As 2025 winds down, the Starboy camp is closing the year like a team that refuses to take its foot off the accelerator.

Wizkid has already been sweeping up year-end streaming awards across Spotify, Apple Music, and Turntable’s radio charts. But on Tuesday, his right-hand sound architect delivered one of the label’s biggest wins yet: DJ Tunez has officially been crowned Nigeria’s most-streamed DJ on Spotify in 2025.

The recognition, pulled from newly shared data, is more than a personal triumph. It’s another reminder of the Starboy machine’s grip on the continental music scene, an empire that seems to glide at a height few can match.

The numbers appeared via Africa Facts Zone on X, igniting a mini frenzy on social media. The post highlighted Spotify’s top DJs by monthly listeners, a modern metric that neatly reflects influence, reach, and cultural relevance.

As expected, South Africa’s amapiano giants filled the upper ranks, maintaining their status as Africa’s most exported sonic powerhouses.

Still, Nigeria made its presence felt in the elite tier. Both DJ Tunez and DJ Spinall earned spots on the list, further validating the country’s expanding footprint in the global DJ ecosystem.

Top African DJs on Spotify (Monthly Listeners, as of December 9, 2025)

1. DJ Maphorisa (South Africa) – 5.3M
2. Master KG (South Africa) – 3.8M
3. DJ Tunez (Nigeria) – 3.55M
4. Kabza De Small (South Africa) – 3.4M
5. DJ Yo! (Mauritania) – 3.34M
6. Jazzwrld (South Africa) – 3.29M
7. Shimza (South Africa) – 2.8M
8. Black Coffee (South Africa) – 2.75M
9. Nitefreak (Zimbabwe) – 2.24M
10. XDuppy (South Africa) – 2.238M
11. Tyler ICU (South Africa) – 2.18M
12. Kelvin Momo (South Africa) – 1.93M
13. DJ Spinall (Nigeria) – 1.89M
14. Major League DJz (South Africa) – 1.7M
15. Uncle Waffles (Eswatini) – 1.5M

Despite South Africa’s ironclad hold on the global dance scene, this was undeniably DJ Tunez’s moment. He stands as the only Nigerian DJ in the top ten and Africa’s second most-streamed DJ overall, firmly stamping his status as the country’s undisputed number one.

And Tunez responded in pure Starboy fashion. Without a single word, he quote-tweeted the ranking with the iconic Michael Jordan “I’m Back” GIF—a subtle flex that sparked another wave of memes, shout-outs, and jubilation across the timeline.

For Starboy fans, it was déjà vu: another day, another win.

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• Rema, Josey, P.priime bag Trace Africa Award 2025, Check out the full list winners

The 2025 Trace Awards have officially wrapped up, honoring the finest in African music and its diaspora with a spectacular night of celebrations.

Hosted at the breathtaking Mora Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania, the event brought together some of the biggest names in the industry for an evening filled with show-stopping performances and well-earned victories.

With 24 categories and artists from over 30 countries, the ceremony underscored the vibrancy and evolution of Afro music—spanning Afrobeats, dancehall, hip-hop, Afropop, and beyond.

South African duo Titom & Yuppe clinched the prestigious ‘Song of the Year’ award for their chart-topping hit *Tshwala Bam*, a track that took dance floors by storm worldwide.

Meanwhile, Nigerian sensation Rema continued his reign, securing ‘Album of the Year‘ for “Heis,” a project that fuses Afrobeats with global influences. His dominance was further solidified with a win for ‘Best Male Artist.’

On the female front, South Africa’s Tyla was crowned ‘Best Female Artist,’ recognized for her originality and genre-defying sound. Nigerian gospel powerhouse Mercy Chinwo also made her mark, winning ‘Best Gospel Artist’ for her soul-stirring music.

The regional categories saw Ivorian star Josey named ‘Best French-Speaking Artist,’ while Nigerian hitmaker Ayra Starr continued to shine as West Africa’s top talent. Southern Africa’s music scene was also well represented, with Tyler ICU taking home a well-earned award.

The Trace Awards 2025 once again highlighted Africa’s immense musical talent, proving that the continent’s sound is not just evolving but redefining the global music landscape.

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The Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards for 2024 have revealed their nominations, showcasing the significant impact of African global stars in the music industry.

