How Independent Jazz Festivals Are Surviving South Africa’s Economy With major events collapsing and budgets tightening, Johannesburg-based festivals like Kids Love Jazz and uManyano Lwe Jazz are proving that community trust is the most valuable currency in the live music ecosystem. music November 5, 2025
Show Dem Camp Pays Homage to Old Nollywood on Their Latest LP, 'Afrika Magik' In conversation with OkayAfrica, the great Nigerian rap duo shares the process behind their newest album, ‘Afrika Magik,’ and how they’ve kept their creative antenna sharp for over a decade. music November 5, 2025
Mandisi Dyantyis and the Art of Cleansing Through Song The South African jazz vocalist, trumpeter, and composer bares his soul once again on his third studio album, “Intlambululo: Ukuhlambulula.” music November 4, 2025
Knucks Flips Pre-Teen Trauma Into Confident Identity on ‘A Fine African Man’ The British Nigerian rap artist talks about his Nigerian boarding school experience, embracing his African heritage, and intentionally bridging the gap between Nigeria and its UK diaspora. music October 31, 2025
Mr Eazi’s ‘Maison Rouge:’ The Afrobeats Superstar Is No Longer Scared of Boredom The Nigerian singer talks to OkayAfrica about his new project ‘Maison Rouge,’ shedding his love-hate relationship with the past and learning to enjoy the present. music October 29, 2025
Mariam Doumbia on Love, Loss, and the Enduring Legacy of Amadou & Mariam The Malian singer speaks to OkayAfrica about her late husband, their 45-year marriage, and enduring love as she releases their last body of work together, 'L’amour à la folie,' and a collaborative single featuring Fally Ipupa. music October 22, 2025
‘It’s in the Right Place and Growing at a Substantial Rate:’ Sheniece Charway’s Optimistic Outlook on Afrobeats’ Global Growth The music executive and Martell cultural ambassador sees opportunity for growth that makes Afrobeats a lasting force beyond its recent successes. music October 22, 2025
Nduduzo Makhathini Is Turning Jazz Into a Spiritual Language As he prepares to take the stage at New York City’s Jazz at Lincoln Center this weekend, the South African pianist, composer, and healer reflects on spiritual inheritance, carrying his Zulu ancestry into Western venues, and the ancient power of sound to connect us beyond race or place. music October 21, 2025
Stonebwoy’s Year of The Torcher With ‘THE TORCHER,’ Ghana’s leading reggae-dancehall artist expands his sound while confronting the structures that threaten creative freedom. music October 20, 2025
From Discord to the Streets: the Unique, but Interconnected Case of Morocco’s Gen Z Protests After two weeks of nationwide protests, the growing movement is changing its tactics, learning from veteran activists, and planning for long-term impact that is specific to the Moroccan context. news October 17, 2025
MOLIY Teams Up with Grammy-Winning Tyla For a Club-Ready Banger “Body Go” In an exclusive interview with OkayAfrica, the “Shake It To The Max” singer discusses her previous record and kickstarting a new era of global stardom with a new single featuring Tyla. music October 17, 2025
Joe Jacquest Reconnects With His Ghanaian Roots After Discovering His Father’s Hidden Past In the second season of Hidden Roots, musician Joe Jacquest Oteng embarks on a transformative journey to Ghana, where he retraces his roots and finds reconciliation with his father’s past. music October 16, 2025
Nyashinski’s Sophomore Album, 'Yariasu,' Marks New Chapter With Sony Music Deal The Kenyan music star shares his journey from Kleptomaniax fame to solo stardom and enters a new phase as he signs with Sony Music East Africa for his new album release. music October 7, 2025
Montiyago is Creating His Own Reference for Sudanese Rap The emerging Sudanese rapper’s new EP, Morphine, is an answer to his newly found responsibilities and is intended as a gift to the next generation of Sudanese musicians. music October 7, 2025
Sarz Is a Curator of Unconventional Soundscapes on His Debut Album OkayAfrica speaks to the Nigerian producer about ‘Protect Sarz at All Costs,’ a sonically rich album that spans continents, cultures, and confirms Sarz as a brilliant music curator. music September 26, 2025
