Emerging Afro-fusion artist Jainy has officially arrived with her debut EP, The Real Jainy. This soulful, vulnerable, and captivating body of work introduces a fresh voice to Africa’s vibrant music landscape.

At just 20 years old, Jainy shows an impressive level of emotional intelligence and artistic maturity, using this five-track project to explore heartbreak, healing, freedom, and young love from a deeply personal perspective.

From the very first track, Ojoro, she draws the listener in with a tale of betrayal. Her delivery is delicate yet powerful, laying bare the pain of being misled in a relationship. The production is warm and melodic, acting as a subtle contrast to the weight of her message. It sets the tone for what becomes an emotionally immersive experience.

Shege follows up with even more emotional depth. It’s a cathartic, haunting song that feels like a moment of reckoning ; the part of heartbreak where sadness turns into strength. Jainy’s voice cuts through with clarity and conviction, inviting listeners to sit with their own vulnerability and find power in it.

Rada shifts the tone by offering a glimpse into light-hearted affection. It’s vibrant and fun, adding dimension to Jainy's emotional palette. Then comes Follow, a standout track she wrote at just 16. It’s not about love but about liberation; the kind of record that captures the internal dialogue of a young woman yearning for self-discovery and independence.

The EP concludes with Yours, a high-energy track that stands out for its bounce and charm. Jainy blends Afro-fusion with elements of pop and native dialect to craft a record that’s both culturally rooted and universally appealing. With The Real Jainy, she doesn’t just introduce herself - she declares that she’s here to stay.

Nigerian Afrofusion rising star Olahiman is back with his second release of the year, and this time, he’s bringing pure energy to the dancefloor. Titled “Party Dey,” the new single is more than just a song, it’s the soundtrack of your next wild night out.

Following the soulful tones of his first 2025 single “Life,” Olahiman takes things up a notch with a tempo-shifting, vibe-heavy track that’s designed for the ladies who know how to own the moment. With its groovy percussion, club-ready beats, and playful lyrics, “Party Dey” channels the spirit of every queen who walks into a room and turns it into a dance party.

 

“This one is for the girls who bring the heat,” says Olahiman. “It’s a celebration of freedom, joy, and that unforgettable energy only women can bring when the vibe is right.”

Born “Olanipekun Abiola Isaiah”, Olahiman hails from the city of Lagos. His musical journey began in the church, where he learned to play several instruments, a foundation that continues to shape his sound. 

 

Blending Afrobeats with elements of soul, pop, and highlife, Olahiman has carved out a distinct identity in Nigeria’s buzzing music scene. His versatility and dedication to crafting feel-good records set him apart as one of the genre’s most promising new voices.

 

“Party Dey” is now available on all major streaming platforms. Whether you’re pre-gaming with your girls, dancing through the night, or just chasing that perfect moodl, this track is your new go-to anthem.

CREATIVE CURRENTS WITH UWA 

Issue 3.0 July 2025

Interview conducted by Olulana Mofiyinfoluwa 

Design: Chiagozie Tochukwu Mbuba 

Q. Let’s start at the roots — what sparked your journey into music, and how has it evolved from when you started to where you are now ?

A. Funny enough my journey with music started very young , I was always surrounded by music but it actually started cause I had a crush on a girl when I was younger and I was lowkey too shy to tell her so I used to write songs for her and ever since then it’s just been my outlet and the best way I could express myself . Overtime it became my therapy in a sense . My sound has evolved in so many different ways and the beautiful thing is that it’s still evolving , I first started off rapping and just generally experimenting different sounds but when I found afrofusion I knew it was the perfect sound for me to express my thoughts with.

Q. Afro-fusion is such a broad and dynamic genre. Describe your sound — and tell us what makes it uniquely “UWA”

A. Afro fusion is really home for me because it gives me the freedom to explore so many different sounds while still retaining my African roots . I don’t like to box myself to one particular sound but I always aim to retain my identity as an african artist because it’s my reality and Afro fusion allows me do that .  My sound blends different genres such as R&B , dancehall , Afrobeats and alternative music but what makes it unique to me is rawness in the delivery  . Whether I’m talking about love , ambition or loss I always like to make music that can be felt .

Q. Your lyrics feel deeply intentional — raw, reflective, sometimes romantic. Walk us through your creative process from the first idea to final track.

A. Honestly speaking whenever I’m creating I just go based off how I’m feeling at that moment or what’s on my mind and just express it in the best way I can . I don’t try to force or complicate it , I let my emotions and the music take control . I like my creative process as spontaneous as possible , It may seem wild but I believe there’s beauty in the madness.

