Latest news with #AfricanMusic
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tyla Asks ‘Is It' Wrong for a New Romance to Feel So Right on Latest Single
Tyla doesn't give a fuck when it comes to sharing all her desires. On new track 'Is It,' the South African singer asks, 'Am I coming on a little strong?' but doesn't care to know the answer; she still puts all her sensual desires on display over an infectious dancehall-inspired beat. She also shared a video to accompany the single. Directed by Aerin Moreno, who also directed the singer's 'Push 2 Start' video, the 'Is It' visual showcases her sharp Bacardi choreography. The Bacardi dance has become a staple of Tyla's, and has ties to the amapiano genre she has championed. By the end of the video, the singer has ignited an entire dance party with her spicy moves (and found a fresh pair of sunglasses). More from Rolling Stone Lorde Celebrates 'Man of the Year' in New Video Benson Boone Delivers a Tender Tribute With 'Momma Song' Lisa and Tyla Beat the Heat in New 'When I'm With You' Video Tyla teased 'Is It' on Wednesday with an Instagram video. The track marks the singer's second solo single of 2025. In May, Tyla shared 'Bliss' after previewing the song during her debut Coachella performance. She also appeared on collaborative track 'Show Me Love' alongside WizTheMc and Bees & Honey and on Lisa's debut LP Alter Ego. In May 2024, Tyla released her highly-anticipated self-titled debut LP, which followed the success of her 2023 smash hit 'Water.' The South African star nabbed her first Grammy with 'Water,' for Best African Music Performance. At the time, Tyla told Rolling Stone, 'It changed my whole life.' Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
Globe and Mail
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Ngamshishi Surpasses 2 Billion YouTube Views, Marking a Milestone for African Independent Artists
South African rapper Ngamshishi reaches 2 billion views on YouTube, highlighting Africa's growing digital music presence and independent artist momentum. Ngamshishi, a South African rapper and YouTuber, has surpassed 2 billion views on his YouTube channel, marking a milestone for independent artists in Africa as digital platforms continue to reshape music distribution worldwide. Known for combining philanthropy with engaging content, Ngamshishi, whose real name is Adrian Stallone Schreiber, started creating music at age five and steadily built a following through independent releases under his label, Adrian Schreiber Music Studio. His latest body of work, the ' Ngamshishi EP,' continues to draw views and streams, reinforcing his role in Africa's expanding influence in global streaming markets. 'Failure is practice for success,' Ngamshishi said, reflecting on the path to achieving this YouTube milestone. 'Every video, song, and livestream was part of a bigger picture to serve people while staying true to my art.' Ngamshishi's approach to independent music distribution reflects a broader trend among African artists leveraging digital platforms for reach and revenue while retaining ownership of their creative work. With more than 533,000 subscribers and over 1,100 videos, Ngamshishi's channel ranks among the biggest YouTube channels operated by an independent South African rapper, drawing consistent engagement across Africa and among global listeners interested in African music and culture. 'Reaching 2 billion views is not just a number. It represents years of hard work, community building, and the power of digital platforms to connect independent artists with the world,' Ngamshishi said. 'I want to create the best possible content and help as many people as I can through my platform.' The milestone reflects the increasing role of independent artists in expanding Africa's presence in global streaming markets, aligning with industry shifts as more creators adopt direct distribution models. Ngamshishi's success under Adrian Schreiber Music Studio underscores how digital entrepreneurship can break traditional barriers, signaling South Africa's continued rise in the music and entertainment industry. Ngamshishi's journey also highlights the potential for philanthropy to align with digital growth, as he regularly uses his platform to support community initiatives while continuing to release content that connects with audiences across Africa and beyond. To view Ngamshishi's latest work from the 'Ngamshishi EP,' watch the music video here: About Ngamshishi Ngamshishi, also known as Adrian Stallone Schreiber, is a South African singer-songwriter, rapper, actor, gamer, radio DJ, and producer. He has built a leading independent digital presence, blending music and philanthropy while fostering community engagement across platforms in Africa. Adrian Schreiber Music Studio is an independent record label based in South Africa, focused on empowering artists to distribute music directly to audiences. The studio continues to support Africa's music industry growth through digital entrepreneurship and artist-led initiatives. Media Contact Company Name: Ngamshishi Contact Person: Adrian Schreiber Email: Send Email Country: South Africa Website:
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
African Fresh Picks: Olamide, Maleek Berry, Amaarae, Spinall, Crayon, Young Jonn & More
