Umaizi Desk

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into how African artists are continuing to take over the global spotlight. From soundtracking Hollywood blockbusters to headlining major international tours, the continent’s musical powerhouses are everywhere you look.

In this episode, we unpack the struggles of Tanzanian indie labels, Davido’s surprising e-bike venture, and Youssou N’dour & Angélique Kidjo’s unforgettable performance at The MET. We also cover African BET Award nominations, the rise of Les Flammes, and Rolling Stone Africa’s big Afro Nation collab — tune in for all the latest! Subscribe to stay up-to-date with my monthly newsletter on all things African music.

In this episode of my monthly African music newsletter, I cover all the biggest news from April, such as African artists at Coachella 2025, Fally Ipupa's brand collab with Vlisco, Scorpion Kings Live with Friends' upcoming concert, and more.

In this episode, I am joined by Bari Bentley, an up-and-coming artist from Nigeria now based in the U.S. Bari discusses his journey as an independent artist, his approach to artistic growth, and working with Supreme Band and a team in shaping his development.

On this episode, I am joined by Derrick Arthur, a videographer and founder of Motive8Concepts. Derrick recalls his worldwide adventures capturing the live performances of Ghanaian artist King Promise. Listen as we dive into the world of cameras, the global African music industry, and Ghana!

In this debut episode of Umaizi Desk, Amanda Nyang'oro, who's in Music Brand Partnerships at Wasserman, joins me to reflect on all things African music. We look back at 2024, make predictions for 2025, and dive into the world of touring in the United States.

Links to check out:

Formerly Afro Banta Beats, now Umaizi Desk: Exploring insights, trends, and stories within the African music landscape.

On this episode, I interview Toyin Ores and Bless Clymax as they discuss their journey from Irawo, a town in Lagos, to creating an EP together that pays homage to the place they called home growing up. Listen to their EP, "From Irawo." Stay up to date with all my blogs.

On this episode, I review Davido's recent album "Timeless." You can read the review by going to afrobanta.com

On this short episode, I read my tribute of the late South African Artist Costa Titch. You can read the article on afrobanta.com