Asake Previews New Music and Makes History as First African Artiste at Red Bull Symphonic in Brooklyn

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New York (Planet Akinadé) – Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake headlined the U.S. edition of Red Bull Symphonic at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre on Saturday, November 8, 2025, becoming the first African artiste to perform at the symphonic show.

Asake previewed an unreleased track from his upcoming album M$NEY during the sold-out concert. Although the title of the track has not been disclosed but it features lyrics on faith, perseverance and hard work. GIRAN REPUBLIC recently shared the following lyrics of the track via its official X account:

“Alhamdulilah grace be to God, no matter your condition stay close to God, forget all your loss something must go before something come it is work no be luck seeing is believing, you have to trust yourself and wait for result never feel remorse”

At the Red Bull Symphonic concert in Brooklyn, Asake reimagined hits like ‘Lonely at the Top’ and ‘Terminator’, in a fusion of Afrobeats and classical music, featuring an orchestra, including The Compozers band. Surprise guests which included Wizkid, Gunna, Central Cee, Tiakola, and Fridayy joined the former YBNL artiste for collaborations such as ‘MMS’, ‘Happiness’ and ‘Badman Gangsta’, showcasing Asake’s global ties and contributions to Afrobeats’ rising international stature.

ALSO READ: Omah Lay Teases New Music, Anticipation Builds Among Fans

The Brooklyn concert followed Asake’s visit to Columbia University on November 7, 2025, where he spoke at the university’s AfroDiaspora Colloquium. The colloquium drew students of African descent, as well as fans of Afrobeats.

In the 75-minute session, which was moderated by cultural journalist Ime Ekpo, Asake’s discussed cultural roots and creative inspirations. Giving credit to his family, faith, friends and Lagos life, Asake noted how traditional Yoruba elements and the Black diaspora influence his music and original songwriting.

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Omah Lay Teases New Music, Anticipation Builds Among Fans

photo of omah lay, posing with hands raised against the sunset, in what appears to be a rocky desert

Lagos NG, Nov 7 (Planet Akinadé) — Nigerian ‘Afro-fusion’ star Omah Lay has officially sparked excitement among fans by releasing a preview for what appears to be his upcoming music ‘Listen To My Voice’. The 26-second teaser signals the arrival of fresh material and possibly a new chapter in his artistic journey.

On November 7, 2025, the artiste shared a snippet on social media, including X, giving fans a first taste of what’s coming, after a 14-month hiatus since his 2024 track ‘Moving’. The snippet features his distinctive soulful vocals layered over a moody, mellow but crispy beat; the kind of atmospheric production that fans will recognise from his earlier work, but this time suggesting perhaps a more evolved direction.

ALSO READ: Asake Previews New Music and Makes History as First African Artiste at Red Bull Symphonic in Brooklyn

While Omah Lay did not disclose the track’s official release date in his post, the preview has already generated widespread buzz online. According to X’s Grok “The post garnered nearly 100,000 engagements, with endorsements from Olamide and fans, alongside viral memes from a photo with his stylist”. Omah Lay’s previous commentary has suggested he’s working on new music and experimenting with fresh sounds.

Most fans and music industry watchers have praised the seeming sonic direction of the new track while others attempted to decode clues in the visuals and audio. People are definitely looking forward to the official release of the track, as well as the arrival of his new album Clarity of Mind.

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Shawn Mendes, DaVido and Lil’ Kleine are the 2017 MTV EMAs’ Biggest Winners

MTVEMA.com/ghanadat.com/SpotifyCanadian singer Shawn Mendes, popular Nigerian artiste DaVido and Dutch rapper Lil’ Kleine were the biggest winners at the 24th annual MTV European Music Awards (EMAs), held recently at the SSE Arena in London.

Eminem, who picked up the ‘Best Hip-Hop’ award and the UK’s Stormzy, performed at the ceremony hosted by Rita Ora. There were also performances by Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes.

Shawn Mendes was presented with not less than four prizes including awards in the ‘Best Artist’, ‘Best Canadian Act’ and ‘Biggest Fans’  categories. The teenager was also the winner of the ‘Best Song’ award for There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back.

Pere crooner DaVido picked up the award for ‘Best African Act’, as well as, ‘Best Worldwide Act’  prize. Similarly, actor and rapper Lil’ Kleine (from the Netherlands) won the ‘Best Dutch Act’ and ‘Best Worldwide Act’ awards.

Other winners include America’s sweetheart Camila Cabello (‘Best Pop’), Coldplay (‘Best Rock’), Fifth Harmony (‘Best US Act’), Ed Sheeran (‘Best Live Act’), Anitta (‘Best Brazilian Act’) and Dua Lipa (‘Best New Act’).

Camila Cabello | via InstagramCompton rapper Kendrick Lamar won in the ‘Best Video’ category, while Zayn Malik picked up the ‘Best Look’ award. Taylor Swift had six nominations but did not leave with any award. However, the ‘Global Icon Award’ went to U2.

Evidently, DaVido could not contain his excitement in a series of social media posts. After he was presented with the ‘Best Worldwide Act’  award, he posted an image with the following caption in upper case letters “AHHH ANOTHER 1!!!! 2 EMA’S !!!! THIS SHIT EMOTIONAL !!! SAY HELLO TO MTV EMA’S 2017 BEST AFRICAN ACT AND BEST WORLDWIDE ACT”.

Davido | via InstagramThe official website of the MTV EMAs says the awards are “about the fans just as much as they are about their favorite artists.” adding that “Fans determine the night’s winners by voting for their favorite artists in the weeks leading up to the show”.

 

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Post Malone’s ‘Rockstar’ Becomes Longest Reigning Hip-Hop Track on Billboard Hot 100 in 2017

Post Malone | via Cloudinary.comPost Malone’s hit track with 21 Savage Rockstar has reportedly stayed on top of Billboard Hot 100 songs chart for 4 weeks in 2017, making it the longest reigning hip-hop track on the chart this year.

This news comes after earlier reports of Post Malone’s being named the Most Streamed Artiste in the world. Rockstar reportedly racked its 5th week at number one on the Streaming Songs chart with about 46 million streams in the U.S.

According to Billboard, Rockstar which concurrently tops both the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts, has reigned the longest on the Hot 100 chart out of all the 5 hip-hop tracks that notched up to number one this year, including Cardi B’s Bodak Yellow, Migos’ Bad and Boujee and Kendrick Lamar’s Humble.

 

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