Shortly after Olamide presented EMPIRE founder and CEO Ghazi with the Clive Davis Visionary Award at Billboard's first Global Power Players event in London last month, the YBNL label boss didn't rest on his laurels and continued refining his craft on his 11th studio album, Olamidé. The Nigerian rap legend taps in with Wizkid twice on the horn-heavy 'Kai!' single (featured in last month's African Fresh Picks column) and boastful 'Billionaires Club' cut with Darkoo while linking up with American hip-hop heavyweight Dr. Dre on the smooth 'Indika' collab with Spinall. After becoming the first Ghanaian solo female act to perform at Coachella this past spring, Amaarae continues to put her cultural pride on display with her third studio album Black Star, due Aug. 8 via Interscope Records. And she fuses highlife, kpanlogo and more on the LP's lead single 'S.M.O.,' which stands for 'Slut Me Out.' Meanwhile, there are new heavyweight cuts from Young Jonn, SPINALL, Crayon, BNXN and more. More from Billboard Burna Boy Announces No Sign of Weakness Tour: Here Are the Dates Fans Choose KATSEYE's 'Beautiful Chaos' as This Week's Favorite New Music Olivia Rodrigo Brings Out The Cure's Robert Smith at Glastonbury 2025 We've highlighted 10 of our favorite new songs by African acts that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and curate your new soundtrack for the summer with our Spotify playlist below. Odeal, 'London Summers' Odeal is ready to be outside with a new ting on his arm on 'London Summers,' the first single from his upcoming EP The Summer That Saved Me. Shae Jacobs and Jack Dine blend the shuffling percussion of house with Afrobeats and R&B's breezy grooves to create Odeal's latest day party jam. And his sensual lyrics, like 'Headed back to your place/ I done fell in love with your taste/ Never get enough of your fragrance' capture the fleeting exhilaration of a summertime fling – as well as the hope it lingers a little longer after the season's over. Bloody Civilian, 'Ladida' The Nigerian singer-songwriter-producer returns with 'Ladida,' her first single of 2025. The rousing Afro-fusion production soundtracks the hormonal rush that only her lover gives her, but the lighthearted bounciness of her 'La-di-da-da-da-da' hook puts her back at ease. Maleek Berry feat. Wizkid, 'Situation' Maleek Berry reunites with longtime collaborator and friend Wizkid on the sizzling highlight track 'Situation' from his debut album If Only Love Was Enough. Berry finds himself stressing over a girl who's giving him the run around, but Wiz reminds her she'd still be his even in another life. 'Back in the day we understood each other very well, and I think that's what has allowed us to keep this connection for all these years and understand each other musically for all these years,' Berry told Clash of his working relationship with Wizkid. Amaarae, 'S.M.O.' Amaarae champions sexual liberation and summertime gratification on 'S.M.O.,' the slinky lead single from her upcoming third album Black Star. In a press release, the Ghanaian-American star says 'S.M.O.' is inspired by 'Ghanaian '80s highlife trailblazer Ata Kak and blends it with a mean Detroit club bass, a drum roll akin to both Magic System's '1er Gas '1er Gaou' and Michael Jackson's 'Rock With You' and an infectious zouk melody that sounds like a steel pan lipsing an evil synth.' She compares the song's sensual messaging to Janet Jackson's 'The Pleasure Principle' and Donna Summer's 'Love to Love You Baby,' adding, 'I don't know how much clearer one can get when they ask you to 'SLUT ME OUT.'' Olamide, Wizkid & Darkoo, 'Billionaires Club' Olamide is living it up on 'Billionaires Club' with Wizkid and Darkoo from his latest self-titled album. blissfully laidback production provides the perfect backdrop for Olamide and Wiz's braggadocious verses. Meanwhile, Darkoo impressively holds her own while putting her sexy touch on the third verse that brings the song to a sweeping, cinematic close. Olamide, '1 Shot' Olamide's self-titled latest album is full of outstanding collaborations with some of the brightest lights in Nigerian music right now: Wizkid, Seyi Vibez, Darkoo, Asake, SPINALL, Young Jonn and Boj among them, and he even clears space for a Dr. Dre verse. But he hardly needs help in producing a great song, and on the solo cut '1 Shot' he reminds everyone that he's hands down among the greatest and deserves mention among his peers on the continent. It's an instantly catchy track with throwback vibes and a swagger to it that only really he can pull off. Young Jonn feat. Asake, 'Che Che' Long a superproducer in his own right, Young Jonn at this point can be considered at the forefront of Afrobeats as a lead artist, too, with a track record of dropping big hits for a few years straight now — and this collaboration with the young legend Asake stands alongside his other recent work in that regard. It's an intricate production, with Jonn taking the first verse and the hook before clearing way for Asake to do his thing. Spinall feat. Destin Conrad and JayO, 'Want You' DJ Spinall has, like Young Jonn, made a successful foray into lead artist territory in the last few years, and seems to save his best stuff for his own projects. This one has a late-night sweaty summer dancefloor vibe, as excellently produced as anything in his catalog, with breathy vocals to match. His instrumentation has always stood out, and does again here. Crayon, 'Roju' 'Roju' is a vocal showcase for the Nigerian singer, as well as a love song to both a woman and the world. With a hard-driving drum background that belies its light and airy feel, Crayon delivers a big standout in his career in time for the summertime, with a hook that soars majestically over a swelling organ. BNXN & FOLA, 'Very Soon' BNXN has become one of the most reliable hitmakers in the game over the past few years, with his heartfelt and melodic vocals often shining through brightest. On this track, he and FOLA trade lines seamlessly and effortlessly, with the young singer fitting right in on the emotional track about a strained relationship that both sides are trying to save. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
