Dropped on May 29, 2026, the project arrives as a bold statement of intent, showcasing an artist steadily stepping into her full creative identity.

Known for her soulful blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and global influences, Qing Madi continues to carve out a unique lane in the Nigerian music landscape. Her sound is often defined by emotional depth, smooth vocal delivery, and a natural ability to connect with both local and international audiences.

On “Barely Legal,” she expands that identity even further, pulling together an impressive lineup of heavyweight collaborators that spans multiple generations of Nigerian music. The EP features appearances from Tiwa Savage, BNXN, Victony, Zinoleesky, Zlatan, Flavour, Wande Coal, Rotimi, and Eemoh, creating a rich blend of styles and influences.

Sonically, the project moves fluidly across Afrobeats, soulful melodies, and contemporary African rhythms. Tracks like “Come Slide” highlight her ability to float effortlessly over modern production while maintaining her signature softness and emotional clarity.

Beyond its sound, “Barely Legal” carries a deeper narrative of growth, confidence, love, and youthful expression. It captures a transitional phase in both life and artistry, where curiosity meets ambition and experimentation meets direction.

What makes the EP particularly notable is how it bridges generations. With veterans like Tiwa Savage, Flavour, and Wande Coal appearing alongside newer voices such as Victony and Zinoleesky, the project becomes a meeting point between legacy and the future of Afrobeats.

Critics and listeners alike are already pointing to the EP as a pivotal moment in Qing Madi’s rise, one that could position her for even broader international recognition in the near future.

Ultimately, “Barely Legal” is more than just a sophomore project. It is a declaration that Qing Madi is not only growing but also intentionally shaping her space within the global music conversation through bold collaborations and an unmistakable Afro-fusion identity.

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Widely known as the “Mayor of Lagos” since his breakout in 2016 with Eleko, Mayorkun’s latest project showcases an artist evolving, reflecting, and still delivering hits that move crowds and playlists alike.

Still The Mayor comes four years after his sophomore album Back In Office (2021), and a year after his 2023 EP Love.. For Free. The new album, initially slated for release on May 2 but delayed to allow for additional fine-tuning, is Mayorkun at his most refined yet. Balancing his signature charisma with matured themes and production, he delivers an album that is at once personal and panoramic in its reach.

The album boasts eight high-profile collaborations, including Davido, Fireboy DML (featured on two tracks), Rotimi, King Promise, Olivetheboy, Dremo, The Flowolf, and Michii. Each guest brings their unique flair, making for a rich, textured listening experience.

The lead single Innocent, featuring Fireboy DML, sets the tone with its introspective lyrics and smooth blend of melodies. On Reason 2 Japa, Mayorkun addresses the Nigerian emigration crisis with sharp, heartfelt storytelling laid over an Amapiano-inspired beat.

Blessings on Blessings with Davido and Diamonds with Fireboy DML lean heavily into Mayorkun’s talent for catchy hooks, while Konko Below lights up the streets with its pulsing energy. On Hold Body, King Promise adds a soulful touch to an R&B-leaning jam perfect for late-night vibes.

Behind the boards, producers like Speroach Beatz and Clemzy help craft a soundscape that reflects Afrobeats’ global growth. Traditional rhythms mix effortlessly with R&B, Afropop, electronic, and subtle rap influences. The album’s sonic diversity echoes the genre-bending boldness of Mayorkun’s 2020 hit Geng, but here, it’s more polished, more daring.

Tracks like Industry Girl (Interlude), a posse cut featuring The Flowolf, Dremo, and Michii, highlight Mayorkun’s curatorial instincts, though not all risks fully land.

“Still The Mayor” arrives at midnight!
Big ups to everyone who worked on this project with me.. It’s a special one for many reasons.. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2SC8GaaEEs

— MAYORKUN (@Mayorkun) June 12, 2025

Lyrically, Still The Mayor finds Mayorkun stepping into a more reflective mode. On Reason 2 Japa, he laments:

“I’m chasing dreams, but the system’s a cage.”

