Afrobeats Head

Category: Afrobeats News

  • Virgin Music Group Nigeria Partners with Rain Labs in Ghana to Elevate African Music Talent

    Virgin Music Group Nigeria Partners with Rain Labs in Ghana to Elevate African Music Talent


    Virgin Music Group has announced a new partnership with Rain Labs, a boutique distribution and integrated label services company founded in 2020, in Accra, Ghana.


    Rain Labs is dedicated to propelling African talent onto the global stage.














    Clockwise: Mercy Agbai, RainLabs; Barbara Debre, Virgin Music Group Nigeria; Motolani Alake, Virgin Music Group Nigeria; Olukorede ‘Kay’ Ikazoboh, Virgin Music Group Nigeria; Albert Donkor, RainLabs; Lindford Amankwaah, RainLabs; Michael Ashkar, RainLabs; Kwame Owusu Ansah, RainLabs.

    This collaboration aims to provide comprehensive support for African artists through digital distribution, marketing, creative production, and brand partnerships, ensuring that their music reaches global audiences and achieves lasting success.
    Virgin Music Group, a global independent music distribution and services company, has a history of championing artists worldwide.

    With the establishment of Virgin Music Group Nigeria in 2023, the company expanded its commitment to the African music industry.

    Its services include global distribution, streaming strategy, marketing, and artist development, designed to elevate both emerging and established acts.


    With offices in Accra and London, Rain Labs is committed to empowering independent and emerging African artists and enabling them to thrive. Its tailored services include digital distribution, PR, streaming strategy, and creative production.

    With its expertise in the African music landscape, the partnership with Virgin Music Group enhances Rain Labs’ ability to reach over 128 digital streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, YouTube Music, and Audiomack.
    Rain Labs’ roster includes Joey B, Cina Soul, Baaba J, MAUIMØON, Kofee Bean, Ess the Legend, and AD DJ, all of whom will benefit from Virgin Music’s global network.

    Together, the partnership aims to deliver impactful campaigns and sustainable pathways for artists to reach their full potential.


    Albert Donkor, the co-founder and lead of Rain Labs, expressed his enthusiasm: “This partnership marks an exciting chapter for African music. Virgin Music Group’s proven track record and global reach align perfectly with our mission at Rain Labs. We trust this is the right time to elevate African talent to new heights and are eager to see the impact this collaboration will bring.”


    Olukorede ‘Kay’ Ikazoboh, Managing Director of Virgin Music Nigeria, shared her perspective: “Rain Labs is a well-established entity with a deep understanding of Africa’s music landscape.
    At Virgin Music Group, we are proud to collaborate with a company of this calibre.

    Together, we aim to harness Rain Labs’ full potential and continue to develop innovative pathways for African artists to shine globally

    About Virgin Music Group
    Virgin Music Group is the world’s leading partner to independent music companies and artists who require a standalone team with global infrastructure and local expertise in every major music market around the world. Virgin Music Group offers compelling, efficient, and highly flexible global solutions with the most advanced marketing technology available for independent record labels, artists and entrepreneurs who want to succeed. www.virginmusic.com

  • Tems Apologizes for Promoting Rwandan Concert Amidst DR Congo War

    Tems Apologizes for Promoting Rwandan Concert Amidst DR Congo War

    Tems has apologized for promoting her concert in Rwanda amidst the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The Grammy winner had been slated to perform in Kigali as part of her wildly successful Born in the Wild tour but has been forced to cancel the show as tensions rise between Rwanda and the Congo.

    Fighters from the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, recently took control of Goma, one of the congo’s largest cities, drawing condemnation from the Congolese government.

    Tems announced took to social media on Thursday to announce she was canceling the show after sparking backlash from furious fans who criticized her for decision to perform in Rwanda.

    “So I recently promoted my show in Rwanda without realising that there is ongoing conflict between Rwanda and Congo…,” she tweeted.

    UN experts have accused the country of fueling the Congolese conflict by providing weapons and logistical support to the M23 rebels.

    Tems kicked off the Born in Wild tour in North America in 2023 after the release of her debut album of the same name.

    Her decision to cancel the Rwandan leg of the tour was praised by fans.

    While others slammed her for claiming she had no idea what was going on in the Congo.

