The Boy Who Descends & Rises

"Yarden means 'to descend' in Hebrew — but since he chose music, it has done anything but decline."

60M+

STREAMS ON 'WETIN'

23

YEARS OLD

5

TRACKS ON DEBUT EP

2020

PROFESSIONAL DEBUT

THE ORIGIN

Built from Curiosity, Not a Classroom

Long before record deals and streaming milestones, there was a teenager in Lagos — teaching himself to produce music through YouTube tutorials and conquering social anxiety one playground rap battle at a time. Yarden'sstory is not one handed to him. It is one he stitched together, beat by beat, bar by bar.

That ingenuity — the ability to make a way where there seems to be none — would go on to become the defining thread of his artistic identity. More than a sound, more than a style, it is a posture: resilient, inventive, and unafraid.

"What defines his artistry is not just expression — it is the resilience and ingenuity to make a way for himself and for others when there seems to be none."

THE SOUND

Where Lagos Meets the Internet

Yarden's music lives at the intersection of two worlds. There are the Afrobeats rhythms that filled every family party he grew up attending — warm, familiar, deeply rooted in Lagos soil. And then there is the R&B, Soul and Hip-Hop he absorbed through years of self-directed listening online.

The result is not a genre experiment — it is an autobiography. Every sonic layer carries a memory, a reference, a version of himself at a different age.

AFROBEATSR&BSOULAFROPOP

His breakout single 'Wetin' became proof of concept for this fusion — now crossing 60 million streams and still climbing. It is a song that sounds both ancient and new, local and global: exactly the kind of duality that Nigerian music has been announcing to the world.

THE JOURNEY

Milestones on the Ascent

Early

Self-taught beginnings

Learns music production through YouTube. Overcomes social anxiety via playground rap battles in Lagos.

2020

Professional debut

First formal foray into the music industry — marking the official start of his career as a recording artist.

2022–

'Wetin' breaks out

Breakout single surpasses 60 million streams globally and continues growing, cementing his name in the Afrobeats conversation.

Dec '23

The One Who Descends — debut EP

Five-track debut EP blending Afrobeats, R&B, Soul and Rap. A statement of intent and a lifetime of music poured into one project.

Now

An ascending talent

At 23, Yarden stands as part of the exciting wave of Nigerian and African artists shaping music's global conversation — with community and collaboration at his core.

"Yarden brings to light music that has been a lifetime in the making — at the very start of his journey. The name may mean to descend, but the trajectory tells a different story entirely."

WORDS INSPIRED BY YARDEN'S OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY

Emerging Sensation Wavior returns with “Problem,” a new release marking a steady step forward in his evolving sound. With no label backing, the track is produced by Mbeat (Martins Tochukwu Martins), keeping things raw, intentional, and fully independent. Following his last single “Wait” featuring Arkxd, this drop signals more than just new music, it’s a statement of direction and purpose.

From the first beat, “Problem” settles into an upbeat, steady-paced rhythm that feels controlled without losing its bounce. Drawing from Afrobeats, Afropop, dancehall, and pop, the sound leans into a lively groove that carries itself naturally. Wavior doesn’t rush the moment, he stays measured, letting the tempo do its work while his delivery remains sharp and aware. There’s a subtle street influence in the tone, but it’s refined, not overpowering, giving the track balance without making it feel heavy.

At its core, “Problem” speaks to staying sharp in a world filled with pressure, distractions, and internal battles. It’s about knowing when to move, when to hold back, and how to keep your head clear even when everything feels loud. There’s resilience in the message, but also a sense of ease, a reminder that even in the middle of it all, there’s still room for joy.

For Wavior, this release is more than a single, it’s the groundwork for something bigger. A way of building awareness, creating consistency, and setting the pace for long-term growth. And if this is the foundation, then what follows is simple: good music, delivered with intention, every time.

