For more than two decades, the BET Awards has served as one of the few spaces where Black music, film, fashion, sports, and cultural influence occupy the centre rather than the margins and the 2026 BET Awards was no exception.

While other award shows often chase universal appeal, the BET Awards has built its identity around celebrating Black excellence without explanation.

On June 28, 2026, that tradition continued inside the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

There were awards, viral moments, emotional speeches, and unforgettable performances. Like every memorable BET Awards ceremony, the real story wasn't simply who won. It was what the night revealed about Black culture, its past, its present, and the future being shaped by a new generation.

On June 28, 2026, the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles pulsed with the unfiltered heartbeat of Black America. Recreating his viral skit, Druski descended from the ceiling, the crowd roaring as he landed for his history-making turn as the youngest host in BET Awards history.

Culture's Biggest Night delivered a three-hour collision of laughter, tears, legacy, and fresh fire that felt a family reunion with the volume turned all the way up.

The Last Award Show That Still Feels Like a Family Reunion

The BET Awards has always operated on its own frequency. While other ceremonies chase crossover appeal and sanitised narratives, this one treats Black creativity as the main event rather than a sidebar. It honours the algorithm makers, not just those the algorithm favours.

At a time when many award shows struggle to remain culturally relevant, the BET Awards continues to occupy a unique space.

Sylvia Rhone put it plainly when she accepted the Ultimate Icon Award:

"Black creativity is one of the most powerful forces in the world. We make the algorithm. It doesn't make us."

Few quotes captured the spirit of the evening more accurately.

Family, Legacy and the Passing of the Torch At The BET Awards

This year the night leaned hard into family as both comfort and inheritance.

T.I. opened the show perched atop a car, rapping "Top Back" and "Let 'Em Know" while his son King sat behind the wheel.

Jamie Foxx joined his 17-year-old daughter Anelise for the guitar-driven intro to Kehlani's "Folded," the teenager's playing sharp enough to cut through any nepo-baby skepticism.

D'Angelo's children: Imani, Swayvo, and Morocco opened the tribute to their father with quiet dignity:

"To the world, he was D'Angelo. To us, he was just dad."

D’Angelo’s children paid tribute to their late father at the 2026 BET Awards, opening the emotional segment with heartfelt words honoring his legacy and impact on music.

via @DEADLINE#DAngelo #BETAwards #BETAwards2026 #MusicLegend #Hungamaexpress pic.twitter.com/YfspIgxpw1

— Hungama Express (@HungamaExpress) June 29, 2026

Lauryn Hill's children Selah, YG, and Zion sang their mother's music during her Living Legend Icon Award segment, and she shouted out her other children from the stage.

The message appeared repeatedly throughout the night: culture survives because people pass it on. Talent, wisdom, stories, and songs move from one generation to another like family heirlooms.

Honouring the Architects At The 2026 BET Awards

The tributes throughout the evening reminded viewers that culture does not appear from nowhere.

Every era stands on foundations built by those who came before it.

A sweeping D'Angelo medley featuring The Vanguard, Ari Lennox, Raye, George Clinton, Durand Bernarr, and BJ the Chicago Kid celebrated a catalogue that helped shape modern R&B and neo-soul. Less than a year after his death, the performance reminded audiences that D'Angelo's influence remains impossible to ignore.

Erica Campbell and Le'Andria Johnson's rendition of "I Love the Lord" during the In Memoriam segment folded gospel into the night's emotional architecture, grounding celebration in remembrance.

Lauryn Hill and the Weight of a Legacy

Then came the Lauryn Hill portion, the gravitational centre of the evening.

Ice Cube introduced the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award recipient before a remarkable lineup of artists traced her influence across generations.

The War and Treaty performed "Joyful, Joyful." SZA and Doechii tackled "Ready or Not." Tems and Tierra Whack delivered "Fu-Gee-La." Nas and Doja Cat revisited "If I Ruled the World." Lizzo and Rapsody took on "Doo Wop (That Thing)." Common and Queen Latifah performed "Lost Ones."

The performances highlighted something many artists spend entire careers chasing: impact.

Hill's influence stretches across hip-hop, soul, R&B, rap, and contemporary Black music in ways few artists can claim.

Then she appeared herself.

Performing "Ex-Factor" and "Everything Is Everything," Hill reminded audiences why her catalogue continues to resonate decades after its release.

In her acceptance speech she reflected on the inspiration behind The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill:

"When I made Miseducation, I was inspired by you. I was inspired by the beauty. I was inspired by our potential."

The Stars Defining This Era

If Lauryn Hill represented legacy, the night's biggest contemporary stars offered a glimpse of where culture is headed.

Cardi B moved through the evening like the main character she has always been.