Q. Balancing a finance degree with an active music career isn’t an easy feat. How do you manage that dual identity and does one ever influence the other?

A. It’s definitely been a juggle, but it keeps me grounded and makes the journey more intriguing . Studying finance gives me a different perspective of the industry. It’s helped me approach my music career with a business mindset. I’m not just creating art; I’m building a brand and identity . But music is where my heart is, and that passion fuels everything I do. So even when the days get hectic and I feel demotivated , I remind myself why I started this in the first place to keep me level headed .

Q. What are some of the real challenges you’ve faced as an emerging artist, and how have you navigated them?

A. Honestly I would say juggling school and work with music is one of the biggest challenges but as each day passes I’m learning to handle it better and getting better with time management . Also being an independent artist has been one of the challenges but I’ve learnt to believe in patience and consistency. Creating quality music without major label support and complete personal funding takes sacrifice , but I believe strongly  in  my long-term vision. I’d rather build slow and solid to establish a core community of people that are willing to grow with me than rush and fade.

Q. Let’s talk environment — how has living between Lagos and Toronto shaped the kind of music you make and the way you connect with audiences?

A. Lagos is known to be a very busy city , it gave me that hustle and “get it by any means “ mindset . Living in Lagos helped me cultivate the attitude of a dreamchaser. Toronto offered me a new perspective to my sound by virtue of me being an African in diaspora . Living in the 6ix helped me bring a more smooth and chill vibe to my music thereby creating a balance . My music is a blend of my experiences in both cities ; it has that groovy bounce of living in lasgidi and the chill of the 6ix.

Q. The Genesis Showcase Tour took you through Toronto and Lagos. What was your favorite place to perform, and which song do you love performing most ?

A. Both cities hold a special place in my heart, being able to perform in cities home and abroad at this point in my career is a blessing . There’s nothing like the energy of a home crowd in Lagos  but I would say Toronto was more intimate — people really listened. My favorite songs to perform right now are “belly dancer “ and “Bad Girl Riri “ . “Belly dancer “ has that bounce that gets people moving, When the beat drops and the crowd starts singing along — that’s a feeling I can’t explain. Whenever I perform “Bad Girl Riri “ it’s always this infectious energy that the crowd gives , it’s a lovely thing to experience.

Q. What’s been the most unforgettable experience so far on this musical journey?

A. I’ve had a couple unforgettable experiences but one that really stuck with me and felt surreal was probably my first radio interview and my song being played on radio for the first time . It made all the work that I’ve been putting in feel worth it . Also, seeing strangers sing my lyrics at shows — that’s always an experience I’ll never take for granted.

Q. You’ve been able to perform on the same stage with superstars like Joeboy and Len at such an early stage in your career how has that impacted and motivated you on your journey?

A. It’s an unreal feeling . Sharing the same space with artists I admire reminded me that I belong in this industry — that Its no longer a dream , It’s now my reality .Those experiences inspire me to move with more intention . Being in these environments gave me the push I needed to level up.

Q. The public has started paying attention — and for good reason. What else can fans expect from you for the rest of 2025? Any new drops, visuals, collabs?

A. Most definitely ! 2025 isn’t done I’m still warming up . I have a couple collaborations in the works and I’m also working on my first project at the moment and I promise you it’s worth looking forward to. We are only just getting started.

Q. Looking ahead, where do you see UWA — the artist and the brand — in the next five years? What legacy are you building, both sonically and personally?

A. In five years, I see UWA as a global superstar , I know  I’m destined to be one — but more than that, I want to be known for pushing the culture to greater heights . I mean no one lives forever but my aim is to create something that outlives me . Sonically, I want to keep pushing Afro-fusion forward and spread the beauty that lies in the sound . Personally, I just want to live life to inspire people and put my people on . I want to be a living testimony that with hard work and consistency you can accomplish your dreams and I’m on currently on that journey  , that’s the legacy I’m building - one of greatness.

 Today (18th July 2025), GRAMMY-nominated Afrobeats sensation Lojay returns with his brand new single ‘Tenner’, out today, as he officially announces his long-awaited debut album, ‘XOXO’, set for release on Friday 22nd August 2025.

 PURCHASE / STREAM ‘TENNER’ HERE

PRE-SAVE ‘XOXO’ HERE

The hotly anticipated project will feature his recent standout singles ‘MWAH!’ (featuring two-time MOBO winner Odeal) and ‘Somebody Like You’ (produced by GRAMMY-winning hitmaker Sarz), alongside all-new tracks that explore love, vulnerability, and sonic experimentation. The pre-save is now live here.

