# Rolling Stone Africa > Rolling Stone Africa - Music, Culture, Style and More ## Posts - [Marrakech Is Becoming the New Pulse of Contemporary African Art](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/marrakech-is-becoming-the-new-pulse-of-contemporary-african-art/): Inside the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, where artists, diaspora voices, and a shifting cultural landscape are redefining what global art looks like now. - [IBest Wines Lands at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Marking a Global Milestone for Ingrid Best](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/ibest-wines-lands-at-o-r-tambo-international-airport-marking-a-global-milestone-for-ingrid-best/): Award-winning wine brand IBest Wines, founded by entrepreneur Ingrid Best, has reached a major milestone with its debut in Big Five Duty Free at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the largest airport on the African continent. The placement marks the brand’s first global Duty Free presence, positioning IBest Wines at one of Africa’s most important international travel hubs, where thousands of travelers from around the world pass through each day. The milestone builds on the brand’s growing visibility in the global travel space. IBest Wines has already reached international premium travelers through its placement on American Airlines International Flagship […] - [Move Afrika Is Building Africa’s Touring Economy, and Training the Next Generation of Live Production Talent](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/move-afrika-is-building-africas-touring-economy-and-training-the-next-generation-of-live-production-talent/): When global superstar Doja Cat takes the stage for the third edition of Move Afrika in Kigali and Pretoria, the moment will represent more than a headline performance. It signals the next chapter of a growing effort to build a sustainable international touring circuit across Africa, one designed not only to bring global artists to the continent, but to invest directly in local talent, infrastructure and the future of the live entertainment industry. Launched in 2023 by Global Citizen, in partnership with Kendrick Lamar’s creative company pgLang, Move Afrika is positioned as a long-term initiative aimed at strengthening Africa’s touring […] - [The Light We Carry: Inside ESSENCE’s Black Women in Hollywood Celebration of Power, Purpose and Legacy](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/the-light-we-carry-inside-essences-black-women-in-hollywood-celebration-of-power-purpose-and-legacy/): In a city built on stories, where dreams rise and fall beneath the bright lights of Hollywood, one truth stood taller than the rest this week in Los Angeles: when Black women gather, the room becomes more than a room, it becomes a movement. The ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood celebration was not simply an awards ceremony. It was a declaration. A gathering of brilliance. A living archive of resilience, sisterhood and cultural power. For decades, ESSENCE has built spaces where Black women are not merely included but centered, where their stories are protected, honored and amplified. What ESSENCE’s Black Women in Hollywood has […] - [Nigerian Audio Engineer Tejumoluwa Olarewaju Develops Country’s First Professional Audio Plugin](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/nigerian-audio-engineer-tejumoluwa-olarewaju-develops-countrys-first-professional-audio-plugin/): At just 23, Nigerian audio engineer Tejumoluwa (Teju) Olarewaju is helping position Nigeria not only as a global music powerhouse, but also as a builder of the technology behind the sound. The Savannah based mixing and mastering engineer has developed The Brown Noise Generator, widely regarded as Nigeria’s first professional audio plugin. The tool is designed for producers, audio engineers, and everyday users seeking high-quality low-frequency reference noise for both studio and wellness applications. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he served as Salutatorian for the Class of 2024, Olarewaju has quickly built an impressive […] - [KAZAMANCE and the Rise of Africa’s Luxury](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-news/kazamance-and-the-rise-of-africas-luxury/): Born from the soul of Casamance in southern Senegal, the brand does not begin in a boardroom or trend forecast, it begins in the hands of artisans empowering local communities. Between Ziguinchor and Dakar, each Kazamance bag is brought to life slowly, through techniques inherited across generations. Stitch by stitch, form emerges not from machines, but from memory. Kazamance is not interested in uniformity. Its pieces resist duplication. Each bag carries subtle differences in texture, in line, in energy, a reflection of the human touch that shaped it. The brand’s refusal to mass-produce stands from their philosophical stance. In a […] - [Africa Courtside Holding Hosts Star-Studded Africa All-Star Soirée During NBA All-Star Weekend](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/sport/africa-courtside-holding-hosts-star-studded-africa-all-star-soiree-during-nba-all-star-weekend/): LOS ANGELES, Africa’s growing influence across the global basketball and entertainment ecosystem took center stage this NBA All-Star Weekend as Africa Courtside Holding (ACH) hosted its annual Africa All-Star Soirée at Lucia LA. The private, invite-only gathering brought together more than 300 VIP guests, including NBA legends, international investors, and cultural tastemakers, for an evening that powerfully reflected the continent’s rising momentum within the NBA landscape. Among the high-profile attendees were Tyla, Wizkid, Wale, Damson Idris, Zara Larsson, MNEK, Serge Ibaka, Tracy McGrady, Chiney Ogwumike, Festus Ezeli, Garcelle Beauvais, and Holly Robinson Peete, underscoring the event’s unique positioning at the […] - [LB Lumina: Between Power & Presence](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-news/lb-lumina-between-power-presence/): Based in Lagos, Nigeria, LB Lumina belongs to a new generation of African luxury houses redefining what elegance means in the 21st century. Here, fashion is intentional; It’s a language through which women reclaim space, authority, and softness, all at once. Beyond a brand, LB Lumina is a philosophy. At the helm is a designer who understands that clothing has long served as silent armor for women navigating systems that rarely made room for them. Through sculptural silhouettes, layered textures, and a delicate mix of strength and fluidity, LB Lumina offers something deeper than aesthetics: bold presence. In this exclusive conversation, […] - [Doja Cat to Headline Global Citizen’s Move Afrika 2026 Tour Across Rwanda and South Africa](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/doja-cat-to-headline-global-citizens-move-afrika-2026-tour-across-rwanda-and-south-africa/): Global Citizen has officially announced that Grammy Award–winning superstar Doja Cat will headline the 2026 edition of Move Afrika, the pioneering pan-African touring circuit entering its third year of expansion across the continent. Set for March, the tour will stop at BK Arena in Kigali on March 17 and SunBet Arena in Pretoria on March 20, reinforcing Move Afrika’s growing footprint as one of the continent’s most ambitious live-music initiatives. Launched to help build Africa’s first large-scale touring circuit powered by international artists, Move Afrika continues to position live entertainment as a driver of economic opportunity, job creation, and long-term […] - [From Exile to Excellence: How Massah David and Miatta Johnson Turned Survival Into a Cultural Empire](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/from-exile-to-excellence-how-massah-david-and-miatta-johnson-turned-survival-into-a-cultural-empire/): When history tried to silence them, two sisters learned how to make the world listen! Massah David and Miatta Johnson are not just creative strategists or celebrated curators of culture, they are living proof that displacement does not erase destiny. From the shadows of political turmoil in Liberia to the brightest stages of Hollywood and the