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Grace Amos published in Africa, African Countries and Places, African Countries and Places, African Entertainment News & Features, African Facts,

2023 Billboard Awards: Burna Boy, Rema Clinch Inaugural Afrobeat Categories.

The inaugural Afrobeat categories at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, which took place on Sunday, November 19, 2023, were won by Burna Boy and Rema.

Burna Boy was named the Top Afrobeats Artiste, and Rema‘s remix of “Calm Down,” which included Selena Gomez, took home the title of “Top Afrobeats Song.”

The ‘African Giant’ singer made history by becoming the first-ever winner of the newly-created ‘Top Afrobeats Artiste’ category, defeating fierce opposition from Wizkid, Rema, Tems, and Cameroonian star, Libianca.

                     

The awards honor outstanding contributions to the music industry, taking into account several metrics such as album and digital song sales, streaming volume, radio airplay, tour success, and social interaction.

“Big up, Billboard Music Awards,” Burna Boy said in his acceptance speech that, “Big up to everyone involved. This is dedicated to Africa and every artist coming out of Africa now, you get me. This is for you and yeah, man, the future’s bright. You guys are gonna see the vision. This is just the tip of the iceberg but you’re gonna see the whole vision soon.”

The Nigerian pop idols’ successful headline performances as a part of their individual world tours preceded their Billboard recognition. On November 14, Burna Boy made a stop at the Toyota Center in Houston, US, as part of a 16-city marathon in support of his new album “I Told Them,” while Rema became the latest Afrobeats musician to sell out the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena in London, UK.

With 11 wins, US musician Morgan Wallen was the night’s top recipient; among female artists, Taylor Swift took home the most awards with 10 wins, including the coveted “Top Artist” Award.

 

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Victory Amah published in Africa, African Beauty, African Countries and Places, African Countries and Places, African Entertainment News & Features,

Mr. Eazi’s ‘The Evil Genius’ Drops; Features Other African Artists.

After the long suspense, Mr. Eazi’s debut album, “The Evil Genius”, is finally out and now available under the artist’s emPawa Africa Label.

This project was painstakingly crafted across diverse locations with African locations making up a greater part of it. The locations involved include Ouidah and Cotonou in Benin, Kigali in Rwanda, Accra and Kokrobite in Ghana, Lagos in Nigeria, London, Los Angeles, and New York City.

This really interesting album features some of the artist’s most personal work, he dives deeply into subjects like love, betrayal, loneliness, and family, which he expresses through three distinctive acts. 

The Evil Genius also boasts a remarkable lineup of guest features, with contributions from luminaries like Angelique Kidjo from Benin, Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir from South Africa, Efya from Ghana, and Nigerian artists Tekno, Whoisakin and Joeboy. The album also had contributing producers like; Kel-P from Nigeria, Knucks from U.K, Michael Brun from Haiti, Andre Vibez from Nigeria, Yung Willis from Nigeria, and Nonso Amadi from Nigeria/Canada among others.

Recognizing a deficiency of meaningful collaboration between Africa’s rapidly growing pop music scene and the continent’s fine art creators, Mr. Eazi has selected 13 artists from eight different African countries to create a unique, physical art piece to represent each of the album’s 16 tracks, thereby adding the role of art curator and patron to his already impressive collection.

As part of the rollout, Mr Eazi has been inviting the public to experience the music alongside the art at multi-sensory exhibition listening experiences. The first two of these events were held in Accra, Ghana at Gallery 1957 and in the U.K. during the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House in London from October 12-15. For the album’s cover art, Mr Eazi collaborated with the celebrated Nigerian stylist, designer, and photographer Daniel Obasi, known for his work with luminaries such as Beyoncé and Louis Vuitton.

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