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These Breakout Stars Could Push African Music Boundaries in 2025

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African Music Boundaries in 2025

African artists always capture hearts, souls and playlists and 2024 was no different for the continent’s culture-making, record-breaking stars. Shining bright from Afrobeats to  Amapiano and beyond, Spotify Wrapped2024 looks at African artists who made magic and those you need to add to your library in 2025.

Afrobeats to Amapiano hitmakers to look out for

The Amapiano movement saw new acts like Scotts Maphuma and singer-songwriter Zee Nxumalo shine bright, with respective hits Yebo Lapho and Thula Mabota. These tunes stood out for fans and brought the pair to the top two spots on their local breakout artists lists.

DJ duo Shakes & Les follow thanks to their electro-amapiano-infused debut album MKHAYA, which attracted new fans and propelled them to be the third most discovered artists in South Africa according to Spotify data. Soweto-born vocalist Lee McKrazy was one of the most featured artists of 2024, making him a hitmaker to look out for this year.

Nigeria’s embrace of Amapiano could see even more collaborations in the new year. As the second-highest Amapiano consumer with over 50 billion streams, Nigeria’s artists are giving local fans what they want by working Amapiano elements into genres like Afrobeats. Songs like Are You There, by leading breakout artist Ayo Maff are further signs of this trend. The self-proclaimed Prince of the Street is a performer to watch out for in 2025.

Tml Vibez’s piano-driven rhythms and hymn-like melodies took second place in Nigeria’s breakout artists list. BoyPee won hearts and feet and the third breakout artist position with his infectious mix of Afro Soul, Afro Pop, and traditional sounds. Tracks like Ogechi with Davido, illustrate the musical blends that make BoyPee an artist to look out for this year.

Afrobeats star KAESTYLE is Nigeria’s fourth-ranking new musician, thanks to his feel-good anthems dedicated to joy, unity and resilience. And Llona’s passionate Afropop songs, like Cold War with compatriot FAVE, reflected the challenges and aspirations of his growing fanbase – earning him fifth place on Spotify’s breakout artists charts.

Gospel, Rap and Arbantone hitmakers to know

Beyond Amapiano and Afrobeats sounds, Durban-born rapper Usimamane got South Africa’s hip-hop heads saying his name with his breakthrough single Cheque. Getting together with familiar names like YoungstaCPT, ANATII and K.O made sure his debut album would turn heads and establish Usimamane as an exciting prospect for the continent’s rap scene.

Rapper and producer King Paluta’s dynamic blend of traditional rhythms and hiplife made him a name to be reckoned with. Fans have gravitated to his bumping beats and confessional loverboy lyrics on songs like Makoma. At the end of 2024, he dropped his debut album, Give Time Some Time, giving fans more Reggae, Afrobeat, and Gospel-inspired sounds to sink into in the new year.

Gospel sounds continue to prosper on the continent as groups like Team Eternity Ghana reached the masses in 2024. Starting as a fellowship of school students, they combine enchanting melodies with evangelical messages that resonate with spiritual song seekers. Tracks like Defe Defe which put them on the map, were remixed for genres like Drill, thus attracting younger fans who found the group through viral dance challenges.

Kweku Smoke uses religious metaphors and imagery on his Kewku Jesus and Born in Hell albums. His vibrant rap with lyrics in Twi, Pidgin and English made him a standout artist in 2024. He took on themes like the struggle between authenticity and a new identity as one rises to stardom. Asakaa and Drill-inspired singer-songwriter, Xlimkid, made a name for himself with party bangers like Valley of Trappers and the emotionally loaded Lonely Road.  Goodsin hitmaker Olivetheboy continued to ride the wave from his debut project Avanna, shaking up Ghana’s music scene in 2024 with the Deluxe release of the album. Being tapped for a feature on King Promise’s True To Self album allowed new listeners to discover Olivetheboy.