Recording Academy, their journey is one of endurance, intention, and extraordinary vision. Today, as founders of the award-winning agency MVD Inc., they stand among the most influential women shaping global culture, while never forgetting where they come from, or why they do the work. […] - [From the Margins to the Main Stage: What Bad Bunny’s Journey Really Tells Us](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/from-the-margins-to-the-main-stage-what-bad-bunnys-journey-really-tells-us/): In 2016, Bad Bunny was bagging groceries in Puerto Rico. That detail has now become almost mythical, repeated as shorthand for “overnight success.” But myths flatten reality. What they often erase is time , and the discipline required to endure it. Today, Bad Bunny stands at the very center of global popular culture. This weekend, he headlines the Super Bowl halftime show, one of the most powerful cultural platforms in the world. Just days earlier, he added another Grammy Award to a career that has already redefined the boundaries of language, genre, and global influence. The temptation is to marvel […] - [Wizkid & Asake: Two Kings, One Turbulence](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/cover-story/wizkid-asake-two-kings-one-turbulence/): When giants move together, the ground doesn’t shake, it shifts. Wizkid and Asake are not simply artists occupying the same moment in time. They are eras, movements, and living proof that African sound is no longer emerging. It is commanding, shaping global culture, redefining industry power, and asserting its place without apology. With Turbulence, these two forces meet not in rivalry, but in collaboration. Not as a marketing moment, but as a cultural statement. It is a record charged with intention, a reminder that true power is not diluted when shared. It is amplified. Wizkid: The Architecture of Global Afrobeats […] - [Fela Lives](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/fela-lives/): There are artists who make music, and there are artists who make history. Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti belonged decisively to the latter. He was not simply a musician; he was a force—an idea, a provocation, and a relentless argument with power. Fela collapsed the distance between culture and politics, rhythm and resistance, art and truth. My relationship with Fela was never academic. It was personal, gradual, and shaped by proximity, time, and experience. His records were part of the atmosphere of my childhood, but it took years before I truly understood what he was saying—and why it mattered. Like many of […] - [Liil Serge: The Architect Behind Some of Entertainment's Biggest Names](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/liil-serge-the-architect-behind-some-of-entertainments-biggest-names/): Liil Serge: The Man Who Builds Stars Without Needing One The Power of Those Who Never Need the Spotlight  In the global entertainment industry, the loudest names are often the ones on stage. But history is rarely built by those holding the microphone alone. It is shaped, patiently, strategically, by those standing just outside the frame. Liil Serge Mbeutcha, widely known as Liil Serge, belongs to that rare lineage of architects who design legacies while remaining deliberately unseen. For years, his work has traveled faster than his name. Careers launched, global doors opened, structures put in place, sometimes credited to […] - [Leading the Culture, Shaping the Future](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/leading-the-culture-shaping-the-future/): At Rolling Stone Africa, we set out with a bold belief: that Africa is not emerging, Africa is leading. Looking back at our journey, I am proud to say that this belief has not only guided us, it has been proven by our actions, our impact, and our growing global influence. In 2025, we told Africa’s stories at scale and with intention. We produced more than 20 magazine covers, including our powerful Future of Music series, spotlighting the next generation of African talent shaping global culture. Alongside these rising stars, we collaborated with some of the continent’s most iconic voices: […] - [Edouard Mendy: The Man Who Refused to Surrender His Dream](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/sport/edouard-mendy-the-man-who-refused-to-surrender-his-dream/): In a world obsessed with overnight success, Edouard Mendy’s story stands as a rare and necessary reminder: greatness is not always loud at the beginning, but it is always resilient. Before the trophies, before the anthems, before the stadiums roaring his name, Edouard Mendy was simply a young man holding onto a dream that seemed determined to slip through his fingers. His journey is not one of privilege or early recognition. It is a story carved through rejection, doubt, silence, and moments where quitting felt not only logical, but inevitable. And yet, he stayed. When the Dream Nearly Ended In […] - [Inside the Maison Martell Experience at AfroFuture Festival 2025.](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/inside-the-maison-martell-experience-at-afrofuture-festival-2025/): At AfroFuture Festival 2025, culture did not only live on stage. It lived in the spaces between music, art, conversation, and shared moments. Among the festival’s most defining cultural touchpoints this year was the Maison Martell Experience, a two-day immersion that captured the spirit of AfroFuture’s 2025 theme, African Nostalgia, while anchoring itself firmly in the present. As thousands of festivalgoers gathered in Accra from across Ghana and the global African diaspora, the Maison Martell Experience quickly became more than a branded activation. It evolved into a meeting point, a place where creativity, heritage, and community unfolded in real time. […] - [Midnight East, the Night East Africa Counted Down as One.](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/midnight-east-the-night-east-africa-counted-down-as-one/): For decades, New Year’s Eve in East Africa unfolded city by city, each celebration happening within its own borders. Kampala, Nairobi, Kigali, and Dar es Salaam shared the same cultural rhythm, yet welcomed the new year separately. On December 31st, that changed. Midnight East introduced East Africa’s first synchronized New Year’s Eve celebration, connecting Kampala, Nairobi, Kigali, and Dar es Salaam in a shared countdown moment. Through live inter-city streaming, aligned programming, and a unified midnight moment, four cities welcomed the new year together, in real time. A Regional Celebration in Sync The idea behind Midnight East was simple and […] - [Achraf Hakimi : An African Success Story From Continental Pride to Global Dominance](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/cover-story/achraf-hakimi-an-african-success-story-from-continental-pride-to-global-dominance/): Achraf Hakimi : More Than A Champion  Achraf Hakimi is not only one of the most electrifying footballers of his generation, he is a symbol of purpose, pride, and possibility for an entire continent. From the streets of Morocco to the world’s biggest stadiums, Hakimi’s journey is one of discipline, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. In 2025, he etched his name into football history by winning the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), emerging as one of the team’s most decisive and consistent players. That same year, he claimed the African Ballon d’Or, affirming his status as one of Africa’s greatest […] - [TML Vibez Reflects on a Defining Moment with His First Headline Show in Lagos](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/tml-vibez-reflects-on-a-defining-moment-with-his-first-headline-show-in-lagos/): The Creative Genius Behind Afrobeats’ Next Global Superstars. The global music world is no stranger to Afrobeats, a culture-rooted, energy-driven genre born from the pulse of West Africa and now firmly established as a central force in global entertainment. Its origins trace back to the 1970s, when Fela Anikulapo-Kuti used the self-styled Afrobeat sound as a bold weapon of social criticism, challenging the Nigerian government with fearless conviction. Decades later, in the