his soulful 2020 debut “Tomorrow,” captivating listeners across Africa and globally, and amassing a fervent following. Nigeria stands as the top country streaming his music the most on Spotify over the last 28 days, a testament to the viral success of his hit “NANA”, also his most-streamed song. Nana remix featuring African superstars Joeboy, King Promise and Bien further solidifies his popularity, ranking among Baraka’s top three most-listened tracks, trailing closely behind his other smash hit “Dalilah.”

While Nigeria leads the charge, Baraka’s cross-cultural resonance is evident as Kenya, the United States, the United Kingdom, and his native country Uganda follow among his top five streaming countries, underscoring the singer’s ability to craft melodies that resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. His core Spotify audience over the last 28 days spans Gen Z and millennials, with 53% aged 18-27 and 25% aged 28-34, while his male listenership at 59% outpaces females at 38%, further highlighting his capacity to captivate audiences across genders. With over 195k playlist adds on Spotify in the last 12 months, his ever-growing fanbase is a true showcase to the power of cross-cultural relevance and the boundless possibilities of artistic collaboration.

Hailing from eSwatini, Manana is a multi-talented singer, producer, and Grammy-winning songwriter renowned for his lush melodies and jazzy R&B production. His soulful performances and masterful songwriting prowess, include credits with Burna Boy, Jon Vinyl, Sauti Sol, and the legendary Usher, which helped catapult him to prominence.

Manana’s global appeal is evident as South Africa, the United States, Nigeria, Kenya, and the United Kingdom emerged as the top five countries streaming his music over the last 28 days. He has garnered over 144k playlist adds in the past 12 months and with an audience comprising 50% male listeners and 43% female listeners.  His music resonates strongly with the younger demographic aged 18-27 making up 58% of his total streams and 23% aged 28-34, over the last 28 days. Additionally, one of his most streamed tracks on Spotify “Distance – Acoustic” features his exceptional songwriting talent.

We had a sit down with Shallipopi, Manana and Joshua Baraka to delve deeper into their music and creative journey.

SHALLIPOPI

How would you describe your musical style and what are some of the influences that have shaped your sound?

My music is experimental music or what I call Afro-talk. It’s just my type of sound.

How does it feel to be one of this year’s Spotify RADAR artists?

It feels great. It’s an opportunity for more people to meet me at the front. This is just the beginning.

Artists often face unique challenges. What has surprised you most about the music industry so far?  What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned on your musical journey?

Nothing surprises me about the music game – I’m enjoying it. The big lesson is not to give up. Just do what you’re doing and listen to the people close to you.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your musical journey?

 I’m excited about everything because this is my dream. Doing music back to back, I’ve been doing music since I was a child so everything about it is exciting.

MANANA

How would you describe your musical style and what are some of the influences that have shaped your sound?

I would say I make alternative RnB, with a singer-songwriter twist. My influences are a combination of training from my upbringing, harmonies from choir school, chord progressions from jazz studies and then the rest is from hearing RnB and neo-soul music from my brother’s CD collection

How does it feel to be one of this year’s Spotify RADAR artists?

Feels good. It’s a privilege, I’m very grateful. It is reassuring and encouraging to see that the work we’re putting in is appreciated.

Artists often face unique challenges. What has surprised you most about the music industry so far?  What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned on your musical journey?

I don’t think I’ve had any surprises. But I think the struggle I had to deal with was comparison. I think social media has given us access to parts of the world that previously weren’t easily accessible, but has also exposed us to this feeling of inadequacy that maybe isn’t warranted. I think focusing on what I’m doing and not trying to make music that would be viral or “challenge-friendly” has been my biggest lesson.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your musical journey?

Growth. Every year I start with that being my goal. I’m not sure what that looks like exactly but I know consistent growth has no limit. So that’s the hope for the future.

JOSHUA BARAKA

How would you describe your musical style and what are some of the influences that have shaped your sound?

I’d describe my musical style as an interpretation of what I feel at the time I’m making that particular piece of music. Basically, my music is who I am so I’d describe my music as another version of me. I’ve been influenced by a lot of gospel musicians because I grew up in a staunch Christian family. As I grew up and got access to more genres of music, I became obsessed with Bob Marley, Chronixx, jazz music in general and every RnB artist I could find.

I’ve also been influenced by Ugandan artists like Radio from the duo Radio and Weasel, Maurice Kirya and Elly Wamala.

How does it feel to be one of this year’s Spotify RADAR artists?