Still, his trademark charm remains. On Diamonds, he quips:

“My shine too bright, e dey blind them.”

This balance between sober realities and joyful braggadocio is part of what continues to make Mayorkun so relatable and magnetic.

The album is not without its minor missteps. The opener, while energetic, may feel like a jarring start for some listeners expecting a smoother introduction. Similarly, Industry Girl, despite its ambition, comes across as slightly overcrowded. Yet, these moments are the exceptions, not the rule.

From his humble beginnings as a former banker who posted music covers on social media, Mayorkun has grown into one of Afrobeats’ brightest stars. His debut album, The Mayor of Lagos, established his hit-making credentials. Back In Office proved he could sustain the momentum. Now, Still The Mayor marks a new era—an artist with global vision and full command of his artistry.

Accompanied by a high-profile listening party in Accra and a planned African tour, the album’s rollout points to even bigger ambitions.

Still The Mayor is not just a celebration of Mayorkun’s rise—it’s a confident reminder that his reign is far from over.

Listen to Still The Mayor album HERE.

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Nigerian music star Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, widely known as Mayorkun, has unveiled the official tracklist for his highly anticipated album Still The Mayor, set to drop at midnight.

The 12-track project promises a vibrant mix of solo cuts and star-studded collaborations, featuring appearances from some of the most celebrated names in Afrobeats and beyond. Notable guest artists include Fireboy DML, who appears on two tracks, Davido, King Promise, Rotimi, and Olive The Boy.

According to the tracklist Mayorkun shared via his social media platforms on Thursday, the album includes titles such as Keep on Rocking, Innocent (featuring Fireboy DML), 3:45 (with Rotimi), Diamonds (again with Fireboy DML), Konko Below, Industry Girl (Interlude), B.O.B (featuring Davido), Reason 2 Jaya, Hold Body (with King Promise), Woman, Would You? (featuring Olive The Boy), and Jiggy.

“Still The Mayor” arrives at midnight!
Big ups to everyone who worked on this project with me.. It’s a special one for many reasons.. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2SC8GaaEEs

— MAYORKUN (@Mayorkun) June 12, 2025

Still The Mayor serves as the next chapter in Mayorkun’s evolving narrative, following the acclaim of his 2023 EP Love For Free, which featured standout tracks like For Daddy and Low Key, and building on the momentum of his 2021 full-length project Back In Office.

The album cover adds a striking visual layer: Mayorkun sits confidently beside the Nigerian flag, flanked by his crew in black suits—a bold representation of pride, power, and creative identity.

With excitement already buzzing online, Still The Mayor is shaping up to be one of 2025’s defining Afrobeats albums, as fans prepare for another dose of Mayorkun’s signature charisma and genre-blending artistry.

 

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Nigerian-American actor and singer Rotimi, born Olurotimi Akinosho, recently shared details about his past record deal with American rapper and actor 50 Cent (Curtis James Jackson III) during an interview with DJ Vlad.

In the interview, Rotimi disclosed that he owed 50 Cent $300,000 from their business dealings, a debt related to his music career when he was signed to 50 Cent’s label.

Rotimi explained that the amount stemmed from a typical label agreement, where the label invests in an artist’s work up front, essentially providing a loan.

He clarified that after 50 Cent allowed him to become independent, the rapper stipulated that Rotimi would pay him back through a percentage of his music earnings until the debt was cleared.

In a surprising twist, the Nigerian singer revealed that 50 Cent had planned a marketing strategy around the debt. Following the success of Rotimi’s EP “Walk With Me,” which topped the R&B charts for four days, 50 Cent called him and suggested creating public drama by falsely claiming that Rotimi owed him money and their relationship had soured.

This deliberate move stirred public interest, highlighting 50 Cent’s business savvy and his creative approach to boosting attention around his investments.

Rotimi’s story illuminates the complexities of the music industry, particularly how label agreements and strategic marketing tactics play a significant role in an artist’s journey.

