The nominations for the 6th edition of All African Music Awards have been announced. African Union commission released the list on August 28th, spanning over 34 countries. The leading artists with 7 excellent nominations each include Shekhinah from South Africa and Maitre Gims from Democratic Republic of Congo.
They are followed by Diamond Plantinumz (Tanzania) and Betty G (Ethiopia) with 6 outstanding nominations.Nigeria’s Simi and South Africa’s Nasty C are next with 5 good nominations from the list. At last year’s AFRIMA, Wizkid emerged most awarded.
Tiwasavage, Fatoumata Diawara, Fally Ipupa, Mr Eazi, Kizz Daniel, Patoranking, Mr. Real, Falz, 2Baba, Not3es, Maleek Berry, Yxng Bane…all picked up nominations. Find a selection of other nominees below.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Name of Artiste Country Album title
1 Betty G Ethiopia Wegegta
2 Bombino Niger Deran
3 Diamond Platnumz Tanzania A Boy from Tandale
4 Lartiste Morocco Grandestino
5 Maitre Gims DRC Ceinture Noire
6 Mr. Leo Cameroon Love Original
7 Shekhinah South Africa Rose Gold
8 Simi Nigeria Simisola
ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Betty G Ethiopia Wegegta
2 Daphne Cameroon My Lover
3 Davido Nigeria FIA
4 Diamond Platnumz Tanzania Sikomi
5 Kwesta South Africa Spirit Ft. Wale
6 Maître Gims DRC La Meme Ft. Vianney
7 Nasty C South Africa Jungle
8 Saad Lamjarred Morocco Casablanca
9 Starboy Nigeria Soco Ft. Terry, Spotless, Ceeza Milli & Wizkid
10 Tiwa Savage Nigeria Ma Lo Ft. Wizkid & Spellz
BEST AFRICAN VIDEO
Name of Video Director Track Title (Artiste) Country
1 Armsdeal Let It Flow (Shane Eagle) South Africa
2 Cedrick Kayla Affairage (Toofan) Togo
3 Clarence Peters Melanin (Sauti Sol) Nigeria
4 Felicite Ben Rejeb Price Django (Dadju Ft. Franglish) Congo
5 Jacob Bain Nterini (Fatoumata Diawara) Mali
6 Lebogang Rasethaba Money Calling (Nadia Nakai & Franck Casino) South Africa
7 Meji Alabi Ma Lo (Tiwa Savage Ft. Wizkid) Nigeria
8 OneMovie Nosso Momento (Bruna Tatiana) Angola
9 Sasha Vybz Freedom (Bebe Cool) Uganda
10 Sesan Gringo (Shatta Wale) Nigeria
11 Walid Ayoub Ya Mraya (Hamza El Fadly) Morocco
BEST AFRICAN ACT IN DIASPORA
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Afrotronix Chad OyO Ft. Seydina
2 Aya Nakamura Mali Oumou Sangare
3 Chick Nick Cameroon Contrôler
4 Dadju DRC Bob Marley
5 Franglish DRC Elle
6 Hazel Mak Malawi Jaiva Ft. Roberto & Tay Grin
7 L’Algérino Algeria Va Bene
8 Oudy 1er Guinea Tourner Kabato
BEST AFRICAN COLLABORATION
Names of Artistes Country Track Title
1 Balti Ft. Hamouda Tunisia Ya Lili
2 DJ Moh Green Ft. Magasco Algeria/Cameroon Por Favor
3 DJ Spinall & Wizkid Nigeria Nowo
4 Fally Ipupa Ft. KeBlack & Naza DRC Mannequin
5 GuiltyBeatz, Mr. Eazi, Patapaa & Pappy Kojo Ghana/Nigeria Akwaaba
6 Maître Gims Ft. Vianney DRC/France La Meme
7 Major Lazer & DJ Maphorisa Ft. Nasty C, Ice Prince, Patoranking & Jidenna US/South Africa/Nigeria Particula
8 Nasty C & Runtown South Africa/Nigeria Said
9 Revolution & Magic System Cote d’Ivoire Kelly
10 Sauti Sol Ft. Patoranking Kenya/Nigeria Melanin
11 Tiwa Savage Ft Wizkid & Spellz Nigeria Ma Lo
BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY
Name of Artiste Country Track Title
1 Charlotte Dipanda Cameroon Sista Ft. Yemi Alade
2 Davido Nigeria FIA
3 Diamond Platnumz Tanzania Sikomi
4 EXQ Zimbabwe Tsvigiri
5 Ferre Gola DRC Premiere Classe
6 Josey Cote d’Ivoire Jour J-O
7 Kidi Ghana Odo Remix Ft. Mayorkun & Davido
8 Kizz Daniel Nigeria No Do
9 L’Algérino Algeria Va Bene
10 Mafikizolo South Africa Love Potion
11 Nandy Tanzania kivuruge
12 Tekno Nigeria Jogodo
13 Wande Coal Nigeria So Mi So
BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN DANCE OR CHOREOGRAPHY
Name of Artiste Country Track Title
1 Black M Guinea Bodyguard
2 Cassper Nyovest South Africa Ksazobalit