  • Tyla’s ‘Push 2 Start’ Predicted to Debut on Number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100

    Tyla’s ‘Push 2 Start’ Predicted to Debut on Number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100

    Tyla’s latest single “Push 2 Start” is expected to debut at number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her second entry on the chart after viral hit, “Water”

    The reggae-infused Afrobeats and Amapiano hit, produced by Grammy winner, Sammy Soso showed signs of peaked at 12 on the Billboard Bubbling Under 100 100

     If the Billboard Hot 100 predictions come true, Tyla will join Tems, Wizkid and Burna Boy on the list of African artists with multiple entries on the chart.

    The South African Grammy winner has drawn comparisons to Beyonce and Rihanna since she was thrust into the spotlight in 2023 with “Water” with the BeyHive particularly critcising her for failing to acknowledge Beyonce’s influence on her music.

    Fans doubled down on the criticism after the video for “Push 2 Start” was released in November 2023.

    One of the scenes in the steamy video which now has over 42 million views on YouTube, shows Tyla dancing in front of a large fan, surrounded by back up dancers.

    Fans took to social media to point out similarities between the scene and that of Beyonce’s 2003 video for “Crazy in Love”

  • EMAEM Debuts With Groundbreaking EP, A STAR NOW: A Bold Statement of Self-Belief and Authenticity

    EMAEM Debuts With Groundbreaking EP, A STAR NOW: A Bold Statement of Self-Belief and Authenticity

    Rising Afrobeats sensation, Emaem, is thrilled to announce the release of his debut project (EP), A STAR NOW.

    The four-track project, produced by the talented Ebuka Asuzu and mixed and mastered by Oceansbeatz, is now available on all major streaming platforms.

    With this release, Emaem makes a powerful statement about self-belief and staying true to one’s authentic self.

    The EP’s focus single, Italawa, is a triumphant anthem celebrating Emaem’s arrival on the big stage.
    The song stakes his claim as a star while promising longevity and unwavering determination.

    The EP also features three additional tracks:

    Its infectious rhythm and bold lyrics exemplify Emaem’s ability to blend confidence with artistry, making it a standout in the project.

    • True To You – The sole romantic song on the project, this heartfelt track is a soulful promise of unwavering love and devotion, capturing the beauty of connection and loyalty.

    • Sunglasses – A deeply introspective track that journals Emaem’s raw emotions and inner struggles, offering listeners a glimpse into his most personal reflections.

    • Many Things – An explosive anthem addressing the reality that people often take you seriously only when it benefits them, wrapped in powerful lyrics and energetic production.

    Speaking about the project, Emaem shared:

    ”A STAR NOW is my personal manifesto. It’s about embracing who I am, staying authentic, and believing in my journey, no matter the challenges. I hope this project inspires others to own their truth and shine unapologetically.”

    The EP’s vibrant production and soulful storytelling makes it a must-listen for fans of contemporary Afrobeats. From Italawa to Sunglasses, each song offers a unique perspective, reflecting Emaem’s story and his unwavering belief in his artistry.

    About Emaem:

    Emem Major Atat, professionally known as Emaem, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and independent artist from Lagos, Nigeria.
    From his humble beginnings as a secondary school rapper to recording his debut single in 2016 under the moniker “Majorboyy,” Emaem has undergone significant growth and development as an artist.

    With his distinctive, melodious vocals and resonating lyrics, Emaem is poised to captivate audiences globally, solidifying his presence as a rising star in the music industry.
    His journey culminates with the release of his debut studio project A STAR NOW, marking an exciting new chapter.

    Release Details:

    • EP Title: A STAR NOW

    • Release Date: November 25, 2025

    • Available On: Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, and all streaming platforms 

    • Focus Single: Italawa

    Credits:

    • Producer: Ebuka Asuzu

    • Mixing and Mastering: Oceansbeatz

    For Media Inquiries, Press Kits, or Interview Requests, Please Contact:

    Solomon

    thesolowizz@gmail.com 08022037058

    Follow Emaem:

    • Instagram: @emaemszn 

    • Twitter: @emaemszn

    • TikTok: @emaemszn

  • Asake pays tribute to 2Pac for Halloween

    Asake pays tribute to 2Pac for Halloween

    Afrobeats artist Asake paid tribute to late American rapper, 2 Pac for Halloween.

    The “Terminator” singer recreated a picture of the late rapper sitting on a basketball hoop in posted on his Instagram Story on Friday.

    https://twitter.com/afrobeatshead/status/1852449311445110882?s=46

    He went shirtless while sporting a pair of brown joggers and added the rapper’s most popular accessory, a bandana.

