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