 

To coincide with the album’s release, Lojay has also announced his biggest headline European and North American tour to date, kicking off this September. The tour will see Lojay perform in key cities across Europe, including Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and London - before heading stateside in October for shows in Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, Washington DC, New York, Boston and Toronto. Tickets and full details to be announced soon.

 

Speaking on the upcoming album, Lojay reveals:

“XOXO is everything I couldn’t say in a conversation — it’s messy, emotional, sexy, and honest. I wanted it to feel like a late-night text you probably shouldn’t send...but do anyway.”

Leading the next chapter, Lojay has dropped ‘XOXO’’s newest gem, with the release of brand new single ‘Tenner’. A love song at its core, ‘Tenner’ sees Lojay dive into a distinctively 3-step sound for the first time – a bold move that showcases his fearless approach to genre and innovation. Produced by rising Nigerian producer Black Culture, fresh from his work on ‘Be There Still’ fromDavido’s latest LP ‘5IVE’ – the track blends shimmering synths, crisp percussion, and Lojay’s unmistakable melodies. On ‘Tenner’, Lojay confesses his love and devotion, repeating the hook “my tenner” in a heartfelt tribute to the one that’s captured his heart.

‘Tenner’ not only cements Lojay’s reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most innovative voices, but also signals the start of an exciting new creative era. Following the sultry, London-meets-Lagos collaboration of ‘MWAH!’ and the soulful depths of ‘Somebody Like You’, the new single underlines Lojay’s versatility and hunger to evolve, whilst reminding the world that love is beautiful. 

With ‘XOXO’ now confirmed, ‘Tenner’ out now and a tour on the way, fans can expect more surprises and announcements from Lojay in the weeks leading up to the album’s release.

LOJAY WORLD TOUR DATES

September 4th - Europe Tour (Amsterdam, Netherlands) - Bitterzoet

September 5th - Europe Tour (Paris, France) - Le Trabendo

September 6th - Europe Tour (Brussels, Belgium) - Le Botanique - Orangerie

September 8th - Europe Tour (Hamburg, Germany) - Uebel & Gefaehrlich

September 9th - Europe Tour ( Cologne, Germany) - CBE

September 11th - Europe Tour ( Copenhagen, Denmark) - Amager Bio

September 12th - Europe Tour (Stockholm, Sweden) - Kollektivet Livet

September 19th - Europe Tour (London, United Kingdom) - Islington Assembly Hall

October 15th -  American Tour (Los Angeles, USA) - The Roxy Theatre

October 17th - American Tour (San Francisco, USA) - Brick & Mortar Music Hall

October 21st - American Tour (Houston Texas, USA) - House of Blues - Bronze Peacock

October 23rd - American Tour (Atlanta, GA, USA) - The Masquerade - Hell 

October 25th - American Tour (Washington, USA) - The Atlantis

October 26th - American Tour (New York, NY, USA) - Bowery Ballroom

October 27th - American Tour (Boston MA, USA) - The Sinclair

October 29th - American Tour (Toronto, Canada) - The Mod Club

Rising British-Nigerian artist Rení returns with her most vulnerable and emotionally gripping single to date: “Complicated.” Written, produced, and performed entirely by Rení herself, the track explores the raw reality of situationships — where affection, loyalty, and unmet expectations painfully collide.

Blending soulful melodies with unfiltered vulnerability, “Complicated” delivers a powerful emotional punch. It captures the heartbreak and introspection of wanting more from someone unwilling to choose you. With haunting lyrics and sultry vocals that stay with you long after the music ends, Rení masterfully unpacks the emotional confusion that defines modern love.

“This song is about the space between ‘almost’ and ‘enough.’ It’s the moment you realize you’re stuck in love limbo — and it’s time to choose yourself.” — Rení

Fresh off the success of her previous singles “Payback” (featured on BBC Introducing London and selected for the BBC’s “Orbit” discovery series) and “Bad,” Rení continues to carve out a distinct lane in the Indie-Alternative Afro-fusion scene. Drawing inspiration from artists like Asa, Tems, Amy Winehouse, Sade, and Erykah Badu, her music resonates with emotionally engaged listeners across the UK, Nigeria, the Netherlands, and beyond.

Accompanying the single is an official music video — a cinematic exploration of vulnerability, emotional tension, and power — as well as a mini-documentary that offers an intimate glimpse into Rení’s journey, artistry, and vision.

Listen to "Complicated" now | Watch the official documentary

Talented artist Toriam and producer 9ine are set to release their highly anticipated 3-track EP, "BEFORE YOU KNEW US," on July 18th. This collaborative project delves into their journey within the music industry, sharing their experiences as young creatives striving to carve a niche in a world filled with dreams bigger than their surroundings.

