Mowalola Ogunlesi and Obongjayar rethink Nigerian modernism, Shatta Wale and John Legend link up on a new single, and Davido gears up for a London festival. Plus Dave heads to South Africa, and Angélique Kidjo joins Ayra Starr on Aye Kan
Stonebwoy turns The Torcher II into a personal manifesto, Ibrahim Mahama delivers a must-watch art film, and Joshua Baraka steps into his breakout moment. Plus Doja Cat makes her Africa debut, and Black Coffee sets the stage for Lagos.
Olaolu Slawn trades canvas for sound with his debut album, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie becomes a Bvlgari icon, and Boity Thulo drops sneakers with Bathu. Plus Elijah Kitaka takes Ugandan sound global, and Maxhosa Africa lands in Paris.
Bukayo Saka and Tems bring football and music together for Arsenal, Anifa Mvuemba puts Hanifa on pause, and Angélique Kidjo gathers international stars for a global album. Plus PITH AFRICA takes its first pop-up to Europe, and Yvette Nsiah keeps us guessing with her art.
Damson Idris steps up for Formula 1, Tyla claims an NAACP Image Award, and Tiwa Savage builds for future creatives. Plus Theresia Kyalo’s jewelry goes global, Kanyinsola Onalaja makes the BFC Vogue shortlist, and Gideon Appah debuts at Pace.
Sade’s timeless music hits the charts, Kusi Kubi turns memory into fashion with PALMWINE IceCREAM, and Mike Kayihura stretches Rwanda’s sound. Plus, King Promise and Mr Eazi tap into millennial nostalgia, ELLE launches its African edition, and Bonko Khoza dominates the SAFTAs.
Uncle Waffles hits the road with Kaytranada, Africa’s lost artefacts find their way home, and 1-54 Marrakech reshapes a city. Plus, Tems and Burna Boy climb the Hot 100, African designers stir up LVMH, and Major League DJz build a legacy.
Thebe Magugu transforms Cape Town, Jon Batiste stuns in Nigerian couture, and Kachi Benson sparks change. Plus, Free The Youth makes Air Jordan history, Imane Ayissi dazzles in Paris, and Anok Yai champions self-care.
Khaby Lame locks in a landmark deal, Dave and Tems climb Spotify’s global charts, and African artists step into the Grammy spotlight. Plus, Tsitsi Dangarembga gets her flowers, Anthony Azekwoh’s Wedding finds a home, and African creatives continue their global takeover.
Anele Mdoda takes ambition and longevity seriously, Temi Coker brings art home, and Tyla teases her next era. Plus, Ciara returns to Benin, Wunmi Mosaku’s Oscar journey comes full circle, and Itaré signals a new wave for Tanzanian music.
MOLIY gets a global Spotify push, Wunmi Mosaku makes a major move with Disney+, and Trevor Noah prepares for his final Grammys run. Plus, Kunle Afolayan returns with a long-awaited sequel, Adama Paris shapes African fashion, and African cinema takes a stand at the Oscars.
Sandra Mujinga steps into the global art spotlight, Cape Town celebrates Second New Year at the Cape Minstrels Festival and Free The Youth links up with Jordan Brand in Ghana. Plus, Adekunle Gold stuns at the National Theatre and Angel Reese and Rema bet on African beauty.
Cynthia Erivo gets her MBE, Burna Boy breaks touring records, and Olaolu Slawn comes home. Plus, Maison Kébé takes Senegalese craft global, Ama Qamata steps into her purpose, and a new wave of African photographers shape the visual now.
A letter to the Marmalade Community from our Founder's desk ✍️
This is our last newsletter of the year. It’s a thank you for reading, staying, and being a part of Marmalade Collective. Before 2025 closes, here’s one last note from us, honest and unfiltered.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 hit the road with a US tour, Formula One gears up for a historic African return. Kitale Film Week gathers global movie lovers in Kenya, Afro Nation Portugal locks in major performances.
Here's what's coming up for the Marmalade community in February. Marmalade isn’t just a platform; it’s a community built by you. So, whether you're joining our virtual hangout or can't wait to meet up in-person, we’ve got something sweet lined up for everyone.
For a while, Kashope made the mistake of wanting to tell stories that felt distant, stories that didn’t resonate with him personally. But over time, he has realised that the things around him—those unique, everyday experiences— are what make his work distinct.
1-54 hits Morocco, while Togo Yeye’s new collab stuns. Children of Blood and Bone preps for release, and M.A.D Solutions partners with YouTube. Meanwhile, AfroFuture takes African culture to the US, Kitchener’s Carvery Bar reopens in Jo’burg, and Kojo Kingsley Schindler fuses football and fashion.
For Paakow, Founder of Mizizi, community boils down to the communication and the depth of the conversations that you're having
Happy New Year from all of us at Marmalade! As we step into 2025, we’re filled with excitement and purpose, thanks to you—our vibrant and ever-growing community. This year, we’re doubling down on what makes Marmalade unique...