The Nigerian music scene is prominently featured in the nominations list for the 2024 BET Awards.

Tyla, Burna Boy, Tems, Ayra Starr, Focalistic, Davido, Lojay, Asake, Tyler ICU, and Seyi Vibez have all garnered nominations across various music categories.

Leading the Nigerian contingent is Ayra Starr, who secured three nominations for Best New Artist, Best African Act, and Best HER for her single ‘Comma’.

Burna Boy earned recognition with two nominations for Best R&B/Pop Act and Best Hip Hop Act. Similarly, Tems clinched two nominations for Best Video Director and Best Gospel/Inspirational Song for ‘Me & U’.

Davido and Lojay snagged a nomination for the Viewers Choice Award thanks to their collaboration on Chris Brown’s ‘Sensational‘.

Asake received a nod for Best International Act, while Seyi Vibez earned recognition in the Viewers Choice Best International New Act category.

Several global stars have also secured major slots in the ‘Best International Act’ category, with Asake, Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Focalistic earning four nominations in this prestigious category.

Among the international stars, Drake leads with seven nominations, followed by Nicki Minaj with six. BET has also unveiled a powerhouse performance lineup for the BET Awards 2024.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on FULL LIST: Burna Boy, Asake, nominated for 2024 BET Awards.

The collaborative EP “Loveless” by Lojay and Jae5 is highly anticipated within the music industry, especially following the success of their previous collaboration on “I Wish” with Libianca. Scheduled for release on Friday, March 8, 2024, the EP marks a significant milestone in their musical journey together.

The lead single from the EP, titled “Dishonest,” is set to be released on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Collaborating with Zimbabwean singer and songwriter Sha Sha, as well as South African DJ and record producer Tyler ICU, fans can expect an infusion of amapiano vibes, adding an exciting dimension to the project.

 

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For Lojay, 2023 was a remarkable year, highlighted by the release of his acclaimed EP “Gangster Romantic,” which featured the hit track “Moto” garnering over 28 million streams. His Australian tour further solidified his growing presence in the music scene, while performances at prestigious events like The Felabration 2023 underscored his rising star status.

Jae5, known for his collaborations with top Afrobeats artists like Wizkid and Stormzy, brings his expertise and creativity to the table, enhancing the EP’s potential for success.

With the positive reception of their previous collaboration and the excitement surrounding “Loveless,” Lojay and Jae5 are poised to make a significant impact with their latest project, captivating audiences with their unique sound and musical prowess.

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Two years after the tragic passing of the iconic South African rapper Riky Rick, celebrities from the nation are coming together to remember the late artist.

On February 23, 2022, Riky Rick’s death by suicide was announced, leaving countless fans heartbroken.

Despite the sorrow, his enduring legacy is still celebrated today.

Meanwhile, in a touching tribute to the late rapper, a new song titled “iLanga” is set to be released in March. This emotional track features Riky Rick along with other stars like Young Stunna, Tyler ICU, and more.

Personalities such as Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Tyler ICU, Tshego, and several others have taken to social media to announce the upcoming single, marking a heartfelt remembrance of the late Riky Rick.

 

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In other news, controversial Ghanaian artist Shatta Wale recently voiced his opinion on Sarkodie’s rap style, expressing his discontent with comparisons to the renowned rapper and Stonebwoy.

Shatta likened such comparisons to equating primary school students with those in junior high, emphasizing his frustration with being compared to his “juniors” in the industry

Check-in mp3bullet.ng for more details.

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Here are the winners of the 2024 TikTok Creators Awards. Tyler ICU, DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA, Tyron & Tumelo Za’s song ‘Mnike’ clinches the title of Song of the Year at the TikTok Top Creators Award.

The second edition of the TikTok Creator Awards took place at Vodaword in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. The event aimed to acknowledge and celebrate the creativity and diverse voices of creators across Sub-Saharan Africa.

On February 9, Nigerian creators shone, securing four out of eight awards. Notably, Ola of Lagos was honored with the ‘Trailblazer of the Year’ in Sub-Saharan Africa award.

In a statement, Bianca Sibiya, head of content operations for TikTok in Sub-Saharan Africa, extended congratulations to the Nigerian winners across various categories.