Leading nominations with six, she secured Best Female Hip-Hop Artist for her seventh BET Award and delivered a medley from Am I the Drama? featuring "Hello," "Check Please," "ErrTime," and "Pretty & Petty."

During the latter, she pulled out her previous six BET trophies for a moment that was equal parts celebration, theatre, and unapologetic flex.

The performance reinforced what has made Cardi B one of hip-hop's defining figures: she refuses to smooth out her rough edges for anyone.

Doechii and SZA's BET Her Award win for "Girl, Get Up" provided a different but equally compelling narrative.

Accepting together, Doechii credited SZA with helping her through a difficult period.

SZA's response was simple:

"Anything for you, always."

What stood out throughout the evening was the absence of the old narrative that success must be a solitary pursuit.

Many of the night's strongest moments centred collaboration rather than competition. Whether artists paid tribute to their influences or celebrated each other's achievements, the ceremony repeatedly reinforced the idea that culture survives through community.

Kehlani's Best Female R&B/Pop Artist win and Video of the Year award for "Folded" highlighted R&B's continued evolution, while Clipse's Album of the Year win for Let God Sort Em Out proved that veteran lyricism still commands attention.

Teyana Taylor's Icon of the Year Award and the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award recognised a career built on creativity, direction, style, and reinvention.

Africa Is No Longer a Guest at the Table

For years, African artists appeared at global award shows as exciting additions to the conversation.

Today, they help shape the conversation itself.

The African presence at the 2026 BET Awards felt less like a crossover moment and more like a reflection of reality. Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afro-fusion, and other African sounds have become permanent fixtures within global music culture.

The question is no longer whether African artists belong in these spaces.

The question is how much influence they will continue to wield within them.

Tems delivered a crystalline performance of "What You Need," threading Nigerian soul into the evening's American spine.

Her earlier appearance alongside Tierra Whack during the Lauryn Hill tribute further strengthened the connection between Africa and the wider Black diaspora.

Tyla's Video of the Year nomination for "Chanel" reinforced the same point. African artists increasingly move through global cultural spaces without abandoning the sounds, aesthetics, and identities that made audiences fall in love with them in the first place.

What makes these moments significant is not simply representation.

Representation suggests inclusion into an existing structure.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Afromixx Entertainment (@afromixx)

Fashion Remains One of Black Culture's Most Powerful Languages

On the red carpet and beyond, fashion functioned as cultural language rather than decoration.

Doechii arrived in a standout Dsquared2 look that balanced elegance with edge. Kehlani, Lizzo, Janet Jackson, and Queen Latifah each offered distinct expressions of self-possession and individuality.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Afromixx Entertainment (@afromixx)

Teyana Taylor's recognition through both the Icon of the Year and Fashion Vanguard awards felt especially fitting.

The introduction of the Fashion Vanguard category acknowledged something Black culture has understood for decades:

Black style rarely follows trends.

It creates them.

Why the 2026 BET Awards Mattered

Throughout the night, one message emerged repeatedly.

Black creativity remains one of the world's most influential cultural forces.

Not because institutions validate it. Not because algorithms reward it. But because generation after generation continues to reinvent it.

Sylvia Rhone's declaration that "we make the algorithm" felt less like an acceptance speech and more like the evening's mission statement.

Artists defining this era right now include Cardi B, whose persistence and specificity keep hip-hop honest; Doechii, whose rise feels both inevitable and hard-won; Kehlani and Leon Thomas, who continue to anchor R&B's emotional centre; Clipse and Kendrick Lamar, who prove lyrical excellence still moves rooms; and Tems, whose global reach continues to expand the map of contemporary Black music.

The trends were impossible to miss: intergenerational handoffs, collaborative uplift over solitary competition, fashion as identity, and tributes that preserved history while creating new memories.

Weeks from now people will still be talking about Lauryn Hill taking the stage and speaking directly to the beauty and potential she saw in her people. They will replay D'Angelo's tribute. They will quote Cardi B's trophy moment and laugh at Druski's hosting antics. They will remember Tems carrying African excellence onto one of Black America's biggest stages.

But the lasting significance of the 2026 BET Awards extends beyond any single performance or winner.

The ceremony served as a reminder that Black culture remains one of the world's most influential creative forces precisely because it continues to honour its history while making room for what comes next.

In its best moments, the 2026 BET Awards not only documented black culture but it renewed it.

Every tribute, performance, speech, and passing of the torch reminds us that the culture remains its own greatest resource.

And on June 28, 2026, that resource was on full display.

The post 2026 BET Awards: Lauryn Hill, Cardi B, Tems and the Night Black Culture Celebrated Itself appeared first on Afromixx.

The ceremony, scheduled for 11 a.m. CT at the Center’s John Lewis Plaza in Jackson Park, will be livestreamed globally on the Obama Foundation’s website, YouTube, and social media channels. It marks the formal dedication of the long-awaited presidential centre, which opens to the public the following day, June 19—Juneteenth.

