Showbiz
The Cultural Impact and Growth of Street Pop in Mainstream Media in Nigeria
Music consistently holds a powerful sway over the lives of youth globally, and in Nigeria, artists and their musical creations profoundly influence culture, impacting the way young people communicate, dress, and express themselves.
Lately, the undeniable rise of the sub-genre “Street Pop” in Nigeria has been both remarkable and thrilling to observe, and it has slowly but surely made its way to mainstream music. This surge in popularity within the mainstream Nigerian music scene actively shapes and establishes cultural trends in the country. Originating from a fusion of Afrobeats, Highlife, Hip-hop, Fuji, Apala, indigenous sounds, and contemporary elements, Street Pop boasts an engaging rhythm, pulsating fast-paced beats, and lyrics that mirror the everyday lives of Nigerians navigating the challenges of the streets.
This journey can clearly be seen in this year’s Spotify Wrapped data, where for the first time, Street Pop artists and tracks are in the top streamed in Nigeria.
“The influence of Street Pop on the Nigerian music landscape in 2023 is clearly and undeniably significant. This is just the beginning of Street Pop going mainstream and we cannot wait to see how it continues to grow,” says Benewaah Boateng, Spotify’s Editor, West Africa.
A notable attribute of Street Pop as a music genre lies in its profound connection to the harsh realities of everyday life in Nigeria. It demonstrates a sincere willingness to delve into the intricacies of street existence, encompassing its language, lifestyle, and all the defining aspects in between.
Olamide is arguably the most influential street pop artist of his generation, consistently praised for his role in elevating Street Pop to mainstream recognition as a distinct music genre. Since the debut of his hit single, “Eni Duro,” he has been a constant cultural force, popularizing dance styles like “Shakiti Bobo” and street lingos such as “Baddo Sneh” and “Pepper Dem”. Through his record label YBNL, Olamide has also played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s brightest street pop talents.
Olamide occupies the ninth spot in the list of top 10 artists in Nigeria. His most recent project “Unruly” garnered widespread acclaim from fans who describe it as a brilliant body of work . One particular track that has resonated exceptionally well with audiences is “Gaza” which has received significant admiration for its appeal and musical craftsmanship.
Seyi Vibez, has emerged as an undeniable force in the Nigerian street pop scene, particularly in 2023, after finding mainstream success in 2022. He has ingrained himself in the hearts of Gen-Zs and millennials, with phrases like “na ham, na ham” echoing from his popular song “Chance.” His success in 2023 is evident, from selling out his concert at the O2 Indigo Hall in the UK to securing features on hit songs like Gwagwalada, the second most streamed song in Nigeria on Spotify. Additionally, earning a spot among the top five most streamed artists in Nigeria further underscores Seyi Vibez’s ability to transcend Street Pop and strike a chord with all music lovers.
Born and raised in Ikorodu, the late Mohbad, also a street pop artist, stood out among his peers with a distinctive and captivating sound. His unique fusion of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and street-pop resonated with audiences, distinguishing him and capturing the hearts of music enthusiasts. From his humble beginnings to his rapid ascent to fame, he significantly influenced the street pop genre and discourse, leaving an enduring imprint on the Nigerian music scene.
The devastating news of his passing at the age of 27 on the evening of September 12, 2023, sent shockwaves through the country. His track Ask About Me, where he courageously sang about overcoming personal battles and conquering adversaries, became the top-streamed track every day between September 13th and 25th, reflecting an increased interest in his music following his untimely death. Additionally, he secured a position in the top 20 list of the most streamed artists in Nigeria.
In the world of social media and the streets, Shallipoppi’s breakout hit “Elon Musk,” has become a favorite. This song stands as one of his most streamed tracks on Spotify, marking his introduction to mainstream media. Hailing from Edo, Shallipoppi, one of the most streamed street pop artists on Spotify, remains a constant presence in conversations and is deeply connected to the streets through his music, viral moments, and memorable lines from his songs.
Shallipoppi’s dynamic delivery, use of thought provoking street slang, and infectious beats have ushered in a refreshing wave of sound to the Street Pop scene. His distinctive approach has endeared him to Nigerian audiences who are constantly intrigued, eagerly seeking to comprehend the meaning behind his lyrics.
Notably, Shallipoppi has gained recognition for incorporating nursery rhymes into his music, a style playfully coined “Afrocreche” on social media and evident in songs like “Oscroh (Pepperline)” and “Over the Sea.“
Zinoleesky has reshaped and made substantial contributions to the street pop genre through his skillful melodies and compelling storytelling, landing him in the top 15 most streamed artists in Nigeria. Nominated in the Next Rated category at the 2022 Headies, the artist is featured in Adekunle Gold’s Party No Dey Stop, one of the top ten most streamed tracks in Nigeria in 2023.
While the street pop scene may appear to be predominantly led by male artists, it’s important to acknowledge the remarkable female artistes who are not only making their presence felt but also pushing the boundaries of the genre. Among these trailblazers is Candy Bleakz, known as “The Lady Dragon” by her fans. Her unique style and powerful performances have contributed to breaking the gender barriers in the industry.
