Afrobeats artist MAHAKWE has released a new single “Libre Like Mandela”, a statement of freedom and legacy. At the crossroads of the personal and the collective, MAHAKWE explores a lived, everyday freedom, carried by bilingual writing that moves between French and English.
“The title draws inspiration from those who resisted, spoke out, and stood tall when giving in felt easier,” explains MAHAKWE.
Inspired by Nelson Mandela, Thomas Sankara and Yaa Asantewaa, and the voice of Miriam Makeba, the track weaves past, present, and future into a single, conscious momentum.
MAHAKWE was born in Nigeria but has roots in Lyon, France.
“Libre Like Mandela” by MAHAKWE is out now on all streaming platforms.
Swiss producer and songwriter Samarky has released “When Gold Turns To Dust”, a melodic Afro / Deep House track blending warm grooves with emotional vocals performed by Nigerian singer Lodù.
The song explores a timeless theme: when success fades and the shine disappears, the true intentions of the people around us become visible.
When Gold Turns To Dust” is a melodic Afro House track about how people’s true colors appear when the shine fades and things get quiet.
“When Gold Turns To Dust” by Samarky and Lodù is out now on all streaming platforms.
From Victoria Island to Mushin, Phanxx has been on a journey most people haven’t noticed… yet. He started writing poems at seven, turned them into songs, and has been chasing every studio, audition, and performance opportunity along the way.
With two EPs ready and a new single coming soon, one thing is clear: we’ve decided it’s time to stop gatekeeping Phanxx.
Okay first — where did the name even come from?
My name is Ope which means Thanks so I just decided to spell it out as Phanxx.
Tell me about early life- where were you born and where did you go to school?
I was born in Victoria Island, Lagos, till about 9 years when my parents moved to Mushin in Lagos. I attended Command Children School for my primary education & Command Secondary School Lagos for my secondary education. I hold a B.sc in Criminology & Security Studies.
How and when did you start making music?
Music started for me as a hobby, I listened to all sorts of music growing up, but my major influence was seeing my elders sibling doing choir rehearsals at home. But I started writing poems at about 7 years of age & started writing my own music from Secondary School. After I got out of Secondary school, I attended almost every musical audition. From here, I knew I wasn’t turning back.
At what point did you think, “yeah… this music thing is actually serious”?
After I won a musical audition in Lagos, then I was given the reward of cash prize & free recording sessions in a state of the art music studio, which introduced me properly into the music industry.
What kind of mood are you usually in when you’re creating?
Most times, it’s free flow, I don’t try to engineer my mood, I just go with the flow, but most times, I like to be happy when I’m recording.
What’s something about you people always get wrong?
That I’m shy because I don’t talk too much, or that I’m not capable of being vengeful.
What song of yours feels the most like you?
I love all my songs, but for now I will say *Calvary* .
— Afrobeats Head Loves Timothee Ideh (@AfrobeatsHead) September 1, 2025
What’s the toughest thing about being an independent artist?
Funding and people always trying to one up you or humble you in the creative industry.
How do you promote your music as an independent artist?
Social media is one, I make appealing videos & I also use every traditional method of music promotion; blogs, radio, TV, etc.
How easy is it for you to create content to promote your music?
It’s actually not the best part, but I have to do what I have to do to get my music out there. Most times I enjoy the process, sometimes it’s just a necessity for visibility.
Has there been a moment you almost gave up?
I have never had moments like this, I know I’ll surely get to the top, so no matter what the situation is, I’m always optimistic about the reward my music will bring me.
What’s been inspiring you lately?
I have a lot of music inside of me, & I want to make sure I maximise all my potential while I’m here.
Tell me about your new song “Shine” and what inspired it?
Shine is just a record that speaks about someone who wants to achieve success in his/her aspirations. Being successful to me means I’m shining.
What are you currently working on that you’re excited about?
I have 2 EP’s ready & will be dropping a new single next month.
If someone meets you for the first time today, what should they know?
I would love them to know that I’m simple, not performative, love to treat people the way i want to be treated & that I’ll definitely be one of the greatest musical export from Africa.
Nigerian artist Hustine returns with a powerful new single titled “Shadi.”
Based on his personal experience with disappointment and vulnerability, the Afrobeats track includes Afro-fusion, Melodic Pop & Contemporary R&B influences.
Speaking on the release, Hustine shares:
“‘Shadi’ is 100% about my emotions, the kind you don’t always get to say out loud. I wanted the song to feel honest, relatable, and timeless.”
“Shadi” by Hustine is out now on all streaming platforms.
Nigerian artist BIDEX Da Solechild is back with “Wa (Come Reason Us)”, a socially conscious Afrobeats/Amapiano fusion record that addresses the consequences of failed governance, corruption, economic hardship, and the danger of refusing to learn from history — with a focus on Nigeria’s current realities.
The song references Fela Kuti as a nod to the legacy of African protest music while the Yoruba chorus translates into a warning: If we refuse wisdom and truth, suffering will follow.
“Wa (Come Reason Us)” by BIDEX Da Solechild is out now on all streaming platforms.
Nigerian artist AdeJosh has released his new Afrobeats single “Made for You”
The UK-based artist fuses Afrobeats, Dancehall, Hip-Hop, and R&B into a sound that is both globally resonant and deeply personal.
Influenced by artists such as Usher and Michael Jackson, and shaped by frequent trips to Nigeria, AdeJosh’s sound reflects a rich fusion of culture, rhythm, and melody.
Since his debut in 2016, he has collaborated with notable artists and producers including Afro B, LAX, Mayorkun, Gabzy, Blaqbonez, and Keys The Prince.
AdeJosh has also appeared at Made In Lagos Festival, Indigo at The O2, and supported Lojay on the XOXO Tour and BNXN at Indigo O2.
“Made for You” by AdeJosh is out now on all streaming platforms.