Tems, whose full name is Temilade Openiyi, has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary global music. Known for her soulful, introspective sound that blends Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative influences, she gained international acclaim with tracks like “Essence” (with Wizkid) and her 2024 album Born in the Wild. Her selection for this high-profile event underscores her rising stature and the growing global recognition of African artists on major international stages.

Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett described the ceremony as “unlike any other — filled with music, performances, and hope", aimed at inspiring civic engagement and celebrating values of service and community. The inclusion of Tems highlights the Center’s emphasis on cultural diversity and the bridging of African and American narratives.

This performance adds to a series of notable milestones for Tems in 2026, including strong Spotify editorial placements and continued international touring. For many fans across Africa and the diaspora, seeing a Nigerian artist share the stage with such iconic names at an institution tied to Barack and Michelle Obama’s legacy represents a powerful moment of cultural visibility. The Grand Opening Ceremony is invite-only, but the broader public celebration continues June 19–21 with free programming on the campus. Those unable to attend in person can watch the livestream beginning at 11 a.m. CT on June 18.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Afromixx Entertainment (@afromixx)

The post Tems to Perform at Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony appeared first on Afromixx.

The Nigerian singer-songwriter has secured her fourth career top 10 entry on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart as her single “What You Need” climbs from No. 12 to No. 10 this week, marking another significant milestone in her steadily expanding global career.

Taken from her 2025 EP Love Is a Kingdom, “What You Need” has enjoyed a consistent rise since debuting at No. 37 in March 2026. Now in its 12th week on the chart, the record has broken into the top tier of R&B radio, further highlighting Tems’ growing resonance with listeners and programmers across the United States.

Co-written and co-produced by Tems alongside GuiltyBeatz and Ronald Banful, “What You Need” leans into the singer’s signature minimalist approach. Built around themes of emotional boundaries, self-preservation, and the courage to walk away from relationships that no longer serve a purpose, the song finds strength in restraint rather than spectacle.

The achievement adds another chapter to an already impressive radio résumé. Over the years, Tems has become one of the most successful African artists on U.S. R&B radio, earning top 10 placements through records such as “Free Mind” and her breakthrough contribution to Wizkid’s global hit "Essence". Those records helped introduce a wider audience to the seamless overlap between Afrobeats and contemporary R&B, a space Tems has continued to shape in her own image.

“What You Need” has also benefited from a string of high-profile promotional moments. A widely praised COLORS performance introduced the song to a broader audience, while a television appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon further amplified its reach. More recently, an official video directed by Ayinde Anderson expanded the song’s narrative, visually exploring its themes of vulnerability, self-worth, and empowerment.

As “What You Need” enters the Billboard top 10, Tems once again demonstrates the staying power of her artistry. In an era often driven by fast-moving trends, she continues to build momentum through emotionally rich songwriting, understated production, and a distinct voice that remains instantly recognizable.

With airplay continuing to grow and the song maintaining a strong presence in cultural conversations, “What You Need” appears poised for an even bigger run. For Tems, the latest achievement is further proof that Nigerian soul music continues to command attention on one of the world's most competitive radio landscapes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Afromixx Entertainment (@afromixx)

The post Tems scores her fourth top 10 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart appeared first on Afromixx.

Leading the African contingent is Tems, who secured three nominations across some of the ceremony’s most competitive fields. She earned a nod in Best Female R&B/Pop Artist alongside names like SZA, Ella Mai, and Coco Jones, while her song “First” landed a nomination in the BET Her category. She also picked up a Viewers’ Choice nomination for "Raindance", her collaboration with Dave.

Tems’ multiple nominations further reinforce her crossover positioning beyond the confines of Afrobeats. Over the last few years, she has steadily evolved into one of the continent’s most internationally adaptable artists, moving fluidly between R&B, soul, alternative pop, and African rhythms while maintaining a distinct identity. The BET recognition reflects how naturally she now exists within global award conversations rather than appearing as a regional inclusion.

South African star Tyla also continued her international award-show run with nominations that further cement her breakout momentum. Her hit “Chanel” earned a nomination for Video of the Year, placing her beside heavyweight global acts in one of the night’s most visible categories.

Meanwhile, Wizkid and Asake secured a historic nomination in the Best Group category — a rare recognition for Nigerian collaborators within a traditionally U.S.-leaning category. Their nod reflects the growing commercial strength of African collaborative projects and how African acts are increasingly being considered beyond international classifications.

For Burna Boy, the nominations continue a now-familiar streak of global visibility. He earned a Best Collaboration nomination for "WGFT", his appearance on Gunna’s record. The nod adds another international recognition to Burna Boy’s increasingly expansive catalogue of global collaborations, further highlighting his consistency within American rap and crossover spaces.

