• Emmanuel Esomnofu

Stories by Emmanuel Esomnofu

The Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now: July 2025 Edition
Latest

The Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now: July 2025 Edition

This playlist of the latest Afrobeats hits features Ayra Starr, Asake, Chella, Sarkodie, Tyla, and more.

A woman poses in front of a vibrant backdrop made of balls decorated with African national flags. She's wearing a black top with black sunglasses and has a bold 'ROCKSTAR' tattoo on her arm.
Latest

NYC Turned Up for the 2025 Mainland Block Party — Here’s What You Missed

Over the weekend, Mainland Block Party and OkayAfrica hosted one of the most unforgettable Afrobeats parties NYC has seen in 2025. In this recap, we take you into that colorful showcase of African music in the ever-growing diasporan community.

African Songs You Need to Hear This Week
Latest

African Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best new African music tracks that came out this week featuring Sarkodie, Asake, Dee Koala, Savara, and more.

ODUMODUBLVCK performs onstage wearing a black jacket and black top, and gold jewelry.
Music

How Mainland Block Party Is Taking Afrobeats Global

Seven years into their first event, the organizers of Mainland Block Party are pushing their Afrobeats vibes into the world. Ahead of their forthcoming New York festival in collaboration with OkayAfrica, they discuss the roots of the organization and where they’re headed.

Pheelz Shares a Beautiful Afrobeats Collaboration With "Stay Together"
News

Pheelz Shares a Beautiful Afrobeats Collaboration With "Stay Together"

In this exclusive premiere, Nigerian artist and producer Pheelz talks to OkayAfrica about the creative process behind “Stay Together,” his latest single in collaboration with Beyond Music, Marshall Muze, Naimah, and Ella Rose.

Director Pink speaks into a microphone while wearing headphones. The image has an orange wavy background.
Video

How Director Pink Visualizes the Imagery of Afrobeats

On the latest episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, the music video creator Director Pink discusses her roots in the scene and how she translates music into wholesome visual experiences.

African Songs You Need to Hear This Week
Music

African Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best new African music tracks that came out this week featuring Victony, Lojay, Kabza De Small, Mlindo The Vocalist, and more.

Ikenna wears all-black, and Chrissy rocks a white tee and denim as they pose for a picture
Latest

Canadian Music Label Hi-Way 89 Connects African Diaspora Artists with Global Success

The new label, founded by Nigerian-born executives Ikenna Nwagboso and Camillo Doregos, is positioning Canada as a hub for talents in the Afrobeats and Black diaspora music space.

Tyla looks into the camera, rocking long braids and silver jewelry
Latest

African Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best new African music tracks that came out this week featuring Tyla, Gyakie, Africa Express, and more.

Burna Boy on stage, holding a mic and smiling
Latest

Five Takeaways From Burna Boy’s Latest Album, ‘No Sign of Weakness’

There are moments of brilliance on the Nigerian superstar’s latest album, but questions of overfamiliarity in his Afro-fusion sound linger.

Falz Cooks Up a Platter of Stories and Sounds on ‘The Feast’
News

Falz Cooks Up a Platter of Stories and Sounds on ‘The Feast’

The Nigerian rapper has been one of the most consistent artists and creatives around. His latest album, ‘The Feast,’ showcases his ability to incorporate new voices without losing the essence of his trusted methods over the years.

The Best Burna Boy Songs
Music

The Best Burna Boy Songs

Ahead of his eighth studio album 'No Sign of Weakness,' OkayAfrica dives into the Afrobeats star's impressive discography to list his best songs, ranging from popular hits to cult classics.

A collage of Côte d'Ivoire supporters cheering during the opening ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on January 13, 2024.
Sports

AFCON 2023: The Football Tournament That Captured the World

Beyond celebrating the beauty of the African game, the tournament also showcased the vibrancy of Africa’s diverse cultures.

Ruger speaking into a microphone during a podcast interview, wearing sunglasses and a black sleeveless shirt with the text 'THE WORLD WILL'.
Latest

Ruger Discusses The Process of an Afropop Mind on ‘Afrobeats Intelligence’

On the latest episode of the podcast, the blownboy unpacks his genre-blending style, the writing process, and the requirements of a life in music with host Joey Akan.

Samthing Soweto poses for the camera while seated on a blanket. He wears maroon  Dakota shoes, grey pants and a white vest.

African Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best new African music that came out this week featuring Fave, BNXN, and Samthing Soweto.

10 Iconic African Rap Diss Songs
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10 Iconic African Rap Diss Songs

From M.I and Vector to AKA and Cassper Nyovest, there’s a solid history of rap beefs in African hip-hop that have produced some truly memorable diss songs.

Tems wearing a hooded leather jacket with a hand tucked in her chest
Latest

Tems Announces Groundbreaking Mentorship Program for Women in Music: The Leading Vibe

Starting this August, the Nigerian Artist's new program seeks to make the music industry more inclusive for women.

African Songs You Need to Hear This Week
News

African Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best new African music that came out this week featuring Runtown, Da Capo, ODUMODUBLVCK, and more.