early 2010s, the modern iteration of Afrobeats, sharpened by innovation, digital influence, and international collaboration, took confident strides onto the global stage. Artists like D’banj broke new ground, […] - [There’s Glory in the Grit : Nana Mensah on Queen of Glory and Making Films Against the Odds](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/art-features/theres-glory-in-the-grit-nana-mensah-on-queen-of-glory-and-making-films-against-the-odds/): On a cool Thursday evening in Accra, the NYU Accra Garden buzzed with conversation as filmmakers, students, and members of the diaspora gathered for a Labone Dialogues Director Talkback. Fresh from the screening of Queen of Glory, the audience’s anticipation was palpable. At the center of the discussion stood Nana Mensah, writer, director, and lead actor of the award winning film, ready to unpack a journey shaped by grief, resilience, and creative determination. Queen of Glory is a deeply affecting meditation on loss, identity, and the complicated pull of home. The film follows Sarah Obeng, a Ghanaian American woman whose […] - [Breanna Harmon: Artistry Under the Lights](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/art-features/breanna-harmon-artistry-under-the-lights/): In a beauty industry that moves at the speed of culture, Breanna Harmon stands out for her precision, poise, and purpose. A New York-based makeup artist with Liberian roots, Harmon represents a new generation of creatives whose work transcends aesthetics, where skin becomes story, and glam becomes language. Her journey is one of intention and excellence, marked by relentless discipline, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to craft. From backstage to center stage, Breanna’s artistry has graced some of the world’s most influential platforms. She has worked with major global artists and creatives, and most notably, toured internationally with Kendrick […] - [SoolKing: The Beat of a Borderless Generation Rolling Stone Africa – EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/cover-story/soolking-the-beat-of-a-borderless-generation-rolling-stone-africa-exclusive-interview/): There are artists who rise, and artists who shift the atmosphere around them. SoolKing belongs to the latter, a singular force whose music slips across languages, continents, and identities with the ease of wind moving through open doors. Born Abderraouf Derradji, the Algerian singer, dancer, and genre-shaper has become one of the most influential North African artists of his generation, crafting a sound that is both intimate and global, proudly rooted yet endlessly in motion. His universe is a constellation of rai, hip-hop, pop, and Afro rhythms, genres he doesn’t merely blend, but reimagines. For millions of listeners across the […] - [The Legacy of Adama Paris and Dakar Fashion Week](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-news/the-legacy-of-adama-paris-and-dakar-fashion-week/): ADAMA PARIS & DAKAR FASHION WEEK: WHERE LEGACY MEETS DESTINY ON THE SHORES OF GOREE On the edge of the Atlantic, where the waves carry centuries of memory and resilience, Dakar Fashion Week returns this year with a resonance that feels almost spiritual. For the first time, the beating heart of Senegalese fashion will take center stage on Gorée Island, a place where pain once shaped history, but where creativity, Black excellence, and freedom now rise with luminous force. And at the center of it all stands Adama Paris, designer, visionary, and one of the most influential cultural architects in […] - [PIT BACCARDI SIGNE SON RETOUR AVEC SON NOUVEL EP ‘OG’](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/artist-you-need-to-know/pit-baccardi-signe-son-retour-avec-son-nouvel-ep-og/): Depuis ses débuts au sein du collectif Time Bomb puis du label/collectif Secteur A, Pit Baccardi s’est imposé comme une figure majeure du rap français des années 1990-2000. Son premier album solo, « Si Loin de Toi », sorti en 1999, l’a propulsé sous les projecteurs. Après plusieurs années consacrées à la production, notamment en Afrique, il revient aujourd’hui sous les feux de la rampe : en 2025, il célèbre ses 25 ans de carrière avec un concert événement à l’Olympia de Paris, affichant complet le 25 septembre dernier, symbole d’un retour attendu et salué. Ce contexte ouvre la voie […] - [James BKS Honors West Africa’s Iconic Women with New Single “Na Na Benz”](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/artist-you-need-to-know/james-bks-honors-west-africas-iconic-women-with-new-single-na-na-benz/): French Cameroonian artist and producer James BKS returns with “Na Na Benz”, a striking new single that celebrates the legendary Togolese businesswomen known as the Nana Benz. These women, active from the 1940s to the Eighties, became symbols of economic independence and cultural influence across West Africa through their mastery of Dutch wax fabric trading. With this release, James BKS brings their story back to the forefront and reintroduces their legacy to a generation that may have never heard of them. “Na Na Benz” is both a tribute and a lesson in heritage. James BKS uses the track to highlight […] - [Entertainment Week Africa 2025, Lagos Confirms Its Status as the Continent’s Creative Capital](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/film-tv/tv-news/entertainment-week-africa-2025-lagos-confirms-its-status-as-the-continents-creative-capital/): LAGOS, NIGERIA, November 2025 The inaugural Entertainment Week Africa (EWA) wrapped its first edition this November after transforming Lagos into a multi-venue hub of creative-economy ambition. Held from 18 to 23 November, the six-day festival attracted 28,683 attendees from more than eight countries and over 50 industries, establishing itself as one of the most significant new cultural events on the African continent.  Spread across Livespot Entertarium, Eko Hotel, EbonyLife Place, Alliance Française, and Heritage Place, the festival’s first edition did more than debut a new platform, it confirmed Lagos’ growing reputation as a global crossroads for talent, innovation, and investment. […] - [Jonn P: Lagos Producer and Songwriter Expanding His Global Footprint](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/jonn-p-lagos-producer-and-songwriter-expanding-his-global-footprint/): Lagos-based artist Jonn P has steadily built a reputation as one of the most promising rising writers and producers in contemporary African music. His contributions to Davido’s Timeless include co-writing and producing “In The Garden,” “Kante,” and “E PAIN ME,” works that played a role in shaping the critically acclaimed album. His international reach extends to a Top 10 hit in Spain with Ozuna’s “Eva Longoria” featuring Davido, certified double platinum. Additional collaborations include Clean Bandit, Crayon, Ozuna, and Chris Brown, positioning him as a versatile and sought-after creator within the global music ecosystem. Jonn P’s artistic journey began in […] - [GUBA 2025: A Historic Crossing Between Africa and the Caribbean](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/art-features/a-symbolic-homecoming-asantehene-leads-cultural-reconnection-at-guba-2025/): BARBADOS, On a warm Barbados night suffused with salt air, drumbeats, and the weight of history, the 16th edition of the GUBA Awards unfolded like a long-awaited reunion. For the first time, the ceremony, one of the most influential platforms celebrating global African achievement, was staged in the Caribbean, transforming the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle Hotel into a living bridge between two sides of the Atlantic that have been divided for centuries. This year’s theme, Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Build. Connect. Renew., was not a slogan, it was a declaration. And nowhere was that more evident than in […] - [Global Citizen NOW: Johannesburg Sparks Major Leap in Africa’s Clean Energy Push](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/culture-features/global-citizen-now-johannesburg-sparks-major-leap-in-africas-clean-energy-push/): Johannesburg, South Africa — Global Citizen hosted its first-ever Global Citizen NOW summit on African soil, closing