> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.marmaladecollective.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # What's Poppin with Stefflon Don and BNXN, Fuji Opera in London, Gambia Jollof Wins - URL: https://www.marmaladecollective.com/whats-poppin-with-stefflon-don-and-bnxn-fuji-opera-in-london-gambia-jollof-wins/ - Published: 2023-08-21T09:00:33.000Z - Updated: 2023-08-21T09:00:32.000Z - Description: We're back with Vol. 56 of The Spread, our weekly edit of the best stories and global news on Africa(ns) influencing mainstream culture. - Author: Editorial Team - Tags: Newsletters, #winifred #### Highlights: - Stefflon Don, MOBO Award-Winning Artist, Collaborates with Nigerian Superstar BNXN on the New Single "What's Poppin" *via* [OkayAfrica](https://www.okayafrica.com/stefflon-don-bnxn-buju-team-up-on-whats-poppin/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) - London Exhibit Explores Nigeria's Fuji Music History in 'Fuji: A Opera' showcase.” *via [Africanews](https://www.africanews.com/2023/08/18/new-london-exhibition-fuji-a-opera-tells-the-story-of-nigerias-fuji-music-genr/?ref=marmaladecollective.com)* - Ndumiso Nyoni Uses his Illustrations to Share Authentic African Experiences with the World *via [Creativeboom](https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/ndumiso-nyoni/?ref=marmaladecollective.com)* - Life Size Teddy's Debut Single, 'Hypnotic', Explores the Concept of Pure Transcendence *via [NME](https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/lifesize-teddy-hypnotic-ep-mavin-records-listen-radar-3481296?ref=marmaladecollective.com)* - Helen Epega's Pidgin Opera, 'Song Queen', is Connecting Foreign Audiences with Africa *via* [OkayAfrica](https://www.okayafrica.com/helen-epega-pidgin-opera-song-queen/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) - The Dragon Boys, a Ghanaian Performance Troupe’s Short Film *via[ Tribeca films](https://tribecafilm.com/films/dragon-boys-2023?ref=marmaladecollective.com)* - The Gambia Wins Jollof Cooking Competition at West Africa Food Festival *via* [The Nation](https://nation.africa/africa/news/gambia-wins-jollof-cooking-competition-4339302?ref=marmaladecollective.com) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2023/06/pexels-gradienta-6984984.jpeg) ## Get these stories delivered to your inbox ### Join ****3,000+ subscribers** and get our 5-min weekly newsletter on the best stories and global news on Africa(ns). Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. #### Now, on to the real peel... ## Stefflon Don, MOBO Award-Winning Artist, Collaborates with Nigerian Superstar BNXN on the New Single "What's Poppin" [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2023/08/361596344_18378115990045773_3219981154218721368_n-1.jpg)](https://www.okayafrica.com/stefflon-don-bnxn-buju-team-up-on-whats-poppin/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) British rapper [Stefflon Don ](https://www.instagram.com/stefflondon/?ref=marmaladecollective.com)and Nigerian superstar [BNXN](https://www.instagram.com/toyourears/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) collaborate on the summer track "What's Poppin," part of their upcoming debut album, Island 54\. The track blends Afro-R&B and features sultry tones, while the visually captivating music video showcases their signature styles. The collaboration gained attention on TikTok and solidified Stefflon Don's global voice, ensuring a lasting impact on the music scene. [πŸ‘‰ Check it out on OkayAfrica](https://www.okayafrica.com/stefflon-don-bnxn-buju-team-up-on-whats-poppin/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) ## London Exhibit Explores Nigeria's Fuji Music History in 'Fuji: A Opera' showcase.” [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2023/08/367998087_326598209955049_1576019893752096690_n.jpg)](https://www.africanews.com/2023/08/18/new-london-exhibition-fuji-a-opera-tells-the-story-of-nigerias-fuji-music-genr/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) **Press rounds with Bobo Omotayo, Creator of FUJI: A Opera* The London exhibition "Fuji: A Opera" at the Africa Centre features Nigerian fuji music's history through archival materials and artefacts. Curated by [Bobo Omotayo](https://www.instagram.com/fujiopera/?ref=marmaladecollective.com), the immersive display spans four floors, providing edutainment about African culture and Nigerian history. Fuji's influential evolution over decades is highlighted, showing its impact on contemporary pop and Afrobeats. The exhibition runs from August 18 to 28, 2023. [πŸ‘‰ Check it out on Africanews](https://www.africanews.com/2023/08/18/new-london-exhibition-fuji-a-opera-tells-the-story-of-nigerias-fuji-music-genr/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) ## Ndumiso Nyoni Uses his Illustrations to Share Authentic African Experiences with the World [![Mr.Eazi courtesy of his IG Page](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2023/08/35312842_144257789779092_3987898540453003264_n-2.jpg)](https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/ndumiso-nyoni/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) **Ndumiso Nyoni's Illustrations* [Ndumiso Nyoni](https://www.instagram.com/ndumiso%5Fnyoni/?ref=marmaladecollective.com), a Johannesburg-based illustrator and motion designer, aims to showcase Africa's diversity and authenticity through his artwork. Despite societal pressures, Nyoni's passion for art has led to collaborations with major brands. His work reinterprets global icons and cartoon characters, combating stereotypes and showcasing Africa's multifaceted nature. His inspirations include Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu and his brother Sindiso Nyoni. [πŸ‘‰ Check it out on