It feels really good to be chosen to be a part of this year’s RADAR artists. I feel like a part of something bigger than myself. It’s a step in the right direction and vision which is to shine light on Uganda and East Africa in general.

Artists often face unique challenges. What has surprised you most about the music industry so far?  What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned on your musical journey?

What surprised me the most about the music industry is how different it is from whatever you see on TV and the internet. It’s not as smooth and easy as it’s made to appear. My biggest lesson so far is that you need to show up regardless of how you feel and do what you need to do. That is the price for growth.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your musical journey?

I’m excited for the day Uganda is recognized on the music scene globally because we have a lot of talents, tujja tujja. For myself, I’m excited to share all the new music I have been working on and some serious work coming up. I’m excited about where all this journey is headed

Check out Shallipoppi’s ASAP and Cast, Manana’s Hold Me Tight and Sunday Morning,  as well as Joshua Baraka’s Dalilah and Nana Remix on RADAR Africa.  Assets to go along with your story are attached.  Let me know if you have any questions or are interested in covering!

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What to Watch this February on Showmax

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Showmax

This February, Showmax is serving a lineup of brand-new series, blockbuster movies, Emmy-winning stand-up, Grammy-nominated docs and cult-favourite classics to stream. See here for a full list of what to watch this February.

DIDDY: THE MAKING OF A BAD BOY | First On Showmax | Stream from Friday, 7 February 2025

Best for true-crime and hip hop fans

Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy is a raw, exclusive look at Sean Combs long before he was known as Puff or Diddy.

Featuring never-before-seen footage and stories from those who know him best, Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy sheds light on his childhood, rise to fame, and recent criminal allegations, challenging viewers to rethink everything they thought they knew about the mogul behind the music – and the mugshot.

Combs’ trial is scheduled for May 2025.

Watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv0A5zqv0SE

THE WHITE LOTUS S1-3 | Mondays from 17 February

Winner of 15 Emmys, The White Lotus returns for a third instalment following a new group of guests at another White Lotus hotel, this time in Thailand.

Once again written and directed by Mike White, the new season returns Natasha Rothwell to her Emmy-nominated Season 1 role as Belinda alongside a star-studded new cast. This includes Emmy nominees Carrie Coon, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, and Walton Goggins, BAFTA winner Aimee Lou Wood, Teen Choice nominees Leslie Bibb and Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Critics Choice nominee Michelle Monaghan.

While you wait, rewatch the first two seasons on Showmax.

Watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwQRkOK5KC4

SUITS: LA S1 | Mondays from 24 February

Teen Choice winner Stephen Amell (Arrow) stars in Suits: LA as Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor from New York who has reinvented himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles. His firm is at a crisis point, and in order to survive, he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career.

Gabriel Macht returns to the franchise to guest star as Harvey Specter, while the new cast includes Josh McDermitt (Eugene in The Walking Dead).

While you wait, binge all nine seasons of the original Suits on Showmax.

Watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0KMvx4y2-o

YELLOWJACKETS S1-3 | First on Showmax | Saturdays from 15 February

The third season of the Emmy-nominated series continues to explore the harrowing survival story of the high school women’s soccer team that crashed in the wilderness in 1996.

Two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby) and Critics’ Choice nominee Joel McHale (Community) join the cast this season, which also sees Melanie Lynskey and Christina Ricci return to their Emmy-nominated roles.

Yellowjackets S1 was the second-most streamed series in Showtime’s history.

While you wait, binge the first two seasons on Showmax.

Watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuHe_y-UQJk

THE DAY OF THE JACKAL S1 | Mondays at 8:30pm

Nominated as Best Drama Series at both the 2025 Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, The Day of the Jackal follows a ruthless, mysterious assassin known as the Jackal, who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. He meets his match when a tenacious British intelligence officer starts to track him down in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe.

Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything, Fantastic Beasts franchise) has earned Golden Globe, Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild nominations for his shape-shifting performance as The Jackal.

BAFTA winner Lashana Lynch (The Woman King, No Time to Die) plays Bianca, the British intelligence office hot on his heels.

Written and adapted by Ronan Bennet (Top Boy), The Day of The Jackal is the biggest Sky Original ever and has an 84% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety calls it “exhilarating… a breathless adventure until the very end.”

The Day of the Jackal is a modern-day reimagination of Frederick Forsyth’s classic novel, which earned the 1972 Edgar Award for Best Novel from the Mystery Writers of America.

Watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUb_04MdnMI

COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS S1-2 | Binge from Tuesday, 18 February

Rotten Tomatoes’ second-best romance series of last year, and third-best returning series overall, Season 2 of Australian comedy series Colin from Accounts picks up with Ashley and Gordon needing to work out whether they want a relationship … or if they just wanted a dog.

