Trevor Noah Lands Grammy Nod, Njerae Reinvents R&B, Champz Makes History

Trevor Noah celebrates a fresh Grammy nod, Njerae reshapes East African R&B, and Soweto Fashion Week returns in full colour. Plus, Champz makes history on the charts, Banke Kuku blends art and fashion, and Africa’s top destinations set the tone for 2026.

Mary Obiri-Ibe November 17, 2025 — 4 minutes read

Trevor Noah Lands Grammy Nod, Njerae Reinvents R&B, Champz Makes History — *Image via Vanity Fair*

Welcome to Vol 161 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.

Oh, to be young and African in 2025; what a time to be alive.

This week alone has been a masterclass in why the culture stays undefeated. Trevor Noah's snagged yet another Grammy nomination, Soweto Fashion Week came back louder than ever, and over in East Africa, Njerae is giving R&B a brand new language.

And wait, wait, wait! We've got another member spotlight dropping this week, and I cannot wait for you to meet them.

Mary x,

Now on to the real peel 👇