3 Fally Ipupa DRC Ecole
4 Ferre Gola DRC Premiere classe
5 GuiltyBeatz, Mr. Eazi, Patapaa & Pappy Kojo Ghana Akwaaba
6 Mr P. Nigeria Ebeano
7 Olamide Nigeria Science Student
8 Rouge (Rudi Smit) South Africa Arumtumtum
9 Rythmz Cameroon Fedeti
10 Shekhinah South Africa Please Mr.
11 Toofan Togo Affairage
BEST AFRICAN DJ
Name of DJ Country Track Title
1 Afrotronix Chad OyO
2 DJ Arafat Cote d’Ivoire Dosabado
3 DJ Enimoney Nigeria Diet Ft. Tiwa Savage, Reminince & Slimcase
4 DJ Maphorisa South Africa Midnight Ft. DJ Tira, Busiswa, Moonchild Sanelly
5 DJ Moh Green Algeria Por Favor Ft. Magasco
6 DJ Oudy 1er Guinea Tourner Kabato
7 DJ Spinall Nigeria Nowo Ft. Wizkid
8 DJ Zoumanto Cameroon Do Like I Do Ft. Ko-C & Mimie
9 Van Morocco Live Your Dream Ft. Dub Afrika
BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN ELECTRO
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Afrotronix Chad OyO
2 Aminux Morocco Ghanjibo
3 Babes Wodumo South Africa Jiva Hezkombhede Ft. Duma Ntando & Mampintsha
4 Distruction Boyz South Africa Omunye Ft. Benny Maverick & Dladla Mshunqisi
5 DJ Enimoney, Tiwa Savage, Reminince & Slimcase Nigeria Diet
6 DJ Maphorisa South Africa Midnight Ft. DJ Tira, Busiswa, Moonchild Sanelly
7 Gold Fish South Africa Talk to Me
8 GuiltyBeatz, Mr. Eazi, Patapaa & Pappy Kojo Ghana Akwaaba
9 Lartiste Morocco Mafiosa Ft. Carolina
10 Master KG South Africa Skeleton Move Ft. Zanda Zakuza
11 Mr. Real Nigeria Legbegbe
12 Patoranking Nigeria Available
BEST AFRICAN DUO, GROUP OR BAND
Name of Duo/Group/Band Country Track Title
1 4Keus DRC Mignon Garçon Ft. Naza, Keblack & Dry
2 Distruction Boyz South Africa Omunye Ft. Benny Maverick & Dladla Mshunqisi
3 Fnaïre Morocco Siri Siri
4 H-Kayne Morocco Do What You Can’t Ft. Khaoula
5 Mafikizolo South Africa Love Potion
6 Mi Casa South Africa Nana
7 Revolution Cote d’Ivoire Kelly Ft. Magic System
8 Rythmz Cameroon Fedeti
9 Sauti Sol Kenya Melanin Ft. Patoranking
10 Toofan Togo Money
BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN HIP HOP
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Black M Guinea Mama
2 Cassper Nyovest South Africa Ksazobalit
3 Falz Nigeria Next Ft. Maleek Berry & Medikal
4 Khaligraph Jones Kenya Rider Ft. Petra
5 Kwesta South Africa Spirit Ft. Wale
6 M.ANIFEST FT KING PROMISE Ghana ME NE WOA
7 MHD Guinea Bodyguard Ft. Sidiki Diabaté
8 Muslim Morocco Aji M3aya
9 Nadia Nakai & Frank Casino South Africa Money Calling
10 Shane Eagle South Africa Let it Flow
11 Sofiane Algeria Arafricain Ft. Maître Gims
BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN JAZZ
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Alune Wade Senegal African Fast Food
2 Anabela Aya Angola I Love You Bue
3 Betty G Ethiopia Mengedegna
4 Fadhilee Kenya Afirika
5 Sibusiso Mashiloane South Africa Niza
BEST AFRICAN RAPPER OR LYRICIST
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Cassper Nyovest South Africa Ksazobalit
2 Falz Nigeria La Fête
3 Khaligraph Jones Kenya Rider Ft. Petra
4 Muslim Morocco Aji M3aya
5 Nadia Nakai South Africa Naaa Meeaan Ft. Cassper Nyovest
6 Nasty C South Africa Jungle
7 Rouge South Africa Dololo Ft. Bigstar
8 Shane Eagle South Africa Let it Flow
BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN POP
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 2Baba Nigeria Amaka Ft. Peruzzi
2 Abu Egypt 3 Daqat Ft. Yousra
3 Ammara Brown Zimbabwe Akiliz
4 Fally Ipupa DRC Mannequin Ft. KeBlack & Naza
5 Kuami Eugene Ghana Angela
6 Lyna Mahyem Algeria Bye Bye Ft. Medi Meyz
7 Maître Gims DRC La Meme Ft. Vianney
8 MHD & Wizkid Guinea Bella
9 Simi Nigeria Joromi
10 Toofan Togo Money
11 Vanessa Mdee Tanzania Wet Ft GNako
BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN RAGGA, REGGAE & DANCEHALL
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Burna Boy Nigeria Heaven’s Gate Ft. Lily Allen