a year-long campaign that secured major commitments to scale renewable energy across the continent. By the end of the event, leaders announced pledges capable of powering more than 17.5 million homes and delivering 26.8 gigawatts of clean energy by 2030. The summit brought together government heads, private investors, development banks and grassroots advocates. It concluded with one of the largest collective financing packages ever assembled for Africa’s energy transition. Europe Steps Up With €15.5 Billion The European Commission and Team Europe unveiled €15.5 […] - [From Freetown to San Siro and Back: How Rodney Strasser Is Turning His Story into a Mission for African Youth.](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/sport/from-freetown-to-san-siro-and-back-how-rodney-strasser-is-turning-his-story-into-a-mission-for-african-youth/): When Rodney Strasser was a young boy playing football barefoot in the streets of Freetown, he didn’t picture himself one day training beside Ronaldinho, taking tactical lessons from Paolo Maldini, or walking into the San Siro as an AC Milan player. What he did know, even then, was that football was more than a game. It was possibility. It was escape. And eventually, it would become purpose. Today, years after lifting trophies in Europe and surviving the kind of injuries that end most careers, Strasser has traded stadium lights for schoolyards and speeches. The former Sierra Leone international is now […] - [Young Jonn Unveils Blue Disco, a Bold and Emotionally Charged Sophomore Album](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/young-jonn-unveils-blue-disco-a-bold-and-emotionally-charged-sophomore-album/): Young Jonn has officially released Blue Disco, his long-anticipated sophomore album, a project that arrives with both cultural weight and artistic evolution. The Nigerian producer-turned-superstar announced a one-week delay in solidarity with the current insecurity affecting the nation, describing the period as “profoundly disheartening” and expressing hope for healing, unity, and renewed strength across Nigeria. Despite the postponement, Blue Disco lands as one of the most anticipated African albums of 2025, marking a significant chapter in Young Jonn’s journey from hit-making producer to global front-line artist. A Sonic Universe Where Rhythm Meets Emotion Blue Disco is an immersive, emotionally rich […] - [LB Jewellers Redefines Luxury and Craftsmanship with The Heaviest Rope Chain Ever Made in the World](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/rsa-recommends/lb-jewellers-redefines-luxury-and-craftsmanship-with-the-heaviest-rope-chain-ever-made-in-the-uk/): UK luxury jewelry brand, LB Jewellers has today outdoored its latest creation, a 3.2kg diamond-cut rope chain. This is said to be the heaviest rope chain ever made in the UK till date.  LB Jewellers was founded in 2013 by Lamar Berko, whose Ghanaian and Jamaican heritage has always pushed him to strive for perfection and a high quality standard. His new creation is in tandem with that mission. This new masterpiece is one of LB’s numerous bespoke creations that highlight its attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. Coming at an astonishing size of that of a youth-size bowling ball, […] - [The Olivia Yacé Masterclass: A New Era for African Representation](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/the-olivia-yace-masterclass-a-new-era-for-african-representation/): There are moments in history when a single figure becomes more than a rising star, she becomes a symbol. A mirror. A movement. Olivia Yacé steps onto the global stage this year not merely as a Miss Universe contender, but as the embodiment of a continent’s crescendo: a generation of Africans rewriting narratives, reclaiming spaces, and redefining what the world should expect from African excellence. A New Era for African Representation What Olivia Yacé has delivered on the road to Miss Universe is nothing short of a masterclass, one rooted in preparation so intentional, so refined, that it transcends the […] - [Take Care Wine Night Presented by La Mer: An Evening of Grace, Healing, and Unapologetic Womanhood](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/take-care-night-presented-by-la-mer-an-evening-of-grace-healing-and-unapologetic-womanhood/): On a crisp November evening on the Upper East Side, nearly forty women crossed the threshold of Ms. Erika Jones’s elegant New York home to take part in a gathering that felt less like an event and more like a rite of passage. Framed by warm lighting, curated art, and the unmistakable serenity of a space held with intention, La Mer’s Take Care Night unfolded as a sacred room where honesty, softness, and truth were not only welcomed, they were demanded. Hosted in collaboration with Erika Jones and Maya McHenry, Kimberly Bizu and Rich Little Brokegirls, the evening brought together […] - [Silhouettes of Confidence: The World of Ruks Á La Mode](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-news/silhouettes-of-confidence-the-world-of-ruks-a-la-mode/): In the vibrant heart of Lagos, where fashion hums through the streets like music and culture is stitched into every seam, stands a brand that embodies quiet confidence and timeless grace. Ruks Á La Mode is more than a label; it’s a language of empowerment, a celebration of femininity, and a tribute to craftsmanship that honours both heritage and the modern woman. Behind the brand is a designer whose vision is as intentional as her cuts, Rukayat “Ruks”, the creative force shaping how women see and celebrate themselves. Her work doesn’t scream; it whispers elegance. It tells the story of […] - [Inside the World of BXFROX : Layers of Confidence, Crafted in Vision](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-news/inside-the-world-of-bxfrox-layers-of-confidence-crafted-in-vision/): There’s something magnetic about Bxfrox; a quiet confidence in its craftsmanship. A deliberate grace in its silhouettes. A rhythm that feels both intimate and unshakably bold, like a love letter to the modern African woman written in silk, satin, and self-assurance. Behind the brand is Braxie, born Braeyilagh Toby, a woman who didn’t simply enter fashion, she reshaped it for herself. From her background in computer engineering to her rise as one of Nigeria’s distinct voices in design, her story is one of discipline meeting destiny. Eight years ago, she began with fabric and faith, designing pieces that would later […] - [BANKE KUKU: The Thread Between Art and Identity](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-news/banke-kuku-the-thread-between-art-and-identity/): In a world where fabric is often just fashion, Banke Kuku transforms it into poetry. Her prints breathe. Her colours speak. Her silhouettes whisper stories of heritage, resilience, and self-discovery. Before the world called it “luxury loungewear,” she had already woven a dream, one where women could live boldly in silk, even in the quiet of their homes. From the ateliers of London to the heart of Lagos, Banke’s journey is one of courage and conviction, a story of a woman who didn’t follow the trends but designed from her truth. The brand Banke Kuku stands today as one of […] - [Rendoll: Where Ambition Meets Artistry in the Heart of Lagos](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-news/rendoll-where-ambition-meets-artistry-in-the-heart-of-lagos/): In the symphony of Africa’s creative revolution, Rendoll stands as a melody of elegance, courage, and reinvention. The Nigerian fashion house, founded by Reni Abina is not just about garments, it is a living manifesto of womanhood, ambition, and the audacity to begin again. Born from the crossroads of intellect and intuition, Rendoll emerged from the mind of a lawyer turned visionary. Where courtroom arguments once framed her days, fabric, silhouette, and texture now command her world. In a society that often measures success by titles, Rene dared to redefine her own, choosing fulfillment over familiarity, passion over predictability. Today, Rendoll […] - [Florence Welch: ‘Anxiety is the Hum of My Life — Until I Step