Cover Stories
![How Adekunle Gold Met Tio Tequila](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Frame-6-1-scaled.jpg)
How Adekunle Gold Met Tio Tequila
Credits Words by Emmanuel Esomnofu Photographer: Elliot Hensford Creative Director: Elliot Hensford Stylist: Kennedy Clarke Creative &...
![How Davido got his voice back](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/FI-Davido.jpg)
![How Davido got his voice back](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/FI-Davido.jpg)
![How Davido got his voice back](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/FI-Davido.jpg)
How Davido got his voice back
Credits Words by Dennis Ade-Peter & Tami Makinde Photographer: Isabel Okoro Creative Director: Scary TownStylist:...
![Zinoleesky’s Reign](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/home-hero.jpg)
![Zinoleesky’s Reign](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/home-hero.jpg)
![Zinoleesky’s Reign](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/home-hero.jpg)
Zinoleesky’s Reign
Zinoleesky’s Reign Zinoleesky is the one most receptive to expanding the textural and sonic scope of Street Pop in today’s...
![Asake’s Time](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Asake12.jpeg)
![Asake’s Time](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Asake12.jpeg)
![Asake’s Time](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Asake12.jpeg)
Asake’s Time
After a decade in the making, culminating in this year of his life, it’s time for the new King of Sounds & Blues. Ololade Asake has...
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![PROJECT RUNAWAY](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FI-min.jpeg)
![PROJECT RUNAWAY](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FI-min.jpeg)
PROJECT RUNAWAY
Starring Ayra Starr, Lojay and NATIVE Sound Sytem With support from Sholz, Adey, Lido, New World Ray, Forevatired, Monster Boys, Dafe...
![SOUNDS FROM THIS SIDE: STREET POP](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210827-20170101-_MG_4771-scaled.jpg)
![SOUNDS FROM THIS SIDE: STREET POP](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210827-20170101-_MG_4771-scaled.jpg)
![SOUNDS FROM THIS SIDE: STREET POP](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210827-20170101-_MG_4771-scaled.jpg)
SOUNDS FROM THIS SIDE: STREET POP
Lagos, Nigeria – It looks like the paint is barely dry inside Bella Shmurda’s new luxury apartment in Ikota, GRA....
![SOUNDS FROM THIS SIDE: AMAPIANO](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/mlnative-28-scaled.jpg)
![SOUNDS FROM THIS SIDE: AMAPIANO](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/mlnative-28-scaled.jpg)
![SOUNDS FROM THIS SIDE: AMAPIANO](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/mlnative-28-scaled.jpg)
SOUNDS FROM THIS SIDE: AMAPIANO
The night before any lengthy road journey is filled with furious preparation. Principal amongst the priorities is making sure there is...
![SOUNDS FROM THIS SIDE: ASAKAA DRILL](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Frame-312-5.png)
![SOUNDS FROM THIS SIDE: ASAKAA DRILL](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Frame-312-5.png)
![SOUNDS FROM THIS SIDE: ASAKAA DRILL](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Frame-312-5.png)
SOUNDS FROM THIS SIDE: ASAKAA DRILL
One thing’s for sure when you’re riding through Kumasi: you’re gonna hear some drill music. It reverberates through the city’s...
![ADEBAYO OKE-LAWAL, THE WIND OF CHANGE](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover.png)
![ADEBAYO OKE-LAWAL, THE WIND OF CHANGE](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover.png)
![ADEBAYO OKE-LAWAL, THE WIND OF CHANGE](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover.png)
ADEBAYO OKE-LAWAL, THE WIND OF CHANGE
In recent years, music has been the face of the African cultural campaign. The focal point of Nigerian popular culture, music and the icons...
![BLESSING EWONA, FEARLESS](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover-1.png)
![BLESSING EWONA, FEARLESS](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover-1.png)
![BLESSING EWONA, FEARLESS](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover-1.png)
BLESSING EWONA, FEARLESS
For most of us, our lives have been typified by Western cultural hegemony. Where in global politics and economics, the Imperialist West...
![UYAIEDU IKPE-ETIM vs NOLLYWOOD](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover-3.png)
![UYAIEDU IKPE-ETIM vs NOLLYWOOD](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover-3.png)
![UYAIEDU IKPE-ETIM vs NOLLYWOOD](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover-3.png)
UYAIEDU IKPE-ETIM vs NOLLYWOOD
Nollywood is a giant industry. Producing thousands of movies a year which end up being hugely economically profitable to Nigeria, in...