One of the most noticeable aspects of this year’s nominations is the absence of several African names who have recently dominated international conversations, including Davido, Ayra Starr and Rema in the major music fields. Instead, the 2026 nominations largely centre on Nigerian and South African artists who have spent the last year making stronger crossover impressions through collaborations, touring, viral moments, and internationally resonant records.

The wider nominations were led by Cardi B with six nods, while Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist followed closely behind. Yet even within a nomination slate dominated by American rap and R&B heavyweights, African artists maintained a visible imprint across collaboration, video, group, and pop categories.

The post African Nominees at the 2026 BET Awards appeared first on Afromixx.

The certification, issued by France’s SNEP (Syndicat National de l’Édition Phonographique), signals and reflects sustained listener engagement in one of Europe’s most historically receptive markets for African music. For Tems, whose rise has been defined by quiet consistency, it’s another confirmation that her approach travels.

Released on October 5, 2023, “Me & U” arrived after a noticeable creative pause, carrying a restrained but immersive energy. Built on soft percussion and layered emotion, the record leaned fully into her strengths of intimacy, control, and a voice that feels both distant and deeply present. It would later sit as a defining piece on her 2024 project ‘Born in the Wild’, but even in isolation, the song proved durable, accumulating global streams well into 2026.

With this latest plaque, “Me & U” joins a growing list of SNEP-certified records in her catalogue: Essence with Wizkid, Wait for U alongside Future and Drake, and Raindance with Dave. Together, they map a trajectory that cuts across Afrobeats, R&B, and rap, her identity shining in all of them.

Four Gold certifications in France is no small feat, particularly for a Nigerian artist operating with a largely self-defined sonic direction. SNEP’s threshold rewards cumulative consumption—sales and streaming equivalents—which means these records aren’t just momentary hits; they are being returned to, lived with, and replayed.

What stands out in Tems’ case is how little she bends toward the expected. While Afrobeats continues to expand globally, often leaning into high-energy exports, her music moves differently—slower, more reflective, almost inward. Yet it connects. In France, that connection has translated into consistent certification, suggesting a listener base that is curious and committed.

The timing adds another layer. With her streaming footprint continuing to grow and her catalogue deepening, Tems is quite established now. France, in many ways, has become a key marker of that evolution, a space where her music connects and stays.

With “Me & U” turning Gold in other regions like Canada, the narrative sharpens: this is a pattern. And with each new certification, Tems edges closer to something more lasting—an imprint that stretches beyond borders and holds.

The post Tems Secures Fourth Gold in France as “Me & U” Achieves SNEP Certification appeared first on Afromixx.

The track, produced by Tems herself alongside long-time collaborator GuiltyBeatz, debuted at No. 93 back in mid-February after a Colors performance lit the fuse. It has since become the highest-gainer on the chart this week, fuelled by a potent mix of rising streams, radio airplay pickup, and genuine word-of-mouth momentum. The recent chart surge also follows a stretch of high visibility. For an artist who has never chased the obvious pop playbook, this steady ascent reaffirms the quiet referendum that authentic songcraft and cultural resonance still matter. 

“What You Need” is a stripped-down, almost confessional epilogue to a dying relationship—“Your love is not my lifeline, your love is not my home”—delivered in that unmistakable Tems timbre: smoky, wounded, and impossibly intimate. The production is sparse yet expansive, letting her voice carry the weight. 

The timing of the surge is no coincidence either. Tems delivered a breathtaking, curtain-backed performance of the song on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ at the end of March, proving once again that her live presence is every bit as commanding as her studio work. Fresh off her Coachella appearance alongside Justin Bieber and Wizkid, the Lagos-born star is reminding the industry that visibility without substance is temporary, but substance with visibility is unstoppable.

This milestone arrives at a pivotal moment in Tems’ already remarkable trajectory. With “What You Need” marking her seventh Hot 100 entry—and her second solo entry—she became the first African female artist to reach that number, tying her with Burna Boy for the most entries by any African act.

Her résumé already reads like a blueprint for global dominance: the culture-shifting feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” (which cracked the top 10 with Justin Bieber’s remix), her Grammy-winning turn on Future’s “Wait For U” alongside Drake, two Grammy wins total (including Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe”), and contributions to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack with “No Woman No Cry”.
At No. 56, “What You Need” becomes one of her strongest solo chart showings yet and another marker in a catalogue that continues to expand the possibilities of African music on a global scale. Not by shifting toward the mainstream, but by letting the mainstream meet her where she already stands.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Afromixx Entertainment (@afromixx)

The post Tems’ “What You Need” Hits No. 56 on the Billboard Hot 100 appeared first on Afromixx.