Thakzin Shapes His Vision of the Rising South African Electronic Genre, 3-Step The South African artist discusses the making of his new album,’ God’s Window Pt. 1,’ and why 3-Step is more of a state of mind than a music genre. music September 26, 2025
Zoey Martinson on Making ‘The Fisherman,’ Its Venice Premiere, and Sharing Ghanaian Humor and Color With the World Since premiering at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, the comedy feature has carried a powerful message: that joy is not just meaningful, but also necessary, in African storytelling. film tv September 18, 2025
Beeztrap KOTM and the Evolution of Ghana’s Drill Sound On his debut album, ‘POWER,’ the Ghanaian artist expands on drill music to create a multi-genre pan-African sound. music September 17, 2025
Moroccan Songstress ilham Invites You to Escape on Her ‘uhm…ok?’ EP The Moroccan American alternative R&B-pop artist will drop her independently-released EP ‘uhm...ok?’ on Sep 19, continuing on her journey from Queensbridge projects to rising stardom. music September 11, 2025
Skales Is Making the World Dance Again, With a Little Help From Lamine Yamal Earlier this year, the Nigerian artist’s 2014 hit “Shake Body” gained global popularity, thanks to FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. OkayAfrica catches up with the music star, fresh off a major collaboration with one of sport’s biggest brands. music September 10, 2025
What It’s Like To … Dedicate Your Life to Activism and Fight For Egypt’s Revolution in Exile Veteran activist and journalist Hossam el-Hamalawy reflects on his journey from 1990s Cairo to exile in Germany, still fighting for Egypt’s next revolution. news September 3, 2025
Guedra Guedra’s ‘MUTANT’ is a Pan-African Sonic Archive The Moroccan producer releases his second album of experimental Pan-African music, re-centering polyrhythms and the many stories behind the voices. music September 2, 2025
How the African Film Press is Looking to Elevate Film Conversations Through the launch of its Critics Prize, the growing pan-African film alliance wants to “showcase criticism as something that is active on the continent and needs to thrive.” film tv August 30, 2025
To Make Her Debut Album, ‘After Midnight,’ Gyakie First Had to Find Inner Peace The Ghanaian artist's debut album is a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, guided by her openness and self-discovery. music August 29, 2025
SPINALL Wants to Take the ‘Èkó Groove’ Afrobeats Sound to the World In his new album, the revered Afrobeats tastemaker combines colorful sonics with exciting features. Marking his sixth project, OkayAfrica talks to SPINALL about the making of ‘Èkó Groove’ and his wide-ranging career. music August 29, 2025
Lesotho’s Sannere Honors His Ancestors on New Album, 'Sehopotso' The singer expands his sound on 'Sehopotso,' a six-track project weaving gospel, reggae, and famo music influences into a meditation on dreams, fame, and ancestral memory. music August 21, 2025
Mádé Kuti Asks the Difficult Questions on ‘Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From?’ OkayAfricasits down with the Nigerian artist to discuss his robust interpretation of Afrobeat and his new album’s roving vision. music August 13, 2025
Ckay Is Ready For His Second Coming For his latest EP, ‘Ckay The Second,’ the emo-Afrobeats star returns to find meaning and reflection. music June 13, 2025
You Need to Watch This Cinematic Exploration of Immigration DJ Snake’s striking seven-minute video for “Patience” features actor Omar Sy and is fueled by a classic Amadou & Mariam song. music June 5, 2025
Inside the First Ever Boiler Room in Ethiopia How the artist known as Ethiopian Records brought a bold and rooted vision to Addis Ababa's first take on the electronic music event. music June 4, 2025
On NAFIDA, Moroccan Rapper Small X Rises Above the Noise and Into Underexplored Musical Territory Getting signed to Mass Appeal is only the beginning for the Moroccan powerhouse. music June 2, 2025