Onstage’](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/florence-welch-anxiety-is-the-hum-of-my-life-until-i-step-onstage/): The Florence + the Machine star opens up on the “life-and-death experience” behind her excellent new album, working with Taylor Swift, and why she’s looking forward to turning 40. If you talk to Florence Welch on any given day, it’s safe to assume she’s feeling a little anxious. “Anxiety is the constant hum of my life,” she says. “Then I step out onstage, and it goes away.” Luckily, that’s where she is right now: draped in a long white dress, sitting comfortably in front of a 150-person audience at New York’s beautiful Cherry Lane Theatre, a storied downtown venue known […] - [The Don Jazzy Legacy: Power. Legacy. Sound.](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/cover-story/the-don-jazzy-legacy-power-legacy-sound/): There are few names in African music that echo with the same quiet thunder as Don Jazzy. He is not merely a producer or a hitmaker, he is an architect of culture, a builder of bridges between sound and spirit. From the earliest days of Mo’Hits to the golden reign of Mavin Records, Don Jazzy has sculpted a movement that redefined the possibilities of African music. His fingerprints are on an entire generation’s soundtrack, from D’banj’s global rise to Tiwa Savage’s reign, from Rema’s celestial melodies to Ayra Starr’s unapologetic power. His studios have become sanctuaries where rhythm meets rebellion, […] - [Martell Honors the Women Powering Afrobeats at a Dazzling Paris Celebration](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/martell-honors-the-women-powering-afrobeats-at-a-dazzling-paris-celebration/): The heartbeat of Afrobeats echoed through Paris once again as Martell hosted the second edition of Afrobeats Live, an electrifying cultural gathering dedicated to the genre’s global influence. For a second year, the event titled “Women Shaping the Culture,” placed the spotlight squarely on the visionaries, innovators, and leaders redefining the sound and spirit of Afrobeats worldwide. Launched earlier this year, Martell’s Afrobeats Live has swiftly evolved into a premier cultural platform uniting the creatives and architects behind Africa’s most influential musical movement. More than just a celebration of music, the event serves as a space for collaboration, dialogue, and […] - [Vlisco’s New Dawn: A Celebration of African Creativity, Unity, and Legacy](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-news/vliscos-new-dawn-a-celebration-of-african-creativity-unity-and-legacy/): 5 years of impact, Africa Fashion Up marks its new chapter - [ONE Diaspora Creative Council: When Culture Becomes a Call to Justice](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/one-diaspora-creative-council-when-culture-becomes-a-call-to-justice/): A New Dawn for Africa’s Storytelling History does not move forward in silence, it advances when voices gather, when imagination bends toward justice, and when courage transforms into collective action. Today, a new chapter has been written in the ongoing struggle for dignity, equity, and truth: the unveiling of the ONE Diaspora Creative Council. More than a body of names, it is a heartbeat, a declaration, a bridge connecting the pulse of Africa to the wider world. In its vision, the Council is a rebuke to outdated stereotypes and a testament to the continent’s unmatched creativity, resilience, knowledge and leadership. […] - [Global Citizen Festival: Where Music Meets Movement and African Sounds Take Center Stage](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/global-citizen-festival-where-music-meets-movement-and-african-sounds-take-center-stage/): For more than a decade, the Global Citizen Festival has stood at the crossroads of music and activism, wielding the power of art to tackle the world’s most urgent issues. What began as an audacious idea, to end extreme poverty through collective action, has grown into a global movement uniting millions of voices, from heads of state and Nobel laureates to grassroots changemakers and some of the biggest names in music. Year after year, the festival has transformed iconic stages into platforms for policy change, philanthropy, and solidarity, reminding the world that music is not just entertainment, but a call […] - [Nike x Air Afrique’s Air Max RK61: A Legacy Takes Flight](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/nike-x-air-afriques-air-max-rk61-a-legacy-takes-flight/): On the tarmac of history, before sneaker drops and Instagram teasers, there was Air Afrique. For decades, the airline connected West African nations to Paris, Dakar, New York, not just moving passengers, but carrying dreams, pride, and the promise of independence across the skies. Today, Nike and Paris-based collective Air Afrique bring that story back to life with the Air Max RK61,  a silhouette where heritage meets design, and where the notion of flight is both literal and symbolic. This is more than a collaboration. It’s a cultural bridge spanning generations, continents, and memories. THE ELEGANCE OF MOVEMENT  The RK61 […] - [VICKY MBOKO: LEGACY IN MOTION](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/cover-story/vicky-mboko-legacy-in-motion/): History is not written in silence. It is etched in moments when the world stops to witness something extraordinary. - [ANGELIQUE KIDJO: JOURNEY OF AN ETERNAL ICON](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/cover-story/angeliquekidjojourney-of-an-eternal-icon/): Some people dream in silence, but others dare to rise, to wake with the weight of possibility and the fire of conviction. Angélique Kidjo has always being destined to greatness. From Ouidah, a city of profound history, where memory and spirit have long shaped the destiny of a people, to the grandest stages of the world, she has shown us what it means to transform vision into reality, melody into movement, and heritage into history. Her journey is not simply the story of one artist’s triumph, it is a mirror held up to Africa’s children and elders alike, urging them […] - [Mohamed Ramadan Crowned Rolling Stone Africa's Most Stylish Artist at New York Fashion Week 2025](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/mohamed-ramadan-crowned-rolling-stone-africas-most-stylish-artist-at-new-york-fashion-week-2025/): New York, NY — Mohamed Ramadan is Rolling Stone Africa’s No. 1 Most Stylish Artist during this year’s electrifying New York Fashion Week. With the world’s eyes on Manhattan’s most glamorous runways and exclusive soirées, Ramadan didn’t just attend, he dominated! An Iconic Style: Mohamed Ramadan Redefines Fashion Royalty From the moment he stepped onto the NYFW circuit, Mohamed Ramadan reminded the world that style isn’t just about clothes, it’s about presence. Known for his bold silhouettes, fearless detailing, and signature sunglasses, the multi-hyphenate star brought a refreshing energy that merged his personal style with global streetwear flair. Whether dressed […] - [FGM Bespoke: The Furry Godmother Returns to Reign Supreme at New York Fashion Week](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-news/fgm-bespoke-the-furry-godmother-returns-to-reign-supreme-at-new-york-fashion-week/): 5 years of impact, Africa Fashion Up marks its new chapter - [NYLON Set to Light Up Fashion Week with NYLON Nights: Fashion Edition Presented by TRESemmé](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-features/nylon-set-to-light-up-fashion-week-with-nylon-nights-fashion-edition-presented-by-tresemme/): New York Fashion Week has long been defined by runways, red carpets, and exclusive soirées. But this year, September 12 promises a cultural shift: NYLON Nights: Fashion Edition Presented by TRESemmé will transform the Classic Car Club into the most talked-about party of the week, marking NYLON’s bold claim to the center of Fashion Week’s cultural heartbeat. The invite-only celebration is set to pull in an enviable guest list of fashion insiders, trendsetters, and music enthusiasts. All eyes will be on Ice Spice, whose entrance is expected to electrify the room, while stars like Paige DeSorbo and Bachelor Nation’s Victoria […] - [Wild Gene Festival Provided a Platform Where Music, Art, and Humanity Collided