2 Diamond Platnumz Tanzania Hallelujah Ft. Morgan Heritage
3 DJ Moh Green Algeria Kondo Ft. Locko & Axel Tony
4 Jah Prayzah Zimbabwe Angel Lo Ft. Jah Cure
5 MzVee Ghana Sing My Name Ft. Patoranking
6 Patoranking Nigeria Suh Different
7 Roberto Zambia Contolola Ft. Patoranking
8 Sauti Sol Kenya Melanin Ft Patoranking
9 Shatta Wale Ghana Gringo
10 Stonebwoy Ghana Hero
11 Van Morocco Live Your Dream Ft. Dub Afrika
BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN R ‘N’ B & SOUL
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Asikey Nigeria Dark
2 Banky W Nigeria Love You Baby
3 Bruna Tatiana Angola Amo-te
4 Dadju DRC Bob Marley
5 Djodje & Patoranking Cape Verde Be Mine
6 Emtee South Africa Me and You Ft. Tiwa Savage
7 Locko Cameroon Je Serai La
8 Patty Monroe South Africa Reminiscing
9 Praiz Nigeria Champagne and Flowers
10 Shekhinah South Africa Please Mr.
BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN ROCK
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Angelique Kidjo Benin Once in a Lifetime
2 Bebe Cool Uganda Freedom
3 Betty G Ethiopia Ere Manew
4 Fokofpolisiekar South Africa Komma
5 Hoba Hoba Spirit Morocco Jnouni
6 Maryam Saleh, Maurice Louca, Tamer Abu Ghazaleh Egypt Ekaa Maksour
7 Rash Kenya Nitachange Ft. Ruff
BEST ARTISTE, DUO OR GROUP IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Bombino Niger Tehigren (The Trees)
2 Fatoumata Diawara Mali Nterini
3 Harouna Samake Mali Try Voice
4 Irene Namatovu Uganda Nsambila Nyuma Nga Janzi
5 Raina Ray Morocco Zhar
6 Stephane Akam Cameroon Che Woue
7 Teni Nigeria Fargin
8 Themindofay Nigeria Sasa
9 Wally Seck Senegal Mirna
10 Wutah Ghana Bronya
BEST FEMALE ARTISTE IN AFRICAN INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Amanda Malela DRC Kumama
2 Charlotte Dipanda Cameroon Sista Ft. Yemi Alade
3 DJ Lee Ethiopia Etege
4 Gloria Muliro Kenya Narudisha
5 Janet Otieno Kenya Narudi
6 Ogecha Nigeria Ufedo Mi
7 Ruby The Pigeon Namibia Rorisang
8 Sandra Nankoma Uganda Kaddugala
BEST MALE ARTISTE IN AFRICAN INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC
Name of Artiste Country Track Title
1 Cobhams Asuquo Nigeria One Hit
2 Degg J Force Guinea Fale
3 Falz Nigeria Child of the World
4 Macky2 Zambia Umutima Wandi Ft. Ephraim & Njamba
5 Mr. Leo Cameroon Pray
6 Ochu Sheggy Tanzania Mabusu Ya Yuda
7 Prosper Menko Cameroon Belle Weh Ft. Protek Illasheva
8 Sarkodie Ghana Glory Ft. Yung
9 Stephane Akam Cameroon Che Woue
10 Wazih Cameroon Be Happy
MOST PROMISING ARTISTE IN AFRICA
Name of Artiste Country Track Title
1 Amanda Malela DRC Kumama
2 Blanche Baily Cameroon BonBon
3 DJ Zoumanto Cameroon Do Like I Do Ft. Ko-C & Mimie
4 Gaz Mawete DRC Paulina
5 Kidi Ghana Odo Ft. Mayorkun & Davido
6 King Promise Ghana CCTV Ft. Mugeez
7 Ko-C Cameroon Bollo C’est Bollo
8 Kuami Eugene Ghana Confusion
9 Lily Malawi Bad at Love
10 Lyna Mahyem Algeria ByeBye Ft Medi Meyz
11 Tamy Zimbabwe Beautiful Ndozvandiri Ft. Takura & Dobba Don
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Producer Country Track or Album Title