M.anifest Solidifies His Legacy as a Storyteller on ‘New Road and Guava Trees’ The iconic Ghanaian rapper talks toOkayAfricaabout his latest album, a triumphant ode to where he’s come from and where he wants to go. music March 13, 2025
What It’s Like To … Run Nigeria’s Longest-Running Music Chart Publication Similoluwa Adegoke and Ayomide Oriowo launched TurnTable Charts in 2020, and it has evolved into the authority on what’s popular in Nigerian music. news March 12, 2025
Jade Osiberu Wants 'Christmas In Lagos' To Be A Holiday Classic The rom-com tells a moving and hilarious holiday story of lost love and second chances with Lagos at its center. film tv December 18, 2024
How Barry Jenkins Approached ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ as a Coming-of-Age Epic With ‘Mufasa’, Jenkins leans into his personal experiences and his ability to portray characters rising through adversities. film tv December 16, 2024
British Nigerian Actor Jimmy Akingbola Says There’s More Work to be Done The ‘Bel-Air’ and ‘Sorry, I Didn’t Know’ actor featured as part of the Global Impact of Black Culture panel at the Okayplayer House Presented by BET during this year’s Art Basel Miami Beach. events December 13, 2024
Get to Know Congolese Collective Fulu Miziki Kinshasa-based Fulu Miziki uses recycled trash to make their own, unique musical instruments. music December 11, 2024
Nigerian Filmmaker Funke Akindele Knows She Can Break Her Own Record By breathing new life into a well-loved franchise, the Nigerian filmmaker has made a sure blockbuster with her upcoming film 'Everybody Loves Jenifa.' film tv December 9, 2024
Elmiene’s ‘For The Deported’ is a Love Letter to Sudan “Sudan is the reason I’m here right now,” says British Sudanese rising star Elmiene about his fourth EP, which marks a full circle moment since his breakout song “Golden.” music December 6, 2024
Anendlessocean is Making Contemporary Nigerian Gospel Music Relatable For Everyone Anchoring his preference for musical diversity with a wholesome expression of his Christian faith, Anendlessocean has captured the ears of young people who want to be connected to God in the most relatable way possible. music December 5, 2024
DeeYasso is the Producer Behind Afropop’s Most Soulful Records OkayAfricatalks to the producer behind Yemi Alade’s Grammy-nominated “Tomorrow” about his sonic origins, his groundbreaking work with Chike, and what it takes to consistently interpret creative ideas. music December 2, 2024
25K Wants to Be Remembered As a Pioneer of Pitori Rap With his latest album,Loyal to the Plug: The Life and Times of Don Kilograms,25K is steadily cementing his place among the greats of South African hip-hop. music November 20, 2024
Rimon Wants You to Live For Yourself OkayAfricatalks to the acclaimed Eritrean-Dutch artist Rimon about her debut album,Children of the Night, and its depiction of individuality. music November 15, 2024
Fave is Not Afraid to Talk About Unpleasant Love Stories After years of releasing hit singles, the Nigerian Afropop artist’s latest EP,Dutty Love,expands on her ideas of imperfect romance and highlights her richly developed perspective. music November 7, 2024
What It’s Like To…Be A Reggae Promoter In South Africa Fikile Shiba Makhalemele of Lioness Productions lets us in on the dynamics of sustaining and expanding the reggae movement in South Africa through vibrant events. film tv November 6, 2024
In ‘Yam and Egg,’ Nigerian Filmmaker Emily Nkanga Focuses on the Aftermath of a Tragedy Emily Nkanga’s film, showing at AFRIFF this year, explores the aftermath of #EndSARS and the extent to which moral complications can drive human interactions. film tv November 5, 2024
Johan Grimonprez’s ‘Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat’ Details the Origins of Congo Crisis The filmmaker masterfully weaves together colonial cruelty, Western callousness, the singular power of music, and women’s role in revolutions. film tv November 1, 2024
Osas Ighodaro Hopes Viewers See Themselves and Find Inspiration in ‘The Smart Money Woman’ In the show's second season, money conversations are drawn with firmer brushstrokes, revealing how everyday life events intersect with finances. film tv November 1, 2024
