Welcome to Vol 120 of The Spread! If you’re new here, welcome, you’re in good company. If you're not, welcome back, we hope you missed us.

We’re kicking off our first newsletter of the year with some exciting new updates!

In addition to your weekly roundup of Africans making waves in global news and mainstream culture, we’re launching Marmalade Member Mondays–bi-weekly virtual events, and hosting IRL Meetups starting in February. And that’s not all!

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Mark your calendars for our exclusive quarterly events, including the ultimate house party experience, JAM, and our intimate Homemade Supperclub, coming in March. (But these events are just for paid members, so don’t miss out!). Discover more

Now, on to the real peel...

FEATURE STORY

🇳🇬 Nigerians Nominated For The 67th Grammy Awards

Image Courtesy of Grammys

The Grammys have come and gone (again), and just like last year, it was another moment for Nigerian music in the global spotlight. Even though 2024 wasn’t exactly the most groundbreaking year for Afrobeats internationally, the nominations told a different story.

Eight Nigerians, including heavyweights like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, secured a spot on the list, and even more impressively, Tems made history as the first Nigerian artist nominated in a major category: Best R&B Song. Also worth celebrating, was Rema’s genre-blending HEIS which stood out as a top contender for Best Global Album. And with Trevor Noah returning as host, the night was packed with unforgettable moments, cementing Afrobeats' place on music’s biggest stage.

Image Source: Tomi Adeyemi/Instagram
Image Source: Kojo Kingsley Schindler/Instagram

⏳ Trivia Time

Who is set to play a live action Zélie in the upcoming Children of Blood and Bones movie?


A) Amandla Stenberg
B) Tosin Cole
C) Thuso Mbedu
D) Dominique Fishback

Scroll to the very bottom for the answer.


ICYMI

🧭 Guide: This Founder Turned His Struggle With Identity Into A Global Movement

Image Courtesy of Paakow Essandoh

When you think of sportswear, it’s easy to focus on performance or style—but MIZIZI takes it a step further, fusing fashion with cultural identity. Founded in 2015 by Paakow Essandoh, MIZIZI is a global sportswear brand that’s all about celebrating African roots and creating a deeper connection for the African diaspora. The brand’s name, which means "roots" in Swahili, speaks to its mission: reminding people of their cultural origins and allowing them to proudly express that through fashion.

In this conversation with Paakow, we dive into his journey, experiences and the brand’s mission to highlight cultural identity.


What We're...

📰 Reading: Myah Ariel’s breathtaking romance fiction, “No Ordinary Love”

🎧 Listening to: So It Goes, by Black Sherif and Fireboy DML.

📺 Watching: Perfect Woman, a short film about sisterhood, survival and the realities of cervical cancer.

🎟️ Booking: Jamming at London’s ultimate African Electronic Music experience: Jika Fridays, hosted by Egg London

👀 Eyeing: The iconic hand-embellished Zaza Bag by Onalaja

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At Marmalade, we believe in celebrating all the incredible voices that make our community thrive. Are you a creative shaking up the scene, an entrepreneur building something bold, or a culture enthusiast with a story or two to tell? We'd like to hear from you!

Want to be featured? This is your space to share your journey, showcase your work, and inspire a community that truly sees you.

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Hit reply, and we'll give your story the spotlight it deserves!

👏 That's a wrap!

Did we miss anything? Or just want to say hey? We'd love to hear from you! You can...


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Trivia Answer: C) Thuso Mbedu
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