Welcome to our weekly roundup on the pulse of Africa’s entertainment scene! As the continent continues to shine on the global stage, the weekend of August 22-24, 2025, brought a mix of music festivals, artist spotlights, award nominations, and cultural discussions. From South Africa’s innovative recycling initiatives intertwined with creative spaces to East Africa’s deejay comebacks, and a special focus on Ghana’s dynamic music and media landscape, there’s plenty to celebrate and reflect on. Let’s dive in.
Music and Festivals: Postponements and Performances
One of the notable stories from Ghana this weekend was the rescheduling of the Ghana Music Festival USA 2025. Originally set for August 22-24, the event has been moved to October 24-26, maintaining its venues in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Atlanta, Georgia, with plans for additional U.S. stops. This festival, which celebrates Ghanaian sounds and diaspora connections, promises to showcase top talents and foster cultural exchange—definitely one to watch for music enthusiasts.
In Rwanda, veteran DJ Kadir announced a homecoming show in Kigali, adding to the excitement in East Africa’s nightlife scene. Meanwhile, Tanzania saw Sweden pledging support for arts and culture, highlighting international collaborations that could boost the region’s creative industries.
Artist Spotlights and Industry Buzz
Ghana’s entertainment news was buzzing with artist features and debates. On August 23, GhanaWeb archived stories spotlighting figures like Oscar Korbla Mawuli, a young Ghanaian artist; Cina Soul, a talented singer; and DJ Lord, a popular disc jockey. Earlier on August 22, discussions around Shatta Wale (a leading Dancehall artiste), Bullet (CEO of Rufftown Records), and Piesie Esther (a Gospel singer) dominated headlines, reflecting the diversity in Ghana’s music genres.
Social media was alive with rap and hip-hop content from Ghana. For instance, rapper Obibini Boah’s freestyle on “Oochie Wally” was hailed as the bar of the week, garnering likes and reposts. Kookusi Jnr also impressed with his “The Ability (Choral Version),” showcasing lyrical prowess and earning praise for his unstoppable flow. These moments underscore Ghana’s thriving rap scene, often shared via platforms like Ghana Rap Daily.
Across the continent, Nigerian star Olamide dominated nominations at the Africa Arts Entertainment Awards (EAEA) 2025, including Rapstar of the Year, Best Male Artist, Best Collaboration (for “KAI!” ft. Wizkid), and Album of the Year (“Olamide”). This highlights West Africa’s influence in Afrobeats and global music.
In Zimbabwe, rising star M.G Hkh vowed to stay true to his roots amid growing fame, a sentiment echoing across African entertainers balancing tradition and modernity.
Media and Cultural Events
TV and online broadcasts kept the entertainment flowing. In Ghana, shows like “Spectacle” on GTV and “The Trendz” on TV3 discussed the creative scene, with live streams drawing viewers. “Good Morning Ghana” tackled broader topics, blending news with entertainment.
South Africa’s “Trendz Live” kicked off with a tribute to women and explored plastic recycling in creative spaces, blending sustainability with entertainment. Uganda’s Alien Skin visited local businesses in Kampala, promoting community ties in entertainment.
Award buzz extended to the Ghana Entertainment Awards USA, with nominees for Breakthrough Star of the Year including Kojo Blak, Eiis Canty, Adwoa Noella, and more—celebrating emerging Ghanaian talents in the diaspora.
Challenges and Conversations
Not all news was celebratory. Discussions on X highlighted debates around artist collaborations, like the impact of Wizkid features on emerging talents. In Nigeria, controversy arose with Mohbad’s father alleging physical abuse by Naira Marley, deepening ongoing industry investigations.
Broader African news included Togo’s government gaps and South Africa’s warnings on dating apps, touching on how entertainment intersects with social issues.
Looking Ahead
Africa’s entertainment sector remains a powerhouse of innovation and storytelling. With Ghana leading in music exports and diaspora events, expect more cross-continental collaborations. Stay tuned for next week’s updates—whether it’s festivals, new releases, or cultural milestones, the beat goes on.
What was your favorite highlight from the weekend? Share in the comments below!
