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Tag: Afrobeats

  • Yuflazzy speaks on future of Afrobeats

    Yuflazzy speaks on future of Afrobeats

    Emerging recording artiste Mudasiru Yusuf Yemi popularly known as Yuflazzy, has said he firmly believes that Afrobeats are here to stay and will continue to grow in the Western world.

    According to the ‘TGIF’ crooner, he envisions Afrobeats becoming a genre with the highest number of subgenres in the history of music.

    “I’ve been saying it for a long time that Afrobeats is taking over, it has already gotten the recognition and significant popularity, and I believe it will continue to grow bigger,” he said.

    “Afrobeats is here to stay and grow bigger and better! Afrobeats will have the highest number of subgenres in the history of this planet, let the world wait and see,” he added.

    Read Also: Napoli coach downplays Osimhen’s absence

    Yuflazzy is eager to contribute to this growth and evolution of Afrobeats through his unique musical style and creative endeavors.

    Yuflazzy is a Nigerian recording artiste and songwriter who hails from hails from Suleja, Niger State, Nigeria. Playful yet introspective, his desire for a unique music style reflects his love of Afrobeats, from African music traditions.

    With a deep love for African music traditions, Yuflazzy has carved out a distinct musical style that combines playful elements with introspective lyrics. His classical music influences, combined with magical sounds, create a captivating listening experience for his growing fan base.

    In 2018, he released his first official single titled “O’hot”. In 2022, he dropped an EP called ‘Brutal Sounds’, a four-track project which earned him significant recognition in the music industry even as a newcomer. In this interview, he speaks about his journey to the entertainment industry, challenges, and success story among others.

  • YungManny: I’m uniting the world through Afrobeats

    YungManny: I’m uniting the world through Afrobeats

    Afrobeats artist Adurotoluwa Emmanuel Okanlawon aka YungManny has revealed that his mission is to unify the world through his craft.

    According to YungManny, his aspiration is to become a household name internationally, spanning continents and cultures.

    “My musical journey is about connecting with people globally. Beyond the music, I want the world to understand who YungManny truly is,” he said.

    He added, “My vision extends beyond personal recognition to a commitment to uplift gifted and hardworking individuals in the music industry. In December, Lagos will witness the soul of YungManny in shooting, interviewing, and performing.”

    Read Also: You can never be queen of afrobeats, Uche Maduagwu drags Tiwa Savage

    Amidst his ongoing musical pursuits, YungManny is sculpting a new Afrobeat EP, tentatively titled “Akata,” addressing stereotypes associated with being a Nigerian growing up in America.

    “In the symphony of YungManny’s life, every note, every achievement, and every ambition echoes the power of music to transcend borders and cultures. For me, the greatest accomplishment is not just musical success but knowing God. Music became my calling at the age of 13–14, transforming my dreams from football to the love of making good music.”

    With RIAA certification under his belt, coupled with notable projects including ‘Okanlawon the album,’ “Koyejo EP,” and “Omo Yankee EP,” which showcased his versatility and innovation.

  • Afropop singer Tynnie speaks on future of Afrobeats

    Afropop singer Tynnie speaks on future of Afrobeats

    Emerging Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter, Chukwunalu Newton Emeke also known as Tynnie, has said he firmly believes that Afrobeats are here to stay and will continue to grow in the Western world.

    According to the Delta-born singer, he envisions Afrobeats becoming a genre with the highest number of subgenres in the history of music.

    “I think we’re the future and we can all see how we are all doing with Afrobeats, we are the future and we’re here to stay,” he said.

    “Afrobeats will have the highest number of subgenres in the history of this planet, let the world wait and see,” he added.

    Read Also; Tinubu holds Ndigbo in high esteem – Shettima

    Tynnie is eager to contrib​ute to this growth and evolution of Afrobeats through his unique musical style and creative endeavors.

    In terms of his current projects, Tynnie is currently working on his highly anticipated debut EP, set to be released in 2024. This project will undoubtedly showcase his artistic growth and further solidify his position as a rising star in the music industry.

    Tynnie recently released a new song titled “Wait”, an original proper Afro-fusion song laced with good instrumentals with nice lyric flows.

    “Wait” which was produced by Wavy, mixed and mastered by Spyritmyx, is a follow-up to debut single Anabella which dropped in July 2022.

    With these two stunning songs already dropped, Tynnie has awesomely showcased his potential and capability as a newcomer with a lot of talents.

    Tynnie, who is a versatile recording artiste with no doubt, has shown the industry the versatility of his talent right from his debut song.

  • Davido, Burna Boy, others nominated for MTV EMAs inaugural Afrobeats category

    Davido, Burna Boy, others nominated for MTV EMAs inaugural Afrobeats category

    Organisers of the MTV Europe Music Awards have introduced a brand new category ‘Best Afrobeats’ in its 2023 edition.