BEFORE YOU KNEW US" serves as a reflective mirror for those navigating their paths in any domain, offering insights into finding one's place amidst challenges and aspirations. From tracks like "Lose It," which explores the pitfalls of blindly chasing an irresistible allure, to "Pretty Girl," a cautionary tale on the dangers of falling for the wrong ideals, this EP promises a captivating narrative.

TORIIAM, also known as Toritseju Amuka, hails from Delta State but honed his craft in the culturally rich city of Ibadan. His musical journey began at a young age, with his soulful vocals and genre-blending style captivating audiences worldwide. Drawing inspiration from his roots and

  

 artists like Taves, Toriam's music weaves a tapestry of Afro and R&B, showcasing his unique sound and emotional depth.

With a growing fan base and a successful catalogue of releases, TORIAM continues to make waves in the industry. Having independently dropped four singles, accumulating over 200,000 streams across major platforms, Toriam's impact is undeniable. As he gears up for the release of "BEFORE YOU KNEW US," the future looks promising for this rising star, hinting at further growth, success, and musical innovation.

 

The project is a 3-track EP in collaboration between TORIIAM, an artist, and 9ine, a producer. The project is titled "BEFORE YOU KNEW US," an EP that speaks about their introduction into the music industry, coupled with their various experiences as young creatives finding their ground and place with a dream bigger than their environment. They hope to serve as a mirror to everyone trying to find their place in any realm. The project captures an introduction of how they found their footing, losing themselves head over heels for an attraction or vision that might not be perfect for you, titled “Lose It”, to the third track idolizing the attraction and how dangerous falling in love with the wrong thing might be, titled “Pretty Girl”.

Toritseju Amuka, known artistically as Toriam, originates from Delta State but spent his formative years in the culturally rich city of Ibadan. It was during these early years in Ibadan that Toriam's journey with music began, starting to write at the tender age of 6. This early immersion in music laid the foundation for what would later become a blossoming career in the industry. Toriam has emerged as a highly talented artist with a distinctive musical style that has captivated audiences far and wide.

His soulful vocals have a way of resonating deeply with listeners, reflecting not only his skill but also his emotional depth. By seamlessly blending various genres, Toriam's music showcases not just his talent but also his growth as an artist. Inspired by artists like Taves, who masterfully merge afrobeats with R&B in a soft-spoken tone, Toriam's artistry is deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of Ibadan and the richness of the Yoruba language. Rather than allowing his background to limit his creativity, Toriam draws inspiration from his heritage, using it as a wellspring of creativity to craft a sound that is uniquely familiar yet refreshingly innovative, a blend of Afro and R&B that is distinctly his own.

“BEFORE YOU KNEW US” TRACK LISTING

 1. Voice Memo 

2. Pretty Girl

3. Lose my mind

CONNECT WITH TORIAM & 9INE 

justtoriam | 9ine

 Afro-Caribbean artist KKEDA is poised to make waves with her distinctive blend of sound, soul, and storytelling. In a compelling new exclusive Q&A, KKEDA dives deep into her artistic journey offering an unfiltered look at the experiences, inspirations, and cultural identity that fuel her music.

Born in Ghana and shaped by a rich tapestry of African and Caribbean influences, KKEDA has emerged as one of the most exciting voices in Afrofusion today. Her music is a vibrant reflection of her heritage and evolution infused with emotion, rhythm, and authenticity.

The exclusive feature explores KKEDA’s early discovery of music in Ghana, where her passion first took root. It traces her evolution as an artist, detailing the personal and creative milestones that have led to her signature sound a genre bending fusion that bridges continents and cultures.

Speaking candidly, KKEDA shares personal anecdotes about her creative process, the obstacles she’s faced as a woman forging her own lane, and how her identity remains the core of everything she creates. Her words offer a glimpse into the soul of an artist determined to be heard on her own terms.

“My music is more than entertainment it’s a reflection of where I come from and who I am becoming,” says KKEDA. “I want listeners to feel seen, heard, and moved.”

The Q&A also teases her highly anticipated debut project, set to showcase the full spectrum of KKEDA’s artistry. Fans can expect a body of work that is at once intimate and powerful blending Afrobeat, dancehall, soul, and Caribbean rhythms into a compelling and unforgettable musical experience.

This press feature marks a pivotal moment for KKEDA as she prepares to introduce her sound to the world. With bold storytelling, rich cultural pride, and a fearless artistic vision, KKEDA is not just making music she’s making a statement.

Rising Afro-fusion artist UWA is back with his latest single, “Tic Toc”, a smooth, infectious mid-tempo track poised to become the soundtrack of the summer. Seamlessly blending Afro-fusion, contemporary R&B, and a touch of UK Afrobeats swagger, the track is built for dance floors, late-night drives, and summer vibes.