Coachella 2026 officially kicked off on April 10, but for many African viewers, the show truly started on the 11th.

Davido's Coachella Debut

On the 11th of April 2026, Davido — one of Afrobeats’ most globally exported stars — walked onto the Gobi stage in a blue suit and gold chain, live band already locked in behind him. He opened his set with “Dami Duro,” stepping straight into the pocket of nostalgia.

The tent was filled wall-to-wall with fans singing the lyrics to songs like “Skelewu,” “Gobe,” “OVER DEM”—bodies already bouncing in place. He carried on with other classical hits, including “Aye,” and “FIA,” then a sudden drop into stillness before “If,” so the crowd could carry the hook alone.

Fire effects flared on the downbeats of “Fall.” Midway, he brought out Adekunle Gold for “HIGH”; the two traded verses center stage while the band stretched the groove, the tent roaring every time the chorus hit.

He closed with “With You” layered over the Thriller bass line, Nigerian flag raised briefly overhead, then walked off as the lights cut. The set ran forty-five minutes, hit after hit, no downtime, no filler. His debut at Coachella has been a long time coming, and as usual, the Afrobeats star did not disappoint.

The “Essence” Moment: Tems and Wizkid

One of Coachella’s most iconic highlights remains the 2024 performance of “Essence.” During Tems’ set, Wizkid joined for their 2020 hit Essence; the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and earn a Grammy nomination.

We had a repeat moment of this as Justin Bieber closed his Saturday headliner on the main stage, joined by Tems and Wizkid.

Tems took the first verse with her voice cutting clean through the night air; Wizkid slid in on the second, his delivery low and precise. Bieber handled the hook, the trio trading lines on the bridge without choreography.

The crowd, already dense from the headline slot, surged forward in waves, phones up with voices louder than the recordings. The song ended with a quick group embrace before the guests exited the stage.

Little Simz - Mojave Stage, April 12

Little Simz opened her 4:10 p.m. Mojave set with “Thief,” voice steady over live drums and bass, pacing the front of the stage in measured steps.

She moved through “Flood,” “Young,” and “I Love You, I Hate You” with the same controlled swagger. Midway, she stepped behind a small mixer and decks, dropping house-electro textures under “Mood Swings” and “Game On.”

She brought out Atlanta rapper JT for the new track “Game On” and a remixed “SOS”; the two traded bars with sharp, synchronised gestures while the crowd jumped in tight clusters near the rail. The set closed with “Gorilla,” Simz centre stage under red lights, band hitting the final stabs as she held the last note.

Year after year, African artists continue to shine at Coachella and it is a beautiful sight to behold.

From early pioneers to current chart-toppers, African artists at Coachella have moved from the margins to the center of global festival culture.

Perhaps one day, the names of African artists will no longer sit in smaller fonts on lineup posters but will take centre stage as headliners.

The post African Artists Who Performed at Coachella 2026 appeared first on Afromixx.

The Grammy-winning artist closed out the March 31, 2026 episode of the show as the night’s musical guest, delivering a performance that continues her run of high-profile international appearances. The episode, which also featured interviews with Hollywood actors like Cameron Diaz and Dan Levy, positioned Tems as the final act of the night—a slot often reserved for artists with strong audience pull and cultural relevance.

This latest appearance marks a clear progression in her relationship with the platform. Tems first appeared on 'The Tonight Show’ in 2021 alongside Wizkid, performing the global hit 'Essence'—a record that played a central role in pushing Afrobeats into mainstream American consciousness—in an empty studio amid COVID restrictions.

She returned in May 2024 with a solo set, performing a smooth medley of “Born in the Wild” and “Love Me JeJe". That moment introduced her as a standalone force, no longer orbiting a global hit but building her own identity on the international stage.

Her third outing now feels less like a confirmation. Last night’s set added another strong entry to her late-night résumé.

Each visit has shown Tems delivering controlled, emotive vocals that blend Afrobeats, R&B, and soul. She performs with minimal theatrics yet holds the stage through vocal clarity and presence alone. The choice of “What You Need” continues her pattern of showcasing new material on major platforms.

Jimmy Fallon’s ‘Tonight Show’ has become a recurring touchpoint for global artists looking to bridge markets. Broadcast from Studio 6B in New York, the show blends interviews and live performances, often serving as a cultural gateway for artists crossing into American audiences.

There is also a quiet consistency in how Tems approaches these moments. Her performances on the show have leant into restraint, with the focus staying on tone, presence, and control. It is a style that travels well across borders, especially in spaces where subtlety can stand out against louder staging.

This third appearance arrives at a time when African artists are becoming regular contributors to the programming cycle. Tems’ trajectory mirrors that shift. She has built an identity that translates well to television audiences. She is not being introduced anymore; she is being re-invited.