Phyno Understands that Greatness is a ‘Full Time Job’ The veteran Nigerian rapper has redefined Igbo culture for a generation of hip-hop lovers.OkayAfricaspeaks to him about his fifth studio album,Full Time Job. music October 9, 2024
For Kenya’s Bien, Music After Sauti Sol Is About “Starting Again” With the success of his debut album,Alusa, Why Are You Topless?,Bien is finding his groove as a solo act. music October 7, 2024
Seun Kuti’s New Album, ‘Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head),’ is “For the Working Class and Poor” The Afrobeat scion and his band, Egypt 80, make their noteworthy comeback.OkayAfricaspeaks to Seun Kuti about keeping class consciousness at the center of his new album. music October 4, 2024
What to Watch in North Africa This October October pulls you into the stories of chefs, cops and aliens in North Africa. profiles interviews October 4, 2024
Uganda’s Rising Star Elijah Kitaka Talks About His Massive Hit, "Dawa,” and Breaking the Mold The multi-talented artist opens up about his journey from church drummer to breakout singer, navigating family expectations, and having the hottest song in Uganda right now. music October 3, 2024
Nasboi Has Always Been A Musician Nasboi is known for his comedy. He’s now letting the world hear his first love through his debut album,In Nasboi I Trust. music October 2, 2024
For Likarion Wainaina, Creating Kenya’s First Sci-Fi Series is About Pushing Boundaries in African Filmmaking WithSubterranea, the award-winning director ofSupa Mododelves into the psychological effects of isolation in a groundbreaking sci-fi production. film tv September 26, 2024
The Healing Melodies of Oxlade From Africa Nigerian musician Oxlade speaks about combining vintage African music and modern Afrobeats in his debut album and how he wants people to feel the therapeutic power of his music. global September 25, 2024
Fiokee Wants You to Know He’s More Than a Guitarist His sensational melodies are everywhere in Afropop, and after more than a decade of helping others create magic, Fiokee is now making his own art pieces. music September 9, 2024
At the Toronto International Film Festival, Two Films Explore the Darker Corners of Lagos Freedom Way, directed by Afolabi Olalekan andThe Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos, fronted by the Agbajowo Collective, consider the idea of Lagos as a place where dreams go to die. film tv September 9, 2024
tg.blk is Pioneering the Next Wave of Hip-Hop from Kenya to the World One of the most promising and distinctive voices in alternative hip-hop today is a queer Kenyan woman. We talk to tg.blk about her newITS NOT THAT DEEPEP. music August 26, 2024
Netflix's Tòkunbò is an Artfully Executed Nigerian Thriller Starring Gideon Okeke and directed by Ramsey Nouah,Tòkunbòis a riveting story of morality, sacrifice and institutional rot. film tv August 23, 2024
How This Filmmaking Duo is Telling South African Stories One Script at a Time Having recently received a grant to help them pursue their latest projects, the women behind Blended Films production company share their highs and lows. film tv August 22, 2024
Nigerian Director Daniel Oriahi on Finding Comfort in Darkness In his latest film,The Weekend, starring Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Daniel Oriahi uses nail-biting horror techniques to explore unsettling family dynamics. film tv August 21, 2024
Kampala’s Underground Techno Scene is Creating an Outlet for Freedom How a collective of DJs, promoters and ravers is transforming the Ugandan capital’s nightlife, offering an inclusive escape from the city’s conservatism. music August 15, 2024
Likikiri Collective Uses Storytelling to Safeguard South Sudanese Women’s Wisdoms Through songs and Story Circles, South Sudanese women honor and discuss their cultures and traditions across time and space. music August 13, 2024
‘The Lion King’ Prequel Is a Full Circle Moment for Lebo M Grammy Award-winning South African composer Lebo M says the upcoming Disney live-action film, ‘Mufasa: The Lion King,’ is a “beautiful evolution” of the original movie. film tv August 12, 2024
