Hot Gists

Fresh Models Launches in Lagos to Discover and Develop Nigeria’s Next Generation of Global Talent Lagos, Nigeria — A new force in African fashion has emerged with the launch of Fresh Models, a Lagos-based modeling agency and training academy founded by international model and creative entrepreneur Francis Polo, also known as Fresh Pepper. Positioned at the intersection of talent development and global opportunity, Fresh Models aims to redefine industry standards in Nigeria by building a pipeline of world-class models equipped for both local and international markets. “Fresh Models was created to bridge the gap between raw talent in Nigeria and the structure required to compete globally,” said Polo. “We’re not just signing models—we’re developing them with intention, discipline, and a clear understanding of the industry.” Operating out of Lagos, the agency combines representation with hands-on training through its academy, offering aspiring models access to professional development in ...

             Loud In Africa Unveils Unathi Nkayi as New Face, Announces new music Project Release African entertainment platform Loud In Africa has officially announced South African media personality and singer, Unathi Nkayi, as the face of its new season, marking a strategic move to expand its cultural and musical footprint across the continent. The announcement, made via a press release, positions Nkayi at the forefront of the brand’s upcoming campaigns and creative direction, as Loud In Africa continues to spotlight influential voices shaping Africa’s entertainment landscape. As part of the rollout, Nkayi is also set to release a new project on May 1, a development that is expected to generate significant anticipation among fans and industry stakeholders. The project will be distributed by Prime Music Partners, reinforcing a key partnership aimed at amplifying African music across global platforms. Founder of Loud In Africa, Akeju Abass Mubarak, de...

              Angélique Kidjo, Ayra Starr Unite on New Single ‘Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back)’ Five-time GRAMMY-winning global music icon  Angélique Kidjo  has returned with a brand new single titled “Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back)”, featuring Nigerian Afropop star  Ayra Starr , in what is being described as a powerful cross-generational collaboration. The single, released on March 27, 2026, serves as a precursor to Kidjo’s highly anticipated album HOPE!!, scheduled for release on April 24 under  Warner Music Group . The song blends rich African musical heritage with contemporary pop influences, delivering a message that redefines love as true wealth in a world often driven by materialism. Accompanied by a cinematic music video shot at the iconic  Power Station Studio in New York , the visuals capture both artistes in an intimate performance setting, illuminated by candlelight and framed by a grand piano, reflecting the song...

   Samini Unveils 8th Studio Album “ORIGIN8A,” Set for Release Ghanaian music legend and multiple award-winning artiste,  Samini , has officially announced the release of his eighth studio album titled  ORIGIN8A , scheduled to drop on February 12, 2026. The project represents a major milestone in the veteran musician’s career, symbolised by the 8-ball featured on the album cover a powerful metaphor reflecting destiny, alignment, completeness and a return to one’s true musical path. Speaking on the inspiration behind the album, Samini described ORIGIN8A as a deeply personal body of work that reflects growth, reconciliation and purpose. “This album represents my journey coming full circle. ORIGIN8A is about remembering where I come from, reconnecting with my roots and celebrating the people who shaped my story,” the artiste said. More than just a musical release, ORIGIN8A serves as a symbolic homecoming, reuniting Samini with several artistes he once mentored and suppo...

         Boss Director and the Quiet Discipline Behind Afro-Fusion’s Next Wave In the fast-moving economy of African popular music , where virality often outruns substance, a quieter and more disciplined form of artistry is beginning to assert itself.  Boss Director , born  Onazi Moses Oche , belongs to a growing group of  Nigerian musicians  who appear less interested in momentary hype and more focused on building a durable creative identity that can travel beyond borders. Born on September 6, 1996, and raised in  Benue State , Boss Director carries his  Idoma heritage  with visible pride, even as his sound is shaped by the urban realities of  Lagos , where he is now based. His music sits within  Afro-fusion , but not in its most obvious or over-polished form. Instead, it reflects a careful balance between street-rooted energy, melodic restraint, and contemporary global rhythm structures. The result is music that fee...