1 David Scott, DJ Maphorisa, Shekhinah and Luke Goliath South Africa Rose Gold
2 DJ Kore Morocco Casablanca
3 Fresh VDM Togo Fia
4 GuiltyBeatz Ghana Akwaaba
5 Killertunes Nigeria Nowo
6 Laizer Classic Tanzania A Boy from Tandale
7 Makwa 6eats South Africa Spirit
8 NorthBoi Nigeria Soco
9 Renaud Rebillaud DRC La Meme
10 Yamiu Mola Ethiopia Wegegta
REVELATION OF THE AFRICAN CONTINENT
Name of Artiste Country Track title
1 Ammara Brown Zimbabwe Akiliz
2 Aya Nakamura Mali Djadja
3 Betty G Ethiopia Ere Manew
4 Dadju DRC Gentlemen 2.0
5 Iyenga DRC Sorry
6 Mayorkun Nigeria Bobo
7 Mimie Cameroon Je m’en Fous
8 Shekhinah South Africa Please Mr.
9 Soul Bangs Guinea Kameremba
10 Vegedream Cote d’Ivoire La Fuite Ft. DJ Leska
SONG OF THE YEAR
Artiste Track Title Country
1 Daphne My LoverCameroon
2 Davido FIA Nigeria
3 GuiltyBeatz, Mr. Eazi, Patapaa & Pappy Kojo Akwaaba Ghana
4 Kwesta Ft. Wale Spirit South Africa
5 Maître Gims Ft. Vianney La Meme DRC
6 Major Lazer & DJ Maphorisa Ft. Nasty C, Ice Prince, Patoranking & Jidenna ParticulaSouth Africa
7 Nasty C & Runtown SaidSouth Africa/Nigeria
8 Saad Lamjarred Casablanca Morocco
9 Sauti Sol Ft. Patoranking MelaninKenya
10 Starboy Ft. Terry, Spotless, Ceeza Milli & Wizkid Soco Nigeria
11 Tiwa Savage ft Wizkid & Spellz Ma Lo Nigeria
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Name of Songwriter Country Song Title (& Artiste)
1 Cobhams Asuquo Nigeria One Hit(Cobhams Asuquo)
2 Daphne Nije, Salatiel Cameroon Jusqu’à la Gare (Daphne)
3 Maître Gims, Vianney, Renaud Rebillaud DRC La Meme (Maître Gims Ft. Vianney)
4 Nandy Tanzania kivuruge
5 Nasibu Abdul Juma Issaack Tanzania Sikomi (Diamond Platnumz)
6 Saim El-Hadj Algeria Ya Mraya (Hamza El Fadly)
7 Shekhinah Donell, Amon Taulo Chibiya II South Africa Different (Shekhinah Ft. Mariechan)
8 Simisola Nigeria Complete Me (Simi)
9 Venancio Angola Amo-te (Bruna Tatiana)
AFRICAN FANS’ FAVOURITE
Name of Artist Country Track title
1 Afro B Cote d’Ivoire Drogba (Joanna) Ft. Wizkid
2 AKA South Africa Fela in Versace Ft. Kiddominant
3 Aminux Morocco Ghanhibo
4 Hardy Caprio Sierra Leone Best LifeFt. One Acen
5 Heavy K South Africa Indie Ft. Bucie & Nokwazi
6 IAMDBB Angola Shade
7 J Hus Gambia Dark Vader
8 Kojo Funds Ghana Stallin’
9 Maleek Berry Nigeria Pon My Mind
10 Nedy Music Tanzania One and Only Ft. Ruby
11 Not3s Nigeria My Lover
12 Ommy Dimpoz Tanzania Yanje featuring Seyi Shay
13 Phyno Nigeria N.W.A.Ft. Wale
14 Winky D Zimbabwe Ngirozi Ft Vabati VaJehovah
15 Yxng Bane Angola/DRC Vroom
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Fisayo is a journalist in search of words. Tweet at her @fisvyo
Launching in Lagos, Nigeria, this event pioneered by Tems marks the beginning of a continent-wide movement to...
In July, Tems announced the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI) to support women in music and the creative space on...
