The world is currently witnessing an exciting evolution within the musical landscape, primarily driven by African talent. In the past week alone, several artists from the continent have made headlines, breaking records and redefining entertainment on a global scale, ultimately contributing to the goodness of humanity through their unique expressions of art.
Amaarae: History at Coachella
Ghanaian singer Amaarae made history as the first solo Ghanaian artist to perform at the illustrious Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Her set was a delightful surprise, featuring unreleased tracks and vibrant renditions of songs by influential Ghanaian acts including La Même Gang and Joey B.
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Amaarae, born Ama Serwah Genfi, is a versatile artist whose sound blends R&B, punk rock, hip-hop, and Afropop. She expressed deep pride in her heritage during her performance, stating, “A lotta the music you just heard is from my home country, Ghana. I love my country so much.”
Her historic performance marks a significant moment for Ghanaian music on the international stage, underscoring the growing global recognition of African artists.
Other African artists who have performed at Coachella 2025 include Tyla and Rema, further evidence of the increasing global appeal and influence of African music. The diverse representation, from Afrobeats to contemporary sounds, highlights the rich, evolving musical landscape emerging from the continent.
Shallipopi and the Breakthrough Album
Nigerian artist Shallipopi continues to make waves with the anniversary of his sophomore album, Shakespopi, released on 11 April 2024. Featuring guest appearances from notable collaborators, the album debuted at No. 1 on the TurnTable chart following the success of his 2023 project, Presido La Pluto.
The track “ASAP” soared to the top of the TurnTable Top 100, cementing Shallipopi’s status as a star in the African music scene.
Ayo Maff’s Stellar Rise
Rising Nigerian star Ayo Maff marked the one-year anniversary of Dealer, his hit track featuring Fireboy DML. With over 52 million streams on Spotify, the track’s success reflects the vibrancy of Nigeria’s musical output.
Maff’s growing recognition, including nominations for Best StreetHop Artiste and Viewer’s Choice at this year’s Headies Awards—reinforces his potential as a major force in the industry.
Fireboy DML’s Royal Strides
Fireboy DML became the third Nigerian artist to headline at the Royal Albert Hall, following Wizkid in 2017 and Asa in 2022. His performance on April 16, 2025, featured renditions of his popular songs, solidifying his place in Nigerian music history. This event highlighted the increasing global recognition of Afrobeats and the success of Nigerian artists on international stages.
Legislative Progress in Malawi
In a significant policy development, the Parliament of Malawi passed the Copyright (Amendment) Bill No. 2 of 2025, overhauling the nation’s intellectual property framework. This move aligns Malawi’s copyright law with international standards, enhancing protections and creating a more supportive environment for creative professionals.
Such legislative reform is essential in fostering artistic innovation and ensuring that musicians and other creators receive appropriate recognition and reward for their work.
Davido’s Much-Awaited Album, 5IVE
No roundup of this week’s milestones would be complete without mentioning Davido—the King of Afrobeats—and the release of his long-awaited fifth studio album, 5IVE. Backed by a carefully planned rollout, the album has already attracted massive streams and praise from critics.
Music journalist Adeayo Adebiyi applauded Davido’s marketing strategy, writing: “Davido’s roll out of 5IVE has been nothing short of exemplary. He ignored the go-to social media drama for a curated plan that underpins his superstar status. He met listeners halfway and showcased different sides of himself while at it.”
Branding expert Oreoluwa Peters added: “Let’s not lie, if there is any African artiste that has given brands their money’s worth and has actually influenced, it’s Davido—Martell, Munch It, Alat/Wema, Chicken Republic (with just a mention).”
The album features standout tracks such as “Offa Me,” with Grammy-winning artist Victoria Monét, showcasing a smooth fusion of Afrobeats, R&B and soul. Davido reflected on the collaboration, saying, “It’s that perfect mix of both our worlds – something sexy, but still makes you move.”
With contributions from Chris Brown and South African artist Musa Keys, 5IVE sees Davido expanding his sound while keeping his African heritage front and centre.
New Releases and a Thriving Music Industry
The energy doesn’t stop there. New music continues to pour from the continent, including “Purr” by Shoday & Ayo Maff, and “Egbami” from Rexxie & Rybeena. Other standout releases—such as Jux & Phyno’s “God Design,” F3line’s “Only You,” and Bimz’s “Yeba”—add to the ever-evolving soundscape that is African music today.
In summary, this past week was a celebration of African talent and innovation. Artists like Amaarae, Shallipopi, Ayo Maff, Fireboy DML, and Davido continue to break barriers and enrich the global music narrative. As African sounds reverberate around the world, they not only promote cultural appreciation but also deepen the understanding of stories that transcend borders. Together, these artists embody a flourishing musical renaissance—one that uplifts humanity through rhythm, expression and identity.