 

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Nigerian-American actor and singer Rotimi recently asserted that he played a pioneering role in introducing Afrobeat to the United States. During an appearance on the 85 South Show Podcast, Rotimi discussed his journey to success and his contributions to the rise of Afrobeats’ popularity in the United States.

According to Rotimi, he was the first artist to bring Afrobeats-styled music to the forefront in the United States, predating the widespread “Afrobeats to the World” movement facilitated by international collaborations.

Rotimi, known for blending R&B elements with Afrobeats, recalled facing initial resistance when he introduced his single ‘Love Riddim‘ to radio stations in 2018 due to its Afrobeat influences.

“I remember bringing ‘Love Riddim’ to the radio stations in 2018 and the program director was like ‘This is not good’. They didn’t even understand it and this was before Wiz (Wizkid) got the record with Drake,” Rotimi narrates. “I can comfortably say I brought Afrobeats to America,” he added.

“I can comfortably say I brought Afrobeats to America and this was before Wizkid had that record with Drake”

– Rotimi pic.twitter.com/NNGGINCjsh

— BASITO (@itzbasito) April 24, 2024

While Rotimi certainly played a role in popularizing Afrobeats in the United States, particularly during its early stages of exportation, many observers would likely dispute his assertion that he single-handedly introduced the genre to America.

The rise of Afrobeats in the United States during the 2010s can be attributed to various factors, including the power of social media, music streaming platforms, and strategic collaborations between Nigerian and American artists. It’s important to recognize that the growth of Afrobeats in America is the result of a collective effort involving numerous artists, producers, and industry influencers.

While Rotimi’s music, especially considering his Nigerian-American background, undoubtedly contributed to the genre’s popularity in the United States, it would be inaccurate to credit him solely with bringing Afrobeats to America.

Watch Rotimi’s full interview on the 85 South Show Podcast below:

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Rotimi, Whose real name is Lurotimi Akinosho, and Tiwa Savage, a superstar of the Afrobeats genre, recently revealed a secret about themselves that startled their admirers.

Rotimi disclosed that Tiwa Savage is his Blood cousin in a video that was posted on his Instagram page on Thursda

“Listen, I got a surprise mehn. Y’all never guess who my actual blood cousin is. You’ve got to paint this beautiful queen right now,” Rotimi said, pointing to Tiwa.

The “Power” actor claimed he had been withholding the details for a while but was glad to finally make them public.

Tiwa Savage also confirmed that the “In My Bed” crooner is her cousin.

The Somebody’s son Crooner replied,

“This is Tiwa, aka African Bad gyal, aka Mama Jamjam, aka Rotimi’s real cousin.”

The Music stars said that a song they wrote together would soon be released.

“We’ve been holding this secret for so long!!! So happy to share the vibes with everyone!”

SEE VIDEO AND POST BELOW

 

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A post shared by Rotimi (@rotimi)

In the meantime, Tiwa Savage was recently spotted partying hard in a nightclub, suggesting that she has apparently moved past the failed kidnapping attempt that was made against her.

The self-proclaimed Number 1 African Bad Girl was spotted having a good time at a nightclub on April 17 in the wee hours.

Tiwa, who was wearing a varsity top, was seen dancing Joyfully to the tune that the DJ was playing in a video that celebrity dancer Poco Lee recorded and released online.

She appeared to be happy as a result of Poco Lee hyping her, which led to her dancing more vigorously.

This happened just a few days after an attempt to kidnap her.

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On Sunday, November 13th, Nigerian music singer Fireboy DML performed at the Wembley OVO Arena in London, and the show was attended by a number of celebrities, including British megastar Ed Sheeran.

Fireboy had a special guest performer for the crowd at his London performance, and it was British pop artist Ed Sheeran, with whom he performed the remix of his hit tune “Peru.”

Maryokun, Bad Boy Timz, and American Nigerian singer Rotimi were among the other guests who performed at the night.

The audience who pack up the 12,000-capacity OVO Arena were thrilled to a selection of Fireboy’s hit songs across his three albums.

It has been a good year for Fireboy who dropped his third album ‘Playboy’ in August 2022. He then went on to perform at the BET Awards where he was nominated for Best Africa Act.