NALEDI’s Quest for Community in a Faraway Land On her debut EP,Batho, the New York-based South African jazz musician provides a glimpse into the many feelings she has experienced since her arrival in the U.S. music August 7, 2024
Nakhane’s ‘B(l)ind The Sacrifice’ Asks All the Necessary Questions Musician Nakhane gives a modern twist to the story of Abraham and Isaac in their directorial debut. music August 6, 2024
Kampire Unearths Vintage Eastern and Southern African Gems in This New Compilation OnA Dancefloor in Ndola, the Ugandan DJ curates and preserves the East and Southern African sound of her youth, while also advocating the preservation of African music. music August 2, 2024
How Rea Rangaka Was Drawn to the World of ‘Savage Beauty’ The director of the critically acclaimed show talks character development and the value of collaboration in the making of the series’ second season. film tv August 1, 2024
Nigerian Icons The Lijadu Sisters Speak to a New Generation Yeye Taiwo Lijadu, the living half of the iconic musical duo, talks post-colonialism, reaching younger audiences through their music with the help of a new partnership, and making difficult music. music July 31, 2024
Roye Okupe on Creating ‘Iyanu,’ an Authentic Nigerian Story, for Everyone Based on the Dark Horse-published graphic novel, the Nigerian-born animator and storyteller’s series will be available worldwide on Cartoon Network, Max, and Showmax in 2025. film tv July 23, 2024
PJ Morton Pays Homage to Africa in ‘Cape Town to Cairo’ PJ Morton documents his 30-day journey across Africa while creating ‘Cape Town to Cairo,’ which features the likes of Fireboy DML, Made Kuti, and Soweto Spiritual Singers. music July 2, 2024
Ebrahim Soul’o is Bringing Alternative Hip-Hop to the Spotlight in Uganda The Ugandan rising star Ebrahim Soul’o, who says he makes “self-help music,” performed at the Blankets & Wine Festival in Kampala for the second time over the weekend. music July 1, 2024
Yamê on His Sound, Success of “Bécane” and Filming the Music Video in Cameroon The French Cameroonian singer and rapper discusses his unique musical style and cultural heritage, highlighted in the vibrant music video for his global hit, “Bécane.” music June 25, 2024
Afrikan Freedom Station Returns to Johannesburg's Cultural Scene with More Life Six years after ceasing operations, Afrikan Freedom Station's co-founder, Steve Kwena Mokwena speaks toOkayAfricaabout the establishment's early years, why spaces like this are important for youth development, and what the future holds. music June 19, 2024
King Promise Has Always Been ‘True To Self’ On the Ghanaian star’s new album, themes of identity, resilience and love are paired with a vast sonic vision. King Promise speaks toOkayAfricaabout what it means to beTrue to Self. music June 18, 2024
Seven Things to Know About DJ Cuppy Get to know DJ Cuppy in this exclusive withOkayAfrica,as she takes us into her world including music and philanthropy, her academic journey, and upcoming projects. music June 18, 2024
Simi Talks Touring With Alicia Keys, ‘Studio Brat’ and More Nigerian star Simi sits down withOkayAfricato talk about the standout moments in her career. music June 17, 2024
Step Inside Addis Ababa’s Coolest New Party, ‘The Lab’ Yohannes Hadish’s The Lab, a buzzing underground party in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, attracts over 1,500 attendees per edition. music June 4, 2024
Peres Owino is Bringing Back Nobility in African Storytelling The Kenyan American writer, whose docudrama ‘African Queens: Njinga,’ received twelve nominations in the Daytime Emmys this year, discusses her craft, authenticity in storytelling, and upcoming projects. film tv June 3, 2024
In 'Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti,' Bolanle Austen-Peters Presents a Nuanced Story of an Icon The well-known story about legendary musician Fela Kuti’s mother gets a fresh take in Nigerian director Bolanle Austen-Peters’ latest movie. film tv May 17, 2024
Nigerian Filmmaker Taiwo Egunjobi is Carving Out His Own Path in Nollywood The third feature film from the Ibadan-raised director,A Green Fever, is an engaging tale set in 1980s Nigeria. film tv March 11, 2024
