News Brief

Rema Is Apple Music's New 'Up Next' Artist

Exclusive: Watch the buzzing Nigerian artist's 'Up Next' short film and announcement.

Remais the latest artist to get a spot in Apple Music's Up Next program, OkayAfrica is excited to announce today.

The young artist has become one of the leading voices of the new Nigerian generation since the release of his debut Rema EP and subsequent Bad Commando EP, riding on massive hits like "Dumebi," the titular "Bad Commando," and "Iron Man," which even made it onto Barack Obama's playlist. He also recently earned a 2020 BET Award nomination.

Rema's inclusion in the Up Next program comes paired with a new short film shot by the artist himself in Lagos, which we're getting a first look at here today. It follows Rema as he talks about the spirituality behind his music and wanting to "take Africa to the world, if the world can't come to Africa."

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Music

How East African Musicians Are Making Money Today

We speak with star artists and music industry professionalsto find out how monetization sources are changing in East Africa.

As the world continues to embrace technology, and with the current state of quarantine in so many countries, musicians are in a constant search for new and better streams of income. In East Africa, artists and companies are looking to tap into a tech-savvy, smartphone-connected population of around 537 million people through several pathways.

Ahead of the MIDEM digital panel conversation on Reinventing Monetisation Sources in East Africa, which we will be moderating, we spoke with the panelists: Tanzanian star Vanessa Mdee, TRACE TV's Head of Music Business East & Anglophone Africa and Swahili nation Founder Cleopatra Mukula, and Mdundo's Chief Operating Officer Wanjiku Koinange, and also hear from insider voices like Nairobi-based Camille Stormto get their takes on income options for artists in East Africa.

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Listen to Tony Allen & Hugh Masekela's New Song 'Slow Bones'

Premiere: The Nigerian and South African legend come together in this new single from their upcoming album Rejoice, the first post-humous release from Masekela.

Watch Simi's Beautiful Music Video For 'Selense'

Premiere: Simi shares the upbeat new video for "Selense," a song about time which draws inspiration from classic highlife.

J Hus Returns With New Single 'Must Be'

Listen to the new JAE5-produced single from the London-based rapper.

Davido and Popcaan Connect For New Song, 'Risky'

Listen to "Risky," the new track from Nigerian star Davido & Popcaan, and watch its new music video.

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Watch Joey B's New Music Video For 'No Waste Time' Feat. Boj

PREMIERE: Head to the southeast coast of Ghana in this new music video from buzzing Ghanaian act Joey B featuring Boj.