For the past four years, Portugal’s Afro Nation festival has been the biggest Afrobeats festival in the world, and that tradition will continue in 2025. Festival organizers The Malachite Group have announced the dates for the fifth anniversary edition of Afro Nation in Portimão with headliners Burna Boy and Tems. Afro Nation Portugal 2025 will take place from July 9-11, 2025 on Praia Da Rocha Beach, returning to its home for the past four years. The presale for tickets begins on October 2, with the general sale starting on October 3. You can find more information here.
Burna Boy has been a fixture of Afro Nation since its inception in 2019, headlining the fest in 2022 and 2023, and helping to launch extensions of the festival in Miami and Detroit in 2023. While he’s taken a year off to complete his own tour, letting Rema, Asake, and J Hus take the reins for this year’s fest, his return will undoubtedly make a splash.
Meanwhile, Tems will make her Afro Nation debut with her headlining set next year after releasing her debut album, Born In The Wild, this past June to rave reviews and a respectable Billboard showing, peaking at No. 56 on the albums chart and at No. 2 on the World Albums chart.
Coldplay are a strange band. They’re enormously popular, and enormously experimental. They have dabbled in lots of different sounds. Yet, the Coldplay-isms creep through, and their music, as least as of late, feels inescapably safe. They have been around for decades at this point. That said, the band really tried to step out its comfort zone with its new single “WE PRAY.” The single has a stellar roster of guest features, including Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna and TINI. It’s truly a global endeavor, and we have to hand it to Coldplay on this one. They make the sounds of all these disparate artists work together.
The instrumental is the first thing we hear. It’s made up a lot of different pieces. There’s a warbling bass line underneath and a massive string section overhead. In the middle, Coldplay singer Chris Martin goes for a breathy, whispery cadence. It’s not the catchiest thing in the world, frankly, but Martin’s vocals kick in during the bombastic chorus. The musical tension present during the verses works much better for the flows of the guests. Little Simz sounds immaculate over the beat, as does Burna Boy. The former steals the show with a sixteen that goes by in the blink of an eye. We didn’t have a collab with all these people on our 2024 bingo board, but we got a good song out of it.
Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Coldplay Provide A Good Foundation For The Features
Quotable Lyrics:
I’m twistin’ her legs like a Twizzler One leg Westside, one leg Eastside Two fingers in her p**sy, make her f*ck my peace sign (Yeah) Ride me like a Nissan, disobey the street signs
In June, Coldplay kicked off the rollout for their tenth studio album, Moon Music, with the single “Feels Like I’m Falling In Love,” signaling the evolution of their ongoing Music Of The Spheres project. Today, they kept the ball rolling — pun intended — with another new single.
“We Pray” is an operatic, epic-sounding anthem that finds Coldplay and guest artists Little Simz and Burna Boy reflecting on their hopes for the future and fears of the present, manifesting greatness amid adversity. Palestinian-Chilean musician Elyanna and Argentine singer Tini also make vocal appearances, and are spotlighted with individual versions of the track among five different versions released today.
All five versions of “We Pray” are available on the 12″ vinyl single, including an exclusive “Live At Glastonbury” recording which can only be found on the vinyl. Each LP is also made from 100% recycled plastic bottles — nine per record — addressing complaints of wasteful practices in the recording industry with a sustainable alternative.
Every few months, the conversation surrounding the uses of outside writers is brought up in rap music. Hell, sometimes ghostwriter allegations are even used to kick-start a lyrical feud or two. Although other genres are sticklers about accepting written assistance, Burna Boy isn’t a fan of it in Afrobeats.
Today (July 6), the “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” musician took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam reports that he uses ghostwriters.
“Any name you see credited on my songs are only producers of the songs or Featured artists, NOT writers,” he wrote. “But for some reason, the western world considers producers as writers of the instrumentals, and they just throw their names on there as writers. Nobody fit to write for Odogwu (strong men).”
