Afrobeats Singer and songwriter Ifeoma Blessing Iwuama popularly known as Zlato Queen is set to captivate audiences once again with the release of her highly anticipated new single, Yoka-Yoka.
With a voice that reasons and lyrics that speak volume. Zlato Queen is ready to make waves across the music industry.
Yoka-Yoka which comes out April 1, 2024, highlights Zlato Queen’s unique ability to blend heartfelt emotion with an undeniable beat. This amazing masterpiece is an impressive one and with a vibrant tune that comes with an energetic performance, laced with a soothing and refreshing vibe that was carefully orchestrated by Zlato Queen.
Produced by Naughty Beat’s, the track encapsulates themes of emotional love songs to reflect the first day someone have met his/her soulmates in life. Reflecting Zlato Queen’s deep passion and commitment to authenticity in her music.
“Music is a powerful tool for connection and healing, Zlato Queen says. With Yoka-Yoka, I wanted to share a piece of my love journey and create something that listeners can truly feel and relate to.”
Ifeoma Blessing Iwuama popularly known as Zlato Queen was born in June 1994, in Anambra State, Nigeria.
She is a burgeoning Afrobeats and pop singer-songwriter.
Raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She hails from a small family of two.
Ifeoma completed her education at the Institute of Management and Technology Enugu (IMT).
Her passion for music traces back to her upbringing in Bamenda, Cameroon, where it became an integral part of her life.
After a stint in the banking industry, including a tenure at Diamond bank now Access Bank, Ifeoma returned to Nigeria to pursue her musical aspirations.
Afrobeats artist Gostav has released a new single titled “All the Way” “All The Way” is a high-energy Afrobeat track with an urban touch, capturing the intensity of love and devotion. On the track, Gostav tells the story of Omotena, a passionate and possessive woman who craves undivided attention.
With driving rhythms, an unforgettable hook, and a beat that commands movement, Gostav declares his willingness to go all the way for love, no matter the obstacles.
Produced by Prod. Liberty, the track blends Afrobeat grooves with a raw and dynamic sound, delivering an undeniable hit for the dancefloor and the streets alike.
The collaboration with Prod. Liberty was sparked on Instagram when Gostav was inspired by a beat Prod. Liberty posted.
About the Artist
Gostav is an independent singer and songwriter from Edo State, Nigeria, making his mark in the Afrobeat scene. His music blends Afrobeat, Hip-Hop & RnB. He balances a tough, streetwise energy with emotional depth, making his music relatable and powerful.
Still an underground artist, Gostav has been steadily building his name with his distinctive voice and gripping storytelling.
Flushed cheeks usually come in pairs. Your cheeks sync up and fill with pigment, providing non-verbal bodily cues that your body temperature has been spiked by something: nerves, embarrassment, heat, arousal.
Their flush blows your social cover and broadcasts that what you want is near enough to touch.
When only one cheek flushes, this could be the result of a slap, self-administered or coming from someone who mo- mentarily lost their cool.
Or it is not at all about you or your body, but about the eyes of your beholder, affected by a form of myo- pic vision, a shortness of depth that only allows for one cheek to be seen at a time.
It may be just an anomaly, like a body without organs, a film without images, or a song that erases words and, in this way, generates waves of anti-climaxes that come exactly when they’re supposed to, as if according to the grid.
What is there to “pop” in a song that simultaneously has and doesn’t have lyrics, a song that ends before it finds its way to its hypothetical-yet-absent anthemic chorus, a song that while broody and loopy, still worms up into not one, but both of your ears?
These conceptual questions underlie “One Flushed
Cheek,” the newest album from Sadie Siegel, Seth Weiner’s music project and alter ego.
For over a decade now, Sadie Siegel & Seth Weiner have explored the sculptural qualities of sound, thinking of the latter as a tactile expression of material and an architectural act.
“One Flushed Cheek” is a continuation of this practice.