In July, Tems announced the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI) to support women in music and the creative space on their journey to make a mark in their fields and create space for other women in those industries. Born from Tems’ journey as a self-taught artist with a focus on driving change, the initiative offers training, mentorship, industry access, and community for women in music in Africa.
After a rigorous selection process for its inaugural cohort, Hennessy will join the two-time Grammy Award-winning star to celebrate the launch of the Leading Vibe (LVI) Initiative in Lagos, Nigeria. Held from August 8 to 9, 2025, the two-day event is the beginning of a bold new chapter in Hennessy’s long-standing commitment to music and culture in Africa.
“I’m excited to partner with Hennessy in bringing this initiative to life, supporting talented young women in music as they find their voices, embrace their power, and shape the future of the industry across Africa and beyond,” Tems said about the partnership.
The Leading Vibe Initiative aims to champion the next generation of female artists, producers, songwriters, and music professionals, increasing representation within all areas of music across the continent and beyond.
With Hennessy as lead partner, this ambitious program kicks off with an immersive event in Lagos featuring curated workshops, networking moments, and panel discussions led by top-tier talent from across the global and African music industries.
“Her vision, talent, and purpose align deeply with Hennessy’s legacy of championing those who push boundaries and redefine the world around them. We’re honored to support the Leading Vibe Initiative and to continue empowering African communities and cultures,” said Vincent Montalescot, Hennessy Global Chief Marketing Officer.
Hennessy’s partnership with Tems builds on the brand’s decades-long history of supporting music and artistic expression globally and on the continent. From Hip-Hop to Afrobeats, Hennessy continues to stand beside the artists and communities that shape culture.
In Africa, the Maison has deepened its commitment through meaningful initiatives like In the Paint and now, with the Leading Vibe Initiative, is taking a focused step toward amplifying women’s voices in music. With the Lagos launch as a powerful first step, the Leading Vibe Initiative will expand across Africa and globally, creating a cross-continental network of empowered women ready to shape the future of African music.
True Clrs, a travelling party series launched by Adeola Kofoworade and Menab Tesfu, aims to bring the dance...
One of the more pressing topics of discussion amongst party-goers today is the curious question of why people...
One of the more pressing topics of discussion amongst party-goers today is the curious question of why people don’t dance at gatherings anymore. While partying, theoretically, includes other activities like talking to strangers, getting drinks, and conducting business, it is primarily geared towards dancing and living in the moment.