Kenya’s Arbantone is expected to continue growing in popularity this year. Singer, dancer, and choreographer Sean MMG was one of the breakout names of the genre and fellow rapper YBW Smith also solidified his breakthrough with viral hits like Pop Like This. Lil Maina’s Genge urban sounds and Swahili, Sheng and English lyrics made him a household Arbantone name and one to keep an eye on this year. Spotify has also supported the growth of the genre through unique playlists showcasing new and established artists.

These up-and-coming artists show the bright future that African music has ahead of it. From Afrobeats and Amapiano blends to linguistic fusions that connect with fans on emotional and spiritual levels, the continent’s sonic identity is more vibrant than ever. These artists should be on your radar as we look forward to the breakout hits of 2025.

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Trending Africa Magic Shows to Watch Now

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Africa Magic Investing in Local Content

The excitement on Africa Magic just keeps getting better, serving us premium entertainment that has everyone talking. Whether you love deep, thought-provoking drama or you’re here for the glitz, glam, and unexpected drama of reality TV, these shows should be your next obsession on TV.

Covenant

The title alone says it all. Covenant is a story of power, betrayal and redemption. It is the kind of show that makes you sit up and pay attention. It follows the lives of ambitious individuals navigating a world where loyalty is rare, and power is everything. Packed with intense drama, shocking betrayals, and unexpected twists, this is the show for anyone who loves a well-crafted narrative filled with high stakes and consequences.

Some shows entertain, others pull you in so deeply that you feel every twist and turn within you. Covenant is the latter. From the very first episode, it sets a tone that is impossible to ignore. The suspense? Unbearable. The storytelling? Sharp and unpredictable. The secrets? More than you could ever imagine.

Catch Covenant on Africa Magic Family, GOtv Channel 2, every Monday – Friday at 8:30 PM.

The Real Housewives of Lagos

Luxury, fashion, alliances, betrayals, and pure entertainment, The Real Housewives of Lagos is back, and it’s better than ever. More shade, more drama, and more jaw-dropping moments. The queens of Lagos are not here to play, and they’ve got surprises up their designer sleeves.

This season, friendships will be tested, old wounds reopened, and no one is safe from the heat. From glamorous parties hiding deep drama to casual comments sparking explosive arguments, The Real Housewives of Lagos delivers the kind of reality TV chaos that keeps you hooked. Get ready to pick sides, switch favourites, and enjoy the moments you never saw coming.

Catch new episodes of The Real Housewives of Lagos on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, every Sunday at 7:00 PM.

PTA

Who knew parent-teacher associations could be this dramatic? When school meetings feel more like battlefields and parents fight for control like it’s an election, you know things are about to get messy. PTA is a refreshing take on everyday school drama but with all the chaos and power struggles. It’s funny, intense, and full of moments that will have you laughing one minute and gasping the next. If you love a mix of humor and drama with relatable characters, PTA is the show you didn’t know you needed.

Catch PTA on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, every Thursday at 8:30PM.

Omera

If you love emotional storytelling with suspense, Omera is the show for you. With a gripping storyline and powerful performances, it takes you on a journey of love, loss, and resilience. This isn’t just another drama, it’s a test of the human spirit. The stakes are personal and the moments unforgettable.

Catch Omera on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, every Monday- Friday at 8:00PM.

Dust

Dust is the kind of mystery drama that keeps you hooked from the start. Dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a past that refuses to stay buried. It will take you through a journey of lies, hidden truths, and shocking discoveries. If you love crime thrillers with unpredictable turns, this one is a good watch. Catch Dust on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, every Monday- Friday at 9:00AM.

Subscribe now to unlock a world of exciting and entertaining programs. To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, simply download the MyGOtv app or dial *288#. For on-the-go viewing, don’t forget to download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.

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Court Remands Former P-Square Manager Jude Okoye in Ikoyi Prison

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Jude Okoye EFCC

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday ordered the former manager of the defunct music group, P-Square, Mr Jude Okoye Chigozie, to be remanded in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

The showbiz personality was brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59.

“That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometimes in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth N850 million, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” one of the charges read.

“That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometimes in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, did indirectly using bureau de change, converted the sum of $1,019,762.87, domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Ltd to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with intention of concealing that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” another charge read.