 

From The Studio To The Spotlight With Anabel Rose

Issue 7.0   Mar. 2026

Interview Conducted by Kolade Motirolaoluwa

Designed by Chiagozie Mbuba

Q. Can we get an insight into who Anabel Rose is?

A.  My name is Anabel Rose, and I'm half Filipino and half Ghanaian. I categorize myself as an alternative pop artist because I love experimenting with the genres I grew up with—I don't like being boxed in. My music focuses on emotions and vulnerability, especially my own. I grew up in Ghana and have only been to the Philippines a few times.

Q. You are what a lot of people would call a young prodigy as you started singing at the age of 8. What would you say led you into the creative space?

A. I started singing at 8 because, as someone with Filipino roots, singing is just in our blood. I loved Celine Dion and all the classics as a child. I was already enrolled in guitar classes at a young age too. Although I was performing, I didn't really see myself heading into the creative space until I became an adult. My first dream was actually becoming a scientist.

Q. As an artist of two nationalities, do you think your growing up as a part of two cultures influenced your craft?

A. It definitely has. Growing up with two cultures in my house gave me an early appreciation for both, and that translated into me fusing a lot of different influences into my music. It also helped add depth to what I create.

Q. As an Alternative Pop Artist,what influenced your style of music?

A. I'd say it's just the music I grew up with and trying to stay true to all the things that shaped me. After coming back from school abroad, Afrobeats would have been an easy route to take, but it wouldn't have been me staying true to myself. I love experimenting with my music.

Q. You are set to release a new song titled “Imperfect Daughters”. The title of this song speaks volume,so would you like to share with us the inspiration behind this title?

A. I grew up with music always being in my life and with really supportive parents. But I was chasing the dream of being a scientist because of societal pressure—I needed to make people proud of me. I ended up figuring out that science wasn't for me, although I still pursued computer science. At that point, I had to make a choice between what I felt people wanted and what I actually wanted. The greatest battle I faced was an internal one between myself and my younger self. That's basically where the title came from.

Q. Your style of music as you have always said is to tell a story which I believe was done perfectly on this song. How did the inspiration for this song come about?

A. I wrote this song early last year. My producer sent me a guitar loop, and I immediately recorded a freestyle to it. I think that's what gave it such raw emotion, coupled with the fact that I was in a really volatile space after quitting my 9-to-5. I had so many emotions, and music was simply my only escape. That's where the song came from.

Q. Pieces of Artists are often found in their songs, the melody and the lyrics. Are there pieces of you in “Imperfect Daughters"?

A. Yes, "Imperfect Daughter" is more than just a piece of me, it's literally me opening myself up to people in a completely vulnerable state.

Q. The emotions on “Imperfect Daughters” was raw and heartfelt,even if I say so myself. After writing the song,how was your post recording phase? Were you extremely picky with the beats and all of that? And how did you come up with the finished masterpiece?

A. It was a pretty straightforward process. After the guitar loop was sent, we went to the studio, and I told the producer what I wanted and how I wanted it. So it wasn't really hard to bring my vision to life. From the demo to the final masterpiece was a lot of work, and I'm really excited to see how people receive it.

Q. To all the daughters out there who think they are not enough or think they are a disappointment but are looking forward to listening to Imperfect Daughters,do you have any words for them?

A. Yes, I'm already getting some traction from the snippet. What I would say to anyone is: always put yourself first and listen to that voice inside of you. Even if your dreams feel scary or like they're too much, just keep going.

Q. The cover art and rollout for “Imperfect Daughters” has been impeccable so far. How did you come about the idea for the cover art?

A. I knew the song needed to lean heavy on nostalgia since I'm telling my story. I usually like to do random things for my cover art, but this song felt so raw that I knew I needed to use an old picture of me. The cover is an old photo of my mother and I, and I think it really drives that nostalgic feeling. There's also brown paper in the design, which reminded me of childhood.

Q. Being an artist is hard. However being an indie artist is even harder. How do you cope with the everyday struggles and pressure of being an artist?