Any name you see credited on my songs are only producers of the songs or Featured artists NOT writers. But for some reason the western world considers producers as writers of the instrumentals and they just throw their names on there as writers. Nobody fit write for Odogwu.
People online quickly replied to Burna’s statement with a screenshot of the credited contributors on his breakout hit “Last Last” to suggest that he was lying to save face.
Others found themselves confused by Burna’s sudden to flex his songwriting abilities. However, the call-out seeming traced back to Logos Olori‘s appearance on City 105.1 FM in Lagos, Nigeria. During the invterview, Logos alleged that Burna used a songwriter as a result of his hectic professional schedule.
GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Burna Boy has released “Higher,” an uplifting new song dedicated to elevating his hometown of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The release aligns with his ongoing efforts through Project PROTECT, an initiative he founded to provide financial, medical, and legal assistance to communities affected by systemic violence and poverty.
The “Higher” music video, premiering today, documents Burna Boy’s heartfelt return to Port Harcourt. Directed by Burna Boy and Asurf, the video captures moments of his visit to his childhood home and local villages, where he and volunteers from Project PROTECT and The R.E.A.C.H. distribute essential supplies. This collaboration also emphasizes their joint educational and healthcare initiatives, including significant contributions to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
The R.E.A.C.H. (Reach Every Available Communal Household) and Project PROTECT have played a crucial role in implementing sustainable solutions that improve the quality of life in over 21 communities, directly impacting more than 11,000 lives. The video showcases Burna Boy’s philanthropic efforts and aims to inspire higher thinking and selfless acts within the community.
Following this release, Burna Boy will continue his acclaimed ‘I Told Them…Tour’, with major upcoming performances, including a return to London Stadium on June 29 and a headline slot on the Pyramid Stage at the UK’s Glastonbury Festival on June 30.
According to Time magazine, 21 Savage is one of the most influential people in the world right now. The “Rich Flex” rapper dropped his new solo album American Dream earlier this year to critical acclaim. It served as his first solo project since the equally acclaimed i am > i was in 2019. During the time in between he collaborated with some of the biggest names in rap. He released collaborative record with Metro Boomin & Drake while making dozens of high-profile featured appearances.
Now the Atlanta rapper is being honored for his influence. Time Magazine has a long history of identifying the most important and influential people in the world across all kinds of professions and outputs. For the story, they recruited one of 21’s collaborators to share his thoughts on the rapper. Burna Boy and 21 Savage have worked together twice. First 21 gave a guest verse to Burna’s song “Sittin On Top Of The World” and was then paid back on his song “just like me.” The afrobeats star penned an impressive tribute to Savage. Check out what he had to say below.
“I trust my gut when it comes to my music and collaborations, and I find myself naturally drawn to artists like 21 Savage,” Burna Boy begins his writing. “Those who remain grounded in their convictions and consistently defy the constraints imposed upon them. His approach to rap is refreshingly genuine; he speaks to us in a relatable way, effortlessly navigating the complexities of the genre. Whether he tackles weighty subjects or offers moments of levity, his delivery remains compelling.”
Though some of Savage’s collaborators recently erupted into beef, he isn’t placing himself in the middle of it. While Drake, Metro Boomin, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and more are embroiled in beef, he was hilariously enjoying himself at Disney World. What do you think of 21 Savage being named one of the 100 most influential people of 2024? Do you think he deserved to be the only rapper on the entire list? Let us know in the comment section below.
Burna Boy just went through a major life change that has fans in a state of slight, over-exaggerated, and confused disarray. Moreover, he recently debuted his new beardless look, and social media had a litany of amused or shocked reactions to seeing the shaved face beneath. “From Burna to Netta is funny business,” one fan under the post below joked, while another added, “If my man shave his beard, we going to get a unit installed until it grows back.” Soon, the Nigerian superstar will show this off on tour as well, and we wonder if any concertgoers will walk out of the venue with disappointment once they see him hit the stage.