After the charges were read to him, Mr Okoye pleaded “not guilty”, following which prosecution counsel, L.P. Aso, applied for a trial date and for him to be remanded in a correctional facility.

However, his lawyer, Mr Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of his client’s bail application and prayed for a short date of adjournment to enable its hearing, praying the court to have the defendant remanded in the EFCC custody pending the hearing of the bail application.

But the prosecution counsel objected, arguing that the commission’s holding facility was already congested with suspects awaiting arraignment and that the court should remand the defendant in the correctional facility since he has taken his plea.

Justice Owoeye ordered that the defendant be remanded in Ikoyi Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter till February 28, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application and April 14, 2025 for trial.

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How to Invest in Art Like a Pro

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Aspire Art Auctions

By Marelize van Zyl

Art has become an increasingly attractive alternative investment, offering the opportunity to diversify one’s portfolio, while having the potential for significant returns. One of its biggest advantages is that, at the very least, it tends to hold its value, and, over time, it can appreciate, all while offering buyers the pleasure of enjoying their acquisitions.

The global art market was valued at $552 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $585.98 billion in 2025 and $944.59 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily driven by increased artwork sales, particularly among high-net-worth individuals seeking to include art in their investment portfolios alongside traditional assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate. However, investing in art is not exclusive to the wealthy – aspiring collectors can enter the market by acquiring more affordable pieces from emerging and up-and-coming artists.

If you’re looking to start your journey into art collecting and investment, here are some valuable tips:

  1. Understand the factors that influence value

Before making a purchase, it’s essential to understand what contributes to the value of art:

Several factors influence price appreciation, including:

  • The artist’s status and biography – Well-established artists with a strong reputation have higher demand, and promising emerging artists showing potential and growth in their careers allow for significant returns on early investment in their works.
  • Provenance – An artwork’s commercial and ownership history as well as its exhibition and literature records can significantly impact its value.
  • Artistic significance – Works that play an important role in an artist’s career or the broader art movement in terms of subject matter, medium or styles tend to appreciate more.
  • Market trends – Staying informed about which artists and styles are gaining traction can help make informed investment decisions.
  1. Seek expert advice

Navigating the art market requires knowledge and experience. Consulting specialists who understand market trends and artist trajectories can differentiate a purchase that holds its value from one that significantly appreciates. A well-advised acquisition can result in exponential returns.

For example, in 2012, I sold a still life titled I Love You All the Time by Georgina Gratrix for R45,000. By 2018, her career had flourished, leading to the artwork selling at an Aspire Art auction for R591,000, providing an astounding 1,211% return on investment. Similarly, a Lisa Brice artwork purchased in 2018 for R39,000 sold for R1.2 million in 2023, showcasing the immense appreciation potential in the contemporary art market. 

  1. Explore emerging artists

While investing in blue-chip artists like Irma Stern, whose paintings average R5 million, is a secure way to preserve capital, identifying promising emerging artists can be an exciting and lucrative endeavour. Cinga Samson, for example, started painting in a shared artist studio in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. By 2021, after securing a solo show in New York and being signed by leading galleries, his works began reaching £321,300 at auction. An early piece, originally bought in 2010 for R1,700, later sold for R240,000 in 2023. This demonstrates how strategic investments in emerging talent can yield substantial rewards. 

  1. Consider online auctions and payment flexibility

For new collectors, online art auctions are an effective way to enter the market, offering exposure to a variety of artworks and pricing insights. Aspire Art recently introduced a “buy now, pay later” model, allowing buyers to pay off artworks interest-free over three months, making art collecting more accessible. 

  1. Exercise patience and build a long-term strategy

Investing in art is a long-term commitment. While some works appreciate rapidly, others take years or even decades. Art collecting is a passion-driven pursuit that can become a lucrative investment when approached strategically. 

  1. Take advantage of the current buyer’s market

Right now, market conditions favour buyers, making it an opportune time to start investing in art. With careful selection and strategic acquisitions, investors can lay a strong foundation for future appreciation as market dynamics evolve.

Marelize van Zyl is the CEO of Aspire Art

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