Oscar-Nominated Director Misan Harriman on The Story Behind 'The After' Nigeria-born photographer Misan Harriman discusses his creative connection with actor David Oyelowo, making a pivot into filmmaking and his passion for activism. film tv March 6, 2024
'Black Panther' Actress Sope Aluko Debuts Affirming Short Film About Having Dada Hair Chidera, the short film by Sope Aluko, shines light on the often hidden Dada children, who are considered sacred in Nigerian culture. film tv February 8, 2024
The Return of Kenya’s Daring Rulebreaker, Blinky Bill We talk to Blinky Bill about his new album,We Cut Keys 2,and his desire to push Kenyan sounds into African music’s modern consciousness. interview January 30, 2024
Interview: WurlD Is Rediscovering the Joy In Releasing Music The blue-haired Nigerian singer opens up about the vulnerability behind his new project,Don’t Get Used to This. interview November 27, 2023
ODUMODUBLVCK Is the Truth We talk to the buzzing rapper, singer and songwriter about his latest mixtapeEZIOKWUand stepping into the Nigerian mainstream. interview November 1, 2023
Wiseman Mncube on Playing Mandoza The SAFTA-winning actor takes on the late kwaito superstar in the BET Africa biopic series. film tv August 16, 2023
Omah Lay Wants to Destigmatize Mental Struggles We talk to the Nigerian star about putting his anxieties on display and the new deluxe version ofBoy Alone. interview July 24, 2023
'Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire' is Bringing African Animation to More Disney Fans The ten-part collection of original short films, backed by Disney, spotlights the range of talent from African animators. film tv June 27, 2023
Cyrielle Raingou on Making a Movie in the Shadow of Boko Haram The Cameroon-born filmmaker started out making a completely different documentary from the one that’s been earning much acclaim at film festivals across the world. film tv June 23, 2023
The Complicated Family History at the Heart of 'Grandpa Was An Emperor' In the documentary, the late Emperor Haile Selassie’s great-granddaughter, Yeshi Kassa, goes searching for answers about her painful past, as well as that of her home country. film tv June 21, 2023
With '14 Years And A Day,' This Filmmaking Duo Wants to Improve LGBTQ Representation in Nollywood Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim and Ayo Lawson are on a mission to expand queer stories in Nigerian film. film tv June 20, 2023
With ‘Goodbye Julia,’ Mohamed Kordofani is Sharing a Story of Humanity in Sudan The director’s debut film was the first from Sudan to play at the Cannes Film Festival this past May, where it won the inaugural Freedom Prize. film tv June 14, 2023
Tebogo Malope on Being Unapologetic in Telling African Stories The South African filmmaker’s latest project, ‘Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story,’ which is premiering at the Tribeca Festival, shares the story of the history-making rugby captain for a global audience. film tv June 12, 2023
From Capetown to a Galaxy Far, Far Away: A South African Animation Studio Reimagines Star Wars What started as a joint venture in 2015 has become a full-fledged working relationship, as Triggerfish Animation Studios cements its status as one of Disney’s most exciting collaborators. film tv June 8, 2023
Charles Okpaleke is Expanding Nollywood Through Video Games The Nigerian entrepreneur and producer is behind the first-ever Nollywood video game, and he has a lot more up his sleeve. film tv May 31, 2023
Rosine Mbakam on the Power of Family and Returning Home in Filmmaking The Cameroonian filmmaker uses her documentary skills to create her first fictional feature,Mambar Pierrette, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this week. film tv May 26, 2023
Baloji on Bringing His Style of Magical Realism to the Cannes Film Festival He’s a force in the music world, and with the premiere of his narrative feature at the world’s most popular film festival, Baloji hopes he’ll be seen as a filmmaker to be reckoned with, too. film tv May 22, 2023