This is not the first time that Fireboy will be sharing the stage with Ed Sheeran as he performed alongside the megastar at British Popstar’s Wembley stadium show.

.@fireboydml brought out @edsheeran during his headlining set at the OVO Wembley Arena in London 🇬🇧

The duo performed their global hit “Peru” which peaked at No. 2 on the official UK singles chart pic.twitter.com/ikeFHHGbLo

— TurnTable Charts (@TurntableCharts) November 14, 2022

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In October, Ed Sheeran tagged “Peru” the second biggest-selling song of the year by the British singer.

The Grammy award-winning singer jumped on YBNL Fireboy’s hit track, “Peru” to deliver a banger after a friend, Jamal, now late introduced him to the Afrobeats singer in 2021.

Before then, the English singer admitted during an interview with Elton John that “Peru” released on July, 21, 2021 was an addictive earworm he was obsessed with.

He added his wife could attest to the fact that he had the song on repeat in his household after he listened to it first.

In another interview, the “Perfect” singer stated “Peru” remix ended up becoming not just the biggest collaboration in England that year but also the second biggest-selling song of the year.

“I did an Afrobeat song with an artiste, Fireboy DML. And it’s ended up being the biggest selling collaboration in England this year. It’s the second biggest selling song of the year”, he said.

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Rotimi has announced that he and his Tanzanian sweetheart, Vanessa Mdee, are expecting their second child.

After welcoming their first kid, a son named Seven, in September 2021, the actor from the television series “Power” and “Coming 2 America” and his Tanzanian singer/songwriter fiancée, Vanessa Mdee, have announced that they are currently expecting their second child together.

The artist, who has Nigerian roots, announced the news on November 1st, 2022, along with a video of Vanessa’s baby shower in which the baby’s gender was revealed.

The actor, 33, and his singer/songwriter fiancée, 34, are expecting their second baby together, a daughter.

He wrote:

Baby #2!!! It’s a girl! ????????????

 

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A post shared by Chosen ???? (@rotimi)

RELATED:

• Popular UK artists you didn’t know are of Nigerian Descent
• Rotimi explains why living in Africa is better than living in America

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, the couple said: “We’re excited to announce that our baby girl is on the way. What a beautiful testament to GOD’s favour. We are overjoyed.”

In photos, the pair reveal they are expecting a baby girl as Rotimi opens an umbrella that releases pink confetti that rains over the couple.

The couple announced the arrival of their first baby with a sweet post on Instagram.

Rotimi, who recently dropped his new single “Make You Say,” and Mdee shared a close-up photo of their newborn’s hand on their accounts and revealed his name alongside crown and dove emojis in the caption.

The Power actor also posted the announcement on his Instagram Story, adding the words “Feeling Blessed.”

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Rotimi and Vanessa Mdee are expecting their second child..

Rotimi, a well-known Nigerian American musician, recently offered his opinions on living in Africa versus America, sparking discussion on social media.

Based on his personal experience, Rotimi has come to the conclusion that living in Africa—specifically, Nigeria—is ten times better than living in the United States. However, most people do not agree with him.

He asserted that wealthy Africans enjoy ten times the standard of living as wealthy Americans. He pointed out that while America has wealth, Africa also has wealth.

Rotimi observed that everything has been appropriated from Africa, even the swag and the style.

The father of one added that people just need to go home because even the air is crisp and they can breathe, unlike in America where they breathe in problems.

In his words:

“When you got money in Africa, it don’t matter what country, you living 10 times better than most rich people here. There’s wealthy there and there’s rich here, there’s a big difference.

“For me, experiencing that and seeing that, and then the style, the swag, everything has been stolen from there. So I think everybody just needs to know that they need to go home. “Even just the air, the air is crisp, you can breathe. When you’re breathing in America, you’re breathing in problems, anxiety. When you leave, all that anxiety is out.”

