• Nelson C.J.

Stories by Nelson C.J.

Seni Saraki on Co-Producing New Documentary on Wizkid
Film + TV

Seni Saraki on Co-Producing New Documentary on Wizkid

OkayAfrica speaks to the co-founder of Native Magazine and Native Records, who describes 'Wizkid: Long Live Lagos' as a celebration of the Afrobeats star and a moment to reflect on how far Nigerian music has come.

At the London Design Biennale, Myles Igwebuike Offers a Medium to Rethink African Design
News

At the London Design Biennale, Myles Igwebuike Offers a Medium to Rethink African Design

The Royal College of Art-trained designer, researcher, and educator is curating a space that considers how historical intelligence can inform future African design.

What It’s Like To … Be An International Model From Nigeria
What It's Like To...

What It’s Like To … Be An International Model From Nigeria

Ama Okolo discusses the journey and difficulties of breaking into the international modeling industry from Nigeria.

The  Best West African Songs Right Now
Music

The Best West African Songs Right Now

This month’s Best New Music From West Africa features sounds from Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana.

Mati Diop smiles as she lifts her Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.
Featured

The Mati Diop Cannes Win That Amplified African Cinema's Rich Legacy

The French Senegalese filmmaker’s historic Grand Prix win in 2019 marked a milestone in African cinema and inspired a new generation of filmmakers.

With 'My Father's Shadow,' a Pair of Nigerian Brothers Is Making Cannes History
Film + TV

With 'My Father's Shadow,' a Pair of Nigerian Brothers Is Making Cannes History

Filmmakers Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies will premiere their feature at the prestigious film festival this weekend, hoping to drive conversations around fatherhood and nationalism.

A young man in a green suit with purple embellishment looking off camera.
News

The AMVCA Can Be More Memorable Than Its Fashion Moments

The big fashion moments at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards add to the allure of the award show, but they need not overshadow the ceremony's core celebration of African cinematic excellence.

Portrait of Jackie Aina with curly hair wearing a white ruffled dress posing against a bold red-patterned background.
Editorial

The Beauty Creators Who Challenged Stereotypes and Blazed the Trail

The work that creators like Jackie Aina, Dimma Umeh, Nyma Tang and several others have done in demanding inclusive and accessible beauty products have helped usher in a vibrant era for the African beauty industry.

Homecoming Festival Has Ushered in a New Era for Nigeria’s Creative Scene
News

Homecoming Festival Has Ushered in a New Era for Nigeria’s Creative Scene

With a new concept store that will double as a creative and community center, the cultural exchange event is solidifying its legacy as a creative melting pot.

Youssou N’Dour Is Ready to Revitalise the Term ‘World Music’
Latest

Youssou N’Dour Is Ready to Revitalise the Term ‘World Music’

In his latest album, Eclairer le Monde - Light The World, the Senegalese music legend creates a thrilling, sonically inventive reminder of his talents.

Are African Immigrants Reconsidering America?
News

Are African Immigrants Reconsidering America?

Students and green card holders from the continent live in fear as new policies upend lives and undermine America’s reputation as a destination for ambitious immigrants.

Five Reasons Paapa Essiedu Is a Good Casting Choice as Professor Snape in the New Harry Potter
Film + TV

Five Reasons Paapa Essiedu Is a Good Casting Choice as Professor Snape in the New Harry Potter

From his Shakespearean roots to his commanding screen presence, here’s why the Ghanaian British actor is a strong fit for the iconic Harry Potter role.

Meet The African Basketball Players Picked At The 2025 WNBA Draft
News

Meet The African Basketball Players Picked At The 2025 WNBA Draft

Nigerian, Cameroonian, Malian, Liberian, and Senegalese talents headline a diverse draft class that drew the second-highest viewership in league history.

Brice Oligui Nguema on stage with outstretched hands  during his last electoral campaign.
News

Brice Oligui Nguema Wins Gabon Presidential Election by a Landslide

The former military leader had endeared himself to the Gabonese citizenry and was widely expected to win.

Malian Legend Salif Keita Is Trying Things Differently
Latest

Malian Legend Salif Keita Is Trying Things Differently

The 75-year-old music icon from Mali is taking a brave, new approach to his work in his new album, So Kono.

Cynthia Erivo kneeling with a black feather costumed wing on her back.
Latest

Cynthia Erivo Announces New Album, Drops New Single Tonight

The award-winning performer follows the momentum of her last single 'Replay' with a new one 'Worst Of Me,' created amid busy Hollywood schedule.

What It's Like To ... Be A Travel Creator from The Gambia
Travel

What It's Like To ... Be A Travel Creator from The Gambia

Ibrahim Gano documents his travels without the gloss and pomp of typical travel vlogging, all from a Gambian perspective.

The Return of Benin Bronzes Could Change How Young Nigerians Engage With History
News

The Return of Benin Bronzes Could Change How Young Nigerians Engage With History

Art practitioners and curators believe these returns are especially important at a time when young Nigerians have few means of engaging with the country’s rich history.