Abioye Damilare Samson

Tems and Tyla have earned nominations at the 2026 Soul Train Awards in the newly introduced R&B/Soul Song of the Year category, with Tems also nominated for Spotify’s RNB X International Artist as the only artiste recognized in both new categories.

Kayode speaks to TNR about sampling King Saheed Osupa and Haruna Ishola, his Yoruba musical influences, and the mixtape following “Aimoye,” “Iṣẹ Oluwa,” and “Bere Mole.”

In an exclusive interview with TNR, Samuel “Soft” Adekolu reflects on identifying Fireboy, Asake, Tems, and Oxlade at AUX Africa, managing Fave and EF Moon, and the business decisions behind building artistes in Nigeria’s evolving music industry.

Yemi Alade’s seventh studio album It’s Yemi Alade is a confident, pan-African statement featuring Ferre Gola, Bien, Don Jazzy, Teni, Fave, and others, reaffirming the musical identity she has spent more than a decade building.

Seyi Vibez’s Swaguu is a polished but emotionally distant album that celebrates his success without fully reconnecting with the vulnerable, street-rooted songwriting that first made his music magnetic.

Burna Boy will become the first African artiste to perform at Apple Music Hall, joining Elton John, Charli XCX, and Troye Sivan in the inaugural lineup at Apple’s new 600-capacity live music venue at Battersea Power Station in London on October 29.

Kizz Daniel has confirmed his album Radio Gidi will be released on October 16, featuring Fola, BNXN, Seyi Vibez, Tinie Tempah, Shatta Wale, Qing Madi, Mannywellz, and others in one of his most expansive projects yet.

Burna Boy has been announced as the halftime show performer at the 2026 NFL Paris Game at Stade de France on October 25, returning to the stadium where he made history as the first African artiste to headline a solo concert there.

From “Away” and “Rush” to “Orun” and “Midnight in New York,” these 10 Ayra Starr songs show the range of her sound across three albums.

Tems’ rejection of the Afrobeats label has reopened questions about how African music is classified, marketed and understood beyond the continent.