Afrobeats Head

Author: Chioma Ugo Nwachukwu

  • Le U and Akim Beats enlist Amaeya, Juno, others for “Breakout Tape”

    Le U and Akim Beats enlist Amaeya, Juno, others for “Breakout Tape”

    French artist Le U and producer Akim Beats have released Breakout Tape, a six-track project featuring collaborations with six African artists, including Nigerian artists Amaeya and Juno.

    Le U handled the project’s artistic direction and features on each track, while Akim Beats produced, recorded, mixed and mastered the six songs. The project brings together artists from different parts of Africa, including the Maghreb, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria.

    “Pour Juice” features Juno, while Amaeya appears on “Will You.” The two Nigerian artists are among the six featured across the project, creating a France–Nigeria connection within the wider African collaboration.

    Breakout Tape follows Le U’s previous projects O.M.N and O.M.N PT. The creators intend for the series to continue with a second volume focused on artists from the United States, planned for 2027.

    Akim Beats, who has a background in R&B, said his interest in Afro-influenced music developed during the 2010s, particularly through its instrumentation, chord progressions and melodic vocal writing. His role on Breakout Tape covers the production and technical work across the project.

    available on streaming platforms.

    Breakout Tape is available on streaming platforms.

  • ENRYA releases debut single “J’suis indécise”

    ENRYA releases debut single “J’suis indécise”

    ENRYA, a virtual music project created by Cyrille Burlet, has released her debut single, “J’suis indécise.”

    The track combines Soul and R&B with Zouk and Afro-Caribbean influences. Its lyrics explore uncertainty within a relationship, focusing on attraction, desire and hesitation.

    ENRYA is presented as a virtual artist, with Burlet directing the project. He wrote the song’s lyrics, while artificial intelligence is incorporated into its production and vocal performance.

    “J’suis indécise” is the first release from the project, which combines human songwriting with generative technology as part of its musical and visual development.

    The song is available on streaming platforms.

  • Samarky releases new single “Wazi Wazi”

    Samarky releases new single “Wazi Wazi”

    Samarky has released a new Afro House single, “Wazi Wazi.”

    The track explores friendship, memories and the way music can bring people back to shared moments. Its production combines an Afro House rhythm with a warm, melodic feel.

    “Wazi Wazi” is available on streaming platforms.




  • Adextina releases new single “Banana Peel”

    Adextina releases new single “Banana Peel”

    Independent Afro-Wave artist Adextina has released a new single, “Banana Peel.”

    The track sits between Afro-Wave, Afrobeats and Afropop, with an energetic rhythm and melodic production.

    “Banana Peel” is Adextina’s latest release.

    The song is available on streaming platforms.

  • RIGAUX releases “Let It Last” from “Boho to Soho”

    RIGAUX releases “Let It Last” from “Boho to Soho”

    RIGAUX has released “Let It Last,” the latest track from his six-song album Boho to Soho.

    The album is being released across six weeks, with one track arriving each Friday from September 11 through October 16, 2026. “Let It Last” is the final release in the sequence.

    The project is built around dance-focused electronic production, with RIGAUX describing its themes as living in the moment, letting go and finding enjoyment amid difficult realities.

    Boho to Soho follows a staggered release schedule, with “Let It Last” completing the six-track album.

    The album is available on streaming platforms.

  • HEMEL releases new single “Matha”

    HEMEL releases new single “Matha”

    Italian DJ and producer HEMEL has released his new single “Matha,” an Afro House track.

    The song is built around electronic production and the rhythmic foundation of Afro House, reflecting the style HEMEL has developed through his work as a DJ and producer.

    HEMEL has performed across Italy as well as in Ibiza, Mykonos, Malta, Porto, Dubai, Tunisia and Georgia. His sets have focused largely on Afro House, while his work has received support from artists including Jamie Jones, THEMBA, Francis Mercier and Faul & Wad.

    He has also been featured by outlets including DJ Mag, Flewid and Corriere della Sera.