       “Stand Attention”: The Arrival of a Commander The unveiling of Stand Attention was more than a release—it was a statement. Created on November 4th, 2025, the date marking the birthday of Valentine Luiz, the single was conceived as both a tribute and a declaration. In every sense, it announced the official arrival of Siilvaar as a commanding force within the Voltte universe. Branded as “Stand Attention” – Siilvaar feat. Niphkeys , the record positions Siilvaar not merely as a new artist, but as a Commander of the Voltte army—a symbolic role that speaks to leadership, discipline, and purpose. The song carries a confident, almost ceremonial energy, blending authority with melody and setting the sonic tone for what Voltte Records represents. The collaboration with Niphkeys went beyond production. Featured on the track, Niphkeys brings his signature presence into the record, elevating it from a debut statement to a strategic alliance. The chemistry between both a...

   Samini Announces New Single “Far Away” — A Street-Conscious Anthem Ahead of His Upcoming Album ‘Origin8a’ Ghanaian music legend,  Samini , is set to make waves once again with the release of his much-anticipated single titled “ Far Away ,” a powerful and reflective track that speaks to resilience, focus, and self-preservation in an era of negativity and envy. The award-winning reggae and dancehall artist, known for his lyrical depth and socially conscious music, described “Far Away” as a message to every hustler and dreamer striving to succeed against the odds. “It’s about recognizing the energy around you,” Samini said. “When you’re pushing forward in life, not everyone clapping for you means well. Far Away is my reminder to keep moving, keep winning, and stay grounded no matter who tries to pull you back.” The single, which will be released exclusively on  Audiomack , serves as a prelude to Samini’s forthcoming studio album,  Origin8a , one of the most anti...

     KUD Collections: Nigeria’s New Fashion Export In the heart of Lagos , where fashion pulses with the same intensity as the city’s traffic-clogged streets, music, and vibrant energy a new force is emerging quietly but confidently: KUD Collections . Known for its vibrant tailoring, opulent textures, and unapologetic glamour, the brand is building a name not through hype, but through resonance. From international red carpets to moodboards, KUD is steadily becoming Nigeria’s next big fashion export. Founded by designer Deborah , “KUD collections is at once a love letter to femininity and a statement on the power of detail. “Every piece is designed to feel like a conversation,” she says. “There’s always a story, a memory, or a bold idea behind the dress.” And that philosophy shows. From sharply tailored two-pieces in unexpected jewel tones to gowns punctuated with hand-stitched accents, KUD Collections is not afraid of maximalism. But it’s the kind of maximalism that feel...

              JOSHUA DENILA Unveils A Journey of Self-Discovery With New Afrobeat EP No Money, No Honey In a world where music often serves as a mirror to the soul,  JOSHUA DENILA  delivers a heartfelt narrative with his debut EP, No Money, No Honey, released on September 1st, 2025. This  afrobeat -infused project is more than just a collection of songs, it’s a vibrant testament to breaking free, finding strength, and embracing authenticity. No Money, No Honey captures a pivotal moment in JOSHUA DENILA’s life, where a life-altering decision to leave a  co-dependent relationship  sparked a creative awakening. The EP’s candid title reflects the realization that true artistic freedom stems from self-reliance, not romantic ties. Each track weaves a chapter of this journey, from the aching vulnerability of  Empty Pockets  to the triumphant self-love of  My Own Honey . The lyrics, unfiltered and deeply personal, resona...

       Babatunde140’s New Single “Give Yourself Some Brain” Hits U.S. Billboards Afro-fusion artiste , Babatunde Ogunseinde , popularly known as  Babatunde140 , has returned to the music scene with his much-anticipated single titled “ Give Yourself Some Brain .” The track, which fuses  Afrobeat rhythms  with contemporary sounds, is already generating excitement among fans and industry watchers. Taking things a notch higher, the single has also been featured on leading billboards across major cities in the United States , spotlighting Babatunde140’s growing global reach. “This song is a wake-up call. I want people to vibe to it, but also to reflect and make wiser choices in their everyday lives,” he said. Music critics believe the single could become one of the standout  Afro-fusion records  of the year, given its message-driven content and Babatunde140’s increasing influence in the Nigerian and international music space. The artist, who has ...

