Ayra Starr Goes Platinum, African Designers Dominate Met, Apple Music Spotlights Africa

Ayra Starr goes platinum, Ayo Edebiri channels her roots at Met Gala, and a Ghanian chef champions African cuisine. Plus, African designers dominate the Met, Afrocentric films head to the New York African Film Festival, and Apple Music spotlights Africa’s hottest music capitals.

Mary Obiri-Ibe May 12, 2025 — 4 minutes read

Ayra Starr Goes Platinum, African Designers Dominate Met, Apple Music Spotlights Africa — *Image Credit: Ayra Starr Central/Instagram*

Welcome to Vol 134 of The Spread!

Hello and welcome back to The Spread; your weekly edit of all the best stories and global news about Africans shaping mainstream culture.

One of the best things about being a certified fashion lover is having a legitimate excuse to spend my entire weekend obsessing over MET Gala looks without shame. And let me just say, our African faves? They ate. Honestly, I’m still recovering.

Anyway, I hope May’s been kind to you so far. Whether you’re chasing big goals or just trying to stay afloat, try to remember that slow progress is still progress.

Mary x

Now, on to the real peel 👇

Ayra Starr Goes Platinum, African Designers Dominate Met, Apple Music Spotlights Africa

This post is for subscribers only

Grace Ladoja Expands Homecoming, Rema Wins at Headies, Assefa Breaks Marathon Record

Burna Boy Shuts Down Stade de France, Savara Redefines Kenyan Sound, Mo Abudu Joins TIME 100

Amoako Boafo Brings Accra To London, Wizkid Shares Documentary and Yinka Shonibare Debuts in Africa

Cassper Nyovest Set To Headline in Cape Town, Oxlade Drops Deluxe Album, and SA Film Festival Returns

Little Simz Curates London's Meltdown ‘25, Joeboy Hits New Era, and ZUGU TV Expands Globally

Davido Unveils Five-City Tour, Xowié Wins Big, and Lagos Gallery Weekend Returns