WATCH THE FULL PERFORMANCE BELOW

The post Tems Makes Third Appearance on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ appeared first on Afromixx.

Launched in August 2025 amid the buzz of Lagos' creative energy, LVI was created to tackle head-on the stubborn underrepresentation of women in music—artists, songwriters, producers, the whole ecosystem. It's not just talk; it's actionable support: mentorship, hands-on workshops, industry connections, and that vital sense of belonging that can make or break a career. Tems, who built her own path as a self-taught force, knows the barriers too well and is flipping the script.

The inaugural Lagos edition gathered 20 emerging Nigerian talents for two intense days of creative development, mentorship sessions, and an intimate launch dinner hosted by Tems herself. It was electric. Then came Nairobi in September 2025, expanding the reach to East Africa with masterclasses, collaborative studio work, panel talks led by industry voices, and a memorable fireside chat where Tems opened up about her journey and LVI's bigger vision for women in music across Africa and beyond.

"My goal with the Leading Vibe Initiative is to help support and amplify talented women who have the potential to redefine the industry," Tems said in the announcement. "By providing access, tools, and opportunity, we’re creating space for them to find their voices, step into their power, and shape the future of music across the continent and globally."

Now Johannesburg is next. This edition targets South Africa-based female artists, songwriters, and producers aged 18-35 ready to grow creatively and professionally. The lineup includes focused sessions on songwriting, music production, and the business side of the game, plus mentorship, networking, creative workshops, and masterclasses. Native Instruments is bringing advanced production tech to the table, ensuring participants get hands-on with top-tier tools. Featured speakers and facilitators are still under wraps but will drop closer to the date; expect heavy hitters based on what's come before.

Hennessy returns as an official partner, joining Native Instruments to fuel the resources and platforms needed to lift women's voices louder. The brand's long history of backing boundary-pushers aligns perfectly here. "We’re honored to support the Leading Vibe Initiative and to continue empowering African communities and cultures," said Vincent Montalescot, Hennessy's Global Chief Marketing Officer. "Tems’ vision, talent, and purpose align deeply with Hennessy’s legacy of championing those who push boundaries and redefine the world around them."

LVI isn't a one-off event series—it's building toward something global. Rooted in Tems' own story of grit and self-belief, it's a platform offering training, industry access, and community while closing the gender gap in music, one connection at a time. It's a movement, a network, a wave built by women for women, starting on the continent and rippling outward.

Applications are open today and close February 28, 2026. If this sounds like your moment, click HERE to apply now.

For anyone tuned into African music's unstoppable rise, especially the women driving it, this is the kind of initiative that could launch the next Tems, the next voice that shifts the culture. Stay locked in via @leadingvibeinitiative on IG and X (formerly Twitter). Dive deeper at leadingvibe.org.

In a year where African women continue to dominate conversations in music, LVI South Africa feels like the perfect next chapter. Who's stepping up? The vibe is leading, now it's time to follow.

The post Tems’ Leading Vibe Initiative Heads to South Africa appeared first on Afromixx.

Angels — Lekaa Beats ft. Omah Lay & Odumodublvck

Fresh out in the opening days of 2026, “Angels” arrives as a textured meeting point of styles — an Afrobeats/afro-fusion heartbeat grounded in melodic introspection and gritty lyrical flair. The track is produced by Lekaa Beats, the British-Nigerian beatmaker known for crafting broad-reaching blends of Afro-rhythms with hip-hop and electronic flourishes.

At 119 BPM and set in a warm key, the song immediately falls into a groove that’s both reflective and engaging, a sound that’s easy to slot into Afro-centric playlists without feeling generic.

Omah Lay anchors the track with his familiar emotive voice, bringing a soulful and melodic sensibility to the hook and verses. His delivery leans into themes of emotional complexity — the struggle to let go, healing from pain — with a kind of honest vulnerability that has become part of his artistic signature.

He’s nicely counterbalanced by Odumodublvck, whose verse injects rawness and street energy into the mix. What could have been a uniform pop groove instead becomes a dynamic push-and-pull between smooth introspection and rap-tinged urgency, a smart choice that gives the track texture and keeps the listener alert through its runtime.

Lekaa’s production is one of the standout elements here: layered yet spacious. Atmospheric synths hover under punchy rhythms, giving “Angels” a cinematic feel that still sits comfortably in everyday Afrobeat rotation. The contrast between melodic hooks and harder verses is purposeful, and it reflects a broader trend in contemporary Nigerian music where genre lines are increasingly porous. Lyrically, the song plays with emotional dichotomies, the pain of letting go and a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that financial windfalls could speed up healing — which makes for both contemplative listening and strong replay value.