She said, “As we conclude the Top Creator Awards, I am truly impressed by the achievements of Nigerian content creators. With an outstanding performance, securing four out of eight categories, Nigeria has demonstrated its talent and creativity on the global stage of TikTok. We look forward to witnessing their continued success and influence on our platform”.

2023 Top Creator Awards Winners

• Sports Creator of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa- Nezcatt
• Gaming Creator of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa- khalamanja_
• Entertainment Creator of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa Sachi_himes96
• Lifestyle and Education Creator of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa- Iremide (Nigeria)
• Trailblazer of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa- @olaoflagos
• Africa Rising Creator of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa- Afrolecia
• Publisher of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa- PulseNigeria247
• Song of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa- Tyler ICU

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Rihanna has unveiled her top pick for the best song of 2023, choosing Davido’s ‘Unavailable,’ a track that has garnered significant endorsements from fellow artists.

The year 2023 has proven to be a standout one for Nigerian megastar Davido. He dropped his highly anticipated fourth album, ‘Timeless,’ featuring chart-topping hits that shattered multiple streaming records.

As the year concludes, various platforms and individuals, including streaming services, media outlets, listeners, and artists, are spotlighting their standout tracks of the year.

For global pop sensation Rihanna, her preferred song of the year is Davido’s ‘Unavailable,’ featuring Musa Keys—a standout single from his record-breaking fourth album, ‘Timeless.’

Rihanna, who shared this insight during a recent interview, admitted to having ‘Unavailable’ on constant replay throughout the year.

In the same interview, the musician-turned-billionaire entrepreneur also singled out Tyler ICU’s hit single ‘Mnike‘ as another favorite from 2023.

Rihanna is not the only one enamored with Davido’s ‘Unavailable,’ as the track has garnered a global fan following.

Rihanna names Davido's Unavailable ft. Musa Keys as her Song of the Year. pic.twitter.com/CLVHEoqwe9

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) December 20, 2023

It topped the TurnTable Top 100 and secured a position in the top 10 of Spotify and Apple Music’s Nigerian song charts by year-end.

Internationally, ‘Unavailable‘ achieved significant success, resulting in multiple remixes, including collaborations with Jamaican dancehall legend Sean Paul and American rapper Latto.

On February 5, 2024, ‘Unavailable‘ will be in contention for the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance. Davido, with three previous nominations, is hopeful of securing his first Grammy win.

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A new generation of Nigerian artists is leading the global exportation of Nigerian music, taking traditional sounds and infusing them with contemporary beats.

These artists are not only making waves in Africa but are also breaking down international barriers and collaborating with global superstars. Spotify-wrapped data for 2023 reveals a 26% year-on-year increase in plays of African music outside the continent, highlighting the growing influence of African artists worldwide.

Nigerian artists dominated the charts of the most exported artists in sub-Saharan Africa, with Rema and Burna Boy leading the pack. Rema’s collaboration with Selena Gomez, “Calm Down,” became the first African-led single to hit a billion streams on Spotify. Burna Boy won the Top Afrobeats Artist award at the 2023 Billboard Awards. Other Nigerian artists like Tems, Ayra Starr, and Asake also made significant contributions to the global music scene.

Nine out of the top 10 most exported recordings in sub-Saharan Africa were Nigerian tunes, showcasing the dominance of Nigerian music on the international stage. The success of these artists reflects the global market for African music, and collaborations with international artists are fueling the continued growth of the industry.

African music is not just about chart-topping hits; it represents a rich tapestry of rhythms, melodies, and voices that reflect the continent’s diverse cultural heritage. Specific countries’ top exported tracks, such as Tyler ICU’s “Mnike” in South Africa and Lexsil and Otile Brown’s “Bounce” in Kenya, showcase the diversity and uniqueness of African musical expressions. The global success of African music is expected to continue as collaborations and cultural exchanges with international artists persist.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Spotify reveals the top exported artists for sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2023, Nigerian artists celebrated a triumphant year, leaving an indelible mark on the end-of-year charts unveiled by major digital streaming platforms such as Spotify as well as prominent entertainment news outlets.

The recent revelation from Spotify, a digital streaming giant, underscored the dominance of Nigerian artists throughout the year. They not only secured prominent positions on the best Afrobeats chart but also made waves in the R&B and hip-hop global charts.

