• Emmanuel Esomnofu

Stories by Emmanuel Esomnofu

Bella Shmurda: The Formation of Afropop’s Most Spiritual Man
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Bella Shmurda: The Formation of Afropop’s Most Spiritual Man

In this riveting episode, Bella Shmurda unpeels his life’s journey, discussing how emotional resonance and spirituality influence his craft

The Songs You Need to Hear This Week
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The Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best African music of the week featuring SPINALL, Ice Prince x Chopstix, Kwesta, Simi x Kizz Daniel, and more.

Young Jonn & Asake Want to Live Forever on “Che Che”
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Young Jonn & Asake Want to Live Forever on “Che Che”

On his fiery new single, Young Jonn’s spirited bounce finds a natural ally in Asake.

What is Lagos’ Nightlife without Afrobeats?
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What is Lagos’ Nightlife without Afrobeats?

Nigeria’s biggest cultural export generates billions in revenue and transforms a megacity into an undisputed party capital.

The Hottest African Producers Right Now
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The Hottest African Producers Right Now

A celebration of the people who are making African music tick right now, featuring Semzi, Tempoe, Dlala Thukzin, Guiltybeatz, Louddaaa, and more.

The Songs You Need to Hear This Week
Music

The Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best African music of the week featuring Kizz Daniel, Seun Kuti, Zuukou Mayzie x Baaba Maal, Ugaboys, Mereba, and more.

The Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now
Music

The Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now

The standout records from May include songs from Seyi Vibez, Rowlene, King Paluta, Joshua Baraka, and more.

The Intergenerational Influence of Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong’o
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The Intergenerational Influence of Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong’o

The great Kenyan author left behind one of the most iconic legacies in world literature. OkayAfrica explores why he’s an enduring man of letters and speaks to writers he influenced.

Tyla Wins 2025 AMA Afrobeats Award
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Tyla Wins 2025 AMA Afrobeats Award

This year’s Afrobeats category at the American Music Awards has gone to the South African superstar, stoking questions about genre classification.

Burna Boy and Travis Scott pose in leather jackets in a new promotional image for their joint single “TaTaTa.”
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Watch the New Music Video for Burna Boy and Travis Scott’s “TaTaTa”

The Nigerian and American superstars connect at a warehouse party in the new visuals for "TaTaTa,"the latest single off Burna Boy's upcoming album, No Sign of Weakness.

Gyakie Expresses the Struggles & Success of a Life in Music on ‘Afrobeats Intelligence’
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Gyakie Expresses the Struggles & Success of a Life in Music on ‘Afrobeats Intelligence’

The Ghanaian singer talks to Joey Akan about the pressures of family legacy, the evolution of her music, and what it means to be a lover girl in a world where selfishness triumphs.

Met Museum's Gift from Collector Brings African Photography into the Spotlight
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Met Museum's Gift from Collector Brings African Photography into the Spotlight

The new collection is set to bring more eyes to iconic works by African artists like Seydou Keïta and Samuel Fosso, redefining the narrative of global photography.

Louddaaa Is Designing the Sound for Your Favorite Afrobeats Artists
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Louddaaa Is Designing the Sound for Your Favorite Afrobeats Artists

The producer talks to OkayAfrica about his journey from sound engineering to producing, and how he’s orchestrated records for artists like Davido, Ayra Starr, Simi, Magixx, and more.

Femi Kuti Soundtracks a ‘Journey Through Life’ in His New Album
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Femi Kuti Soundtracks a ‘Journey Through Life’ in His New Album

The Afrobeat legend talks to OkayAfrica about the making and familial themes of his eleventh studio album, Journey Through Life.

Catching Up With ‘Blown Boy’ Ruger
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Catching Up With ‘Blown Boy’ Ruger

OkayAfrica talks to the Afrobeats star about his latest album, BlownBoy Ru, and how he’s carved his niche by blending Afrobeats and dancehall.

How Did African Artists Fare At Coachella 2025?
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How Did African Artists Fare At Coachella 2025?

The first weekend of the prestigious festival gave the continent some resounding highs from Tyla, Seun Kuti, and Amaarae — and a confusing low from Rema.

The New ‘Assassin's Creed’ Video Game Has a Distinctly East African Soundtrack
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The New ‘Assassin's Creed’ Video Game Has a Distinctly East African Soundtrack

Fusing psych rock and East African rhythms, the new Assassin's Creed: Shadows soundtrack by Thunderdrum and Tiggs Da Author is worth your while.

Burna Boy Thrills on the Sensual Remix of Joé Dwèt Filé’s “4 Kampe II”
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Burna Boy Thrills on the Sensual Remix of Joé Dwèt Filé’s “4 Kampe II”

The Afrobeats icon continues to flaunt the reach of his global influence, this time linking up with the fast-rising French Haitian act.

OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

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