Entertainment
Is Afrobeats struggling to mint new stars?

Is Afrobeats struggling to mint new stars? Many who hold the sentiments that Afrobeats has struggled in 2024 do so mostly from comparing the success of the preceding years, especially the last two years where Asake, Seyi Vibez, Odumodublvck, and Shallipopi rose from relative obscurity to superstardom.
The absence of an emphatic breakout star in 2024 that mirrors their impact and success and the absence of the corresponding volume and weight of hit songs has created a somewhat pessimistic evaluation of the year.
While some industry executives and tastemakers have attempted to contextualise the conversation by pointing out that palpable digital success, valuable industry co-signs, and a handful of charting records are sufficient criteria with which to define a breakout star, the very need for such context suggests that something might indeed be wrong.
What are the possible reasons Afrobeats is struggling to mint new stars?

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High Ceiling
While Nigerian mainstream music has consistently minted new stars since the rise of the digital era in the mid-2010s, the impact of social media in amplifying the success of the class of 2022/2023 through every chart-topper and sold-out concert has created criteria that emerging acts must pass to qualify as breakout stars.
Afrobeats’ poor showing on the global stage
Culture Journalist Chinonso Ihekire the concerns over the lack of breakthrough stars in 2024 mostly stems from Nigerian mainstream music’s weak showing on the global stage.
“I think, in terms of global exports, we haven’t had it that great this year. Locally, we still have a surge in new entrants to the industry, but there’s just really no new entrants from here on the global scene”.
Ihekire also attributes Afrobeats’ poor showing on the global stage to a funding issue that stems from inequitable distribution and poor prioritisation rather than a lack of capital.
Consistency and volume
Emmanuel Zhaji founder of Album Talks opines that the absence of an emphatic breakout star in 2024 is due to the lack of multiple hit records by the artists being touted as the new class of stars. All of Asake, Seyi Vibez, Odumodublvck, and Shallipopi had a collection of hit singles in their respective break-out years. A feat, Zhazi says is clearly missing in 2024.
“To be a nondebatable proper breakout star in a said year, you need consistency, and none of the contenders has been consistent with their peak.”
On why this is the case, Zhaji declined to engage in the excessive analysis that shapes such subjects.
“We can try to overanalyse things but whenever a star good enough to break out wants to break out, there’s not a single thing that can stop them”.
Consumer passiveness
There continue to be concerns over the massive attention consumers pay to heavily marketed regurgitated sounds. On Air Personality Realskillz blames the struggles to mint new stars on the inability of consumers to appreciate emerging artists coming offering a new sound.
“The public are busy consuming bandwagonism which they have been tricked into happily accepting. So when new artists doing unique things need a sizable number of listeners to push them to fame, the public is busy consuming what they have been peer-pressured to listen to. Hence why we have so many super talented artists who are under the underrated umbrella.”
On the flip side of this argument that lays the blame at the foot of the audience is the defense that consumers will mostly listen to what is heavily marketed to them, and the biggest artists have the deepest pockets to propel their songs to commercials.
The diminishing return of Amapiano fusion
Asake’s vibrant fusion will bring him success, and it became the pathway through which Seyi Vibez and Shallipopi soared to stardom, and even KCee scored another mainstream run.
With the absence of an era-defining sound for new artists to add their touch, they had to rely on the strength of their talent to win over listeners and soar to fame. Ayo Maff, Taves, Nasboi, Boy Pee, Hyce, and Brown Joel (Ogechi Boys), Llona, Kaestyle, ShineTTW, Wizard Chan, Muyeez, and TML Vibez are some of the artists that have captured listeners attention with successful releases. However, when their impact is juxtaposed with those from the class of 2022 and 2023, one will appreciate the question marks over their status as breakout stars.
A global phenomenon
2024 has been a challenging year for the global music industry with several markets struggling to mint stars and major labels engaging in massive layoffs.
In the United States, Country music and Pop had breakout stars with Shaboozey, Bailey Zimmerman, Chapelle Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Teddy Swims, and Benson Boone. However, hip-hop struggled to mint a new star with Sexy Redd being the sole notable entrant.
Dancehall, Afrobeats, and even the vibrant K Pop scene have had a slow year with no notable breakout stars. A problem some experts have attributed to short consumer attention spans and the proliferation of music.
Bottom line
However one chooses to view it, there have been new stars in Nigerian music in 2024. That they didn’t hit the levels of their predecessors is a reflection of the state of the industry and perhaps their talent.
At any rate, this is a reminder for artists and their handlers to pay attention to making music that connects with the pulse of the consumers. The artisiness and unoriginality of releases have diminished the interest and organic support needed to rocket an artist from relative obscurity to stardom.
While the industry awaits a new star that ticks all the boxes, the debate over the adjustment of the criteria for a breakout star rages on. Should a run of consecutive hit singles and a wide acceptance be the metric? Or is a popular song, a couple of millions in streams, and some traction on social media the new metric?
The next set of breakout stars might be the decider.
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Entertainment
He wants to cajole me – Asake reacts to reports of abandoning sick father

Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has finally responded to reports that he abandoned his father after he fell ill.
Earlier in the week, Fatai Odunsi had publicly accused the singer of abandoning him in 2022 when a stroke hit him.
In a video that went viral on social media, Mr. Odunsi claimed the singer ignored his calls. He, therefore, appealed to the public for financial assistance.
In the video, Mr. Odunsi was accompanied by a man identified as Sonibare, who claimed to be his brother.
ALSO READ: I need your help – Asake’s alleged father cries out over recent stroke
He said, “I am the father to Asake, who is singing. The last time I saw him was when this thing happened to me on March 29, 2022.
“He does not pick up my calls anytime I call him. Now I have become tired. I have been looking for this my brother and I recently met with him.”
The singer has now responded to the allegation, taking to social media on Friday with a cryptic message delivered in a Yoruba freestyle.
The former YBNL-signed singer came with his own allegation as he appeared to suggest his father was attempting to manipulate him despite his generosity.

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He sang, “You can’t please the world. Whatever you do, do it for God and always remember the day you’ll die and meet your God.
“My people, can you see? Even my father wants to cajole me. I used to press money for him, and I did it with one mind.
ALSO READ: Asake used to accept ₦700 rice, bottle of drink as performance fee – Yemi Elesho
“No one can quench my fire. God is the one that is taking me ahead in life.”
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Entertainment
C Flex – Another “falsetto merchant” or the real deal?

Let’s talk about Chukwudum Umeevuruo, aka C Flex – a Nigerian kid who found his voice in church choir before taking his talents to the UK’s vibrant Afrofusion scene.
Like many African artists, this Anambra native cut his teeth singing praises before deciding to chase the secular bag.
His 2017 debut “Ekeresimesi” wasn’t just some random Christmas jingle; it was a cultural reset for anyone tired of hearing about snowflakes and reindeer when their Christmas experience was more about new clothes and jollof rice.
Discography:
The man hasn’t exactly flooded the market, but what he’s dropped shows promise:
“Ekeresimesi” (2017) – His debut that gave Christmas the African narrative it deserves
“Supernova” and “Hustle” (2020) – Pandemic releases when we were all locked down and desperate for vibes
“Link Up” ft. ML. Kay (2021) – A collab that showed he plays well with others
“Mi Amor EP” (2021) – Love songs that might actually make you risk it all
“Hypocrisy” (2022) – When he decided to get political and call out our collective BS
“Loner” (2024) – His latest jam where he basically says, “leave me alone, I’m vibing”
Influences:
You can hear the Sunday service in C Flex’s melodies – that church training never really leaves. But he’s not giving us gospel; he’s serving a cocktail of Nigerian rhythms, UK Afroswing swagger, and that pan-African Amapiano bounce we can’t get enough of lately.
The man’s a cultural sponge, absorbing sounds from Lagos to London and wringing them out into something distinctly his own.
Style and Penmanship Analysis:

