Music

The Female Executives Shaping the Future of Nigerian Music

Published

3 months ago

22 July 2026

Photo: Instagram/@kekehammond

The global rise of Nigerian music has been driven not only by its artists but also by executives working behind the scenes, including women whose leadership is helping shape the industry’s growth. While artists are often the public faces of that success, executives negotiate deals, develop talent, build international partnerships and manage careers that keep the industry moving forward. Among them are women whose work continues to influence how Nigerian music is created, marketed and exported.

Here are some of the women working across different areas of the Nigerian music industry.

Temi Adeniji

Photo: Facebook

As Managing Director of Warner Music Africa and Senior Vice President, Strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa and Special Projects at Warner Music Group, Temi Adeniji oversees the company’s operations across the region. During her time at Warner Music, she has helped drive the company’s expansion in Africa through investments and partnerships, including a majority stake in Africori and a strategic alliance with Chocolate City. She has also been involved in the international growth of African artists, with Warner Music supporting the global rise of CKay’s Love Nwantiti, one of the biggest Afrobeats crossover records in recent years. Her work spans business strategy, artist development and long-term growth across African markets.

Rima Tahini

Photo: Instagram/@rimouuune

Rima Tahini is Senior Vice President, A&R and Creatives at Mavin Global. She joined the company after working on Kupanda Capital’s investment in Mavin before moving into artist and repertoire (A&R), where she steadily rose through the ranks. Today, she leads Mavin’s A&R and creative teams, working closely with artists on music development, release planning and creative direction. During her time at the label, Mavin artists including Rema and Ayra Starr have expanded their global reach through international chart success, award nominations and collaborations, reflecting the label’s growing influence in the global music business.

Ronami Ogulu

Photo: Instagram/@r0nami

Ronami Ogulu is part of the executive team at Spaceship Collective, the company that manages Burna Boy’s career. Her responsibilities include business operations, partnerships and long-term strategy for the Grammy-winning artist. During her time with Spaceship Collective, the company has overseen a period of significant international growth for Burna Boy, including major performances, sold-out tours and expanded global partnerships.

Vanessa Amadi-Ogbonna

Photo: Instagram/@missamadi

Vanessa Amadi-Ogbonna is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of VA PR, a public relations agency with clients across music, television and entertainment. Over the years, she has worked with artists including Davido and Tiwa Savage, helping shape media campaigns and public communications around major career moments. Her agency was involved in the public relations campaign for Davido’s landmark concert at The O2 Arena in London, one of several projects that strengthened the international visibility of Nigerian music.

Princess Chizaram

Photo: Instagram/@theradiochef

Princess Chizaram, popularly known as TheRadioChef, is an A&R Manager at Sony Music West Africa. In her role, she oversees the portfolios of artists including Qing Madi, Mayorkun, Gyakie and Oladapo, working across artist development and creative direction. She also served as a judge on the MTN Best of the Street talent competition, where she evaluated emerging musicians. In 2023, she was named among TurnTable Charts’ 30 Under 30 Power Players in Nigerian Music, recognising young professionals contributing to the growth of the industry.

Elizabeth Sobowale

Photo: Instagram/@elizabeth_sho

Elizabeth Sobowale is the founder of The Other Agency and the manager of Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold. She has overseen his career through major projects, including the Catch Me If You Can (2022) and Tequila Ever After (2023) album campaigns, helping shape both his artistic direction and commercial brand. Beyond artist management, she serves as Programme Director of the Creative Business Academy (CBA) for Africa, formerly known as the Music Business Academy for Africa. The academy trains emerging professionals across the creative industries and has partnered with organisations such as Spotify to deliver industry-focused programmes and masterclasses.

Keke Hammond

Photo: Instagram/@kekehammond

Keke Hammond is the Chief Operating Officer of Flytime Promotions and the Chief Executive Officer of Road14 Studios. At Flytime, she oversees the operational planning, sponsorships and commercial partnerships behind some of Nigeria’s biggest live music events. Her work has been central to the growth of Flytime Fest, which has expanded into a multi-day festival featuring Nigerian and international artists, including Davido, Asake, Rema and Central Cee. Through her leadership on the business and production side, she has helped strengthen one of Africa’s most established live entertainment platforms.

The success of Nigerian music is often measured by chart performance, sold-out concerts and international awards. Behind many of those achievements, however, are executives handling negotiations, partnerships, publicity, career planning and business strategy. As Nigerian music continues to reach new audiences around the world, the industry’s future will depend not only on the artists on stage but also on the executives making key decisions behind the scenes.

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Music

Ayra Starr Announces StarrGirl World Tour for 2027

Published

4 days ago

13 October 2026

Laju Odogwu

Photo: Instagram/@ayrastarr

Ayra Starr has announced the StarrGirl World Tour. It covers 20 cities across Europe, the UK and North America and begins in January 2027.

The tour is for her third studio album, “Starrgirl”, which came out on August 14, 2026. She opens on January 20 at Live Music Hall in Cologne, Germany, and closes on April 14 at The Fillmore in San Francisco.