 

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RELATED:

• The top 5 diaspora Nigerian musicians pushing the culture
• US Artists who are of Nigerian Descent

A number of people disagreed with the Nigerian American star, while a few supported him. Read some of their reactions below:

Taye9ja: “It’s always said when the person is a dual citizen. ” Tbellz07: “He is right. If you remove insecurity from the problems we have, if you are indeed wealthy, you will enjoy life better here. Aye bonfragemo tow beeehd.”

Cook_book_kitchen: “Before before now even with your wealth the country is a mess. You cant sleep with both eyes closed.”

Official_daramagic: “Omo this air for here no pure o .”

Val.hilda: “But but ! He’s right! When you have money air go crisp for you.”

Kokobykhloe: “From someone who doesn’t live here? Abeg pass me Nokia cord.”

Teremaster: “Why you no relocate come then.”

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Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, better known as Skales, has stirred outrage after he stated that no album this year is better than his newest release, ‘Sweet Distractions.’

Skales announced this on Twitter earlier today, March 30th, 2022. The singer, songwriter, and rapper claimed that he hadn’t heard a better project this year than his own.

Still ain’t heard an album better than mine THIS YEAR…
This is no diss nor sub

— SKALES (@youngskales) March 30, 2022

RELATED:

• Top 10 Nigerian debut albums that defined an era in the music industry
• Nigerian artistes that need to drop album very soon

Not all fans are taking it well, as a matter of fact, the tweet has not received a lot of favourable reactions. See some of the reactions below:

https://twitter.com/MarcellusMufasa/status/1509153601796644866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1509153601796644866%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fjaguda.com%2Fmusic-news%2Fnigerians-react-as-skales-says-no-album-he-has-heard-this-year-can-top-his-album-see-reactions%2F

What's the name of your album bro? No offence

— Uncle Zee (@j_zackz) March 30, 2022

https://twitter.com/Sakastweet/status/1509151419227590661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1509151419227590661%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fjaguda.com%2Fmusic-news%2Fnigerians-react-as-skales-says-no-album-he-has-heard-this-year-can-top-his-album-see-reactions%2F

Album wey no dey top 200 of Ng apple chart

— Akorede (@Sesyjr) March 30, 2022

Maybe nah only your own album you dey listen to everyday

— OF LAY LAY (@abulesowolagos) March 30, 2022

The singer released his fourth studio album in February. The project comes four years after he dropped his third project, Mr Love in 2016.

On the 14 tracks project, the singer features artists like Blaqbonez, Imanse, Zoro, Rotimi and Kabusa Oriental Choir.

The songs on Skales’s Sweet Distractions fit into three broad categories: revived rapper credentials; animated relationship travails; and the contemporary zest of South Africa’s amapiano.

Better known as a crooner, Skales beginnings as a rapper dictate proceedings on “As Always”, “Katapot” and on album opener “Hope, Freedom and Love”, on which he recounts his mother’s succumbing to a stroke, as well as career slights, drug use, relationship strife and money worries: “It still hurts, I hate the world so much man/Thank God I don’t own no nuke”.

Over woozy synths, emphatic kick drums and roving pianos, Skales finds good synergy “Pants on Fire” with fellow Nigerian artist Blaqbonez who, like himself, started out as a rapper, but later embraced the melodious advantage of his singing voice. “Heart in a casket/I’m done with that love shit” sings Blaqbonez with steely resolve to repair a deep hurt.

On more than one occasion, Skales proves to be a dab hand at amapiano. “Kpakurukpa” siphons the musicality of a non-word for the hook, which is layered with treated vocals and business-like lyrics about fun: “come take this life seriously/Hit the floor make we dance” urges Skales who, elsewhere, enlists the A-list support of Davido on “This Your Body”.

Hit producer Krizbeatz deploys broody synthesizers and patient piano on “Selense” which benefits from the enchanting presence of Zlatan, the inventor of zanku dance craze whose fame has become a source of incredulity: “Why dem dey threaten my life/Say I use dance collect their wife?”.

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Paying homage to the growth of Afrobeats, in this story, we draw out 10 Afrobeats songs that have been certified Gold in the US, and here are the top 10 Afrobeats songs certified gold in the US.