A. I think my team grounds me because I'm an overthinker who's always spiraling about the voices in my head. But I'm also the only one who truly knows myself and my journey, which is quite easy to forget. So I always remind myself who I am, and I'm always learning.

Q. You are an artist with an impeccable discography,an amazing talent but has there ever been times when you felt like giving up and how did you handle it?

A. Yes, I've definitely had those moments for different reasons. As an artist, you're playing a long game where the results might not show immediately. Quitting my job and other random thoughts get into my head. Although I don't necessarily think about giving up, I do wonder how to be smarter about my journey.

Q. Writing Imperfect Daughters, what was the hardest emotion to translate into this song?

A. The hardest emotion was acceptance. I don't think anyone ever gets a warning before becoming an adult—we're just plunged into it. So writing this song took me through a lot, but it eventually brought me to a point of acceptance and made me see it as a moment of triumph.

Getting out of my head to write. Most times in studio sessions, even when I have ideas, I often keep quiet. But I'm trying to get out of my head about that.

Q. If this song was a movie scene, what would it look like?

A. For "Imperfect Daughter," I've imagined it in coming-of-age movies—in those scenes where everything is going wrong, and then the song plays and the female lead gets that kick to pull her life together and be where she wants to be.

Q. What should your Fans and lovers be expecting from you in the future?

A. "Imperfect Daughter" is leading up to my second EP, which is coming out in the middle of the year, and I'm really excited about it. I'm also working towards my own show at the end of the year.

Over the course of three EPs and four albums, the 29-year-old Nigeria body rapper and singer has quietly built a body of work that charts his evolution. He has easily evolved into one of Nigeria’s most musical shapeshifters. - Clash Magazine

Nigerian rap provocateur Blaqbonez is turning the clock back to where it all began. On his new single “Hustle Kpa,” featuring Artsalghul, the Chocolate City star strips away the theatrics and revisits the raw hunger that powered his ascent from underground battler to one of Africa’s most dynamic hip-hop voices.

“Hustle Kpa” arrives as the lead single from the forthcoming No Excuses (Deluxe), scheduled for release later this month, extending the narrative of Blaqbonez’s fifth studio album No Excuses, which dropped in October 2025 and has already crossed 100 million cumulative streams across digital platforms. The original project delivered standout records like “ACL” and “Despacito” featuring FOLA, both of which individually surpassed 10 million streams, reinforcing the album’s commercial and cultural impact.

But while "No Excuses" celebrated the results of Blaqbonez’s relentless ambition, “Hustle Kpa” focuses on the grind that made it possible. 
Over a hard-edged, streetwise production, Blaqbonez raps with the urgency of someone who still remembers every sleepless night and every dismissed dream. The record channels the spirit of his formative years — when he was sharpening his pen in Nigeria’s battle rap circuit, freestyling relentlessly, and pushing his music through sheer willpower. Artsalghul complements the record’s ethos with a performance that underscores the song’s central theme: the unglamorous labour behind success.

It’s a reflective but triumphant moment for an artist whose career has been defined by reinvention. Born Akumefule Chukwuemeka George, Blaqbonez began rapping at 13 and first gained traction while studying at Obafemi Awolowo University, where his freestyle culture and online presence built a cult following. His early dominance in Nigeria’s battle rap scene — including winning Terry The Rapman’s Zombie competition and the Hennessy VS Class of 2015 — signaled the arrival of a formidable lyricist.

His trajectory accelerated after signing with Chocolate City Music’s 100 Crowns imprint, where he released “Bad Boy Blaq,” a project that debuted at #1 on the iTunes Nigeria Hip-Hop chart and marked the beginning of a prolific run. Over the years, Blaqbonez has continued to expand his sonic universe across projects like Sex Over Love, Young Preacher, and Emeka Must Shine, blending hip-hop, Afrobeats, drill, and alternative influences while cultivating a reputation as one of the continent’s most inventive personalities.