![MICHAEL BRIGHT, THE DANCING QUEEN](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover-4.png)
![MICHAEL BRIGHT, THE DANCING QUEEN](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover-4.png)
![MICHAEL BRIGHT, THE DANCING QUEEN](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover-4.png)
MICHAEL BRIGHT, THE DANCING QUEEN
Dancing is a lifeline for every African – even those who like me, can’t move for shit. Growing up around musical chairs and other such...
![HOW TOBEAN OMOTOSO CAME TO EMBODY BEAUTY](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover-2.png)
![HOW TOBEAN OMOTOSO CAME TO EMBODY BEAUTY](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover-2.png)
![HOW TOBEAN OMOTOSO CAME TO EMBODY BEAUTY](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pride-Cover-2.png)
HOW TOBEAN OMOTOSO CAME TO EMBODY BEAUTY
Rarely will one encounter a depiction of African culture without music and movement instructing representations. Throughout our history,...
![ELSA’S WORLD](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Elsa-Cover-Story-4.png)
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![ELSA’S WORLD](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Elsa-Cover-Story-4.png)
ELSA’S WORLD
Elsa Majimbo has been on go nonstop since the world catastrophically shut down last year. The almost 20-year-old’s life has been a...
![DAMSON IDRIS, THE CONNECT](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/featured-image.png)
![DAMSON IDRIS, THE CONNECT](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/featured-image.png)
![DAMSON IDRIS, THE CONNECT](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/featured-image.png)
DAMSON IDRIS, THE CONNECT
Damson Idris has spent the last half a decade playing roles that depict the harrowing realities of growing up as a young black boy, on both...
![MADE IN LAGOS, SET FOR GLORY](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/4.jpg)
![MADE IN LAGOS, SET FOR GLORY](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/4.jpg)
![MADE IN LAGOS, SET FOR GLORY](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/4.jpg)
MADE IN LAGOS, SET FOR GLORY
I don’t remember exactly where I first heard Wizkid’s music. I doubt anybody who has followed his music from the very beginning...
![JADA](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/5.jpg)
![JADA](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/5.jpg)
![JADA](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/5.jpg)
JADA
Photographer: Faith Aylward (@didudietho) Â Styling: Laurie London (@lauriestyleslondon) Hair: Erica Castro (braidedbynicks) MUA: Ornella...
![THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WIZKID BEING MADE IN LAGOS](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/8.jpg)
![THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WIZKID BEING MADE IN LAGOS](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/8.jpg)
![THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WIZKID BEING MADE IN LAGOS](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/8.jpg)
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WIZKID BEING MADE IN LAGOS
To really appreciate what Wizkid’s journey means to Lagos, one must understand the dynamics of growing up in Surulere, where he was...
![SUNDAY ARE](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sunday-are-1-scaled-1.jpg)
![SUNDAY ARE](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sunday-are-1-scaled-1.jpg)
![SUNDAY ARE](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sunday-are-1-scaled-1.jpg)
SUNDAY ARE
Photographer: Obehireme Binitie How did you come to be Wizkid’s manager? I’ve been Wizkid’s manager for about six years? Six or...
![WIZKID FC IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF STAN CULTURE IN AFROPOP](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3.jpg)
![WIZKID FC IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF STAN CULTURE IN AFROPOP](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3.jpg)
![WIZKID FC IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF STAN CULTURE IN AFROPOP](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3.jpg)
WIZKID FC IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF STAN CULTURE IN AFROPOP
Photographer – Mahaneela Choudhury-Reid (@mahaneela.jpg) Photo Assistant – Sarah Harry-Isaacs (@sarah.harryisaacs) Creative...
![MEJI ALABI](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/meji4.jpg)
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![MEJI ALABI](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/meji4.jpg)
MEJI ALABI
Photographer: Adeoluwa Adeyemi (@ultranubian) Styling: Laurie London (@lauriestyleslondon) Hair: Anwar for Ivor’s Barbers BTS Video:...
![FEELS LIKE HOME](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wiz8.jpg)
![FEELS LIKE HOME](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wiz8.jpg)
![FEELS LIKE HOME](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wiz8.jpg)
FEELS LIKE HOME
Wizkid’s emergence at the turn of the decade undoubtedly reinvigorated the cultural esteem of the Nigerian diaspora worldwide. Those of...
![EKENE MADUKA](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ekene-Maduka-Artwork.jpg)
![EKENE MADUKA](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ekene-Maduka-Artwork.jpg)
![EKENE MADUKA](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ekene-Maduka-Artwork.jpg)
EKENE MADUKA
Sincerely Yours, Lagos 2020 Oil, acrylics and image transfer on canvas 63.5 x 55.9 cm Ekene Maduka is an artist who makes work that...