Years ago, the tag ‘Afrobeats to the world’ had been, for the most part, words of manifestation and belief in the future of the genre and the talent of the artistes on whose backs it was strapped upon.

This is because, while Nigerian music had gotten international recognition, these moments had either been few and far between or it was from migrants from Nigeria and its neighbouring countries, rarely sub-Saharan Africans.

At the heart of it, we were nowhere on the international charts, with little visibility on international media and tokenised inclusion at award shows.

Fortunately, these days, the narrative has reached a turning point with Afrobeats, Nigerian songs as well as musical products from other African countries now rubbing shoulders on the charts with entries from international megastars.

While the artistes leading this change, consistently sell out arenas in borders far from home, entertaining people who due to the transient power of Afrobeats speak the same language in that moment and space.

In fact, in recent times, there’s been a heart-swelling spate of Nigerian songs on international charts with an even longer list of artistes enjoying international recognition, so much so that the ‘Afrobeats to the world line has now clearly come into fruition.

As a result of this coming of age, in this story, we draw out 10 Afrobeats songs that have been certified Gold in the US.

But to help break down this milestone, what does it mean to attain Gold certification in the US? 

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, the RIAA, which advocates for music recorded or distributed in the United States as well as the people and companies that create them, the certification defines success in the recorded music industry.

An RIAA Gold certification is awarded to artistes when their single or album sells at least 500,000 units whether as records, tapes or compact discs.

While digital and physical albums both count as one “unit” per sale, the RIAA counts 100 permanent track downloads the same as 1,500 streams are it video or audio.

In other words, 1,000 downloads and 1,500 streams both equal the 100 units you’d earn by selling just 100 physical or digital albums.

So you either sell 100 units of a physical album or get 1,000 downloads or 1,500 streams.

It’s also important to note that Afrobeats in this light is used as an umbrella label for the poly-rhythmic and contemporary style of popular music made in African countries such as Nigeria and Ghana which we all know and enjoy today.

Top 10 Afrobeats songs certified gold in the US

Your Number – Ayo Jay, 2017

Ayo Jay may no longer be in the eye of mainstream Nigerian music but several years ago he had been a torchbearer, with his Your Number track blazing through the UK and US charts. Your Number had been released in 2013 and re-released two years later by RCA Records.

Produced by Melvitto who is currently a well-loved singer, it became the first-ever Nigerian song to get a spot on the Billboard Chart without any features.

If a playbook of successfully marketed Nigerian songs is ever made, Ayo Jay’s Your Number will most definitely be a highly referenced record as it also leveraged on international features with two remixes, the first featuring American rapper, Fetty Wap and the second with Chris Brown and rapper Kin Ink.

On the video streaming platform YouTube, Your Number’s visuals also took off and currently sits on 29 million views, the audio upload amassed 26 million views and the Chris Brown-featured remix 15 million.

On the 28th of February, 2017 these well-played cards paid off when Your Number officially sold 500,000 units in the USA and became certified Gold.

The record-breaking single also made waves in the UK and became certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry after selling 200,000 units.

Fall – Davido, 2020

The expression hit the ground running was exemplified by Davido in 2017 as he released Fall three months after his equally Gold-certified, If.

Produced by Fresh VDM, it had also caught on instantly like the aforementioned, igniting charts in Nigeria and blazing onto the Billboard charts to become one of the longest-charting Nigerian pop songs in Billboard history.

Interestingly, Fall was such a success, its Gold certification came almost a year before that of If, on the 28th of May 2020.

Like a gate oiler, the meteoric rise of Fall in earning its Gold certification marked a quickening in the length of time for the Gold-certification of Nigerian songs that came afterwards.

Come Closer – Wizkid feat. Drake, 2020

Wizkid has always exuded a palpable level of grace most evident in the rise and global spread of his music.

For instance, in 2014, Wizkid had put out the stirring Afrobeats record, Ojuelegba where he chronicled his childhood and path to fame.