These days, however, there seems to be more emphasis on these other activities than actual partying. People are doom scrolling on the dancefloor or are more occupied with trying to take the perfect selfie. Enter: True Clrs, a travelling party series launched by Adeola Kofoworade and Menab Tesfu that aims to bring the dance back to the parties by centering on the richness of African sound and the communities that love it.
“We found that there were a lot of parties in Dallas that had cultures that didn’t encourage dancing or interaction between customers,” Kofoworade tells The NATIVE about the inspiration for True Clrs over a Google Meet conversation in July. “Seeing how parties were being thrown in L.A., New York and other places in Europe, we thought to bring that idea here to Texas.”
Since its inception in 2023, True Clrs has hosted over 15 editions of its travelling party series across cities in the United States. In addition to a dedicated real-life following that engages with their series, they have also cultivated a robust online presence thanks to their meticulous branding and active CRLS YouTube page that features various thrilling DJ sets.
Ahead of the latest Houston edition of True Clrs, which featured ODUMODUBLVCK and Sarz headlining the Global Sounds Stage and others like Native SOUND SYSTEM’s DJ Sholz, Lowkey Ade, and Khulumars on DJ duties, we caught up with Adeola Kofoworade to discuss how they’ve managed to position True Clrs as the go-to party series in Texas, what makes them unique, and what their long-term plans are.
What inspired True Clrs?
We originally started True Clrs about two years ago because we noticed that there was a space in Dallas that we could infiltrate. We found that there were a lot of parties in Dallas that had cultures that didn’t encourage dancing or interaction between customers. That’s something pretty notable down here in the South. In clubs, there are a lot of sections and no big dance floors, so people are stuck in their sections without really interacting with other people. Seeing how parties were being thrown in L.A., New York and other places in Europe, we thought to bring that idea here to Texas. At first, we started with Afrobeats and Amapiano-centred parties, but then we started branching out to other genres as well.
How have you been able to position True Clrs as one of the go-to diaspora-focused party series in the U.S, especially in Texas?
We try to be innovative. We always try to make every event better than the last one. So if you came to one of our events the previous month, we try to switch things up and make sure you have a better experience the next time you come. We do this by booking notable DJs from around the country and even around the world. We also started booking a lot more talents. Last year, we had Lancey Foux; we had Sholz, who brought ODUMODUBLVCK; and we also had Skyla Tyla. This year, we’re looking to do more of that so we can always give our audience a notable experience.
How do you balance catering to the African diaspora with appealing to a broader audience that might be unfamiliar with the music and experience?
There are a couple of ways we try to do this. First, since we have monthly events, we try to switch between different genres and vibes. So let’s say, one month we have an Afrobeats and Amapiano party, the next month we could switch to this concept that we call the R&B rave. In the R&B rave, we basically play all types of R&B music, whether it’s old, contemporary or alternative, and we curate a rave-like setting.
We also run this concept where we have like two or three stages playing different genres. We could have one stage playing Amapiano, the other R&B and the other more global sounds. I guess it just depends on the venue we use. But we’re able to offer different experiences even at the same party.
Are there any other unique elements that set the True Clrs experience apart from other nightlife events?
One of our main appeals is recording DJ content. I know DJ content has become saturated recently, but what separates us is that a lot of our content is very genuine. It’s not made up or staged. We get real-time reactions from people. A lot of the time, people don’t even know they’re being filmed. Our content makes us notable, and it’s helped push our brand forward.
Since you began True Clrs, how have you been able to cultivate a strong online presence as well as a thriving community in real life?
With our online presence, it’s really been our content that has helped put us out there. We’ve had a couple of reels or YouTube sets go viral, and that’s definitely helped our online presence. Also, just being the kind of people we are, we take our time when it comes to branding True Clrs. We get a lot of feedback from people regarding our content, and we take it into account moving forward. For our real-life community, my partner and I had already been heavily involved in the entertainment space and the African community here before we began True Clrs. So we got a lot of support when we first started, and we’ve just kept building from there.
What’s the long-term vision for True Clrs? Are there any plans to expand into other U.S. cities or even international markets?
Definitely. Last year, we had our first international event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. My partner was up there for a holiday, and we decided to throw an event there. In the future, we do plan to expand to other countries, whether in Africa or Europe. With our connections with talents like Lancey Foux, Skyla Tyla, we’re also looking to see if we can put together festivals. That’s what’s on the horizon for True Colors.
