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TikTok Highlights Cultural Impact With Inaugural Visionary Voices Africa List

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TikTok has introduced its first-ever Visionary Voices Africa List, honouring 15 dynamic young Africans who are making a profound impact on culture.

This list celebrates rising African stars and next-generation influencers who are transforming various industries across the continent. It focuses on individuals who are creatively redefining African culture and leveraging TikTok to educate, entertain, and champion the African community.

The honorees are classified into three groups: Creators, Small Business Owners, and Industry Disruptors. Among the distinguished names are Grammy award-winning artist Burna Boy, U.S.-based Kenyan comedian and creator Elsa Majimbo, Guinness World Record-holding chef Hilda Baci, and amapiano sensation, DJ, and producer Uncle Waffles.

The list also includes Nigerian creator and short film producer Blaqboi, and Bolo Bespoke, who uses TikTok to showcase his unique designs and the authentic style of his fashion house, Bespoke City. Additionally featured are South African entrepreneur and CEO of Afrocurl, Kayla Kim Kay, and Mwangi Muthoni of Dreadlocks Nairobi, who has turned his Nairobi salon into a renowned hub for natural dreadlocks with his keen sense of style and passion for distinctive looks.

Also highlighted are The Joy, who captured audiences at Coachella and received acclaim for their debut EP Amabutho, travel blogger Popi Sibiya, and Iremide, who won TikTok’s 2023 Top Creator Award in the Lifestyle and Education category. Other standout names include Arap Uria, a sports content creator with over 1.5 million followers, Alexa Schempers, founder of the Cape Town-based fashion label Rethread, and Chad Jones, famous for his family dance videos. Rounding out the honorees is Banele Ndaba, known as Moghelingz, whose nostalgic TikTok videos offer both entertainment and education on African culture.

In tandem with the release of this list, TikTok is launching the #VisionaryVoicesAfrica programming hub within the app. This hub will feature a curated music playlist that showcases the rich sounds putting Africa on the global stage. From July to August, TikTok will spotlight these influential African musicians, celebrating their artistic contributions and cultural significance.

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Fave Takes the Spotlight As Spotify’s Equal Africa Artist For November

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Spotify has named Nigerian music sensation FAVE as its EQUAL Africa Artist of the Month for November 2024.

With her soulful voice, captivating lyrics, and unique rhythmic style, FAVE has become one of Nigeria’s most influential musical figures, gaining international recognition.

FAVE’s breakthrough came in 2020 with the viral hit “N.B.U.,” followed by her debut EP Riddim 5. She has since collaborated with top Nigerian artists like Olamide, Simi, Phyno, and Davido. Notably, her feature on Davido’s “Kante” from the Timeless album was one of Spotify’s most-streamed tracks in Nigeria in 2023.

Reflecting on her journey, FAVE shared, “Being a woman in the music industry can be challenging, but it’s made me more determined. The EQUAL program is vital because it amplifies women’s voices and promotes balance in the industry.”

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, praised FAVE’s global appeal, saying, “FAVE represents the incredible talent coming out of Africa, and we’re proud to celebrate her as part of the EQUAL Africa program. She’s an inspiration for future artists.”

She recently released a new track titled Dutty Love on November 7.

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Kenyan Music Producer DTX Encourages Listeners To Get ‘High’ On Life’s Wins With New Single

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Kenyan music producer and songwriter DTX is set to make waves with the release of his newest single, High.

Known for his dynamic production style that seamlessly blends a wide array of genres—including pop, electronic, hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, afrobeat, trap, drill, dubstep, and EDM—DTX continues to push boundaries in Kenya’s music scene. This versatility is on full display in High, a track that promises to resonate with music lovers everywhere.

High is an energizing, celebratory track that encapsulates the pure joy of life’s victories. Whether it’s a milestone, a special moment, or a burst of confidence, the song is a call to revel in life’s highs, whatever they may be. Through this single, DTX creates a universal message aimed at inspiring happiness and self-assurance across all walks of life.

“I made this track so people can embrace and cherish their highs, whatever form they take,” says DTX. “Whether it’s love, success, career achievements, or personal growth, I want listeners to celebrate themselves and feel proud.”

DTX has earned acclaim for producing some of Kenya’s most beloved tracks, including Sauti Sol’s Rhumba Japani, Savara’s Balance, and Nyashinski’s Silencer. His unique touch and dedication to innovation have cemented his reputation as one of Kenya’s leading music producers.

With High, DTX invites fans to reflect on their accomplishments, big or small, and add a soundtrack to their personal triumphs. The track is a reminder to take a moment, let loose, and enjoy life’s special moments with unbridled joy.

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Pop Star Ariana Grande Slows Down Music To Embrace Musical Theatre Roots

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Ariana Grande recently shared her plans to slow down her music career, a move she knows might surprise her fans.

Speaking on the ‘Las Culturistas’ podcast, the 31-year-old pop star revealed how playing Glinda the Good Witch in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation has reignited her love for musical theatre. While she promised not to abandon music entirely, Grande explained she no longer envisions keeping up her intense pop music pace.

“It is my heart,” she said, adding, “I’m always going to make music and perform, but not at the rate I have been for the past 10 years.”

Grande, whose career began with the Broadway musical 13 at age 15, reflected on the joy of returning to her roots. “Reconnecting with this part of myself and finding roles to use my comedy and musical theatre background has been healing,” she shared, emphasizing the emotional importance of this shift.

The former Victorious star acknowledged the mixed reactions to her casting as Glinda, admitting on the ‘Sentimental Man’ podcast that she felt the need to prove herself. “It has to be earned,” she said, highlighting the training she undertook to prepare.

Grande aims to balance her love for theatre with continued work in music—at a pace that feels more sustainable for her future.

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