“Angels” started building even before its official release, with snippets circulating online and fans expressing early excitement on social platforms. Lekaa Beats himself shared enthusiasm on X (formerly Twitter), calling “ANGELS” possibly "the best song he’s made yet".

The chemistry between Omah Lay’s melodic sensibility and Odumodublvck’s grit — filling a sweet spot between Afrobeats’ more sentimental side and the street-poet energy that Odumodublvck brings.

“Angels” feels like a statement track from artists at different corners of the Nigerian scene. It blends emotion with edge, melody with grit, and shows Lekaa Beats as a producer capable of bridging worlds without diluting their distinct flavors.

Whether it becomes a staple on 2026 playlists or grows in stature over time, “Angels” proves to be an engaging, layered record worthy of repeated listening — a promising sign for what this trio might offer next.

BADAMINTON — CKay’s

“BADAMINTON” feels like another evolution of CKay’s signature blend of emotion-steeped Afrobeats and melodic introspection. It chases seismic reinvention and doubles down on what has defined him as one of Afrobeats’ most feel-driven voices; smooth vocals, mid-tempo gait, and an atmosphere that nods to the intimacy of late-night drives and quiet reflections.

Opening with a loop-driven, familiar riff, “BADAMINTON” eases listeners into a soundscape that sits comfortably between relaxed groove and gentle rhythm momentum. The beat is grounded in mid-tempo Afro-centric percussion with warm synth layers that give the song a laid-back, almost meditative energy — the kind that fits both reflective playlists and weekend chillouts. 

CKay’s vocal delivery on “BADAMINTON” is melodic and effortless — signature smoothness that lets his voice float above the rhythm rather than force its way through it. The track emphasize themes of playful romance and flirtation, carried by catchy hooks and relatable lyricism that speak to emotional back-and-forth in relationships. 

There’s a playful duality to the track: on one hand, it’s an easy listen with sunny chorus lines; on the other, it hints at emotional nuance beneath the surface. That’s part of CKay’s strength as a songwriter, creating songs that sound simple on first listen but grow more layered with repeated engagement.

“BADAMINTON” sits comfortably in CKay’s evolving catalogue of emotive Afrobeats and Afro-fusion. It follows a recent pattern of feel-forward singles, after 2025’s ‘BODY’, for example. The production choice to lean into minimalism and ambience over maximal hooks underscores CKay’s confidence in mood as narrative.

There’s a subtle confidence in its groove, a warmth in the performance, and a relatability in its themes that make it feel effortless yet engaging. It won’t necessarily redefine Afrobeats, but it reaffirms CKay’s gift for atmosphere, melody, and emotional resonance.

If you press play once, you’ll feel the softness of its mood; if you press play twice, the layers begin to unfold. That’s the hallmark of a record with staying power, and it’s a promising sign for where CKay is steering his sound in 2026.

WHAT YOU NEED — Tems

“WHAT YOU NEED” is one of those rare moments where stillness becomes its own instrument. Originally the sixth track on Tems’ introspective ‘Love Is a Kingdom’ EP, it received a fresh spotlight with her stripped-back performance on COLORSxSTUDIOS, and the effect is revelatory.

Right from its opening, “WHAT YOU NEED” feels intimate and skeletal — not in a minimal aesthetic for its own sake, but as a deliberate canvas for Tems’ voice. The production is understated, giving the song room to breathe and letting subtle harmonies and restrained percussion carry the emotional weight. This is the sort of record that works best in quiet spaces — late nights, reflective drives, and moments when music feels like company rather than background noise.

Tems leans into her vocal strength here: textured, rich, and full of controlled vulnerability. Unlike upbeat Afrobeats fare designed to get bodies moving, “WHAT YOU NEED” is kinetic in feeling, not tempo — a slow burn that pulls the listener deeper with every line. It’s no surprise that COLORS’ minimalist set amplified this quality, stripping away distraction and putting her voice front and center with quiet intensity. 

Lyrically, the song explores deep emotional honesty and self-awareness in relationship dynamics. Tems reflects on love that feels divided and unfulfilling, admitting that she may not be what her partner truly needs. The repeated refrain “I’m not what you need” becomes both confessional and cathartic, capturing the pain of recognizing misalignment while also asserting self-care and truth over comfort.

There’s no dramatic crescendo here, just a steady unraveling of emotion, each phrase weighted with nuance. In this sense, “WHAT YOU NEED” embodies Tems’ strength as a songwriter who doesn’t need expansive fireworks to make a profound impact.

The COLORS performance affirms everything that makes the track compelling: a focus on authentic emotional connection. Under the stark visuals and pared-down soundscape of COLORS’ stage, Tems’ delivery feels almost confessional, as if she’s laying bare her inner dialogue for the world to hear. Each inflection, silence, and breath matters — it’s artistry that trusts the audience to feel rather than be told what to feel.