    The pictures Asake recreated are from a campaign for clothing company Karl Kani Harlem.

    They were shot in 1994 after the rapper’s role in the Basketball/HipHop movie “Above the Rim”

    South African singer, Tyla similarly tuned to American pop culture for inspiration when it came to picking their 2024 Halloween costumes.

    Tyla channeled Halle Berry’s character in the Simpsons as she showed off her figure in an animal print two piece.

    While Uncle Waffles wowed fans with her transformation into Jim Carrey’s character in the classic movie, The Mask.

  • Uncle Waffles recreates Jim Carrey’s ‘The Mask’ character for Halloween

    Uncle Waffles recreates Jim Carrey’s ‘The Mask’ character for Halloween

    Eswatini DJ Uncle Waffles, transformed herself into Jim Carrey’s character in The Mask for Halloween.

    The 24-year-old took to social media Friday to post pictures of herself in the yellow suit and green face paint made popular by the iconic character.

    “It’s party timeeeeeeeeeee. Shoutout to my village that makes this possible,” she announced in the caption of her Instagram post going ahead to tag the team behind the incredible transformation.

    The talented star seems to have a thing for dressing up. As she proved when she channeled Drake to announce her first headline show in Toronto.

    Back in July 2024, she recreated the Canadian rapper’s cover for his “All the Dogs” album in which he spots multicolored hair clips.

    https://youtu.be/VxzevAMlarM?si=xDtYefYjBXL4cYS1

  • Ayra Starr Opens for Cold Play in Melbourne

    Ayra Starr Opens for Cold Play in Melbourne

    Afrobeats artist Ayra Starr opened for British boy band Cold Play in Melbourne.

    The Grammy nominated singer serenaded the crowds in the Australian city as part of the band’s Music of the Spheres World Tour.

    This comes after she collaborated with the band on the song “Good Feelings” off their latest album Moon Music.

    The move is significant as Cold Play have only previously collaborated with three women-Rihanna, Beyonce, and Selena Gomez- in their nearly 30-year career

    In a June 2024 interview with the BBC, Ayra has described frontman, Chris Martin as “very supportive” and revealed that she’d played her second album “The Year I Turned 21”  for him before it was released.

    “Oh, my. Yes. I’ve loved Chris for so long, and he’s been very supportive,” she gushed. 

    “We met in a studio and I played him my album before it came out,” she added. “He was giving me tips, and [his producer] Max Martin was giving me tips.”

    The tour is not her first time on stage with the band. Soon after Good Feelings was released, she joined them on the Today Show in New York to perform it.

  • Women hit on me more than men- Tiwa Savage reveals

    Women hit on me more than men- Tiwa Savage reveals

    Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has revealed that women hit on her more than men.

    The 42-year-old make the surprising revelation about her love life in an interview with Beat FM on Tuesday. 

    “A lot more women hit on my than men. I don’t know why,” as he talked about her female crushed with the Beat FM’s Bibi Raii.

    Now, Mama Jam Jam may not understand why she seems more appealing to the girlies but the Beat FM presenter seemed to know exactly why.

    “I get it, though” she told the hitmaker. There’s a certain energy that you have where it’s like it’s feminine but it’s also easy. It’s not like a threat” 

    She was however, quick to clarify that she didn’t mean to imply that Tiwa was “easy”

    The fun interview comes as the 44-year-old revealed that she still relies on her mother to take of her son Jamil.

    “It takes a village, raising my son as a single mum I always need my mum,” she opened up to her friend Tacha in a Cool FM interview.

    “I call on my mum, she’s very instrumental, and we have a nanny that has been with us since he was three months old, and he’s nine now, so she has been with us for nine years.”

  • Mani Lapussh Unveils Seductive New Single, “Only You”

    Mani Lapussh Unveils Seductive New Single, “Only You”

    Fast-rising artiste, Mani Lapussh, has kicked off his music year with a bang, releasing his first single of 2024, “Only You.”

    The seductive new tune is also his first under new management, Fusion Records.

    “Only You” is a mid-tempo Afrobeats track that showcases Mani Lapussh’s signature blend of catchy hooks, sultry lyrics, and addictive melodies.
    Produced by Orakle, this sensual jam is set to reveal the slutty side in a lot of men.