Jokes aside, the real humor is how a lot of people seemed so attached to Burna Boy’s image that this new look made him downright unrecognizable. It’s a similar reaction to when other celebrities go through even more dramatic style changes, which makes the overblown discussion all the more curious. But it looks like he has a lot of big upcoming plans with which to roll out this new era in a more public and significant way. Nicki Minaj recently teased a remix of “Tested, Approved & Trusted” off the 32-year-old’s 2023 album I Told Them…, which should make for a pretty killer crossover.
However, this is also curious because Burna Boy has a reputation for really standing by his choices and personal life developments, even if they cost him big bags. For example, he claimed to have turned down a $5 million Dubai show because he wasn’t allowed to smoke weed there. While some fans might see this as throwing superstardom and opportunities down the drain, others likely applauded the principle displayed. Whether or not marijuana is something to pass up on massive checks over is for you to decide for yourself in your own life.
Meanwhile, what do you think of the “Cheat On Me” creative’s beardless look? Are people overreacting or was it so characteristic of his appearance that you can’t recognize him anymore? Whatever the case, drop your thoughts down in the comments section below. Also, keep checking in with HNHH for the latest news and more updates on Burna Boy.
But it looks like Wizkid no longer wants to be tethered to the genre. After a clip from his 2023 interview with Apple Music resurfaced, the “Money & Love” musician doubled down on his older statements.
In another posted screenshot by ThatGrapeJuice, he went on to clarify his initial statement. “Listen, am I African? Yes,” he wrote. “But I do make all sorts of music. I don’t want to be labeled just Afrobeats. That’s like saying every American artist makes rap.”
Lil Yachty made a similar point when he began to explore rock via his album Let’s Start Here. Still, users online weren’t pleased with Wizkid’s statement. View the mixed response from users online below.
Outsiders : you cannot box Burna Boy into just afrobeats… He does so many genres effortlessly
Nigerians… He should shut up.. Let’s see how long he can go alone
Afrobeat una…wizkid isn’t afrobeat artist he does every sound…he have done countless genres and even most of his albums speak for him…he have won countless awards in different genre is music category and also charted songs there. pic.twitter.com/InYimdAKXl
No bro you are getting it wrong again. Remove the “afro” whatever… wizkid is pop/r&b, burna is rap/reggae pop… We simply just call these guys afrobeat cos they are Africans, they just want it to stop. We even call Blaqbonez afrobeat artiste even tho blud does rap. https://t.co/13WhkjAX0o
Nothing wrong with what Wizkid is trying to drive home. It doesn’t make sense that every artiste is boxed under Afrobeat. Especially if you’re versatile with your craft. If you have the range to try something new it’s okay to leave the umbrella of Afrobeat and create your sound.
Let’s set the scene. You’re out with friends, or maybe by yourself, at a local nightclub or day party, and the DJ on set gives a shoutout to the “Carribeans” in the crowd. They say something like, “One time for my Carribeans” or “Where my Carribeans at?” and those in the audience who identify as such make some noise with the expectation that a song from their region will be played next. Instead, an afrobeats record from the likes of Wizkid, Davido, or Burna Boy blares from the speakers. Carribeans and Africans in the audience are left equally confused by the miscategorization and the DJ does a quick two- or three-song rotation before getting back to their regularly scheduled programming.
As ludicrous as it sounds, this scenario happens more often than you’d think. Look no further than comments in this Lipstick Alley forum from 2022 for proof. While regions heavily populated with Africans or Carribeans like southern New England, New York City, Philadelphia, or Houston probably haven’t had this experience to the extent of other areas, it is an issue. It’s just one example of the miscategorization of these genres that we’ve seen happen time and time again.
By the 2010s, Afrobeats and dancehall were undeniably popular in the global mainstream. Viral dances like those attached to Fuse ODG’s “Azonto” and Iyana’s “Kukere,” as well as success from Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, P-Sqaure, D’banj, and others played a big role in afrobeats’ rising popularity. In contrast, the success of Sean Paul, Popcaan, Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, and others helped boost the appeal of dancehall. Though dancehall stands alone as its own unique sound, afrobeats is more of a culmination of various genres that include any mixture of house, hip-hop, dancehall, highlife, R&B, afrobeat (yes, without the s), and more.
