Nigerian artist Rapture Muziq, who is based in Prague, released “WỌLÉ” on 11 September 2026. The single combines Afrofusion, Afrobeats and melodic R&B, bringing African rhythmic influences together with contemporary hip-hop and R&B elements.
Built around a recurring hook, rhythmic percussion and melodic textures, “WỌLÉ” reflects the genre-crossing approach that runs through Rapture Muziq’s music. The track balances the rhythmic foundations of Afrobeats with an R&B-influenced atmosphere and elements of melodic hip-hop.
Rapture Muziq is an independent artist whose catalogue spans Afrobeats, R&B, Afrofusion and melodic hip-hop. Working from Prague, he draws on his Nigerian background while exploring contemporary sounds across African and international music.
Musician and composer Marwan Bardawil has released “EndMalaria”, featuring Nigerian musician Ukpe Edoeka. The track uses a blend of Amapiano and West African musical styles to draw attention to the continued impact of malaria, particularly across Africa.
Written and produced by Bardawil, the song features Edoeka on lead vocals and talking drum, while Bardawil contributes guitar and backing vocals. Fadi Darwich plays keyboards, with Jad Kassatly of Boombox Studios handling mixing and mastering.
Musically, “EndMalaria” begins with an Amapiano-influenced arrangement before gradually incorporating West African rhythms and Afrobeats elements. The transition creates an Afropiano sound that supports the song’s call for greater attention to malaria prevention and eradication.
Malaria remains a major global health concern, with the World Health Organization estimating that the disease caused approximately 597,000 deaths worldwide in 2023. The African region accounted for around 95% of those deaths, and children under five made up about 76% of malaria deaths in the region. Efforts to reduce the disease’s impact continue to depend on prevention, access to diagnosis and treatment, and sustained investment in control measures.
“EndMalaria” continues Bardawil’s catalogue of releases built around social themes. His previous work has addressed subjects including mental wellbeing, conflict in Lebanon, digital addiction and the relationship between music and personal experience.
His 2024 release “Digital Statues” examined people’s dependence on mobile phones, while “Deep Beirut” combined Afro house and deep house with Lebanese vocals and the santur, exploring the city’s cultural identity. His 2026 release “The Music Tree” drew on a childhood dream to reflect on the role of music.
With “EndMalaria”, Bardawil and Edoeka bring a public health issue into a musical collaboration that connects Amapiano with West African sounds.
Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold attended the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, joining figures from football, music and entertainment at the annual awards.
Adekunle Gold attends the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony in London
The ceremony marked the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or, which recognises individual achievements in football. This year’s event took place in London, bringing together players and other personalities from across the sport.
Nigerian music also featured at the ceremony through Burna Boy, who presented Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka with the Socrates Award. The honour recognises individuals involved in humanitarian and social initiatives.
Burna Boy presented the Socrates Award to Bukayo Saka at the Ballon d’Or ceremony
British singer Jorja Smith performed “Blue Lights” during the event, while French Montana was also among the musical acts announced for the ceremony.
The event drew further attention after the official Ballon d’Or website briefly published articles naming Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé as winners. Organisers subsequently said the articles had appeared because of a technical glitch involving prepared profiles and were not confirmation of the results.
At the time of writing, the winner of the men’s Ballon d’Or had not yet been officially announced.
Nigerian singer Burna Boy presented Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka with the Socrates Award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday, October 26.
Burna Boy presents the Socrates Award yo Bukayo Saka at the Ballon D’or ceremony. https://t.co/96JeiZS5zC
Burna Boy presented the Socrates Award to Bukayo Saka
The presentation took place at the London Palladium, which hosted the 70th edition of the annual football awards. The ceremony recognises achievements across professional football, alongside contributions to humanitarian and social causes.
Burna Boy on the Ballon d’Or red carpet
The Socrates Award recognises football figures who use their influence to support social initiatives. Saka’s recognition is linked to his charitable work, including his involvement with BigShoe, an organisation that helps provide medical treatment to children in need.
Burna Boy on the Ballon d’Or red carpet
Burna Boy’s joined other performers at the event, including British singer Jorja Smith, who performed “Blue Lights.” French Montana was also among the musical acts announced for the ceremony.
Jorja Smith on the Ballon d’Or red carpet
Burna Boy and Wizkid previously collaborated on ‘Ballon d’Or’, a track released in 2022. The song shares its name with football’s annual individual award.”
French Montana and Kylian Mbappé at the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony
The event also drew attention following confusion over the announcement of this year’s top honours. Earlier in the day, the official Ballon d’Or website briefly published articles naming Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé as winners. Organisers said the articles were prepared profiles published by mistake and did not represent confirmed results.
At the time of writing, the winner of the men’s Ballon d’Or had not yet been officially announced.
Nigerian gospel artist and worship leader Min Chinedu James released “Great Assurance” on 31 August 2026. The single was produced by Morgan Azi and sits within contemporary gospel and Christian worship.
The song centres on faith, hope and confidence in God’s promises. According to James, it was written to remind listeners of the reassurance found in God’s word and to encourage a sense of peace through faith.
“Great Assurance” brings together James’s vocal delivery and Azi’s production, combining contemporary gospel elements with an orchestral arrangement.
The release adds to James’s work as a gospel recording artist and worship leader whose music focuses on themes of hope, love and redemption.