Creativeboom](https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/ndumiso-nyoni/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) ## Life Size Teddy's Debut Single, 'Hypnotic', Explores the Concept of Pure Transcendence [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2023/08/367425302_18381114121049709_193810111705438207_n.jpg)](https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/lifesize-teddy-hypnotic-ep-mavin-records-listen-radar-3481296?ref=marmaladecollective.com) **Lifesize Teddy Photo by Maxime Ellies* Nigerian artist [Lifesize Teddy](https://www.instagram.com/lifesize%5Fteddy/?ref=marmaladecollective.com), recently signed to Mavin Records, exudes self-assured confidence in her track "Hypnotic." Having undergone artist development under Mavin Records since 2020, Teddy's debut EP showcases frisky club beats and empowering energy. "Hypnotic" celebrates her femininity through smoky vocals and bass thrusts, conveying desire from a female perspective. The song seamlessly blends sung and rap verses, highlighting Teddy's versatility as she confidently enters the global music scene. [πŸ‘‰ Check it out on NME](https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/lifesize-teddy-hypnotic-ep-mavin-records-listen-radar-3481296?ref=marmaladecollective.com) ## Helen Epega's Pidgin Opera, 'Song Queen', is Connecting Foreign Audiences with Africa [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2023/08/359724343_18372778855020000_2485516765900531467_n.jpg)](https://www.okayafrica.com/helen-epega-pidgin-opera-song-queen/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) **Helen Epega. Image Courtesy of artists' IG page* Helen Epega, known as '[The Venus Bushfires,'](https://www.instagram.com/thevenusbushfires/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) created the world's first pidgin opera, "Song Queen." Infused with Nigerian pidgin and other marginalized languages, the opera celebrates her heritage and bridges cultural gaps. It tells the story of a singing tribe and its goal is to foster unity. Despite challenges, Epega hopes to make her opera a global success and inspire others in the industry. [πŸ‘‰ Check it out on OkayAfrica](https://www.okayafrica.com/helen-epega-pidgin-opera-song-queen/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) ## The Dragon Boys, a Ghanaian Performance Troupe’s Short Film [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2023/08/280553301_416668459946749_5517662209092193766_n.jpg)](https://tribecafilm.com/films/dragon-boys-2023?ref=marmaladecollective.com) **''Dragons' Photo Credit: Tom Ringsby* "The Dragon Boys" is a 12-minute 30-second short film set in Accra, Ghana, spotlighting a group of young men who have crafted a brotherhood based on acrobatics, dance, and fire breathing. Despite lacking formal training, they practice early and offer online tutorials. The performers, known as The Dragon Boys, symbolise strength and positivity within their community, mentoring and supporting local youth. The film, an experimental music/dance documentary directed by [Tom Ringsby](https://www.instagram.com/tomringsby/?ref=marmaladecollective.com), delves into their unique journey. [πŸ‘‰ Check it out on Tribeca Film](https://tribecafilm.com/films/dragon-boys-2023?ref=marmaladecollective.com) ## The Gambia Wins Jollof Cooking Competition at West Africa Food Festival [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2023/08/WhatsApp-Image-2023-08-16-at-4.57.08-PM-2-3.jpeg)](https://nation.africa/africa/news/gambia-wins-jollof-cooking-competition-4339302?ref=marmaladecollective.com) **Team Gambia at the WAFFEST in Nigeria* The Gambia clinched victory at the West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST) in Lagos, Nigeria, triumphing over strong contenders Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia in the Jollof competition. Led by acclaimed chef Saikou Bojang, the Gambian culinary team showcased indigenous recipes and preserved West African flavors, securing a coveted trophy. The festival, celebrating regional cuisines and traditions, saw The Gambia excel in both Jollof and Vegan categories. This achievement echoes their 2019 win, marking another proud moment in their culinary journey. [πŸ‘‰ Check it out on The Nation](https://nation.africa/africa/news/gambia-wins-jollof-cooking-competition-4339302?ref=marmaladecollective.com) πŸ’ ****Sharing is Caring!** If you enjoy reading this newsletter, ****Forward To A Friend** and let them know they can also subscribe for free via [this link](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/subscribe/) --- ## Song of the Week --- ## What's On ### Wondering what to do in August? We have curated everything from immersive concerts and live bands to exclusive parties. **Discover new people, new experiences and live life to the fullest!** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2023/07/Whats-On---Aug.gif)](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/whats-on-august-2023/) [Become a Paid Member to Get Access πŸ”’](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/whats-on-august-2023/) ## The Ultimate Lifestyle Membership ### Experience a unique membership that gives you ****access to premium Afrocentric content and experiences** such as curated events, restaurant openings, exhibitions, supper clubs and more. [Become a paid member πŸŽ‰](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/membership/) --- Anything else? Hit reply to send us feedback or say hello. You can also follow us on our social media platforms [@marmaladecollective](https://linktr.ee/marmaladecollective?ref=marmaladecollective.com) Apply to join our invite-only Collective! Connect with like-minded creators and influencers who want to create, earn and grow together β€” [apply here](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/collective-network/)