In the world of arts and culture, entertainment stands out as the one form that truly weaves itself into everything else. It effortlessly showcases the beauty of creativity in moments when uncertainty overshadows clarity.
As the African entertainment industry continues to offer exciting and record-breaking milestones and cultural shifts, we find ourselves once again looking back at the stories that made the past week unforgettable. This week, we appreciate the stories that stand out and the stories that remind us why music continues to matter.
READ ALSO: This Week’s Entertainment in Review: African Creatives, Fashion, and Music
African Film and Television: Celebrating Stories at the AMVCA
The eleventh edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards took place on May 10, 2025, at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, celebrating excellence in African film and television. Featured a host of stars from the gates of Nollywood to the blazing scene of Afrobeats.
This edition was a grand celebration of African storytelling, recognising outstanding achievements in television and film. The ceremony, held in Lagos, Nigeria, brought together industry professionals, actors, and creatives to honour emerging talents and established icons. It was graced by performances by Nigerian Idol Season 9 winner Chima, BlaqBonez, Young Jonn, Johnny Drille, Fido, Kunmie, and Serotonin also lit up the night.
The awards covered various categories, including drama, comedy, reality, documentary, and more. Some notable winners include:
– Best Movie: Freedom Way
– Best Director: Awam Amkpa for “The Man Died”
– Best Score/Music: Seven Doors — Tolu Obanr
– Best Lead Actor: Femi Adebayo for “Seven Doors”
– Best Lead Actress: Chioma Chukwuka for “Seven Doors”
– Best Supporting Actor: Gabriel Afolayan for “Clarence Peters’ Inside Life”
– Best Supporting Actress: Mercy Aigbe for “Farmer’s Bride”
The AMVCA continues to shine a spotlight on Africa’s film and television industry, showcasing its vibrancy and diversity.
Mavin Records: A Legacy of Influence and Expansion
Mavin Records clocked 13 years, the label was founded on May 8, 2012, by Don Jazzy, a Nigerian music executive, record producer, and artist. The label’s inception followed the closure of Mo’ Hits Records, which Don Jazzy and D’banj co-founded. Mavin Records has evolved through three generations of stars, including Dr Sid, D’Prince, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Korede Bello, Dija, DNA, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille and Reekado Banks in the first generation; Rema, Ayra Starr, and Crayon in the second; and Magixx, Boy Spyce, Elestee and Bayanni in the third.
The record label has been instrumental in promoting African music on a global scale, with many of its artists achieving international recognition. It secured funding from Kupanda Capital in 2019, which was seen as a testament to the label’s mission to amplify talent. In 2020, Billboard Magazine named Mavin Records as one of the gatekeepers of the Nigerian music industry.
In 2024, Universal Music Group acquired a majority stake in Mavin Global, further expanding the label’s reach. It has expanded into various business areas, including partnerships, content production, publishing, and marketing. It also has a formidable roster of producers, writers and DJs such as Altims, Babyfresh, London, Andre Vibez, JVXN, Mbryo, Milar, Prestige, Sevn and DJ Big N.
Odumodublvck’s ‘School Tour’ and the Rise of Nigerian Hip-Hop
Odumodublvck wrapped the thrill for Hip-hop fans with his ‘The Greatest School Tour’ after dissing out top-tier performances across university campuses in Nigeria. Music journalist, Joey Akan, congratulated him on the successful conclusion of the tour, in his words, ‘Congratulations Odumodublvck for your successful conclusion of “Greatest School Tour.” You’ve always done a lot for the little guy, but this your big one: Showing a new generation of Nigerian music consumers that they matter, by rewarding their love for the art. Well done!
Buttressing this, music executive Excel Joab praised Odumodublvck contributions to Nigerian Hip-hop and the efforts of Tobi Mohammed known popularly as Alhaji Popping to make the tour profitable. According to him, ‘No matter how you feel about OdumoduBlvck, what he’s doing for Nigerian hiphop right now is crazy. Also, shout out to Alhaji Popping for master minding the whole operation. Last time I saw a uni tour this good was Lynxx and friends tour in 2011.’
The rapper previewed his unreleased song collaboration with Portable at his sold-out concert in Ibadan, one of the stops from the just concluded tour. The song features an uptempo production that puts Portable in his comfort zone. He delivers a verse that blends Yoruba fuji-influenced melodies and Afrobeats style. This affirms OdumoduBlvck’s position as a versatile artiste and his willingness to reach out to anyone for a worthy production joint.
Other rising acts are also trying their hands at school tours too, chief among them is Llona, who is doing wonders with his ongoing ‘Homeless NationWide Tour’. This innovative approach marks a significant moment in Nigerian music, potentially influencing other artists to engage with university audiences.
