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US to launch first ever Afrobeats Billboard chart

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Afrobeats Music is set to explode into an international phenomenon after world famous US music magazine, Billboard, announced on Saturday that it is teaming up with Nigerian festival company, Afro Nation, to launch America’s first ever Afrobeats chart.

This will be a significant breakthrough for the music genre which many music connoisseurs believe was created by late Afrobeat icon, late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, but has now been taken to a “second base” by new generation artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Ckay, Davido, Seun Kuti, Fireboy, and a host of others.

It will also be a significant boost for the genre as Billboard publishes music charts showing the most popular albums and songs in various genres every month.

The chart, according to Obi Asika, founder of Afro Nation, will go live on March 29 and will rank the top 50 most popular Afrobeats songs in the Nigeria based on their monthly streams and downloads.

“As with much of the world, Afrobeats has grown tremendously as a genre in America. Several Afrobeats songs have had international success recently including Ckay’s Love Nwantiti, Fireboy DML’s Peru and Wizkid’s Essence.

“I am humbled to have made a contribution to growing the genre alongside many talented, passionate people,” Asika said.

“We are proud to showcase the top songs and artists with this new weekly ranking,” Billboard executive, Silvio Pietroluongo, said shortly after making the announcement.

Culture

Congolese singer Gaz Mawete takes the shine at La Cigale concert in Paris

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Congolese music star, Gaz Mawete, was the star of the moment when he gave an electrifying performance at the La Cigale concert in Paris before a sold-out crowd which has further solidified his place as one of Africa’s most dynamic musical talents.

The concert which held on Sunday in the French capital afforded Mawete another opportunity to showcase his immense talent to the world as well as portray African music to the French audience.

The concert was part of Mawete’s ongoing efforts to expand his presence in European and African markets and according to the artiste, he plans to continue performing across Europe while preparing for major African shows.

“Known for his unique fusion of rumba, R&B, and soul, Mawete delivered a night to remember, with fans showing up in large numbers to support the artist,” a French entertainment tabloid wrote after the performance.

Speaking on the event, Mawete said:

“The concert featured several special guests, much to the delight of the audience, and highlighted the deep sense of community within the Congolese music scene. The public came out in full force, and the support from my guest artists was incredibly touching. It was a special night for me.”

One of the night’s highlights was the appearance of fellow Congolese superstar Fally Ipupa, whose presence on stage was a moment of pride for Mawete.

“Fally coming to my concert was an honor. It shows that he appreciates and respects what I do. He’s someone I look up to, like a big brother, and seeing him there filled me with gratitude,” said Mawete.

Mawete also hinted at an upcoming performance at the legendary Martyrs Stadium, one of the most prestigious venues for Congolese artists.

“Performing at the Martyrs Stadium is a dream for any Congolese artist. If the audience shows up, it will prove that all the hard work has been worth it,” Mawete, who recently released a self-titled EP, said.

“I’m so grateful to my fans who have been with me every step of the way. You are my fuel, and without you, I am nothing,” he added.

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Busta Rhymes applies for South African citizenship after falling in love with country

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American music great, Trevor George Smith Jr, popularly known as Busta Rhymes, may soon become a South African citizen after he applied for citizenship of the African country.

Busta, who was part of the recently held DSTV Delicious Festival in Johannesburg, posted in a video that he is in the process of applying for citizenship of South Africa after falling in love with the country.

Busta went on to add that he so much enjoyed his stay in SA and would not mind becoming a permanent fixture in the country.

In the video posted by @MDNnews on X, the “Look at me now” hit maker was heard saying:

“Joburg, thanks for having me back. Don’t take so long bringing me back. We have established our family and loving relationship with one of Africa’s good son’s.

“But still don’t take too long bringing me back. You know what, don’t worry about it because I’m working on my citizenship. Thank you so much for the love Joburg. I really had a blast at Delicious Festival.”

He was later seen in the video meeting up with some South African artistes including the likes of Heavy K. He was also seen enjoying South African music and jamming to it while learning Mzansi’s moves.

Local entertainment tabloids report that Busta also received an invite to Kabza de Small’s Pianohub club opening and videos of him living his best life were circulating on social media for the past few days.

“He went to a popular club in Sandton called Liv, where he had a reward of $5,000 for a stolen phone, which had social media users talking.

“Busta Rhymes was not the only American artist that was invited to perform at the DSTV Delicious Festival. Jill Scott, an American singer, songwriter and actress was also a headline act at the festival. She performed on day 2 of the festival, September 22.

“The “Swalla” hit maker, Jason Derulo was another who was amongst the international artists that performed at the DSTV Delicious Festival.”

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