From Lagos to London, and from New York to Tokyo, Afrobeats has moved from being a local sound to one of Nigeria’s most successful cultural exports. What was once driven mainly by local radio, street parties, and African concerts is now commanding global playlists, award stages, and stadium tours.

The numbers prove it. In 2024, Nigerian artists received more than ₦58 billion in royalties from Spotify, more than double the figure from the previous year. Streaming exports of Nigerian music also grew by 49% in three years, confirming that the sound is no longer confined to Africa.

Photo: @heisrema-Instagram

Artists at the forefront of this movement have matched the hype with measurable results. Wizkid became the first African artist to cross 20 billion global streams in 2025. Rema’s “Calm Down” remix with Selena Gomez was the first African-led track to hit one billion Spotify streams. Davido’s album 5ive recorded 15 million global streams in its first day, while both Asake and Burna Boy have also seen their albums debut with multi-million streams worldwide.

Photo: @burnaboygram-Instagram

The awards stage tells the same story. Burna Boy won the Grammy for Best Global Music Album in 2021, while Tems broke new ground in 2025 by winning Best African Music Performance with “Love Me JeJe”. She became the first Nigerian performer with two Grammy wins, a milestone that underlines the reach of Nigerian talent.

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Beyond music, Afrobeats has shaped cultural trends in fashion, language, and lifestyle. Nigerian slang has entered global conversations, African prints appear on international runways, and Afrobeats-inspired dance routines dominate TikTok and Instagram. What was once niche has become part of the global mainstream.

The growth of Afrobeats is not accidental. Nigerian artists built their careers at home, perfected their sound, and used streaming platforms to reach the world. Today, they headline festivals, sell out arenas across Europe and America, and collaborate with some of the biggest international names in music.

Photo:@asakefp-Instagram

For Nigerians, the rise of Afrobeats is a source of pride. The same songs played in Lagos traffic are being cheered by thousands in arenas abroad. More importantly, the industry is generating revenue and opportunities for young creatives, proving that music is not just entertainment. It is a thriving export.

Afrobeats is no longer chasing global recognition. It has achieved it. And with every milestone, Nigerian artists are not just sharing their sound. They are carrying the country’s cultural identity to the world stage.

Kanye West, better known these days simply as Ye, has built a career out of turning his life into headline material. From Grammy wins to political stunts, from Sunday Service choirs to public meltdowns, he has never stayed far from the spotlight. Now, he is channelling that turbulent energy into film. The trailer for his upcoming documentary, In Whose Name?, has just dropped, and it is already igniting conversations across social media and beyond.

The teaser pulls no punches. One clip shows a tearful argument with Kim Kardashian. Another has Ye admitting he stopped taking his medication. It even revisits his chaotic presidential run. These are not glossy highlights; they are the kind of moments most stars would conceal.

Directed by Nico Ballesteros, the film condenses more than 3,000 hours of footage shot over six years into under two hours. There is no narration or guiding voice, just Ye’s story unfolding through his own words and actions, contradictions and all.

For Nigerians who have followed Ye since his College Dropout days, the documentary goes beyond music nostalgia. It examines how one of hip-hop’s most unpredictable figures wrestles with fame, faith, family, and mental health. Genius or provocateur, Ye has never played it safe, and this film does not look like an exception.

In Whose Name? hits cinemas worldwide on 19 September 2025. If Ye’s past is any clue, the debates will not stop when the credits roll.

Lagos came alive on Saturday night as Onyinyechi Basil was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2025. Representing Anambra State, the 25-year-old beauty queen stood out in a field of 22 finalists to clinch the crown and the chance to represent Nigeria on the global stage in Bangkok later this year.

The grand finale at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Eko Hotels, drew a stylish crowd eager to see who would succeed Chidimma Adetshina. The competition unfolded in stages: swimwear, evening gown, traditional attire, and the nerve-racking Q&A session. Onyinyechi impressed at every turn, balancing elegance with sharp responses that kept her firmly in the judges’ spotlight.

Her journey to the crown was marked by weeks of intense preparation, training camps, and nationwide voting. By the time her name was announced, the excitement in the hall was electric. It was clear that her victory had been hard-earned.

The night also delivered strong showings from other contestants. Damilola Bolarinde of Lagos emerged first runner-up. Fortune Kurobo of Bayelsa and Irene Ikediashi of Ogun finished as second and third place respectively. In a separate twist, Miss Akwa Ibom, Idah Eno, was crowned Miss Supranational Nigeria 2025, giving her a platform to represent the country at another international event.

Moments after receiving her crown, Onyinyechi spoke with heartfelt emotion, thanking supporters and outlining her vision for the year ahead. She promised to use her platform to inspire young Nigerian women to believe in themselves while staying rooted in their culture.

As she prepares for the Miss Universe competition in Bangkok this November, Onyinyechi carries the hopes of a nation eager to see her shine on one of the world’s biggest stages. Her win is not just a personal milestone. It is a proud moment for Nigerian pageantry and a reminder of the talent, drive, and confidence the country continues to showcase to the world.