in Genk, Belgium ](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/wild-gene-festival-provided-a-platform-where-music-art-and-humanity-collided-in-genk-belgium/): At LABIOMISTA, Wild Gene Festival brought 3,500 people together for a night where music, art, and humanity converged beautifully. Belgium, famous for its chocolate, will need to introduce itself as a culture hub. A warm summer evening in Belgium saw the first edition of Wild Gene Festival, envisioned by artist Koen Vanmechelen and Senegalese musician Youssou N’Dour. LABIOMISTA, Koen Vanmechelen’s living artwork and evolving art park, became the stage for the inaugural festival, a one-night gathering that blurred the lines between music, art, and community. Over 3,500 people flocked to Genk from as far afield as Senegal, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong, […] - [UN QUART DE SIECLE AU MICRO : L’ART DE PERDURER SELON PIT BACCARDI](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/un-quart-de-siecle-au-micro-lart-de-perdurer-selon-pit-baccardi-ses-oeuvres-traversent-les-generations-et-serigent-en-repere-pour-toutes-les-ames-artistiques/): Ses œuvres traversent les générations et s’érigent en repère pour toutes les âmes artistiques tombée sous le charme de cet art qu’est le rap. Sa trajectoire s’achemine au-delà d’une simple histoire musicale : il incarne une génération, un héritage et une vision claire. Pit Baccardi est une figure emblématique de la scène musicale francophone. Durant 25 années, il a su tracer sa route avec la même passion, se démenant de Paris à Yaoundé, de la rue à la scène, du kickage à l’enseignement. Du collectif mythique Time Bomb à ses albums en solo, en passant par son rôle de bâtisseur […] - [BUILDING BRIDGES: HOW EDGAR ESTEVES CONNECTS CONTINENTS THROUGH MUSIC FILM](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/how-edgar-esteves-connects-continents-through-music-film/): THE CONNECTOR Edgar Esteves stands at the forefront of a cinematic revolution, his lens stitching together the vibrant energy of Africa and its diaspora through groundbreaking music videos. From collaborating with global icons like Wizkid and Davido, to capturing cultural moments that transcend continents, Esteves has mastered the narrative of unity through artistry. This edition of Rolling Stone Africa, themed around “Building Bridges Between Africa and the World”, shines a spotlight on his journey, an odyssey where productions and films become conduits for global connection and cultural celebration. It began in 2019, when Edgar directed All I Want for Russ […] - [Cali Pulsed to the Rhythm of the Pacific: Petronio Álvarez XXIX Lights Up the City](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/cali-pulsed-to-the-rhythm-of-the-pacific-petronio-alvarez-xxix-lights-up-the-city/): From August 13 to 19, 2025, Santiago de Cali once again affirmed its place as Colombia’s cultural capital, hosting the 29th edition of the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival, the largest celebration of Afro-descendant heritage and artistry in South America. For six unforgettable days, the Ciudadela Petronio at the Unidad Deportiva Alberto Galindo became the beating heart of Pacific identity. The air vibrated with marimbas, flutes, chirimías, violins, and ancestral chants that mingled with a riot of colors, flavors, and traditions. It was a living mosaic of music, cuisine, fashion, and storytelling, a testament to the creative resilience of Colombia’s […] - [Gyakie: Bringing Ghanaian Music to the World](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/gyakiebringingghanianmusictotheworld/): Here to Stay With her debut album After Midnight set for release on August 29th, Ghanaian Afro-fusion star Gyakie is poised to cement her place as one of Africa’s most captivating voices. Known affectionately as the “Songbird,” Gyakie’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary, from her breakout hit Forever to gracing the cover of Forbes Africa and Rolling Stone Africa, she continues to redefine what it means to be a global African artist. After Midnight is a 17-track exploration of love, legacy, and self-discovery, crafted in the stillness of the hours that follow midnight. Blending R&B, Afrobeats, Highlife, Amapiano, […] - [Sip N’ Slay 2025: Where Power, Purpose, and Style Collide](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/sip-n-slay-2024-where-power-purpose-and-style-collide/): On August 23rd, under the luminous skyline of New York City, EveryStylishGirl turned vision into reality with its much-anticipated Sip N’ Slay summit, an electric fusion of Black excellence, entrepreneurship, fashion, and unapologetic empowerment. Hosted at the iconic Glasshouse NYC, the event radiated both elegance and intention, setting the stage for a day that was as impactful as it was inspirational. With a sold-out crowd and a lineup that read like a who’s who of trailblazing talent, the summit felt less like a conference and more like a cultural reawakening. From panels featuring the brightest minds in business and media, […] - [RECONSTRUCTION: LECRAE AND THE ART OF RISING AGAIN](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/lecrae-and-the-art-of-rising-again/): An Anthem of Restoration On August 21, 2025, in an intimate room illuminated not only by soft lights but by a profound sense of purpose, Lecrae unveiled a long-awaited soundscape that resonated like testimony. Reconstruction, his tenth studio album, is more than a collection of songs, it is an anthem of restoration, a reclamation of faith, and a bridge spanning culture, grief, and healing. It compels listeners to reflect on the power of growth, on how endings can be redesigned into bold new beginnings where faith and culture converge. More than music, Reconstruction is a mission: to impact lives, restore […] - [Norman Busigu is the British-Ugandan Filmmaker Telling African Diaspora Stories](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/film-tv/film-news/norman-busigu-is-the-british-ugandan-filmmaker-telling-african-diaspora-stories/): Right now the whole world’s eyes are on African creativity as African content dominates airwaves, concert stages, film screens, and fashion runways. What Marcus Garvey once called “the mainland and the diaspora” it’s a living, pulsing exchange of ideas, style, and sound that’s reshaping the global cultural map. And while the continent burns brightest at the source, the diaspora has been throwing kerosene on the fire, pushing African artistry into new spaces and contexts. Norman Busigu, a British-Ugandan filmmaker who, in his own words, is “100% Ugandan by heritage” but whose lived reality has been shaped by growing up in […] - [MARTELL unveils Cultural Ambassadors to shape the next chapter of Afrobeats journey](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/martell-unveils-cultural-ambassadors-to-shape-the-next-chapter-of-afrobeats-journey/): Martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses is stepping into a new phase of cultural engagement with the announcement of three newly appointed Cultural Ambassadors: Adesope Olajide (Shoopsydoo), Sheniece Charway, and Abdul Abdullah. Martell has long championed freedom, audacity and excellence, and is continuing its cultural journey by shining a spotlight on the people and platforms shaping Afrobeats from within. The three cultural ambassadors are recognised as cultural leaders across music, media, and storytelling, they have each played an instrumental role in shaping Afrobeats from the inside out, amplifying emerging voices, building platforms for expression, and influencing how the […] - [EXCLUSIVE: CIARA to Headline EveryStylishGirl’s Sip N’ Slay Conference as Keynote Speaker](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/sipnslay/): EveryStylishGirl’s Sip N’ Slay Conference returns to New York City this summer with its most ambitious program to date. Set for Saturday, August 23, 2025, the summit, recognized as one of the premier gatherings for entrepreneurs, creatives, and culture-makers, will welcome none other than global superstar Ciara as its keynote speaker. Ciara’s influence extends far beyond music. A Grammy-winning