Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Khaid, Tempoe, Poco Lee Among Emerging Artistes for 2023- Spotify
Spotify, an online streaming platform has announced Khaid, Tempoe, Poco Lee and more as emerging artistes, music lovers could look out for in 2023.
Phiona Okumu, Head of Music, Spotify’s Sub-Saharan Africa disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Okumu said that according to Spotify data, some other emerging artistes across African continent were: Bayanni, Brume, YKB and Kaestyle.
According to her, the Ghanaian emerging artistes were: Reggie, Snypa, Mellissa, Beeztrap, Kotm and Samsney.
“Emerging artistes from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are: Wanavokali, Kinoti, Misee, Billions, Njeri, Anjella, Killy, Phina, V-BE, Liam Voice and Axon.
“From South Africa, we have Pabi Cooper, Boontle RSA, Uncle Waffles, Nkosazana Daughter, Young Stunna, Jay Jody, Blue Tape, Khanyisa, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Will Linley, Droomsindroom and Officixl.
“Few things are quite as exciting as discovering new talent to listen to on repeat, fans can add to their favourite playlists and lean on for emotional support over the course of the year.
“For fans of African music on Spotify, 2023 promises another roll-call of amazing artistes, ready to break through to fame and mainstream streaming success,” she said.
Okumu noted that African music had consistently unfurled waves of new, fresh talent every year who have propelled the global interest in Afrobeats, Amapiano and its many other sub-genres.
She said 2022 was a breakout year for artistes like Buju, Costa Titch and Asake, whose success propelled them into Wrapped top lists at the end of 2022.
“And while those talents took their voices to the main stage, a slew of rising stars was also laying the groundwork for their own breakout year.
“Some of these musicians are primed to release their best music in the coming months, others have enjoyed early success on Spotify, and shown many indications of even greater success on the horizon.
“Some others are relatively new elements, developing new takes on familiar sounds that harken towards major shifts in popular music,” she said. (NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Nigerian Men Scared of Bold, Confident Women, Phyna Claims
Former Big Brother Naija winner, Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has claimed that she is still single because Nigerian men are scared of confident and independent women.
Speaking during a recent livestream on Twitch, the reality star claimed that most Nigerian men prefer women they can control when choosing a life partner and avoid independent women.
Phyna explained that expressive women like her are the worst hit because most men judge them by their social media rhetoric and decide to avoid them even before meeting them.
The actress said she is, however, not bothered by the trend, stressing that she can’t change herself to fit into a man’s expectations.
“I am a ten over ten. The thing is just that men are scared of bold and confident women. There are someone women that by mere looking at them you know that you can’t control them. But our Nigerian men like women that they can control.
“They don’t want women who have says or are exposed. So, we that are very loud about how we are, even without they meeting us, they are already scared and forming assumptions. But I really don’t care,” she expressed.
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
How God Changed My Story after 16 Years in Music, Says Spyro
Afrobeats singer Spyro has revealed that 16 years of perseverance and struggle in the music industry finally paid off three years ago, attributing his success to divine intervention.
In a social media post, Spyro shared his testimony, recalling a period of profound struggle and disappointment that preceded his breakthrough.
He explained that it was at this critical juncture that his fortunes changed.
Following his past struggles, the singer now encourages others facing similar challenges, urging them to hold on to their dreams and never give up.
He attributes his turnaround to God, who transformed his life and propelled him to success three years ago.
Spyro wrote, “If someone had told me 3 years ago that I would become this fly, I would have argued it, and now I look at my life, and all I can say to someone reading this is please don’t give up…
“I have been in the industry hustling for 16 years, and I was at my lowest when JESUS changed it all, and that same JESUS is still in the business of changing lives, JUST BELIEVE.”
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Asake Reaffirms Loyalty to Olamide, Downplays Split Rumours
Afrobeats star Asake has reiterated his unwavering loyalty to his former label boss and mentor, Olamide, amid speculation of a fallout between the two artists.
Despite removing YBNL from his Instagram bio and unfollowing Olamide in December 2024, Asake in a recent interview with YouTuber Korty EO, emphasised that his perception of the rapper remains unchanged, stating, “Till the world ends, Baddo will always be Baddo.
The way I saw Baddo yesterday is the same way I see him today, and that will be the same way I will see him tomorrow, even if I become the president of America or Zimbabwe. Baddo will always be Baddo”.This development followed reports that Asake’s contract with YBNL may have expired, with the singer opting for independence rather than renewing the deal.
While neither Asake nor Olamide has publicly addressed the situation, industry insiders believe the split was amicable.
Asake has consistently credited Olamide for changing his life, and his latest comments reaffirm their enduring professional and personal bond.

