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January 22, 2025EventsIn December 2024, Entertainment Week Lagos (EWL) once again underscored its position as a leading platform for Africa’s creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Founded by Deola Art Alade, EWL brought together visionaries, innovators, and entrepreneurs, reinforcing its mission to foster collaboration and drive sustainable growth across Africa’s creative industries.
A highlight of the week was the Deal Room, designed for showcasing promising African startups. After days of mentorship, the selected entrepreneurs pitched their ideas to an audience of industry leaders, mentors, and a jury.
The Startups
The finalists represented a diverse range of industries, each addressing unique challenges while seizing emerging opportunities:
Esosa (by Ebenezer Tope)
Esosa is a web-based platform designed to streamline the travel and itinerary planning process for diasporas visiting Nigeria and other African countries. With 1.2 million diasporas visiting Nigeria in 2023 alone, the market potential is clear. With $11,000 in revenue, Esosa is aiming for $67,000 in funding to expand to five more countries in five years.
Libran (by Bukunola Bolajoko)
Libran is a carbon management platform targeting industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and monetize it. The global market for carbon reduction is estimated to reach $6 billion by 2030, and Libran aims to capture 7.5% of this market.
PayDues (by Edgar Odey)
PayDues aims to simplify payment procedures for students, starting with 2,000 Nigerian students and expanding later to other countries. The platform works by collaborating with schools to streamline transactions, allowing students to receive receipts and schools to access transaction statements without visiting the bank. With Unilag and Yaba College of Technology already onboard, the business model is poised to grow with plans to serve more schools across the region.
Synewave (by Joshua Oyenekan)
Synewave is a music platform connecting artists with fans while ensuring fair revenue sharing. By charging fans 20 cents per song, Synewave ensures artists earn from every track. The idea aims to empower artists, who historically have only seen a fraction of their earnings. Synewave plans to evolve into a full app, empowering artists with better control over their data.
Taghub (by Debbie Adebowale)
Taghub connects international brands with African influencers, specializing in nano and micro-influencers across the continent. The platform uses AI to match influencers with brands, earning 40% from each transaction. Taghub is currently focused on the music industry and is web-based, paying influencers in their local currencies while brands pay in dollars. The platform’s unique focus on micro-influencers sets it apart in the influencer marketing industry.
Each pitch demonstrated not only innovation but the potential for scalable impact, with the jury providing feedback to refine and strengthen their business models.
Beyond the Deal Room, EWL 2024 featured masterclasses, panels, and film screenings covering topics like sustainability, African cinema, and the tech-entertainment intersection.
Key to EWL’s long-term vision is LabSpot, a mentorship and resource hub for startups. This initiative ensures that entrepreneurs have the tools to scale their businesses sustainably and make a lasting impact on their communities and Africa’s economy.
Entertainment Week Lagos isn’t just an event; it’s a commitment to supporting the creative ecosystem and fostering businesses that will shape Africa’s future.
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January 22, 2025MusicSkiibii kicks off the new year with “Carry for Head,” a romantic anthem filled with devotion and passion.
In the song, he expresses his deep love and admiration for his muse, showering her with sweet words and promises of unwavering loyalty. Skiibii’s vocals glide over the rich instrumentation, blending Afrobeats rhythms with modern melodies as he serenades his love with sincerity and emotion.
The track captures the essence of true love, with Skiibii pledging to carry his partner’s heart with the utmost care and affection.
Listen below: [...]
January 22, 2025VideoFirst time Grammy award nominne, Yemi Alade is kicking off the new year with the music video for the remix of “Baddie,” the 16th track from her latest album “Rebel Queen.” This exciting remix features Jamaican artist and deejay Konshens, along with Kenyan rapper Femi One, who raps in Kiswahili.
The video showcases the trio as they deliver high-energy performances, vibing to the track and celebrating their unique styles. It’s a fun and lively display of their collaboration, filled with great chemistry and cultural expression.
Watch the video below and enjoy the music: [...]
January 22, 2025Music“We start this year in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen,” says Victor AD on the release of his new song “Derico” which kicks off the new year for him.
The song, which takes its name from street culture, embodies the resilience and hustle of those striving to succeed against all odds.