  Wedding City Podcast Show will Tackle Modern Marriage Realities - Creator, Reward Akpiri A new podcast dedicated to unpacking the highs and lows of modern marriages is set to premiere on August 30, 2025. The Wedding City Podcast Show will feature candid conversations with wedding professionals, celebrity guests, and counselors, offering fresh insights into the realities couples face before, during, and after marriage. Produced by Media Definition Studios —the creative team behind the viral hit Wedding Whoops: 50 Things Not to Do on Your Big Day —the show promises to take listeners behind the curtain of weddings with unfiltered conversations about love, marriage, and the challenges of modern relationships. Hosted by professional wedding MC Larry Foreman and broadcast personality Abby, the podcast blends expert insights with candid experiences. Each episode will feature celebrity guests, seasoned wedding professionals, marital counsellors, and newlyweds, all sharing raw perspecti...

How Misturah Abisola Owolabi’s Misty Glam Company is Questioning Beauty Standards with Nigeria’s First Albinism Advocacy Pageant 2025 If you lived in a world where you never saw yourself celebrated, would you believe you belonged there? That question has stayed with Owolabi Misturah Abisola her whole life and it’s the question that birthed the Albinism Advocacy Pageant . For Misturah Owolabi, her work at Misty Glam Company is about breaking unrealistic beauty standards so everyone can feel represented. And for persons with albinism , breaking that mold is survival. We live in societies where myths, stigma, and systemic exclusion strip away their dignity before opportunity even knocks. Rarely have persons with albinism been seen as leaders, creators, changemakers or talented stars. She wanted to change that. That’s why, in February 2025, through Misty Glam Company, she launched the Albinism Advocacy Pageant as a stage for women with albinism to tell their stories, build their voices, ...

         Snappcode of Africa Is Redefining Photography and Powerfully Shaping Africa’s Creative Legacy Nigeria’s leading lifestyle photographer,  Babalola Ifeoluwa Isaac , popularly known as  Snappcode of Africa , stands as one of the most influential visual creatives of his generation. With a bold vision, sharp lens, and unmatched storytelling finesse, he continues to redefine  lifestyle photography  across the continent and place African excellence on the global stage. His impact has never been more prominent than it is in August 2025. His rise is nothing short of iconic. In recent triumphs, Snappcode earned the prestigious  Black Excellence award in Kenya  and was handpicked as one of the exclusive invitees at the  Forbes 30 Under 30 summit in Botswana . Back-to-back honors like the  Future Awards’ Photographer of the Year in 2024  and a spot on the  Top 5 Most Influential Photographers in Nigeria list in 2023...

    Mayorkings Charity Foundation To Host African Women Achievers Awards & Summit 2025 in Johannesburg South Africa, Calls For Sponsors & Partners The 2025 Edition of the Prestigious African Women Achievers Awards & Summit 2025 is scheduled to hold 28th August to 1st September 2025 at the prestigious @Sandton Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg South Africa. The event will bring together delegates from over 35 African countries who will be honored and celebrated due to their achievements and hardworks over the years from across the continent. Amb. Dr. Temisan O. Louis, CEO of Mayorkings Agency Group and Organizer of the event, highlighted that the summit is a major milestone in promoting women’s empowerment and excellence in Africa. “We are thrilled to provide a platform for African women to shine and be recognized for their remarkable achievements,” he added. The African Women Achievers Awards (AWAA) is a prestigious event that recognizes and celebrates the achievements o...

         Ghanaian Star Samini Unleashes Afro Dancehall Banger "Summer King" for the Season’s Ultimate Party Vibes Renowned Ghanaian music icon, Samini, has returned to the scene with a sizzling new anthem titled “Summer King”, setting the tone for what promises to be a season of electrifying Afro Dancehall energy and carefree summer vibes. Produced by the acclaimed Mix Master Garzy, “Summer King” delivers an infectious rhythm that blends feel-good lyrics with high-octane beats making it a perfect soundtrack for parties, beach outings, and nights under the stars. The single serves as both a musical celebration and a rallying cry for fun-lovers across Africa and beyond. “This one’s for everyone who’s been waiting all year to let loose,” Samini declared. “Summer is the time to shine, and I’m calling all the ladies over to my yard — we’re partying like never before.” True to his signature style, Samini effortlessly fuses Afrobeat influences with Dancehall’s pulsatin...