“Tic Toc” delivers bold percussion, wavy vocal undertones, and sensual lyrics — a sound that marks a confident shift for UWA  as a versatile Afro-fusion artist. The track’s hypnotic bounce and mellow groove offer undeniable replay value, crafted for anyone craving rhythm-driven, feel-good music.

What makes “Tic Toc” special is its effortlessly smooth, sensual energy — the kind of track made for day parties, slow whines, and summer nights under city lights. It captures the essence of UK Afroswing, with a mellow groove and infectious rhythm that feels both familiar and fresh. This is the type of record that would make you groove , whether it’s a subtle two-step or a full-on dance floor moment.

"This song is the perfect vibe for summer, it could be the song for the summer if you ask me" says UWA. "It’s a summer baddie anthem ,  wanted to create something the girls would feel confident listening to and show a new side of who I am as an artist."

Perfect for fans of Darkoo, Gabzy, and Burna Boy, Tic Toc balances romance and rhythm while carving its own lane in today’s Afro-fusion scene. “Tic Toc” is primed to take over playlists and timelines worldwide.

Listen to “Tic Toc” now on all major streaming platforms.

In today’s digital-first music era, getting started as a music producer has never been easier — but standing out? That’s a whole different game.

With just a laptop, a DAW, and a dream, thousands of aspiring producers hit the ground running every day, hoping to score placements, build a following, and maybe even shape the future of sound. But behind the 808s, loops, and late-night sessions lies a deeper truth: production isn’t just about beats.

Understanding the unwritten rules of the game can fast-track your growth and save you from costly mistakes. We linked up with a few of the scene’s sharpest ears — including Freshyvibez and genre-bending maestro Le Mav — to distill seven lessons that every rising producer needs in their toolkit.

Let’s get into it. 

1. Find and Own Your Signature Sound

“Keep exploring and creating till you find your sound, and stay true to it. Don’t let anyone change who you are or what you want to do.”

Finding your sound takes time. It’s more than a few cool loops — it’s your fingerprint in an industry full of imitators. The producers who last aren’t always the ones who sound the trendiest; they’re the ones who sound like themselves.

Keep digging. Keep tweaking. Stay true.


2. Stay True, Not Trendy

It’s tempting to chase whatever’s viral. But that’s a dangerous loop. You’ll build more longevity by investing in a sound that reflects your truth rather than mimicking what’s viral. 

While it’s cool to stay aware of what’s hot, real growth comes from developing a sound that reflects you. Build a sound that can stand on its own, even when the trends shift. That’s how legacy is made.


3. Practice in Secret, Shine in Public

Le Mav drops a timeless reminder:

“Practice in secret, show out in public. It takes longer than you expect to become great.”

The spotlight can be blinding, but true greatness is forged in the shadows. The experiments no one hears… that’s where you sharpen your edge. 
Your moment will come. But you have to earn it when no one’s watching.



4. Let Your Emotions Guide You

Freshyvibez shares his way of resetting:

“I watch movies and play FIFA… music is a spiritual feeling—you have to be in the right state of mind.”

The grind is real, but don’t ignore your mental. When your mind is right, your sound will follow.


5. Be Versatile — But Keep the Emotion

“My signature sound is rooted in emotion — usually nostalgia.” - Le Mav 

In a world where genres collide and fuse faster than ever, versatility is power. But don’t forget the heart behind the beat.

Whether you’re blending alté, soul, Afrobeats, or drill, make sure your music feels like something. That’s what people remember.


6. Challenge the Artist, Don’t Just Please Them

A real producer doesn’t just make beats — they elevate artists. Hone your craft but challenge the artist.

Le Mav explains:

“My strength is bringing artists out of their comfort zones… the music always comes first.”

Push them — respectfully. Be the bridge between where they are and what’s possible. That’s how great records are made.

7. Leave Your Ego at the Door

And finally, the most important rule of all — serve the song.

“Ego must leave the room — nothing is more important than the song reaching its full potential sonically.” — Le Mav

Whether you’re tweaking a snare or building the entire soundscape, check yourself. Let the music lead. When the ego’s gone, the magic starts.

Quickfire Recap:
• Own Your Sound
• Stay True
• Practice Quietly
• Balance Hustle with Heart
• Be Versatile + Emotional
• Challenge Artists
• Lose the Ego

Whether you’re crafting your first beat or gearing up for a major session, let these lessons guide your journey. In a world where everyone’s trying to be heard, those who listen — to themselves, the craft, and the music — always come out on top.

Before the beat drops, make sure the intention does.