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Tag: Grand Tycoon

  • Grand Tycoon, Davido, Asake, emerge Africa’s Top 50 visibility leaders

    Grand Tycoon, Davido, Asake, emerge Africa’s Top 50 visibility leaders

    Renowned journalist, poet, spoken word artist and author, Tofarati Ige, aka Grand Tycoon, has been named among the prestigious list of “50 African Personalities and Brands Who Have Mastered the Art of Visibility” by Visibility 50 Africa (2025), a continental recognition celebrating individuals and brands that have successfully built influence, relevance and impact through strategic visibility.

    A multi-talented creative force, Grand Tycoon has distinguished himself across journalism, literature and performance arts. An award-winning journalist by profession and a poet by passion, he is widely known for his sharp storytelling, lyrical depth and ability to connect culture with contemporary narratives. His work continues to resonate across Africa’s media, performance and literary landscapes.

    In 2025, Tofarati recorded standout performances at major cultural and creative platforms, including Gbenga Adeyinka’s Laffmattazz Lagos Edition and Asiri’s “I Don’t Need Your Opinion” comedy show, further cementing his reputation as a compelling spoken word artist and performer. Beyond the stage, he plays a significant role in shaping conversations around culture and lifestyle as a Lifestyle Editor, where his editorial voice amplifies African stories with authenticity and nuance.

    As an author, Tofarati Ige has also made his mark with acclaimed literary works, including Town Crier and Oriki, a collection of evocative praise poetry that draws from African oral traditions while engaging modern themes. His writing reflects a deep commitment to preserving cultural identity while pushing creative boundaries.

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    The Visibility 50 Africa initiative celebrates African personalities and brands that have mastered the art of staying visible, relevant and impactful in an increasingly competitive and digital-driven world. Being named among the honorees places Tofarati Ige in the company of influential leaders, creatives and innovators across various industries on the continent.

    Reacting to the recognition, Ige described it as both humbling and affirming. He added, “It reminds me that visibility, when rooted in purpose, becomes responsibility. I see this recognition not as a destination, but as a call to do more—tell truer stories, amplify African voices, and build platforms where culture, creativity and truth can thrive. In 2026, my focus is on deepening impact through more intentional storytelling, expanding my literary and performance work across Africa, and creating spaces that empower the next generation of creatives to be seen, heard and valued.”

    Other personalities on the list include Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Funke Akindele, Ayra Starr, Joshua Selman, Nathaniel Bassey, GehGeh, Bimbo Ademoye and Chimamanda Adichie.

  • Afrobeats culture is beyond just music, says Grand Tycoon

    Afrobeats culture is beyond just music, says Grand Tycoon

    Singer, rapper, spoken word artiste, author, and entertainment journalist, Tofarati Ige, popularly known as Grand Tycoon, has emphasised that the globally celebrated Afrobeats movement goes far beyond the music that many people associate it with.

    According to him, the culture embodies a rich and diverse array of artistic expressions that deserve equal recognition and global appreciation.

    In an interview with our correspondent, Grand Tycoon, who has published two books of poetry, noted that while Afrobeats music has successfully captured international attention and taken African sound to the world, other creative elements within the culture remain underexplored.

    He said, “Many people think that Afrobeats is just about music. But that is only a tip of the iceberg; barely scratching the surface. Afrobeats has other veritable expressions such as spoken word poetry, painting, hyping, dancing, and even fashion. But many people are carried away by the glamour that is associated with music, and neglect those other areas that can also bring in good money.”

    The creative, who also doubles as the Chief Executive Entertainer of Grand Tycoon Entertainment, added that the term “Afrobeats” should be viewed as an ecosystem that reflects the entire African creative identity.

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    “It is more than a sound. It’s a lifestyle, an attitude, a way of telling our stories through different mediums. From the way we dress to how we speak, dance, write, and perform; it is all part of the Afrobeats experience.”

    The ‘Town Crier’ writer, who has been active in both the entertainment and literary industries for over a decade, explained that spoken word poetry, in particular, has become one of the strongest cultural exports of Africa in recent years, yet it does not receive the same level of institutional or financial support as music.

    He stated, “If you look at poetry shows in places like Lagos, Nairobi, or Johannesburg, you’ll see young Africans expressing the same passion, rhythm, and creativity that drives our music. The cadence, beats and storytelling are all interconnected. But because the industry is not yet structured for it, poets and other non-musical creatives don’t enjoy the same opportunities.”

    Speaking further, he observed that Afrobeats has evolved from being a local genre into a global cultural brand, but the benefits have not been evenly distributed across its creative contributors.

     He urged young people to explore other creative paths within the Afrobeats ecosystem. “If you’re good at dancing, painting, hosting events, writing, or creating content, that’s part of the culture too. The same energy that makes a hit song can make a viral dance video or a captivating performance piece.

    Afrobeats has space for everyone who can bring something original to the table. The next global star from Africa might not be a musician. It could be a poet, dancer, digital artist, or fashion designer. We just need to give them the right platforms.”