What would you say to someone who’s never been to a True Clrs party? What should they expect, and why should they come?
Our goal is community curation through music. So what I would tell someone who’s never been to a True Clrs party is they should come with an open mind. They should trust our DJs because they might hear songs they’ve never heard before and still be able to have a good time. Also, while we don’t force people to interact, we encourage people to interact and dance while listening to good DJs.
After over a decade helming some of the most romantic cuts in Afropop, Tiwa Savage’s dalliance with R&B is...
There are only a few artists in Afropop with the range, longevity, and lustre that Tiwa Savage has. Since she...
There are only a few artists in Afropop with the range, longevity, and lustre that Tiwa Savage has. Since she emerged on the Nigerian music scene in 2011, Ms. Savage has set an inimitable standard in terms of platforming the point of view of women at the pinnacle of Afropop, working to show that women are multi-dimensional and layered, capable of going through the motions of joy, angst, distress, and optimism just as much as the next person. By unapologetically leaning into the very minutiae of what makes her tick as a woman, she’s become a fan favourite and an undisputed legend of the genre.
Impressively, she’s done this while making great strides sonically. From the throbbing afropop of ‘Once Upon A Time’ to the swaggering house-inflected triumph of ‘R.E.D,’ and the dense polyrhythmic structure of ‘Celia,’ Tiwa Savage has continued to tincture her R&B-adjacent sound with influences from home and abroad. It is an accurate reflection of Tiwa Savage as a person: grounded by her Lagos heritage but shaped by global influences. For the last six months, she has been talking up her forthcoming fourth album, describing it as a full-throttle return to the R&B sound that was her stock in trade before she returned to Nigeria in 2011 to establish herself as an Afropop powerhouse.
In April, she released the emotive “You4Me,” clearly establishing the direction for her new album, ‘This One Is Personal.’ Produced by Mystro Sugar, “You4Me” put a fresh spin on Tamia’s ’90s classic “So Into You” with percussion work by Magicsticks adding a decidedly Afropop sheen to the song. Upping the ante, Tiwa Savage returned with “On The Low,” a delightful sung-rap bop featuring British-Nigerian rapper, Skepta. Like “You4Me” before it, “On The Low” is steeped in R&B tradition, finding Tiwa Savage pining after a love that feels like a taboo or forbidden pleasure. Produced by Rymez and Mystro, it is a surefire pointer that Tiwa Savage wasn’t joking when she said ‘This One Is Personal’ had overt R&B influences.
After over a decade helming some of the most romantic cuts in Afropop, Tiwa Savage’s dalliance with R&B is helping to propel her artistry to new heights. Just as the soundtrack for ‘Water & Garri,’ her debut as a filmmaker, pared down universal emotions like longing, desire, and anxiety into digestible bits on standouts like “I Need You,” “Lost Time,” “Love O,” her latest song chronicles the intangibles of a romance that’s quite not out in the open. “I know you want to link on the low / We have to stay discreet, you don’t know,” she sweetly intones on the song’s hook, clearly obfuscating the true status of the relationship but revealing just enough to let her listeners know that the dynamic of this relationship is not the usual.
It’s a premise that is established from the opening lines of the song when Skepta breezily starts with an offer to travel, presumably after being unavailable for a while. “Yeah, I’m off tour, we should celebrate / Dedicate some time for you, baby, it’s a date,” he says. It sets off a sequence where Tiwa Savage admits to being annoyed by the complexities of this relationship.
Still, there’s something about the thrills of these tenuous romances that keeps one tethered to them, and Tiwa Savage manages to capture the dilemma of the situation when she sings, “Boy, you make me stressed, you don’t know / Then you send me sweet texts on the low.” Her measured delivery and tonal inflections lend an air of believability to the story that would be inaccessible in lesser hands.
It helps that even as she revisits her R&B origins, the singer still maintains a strong connection to the sonic references that made her an Afropop juggernaut. There is seriously impressive percussion across “On The Low” with enough Yoruba ad-libs sprinkled across to remind any doubters that this is a Nigerian star paying homage to an elemental part of her evolution without losing touch with her roots. It sets the stage for This One Is Personal’ perfectly.