Global Triumphs for Nigerian Artists
Rema, the Crown Prince of Afrobeats has successfully sold out the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, which has a capacity of approximately 19,800 to 20,000 people. This achievement highlights his growing popularity and impact in the music industry, particularly within the Afrobeats genre. The concert was part of his ‘HEIS World’ tour and signifies a significant milestone in his career, demonstrating his ability to draw large crowds in major international venues. This also solidifies his presence in the Canadian music scene.
Wizkid has become the first African artist to achieve over 20 billion global audio-on-demand streams. According to the international music monitoring platform, Chart Masters. His most streamed song is Canadian superstar Drake’s ‘One Dance,’ which featured him and Kyla. The song has over 3.628 billion streams on Spotify and held the Guinness World Record for the first song to reach 1 billion streams on the platform. He is also the first African artist to receive the Brit Billion Award for surpassing one billion audio on-demand streams in the UK and is the best-selling Afrobeats artist with over 65 million units worldwide.
Celebrating Classic Albums and Pioneering Songs
Afrobeats feasted well as two classic albums “Face 2 Face” and “Get Squared” turned 21 and 20 respectively. 2face now 2Baba released his debut album “Face 2 Face” on 15, May 2025. It sold over two million copies in debut week and produced one of the most iconic Nigerian songs of all time – “African Queen”. According to Branding expert, Oreoluwa Peters ‘Afrobeats the gift that keeps on giving. If you understand what you possess, you would hone it and not chase trends but set them with the treasures of the past. Rnb, Hip Hop delivered with a cultural twist in storytelling through lyricism.’
Despite the groundbreaking success of the album particularly the song ‘African Queen’ such as its use in the 2006 movie “Phat Girlz.” It was notably used in the film’s trailer and is considered the first Afrobeats theme song in a Hollywood movie. Earning 2face a payday of 5 million dollars. Former “Plantashun Boiz” bandmate Blackface Naija has continuously accused him of stealing the song from him, alleging that he wrote the song while they were still a band.
“Get Squared” is the sophomore album of the now-defunct duo Psquare. The album was released via “Square Records” and it became a breakthrough success for the duo. It produced hits such as “Bizzy body”, “Temptation” and “Omoge mi” which have all become classic club anthems in Nigeria. According to music journalist, Adeayo Adebiyi ”Get Squared’ is a classic album that shaped a generation & propelled the commerciality of Nigerian pop music by offering listeners a qualitative & rich local interpretation of American R&B & hip-hop music. 20 years later, it remains fresh & irresistible.’
Honouring Nigerian Legend and New Waves
Davido paid homage to legendary Highlife singer, Bright Chimezie for inspiring his latest hit ‘With You’ featuring Omah Lay thanks to his song ‘Because of English’. In a video call that quickly circulated on social media, Davido was seen in a video call with Chimezie. With visible admiration, he told the veteran that his decades-old classic planted the creative seed for “With You”, a standout track from his fifth studio album.
“The latest hit I just did with Omah Lay, I used inspiration from your song, ‘Because of English,’” Davido told the highlife icon during the call. Chimezie responded with interest, to which Davido added, “I will tell them to play it for you. It’s trending everywhere, the whole world.”
Reacting in a video posted on his Instagram page, the music legend Bright Chimezie praised Davido and Omah Lay for their hit single ‘With You’, which samples his iconic track ‘Because of English’. The legendary singer is known for his musical style called Zigima Sound. This unique style has had a significant influence on Nigerian music.
Tems is the latest face of Billboard Magazine, breaking boundaries and making waves she graces the cover of the Magazine with elegance and power. She climbs the Billboard charts, she’s navigating the grind and globe-trotting lifestyle that requires — and staying true to her own voice.
Fresh Voices and Emerging Hits
For new music, “Like Dat” is an intriguing new tune that British-Nigerian musician Darkoo released. Following a series of successful songs released earlier this year, this eagerly awaited tune is the most recent gem to be added to her amazing record.
Darkoo’s impactful 2025 second single is “Like Dat.” Her distinctive tone and personal flair are vividly displayed in the song. This exquisitely composed song, which was produced by the gifted Sparbz, Enzo and French, is sure to enthral music aficionados and fans alike.
Other notable releases include;
Obongjayar – Jellyfish (Album)
Moliy & Major Lazer – Shake It To The Max (Remix)
Gabzy – 30 Degrees
Dxxn – Serenade (EP)
UNCLEUGLY x Cowater – Bust A Move
Gamboszn – Goosebumps
Chenna & Og Mage – Golie
Mannie Tseayo X Kinj K.A.D.E – Main Character Syndrome
Senny Rolls – Ayati
As the week unfolds, these stories remind us that entertainment industry remains a powerful force—an eternal canvas where stories of struggle, triumph, culture, and innovation are painted with unwavering passion. In a world often shadowed by chaos and despair, entertainment will continues to be our sanctuary, our voice, and our legacy. From the milestones of Nigerian giants to the rising movie stars making waves across continents, the rhythm of Africa and beyond beats strong, resilient, and forever vibrant.