artist, entrepreneur, fashion icon, and philanthropist, she has built a career defined by reinvention and resilience. Most recently, she made history as the first American to appear on the cover of RollingStone Africa and the first individual to receive Beninese citizenship […] - [10 Defining Musical Collaborations Between Africa & the World](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/lists/10-defining-musical-collaborations-between-africa-the-world/): A look at the cross-cultural features that show how Africa has re-written the soundtrack of global pop - [Giants of Africa Festival 2025: A Continental Celebration of Youth, Sport, and Culture](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/sport/giantsofafricafestival/): A Celebration of Potential: Festival Dates and Highlights Set to return to the dynamic city of Kigali, Rwanda, the Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will take place from July 26 to August 2, marking an inspiring weeklong celebration of basketball, education, community, and entertainment. Organized by the non-profit Giants of Africa, alongside its visionary founder Masai Ujiri, Vice-Chairman and former President of the Toronto Raptors, the festival is poised to bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations and over 20,000 spectators. The festival kicks off with a vibrant Opening Show, featuring performances by internationally acclaimed artists including South […] - [TML Vibez & Lasmid Drop Collaborative EP “Sweet Songs 4 You : A West African Vibe Union](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/tml-vibez-lasmid-drop-collaborative-ep-sweet-songs-4-you-a-west-african-vibe-union/): Afrobeats just got a fresh dose of cross-border synergy. - [Africa Fashion Up 2025: Five Years of Redefining African Fashion on the Global Stage](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-news/africa-fashion-up-2025-five-years-of-redefining-african-fashion-on-the-global-stage/): 5 years of impact, Africa Fashion Up marks its new chapter - [Aurelien Tchouameni: Bridging Greatness, Culture, and Legacy](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/sport/aurelien-tchouameni-bridging-greatness-culture-and-legacy/): In a world where football transcends borders and identity is carried as boldly as a nation’s flag, Aurélien Tchouaméni stands tall, not only as one of the brightest talents in world football but as a powerful symbol of pride, purpose, and possibility for Africans everywhere. From his beginnings in France to the grand stage of the Santiago Bernabéu, his journey is more than a success story, it is a testament to discipline, cultural pride, and unshakable vision. At just 25, Tchouaméni has already cemented his place among the sport’s elite, playing for Real Madrid and the French national team with […] - [Carrying Africa Boldly: Swanky Jerry on fashion, identity and redefining global style](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-features/carrying-africa-boldly-swanky-jerry-on-fashion-identity-and-redefining-global-style/): When it comes to African fashion, few names carry the weight, influence, and cultural gravity of Swanky Jerry. More than a stylist, he’s a visual architect of narratives that reclaim and elevate the African identity. From Met Gala moments to music videos, Netflix screens to red carpets in Cannes, Swanky’s fingerprints are found on some of the most iconic expressions of modern African excellence. But beyond the fashion, Swanky is on a mission, to rewrite the global perception of Africa through creativity, bold storytelling, and unapologetic pride. With a career rooted in purpose and a style steeped in both heritage […] - [Ari Lennox’s New Era: A Journey of Discovery, Trust & Growth](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/ari-lennoxs-new-era-a-journey-of-discovery-trust-growth-2/): Ari Lennox’s new era is one of growth, relearning and self discovery. “I’m just really excited to learn who I am all over again or perhaps in a completely different way.” In news that her fans will be happy to hear, she is writing again, and it is an exciting journey. Not only is she creating music again but finds herself feeling more passionate about the process. This new era of Ari is not only sharing music she loves but loving the music as she makes it before releasing it into the world.  The fear of being perceived is a […] - [Building Bridges: Ciara on the Cover of Rolling Stone Africa](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/cover-story/building-bridges-ciara-on-the-cover-of-rolling-stone-africa/): A moment. A milestone. A message to the world. - [BAL Was All About the Culture: Basketball, Music & Pan-African Pride in Pretoria](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/sport/bal-was-all-about-the-culture-basketball-music-pan-african-pride-in-pretoria/): The Basketball Africa League Finals presented a moment for cultural celebration - [A conversation with Rudy Joseph on Black men identity, love, transmission…](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/health-wellbeing/a-conversation-on-black-identity-love-transmission-silence-with-rudy-joseph-ex-poetic-lover/): Rudy Joseph (Poetic Lover) : “I was taught that a man doesn’t talk about his emotions”… Yet he spent his career singing them. In 1997, the group Poetic Lover set French airwaves alight with their heartfelt music. Four voices, four silhouettes of Black men singing about love with sweetness and sincerity, in a French musical landscape still wary of diversity. Among them: Rudy Joseph, then aged 19. Today, at 47, he reflects on what it means to “be a Black man in the 21st century,” between heritage, emancipation, and vulnerability. This is a rare, dense, intimate, and clear-eyed exchange. A […] - [RMB Latitudes Art Fair Was a Masterclass in Curation](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/art-features/rmb-latitudes-art-fair-was-a-masterclass-in-curation/): Art blossomed at Johannesburg’s Shepstone Gardens in May, as the venue played host to the third edition of the RMB Latitudes Art Fair. - [Xlimkid is Hoping to Take the Ghanaian Trap Scene to Global Heights](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/cover-story/xlimkid-future-of-music/): With raw emotions and unequivocal honesty, the young artist is using rap as a pathway to understanding his own vulnerability. He continues to set a new template for Ghana's new generation of rap stars as one of Rolling Stone Africa's Future of Music cover stars. - [Widgunz: Building His Place in the Dynamic Evolution of Rap Ivoire](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/widgunz-building-his-place-in-the-dynamic-evolution-of-rap-ivoire/): Widgunz is one of the leading figures of the new generation of Rap Ivoire, a movement that’s shaking up hip-hop in Côte d’Ivoire by mixing local slang “noushi”, urban beats, and influences from Africa, France, and the US. He first gained attention through collaborations with the legendary Ivorian group Kiff No Beat, pioneers who revolutionized the local scene and inspired a whole new wave of artists. “Ivory Coast alone is full of remarkable cultural diversity and the musicians here show outstanding creativity.” This early connection helped Widgunz steadily build his reputation among Ivorian listeners. That early link gave Widgunz the boost […] - [Rebo and the Rise of Women in Congolese Music](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/rebo-and-the-rise-of-women-in-congolese-music/): In a music industry still largely dominated by men, Rebo embodies the strength, creativity, and resilience of Congolese women. Her musical signature, blending hip-hop, R&B, and Congolese sounds, has already won over a generation eager for something new. - [Usimamane is Set on Building His Hip-Hop Legacy](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/usimamane-is-set-on-building-his-hip-hop-legacy/): Usimamane is taking South African rap global. At 21, he’s already rewriting the blueprint for what a South African rap star is supposed to sound like. With numerous accolades under his belt, he is poised to lead the next generation as one of Rolling Stone Africa’s Future of Music Cover Stars. - [Joshua Baraka: The