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Is C Flex another “falsetto merchant” riding the wave? Not quite. Unlike the flood of male vocalists currently drowning us in head voice gymnastics, C Flex isn’t trying to make you pregnant through your earbuds.
His pen game moves between cultural storytelling (“Ekeresimesi”), social commentary (“Hypocrisy”), and that introspective vibe on “Loner” that hits different when you’re actually tired of people.
His lyrics won’t have you reaching for a dictionary, but they’ll have you nodding in agreement.
Artistic Identity and Brand Coherence:
In an era where everyone’s trying to be the next Wizkid or Burna, C Flex is refreshingly… himself. He’s not forcing the “African Giant” narrative or the “Starboy” aesthetic. Instead, he’s creating a lane as the thoughtful storyteller who can make you dance and think simultaneously.
His brand isn’t flashy watches and designer labels; it’s authentic stories delivered with conviction. The long gaps between releases aren’t helping his momentum, though. In this TikTok era, you blink and people forget your name.
Engagement and Reception:
C Flex isn’t breaking streaming records like CKay’s “Love Nwantinti” just yet, but he’s building something potentially more valuable – a fanbase that actually listens to his message.
His “Mi Amor EP” showed he can capture hearts, while “Loner” suggests he’s not afraid to get vulnerable when everyone else is flexing. In a market saturated with party anthems, his emotional authenticity stands out.
Comparative Standing in Contemporary Afrobeats:
Let’s keep it a buck – C Flex isn’t in the same conversation as Rema, Asake, or Tems right now. Those cats are already eating at the global table while C Flex is still preparing his meal.
But not everyone needs to blow up overnight. Remember Burna Boy before “African Giant”? Exactly. C Flex’s UK position gives him a unique perspective that could eventually become his superpower in this increasingly global genre.
Conclusion: Potential and Positioning:
Is C Flex worth your attention? If you’re tired of cookie-cutter afrobeats and want something with a bit more soul and substance, absolutely.
He’s not going to dominate your TikTok feed tomorrow, but he’s building the foundation for something potentially more lasting. What he needs now is consistency, visual aesthetics that match his sonic quality, and the right collaborations to amplify his voice.
Keep him on your radar – not every star explodes; some just steadily rise until you can’t ignore their light.
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Entertainment
I am the new Olamide Baddo – OdumoduBlvck

Award-winning rapper OdumoduBlvck has described himself as the new Olamide Baddo.
He made this assertion in a post on his X page on March 14, 2025, hours after his latest guest appearance on Wizard Chan‘s new song ‘Flako’.
His claim is likely motivated by his rising profile as Nigeria’s most prolific rapper whose guest appearances have propelled songs to hit status akin to the star-making power for iconic rapper Olamide Baddo.
OdumoduBlvck’s status as a successful rapper was recently captured by his 8 nominations for the upcoming 17th Headies awards.
The rapper is having a busy 2025 as he has released a couple of singles ahead of the impending arrival of his new album titled ‘The Machine’.
OdumoduBlvck recently released the single ‘Pity this Boy’ featuring Victony, which has enjoyed success on streaming platforms and social media.
OdumoduBlvck also recently released the joint project ‘Nothing Change’ with his crew Antiworld Gangsters, on which Olamide appeared on the song ‘Jegede’.
Since announcing himself in the mainstream with his hit song ‘Picanto’ featuring Zlatan, OdumoduBlvck has enjoyed a speedy ascension to stardom.
His hit single ‘Declan Rice’ named after the England football star enjoyed international acclaim and was used to unveil the player after he became Arsenal’s record-breaking signing.

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His success brought him the attention of global hip-hop stars, including Skepta, Stormzy, and Rick Ross, who have all hailed him for his unique sound.
With his upcoming album, the rapper will be aiming to improve on the record of his 2023 project ‘Eziokwu’ which is one of the most successful rap albums in the streaming era of Nigerian music.
With ‘The Machine’, OdumoduBlvck will be aiming to continue to restate his position as one of Nigeria’s most exciting stars.
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