“WHAT YOU NEED” is the sort of record that reveals itself over time. Its emotional honesty, coupled with Tems’ signature vocal warmth and lyrical clarity, positions it as one of the most affecting songs in her catalogue.

BIRTHDAY — Fredo ft. Burna Boy & Steel Banglez 

“BIRTHDAY” feels exactly like what its title promises: an energetic celebratory anthem that bridges UK rap swagger with Afro-fusion warmth. The track unites Fredo ft. Burna Boy & Steel Banglez, embodying a collaboration that plays to the strengths of all involved. 

The song sits in a mid-tempo groove that’s danceable without tipping into full-on club banger territory — a sweet spot that accommodates both rap cadences and melodic lines. Fredo opens with his signature UK rap cadence, delivering lines with grounded confidence and street-rooted flair. It’s familiar territory for listeners who know his catalog, but here it’s polished and purposeful, setting the tone before the track expands.

When Burna Boy enters, his presence adds Afro-centric buoyancy and global charisma. His contribution fits the rhythm and lifts the vibe, weaving effortlessly between Fredo’s verses.

Steel Banglez’s production anchors the track with a polished, cohesive sound that balances rap grit and Afrobeats brightness. Instead of layering heavy elements, the beat lets melody and rhythm play off each other, giving space for both artists’ deliveries to breathe.

The instrumental leans on lively percussion and infectious melody lines that feel ideal for road trips, evenings with friends, and general feel-good playlists. It’s vibrant, uplifting, and fun — exactly the type of backdrop a global collaboration deserves.

Contrary to the title’s literal implication, “BIRTHDAY” isn’t about celebrating a date on a calendar so much as celebrating life, allure, confidence, and joy in the moment. Its lyrics lean into flirtatious praise and positive energy, giving the track a bright, playful edge.

“BIRTHDAY” delivers just what it sets out to be: a confident, feel-good collaboration with cross-continental appeal. Fredo’s grit meets Burna Boy’s melodic presence over Steel Banglez’s polished beat, resulting in a catchy, uplifting track that fits both UK rap and Afrobeats-leaning rotations.

Aiboo — DJ Maphorisa GL_Ceejay, Jazzwrld Thukuthela

“Aiboo” arrives as a fresh and compelling entry into the early 2026 dance circuit, a collaboration that marries South African groove sensibilities with production polish and vocal allure. The track, released via New Money Gang Records and distributed under Sony Music Entertainment Africa, immediately makes its presence known as a lively but layered sonic experience.

The backbone of “Aiboo” is unmistakably rooted in Amapiano and Afro-dance production — a signature terrain where DJ Maphorisa thrives, blending rhythmic complexity with irresistible sway. His influence here is clear: the beat isn’t just rhythmic, it’s textural, inviting both body and ear to stay engaged throughout the groove.

Layers of melodic textures woven by GL_Ceejay and Jazzwrld add warmth and harmonic dimension over the core piano-inflected movement, while Da Lee LS’s rhythmic diversity keeps the track buoyant without ever feeling overcrowded. Vocal contributions from Thukuthela bring an emotive lift — an evocative human element that offsets the electronic layers and anchors the track in feel as well as rhythm.

“Aiboo” unfolds with a pace that’s energetic enough for clubs and parties, yet sophisticated enough to hold up for casual listening. It feels like a moment built for movement — whether on a packed dancefloor or streamed through headphones on repeat — and there’s a seasonal warmth to the sound that makes it feel like a great companion to the early months of 2026.

Parts of the performance channel the influence of the amapiano and dance music surge that has defined recent years in South Africa and beyond, where textured production and layered rhythms have become key to global appeal. Artists involved here — especially Jazzwrld — have been central figures in that landscape, with multiple collaborations and hits solidifying their presence on charts and playlists.

While “Aiboo” is first heard as a vibe-driven track, there’s an emotional undertone carried in Thukuthela’s vocal lines — a quality that transcends language and connects with the universal feeling of celebration, movement, and momentary escape. It’s music that works both as a sensory experience and as a cultural statement, demonstrating how contemporary African dance music continues to push rhythmic boundaries while retaining emotional resonance.

As a collaborative effort, “Aiboo” feels like a statement of intent from all involved: a track that doesn’t just ride the momentum of amapiano and Afro-dance energy, but actively contributes to it. There’s warmth in the production, tension in the layered rhythms, and a hooky buoyancy that suggests high replay value.

For listeners tuning in early, this feels like a season opener for 2026, a vibrant, inviting, and well-crafted piece that bridges club readiness with musical sophistication.

LISTEN TO THE FULL NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST BELOW

The post Lekaa Beats, Ckay, Tems, DJ Maphorisa and More on New Music Friday appeared first on Afromixx.