    The category was included in 2023 MTV EMA nomination list, which was made public on Wednesday, September 4th.

    Mega stars Davido, Rema, Burna Boy, Asake, Ayra Starr and French sensation Aya Nakamura are the category’s inaugural candidates.

    Rema’s collaborative hit track ‘Calm Down’ with America’s Selena Gomez was nominated in the ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best Collaboration’ categories.

    Read Also: Davido reacts as fans ask afrobeats singer to steer clear of politics

    Burna Boy, Asake, Tanzanian star, Diamond Platnumz, Cameroonian diva, Libianca, and South Africa’s Tyler ICU were nominated in the ‘Best African Act’ category.

    Burna Boy was also nominated in the “Best Live Performer” alongside Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd (who now goes by his birth name, Abel Tesfaye), and others.

    American singer, Taylor Swift led all nominees for the 2023 MTV EMAs with seven nods including; ‘Best Artist’, ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best Video’, the latter for her single ‘Anti-Hero.’

    The 2023 MTV EMAs is scheduled for November 5, 2023, in Paris, France and would be broadcasted live to more than 150 countries.

  • I expected my fall after ditching Afrobeats for R&B, says Singer Tems

    I expected my fall after ditching Afrobeats for R&B, says Singer Tems

    Multi award-winning singer, Temilade Openiyi aka Tems has stated she was prepared to face the dire consequences of actions in her career.

    The artist said she was expecting the great fall and retrogression after she ditched afrobeats to do R&B.

    Tems said she so much believed in herself that she didn’t bother if she never become “anything or anyone” with R&B.

    Read Also: My journey in life is a testimony – Singer Tems

    The ‘Essence’ crooner said all she want was to get her message out clear

    She disclosed this in a chat with American rapper, Kendrick Lamar, published in the latest volume of Interview Magazine.

    Tems said: “I was prepared to die. I believed in myself so much that I didn’t really care if I never became anything or anyone.

    ” I just wanted to get a message out. I wanted to get my frequency out. And I was like, ‘Even if ten people hear this, it’s fine.’ But also along the way, I used to listen to a lot of Nigerian music and I wasn’t getting a lot of spiritual. I love Celine Dion, so, I love that intense feeling of, I’m about to jump off a cliff. That’s how I want my music to feel all the time, and Afrobeats wasn’t necessarily giving me that type of stimulation.”

    She said everyone she asked for advice from back then urged her to do afrobeats, saying, “The only way you can do this is Afrobeats. It’s not that your music is bad, it’s just that it doesn’t fit in Nigeria. Nigerians don’t like this.”

    The Oscar-nominated singer said she refused to give up because money was not her goal.

  • Runtown back with new EP, ‘Tradition

    After sporadic appearances on the scene over the past three years, Nigerian singer, Runtownis back with new ‘EP, Tradition’.

    The EP comes after his appearance opposite Walshy Fire of Major Lazer and Alkaline on single titled, ‘No Negative Vibes.’

    The title, Tradition according to him has a meaning that is aimed at the singer’s detractors. Genre: Afrobeats, afro-pop while the Date of Release is May 31, 2019. Runtown has since released this message on his Instagram page @runtown;

  • Seun Kuti shares rare picture, promises to keep Fela’s legacy

    Seun Kuti, son of legendary musician, Afrobeats founder and socio-political activist, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, shared a rare photo of himself and his father, Fela, via Instagram over the weekend.

    In the picture, Seun, as a boy, seems to be standing and looking forward, while Fela is seated, glancing sideway.

    “My main man and I, the way we were always together ehn, e still dey pain many of them oooo,” he wrote.

    Seun also revealed he is keeping his promise to the survival of Fela’s political ideology and his band, Egypt 80.

    “Dem still dey wonder why u loved me sooo much but dem no fit know. Baba MOP don become Naija Resisitance movement ooo @naijaresistancemovement and I dey keep my promise and the band alive. #quickupdate #getthesax

    After success in using his music to his thoughts on critical political, social and economic issues confronting Nigeria, Fela veered into politics. However, the party he founded, Movement of the People (MOP), was not registered by the then military government. After his death on August 2, 1997, Seun assumed leadership of Fela’s band, the Egypt 80, which continues to play till this day. And just like his father, Seun uses his music to advocate ideals which Fela stood for. He is also aligned with Naija Resistance Movement, whose vision is: “Rejuvenating Africanism In Our Motherland” and its mission is “A Pan Africanist Group Seeking African Solutions To African Predicaments.”

    The picture has generated over 5, 300 likes and over 200 comments.

    Among those who connected with his thoughts was broadcaster, entertainer and politician, Dayo Adeneye, who said: “@bigbirdkuti My brother, keep doing your thing & pushing the limits jare,” wrote the Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy from dayod1adeneye.