With “Derico,” Victor AD reflects on his journey, expressing gratitude to God while confidently acknowledging his talent. The lyrics capture a mix of humility and self-assurance, highlighting the challenges he’s overcome, his faith, and the skills that have set him apart in the industry. It’s an uplifting anthem of perseverance and success that resonates with anyone pushing toward their dreams.
Listen to the song below: [...]
January 22, 2025VideoWe’re only three weeks into the year, and Qing Madi is already on a roll! Just two weeks ago, she dropped a single and visualiser titled “Akanchawa.” Now, she’s back with another track, “Ali Bomaye,” along with its visuals.
Directed by Boi, the visuals show Qing Madi in a boxing ring, singing her heart out to a song that beautifully expresses love, devotion, and gratitude for someone who brings peace and stability amidst life’s chaos.
Fans have even more to look forward to, as her debut album, “I Am the Blueprint,” is set to drop on January 31st.
Watch the visuals for “Ali Bomaye” below: [...]
January 22, 2025VideoFast-rising singer Ayo Maff, known for his hit single “Dealer,” has just released the visuals for “7 Lives,” a track off his debut EP, “Maffian.”
“7 Lives“ is a song that celebrates resilience, self-belief, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Ayo Maff breathes life into these themes through the visuals, directed by Olu The Wave, with captivating storytelling that elevates the message of the track.
Watch the visuals for “7 Lives” below: [...]
January 15, 2025VideoAhead of the release of her debut album, “I Am the Blueprint,” set to drop on the 31st of this month, Qing Madi has treated fans to a fresh single and visualiser titled “Akanchawa.”
The word “Akanchawa” is derived from the Igbo language, meaning “good hands” or “hands that bring forth blessings.” In this song, Qing Madi expresses her deep affection and devotion to someone special. She sings about surrendering her ego and giving all her love to this person, highlighting their importance in her life.
The track beautifully conveys emotions of longing, admiration, and the desire to be close to her love.
Watch the visualiser below: [...]
January 15, 2025VideoAsake, just a month after releasing the visuals for his hit track “Uhh Yeah,” is back with another exciting release. The Grammy-nominated artist has dropped the music video for his track “Whine,” featuring Brazilian singer-songwriter Ludmilla.
The video, directed by Rafael Carmo, brings to life the 14th track on Asake’s 15-track album “Lungu Boy.” “Whine” is all about attraction, romance, and living in the moment with carefree energy. True to its theme, the video captures this vibe perfectly.
Check it out below. [...]
January 15, 2025VideoFireboy DML has released the energetic video for his track “Ecstasy”, featuring Afrobeat maestro Seun Kuti.
“Ecstasy” is a sensual and romantic tune that explores the overwhelming feelings of passion, love, and desire. It vividly portrays the deep emotional and physical connection between two lovers, blending tender affection with intense longing. The track captures the euphoria of being deeply in love, likening it to an escape from reality.
Taken from his latest album, “Adedamola”, the song is a celebration of love’s intensity and the blissful sensations it brings.
The visually striking video is set against a backdrop of dancers clad in bright yellow outfits, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Adding to the allure, Seun Kuti delivers a powerful performance on the saxophone, perfectly complementing the song’s soulful vibe.
Watch the video below: [...]
January 6, 2025MusicAs the year draws to a close, Bnxn treats fans to a delightful surprise with his latest single, No Spoil My Steeze. Produced by the gifted Gemini Major, this track perfectly encapsulates the spirit of optimism that bridges the end of 2024 and the dawn of 2025. The upbeat production and Bnxn’s signature vocal style make it an anthem for embracing good vibes and warding off negativity.
The song’s theme revolves around maintaining one’s confidence and positivity despite life’s challenges. No Spoil My Steeze becomes a personal mantra as Bnxn declares his stance against bad energy. With uplifting lyrics and a beat that keeps you moving, the track radiates a sense of self-assurance and joy.
Bnxn is exuding effortless charm, clean, fresh, and unbothered. His demeanour perfectly complements the message of the song, setting a tone for fans to carry into the new year. No Spoil My Steeze is a vibe, a mindset, and the soundtrack to a brighter, more positive 2025.
Remember, don’t let no one spoil your steeze!
Enjoy below:
Listen to No Spoil My Steeze here. [...]