    “Matha” is available on streaming platforms.

  • Tems pictured with Kim Kardashian at SKIMS event in London

    Tems pictured with Kim Kardashian at SKIMS event in London

    Tems was pictured with Kim Kardashian, Alton Mason and Sabrina Elba at a SKIMS event in London on Friday, September 18.

    The Nigerian singer was among guests at the event marking the opening of SKIMS’ first European flagship store on Regent Street, which coincided with London Fashion Week. The 12,000-square-foot store carries the brand’s full range and was designed by Rafael de Cárdenas, with artwork by Vanessa Beecroft.

    Tems’ appearance follows her attendance at H&M’s London Fashion Week show on Thursday, where she wore an all-black look and joined other guests in the front row.

    Kardashian, who co-founded SKIMS with Jens Grede in 2019, was in London for the flagship opening and wore several looks during the celebrations.

    The London appearance adds another fashion event to Tems’ September schedule as she continues her appearances around London Fashion Week.

  • Tems attends H&M show during London Fashion Week

    Tems attends H&M show during London Fashion Week

    Tems attended H&M’s show during London Fashion Week on Thursday, September 17, joining the front row for the brand’s Autumn 2026 presentation at Olympia London.

    The Nigerian singer arrived in an all-black look, wearing a knee-length black skirt with a thigh-high slit, a leather jacket and dark sunglasses. She completed the look with a head wrap.

    H&M’s show, titled “H&M&YOU&I,” was created with British photographer Nick Knight and SHOWstudio, with Labrinth providing the soundtrack. The presentation featured H&M’s Autumn 2026 collections, including pieces from its H&M Studio and H&M Atelier lines.

    Tems was among several notable guests at the show, alongside Myha’la, Laura Harrier, Cruz Beckham, Kim Petras, Audrey Nuna and Manu Ríos.

    The appearance comes during the September edition of London Fashion Week, which runs alongside the city’s Spring/Summer 2027 fashion calendar.

  • Ayra Starr attends BPlatinumz All White Party in Lusaka

    Ayra Starr attends BPlatinumz All White Party in Lusaka

    Ayra Starr was in Lusaka, Zambia on Friday, September 18 for the BPlatinumz All White Party at Piazza East Park.

    The Nigerian singer wore a plunging, midi-length white dress with heels, with her hair styled in soft waves falling over her shoulders. She completed the look with soft-glam makeup.

    Ayra Starr was part of a lineup that included Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz, Congolese singer Awilo Longomba, Malawian artist Tay Grin and Zambian performer Mwila. Tay Grin was listed as the headline act for the event.

    The party was the first of a two-day event series organised by BPlatinum Events, with the Africa Connect Concert following on September 19 at Lusaka Polo Field.

    Ayra Starr was also listed on the lineup for the second event alongside Diamond Platnumz, Malawian singer Driemo and Zambian artist Yo Maps.

    The Lusaka appearance comes after the release of Ayra Starr’s third album, Starrgirl, in August.

  • Davido announces three-night National Theatre residency for Detty December

    Davido announces three-night National Theatre residency for Detty December

     

    Davido has announced a three-night residency at Lagos’ National Theatre this December, titled “Oriade: The Residency.”

    The shows are scheduled for December 17, 18 and 19, 2026, marking three consecutive nights for the singer at the venue. The announcement describes Davido as the first Afrobeats artist to hold a residency at the National Theatre.

    The residency will form part of Davido’s Detty December activities in Lagos, bringing his live show to the venue formerly known as the National Theatre and now officially named the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts. The venue is located in Iganmu, Lagos.

    The announcement follows the return of major music performances to the renovated venue. In December 2025, Adekunle Gold became the first artist to headline a concert there after its renovation, performing on December 26 with the MUSON Orchestra and his band, The 79th Element. The sold-out show was also the first major concert at the reopened venue.

    Davido’s three-night run will take place from December 17 to 19, with tickets available for the individual dates.