![P2J](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot-2020-12-14-at-13.53.05.png)
![P2J](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot-2020-12-14-at-13.53.05.png)
![P2J](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot-2020-12-14-at-13.53.05.png)
P2J
Photographer: Seye Isikalu (@seyeisikalu) Production: Object & Animal (@objectanimal) Producer: Jess Ajose (@jess.ajose) Studio: PS...
![HOW WIZKID’S MUSIC TRAVELLED, NO VISA](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wizzki.jpg)
![HOW WIZKID’S MUSIC TRAVELLED, NO VISA](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wizzki.jpg)
![HOW WIZKID’S MUSIC TRAVELLED, NO VISA](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wizzki.jpg)
HOW WIZKID’S MUSIC TRAVELLED, NO VISA
Wizkid’s first official public appearance musically was a feature on MI’s album, Talk About It, laying a stellar hook on “Fast...
![LEGENDURY BEATZ](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_0289-1-scaled-1.jpg)
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![LEGENDURY BEATZ](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_0289-1-scaled-1.jpg)
LEGENDURY BEATZ
Photographer: Hannah Bamgbala (@bamgbala.studios) Styling: Laurie London (@lauriestyleslondon) Hair: Anwar for Ivor’s Barbers BTS...
![KOBY MARTIN](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Koby-Martin-artwork.jpg)
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![KOBY MARTIN](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Koby-Martin-artwork.jpg)
KOBY MARTIN
Aro Meta 2020 Mixed media, acrylic, and oil pastels 100 x 100 cm Koby Martin is a proud export of Ghana. His talent and God-given gift was...
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SARZ
Photographer: Seye Isikalu (@seyeisikalu) Production: Object & Animal (@objectanimal) Producer: Jess Ajose (@jess.ajose) Studio: PS...
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LONDON
Photographer: Zash Chinhara (@zashcraft) Studio: The Durag Lair (craftedmediaguys) When did you meet Wizkid and what was that experience...
![STARBOY STYLIN: WIZKID THROUGH THE ERAS](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wizh.jpg)
![STARBOY STYLIN: WIZKID THROUGH THE ERAS](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wizh.jpg)
![STARBOY STYLIN: WIZKID THROUGH THE ERAS](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wizh.jpg)
STARBOY STYLIN: WIZKID THROUGH THE ERAS
Photography: Mahaneela Choudhury-Reid (@mahaneela.jpg) Photography Assistant: Sarah Harry-Issacs (@sarah.harryissacs) Creative Direction:...
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![INSIDE LIFE](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2G5A1863-1-scaled-1.jpg)
INSIDE LIFE
In 2018, Naira Marley embarked on a chaotic two-year run which included; court cases, police raids, a stint in prison,...
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![TEMS](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2.jpg)
![TEMS](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2.jpg)
TEMS
At the start of 2018, a message from her daily devotional drove Tems to quit her day job as a digital marketer to pursue a...
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MOWALOLA
Mowalola: I think I’m also quite curious about people. I get a lot of inspiration from just mixing and connecting with different...
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![TENI](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_6606-copy.jpg)
TENI
TENI BROKE THE MOULD AND BEAT THE ODDS, NOW SHE’S JUST HAVING FUN WITH IT. Beside me is the most agitated fan in Lagos. It’s the...
![ODUNSI THE ENGINE](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DSC00713-1.jpg)
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![ODUNSI THE ENGINE](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DSC00713-1.jpg)
ODUNSI THE ENGINE
NEXT ACT Bowo has always embraced the darkness. Ever since he was an early teen, Odunsi (his family name by which he is most commonly known...
![Santi’s Rebellion](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1.jpg)
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![Santi’s Rebellion](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1.jpg)
Santi’s Rebellion
HOW ONE OF AFRICA’S MOST INNOVATIVE CONTEMPORARY MUSICIANS REINVENTED HIS WAY TO BECOMING A FORCE IN THE STRONGEST CULTURAL REBELLION IN...
![Davido Vs. The World](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_2457-DAVID-POOL-DUO-e1574258752170-1.jpeg)
![Davido Vs. The World](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_2457-DAVID-POOL-DUO-e1574258752170-1.jpeg)
![Davido Vs. The World](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_2457-DAVID-POOL-DUO-e1574258752170-1.jpeg)
Davido Vs. The World
David Adeleke, holding a glass of cognac in one hand and a Montecristo no.5 delicately balanced between the thumb and index finger of the...
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![Burna Reborn](https://thenativemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/COVER-STORY-BURNA-REBORN-POTENTIAL-COVER-2.jpg)
Burna Reborn
THE BOY FROM PORT HARCOURT HAS ALWAYS BEEN PREORDAINED AS THE CHOSEN ONE. NOW, FIVE YEARS SINCE HIS FIRST SINGLE, HE IS READY FOR IT ALL...
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