With Season 2, real-life couple Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall (who created, wrote and star in the show) have cracked a rare 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes for a second time, with the critics’ consensus saying it’s “as cranky, funny, and delightful as ever.”

The hit series has already won three Logie Awards – Most Outstanding Comedy, and both Most Outstanding Actress and Actor for its leads – as well as the 2024 Australian Writers’ Guild Comedy Award.

While you wait, binge Season 1 on Showmax.

Watch the trailer:

https://youtu.be/Gu6zn-DQfwA

NIGHT SWIM | Stream from Thursday, 6 February

Best for horror fans who aren’t planning to swim this summer

Night Swim follows Ray Waller, a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness. Ray moves into a new home with his concerned wife, Eve, and two children, unaware that a dark secret from the house’s past will unleash an evil force in the backyard pool.

Teen Choice nominee Wyatt Russell (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) and Oscar nominee Kerry Condon (Better Call Saul and The Banshees of Inisherin) co-star as Ray and Eve.

The #1 US box office hit is produced by horror legends James Wan (Saw) and Jason Blum (Get Out). As Los Angeles Times says, “[Bryce] McGuire, who executed a trial run of this concept with a 2014 short film, knows exactly what he’s doing, scene after scene, especially when it comes to the deliciously sadistic grammar of suspense.”

Watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhlLO3Nb3sY

THE FRANCHISE | First on Showmax | Binge from Monday, 10 February

Ever wondered what really happens behind Hollywood’s blockbuster machine? HBO’s satirical comedy The Franchise follows a film crew on an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. Is this Hollywood’s new dawn or cinema’s last stand?

Emmy nominee Himesh Patel (Station Eleven, Yesterday) and Critics Choice Super winner Aya Cash (The Boys) lead the cast, which includes 2024 International Emmy nominee Jessica Hynes, Screen Actors Guild nominee Katherine Waterston (Fantastic Beasts franchise) and Eswatini-born Oscar nominee Richard E Grant.

Watch the trailer:

https://youtu.be/SCeEQUqiGOE

Bonus: Couch Classics & Blockbuster Hits

Bonus: Couch Classics & Blockbuster Hits
The Nun & Friday the 13th – Streaming from 10 February
‍♂️ Joker, Suicide Squad, Superman Returns, & Wonder Woman – Streaming from 13 February
Frasier S1-11 & Dawson’s Creek S1-6 – Binge from 28 February
The Bodyguard (1992) – Streaming this February

From iconic teen drama (Dawson’s Creek) to award-winning comedy (Frasier), plus Whitney Houston’s legendary performance in The Bodyguard, these classics are ready for a rewatch!

Get Showmax Entertainment Mobile for just N1,600 and start streaming! Sign up now.

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Nigerian Idol Prize Money: Who Owes K-Peace?

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K-Peace Nigerian Idol

By Oludayo Salami

Kunle Ogunrombi, popularly known as K-Peace, has once again raised concerns about unpaid prize money from his 2015 victory on “Etisalat’s Nigerian Idol”. His recent interview on The Honest Bunch podcast has re-ignited discussions about prize settlements after reality TV shows in Nigeria.

As the winner of a reality TV show, backed by a popular brand (Etisalat at the time), K-Peace deserves the money he won on the show. However, K-Peace’s claims are marked by glaring inconsistencies. Maybe it was intentionally shared to whip public sentiments, knowing that most people would run with that snippet, not the full story. Whatever the intention was, it turned out to be quite misleading. So, here are the facts, available to everyone who can do a simple Google search.

Etisalat’s Nigerian Idol was organised by Optima Media Group in 2015. The cash prize at the time N7.5 million along with a brand-new car, a recording deal worth and some high-end devices. K-Peace won the season, and rightly deserved the promised prize.

In interviews, K-Peace admitted to receiving N5 million and the car. The next season, 6 years later, a totally different brand got the rights to the show and revived it simply as Nigerian Idol. Recently, a snippet of K-Peace’s interview on a podcast alluded to the fact that the organisers had not paid him.

The public, including myself, will naturally side with K-Peace, as it is in us to side with a perceived underdog in any fight. An underdog deserving of public support should be one able to tell a coherent story.

If K-Peace still hasn’t received the full amount, he should directly call out those responsible. He won Etisalat Nigerian Idol in 2015, so if there’s an outstanding balance, he should demand payment from Etisalat—now rebranded as 9mobile or the franchise owners at the time Optima Media Group. Publicly addressing the right entity will generate pressure and increase his chances of getting what he is owed.