Pride of Uganda](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/joshua-baraka-the-pride-of-uganda/): The young superstar is blazing global trails for Ugandan music with heart and humility - [Africa Day 2025: 10 Songs That Pay Homage to Africa](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/africa-day-2025/): Happy 62nd Africa Day! - [Gemma Giffiths is the Girl from Harare with Global Ambitions](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/gemma-giffiths-is-the-girl-from-harare-with-global-ambitions/): Gemma Griffiths carries Zimbabwe in her voice, blending homegrown stories with global musical fluency. With her debut self-titled album on the way she is set to take over the world as one of Rolling Stone Africa’s Future of Music Cover Stars. - [How TikTok is Providing a Growth Platform for African Musicians](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/culture-features/how-tik-tok-is-providing-a-growth-platform-for-african-musicians/): TikTok is transforming Africa’s music scene, giving artists global reach, cultural relevance, and powerful tools to grow their careers. - [Exclusive: FIDO Aims to Shake Things Up with New Single, ‘Money Moves’](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-news/fido-money-moves/): Afropop’s shiniest new star is in a thankful mood. - [Venues Shaping Nairobi’s Creative Culture](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/lists/venues-shaping-nairobis-creative-culture/): From urban rooftops to lush garden settings to cavernous basements, these are the venues at Nairobi's cultural vanguard - [Ronisia: A New Era for Francophone and Afro-Caribbean Pop Music](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/ronisia-a-new-era-for-francophone-and-afro-caribbean-pop-music/): Ronisa is inspiring the next generation as one of the Rolling Stone Africa 2025 Future of Music Cover Stars - [Abigail Chams Steps into the Light](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/abigail-chams-steps-into-the-light/): Off the heels of a BET Award nomination, the Tanzanian songstress and RSA Future of Music cover star is expanding the reach of her sound - [Future of Music 2025](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/cover-story/future-of-music-africa-2025/): Meet This Year's Future of Music Cover Stars - [Zee Nxumalo’s Story Reminds Us That Dreams Come True](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/zee-nxumalos-story-reminds-us-that-dreams-come-true/): Zee Nxumalo went from high school rapper to Amapiano queen, now she's rocking charts, continents, and even a Puma proving that dreams come true - [32° East is a Sanctuary for Visual Arts in Uganda](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/art-features/32-is-a-sanctuary-for-visual-arts-in-uganda/): The non-profit arts trust centers artist-led programming, infrastructure and unrestricted creative expression - [Rolling Stone Africa March/April Issue is Finally Here](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/cover-story/rolling-stone-africa-march-april-issue-is-finally-here/): Our Latest magazine issue is out now and available to download for free here on our website when you create an account. - [Music Festivals You Can't Miss This Summer](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/african-music-festivals-summer-2025/): From Brooklyn and Paris to Kigali and Tokyo here are the best festivals across the globe for African Music this summer. - [MTV Shuga Returns to Kenya](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/mtv-shuga-returns-to-kenya/): Premiering on May 13th, MTV Shuga Mashariki marks a bold new chapter for the award-winning series - [ZVRI Is Making It Clear: The Future of Music Is Gqom Tech](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/zvri-is-making-it-clear-the-future-of-music-is-gqomtech/): Gqom Tech, or “Luxury Gqom” as it’s known in Durban’s underground, is a cultural shift. And ZVRI, one of its chief architects, is building a world where hard-hitting drums meet synth-laced emotion. With his debut album on the way, the rest of the world is finally tuning in. - [HOMECOMING Festival Returns With Bold, New Era](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/homecoming-2025/): A four-day celebration of fashion, music, art, sports, and culture. - [Eunice Olumide Wants to Honour the Untold Stories of UK Hip-Hop’s History With ‘Secret Lives’](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/eunice-olumide-secret-lives/): The British-Nigerian multidimensional creative delves deep into the underground rap scene. - [Highlights Recap: 6 Memorable Collections From South African Fashion Week SS25](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/fashion-features/highlights-recap-6-memorable-collections-from-south-african-fashion-week-ss25/): South African Fashion Week SS25 inspired attendees with a quiet but powerful sense of luxury, showcasing 24 collections that blended heritage with forward-thinking design. From Gert-Johan Coetzee’s cosmic couture to Naked Ape’s earthy elegance, each designer offered a new vision of African sophistication. - [Nitefreak Wants to Inspire the Next Generation of Producers to Dream Beyond the Booth](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/nitefreak-wants-to-inspire-the-next-generation-of-producers-to-dream-beyond-the-booth/): In celebration of Zimbabwean Independence Day, we caught up with Nitefreak as he reflected on his humble beginnings, career-defining moments, and his vision to uplift the next generation of artists through his label, Afroholic Records. - [‘My Father’s Shadow’ Makes History as Nigeria’s First Official Selection at Cannes Film Festival](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/film-tv/film-news/akinola-davis-cannes-2025/): The debut feature film by Akinola Davies Jr will compete in the Un Certain Regard section of the festival. - [DJ Maphorisa and Xduppy Flex Their Versatility with Dual Drops 'Ngomoya' and 'Rough Dance'](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-features/dj-maphorisa-and-xduppy-flex-their-versatility-with-dual-drops-ngomoya-and-rough-dance/): DJ Maphorisa and Xduppy sit down with Rolling Stone Africa to reflect on their roots, dissect their dual release, and map the road ahead for Amapiano. - [Artists Across Sub-Saharan African Achieve Record-Breaking Fiscal Year on Spotify](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-news/spotify-loud-and-clear-sub-saharan-africa/): Spotify’s Loud & Clear transparency report shows Nigerian and South African music industries and artists are achieving unprecedented earnings and global reach. - [Farewell to a Legend: The Legacy of Américo Gomes](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/music/music-news/farewell-to-a-legend-the-legacy-of-americo-gomes/): Américo Gomes: The Voice of a Nation, Now an Eternal Legacy - [The Enchanting Rhythms of Guinea-Bissau's Carnival: A Celebration of Soul and Spirit](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/culture/culture-features/the-enchanting-rhythms-of-guinea-bissaus-carnival-a-celebration-of-soul-and-spirit/): Bathing its shores with the bluest waters of the Atlantic Ocean lies a small nation on the coast of West Africa, surrounded by voices in both Wolof and Pular, known as Guinea-Bissau. For three days, from March 2nd to March 4th, the capital city, Bissau, pulsed with life in a celebration so grand that time itself seemed to dance to the rhythms of the drums. The Guinea-Bissau Carnival, a mosaic of ancestral traditions and contemporary expressions, once again reaffirmed itself as the beating heart of the nation’s cultural identity. A Carnival Born from History The roots of Guinea-Bissau’s carnival run […] ## Pages - [Homepage Test](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/homepage-sample/): COVER STORY THE PLAYLIST READ MORE MORE NEWS READ MORE - [Letter from the CEO](https://rollingstoneafrica.com/letter-from-the-ceo/): Letter from the CEO With Rolling Stone’s unparalleled legacy as the foremost authority in music and popular culture spanning over 55 years, it feels only natural for us to extend our voice to Africa. 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