Ojuelegba had become an instant favourite, travelling past the shores of the country despite being sung for the most part in Wizkid’s Yoruba mother tongue.

Soon enough, British rapper Skepta had caught the Ojuelegba bug and in the spirit of sharing good music, had played it for American rap star, Drake who later requested to be on the remix of the record with the latter.

After that collab had come to the global smash hit Drake, Wizkid and Kayla had created with One Dance and to return the favour, the duo had made another musical lap, this time on Wizkid’s Come Closer.

Come Closer was produced by the legendary Sarz and was released in March 2017, some three years later, in September 2020, it became Gold certified in the United States after selling 500, 000 units.

If – Davido, 2021

In 2016, Davido put out his Son of Mercy as his project with Sony Records, while records of the EP had been well-received, Davido himself had not been a fan of the project and till date, speaks dismissively on it.

Coincidentally, after the release of the EP, the star had taken a brief break, he’d later share that it had been needed to re-strategise and indeed, when Davido got back into the game in February 2017, it had been with the Tekno produced and written If which had instantly grown on Nigerians till it became a smash hit.

Eventually, it grew beyond being a Nigerian hit, trending on social media and penetrating South Africa and the US as well.

In South Africa, If became certified Diamond in February 2018 selling  200, 000 copies. While in the US, it raked in a Gold certification on the 12th of February 2021.

Interestingly and according to Davido, Tekno had handed him the song, already written with beats too, going as far as tracking him down to Quilox club to get a hold on him and get him to record it.

Ye – Burna Boy, 2021

The sixth and most successful single off Burna Boy’s internationally centring album, the story behind the making of Burna Boy’s Ye is one that never gets old and highlights how mysterious mechanisms of the universe work in one’s favour at the right time and in unexpected ways.

Burna Boy had just rounded up on his Outside album, he’d bought himself a Bentley to celebrate and was clubbing every other day till the fateful day he’d wound up at Quilox.

There the owner, Shina Peller had convinced him to listen to beats that had just been made by the in-house producer, Phantom.

Reluctantly he’d gone ahead and listened to the beats of what we now know as Ye. The song had in fact been recorded within 10 minutes and had upon its release on the 6th of August in 2018, been accepted as the new national anthem.

Today, when people turn up to Ye, they do so with rapt attention, upholding its anthem status.

It has however surpassed being a Nigerian anthem and this was also spurred by the cogs of providence whereby Ye witnessed a 200% spike in streaming numbers thanks to the fact that it shared titles with Kanye West’s Ye album, leading Kanye fans to stumble on the song.

Ye was certified Gold in the US on the 5th of May 2021 and had at that moment, been the fastest Nigerian song to reach those heights.

In My Bed – Rotimi feat Wale, 2021

“I’m just a first-generation Nigerian kid from Jersey. Don’t EVER let anyone tell you that there’s a box, a CEILING or LIMIT to what you can do, or who you can be,” Singer Rotimi had captioned his Instagram post announcing his Gold certification.

As the child of immigrant Nigerians who had blossomed into an actor and singer, he was definitely speaking from a wealth of experiences from struggling with disillusionment and confusion regarding origin and identity and most likely career as he also doubles as an actor.

As an actor, Rotimi had earned his chops and was in fact a regular character in the popular series, He’d also been cast in a handful of well-performing songs and had through his acting, garnered music placement in a show.

In between and after this, he’d put gotten a deal with 50 Cents G-Unit and also put out some projects as well as singles.

His works finally came to a head after releasing In My Bed on the 13th of November, 2019, when on the 14th of July, 2021, it was certified Gold by the RIAA.

Essence – Wizkid feat Tems; 2021

On one of Wizkid’s earlier records, No Lele, the Starboy had prophesied his success singing, “My music travel no visa,” now his prophesy continues to ring true as his Essence record keeps on growing past any cultural differences to become a much-loved record even in the United States.

In fact, this love has grown into a movement with the Tems-featured Essence being tagged the song of the summer in 2021 and for some, the song of the year.