Photo: Instagram/@ayrastarr

In Europe, she plays Amsterdam on January 21, Paris on January 24, Milan on January 27, Zurich on January 29 and Brussels on January 31. The European leg ends in London on February 2 at Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

The North American shows start on March 18 in Houston. She then plays Dallas on March 19, Atlanta on March 21, Silver Spring on March 24, Boston on March 25, Philadelphia on March 26 and Brooklyn on March 28. After that come Toronto on March 29, Montreal on March 30, Chicago on April 1, Minneapolis on April 2 and Denver on April 5, before the San Francisco show.

Photo: Instagram/@ayrastarr

She announced the tour just after performing at the halftime show of the NFL game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on October 11.

Fans in Europe and the UK can access the artist presale from October 14, while Mastercard presale access is available to eligible cardholders in France, Italy and Belgium. General sales for all dates open on Friday, October 16, at 10am local time on Live Nation.

Music

Weekend Playlist: 4 New Songs From FOLA, Blaqbonez and More

Published

1 week ago

9 October 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Instagram/@hypestribeng

A good weekend playlist needs songs for different moods, whether you’re winding down after a long week or getting ready to head out. This week’s picks include a new collaboration between FOLA and Davido, Duncan Mighty’s link-up with Halver, and fresh releases from Ayo Maff, Zinoleesky, Blaqbonez and Asake. Each track brings something different, from a familiar take on romance to songs built around everyday struggles and lively rhythms.

Malaria – Ayo Maff ft. Zinoleesky

Photo: X/@chartsafrica

Love is the subject of “Malaria,” but Ayo Maff and Zinoleesky approach it through an unusual comparison. Released on September 24, 2026, the song likens falling in love to catching an infection, presenting romance as something that can take hold of a person and become difficult to ignore.

The midtempo street-pop production leaves room for both singers to bring their individual styles to the track. Ayo Maff delivers his verses in a deeper tone, while Zinoleesky adds a more melodic touch to the chorus. Their different vocal approaches give the song its character, with the hook providing a memorable centrepiece.

Ikebe 3000 – Blaqbonez ft. Asake

Photo: Instagram/@hypestribeng

Blaqbonez reunites with Asake on “Ikebe 3000,” released on October 2, 2026. The pair previously collaborated on “Chanel,” and their latest release brings them together again ahead of Blaqbonez’s forthcoming project, NOMADINHO: 4TH PRIME.

Punchy percussion and lively melodies drive the track, while the repeated chorus gives it an easy rhythm to follow. Blaqbonez takes a melodic approach to his delivery, and Asake adds his recognisable vocals to the mix. The result is a lively record suited to parties, social gatherings and moments when a playlist needs more energy.

Hustler – Halver ft. Duncan Mighty

Photo: Instagram/@thahalver

Halver teams up with Duncan Mighty on “Hustler,” released on October 8, 2026. The song focuses on the effort it takes to earn a living, with financial pressure and the sacrifices involved in pursuing personal goals shaping its message.

Its drill-inspired hip-hop foundation sets it apart from the other releases on this list. Traditional African instrumentation adds another layer to the production, while Duncan Mighty’s presence connects the track to the sound associated with the Port Harcourt singer.

2am in Toronto – FOLA ft. Davido

Photo: Instagram/@hypestribeng

“2am in Toronto” appears as the third track on FOLA’s sophomore album, 9, released on October 9, 2026. The 14-track project gives the song a place within a larger body of work, but the collaboration with Davido is one of its main attractions.

Romance takes centre stage as FOLA delivers the song with his melodic vocals, while Davido adds his own style to the record. The pairing suits the song’s love-focused theme, making it a natural fit for late-night listening or a playlist built around romantic Afrobeats.

Music

Ayra Starr and ZAYN Finally Share the Screen in “Heaven Baby” Video

Published

1 week ago

7 October 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Instagram/@zsquad

Ayra Starr and Zayn have appeared together in the official music video for “Heaven Baby,” giving their collaboration its first music video featuring both artists. Released on October 5, the video comes weeks after the Nigerian singer and British pop star teamed up on the track.

The video unfolds in a dark, futuristic setting with metallic surfaces, tinted glass and illuminated floor panels. Ayra Starr wears a royal blue satin dress, while ZAYN appears in a dark outfit as close-up shots capture his performance.

Photo: Instagram/@zsquad

Ayra and ZAYN appear separately in some scenes before coming together in the same setting. The visual also offers a different take on their August performance of “Heaven Baby” at All Points East in London, where ZAYN appeared on a large screen behind Ayra during their live duet. In the new video, they appear to share the same physical space.

“Heaven Baby” is featured on Ayra Starr’s third studio album, Starrgirl, released on August 14, 2026. ZAYN features on the track, pairing Ayra’s Afropop delivery with his pop and R&B-influenced vocals. Apple Music describes it as a piano-led duet about attraction, affection and a celestial idea of love.

Photo: Instagram/@zsquad

The collaboration had already drawn attention before the video was released. Ayra Starr has spoken about being a fan of ZAYN since his One Direction days, making their meeting on the song a notable moment for the singer. Behind-the-scenes footage from the video shoot also gave fans an early glimpse of the pair before the full visual arrived.

“Heaven Baby” has also performed well on the UK charts. The song peaked at No. 2 on the UK Official Afrobeats Chart after entering the chart in August, giving the collaboration another milestone before the video’s release.

Directed by Earthboi, the “Heaven Baby” video gives the collaboration its first full visual featuring both artists.