Some of the album’s songs bring the artist’s characteristically fleeting chants and recordings of his domestic life, blended with synthetically generated beats and vocal fragments.
At the same time though, with this new collection of compositions, the artist veers into a distinctly different creative place.
It’s the first album where. Sadie Siegel & Seth Weiner tackle conventional pop song. Structures through a series of simultaneous pushes and pulls, as if both resisting and succumbing to the music genre’s insistence on narrative language.
Sadie Siegel & Seth Weiner do not usually perform their music live, opting instead for creating an immersive, deep-listening ex- perience.
Imagining what form a physical record may take in a post-digital world, this project is set in the presentational form of a multimedia installation, accompanied by the album “give- aways,” i.e. the small, holdable textile sculptures pointing to a digital download of the songs and videos.
Each track has a video made by Rafał Morusiewicz, a visual artist and Weiner’s longtime friend.
The videos function less as a mere illustration of the album’s compositions, and more as an affective call-and-response to the endless creative-listening sessions that both artists had around the ephemeral and sculptural pop songs.
Compulsive and col- lage-based, Morusiewicz’s practice consists in engaging, through editing and digital image-manipulation technologies, with audio- visual material drawn from online-based film archives and shad- ow libraries, and mixing it with original footage, shot in ongoing collaboration with their life partner, Guilherme Maggessi.
The latter is the author of the album’s visual design and the producer of the ex- hibition’s setting, in which the project will be presented.
Weiner, in turn, has expanded the core album by compiling a companion piece, “B-Sides,” a distant cousin to the album, which forms a self-standing record. All these are the core components of “One Flushed Cheek.” Stream One Flushed Cheek
Davido might be collaborating with a popular K-pop artist in 2025. This is according to music industry experts, Jaese Productions which includes publicists Joella Nuer, Ella Okunmwendia, and AyòÌféolúwa.
Last year, the Grammy-nominated singer also hinted at a potential K-pop song in an interview with the UK’s Kiss Fresh FM
In light of recent interactions and conversations, the trio made nine bold predictions for 2025, mainly on the expanding influence of K-pop in Africa:
Licensing Deals With An African Company
An increasing number of African fans are showing a growing interest in purchasing albums and merchandise, drawing attention to the continent. Group orders have become a popular trend as fans eagerly seek more. This surge in demand leads us to predict that a licensing deal is on the horizon, making official merch and other collectibles more accessible and affordable.
Global Auditions Open to Africans
Over the past decade, K-pop auditions have spread globally, piquing interest in African fans. Along with the rise of numerous K-pop dance competitions across the continent, Jaese foresees a K-pop agency or producer actively seeking talents in Africa.
Collaborations between Korean and African Artists
With K-pop artists increasingly meeting African musicians at major events like Fashion Weeks, Jaese believes the likelihood of a collaboration is high. Notable interactions, such as GOT7 members Jackson Wang and Bambam with Adekunle Gold and Rema with Vernon, set the stage for future partnerships. G-Dragon’s mention of Africa in his single “Power” further underscores his interest in the continent, especially with his recent signing to Empire, a label that represents African stars like Asake and Black Sherif. On the African side, Nigerian singer Davido has hinted at a potential collaboration with a K-pop artist in 2025. Similarly, in November 2024, Nigerian music mogul Mr. Eazi visited Jay Park’s More Vision, having long expressed his desire to collaborate with a K-pop artist since 2019. Jay Park on the other hand, has also expressed interest in touring in Nigeria and other African countries.
K-pop Acts Performing In Africa
Following ATEEZ’s groundbreaking appearance at the Mawazine Festival in Morocco, it’s highly likely that a major K-pop group will follow in their footsteps. Additionally, Jaese predicts that a K-pop artist will include Rabat, Nairobi, and Johannesburg as stops on their 2025 tour. African K-pop fans have united on the fan-driven global touring platform TOORLY to show their enthusiasm for bringing K-pop acts to their cities. Notably, up-and-coming Korean artists tend to explore newer regions before the more established acts. With Must B’s visit to South Africa and Henny’s performance in Angola, we anticipate that a rising K-pop act will hold a tour in Africa. Potential tour stops include South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt.