In fact, Essence has currently been nominated at the 64th Grammys for the award of Best Global Music Performance.

And on the record, Wizkid’s unquantifiable grace becomes evident again in the making of the Essence remix which features Justin Beiber after he reached out and requested to be on the record.

Despite having 70 million streams on the remix which signals a major cultural crossover and a different type of alignment for Afrobeats, Essence the original still takes the cake, becoming Gold in the UK with 400,000 units sold.

And then barely a year after its release, became the fastest African song to be certified Gold in the US, after selling 500,000 units to cinch the award on the 2nd of September 2021.

To cap it all, on the 4th of October 2021, Essence officially hit the benchmark of a million sold units and went Platinum in the United States and then on the 3rd of March, got certified Double Platinum, after making sales to the tune of 2 million units, and in that process, becoming the first Nigerian song to hit that milestone.

Do Like That – Korede Bello, 2021

At the age of 18, Korede Bello had become signed to one of the most powerful record labels in the country, Mavin Music.

He had served to inform the transition of the label and had with his success as a fresh teenage sensation, had helped maintain their social currency earned via hit records from much-loved popstars.

In a short period after he was signed, the singer had put out a string of well-received singles and till this date, his Godwin rings in the minds of several Nigerians as a soundtrack for joyous moments.

The singer then struck the pot of gold with his sensuous RnB, Pop and Dancehall-blessed hit, Do Like That which was produced by Altims.

Released in September 2016, two years after he was signed, his Gold certification was confirmed by the RIAA on the 20th of September, 2021.

Presently, the video to Do Like That sits at 125 million on YouTube and has 68 million streams on Spotify alone.

Drogba (Joanna) – Afro B, 2021

A British DJ of East African descent thanks his Eritrean parents, Afro B had secured a win for the self-coined genre which he also pioneered, with his hit single Joanna.

Tagged Afrowave, the sub-genre is described and actualised as a blend of Dancehall, Hip-hop and Afrobeats melodies.

These elements had come together perfectly in Joanna which he released on the 18th of February, 2018 and rapidly grew into an international hit.

Some three years later, on the 8th of November 2022, Afro B’s fusion on Joanna went Gold, signalling a win for the musical African talents in the diaspora, who’ve been blending sounds from different cultures to create a place of belonging for themselves.

Love Nwantiti – CKay, 2022

Simply put, CKay’s Love Nwantiti is the biggest African song and makes the perfect argument for the talent and potential of artistes that make up the new age of Nigerian and African music.

Love Nwantiti was released in 2019 off his ep, CKay the first, by Chocolate City through American multinational entertainment company, Warner Music Group and in 2021 began its climb to global dominance through DJ versions, international remixes and Tik Tok challenges.

On the 12th of June, 2022 Love Nwantiti went Gold in the United States but that’s only a droplet of the mighty ocean of milestones the song has pooled together.

Presently, Love Nwantiti is the most certified African record, going Platinum in the US with a million units sold, Platinum in the UK with 600,000 units in the bag, Gold in Germany with 200,000 units certified by their Federal Music Industry Association; Bundesverband Musikindustrie.

It’s also two times Platinum in Portugal at 20,000 units and is double Platinum in Canada at 160,000 units.

In addition to these are has Platinum certifications from music associations in France, Austria, Italy, New Zealand, among several others.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Top 10 Afrobeats songs certified gold in the US.

A few hours after teasing us with the visual teaser, Rotimi premieres the music video to his hit groove, ‘Weapon‘ featuring Fireboy DML.

‘Weapon’ was lifted from Rotimi’s album “All or Nothing” which features Fireboy, Busy Signal, Mom, Stacy Barthe, and others.

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The love make-up of the duo was an excellent piece of art; pulling a refined pop sound with ease in each verse.

Quotable lyrics

Why you had to go and take me down this road?
Unbelievable, you the cheat code
Yeah, you showed me somethin’ different
Girl, you know your sex a weapon…

Watch!

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Rotimi premieres ‘Weapon’ music video feat. Firebody DML | Watch.