Another noteworthy emerging artist making waves in the street pop scene is Zerrydl.
These talented artists not only showcase their skills but also bring a fresh perspective to the street pop genre, proving that the scene is not limited to any gender and is enriched by the diversity of voices and talents within it.
The collective impact of these artists and their chart-topping tracks have significantly molded the narrative of Street Pop, propelling the genre into the mainstream and firmly establishing it as a formidable force in contemporary music. Their music not only offers entertainment but also serves as a mirror reflecting the diverse experiences and narratives from the streets, resonating with audiences worldwide.
As the genre continues to evolve, and street pop artists continue to explore new creative frontiers, it is evident that “street pop” is poised for exponential growth in the years to come, potentially emerging as the next global phenomenon akin to Afrobeats.
The first episode of Africa Magic’s newest dating reality show, Heartbeat, premiered on Sunday night, January 11, 2026, and it is clear that Sunday nights are about to get a lot more fun. The singles came in and wasted no time in giving a show.
With Seyitan Atigarin at the helm and ten eclectic singles searching for a “Promise Lock,” the stage is set for a 12-week journey that promises to be more than just your average dating show.
Following an impressive first episode, here are five things we expect to see as the season unfolds.
1) Strong Personalities:
These singles came in with all confidence in who they are and what they represent. They have an idea of what they are looking for and seem like they will be going for it. Will there be a personality clash at some point or even ego bruises over partners? Time will definitely tell, and we’ll all be watching.
2) The Inevitable (and Messy) Love Triangle
If the First Glance reveal told us anything, it’s that tastes in the house are overlapping fast. We’ve already seen Henri and Ken eyeing the same ladies, while more than one woman seems intrigued by Igwe’s “cool and collected” energy. We expect a classic love triangle to form by the end of week two. There is nothing like a little competition to turn a “Love Pad” into a pressure cooker, and we are here for every bit of the “who-chose-who” drama.
3) Romance and Some “Heated” Tension:
If there is one thing that was obvious in the first episode, it is that the singles may have some physical attractions already. All thanks to the love pad, we got a first kiss from Ken and Queen Latifa, and one can only wonder what is to come in the following weeks.
4) High-Stakes “Compatibility” Challenges
Heartbeat isn’t just about sitting around and looking pretty. We expect to see weekly games and challenges specifically designed to test more than just physical attraction. From teamwork exercises that reveal who has a short fuse to “compatibility quizzes” that expose how well the pairs actually know each other, these tasks will likely be the catalyst for the season’s biggest arguments and its most romantic breakthroughs.
5) Intellectual Fireworks (The “Slumflower” Effect)
With Chidera Eggerue (The Slumflower) in the house, we aren’t just getting romance; we’re getting a masterclass in boundaries and emotional intelligence. Chidera has already made it clear she isn’t here for “bare minimum” energy. We expect her presence to challenge the men to step up their game, not just with flashy gifts, but with deep, intentional conversation. Expect some heated debates on feminism, dating standards, and “the patriarchy” over breakfast.
6) The “Promise Lock” Pressure Cooker
The show’s ultimate prize isn’t just a partner; it’s the Promise Lock. As the 12-week deadline approaches, the pressure to “lock it in” is going to turn friends into foes. We expect the final episodes to be a high-stakes showdown where couples have to decide if their “house romance” can survive a Lagos traffic jam or a Ghanaian family meeting. Who will commit, and who will leave their partner hanging at the gate?
Heartbeat Episode 1 successfully set the stage for a season of “romance, tension, and side-eyes.” If what we saw on the first episode is any indication, we’re in for a very messy, very entertaining three months. Catch the next episode on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 | GOtv Channel 8) at 9 pm on Sunday. You can also watch all the drama on the go via the DStv and GOtv Stream apps, available on the iOS and Play stores.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Love Nwantiti crooner, Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani, professionally known as Ckay, recently told CNN International on African Voices, which aired on January 10, 2026, the legacy he intends to leave behind.
Speaking in his home studio with the show anchor, Larry Madowo, the singer said, “I want my legacy to be that I innovated the sound, I advanced the culture, and I made the world a better place than I met it.”
Ckay, who also doubles as a songwriter and producer, further said, “I would say it’s definitely made its mark in the history books of Afrobeats, definitely, and I’m really proud to, you know, be a part of this whole culture.”
While explaining the rationale behind his biggest hit, Love Nwantiti, with over a billion streams on Spotify, said, “I was in between relationships at the time I wrote that song […]. I was making a beat, and I freestyled on the beats. I was just vibing my feelings straight from the heart. Like most times I don’t always take a pen and write songs. Sometimes I like to just pour it straight from the heart.”
With other popular releases such as Emiliana and Felony, Ckay spoke to his growth as an artist, saying, “As a person I’ve grown in love with each time I make a song. If you listen to the lyrics and what I’m saying, you can tell that I’ve grown in love […]. I’m a lot more mature now and my music has grown with it as well.”