    “Let the haters do their job. Teni begi lo ju igi a ruwe.”

    An Instagram user, sangoa, wrote: “Beautiful photograph Seun. You are your father’s son. May you live long and continue to fight for Africans, Nigerians, Yòrubás as well as constantly blessing the world with your gift of sound. Olodumare willing.”

    Other celebrities that interacted with the post include artist LAOLU, rapper FalzTheBadGuy, author Isiah Washington, actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande, TV host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Ghanaian musician Stonebwoy.

  • YouTube spotlights Burna Boy, celebrates Afrobeats

    YOUTUBE, on Tuesday, launched its Spotlight Story documentary on Nigerian Afro-fusion singer and songwriter Burna Boy.

    Famed for his 2012 single “Like to Party”, Burna Boy has become one of the leading musical voices on the African continent and an international YouTube sensation.

    The 18-minute documentary, which can be viewed here, was launched at an exclusive watch party and tells the story of the rise of AfroBeats and the role YouTube has played, through Burna Boy’s eyes. Additionally, the video sees Burna Boy and his manager and mum, Bose Ogulu sharing some of his coming-of-age stories.

    This is not the first time YouTube has built a story around Burna Boy. In October 2018, he got an ‘Artist on the Rise’ feature on the YouTube for Artists web page

    The video streaming service has played a major role in supporting African musicians and artists in sharing their voice, art and culture with the world. Not only does YouTube’s global reach help break artists, and bring African music to the world, its audience makes fan content that helps amplify the reach of African voices. Additionally, YouTube’s technology allows music producers to be inspired and to collaborate like never before.

    “Cultural movements grow and build on YouTube,” says Addy Awofisayo, YouTube Content Partnerships Manager, Sub Saharan Africa. “African music is the most recent example. For years now, YouTube has played an essential role in the discovery and development of African sound, exporting African music to listeners worldwide, enabling collaborations within the global and regional music industry, and accelerating the transition to digital for fans on the continent.”

    A large share of YouTube views for top African artists come from outside the continent, with international artists such as Kanye West, Beyonce, and Childish Gambino integrating African elements into their music, choreography, and visual style.

    “Ten years ago, African producers and artists had no easy way to hear, be inspired by, and influence sounds and artistry from around the world,” says Awofisayo. “YouTube technology changed that.”

    “It will continue to do so too,” she adds. “With the launch of products such as YouTube Go in 2018, more African artists will be able to share their work with an increasingly large audience, fully cementing their place on the global map.”

  • YouTube celebrates rise of Afrobeats, spotlight on Burna Boy

    YouTube on Tuesday launched its spotlight story documentary on Nigerian Afro-fusion singer and songwriter, Damini Ogulu, known professionally as Burna Boy.

    Addy Awofisayo, YouTube Content Partnerships Manager, Sub- Saharan Africa, said that Burna Boy had become one of the leading musical voices on the African continent and an international YouTube sensation.

    According to her, Burna Boy catapulted to fame with the 2012 release of his single “Like to Party’’.

    “The 18-minute documentary, which can be viewed, tells the story of the rise of Afrobeats and the role YouTube has played, through Burna Boy’s eyes.

    “In addition, the video sees Burna Boy and his Manager, Bose Ogulu (his mum), sharing some of his coming-of-age stories.

    “This is not the first time YouTube has built a story around Burna Boy. In October 2018, he got an ‘Artist on the Rise’ feature on the YouTube for Artists’ web page.

    “Video streaming service has played a major role in supporting African musicians and artistes in sharing their voice, art and culture with the world,’’ Awofisayo said in statement.

    READ ALSO: Burna Boy partners LA-based DJDs on new EP

    Awofisayo said that “not only does YouTube’s global reach helps break artistes, and brings African music to the world, its audience makes fan content that help amplify the reach of African voices.’’

    She said that YouTube’s technology allowed music producers to be inspired and to collaborate more.

    “Cultural movements grow and build on YouTube. African music is the most recent example.

    “For years now, YouTube has played an essential role in the discovery and development of African sound.

    “It has helped in exporting African music to listeners worldwide, enabling collaborations within the global and regional music industry and accelerating the transition to digital for fans on the continent,’’ Awofisayo said.

    She said that a large share of YouTube views for top African artistes came from outside the continent with international artistes such as Kanye West, Beyonce and Childish Gambino integrating African elements into their music, choreography, and visual style.

    According to her, 10 years ago, African producers and artistes had no easy way to hear, be inspired by and influence sounds and artistry from around the world.

    “YouTube technology changed all that. It will continue to do so too.

    “With the launch of products such as YouTube Go in 2018, more African artistes will be able to share their work with an increasingly large audience, fully cementing their place on the global map,’’ Awofisayo said.