Best Afrobeats Songs of 2023:
Spotify’s announcement highlighted the top Afrobeats songs of 2023, with Davido’s “Unavailable” claiming the coveted number one spot. Nigerian artists dominated the list, securing three out of the top five positions.

1. “Unavailable” (Davido)
2. “Mnike” (Tyler ICU)
3. “Basquiat” (Asake)
4. “Soso” (Omah Lay)
5. “Single Again”: Harmonize

Best R&B Songs of 2023:
Wizkid, a standout Nigerian artist, secured a position in the top 10 best R&B songs of 2023 on Spotify. His collaboration with Ayra Starr, “2 Sugar” from the “More Love, Less Ego” album, claimed the seventh spot on the chart. Notably, Tyla’s “Water” emerged as the highest-ranked African song, holding the second position.

See the list of the best R&B songs of 2023

Best R&B songs of 2023 on Spotify:

#2. Water – Tyla
#7. 2 Sugar – Wizkid feat. Ayra Starr pic.twitter.com/mraRGwaZ5F

— WeTalkSound (WTS) (@wetalksound) December 13, 2023

In the realm of hip-hop, 2023 marked a significant milestone for African artists, as demonstrated by the Best Global Hip-Hop Songs of 2023 chart on Spotify. Odumodublvck’s track, “Declan Rice,” secured an impressive second-place ranking, making it the highest-charting song by an African artist on the global stage.

This achievement stands as a powerful testament to the remarkable journey and influence of hip-hop in Africa, showcasing its considerable impact and recognition on the international music scene.

See the list of the best hip-hop songs of 2023 below:

BIG KALA 🌍☄️

Odumodublvck’s “Declan Rice” emerges as the #2 best Global hip-hop song of 2023 on Spotify! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/V1rsn6zEOQ

— WeTalkSound (WTS) (@wetalksound) December 13, 2023

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American rapper Lil Nas X recently revealed his deep admiration for the Amapiano hit “Mnike” by Tyler ICU, showcasing the genre’s growing international popularity.

Released earlier this year, the song features an impressive lineup including DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA, and Tyron Dee.

In recent weeks, Tyler ICU‘s excitement has soared as “Mnike” dominated music charts and streaming platforms, securing its place in history. Notably, the song has garnered attention and appreciation from international stars like Wiz Khalifa.

The Amapiano movement is rapidly pushing boundaries worldwide, supported by influential figures like Major League DJz, DJ Maphorisa, DBN Gogo, Uncle Waffles, and Uncle Vinny. Don’t miss out on the infectious rhythms and global success of Amapiano!

Who would have thought that Lil NasX listens to Amapiano pic.twitter.com/XtFrskUBd7

— DreamJunky (@Nesu_Leigh) July 30, 2023

Meanwhile, American award-winning artist Montero Lamar Hill, known by his stage name Lil Nas X, is set to release new music featuring Nigerian superstar Rema.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Amapiano Takes Over the World: Lil Nas X’s Favorite Song ‘Mnike’ by Tyler ICU Makes History.

• Artiste Name: Zuchu
• Song Title: Kitu
• Featuring: Bontle Smith
• Country: Tanzania
• Year: 2021

Wasafi Records songstress, Zuchu has released her fourth track record of the year titled, ‘Kitu‘.

Jumping on an Amapiano wavy beat, the singer joined forces with South African hitmakers, Bontle Smith and Tyler ICU for a befitting delivery.

It comes after the release of another smash Amapiano sound, ‘Yalaaaa‘, which Zuchu dropped in the month of August.

• RELATED: Zuchu – Yalaaaa [Music]
• RELATED: Zuchu – Nyumba Ndogo [Music]

Zuchu clearly has her project work in motion, with certainty to be dropped in the coming year.

Listen up!

STREAM AND GET HERE

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• Artiste Name: Kamo Mphela
• Song Title: Dubai
• Featuring: Reason, Tyler ICU, Daliwonga
• Genre: Amapiano
• Country: South Africa
• Year: 2021

She teams up with other superstars; Reason, Tyler ICU, and Daliwonga in making this instant hit.

• RELATED: Falz ft. Kamo Mphela, Mpura, Niniola x Sayfar – “Squander (Remix)”
• RELATED: Busiswa – SBWL ft. Kamo Mphela [Music]

Listen up!

STREAM AND GET HERE

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