Increase in K-pop Streams from the African Continent
According to the TurnTable Charts in Nigeria, K-pop captured 2% of the Nigerian charts in 2024. Artists like Rosé, aespa, NewJeans, and Jimin achieved significant success in the West African nation. Following the return of G-Dragon, EXO’s KAI, BTS, BLACKPINK, and GOT7—artists who paved the way for K-pop’s rise in Africa—Jaese predicts that streaming numbers are set to increase even further this year.
Increase in “K-Afro Tracks”
In 2024, over 20 K-pop acts released songs incorporating influences from the African continent. Artists from other Asian countries including Thailand, China, and Malaysia equally dabbled into sounds from Africa and enjoyed great success. Jaese predicts a rise in Afro-influenced tracks in 2025, with some artists drawing inspiration from Tyla’s 2024 hits, including “Truth or Dare.” This time, we may see collaboration with African producers and songwriters, further blending the sounds of both continents.”
More K-pop Acts Featuring on African Platforms
In 2024, Jaese facilitated or published interviews with P1Harmony, Kep1er, BM, Fatou, and Blackswan. This year, we can expect even more K-pop artists to engage with their African fans across various media platforms. While most of these interviews were hosted by South African and Ghanaian outlets, Jaese envisions an expansion to other countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco.
A Writing Workshop for African K-pop Fans
African fans of Korean music and culture with a passion for journalism will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop led by seasoned K-entertainment writers from around the world. To take part in the workshop, individuals must sign up for the Jaese Writers Club.
Ghanaian Team on Street Woman Fighter
The teaser for the fourth edition of MNET’s Street Woman Fighter was released, featuring a mention and display of the Ghanaian flag. Jaese believes that a Ghanaian dancer or dance team will feature in this year’s edition of the popular dance show.
A GREAT YEAR FOR K-POP IN NIGERIA
In 2024, K-pop acts made a notable impact on Nigeria’s premier chart system, the TurnTable Charts, accounting for 1% on the Official Artist Top 100, 2% on the Official Streaming Songs and Official Radio Songs charts, 3% on the Official Nigeria Top 100, and 16% on the Official Top 100 Albums.
BLACKPINK member ROSÉ emerged as the top charting K-pop artist in Nigeria in 2024. Armageddon The 1st Album by SM Entertainment’s aespa held the title of the most-streamed K-pop album in Nigeria. Women continued to dominate the charts with DAY6, Jimin, and Stray Kids being the only male acts. Other notable highlights were K-bands DAY6 and QWER making an appearance on the Album chart for the first time.
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 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.
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”
Ghanaian Afrobeats artist Twicy won two awards at the 2024 Central Music Awards, topping off an impressive year.
The “Live it Up” singer was named Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year at the ceremony which was held Friday, November 29th in the Ghanaian city of Cape Coast.
Twicy was nominated in an impressive eight categories including Songwriter of the Year, Video of the Year.
This caps an impressive year which saw the rising star take over the airwaves in Nigeria, Ghana and the UK with two hit songs “Lotto” and “Live it Up”
Shortly after the release of his debut album Far Away, the singer went on a media tour in Lagos, the entertainment capital of Africa where he had a growing fanbase.
He opened up about his life and career during interviews with some of the country’s most popular media personalities including Osi Suave at the Beat FM, and Melissa at Vybz FM.
He also appeared on Silverbird TV, Soundcity Radio and ESplash on TVC.
The award-winning singer has also been praised for his performance of “Live it Up” on the Glitch Africa stage.
With such an impressive outing in 2024, the singer is no doubt poised to extend his lead as one of the most talented emerging artists in the Afrobeats scene.
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.