Afrobeat is different from afrobeats as it pulls from traditional Nigerian music with additional influences from funk, jazz, and soul, and sees its origins go back to the 1960s, while the origin of dancehall is between the 1960s and 1970s. With afrobeats and afrobeat often getting confused and afrobeats containing numerous influences — including dancehall — it’s not all that surprising that the genres are mixed up, leading to DJs shouting out “Carribeans” and playing afrobeats. However, a history mix-up would be a generous explanation for all of this.
With afrobeats and dancehall making their presence felt in the mainstream world by the mid-2010s, artists in the respective genres continued a tradition of collaboration dating back to their origins. Some of the records we’ve received over the years include Kranium & Wizkid’s “Can’t Believe It,” Popcaan and Davido’s “Risky” and “Dun Rich,” Burna Boy’s “Toni-Ann Singh” with Popcaan, Byron Messia’s “Talibans II” with Burna Boy, Teejay’s “Drift (Remix)” with Davido, Vybz Kartel & Burna Boy’s “Personally (Remix),” and Wizkid’s “Slip N Slide” with Shenseea and Skillibeng. In these cases, the blend between afrobeats and dancehall can be effortless with each artist performing just as well in the other’s genre as they do their own. For those without knowledge of the artists and sounds within afrobeats and dancehall, this is where the distinction between the genres gets lost, and suddenly, you’re shouting out the Carribeans in the crowd, only to play a set full of afrobeats staples.
While some ignorance is understandable, fans’ and DJs’ reluctance to correct said ignorance is not. Both afrobeats and dancehall are becoming more and more globally popular and respected by the month. For example, a fall 2023 report from Spotify noted that afrobeats tallied more than 15 billion streams on the platform. In just the last few years, both genres have provided records that served as anthems for the year’s hottest months, including Burna Boy’s “Last Last,” Byron Messia’s “Talibans,” and Wizkid’s “Essence.”
These artists are Grammy nominees and winners. Artists in both genres collaborate with some of the biggest names in the industry. The genres’ successes aren’t a fluke, but the result of years of work from their pioneers and contemporary hitmakers to push the beautiful sounds of their culture to the masses. Afrobeats and dancehall deserve the respect and recognition to stand and be known on their own terms.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Burna Boy is the voice of Afro-fusion. But as of yesterday (February 12), the “Big 7” musician is also the new face of G-Star Raw. In an announcement posted to the luxury denim retailer’s social media accounts, the company unveiled its latest global campaign featuring the Grammy Award-winning entertainer.
In the supporting visual, a fashionable Burna Boy ferociously stomps around the world with his army of dancers. With Burna Boy dressed in the company’s limited edition Double Denim Edit line, his latest single, “On Form” off his album I Told Them.., serves as the musical inspiration to spark their high-energy choreography.
Although the entire collection has not been revealed, Burna Boy’s stamp of approval isn’t to be taken lightly. “Denim isn’t just fabric — it’s an extension of who I am,” he said in a statement. “Like my music, it’s personal, a dialogue between me and myself. Every stitch and every fade tell a story. G-Star gets that. They’re not about following trends. They’re about challenging norms, just like me. Our connection goes beyond fashion; it’s about pushing boundaries and embracing authenticity.”
The brand’s chief marketing officer, Gwenda van Vliet, shared her excitement about partnering with Burna Boy. “We are proud to continue our legacy in working with the world’s biggest inspirational icons,” she said. “Burna Boy is one of the most innovative artists of our time and the embodiment of today’s youth culture, challenging the norm in both style and music, which is very close to our heart.”
Details of the limited edition collection modeled by Burna Boy will be released soon. Find more information here.
Watch the full campaign visual starring Burna Boy above.
Burna Boy is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
(@Kellybonito_) 
Afrobeat has no substance
(@AbkJahgo) 
(@khanofkhans11_) 