By the time No Excuses arrived in 2025, Blaqbonez had already become more than a rapper — he was a cultural strategist, an internet-savvy provocateur, and arguably one of the most visible champions of African hip-hop’s modern evolution.
With “Hustle Kpa,” he reminds listeners that before the accolades, endorsements, sold-out shows, and viral moments, there was simply the work.

Rising Afrobeats artist Taene returns with her most confident and defining release yet, “Million Girl,” available worldwide on March 6 across all major streaming platforms.

“Million Girl” is an unapologetic celebration of femininity, individuality, and self-worth. Driven by infectious Afrobeats production, striking melodies, and Taene’s fiery delivery, the single boldly declares what she has always embodied: she is one in a million.

“I’m particularly excited about this era because this is music I’m very proud of. It’s genuinely music I would listen to on repeat,” says Taene. “Confidence is a huge part of my brand and one of my strongest suits, so why not make an anthem emphasizing the fact that I’m the baddest? I am literally one in a million.”

With this release, Taene fully embraces her power. The record reflects a woman who does not seek validation, who stands firmly in her uniqueness, and who refuses to shrink herself for anyone. It’s bold, fearless, and intentionally empowering.

More than a personal statement, “Million Girl” is designed as an anthem for women everywhere , across every age, size, and background.

“The best thing about being an artist and a songwriter is that I can pen down whatever I’m feeling and make it cool,” she adds. “I want every girl out there to feel nothing short of special, cool, and honestly, sexy. They are beautiful, desired, and magical creatures who deserve to be celebrated.”

As Afrobeats continues to expand globally, Taene positions herself as part of the genre’s new wave, blending cultural rhythm with contemporary edge and global appeal. “Million Girl” marks a defining chapter in her artistic growth, reflecting elevated confidence, clarity, and creative direction.

With anticipation building, the single is set to make a strong impact across streaming platforms, social media, and radio.

“Million Girl” will be available worldwide on March 6.

 Through his lens JPEGBYPRINCE is doing more than capturing moments - he is chronicling the evolution of youth culture. A student of the game. The young king of youth culture documentation. His photography sits at the intersection of music, nightlife, fashion, and youth expression, creating a visual diary of what Nigerian youth culture looks and feels like in real time. 

The images reveal a culture that is loud, expressive and unapologetically alive. On stage, artists stand bathed in intense reds and electric blues, controlling crowds and transforming performances into cinematic spectacles. These are not just concert photos; they are portraits of a movement. The sweat, the stage lights, the gestures into the microphone - every frame preserves the raw energy that defines the current era of Nigerian music.

In these scenes, the artist becomes more than a performer. They are symbols of ambition and possibility for a generation that sees music as both expression and escape. Jpegbyprince's compositions frame them as larger-than-life figures, silhouetted against dramatic lighting and immersive stage design. The result is imagery that reflects how deeply music is embedded in youth identity today.

But his work doesn't stop at the stage. Turning his camera towards nightlife spaces, dance floors, and intimate cultural moments, he captures the environments where youth culture breathes. The neon glow of club signage, the crowded dance floors, and the DJ controlling the atmosphere all speak to a vibrant ecosystem surrounding Nigerian music - one where community and youth culture thrives.

What makes Jpegbyprince's work particularly significant is timing. Nigeria's music industry is expanding globally, and the culture around it is evolving rapidly. His photographs act as visual evidence of this transformation. Years from now, these images will not simply be seen as event photography; they will serve as historical records of a generation that helped push Nigerian music into a new global era.

In documenting these spaces - the stages, the raves, the crowds and the artistes - Jpegbyprince is quietly shaping the visual memory of Nigerian youth culture. His work captures the spirit of a scene that is still unfolding, ensuring that the energy, style and ambition of this moment are preserved long after this era fades.

CREDITS

 Written by: Mofiyinfoluwa Olulana

Images 2,3,4,5 : JPEGBYPRINCE