Ckay broke out by going viral on TikTok and reflects on the phenomenon of social media trends and he said, “There was a time when in the early stages of this people would laugh that I was making TikToks for songs. People didn’t think it was cool to make TikToks. Fast forward now because people have seen the impact, everybody is making TikToks.”
He is carving his own path in the world of Afrobeats. His music comes under the subgenre of Emo Afrobeats. He tells Madowo how this sound came about, “Being a cancer, cancers are known to be emotional people. We’re known to be very like in touch with our feelings. As a creative, my essence, which is my feelings, just naturally comes through my music even without me really trying. Afrobeats being my cultural heritage, I just felt like for me to come into this space, it was very important that I brought a different perspective to the sound.”
Despite using the term ‘Afrobeats’, Ckay addresses the overgeneralisation of the style of music, saying, “Africa has over 50 countries, more than 50 cultures. Nigeria alone has over 36 ethnic groups with different languages, food, music, rhythm. With the music they also have their own instruments also not all of them play guitar and piano, there’s African instruments too. Coming to a whole continent and just calling everything Afrobeats, it’s not the most apt, but it’s a start, right? I think for the Western world, it’s a start to help them understand African music.”
If you’re wondering what to stream this week on DStv as the new year settles in and the first full workweek wraps up, we’ve got you. From a brand-new reality dating show that’s about to break the internet to crime drama that will have you at the edge of your seat, here’s your ultimate guide to what to watch.
- Heartbeat – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)
Starting with the star of the week, Heartbeat. It’s Africa Magic’s new dating reality show premiering on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The show brings together 10 singles, five men and five women, all looking for love in a specially designed love pad. Over 12 weeks, the cameras will capture every flirt, fight, and awkward silence, plus the games and challenges that push them to get to know each other intimately.
And yes, some of these contestants are here for the love and drama. We’ve got Chidera ‘The Slumflower’ Eggrue, Alvin Leonard, Queen Latifah, Igwe Cruise, and more. If you love romance and reality TV chaos, this is your Sunday night fix.
- Paris & Nicole: The Encore – M-Net (DStv 101)
Airing on Sat, January 10 at 10pm, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are set to take over your screen. This time, the BFFs are writing, producing, and starring in a one-word opera inspired by their childhood song “Sanasa.”
Episode 3, titled ‘The Sanasapera!’, is pure chaos. They work at Sonic, hijack a Hollywood celebrity tour to find an audience, and then get on stage to perform. If you love ridiculous, unfiltered celebrity energy that makes you question what “high art” even is, this one’s for you.
- There’s a Zulu On My Stoep – M-Net Movies 4 (DStv 108)
Perfect for the weekend is this South African classic airing on Saturday, January 10, at 6:25pm. The film follows two boys who meet in South Africa and form a lifelong friendship, then reunite as adults for a wild adventure.
Directed by Gray Hofmeyr and starring Leon Schuster, John Matshikiza, and Wilson Dunster, it’s a mix of heartfelt bonding and fun. Basically, it’s the perfect palate cleanse before veering into reality TV drama.
- Dating: No Filter South Africa – Bravo (DStv 124)
If you can’t get enough of dating drama, this South African reality series is a must-watch. On the show, singles go on blind dates, and their every move is accompanied by hilarious commentary from SA’s funniest celebrities.
Episodes 5 & 6 of Season 2 promise awkward encounters, accidental sparks, and laugh-out-loud commentary. Perfect if you’re into late-night TV chaos and love seeing people make all the wrong moves in the name of love. It’s airing on Sunday, January 11, at 11:45pm.
- The Split – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)
Taking you into the world of Nollywood, The Split is a high-stakes financial crime drama that will have you holding your breath. The 26-episode series follows three bankers who pocket money that isn’t theirs. When the deceased account owner’s son resurfaces with proof, their pact unravels, sending the trio spiralling into guilt, fear, and betrayal.
With stars like Anee Icha, Baaj Adebule, Esosa Benard, and David Jones David, this one is your Thursday and Friday night adrenaline fix. It airs at 8:30pm.
- Daughters of Water – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)
Still on must-watch Nollywood shows, Daughters of Water is one to look out for. The drama follows the journey of destiny and spiritual heritage through Anie, a disgraced investigative journalist who returns to her hometown, Ikot Ndem, seeking a comeback. Her arrival coincides with the sacred Ukang Festival, where seven “Daughters of Water” from special families take part in a river-dipping ceremony to honour river spirits.
Starring Imoh Eboh as Anie, alongside Ade Laoye, Teniola Aladese, and Bobby Ogbolu, new episodes are released every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 8:30 PM on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151), and you can catch up on previous episodes on Showmax.
All these shows and more are available on DStv, with subscribers still enjoying the opportunity to receive an instant upgrade when they stay connected on their current package or renew on any eligible package, unlocking more movies, sports, kids’ content and local shows from January to February 2026.
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