    The song’s captivating rhythm and Mani Lapussh’s smooth vocals weave a narrative of irresistible attraction, making “Only You” a must-listen for music enthusiasts.

    “This song is special to me,” Mani Lapussh shares. “It’s about that one person who makes you lose control, and I’m excited for my fans to experience that feeling.”

    “Only You” marks Mani Lapussh’s first release under Fusion Records, signalling a new chapter in his career.

    “Mani Lapussh is an exceptional talent, and we’re thrilled to support his artistic vision,” says Nonso Nkeonye, label executive at Fusion Records.

    Stream “Only You” now

    Connect with Mani Lapussh:

    X: @Mani_Lapussh

    Instagram: @mani_lapussh

    TikTok: @Mani_lapussh

  • Ugoccie drops her “Voice of the East” EP

    Ugoccie drops her “Voice of the East” EP

    Ugoccie has swiftly unveiled her sophomore EP, aptly titled “Voice of the East” (VOTE).

    The new release comes after her debut EP “Piece Of Me” which provides a fascinating look into the thrilling and wide-ranging future of her career and exceptional talent

    Ugoccie, emerging as a force in the Nigerian music industry and gaining recognition and captivating the culturally appealing soundscape scored a great point from the choice of the title, “Voice of the East” (VOTE) EP, as a deliberate nod to her self-ascribed identity to unleash the power of the East through the EP. 

    This EP, just like her debut, demonstrates her artistic prowess and once again exhibits her distinctive musical identity that projects and extols praises of the richness of African culture, particularly the eastern part of Nigeria.

    The VOTE EP is an impressive collection of five tracks, each crafted precisely. Ugoccie continues to impress her audience with her unique sound and compelling lyrics. The EP also features noteworthy guest appearances from Onitsha-born siblings Umu Obiligbo adding an extra layer of brilliance to the project with the kind of production provided by Endeetones (Beatlord)

    Tracks Synopsis

    ISIMGBAKA

    ISIMGBAKA in Igbo means madness or someone who is not mentally okay. The song Isimgbaka starts off the VOICE OF THE EAST EP with a story of betrayal and how life always comes back at people who want to hurt others who have been nothing but good to them. It tells the story of a hustler who kept sending money home to her family but never got value for all the money she sent. 

    The moral of isimgbaka is never to hurt someone who has done you good. Only a mad person would do that

    ỤWA feat. Umuobiligbo

    The chorus of Ụwa is born from an ancient Igbo folklore that depicts that we are all beautiful in our way and that no one should take the world’s opinions seriously as people will always have something to say. 

    Ugochi and Umuobiligbo came together to create a masterpiece that would leave every listener glued from start to finish. 

    Ụwa means “world” in Igbo and the title is honed from the fact that the world will never be satisfied with whatever you do. Do you at the end of the day

    ỌGỌ M

    Ọgọ in Igbo means “kindness” or “charity” depending on the context and in this track, ugochi details how we live in a world where people have no conscience and would most likely repay an act of kindness with insubordination or wickedness.

    A popular Igbo adage says “ọgọ m, egbuna m” which translates to “may my kindness not kill me”.

    This is basically all Ugochi says in the song.

    That our kind deeds will not be the end of us.

    A masterpiece 

    EZI ENYI

    Ezi Enyi in Igbo means (good friend)

    In this story, Ugochi tells the story of how her friend tried to take a man that she loves from her which is very typical in the world that we live in. Every melody resonates with the listener for this particular one.

    MARANMA

    In Igbo land when things are good, we say “Ife Nile mara nma”. Which means that Things are going smoothly in essence. To crown this beautiful storytelling in her VOICE OF THE EAST EP, Ugoccie fuses amampiano with the Igbo flute to conjure this dance hall vibe that would still leave you rooted in the culture but swaying your hips in endless bliss. Maranma is the jam that takes you to the club after a long day of stress

    Note: all the songs in Voice of the East ep have Igbo titles. Ugochi came all out for the culture in the most beautiful way possible

    The VOTE EP is an intentional storytelling EP that brings a new spice to the kind of music Ugoccie makes. INTENTIONAL 

    STORY-TELLING MELODIES. The EP is inspired by life events and stories that have happened in real-time.

    Quote 

    “There’s no truer art than believing in yourself and bringing your seat to a table where the seats are all taken”

    “Stay true to your art, no one understands it better than you”

    Check out the VOTE EP here