    Akeju Hosts ‘Beats & Roots’ with SummerStage, Spotlighting African Culture and Diaspora Influence In a major celebration of heritage, rhythm, and identity, renowned music executive and filmmaker Abass M. Akeju has partnered with SummerStage through Prime Music Partners to host “Beats & Roots”, a cultural panel designed to explore Africa’s global influence through music, tradition, and its ever-growing footprint in the diaspora. Held under the theme “Connecting through African music, culture & the influence on the diaspora,” the event brought together influential voices from music, art, and entertainment to share insights on how Africa’s creative legacy continues to shape communities across the world. “This conversation is not just about music, it’s about history, people, and purpose,” Akeju said. “Beats & Roots is our way of honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future of African influence around the world.” The high-level panel featur...

  Babatunde140 Drops Thought-Provoking Afro-Fusion Single, “Give Yourself Some Brain” Rising Afro-fusion artiste, Babatunde Ogunseinde, popularly known as Babatunde140, has officially released his latest single, “Give Yourself Some Brain”—a socially conscious track rooted in street wisdom and delivered with musical finesse. The new release, which hit streaming platforms to the excitement of fans nationwide, is more than just a groove—it's a wake-up call. Inspired by the popular Lagos street slang, the song urges Nigerians, particularly the youth, to stay focused on their goals, make wise decisions, and walk with purpose despite the distractions of modern life. The track was birthed through a collaborative effort with The Crosswave Collective, a diverse group of creatives and musicians with backgrounds spanning continents. Together, they deliver a sound that is as rich in rhythm as it is in message, blending cultural authenticity with globally appealing production. Speaking on the i...

  Popular Content Creator 1stladyella Launches Groundbreaking Content Creation Masterclass Renowned Nigerian content creator and brand influencer, Emmanuella Akinrinde, popularly known as 1stladyella, has launched a new online training program aimed at empowering aspiring digital creators across the country. The initiative, titled the Content Creation Masterclass, is a 30-day virtual program hosted on Telegram, designed to equip participants with the skills and tools required to grow their personal brands, build influence, and monetize their content on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. With a combined following of nearly 300,000 across her social platforms, 1stladyella has established herself as a consistent and relatable figure in Nigeria’s digital space. Known for balancing her roles as a mum, wife, and full-time content creator, she has also impacted society through her non-profit organization, the Girl Power Foundation Nigeria. Speaking to journalists ...

    Keiyu releases visuals for topcharting single "My padi" a look into his RPG EP Nigerian music sensation, Keiyu, has finally released the highly anticipated music video for his hit single, "My Padi". The song, which is part of his debut EP titled RPG, has been making waves in the music industry and beyond. The music video, directed by the talented Visuallcode studio, is a visually stunning representation of the song's themes of friendship and camaraderie. Keiyu's energetic performance is complemented by appearances from some of Nollywood's finest, including Charles Okorocha, Zubby Michael, chiwetaluagu, ebelle okaro and more. Speaking on the experience of working with such a talented cast and crew, Keiyu expressed his gratitude and admiration for the team. "Working with Charles Okorocha was an absolute pleasure. His energy and expertise brought the song to life in ways I never thought possible. And having Zubby Michael on board was the icing on t...

    Singer Babatunde140 releases new single "Wonder Wonder" Rising Afro-fusion star Babatunde140 is back with a highly anticipated new single titled "Wonder Wonder", marking another milestone in his musical journey. Known for his captivating blend of Afro-fusion, Soul, Reggae, African Folk, and Jazz, Babatunde140 once again delivers an infectious, genre-defying sound in this latest track. "Wonder Wonder" is a rhythmic exploration of life’s everyday marvels and complexities, with Babatunde’s deep, soulful voice leading listeners through an energetic yet thoughtful narrative. The single showcases his signature fusion of West African rhythms with global influences, creating a sound that is both rooted in tradition and forward-looking. “This song is about appreciating the wonders of life and finding joy in moments, even in the midst of chaos,” Babatunde explains. Produced with lush instrumentation and vibrant beats, "Wonder Wonder" reflects the artis...