Highlights:
- Stefflon Don, MOBO Award-Winning Artist, Collaborates with Nigerian Superstar BNXN on the New Single "What's Poppin" via OkayAfrica
- London Exhibit Explores Nigeria's Fuji Music History in 'Fuji: A Opera' showcase.” via Africanews
- Ndumiso Nyoni Uses his Illustrations to Share Authentic African Experiences with the World via Creativeboom
- Life Size Teddy's Debut Single, 'Hypnotic', Explores the Concept of Pure Transcendence via NME
- Helen Epega's Pidgin Opera, 'Song Queen', is Connecting Foreign Audiences with Africa via OkayAfrica
- The Dragon Boys, a Ghanaian Performance Troupe’s Short Film via Tribeca films
- The Gambia Wins Jollof Cooking Competition at West Africa Food Festival via The Nation
Now, on to the real peel...
Stefflon Don, MOBO Award-Winning Artist, Collaborates with Nigerian Superstar BNXN on the New Single "What's Poppin"
British rapper Stefflon Don and Nigerian superstar BNXN 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.
London Exhibit Explores Nigeria's Fuji Music History in 'Fuji: A Opera' showcase.”
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, 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.
Ndumiso Nyoni Uses his Illustrations to Share Authentic African Experiences with the World
Ndumiso Nyoni, 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.
Life Size Teddy's Debut Single, 'Hypnotic', Explores the Concept of Pure Transcendence
Nigerian artist Lifesize Teddy, 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.
Helen Epega's Pidgin Opera, 'Song Queen', is Connecting Foreign Audiences with Africa
Helen Epega, known as 'The Venus Bushfires,' 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.
The Dragon Boys, a Ghanaian Performance Troupe’s Short Film
"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, delves into their unique journey.
The Gambia Wins Jollof Cooking Competition at West Africa Food Festival
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.
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