A background check will reveal that Nigerian Idol went on a six-year hiatus after K-Peace’s season and was revived in 2021. Since then, the show has produced four winners—Kingdom Kroseide, Progress Chukwuyem, Victory Gbakara, and Chima Udoye—all of whom have received their prizes. This further suggests that the issue lies with the former organizers.

To get justice, K-Peace must clarify his claims. Is he seeking the remaining N2.5 million, or is he alleging he was never paid anything? And most importantly, he must call out those holding on to the prize he won. If he remains vague, Nigerians may end up supporting the wrong fight.

This is 2025—there’s no need for fear or hesitation. If there’s money to be recovered, the right people must be held accountable. But without clarity, this could become just another social media distraction. K-Peace, Nigerians are willing to help, but only if the facts are clear.

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Top TV Shows & Films to Stream for the Perfect Valentine’s Weekend

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Celebrate Valentine's Day

It’s that time of the year again—when love is in the air, flowers and chocolates are everywhere, and social media becomes a battlefield between lovebirds and the singles.

For couples, it’s a day to flaunt their romance and make the rest of the world just a little jealous. For the singles, it’s either a self-care weekend, a Galentine’s hangout, or the annual debate about how Valentine’s Day is actually about celebrating St. Valentine and not romance. But whether you’re in love, in a situationship limbo, or proudly single, one thing is certain and can definitely not be denied—love takes centre stage on this day.

What better way to celebrate or escape it than by diving into the perfect lineup of films and series? Whether you’re in the mood for thrilling romance, heartwarming adventures, or gripping drama, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let’s set the mood for the ultimate Valentine’s weekend.

The Franchise | Streaming from 10 February

If you’re in the mood for a laugh this Valentine’s, The Franchise serves up Hollywood satire at its finest. The series takes a hilarious behind-the-scenes look at the making of a failing franchise film, as a desperate crew tries to keep their blockbuster dreams alive. With a stellar cast led by Himesh Patel (Station Eleven) and Aya Cash (The Boys), and produced by the masterminds behind Veep and Succession, this comedy is perfect for anyone who prefers witty chaos over sappy love stories.

Watch the trailer

She Came to Me | Streaming from 17 February

Keep the Valentine’s magic alive with She Came to Me, an enchanting romcom that takes love, art, and self-discovery on an unexpected journey. A composer struggling to finish his opera, a conflicted psychiatrist, and a free-spirited tugboat captain cross paths in a story that sails into uncharted emotional waters.

Starring Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), Anne Hathaway, and Marisa Tomei, this critically acclaimed film features a Golden Globe-nominated song by Bruce Springsteen and a fresh take on romance.

Watch the trailer

Yellowjackets | Streaming  from 15 February

Love, survival, and secrets collide in the Emmy-nominated thriller Yellowjackets. As the story of a high school girls’ soccer team stranded in the wilderness unfolds, the lines between past and present blur in chilling ways. With two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank and Critics’ Choice nominee Joel McHale joining the cast, this season promises more twists, dark revelations, and gripping suspense. Whether you’re watching for the intense drama or the tangled relationships, it’s the perfect binge for those who love their romance with a side of mystery.

Watch the trailer

Harold and the Purple Crayon | Streaming  from 11 February

If you’re spending Valentine’s weekend with family or just want a heartwarming escape, Harold and the Purple Crayon is a whimsical delight. Based on the beloved children’s book, the film follows Harold, a boy who can bring anything to life with his crayon—until he accidentally draws himself into the real world. Featuring the voices of Zachary Levi, Zooey Deschanel, and Alfred Molina, this charming adventure is perfect for kids and adults alike, proving that a little imagination can turn any situation into magic.

Watch the trailer

The Day of the Jackal | Stream now

Who says Valentine’s weekend has to be all about romance? For those craving high-stakes action and suspense, The Day of the Jackal delivers. This modern reimagination of the classic novel follows a ruthless assassin, played by Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne, as he embarks on a deadly mission across Europe—until a determined British intelligence officer (Lashana Lynch) starts tracking him down. With its intense cat-and-mouse chase and Golden Globe-nominated performances, this thriller is a pulse-pounding alternative to love stories.

Watch the trailer

Ready to take your valentine weekend to the next level? Get the Showmax Entertainment mobile plan for just N1,600 monthly, or subscribe for multiple devices at N3,500. Visit www.showmax.com/ng or download the Showmax app to register and subscribe.

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