News24
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Vusi Nova on turning pain into art in new single, Phendula - ‘The hurt was raw'
No soulful sound is too tough for him to crack. For over ten years now, Vusi Nova has flexed his musical his 2013 debut album, Walk Into Light and his 2014 work of art, Did It For Love, he cemented himself as a profound vocalist in the mainstream music space. By the time he released Naninina, which was his third album, he had all of us sitting down attentively through Ndikuthandile and Thandiwe. From there, he's given us As'phelalanga and many other chart toppers, such as gospel song with Dumi Mkokstad, Yibanathi. The award-winning musician is now back with a milestone-marking love song, Phendula. Read more | GIG GUIDE | Vusi Nova to host his first ever one-man show with elegance and class 'Phendula is an ode to those healing from a broken heart, it captures the magic of falling deeply in love and then being heartbroken - the regrets, moments, and questions. Phendula was inspired by real heartbreak - those painful moments when love lets you down again and again. It's about turning that pain into something beautiful and healing through music,' Vusi Nova says. He adds that the song is an intimate ballad that has already won the hearts of his fans since the release of the teaser a few weeks ago. 'I want people listening to the song and that have been heartbroken to feel understood and validated, like someone finally put their heartbreak into words. Even in the sadness, I hope they find comfort and strength, knowing they're not alone,' Vusi Nova adds. When writing the lyrics of the song, he admits to having been deep in his feelings. 'The hurt was raw, but I turned pain into art. I'm healed, stronger, and proud of turning struggle into something beautiful.' Over the years, his sound has evolved from just being crudely raw, stripped-down, with just him and his emotions, figuring it out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vusi Nova (@vusinova1) 'Now my sound is richer and more layered but still keeping that realness. I feel it's all growth without losing the soul.' Despite the new waves of sound taking over the music industry, he remains true and consistent to his own. 'It's the sound of my story, my people's struggles, and our joy. Raw, unfiltered, human, my roots and my realness. Afro-soul isn't just music, it's medicine. When fans say it mends their heart. That's the mission. It has the power to heal. The genre bends but never breaks, and there's room to fuse tradition with tomorrow. That's freedom, and that keeps me motivated.' Read more | Vusi Nova's 'Okuncinci' sets the tone for love this February His journey has pivoted him into owning a recording label of his own as well, Nova Sounds, which houses upcoming artists in the Afro-pop and Afro-soul fraternity. 'Running my label has been liberating but wild at the same time. I like building a plane while flying it. More control, more headaches, but zero regrets. Every win hits deeper 'cause it's yours. I've been making money moves – funding projects while staying independent is a hustle. It comes with wearing all hats – From A&R to promo, the grind never stops. I've had to break through gatekeepers without major backing. However, the highlights are having creative freedom – dropping music my way, no compromises. Helping other artists shine fuels me. And the small wins have been rewarding.' Thus far, his highlight for the year has not only been hosting his first solo show – The Black Tie which he intends to turn into an annual project but also watching his artists drop albums and singles, watching them soar, and gifting the streets with more music feels great.
The Herald
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Billboard launches Billboard Africa, a game-changer for the continent's music industry
'We are thrilled to launch Billboard Africa, a pivotal step in recognisng Africa's profound contributions to global music culture,' said Josh Wilson, MD at Global Venture Partners. 'African music is a driving force that continues to reshape global music trends.' More than only recognition, the initiative is about building infrastructure. Brandon Martin, CEO of Global Venture Partners, emphasised the long-term vision: 'We're not only raising visibility for artists but laying the groundwork for an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. Billboard Africa is about amplifying potential and encouraging investment in the continent's creative economy.' At the helm of the ambitious rollout is Nkosiyati Khumalo, editor-in-chief of Billboard Africa, who brings a deep understanding of African culture and storytelling. 'Bringing Billboard's thought leadership home to Africa, and sharing more African stories with the world, is an immense honor,' said Nkosiyati. 'This is about supporting the diverse artists and professionals who drive African music forward.' From curated events to awards shows, artist spotlights to industry insights, Billboard Africa is setting the stage for a cultural and economic renaissance. As the world tunes in, the continent's musicians are ready to turn up the volume.
